Keep it or sell it?
Is your car's year the bad one? Some model years draw 31× the engine or transmission complaints of a quiet year of the same model. Pick yours and see where it stands, at your mileage. 1,206,532 owner complaints and every recall for those models, from NHTSA. Free, no sign-up.
Too few reports to call it
Only 1 owner complaint so far for the 2026 Lincoln Navigator: too few to compare with other Navigator years.
Too new for owner data: your own engine is the best evidence. 30 seconds, no card.
What to do next
- 1Check open recalls by VIN
3 recalls were issued for the 2026 Lincoln Navigator. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which are still open on yours. Dealers fix open recalls free.
Open nhtsa.gov/recalls - 2Ask about service bulletins
Lincoln sent dealers 72 service bulletins for the 2026 Lincoln Navigator. Ask a dealer or mechanic which apply to your car.
- 3Let your engine fill the gap
With few owner reports for this year, your own engine is the best evidence. Film it for 30 seconds and get a free Health Score.
Check my engine, free →
Recalls for the 2026 Lincoln Navigator: 3
The Rear Audio Control Module (RACM) may inadvertently command the chauffeur seat feature, causing the front passenger seat to adjust forward, rearward, or recline unexpectedly without occupant input.
The obstacle detection software for the driver seat may malfunction at low speeds, resulting in the seat reversing unexpectedly while driving.
When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if one is open on yours: dealers fix open recalls free.
Owner complaints by model year: Lincoln Navigator
The 2003 is the Navigator year with the most complaints (127; the 2026: 1). Newer years have had less time on the road, so fewer complaints so far.
Service bulletins from Lincoln: 72 (4 shown)
Repair instructions Lincoln sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop, for the 2026 Navigator.
This article updates TSB 25-2154
For 2021 2026 vehicles equipped with the 10R80 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair…
Some vehicles listed in the Model section above may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes…
Some vehicles may exhibit second and/or third row power seat functions inoperative with diagnostic trouble code…
Ask your dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
That's what other owners reported. Now hear your own engine.
Film your engine for 30 seconds with your phone. Free Health Score in minutes, no card needed.
What this check is built on
- The Keep it or sell it? check covers 606 models from 49 makes, model years 2000 to 2026, built from 1,206,532 owner complaints about those models filed with NHTSA (received 1995 to November 2026).
- It also lists 6,035 recall campaigns by model year, each with its campaign size, and the maker's service bulletins NHTSA received since 2010.
- A model year is compared only with other years of the same model: NHTSA complaints are unverified owner reports and sales figures are unknown, so no failure rate is computed.
- Of 7,230 model years with data, 1,068 have an engine or transmission that stands out: 40 or more complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share seen across every vehicle of that model year.
- The mileage window shown for a system is the middle half (25th to 75th percentile) of the mileages owners reported in those complaints.
- Repair figures are typical US ranges from named sources (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), not quotes.
How the verdict is decided
Consider selling: the engine or the transmission stands out for your model year, and your mileage is inside the window where owners filed those complaints, or within 15,000 miles of it. Keep it, but watch: a system stands out, but that window is still ahead of you, already behind you, or too wide to plan around. Keep it: nothing stands out. No verdict: fewer than 20 owner complaints for that model year. A system stands out when owners of that year named it in 40 or more complaints and that count is at least twice the model's quiet year (the lower-quartile year, never counted below 10), or when the share of that year's complaints naming the system is at least twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. Model years less than seven years old never get "Consider selling": their mileage window is still moving. Every number on the result comes with the count it was computed from.
How it works
- 01Pick your carMake, model, model year and mileage. Miles or kilometers.
- 02Get the verdictConsider selling, keep it but watch one system, or keep it, with the numbers behind it.
- 03See what comes nextEvery problem owners report for your model year, placed on the mileage line, with typical repair costs and the recalls to check by VIN.
- 04Get the full reportAdd what you paid, the year you bought it and what it is worth today: the PDF in your inbox shows what each year of ownership cost you and what one big repair would cost against the car.
Model years with the most engine and transmission complaints
Each row is a model year whose engine or transmission complaints to NHTSA were several times those of a quiet year of the same model. Counts of owner complaints, not failure rates. Pick a row to open it at the mileage where half of those complaints had been filed, or check your own car above.
| MODEL YEAR | SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | VS A QUIET YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Ford Escape | engine | 1,998 | 31× |
| 2014 Ford Focus | transmission | 1,576 | 40× |
| 2002 Ford Explorer | transmission | 1,500 | 36× |
| 2014 Jeep Cherokee | transmission | 1,472 | 51× |
| 2018 Ford Escape | engine | 1,455 | 23× |
| 2012 Ford Focus | transmission | 1,448 | 37× |
| 2013 Ford F-150 | transmission | 1,345 | 24× |
| 2018 Ford F-150 | transmission | 1,019 | 18× |
| 2011 Hyundai Sonata | engine | 1,011 | 40× |
| 2015 Jeep Cherokee | transmission | 1,007 | 35× |
| 2004 Nissan Maxima | transmission | 933 | 93× |
| 2003 Honda Accord | transmission | 922 | 34× |
| 2017 Ford Edge | engine | 911 | 18× |
| 2010 Ford Fusion | transmission | 892 | 13× |
| 2016 Honda Pilot | engine | 825 | 27× |
| 2010 Ford Fusion | engine | 788 | 14× |
| 2005 Nissan Maxima | transmission | 776 | 78× |
| 2013 Hyundai Sonata | engine | 775 | 31× |
| 2000 Dodge Intrepid | engine | 770 | 9.0× |
| 2016 Kia Sorento | engine | 720 | 14× |
Quiet year = the lower-quartile year of the same model, never counted below 10 complaints. Up to two years per model. NHTSA data through November 2026.
Every make and model, year by year
One page per model with every model year side by side, and one page per model year with 150+ owner complaints: problems by mileage, recalls, bulletins, what owners wrote.
Acura · 10 models
CL 2000–2004 · ILX 2013–2022 · Integra 2000–2026 · MDX 2001–2026 · RDX 2007–2026 · RL 2000–2015 · RSX 2001–2008 · TL 2000–2014 · TLX 2012–2025 · TSX 2004–2014
Audi · 14 models
A3 2001–2026 · A3 Cabriolet 2015–2019 · A4 2000–2025 · A4 Allroad 2013–2024 · A5 2008–2026 · A6 2000–2026 · A8 2000–2021 · e-tron 2019–2023 · Q3 2008–2026 · Q5 2009–2026 · Q7 2007–2026 · Q8 2019–2025 · S4 2000–2022 · TT 2000–2016
BMW · 39 models
128i 2007–2013 · 135i 2007–2013 · 3 Series 2000–2013 · 320i 2002–2018 · 323i 2000–2011 · 325ci 2000–2006 · 325i 2000–2012 · 325xi 2001–2009 · 328d 2014–2018 · 328i 2000–2016 · 328xi 2006–2016 · 330ci 2000–2006 · 330i 2001–2026 · 330xi 2001–2006 · 335i 2007–2016 · 335xi 2007–2015 · 428i 2014–2016 · 5 Series 2000–2012 · 525i 2001–2009 · 528i 2000–2016 · 528xi 2008–2014 · 530i 2001–2025 · 530xi 2006–2007 · 535i 2008–2016 · 540i 2000–2025 · 550i 2006–2016 · 750i 2006–2021 · 750Li 2006–2021 · i3 2014–2021 · K1200LT 2000–2009 · M3 2001–2025 · R1200 GS 2004–2018 · R1200 RT 2004–2018 · X1 2013–2026 · X3 2004–2026 · X5 2000–2026 · X6 2006–2026 · X7 2019–2026 · Z4 2002–2025
Buick · 14 models
Century 2000–2005 · Enclave 2008–2026 · Encore 2013–2022 · Encore GX 2020–2026 · Envision 2016–2025 · LaCrosse 2005–2019 · LeSabre 2000–2006 · Lucerne 2006–2011 · Park Avenue 2000–2005 · Rainier 2003–2007 · Regal 2000–2020 · Rendezvous 2001–2007 · Terraza 2005–2007 · Verano 2012–2017
Cadillac · 12 models
ATS 2013–2019 · CTS 2003–2019 · Deville 2000–2005 · DTS 2004–2011 · Escalade 2000–2026 · Escalade ESV 2003–2026 · Lyriq 2023–2026 · Seville 2000–2004 · SRX 2004–2019 · STS 2000–2011 · XT5 2017–2026 · XTS 2013–2019
Chevrolet · 43 models
Astro 2000–2005 · Avalanche 2000–2013 · Avalanche 1500 2002–2013 · Aveo 2004–2012 · Blazer 2000–2026 · Bolt EV 2017–2023 · Camaro 2000–2024 · Captiva 2011–2015 · Cavalier 2000–2005 · Cobalt 2000–2017 · Cobalt SS 2008–2010 · Colorado 2004–2026 · Corvette 2000–2025 · Cruze 2010–2019 · Equinox 2005–2026 · Equinox EV 2024–2026 · Express 2000–2024 · HHR 2006–2011 · Impala 2000–2020 · Malibu 2000–2025 · Malibu Classic 2000–2008 · Malibu Maxx 2004–2007 · Monte Carlo 2000–2010 · S10 2000–2018 · Silverado 2000–2017 · Silverado 1500 2000–2026 · Silverado 1500 HD 2001–2005 · Silverado 2500 2000–2026 · Silverado 3500 2000–2026 · Sonic 2011–2020 · Spark 2013–2022 · Suburban 2000–2024 · Suburban 1500 2000–2026 · Tahoe 2000–2026 · Tracker 2000–2004 · Trailblazer 2000–2026 · Trailblazer EXT 2002–2006 · Trailblazer EXT 370 2002–2006 · Traverse 2009–2026 · Trax 2015–2026 · Uplander 2005–2009 · Venture 2000–2005 · Volt 2011–2019
Chrysler · 16 models
200 2010–2018 · 300 2004–2023 · 300C 2005–2017 · 300M 2000–2004 · Aspen 2006–2009 · Concorde 2000–2004 · Crossfire 2004–2008 · Crossfire Roadster 2005–2008 · Pacifica 2003–2026 · Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid 2017–2025 · PT Cruiser 2001–2010 · Sebring 2000–2011 · Sebring Conv 2006–2010 · Sebring Convertible 2000–2005 · Town and Country 2000–2016 · Voyager 2000–2024
Dodge · 18 models
Avenger 2000–2015 · Caliber 2006–2012 · Caravan 2000–2017 · Challenger 2008–2023 · Charger 2001–2026 · Dakota 2000–2011 · Dart 2012–2016 · Durango 2000–2026 · Grand Caravan 2000–2020 · Intrepid 2000–2004 · Journey 2007–2020 · Magnum 2003–2009 · Neon 2000–2005 · Nitro 2005–2012 · Ram 2000–2010 · Ram Quad Cab 2001–2003 · Sprinter 2500 2001–2013 · Stratus 2000–2007
Fisker · 1 model
Ocean 2023–2023
Ford · 51 models
500 2005–2007 · Bronco 2021–2026 · Bronco Sport 2021–2026 · C-Max 2013–2018 · Contour 2000–2001 · Crown Victoria 2000–2011 · E-150 2000–2021 · E-250 2000–2022 · E-350 2000–2025 · E-450 2000–2026 · EcoSport 2005–2022 · Edge 2004–2024 · Escape 2000–2026 · Escape Hybrid 2005–2025 · Escort 2000–2003 · Excursion 2000–2010 · Expedition 2000–2026 · Explorer 2000–2026 · Explorer Sport 2000–2005 · Explorer Sport Trac 2000–2010 · F SD 2000–2008 · F-150 2000–2026 · F-150 Hybrid 2021–2026 · F-150 Lightning BEV 2022–2025 · F-250 SD 2000–2026 · F-350 SD 2000–2026 · F-450 SD 2000–2026 · F-550 SD 2000–2026 · Fiesta 2001–2019 · Five Hundred 2004–2007 · Flex 2009–2019 · Focus 2000–2018 · Focus Electric 2012–2017 · Ford 2000–2003 · Freestar 2004–2007 · Freestyle 2002–2007 · Fusion 2006–2020 · Fusion Energi 2012–2020 · Fusion Hybrid 2010–2020 · Maverick 2022–2026 · Maverick Hybrid 2022–2026 · Mustang 2000–2026 · Mustang GT 2000–2006 · Mustang Mach-E 2021–2026 · Ranger 2000–2026 · Taurus 2000–2019 · Taurus X 2008–2009 · Thunderbird 2002–2005 · Transit 2001–2026 · Transit Connect 2010–2023 · Windstar 2000–2005
GMC · 21 models
Acadia 2007–2026 · Canyon 2004–2026 · Denali 2000–2015 · Envoy 2000–2009 · Envoy XL 2002–2006 · Envoy Xuv 2003–2005 · Jimmy 2000–2004 · Safari 2000–2005 · Savana 2000–2022 · Sierra 2000–2017 · Sierra 1500 2000–2026 · Sierra 2500 2000–2026 · Sierra 3500 2000–2026 · Sierra Denali 2002–2020 · Sonoma 2000–2005 · Terrain 2010–2026 · Yukon 2000–2026 · Yukon Denali 2000–2019 · Yukon Denali XL 2003–2018 · Yukon XL 2000–2026 · Yukon XL 1500 2000–2012
Honda · 20 models
Accord 2000–2026 · Accord Hybrid 2005–2026 · Civic 2000–2026 · Civic Hybrid 2003–2025 · Civic Si 2002–2025 · Clarity Plug-In Hybrid 2017–2021 · CR-V 2000–2026 · CR-V Hybrid 2020–2026 · Crosstour 2010–2015 · Element 2003–2011 · Fit 2007–2020 · GL1800 2001–2024 · HR-V 2016–2026 · Insight 2000–2022 · Odyssey 2000–2026 · Passport 2000–2026 · Pilot 2003–2026 · Prologue 2024–2026 · Ridgeline 2006–2026 · VTX1300 2003–2009
Hyundai · 23 models
Accent 2000–2022 · Azera 2006–2017 · Elantra 2000–2026 · Elantra Touring 2008–2013 · Entourage 2006–2008 · Genesis 2008–2018 · Genesis Coupe 2010–2016 · Ioniq 5 2022–2026 · Kona 2018–2026 · Kona Electric 2019–2025 · Palisade 2020–2026 · Santa Cruz 2022–2026 · Santa Fe 2001–2026 · Santa Fe Hybrid 2021–2026 · Santa Fe Sport 2013–2018 · Sonata 2000–2026 · Sonata Hybrid 2011–2026 · Tiburon 2000–2008 · Tucson 2005–2026 · Tucson Hybrid 2022–2026 · Veloster 2012–2021 · Veracruz 2007–2012 · XG350 2001–2006
Infiniti · 12 models
FX35 2002–2013 · G35 2002–2009 · G37 2007–2015 · I35 2001–2004 · JX35 2013–2013 · M35 2006–2010 · M45 2003–2010 · Q50 2014–2023 · QX4 2000–2006 · QX50 2014–2025 · QX56 2004–2013 · QX60 2014–2026
Jeep · 16 models
Cherokee 2000–2026 · Commander 2005–2010 · Compass 2007–2026 · Gladiator 2020–2026 · Grand Cherokee 2000–2026 · Grand Cherokee 4xe 2022–2025 · Grand Cherokee L 2021–2026 · Grand Wagoneer 2022–2026 · Laredo 2000–2006 · Liberty 2000–2012 · Patriot 2002–2017 · Renegade 2015–2023 · Wagoneer 2000–2025 · Wrangler 2000–2026 · Wrangler 4xe 2021–2025 · Wrangler Sahara 2007–2007
Kia · 21 models
Amanti 2004–2009 · Cadenza 2014–2019 · Carnival 2022–2026 · EV6 2022–2025 · EV9 2024–2026 · Forte 2009–2024 · K5 2021–2026 · Niro 2017–2026 · Optima 2001–2020 · Optima Hybrid 2011–2020 · Rio 2000–2023 · Rondo 2007–2011 · Sedona 2002–2021 · Seltos 2021–2026 · Sephia 2000–2003 · Sorento 2003–2026 · Soul 2010–2025 · Spectra 2000–2009 · Sportage 2000–2026 · Stinger 2018–2023 · Telluride 2020–2025
Land Rover · 10 models
Defender 2001–2026 · Discovery 2000–2026 · Discovery II 2000–2004 · Discovery Sport 2015–2025 · Freelander 2000–2005 · LR2 2008–2015 · LR3 2005–2009 · Range Rover 2000–2025 · Range Rover Evoque 2012–2025 · Range Rover Sport 2006–2025
Lexus · 20 models
ES 2000–2025 · ES 300 2000–2013 · ES 330 2004–2010 · ES 350 2007–2023 · GS 300 2000–2014 · GS 350 2006–2018 · GX 2003–2026 · GX 470 2003–2009 · IS 2001–2026 · IS 250 2006–2016 · IS 350 2006–2020 · LS 2000–2025 · LS 430 2001–2005 · LS 460 2007–2017 · NX 2015–2026 · RX 2000–2026 · RX 300 2000–2003 · RX 330 2004–2011 · RX 350 2007–2023 · RX Hybrid 2005–2025
Lincoln · 14 models
Aviator 2003–2026 · Continental 2000–2020 · Corsair 2020–2025 · LS 2000–2006 · MKC 2015–2019 · MKS 2009–2016 · MKT 2010–2019 · MKX 2007–2018 · MKZ 2007–2020 · MKZ Hybrid 2011–2020 · Nautilus 2019–2026 · Navigator 2000–2026 · Town Car 2000–2011 · Zephyr 2003–2011
Mazda · 16 models
626 2000–2003 · B-Series Truck 2000–2009 · CX-30 2020–2026 · CX-5 2012–2026 · CX-50 2023–2026 · CX-7 2007–2013 · CX-9 2007–2023 · CX-90 2024–2026 · Mazda3 2004–2026 · Mazda5 2006–2016 · Mazda6 2002–2021 · MPV 2000–2006 · MX-5 2006–2026 · Protege 2000–2003 · RX-8 2004–2011 · Tribute 2000–2011
Mercedes-Benz · 28 models
AMG E 55 2003–2006 · C 230 2000–2007 · C 250 2012–2016 · C 300 2008–2026 · C 320 2001–2007 · C 350 2006–2020 · CLA 250 2012–2025 · E 300 2001–2019 · E 320 2000–2009 · E 350 2003–2026 · E 500 2003–2009 · E 550 2006–2017 · GL 450 2007–2017 · GLA 250 2014–2026 · GLC 300 2016–2026 · GLE 350 2016–2026 · GLK 350 2006–2015 · Metris 2015–2023 · ML 320 2000–2011 · ML 350 2001–2015 · R 350 2006–2012 · S 430 2000–2006 · S 500 2000–2023 · S 550 2007–2017 · S Class 2000–2012 · SL 500 2000–2009 · Sprinter 2500 2007–2025 · Sprinter 3500 2008–2024
Mercury · 9 models
Cougar 2000–2002 · Grand Marquis 2000–2011 · Mariner 2005–2011 · Mariner Hybrid 2006–2012 · Milan 2006–2011 · Montego 2004–2007 · Monterey 2004–2007 · Mountaineer 2000–2010 · Sable 2000–2009
Mini · 3 models
Cooper 2001–2026 · Cooper Convertible 2005–2026 · Cooper S 2002–2025
Mitsubishi · 12 models
Diamante 2000–2004 · Eclipse 2000–2012 · Eclipse Spyder 2000–2009 · Endeavor 2004–2011 · Galant 2000–2012 · Lancer 2000–2017 · Lancer Evolution 2003–2015 · Mirage 2000–2024 · Montero 2000–2006 · Montero Sport 2000–2009 · Outlander 2003–2026 · Outlander Sport 2011–2026
Nissan · 21 models
350Z 2003–2009 · 370Z 2009–2020 · Altima 2000–2026 · Armada 2004–2026 · Cube 2009–2014 · Frontier 2000–2026 · Juke 2011–2017 · Kicks 2018–2026 · Leaf 2010–2026 · Maxima 2000–2023 · Murano 2003–2026 · Pathfinder 2000–2026 · Quest 2000–2017 · Rogue 2007–2026 · Rogue Sport 2017–2022 · Sentra 2000–2026 · Titan 2004–2024 · Titan XD 2016–2023 · Versa 2007–2025 · Versa Note 2014–2019 · Xterra 2000–2015
Oldsmobile · 5 models
Alero 2000–2004 · Aurora 2000–2003 · Bravada 2000–2004 · Intrigue 2000–2002 · Silhouette 2000–2004
Polestar · 1 model
Polestar 2 2021–2025
Pontiac · 13 models
Aztek 2001–2005 · Bonneville 2000–2005 · G5 2007–2010 · G6 2003–2014 · G8 2008–2010 · Grand Am 2000–2005 · Grand Prix 2000–2008 · GTO 2004–2006 · Montana 2000–2008 · Solstice 2006–2009 · Sunfire 2000–2005 · Torrent 2006–2009 · Vibe 2000–2014
Ram · 5 models
1500 2000–2026 · 2500 2000–2026 · 3500 2000–2026 · 5500 2008–2025 · Promaster 2014–2026
Rivian · 1 model
R1S 2022–2026
Saturn · 8 models
Astra 2008–2009 · Aura 2000–2010 · ION 2003–2008 · LS 2000–2004 · Outlook 2007–2010 · Sky 2007–2009 · SL 2000–2002 · Vue 2002–2010
Smart · 1 model
Fortwo 2005–2019
Subaru · 8 models
Ascent 2019–2026 · Crosstrek 2012–2026 · Forester 2000–2026 · Impreza 2000–2026 · Legacy 2000–2025 · Outback 2000–2026 · WRX 2002–2026 · XV Crosstrek 2013–2017
Suzuki · 6 models
Forenza 2004–2008 · Grand Vitara 2000–2013 · Reno 2005–2008 · SX4 2000–2013 · Verona 2004–2006 · XL7 2001–2009
Tesla · 5 models
Cybertruck 2024–2026 · Model 3 2017–2026 · Model S 2012–2026 · Model X 2016–2026 · Model Y 2020–2026
Toyota · 30 models
4Runner 2000–2026 · Avalon 2000–2022 · C-HR 2018–2026 · Camry 2000–2025 · Camry Hybrid 2006–2026 · Camry Solara 2000–2009 · Celica 2000–2005 · Corolla 2000–2026 · Corolla Cross 2022–2026 · Corolla Matrix 2003–2013 · Echo 2000–2005 · FJ Cruiser 2006–2014 · Grand Highlander 2024–2026 · Highlander 2001–2026 · Highlander Hybrid 2005–2023 · Matrix 2002–2012 · Prius 2000–2026 · Prius c 2012–2018 · Prius v 2011–2018 · RAV4 2000–2025 · RAV4 Hybrid 2016–2026 · RAV4 Prime 2021–2024 · Sequoia 2001–2024 · Sienna 2000–2022 · Sienna Hybrid 2021–2026 · Tacoma 2000–2026 · Tundra 2000–2026 · Venza 2009–2024 · Venza Hybrid 2021–2024 · Yaris 2006–2020
Volkswagen · 17 models
Atlas 2018–2026 · Atlas Cross Sport 2020–2025 · Beetle 2000–2019 · CC 2008–2017 · Eos 2007–2016 · Golf 2000–2023 · Golf SportWagen 2013–2019 · GTI 2000–2024 · ID.4 2021–2026 · Jetta 2000–2026 · Jetta SportWagen 2008–2014 · Passat 2000–2022 · Rabbit 2006–2009 · Routan 2008–2014 · Taos 2022–2026 · Tiguan 2009–2026 · Touareg 2004–2017
Questions
How do I know if my car's model year is a bad one?
Compare it with the other years of the same model. A year that drew several times more owner complaints about the engine or the transmission than a typical year of that model stands out. This tool does that comparison for you, using every complaint owners filed with NHTSA.
Should I fix my car or sell it?
Put the likely repair next to what the car is worth today. If one common complaint for your model year can cost close to the car's value when it does need the repair, knowing that price before you decide helps. The tool shows typical US repair prices from sourced guides and lets you enter your car's value from KBB, Edmunds or an instant offer.
Why does mileage matter?
Many failures cluster at a mileage range. For each system we show where the middle half of owner complaints with a mileage were filed, and where your car sits on that line: before it, inside it, or past it.
Where does the data come from?
From NHTSA's public databases: owner complaints, recalls, manufacturer service bulletins and defect investigations. Complaints are unverified reports, not failure rates, so a model year is only compared with other years of the same model.
Does a recall mean my car is unsafe?
A recall means the manufacturer found a safety defect in some cars of that model year. It may not cover yours. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: if a recall is open on your car, the dealer fixes it free.
Is it free? Do I need to sign up?
Yes, and no. Pick your make, model, year and mileage and the verdict shows on the page with no sign-up. The detailed PDF report is free too; it goes to the email you enter.
What is in the full PDF report?
The verdict with its numbers, what the car has cost you (what you paid, the year you bought it and what it is worth today, so the value lost per year and per month), every system owners complained about placed on the mileage line with typical US repair bills, what owners reported alongside the problem, the recalls with their campaign size, the maker's service bulletins and a 30-day checklist.
Which cars and years are covered?
Model years 2000 to 2026 of every model with at least 150 owner complaints on file, built from complaints NHTSA received since 1995, every recall campaign, and service bulletins received since 2010. Older model years therefore include the complaints filed when those cars were new.
What does "stands out" mean on the result?
A system stands out for a model year when owners of that year named it in at least 40 complaints and that count is at least twice the model's quiet year (the lower-quartile year of the same model, never counted below 10), or when the share of that year's complaints naming the system is at least twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. It is a comparison of complaint counts within one model, not a failure rate.
Want to hear your own engine? The free engine sound check listens to a 30-second video. Got a code? Look it up in plain English. Curious what owners of your model hear? See engine noise by model.
Source: NHTSA public complaints, recalls, service bulletin and investigation databases, data received through November 5, 2026; 606 models. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not failure rates: we do not know how many cars were sold, so a model year is only compared with other years of the same model. Repair prices are typical US ranges from the sources linked next to them. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Full method and change log.