AtWhatMileage
Catalog

The failure modes behind every number here

Owner complaints arrive as free text. We classify each one into a named failure mode using phrase rules written per mode, then compute the mileage distribution for that mode on every model year. There are 114 modes covering 1,943,536 classified reports, and anything the rules cannot place with confidence stays in an unclassified bucket rather than being forced into a category it does not belong in.

The failures that come early

Fleet-wide median reported mileage, lowest first, across every make and model. A failure that is typically reported young is behaving like a defect rather than like wear — nothing wears out before the mileage that wears it. Modes with fewer than 40 dated reports are left out.

Median
  1. Automatic braking for no reason 10k
  2. Windshield cracking 12k
  3. Lane keep or steering assist fault 15k
  4. Blind spot monitor failure 17k
  5. Alignment fault and uneven tire wear 22k
  6. Dual-clutch or clutch-pack failure 24k
  7. Premature brake pad or rotor wear 25k
  8. Other wheel or tire problem 30k
  9. Backup camera failure 31k
  10. Infotainment screen failure 32k

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Adas

7 failure modes filed under adas. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Automatic braking for no reason 2,590 202 10k $0–$1,500 Critical
Blind spot monitor failure 318 174 17k $250–$1,300 Moderate
Cruise control failure 29,544 4,221 56k $200–$1,400 High
Lane keep or steering assist fault 9,844 1,571 15k $200–$1,600 High
Other driver assistance problem 28,932 4,592 62k $250–$1,800 High
Other speed control problem 50,551 6,623 50k $250–$2,000 Critical
Parking sensor failure 587 210 46k $180–$900 Low

Airbag

8 failure modes filed under airbag. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Airbag deployed without a crash 543 307 89k $2,500–$8,000 Critical
Airbag failed to deploy in a crash 15,164 3,735 53k $1,000–$5,000 Critical
Airbag inflator rupture 36,935 2,901 81k $0–$0 Critical
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault 26,128 3,225 72k $300–$1,600 High
Child seat anchor or tether failure 37 33 117k $150–$700 High
Other airbag problem 5 5 53k $400–$3,000 Critical
Other seat belt problem 1,780 919 55k $200–$900 High
Seat belt or retractor failure 28,285 5,041 60k $200–$900 High

Body

9 failure modes filed under body. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Door latch or handle failure 5,951 1,289 62k $250–$1,200 High
Interior water leak 118 66 41k $300–$2,500 Moderate
Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure 8,354 1,832 53k $250–$1,500 Moderate
Other body or interior problem 102,790 11,180 62k $200–$2,000 Moderate
Paint peeling or clear coat failure 2,128 711 60k $600–$6,000 Low
Rust or structural corrosion 9,874 2,135 101k $500–$6,000 High
Seat, track or recliner failure 722 323 67k $300–$2,200 High
Sunroof failure or glass breakage 11,330 2,853 43k $700–$4,500 High
Window regulator or power window failure 2,954 655 58k $250–$900 Moderate

Brakes

7 failure modes filed under brakes. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
ABS module or sensor failure 34,087 4,144 64k $500–$2,400 High
Brake line, hose or caliper failure 5,196 1,648 87k $250–$1,600 Critical
Loss of braking 21,255 4,296 59k $400–$3,000 Critical
Master cylinder or brake booster failure 8,994 2,106 71k $450–$2,200 Critical
Other brake problem 67,671 8,273 44k $300–$1,800 High
Parking brake failure 16,477 3,612 50k $250–$1,300 Moderate
Premature brake pad or rotor wear 12,154 2,584 25k $300–$1,400 Moderate

Cooling

6 failure modes filed under cooling. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Cooling fan failure 1,333 404 58k $350–$1,300 Moderate
Heater core failure 2,027 585 66k $700–$2,400 Moderate
Overheating 15,483 3,640 71k $400–$3,500 High
Radiator or coolant leak 16,788 2,954 87k $350–$1,900 High
Thermostat failure 2,341 768 66k $250–$900 Moderate
Water pump failure 7,395 1,611 72k $500–$2,200 High

Drivetrain

3 failure modes filed under drivetrain. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
CV axle or driveshaft failure 7,734 2,055 66k $450–$2,200 High
Differential or transfer case failure 11,237 2,130 64k $900–$4,200 High
Wheel bearing or hub failure 4,805 1,516 55k $350–$1,200 Moderate

Electrical

9 failure modes filed under electrical. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Alternator or charging system failure 13,996 2,629 68k $450–$1,600 High
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure 27,855 4,237 69k $700–$3,000 High
Electrical fire or melted wiring 1,763 900 72k $1,500–$9,000 Critical
Engine sensor failure 5,427 1,563 71k $180–$900 Moderate
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure 17,523 2,955 71k $250–$1,500 High
Other electrical problem 120,977 10,114 61k $250–$2,000 Moderate
Parasitic battery drain 1,161 420 51k $200–$1,200 Moderate
Starter failure 463 237 62k $350–$1,300 Moderate
Wiring harness or short circuit 12,515 3,171 64k $400–$3,500 High

Emissions

3 failure modes filed under emissions. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Catalytic converter failure 4,502 1,321 86k $900–$3,500 Moderate
DPF, EGR or DEF system failure 1,890 641 63k $800–$5,000 High
Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin 6,194 1,861 65k $250–$2,000 High

Engine

15 failure modes filed under engine. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Complete engine failure or seizure 7,355 1,750 82k $4,500–$12,000 Critical
Engine bay fire 2,910 1,051 85k $4,000–$20,000 Critical
Engine knock or bearing noise 2,176 795 62k $2,500–$9,000 High
Excessive oil consumption 11,415 1,345 77k $900–$6,500 High
Head gasket failure 9,596 1,388 80k $1,400–$4,000 Critical
Intake carbon buildup 426 235 47k $400–$1,200 Moderate
Lifter, cam or cylinder-deactivation failure 1,837 504 76k $1,800–$7,000 High
Misfire or rough idle 17,652 2,880 75k $250–$1,600 Moderate
No-start or intermittent start failure 31,105 4,245 68k $200–$1,800 Moderate
Oil leak 8,629 2,206 71k $250–$2,200 Moderate
Other engine problem 140,572 10,009 66k $300–$4,000 High
Piston, ring or cylinder wall damage 463 226 61k $3,000–$9,500 Critical
Stalling while driving 15,308 2,972 67k $300–$2,500 Critical
Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure 11,667 1,913 82k $1,200–$4,500 Critical
Turbocharger or supercharger failure 1,918 667 63k $1,500–$4,500 High

Fuel

6 failure modes filed under fuel. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Fuel gauge or level sensor failure 10,958 1,800 64k $300–$1,200 Moderate
Fuel injector failure 2,161 795 62k $450–$2,800 Moderate
Fuel leak or fuel odor 7,427 2,071 78k $300–$2,500 Critical
Fuel pump failure 26,792 3,995 69k $600–$2,600 High
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure 23,983 3,999 70k $250–$1,800 Moderate
Other fuel system problem 47,800 7,142 59k $300–$2,200 High

Glass

3 failure modes filed under glass. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Other visibility problem 38,862 6,016 47k $150–$1,400 Moderate
Windshield cracking 2,300 478 12k $300–$1,600 Moderate
Wiper or washer failure 9,836 2,208 62k $120–$800 Moderate

Hvac

3 failure modes filed under hvac. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Air conditioning failure 6,951 1,965 52k $400–$2,800 Moderate
Blower motor or climate control failure 2,567 680 70k $250–$1,200 Moderate
Other heating or A/C problem 0 0 — $250–$1,600 Moderate

Infotainment

5 failure modes filed under infotainment. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Audio or connectivity failure 3,492 1,210 41k $150–$900 Low
Backup camera failure 8,191 1,412 31k $250–$1,200 Moderate
Infotainment screen failure 9,493 1,452 32k $400–$2,600 Low
Instrument cluster or gauge failure 12,215 2,588 62k $350–$1,400 Moderate
Other infotainment problem 1 1 — $150–$1,500 Low

Lighting

3 failure modes filed under lighting. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Headlight failure or clouding 21,425 3,327 64k $150–$1,800 Moderate
Other lighting problem 24,688 4,606 62k $120–$1,200 Moderate
Tail light, brake light or signal failure 18,963 3,483 65k $100–$900 Moderate

Other

1 failure mode filed under other. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Unclassified problem 150,345 10,733 62k — Moderate

Software

1 failure mode filed under software. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Software fault or failed update 5,148 1,287 35k $0–$600 Moderate

Steering

5 failure modes filed under steering. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Loss of power steering 11,012 1,723 74k $600–$2,800 Critical
Other steering problem 78,989 6,802 62k $350–$2,400 High
Power steering pump or fluid leak 2,942 924 66k $350–$1,600 Moderate
Steering column or shaft failure 14,178 2,610 65k $600–$2,500 Critical
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure 22,071 3,124 61k $700–$2,600 High

Suspension

5 failure modes filed under suspension. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Air suspension failure 1,066 357 66k $900–$4,500 High
Alignment fault and uneven tire wear 1,518 614 22k $150–$1,200 Moderate
Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure 25,098 2,939 78k $400–$2,200 High
Other suspension problem 40,477 6,696 55k $350–$2,000 Moderate
Strut, shock or spring failure 9,737 1,861 72k $500–$2,000 Moderate

Transmission

11 failure modes filed under transmission. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Complete transmission failure 21,871 3,140 77k $2,800–$8,000 Critical
CVT failure 4,299 455 77k $3,000–$8,500 Critical
Dual-clutch or clutch-pack failure 983 161 24k $1,800–$5,500 High
Harsh or jerky shifting 1,951 655 51k $600–$4,000 Moderate
Manual clutch or hydraulics failure 2,627 739 47k $900–$2,800 Moderate
Other powertrain problem 115,824 8,939 59k $400–$4,500 High
Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure 3,731 1,099 68k $250–$1,400 High
Torque converter failure 5,702 1,134 78k $1,100–$3,200 High
Transmission fluid leak 343 187 68k $300–$1,800 Moderate
Transmission slipping 1,684 628 66k $1,200–$5,500 High
Transmission will not engage a gear 2,795 1,118 65k $1,500–$6,000 Critical

Wheels

4 failure modes filed under wheels. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode Reports Model years Fleet median Typical repair When it happens
Other wheel or tire problem 39,471 8,193 30k $200–$1,500 High
Tire blowout or tread separation 9,660 3,767 37k $200–$1,500 Critical
Tire pressure monitor failure 2,808 979 42k $80–$600 Low
Wheel, stud or lug nut failure 1,365 633 46k $150–$1,500 Critical

How the classification works, and where it fails

A complaint in the federal database is a paragraph typed by an owner, usually angry, sometimes at three in the morning. There is a component field, but it is coarse and frequently wrong, so the useful signal is the narrative: the transmission started slipping in fourth, the steering locked up in a parking lot, smoke from under the dash. Each failure mode on this page owns a set of phrase rules written against that kind of wording, and a complaint is assigned to the mode whose rules it matches most specifically.

The rules are deliberately cautious. A complaint that matches nothing, or matches two modes equally, stays in an unclassified bucket instead of being pushed into whichever category looked closest. That bucket is published rather than hidden, because a classifier that always finds an answer is a classifier that has stopped telling you when it does not know. It also means the per-mode counts here are floors: the true number of, say, water-pump complaints is the count shown plus some share of the unclassified pile.

Three failure patterns are worth knowing about before you read any table. Some modes are reported almost entirely young — those are manufacturing defects, and a used example that has passed the mileage window without trouble has probably escaped. Some are reported almost entirely old, which is wear, and mileage rather than model year is what predicts them. A few are reported at both ends, which usually means one label is covering two different mechanical problems, and where we have noticed that we have split the mode rather than leaving the median to average two humps into a meaningless middle.

The typical repair column is the weakest thing on this page and is marked as an estimate everywhere it appears. Complaints do not contain prices. Those ranges are our own figures for an independent-shop repair of that mode on an ordinary vehicle, and they can be out by a multiple on a luxury car or where a dealer-only part is involved. They are here to sort a nuisance from a four-figure job, not to quote you. The methodology page gives the classification rules, the severity weights and every formula that turns these modes into a risk score.

Questions this page answers

How are owner complaints sorted into failure modes?

Each complaint arrives as free text. Phrase rules written per mode match the wording owners actually use, and a complaint that no rule places with confidence stays in an unclassified bucket rather than being pushed into a category it does not belong in. That is how 114 named modes cover 1,943,536 classified reports.

Which car problems show up earliest?

Of the modes with enough dated reports to place, automatic braking for no reason has the lowest fleet-wide median at 10,000 miles. An early median is the signature of a manufacturing defect rather than of wear, because a part that simply wears out cannot fail before the mileage that wears it.

What does the severity label mean?

It describes what a failure means when it happens, not how likely it is. A mode marked safety can strand or endanger you; costly means a repair normally in four figures; nuisance means annoying and cheap. The labels are ours, assigned once per mode, and they are the weights the risk score uses.

On the severity column. It describes what the failure means when it happens, not how likely it is. A mode marked safety can strand or endanger you; costly means a repair normally in four figures; nuisance means annoying and cheap. Those labels are ours, assigned per mode, and they feed the risk score — the methodology page gives the weights.

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed