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 1,949,286 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 2,606 300 10k $0–$1,500 Critical
Blind spot monitor failure 323 188 17k $250–$1,300 Moderate
Cruise control failure 29,669 4,431 56k $200–$1,400 High
Lane keep or steering assist fault 9,980 1,831 15k $200–$1,600 High
Other driver assistance problem 29,140 4,757 62k $250–$1,800 High
Other speed control problem 50,623 6,657 50k $250–$2,000 Critical
Parking sensor failure 590 237 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 547 322 88k $2,500–$8,000 Critical
Airbag failed to deploy in a crash 15,202 3,779 53k $1,000–$5,000 Critical
Airbag inflator rupture 36,938 2,925 81k $0–$0 Critical
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault 26,144 3,377 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 1,789 964 55k $200–$900 High
Seat belt or retractor failure 28,373 5,172 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 5,959 1,364 62k $250–$1,200 High
Interior water leak 118 68 41k $300–$2,500 Moderate
Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure 8,377 1,980 53k $250–$1,500 Moderate
Other body or interior problem 102,984 11,271 62k $200–$2,000 Moderate
Paint peeling or clear coat failure 2,132 812 60k $600–$6,000 Low
Rust or structural corrosion 9,894 2,226 101k $500–$6,000 High
Seat, track or recliner failure 723 326 67k $300–$2,200 High
Sunroof failure or glass breakage 11,393 3,031 43k $700–$4,500 High
Window regulator or power window failure 2,956 666 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 34,153 4,452 64k $500–$2,400 High
Brake line, hose or caliper failure 5,211 1,729 87k $250–$1,600 Critical
Loss of braking 21,297 4,407 59k $400–$3,000 Critical
Master cylinder or brake booster failure 9,024 2,299 71k $450–$2,200 Critical
Other brake problem 67,825 8,342 44k $300–$1,800 High
Parking brake failure 16,537 3,768 50k $250–$1,300 Moderate
Premature brake pad or rotor wear 12,162 2,629 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 1,337 437 58k $350–$1,300 Moderate
Heater core failure 2,027 603 66k $700–$2,400 Moderate
Overheating 15,539 3,849 71k $400–$3,500 High
Radiator or coolant leak 16,840 3,197 87k $350–$1,900 High
Thermostat failure 2,348 886 66k $250–$900 Moderate
Water pump failure 7,413 1,747 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 7,774 2,209 66k $450–$2,200 High
Differential or transfer case failure 11,273 2,340 64k $900–$4,200 High
Wheel bearing or hub failure 4,810 1,544 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 14,016 2,778 68k $450–$1,600 High
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure 28,007 4,486 69k $700–$3,000 High
Electrical fire or melted wiring 1,777 938 72k $1,500–$9,000 Critical
Engine sensor failure 5,430 1,641 71k $180–$900 Moderate
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure 17,564 3,060 71k $250–$1,500 High
Other electrical problem 121,343 10,150 61k $250–$2,000 Moderate
Parasitic battery drain 1,184 525 52k $200–$1,200 Moderate
Starter failure 475 264 61k $350–$1,300 Moderate
Wiring harness or short circuit 12,561 3,334 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 4,511 1,444 86k $900–$3,500 Moderate
DPF, EGR or DEF system failure 1,900 714 63k $800–$5,000 High
Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin 6,204 1,922 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 7,427 2,088 82k $4,500–$12,000 Critical
Engine bay fire 2,925 1,158 85k $4,000–$20,000 Critical
Engine knock or bearing noise 2,203 1,017 62k $2,500–$9,000 High
Excessive oil consumption 11,464 1,895 78k $900–$6,500 High
Head gasket failure 9,671 1,839 80k $1,400–$4,000 Critical
Intake carbon buildup 426 249 47k $400–$1,200 Moderate
Lifter, cam or cylinder-deactivation failure 1,870 688 76k $1,800–$7,000 High
Misfire or rough idle 17,710 3,244 75k $250–$1,600 Moderate
No-start or intermittent start failure 31,192 4,405 68k $200–$1,800 Moderate
Oil leak 8,650 2,358 71k $250–$2,200 Moderate
Other engine problem 141,049 10,259 66k $300–$4,000 High
Piston, ring or cylinder wall damage 469 268 61k $3,000–$9,500 Critical
Stalling while driving 15,333 3,091 67k $300–$2,500 Critical
Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure 11,690 2,086 82k $1,200–$4,500 Critical
Turbocharger or supercharger failure 1,944 816 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 10,969 1,892 64k $300–$1,200 Moderate
Fuel injector failure 2,174 926 62k $450–$2,800 Moderate
Fuel leak or fuel odor 7,450 2,186 78k $300–$2,500 Critical
Fuel pump failure 26,872 4,353 69k $600–$2,600 High
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure 24,018 4,152 70k $250–$1,800 Moderate
Other fuel system problem 47,940 7,260 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 38,924 6,055 47k $150–$1,400 Moderate
Windshield cracking 2,301 504 12k $300–$1,600 Moderate
Wiper or washer failure 9,847 2,258 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 6,984 2,038 52k $400–$2,800 Moderate
Blower motor or climate control failure 2,570 711 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 3,509 1,282 40k $150–$900 Low
Backup camera failure 8,259 1,758 31k $250–$1,200 Moderate
Infotainment screen failure 9,617 1,763 32k $400–$2,600 Low
Instrument cluster or gauge failure 12,268 2,733 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 21,464 3,521 64k $150–$1,800 Moderate
Other lighting problem 24,726 4,692 62k $120–$1,200 Moderate
Tail light, brake light or signal failure 19,000 3,590 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 150,710 10,745 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 5,195 1,468 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 11,029 1,911 74k $600–$2,800 Critical
Other steering problem 79,107 7,061 62k $350–$2,400 High
Power steering pump or fluid leak 2,942 929 66k $350–$1,600 Moderate
Steering column or shaft failure 14,198 2,711 65k $600–$2,500 Critical
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure 22,127 3,358 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 1,066 398 66k $900–$4,500 High
Alignment fault and uneven tire wear 1,533 660 22k $150–$1,200 Moderate
Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure 25,153 3,173 78k $400–$2,200 High
Other suspension problem 40,522 6,782 55k $350–$2,000 Moderate
Strut, shock or spring failure 9,757 1,937 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 21,946 3,526 77k $2,800–$8,000 Critical
CVT failure 4,316 669 76k $3,000–$8,500 Critical
Dual-clutch or clutch-pack failure 986 201 24k $1,800–$5,500 High
Harsh or jerky shifting 1,965 728 50k $600–$4,000 Moderate
Manual clutch or hydraulics failure 2,630 786 47k $900–$2,800 Moderate
Other powertrain problem 116,169 9,226 59k $400–$4,500 High
Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure 3,745 1,179 69k $250–$1,400 High
Torque converter failure 5,721 1,381 78k $1,100–$3,200 High
Transmission fluid leak 344 196 68k $300–$1,800 Moderate
Transmission slipping 1,691 677 66k $1,200–$5,500 High
Transmission will not engage a gear 2,808 1,197 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 39,707 8,220 30k $200–$1,500 High
Tire blowout or tread separation 9,765 3,837 37k $200–$1,500 Critical
Tire pressure monitor failure 2,824 1,043 42k $80–$600 Low
Wheel, stud or lug nut failure 1,370 644 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 1,949,286 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