Cruise Control Problems
18,290 owner complaints · 124 model lines · median failure at 48,305 miles
Among 18,290 owner complaints for cruise control problems across 124 model lines, the most-reported vehicle is the 2007 Toyota Camry (532 complaints, typically failing near 56,000 miles). Across all vehicles the median failure mileage is 48,305 miles and the typical repair estimate is $600.
Key numbers
| Total complaints (NHTSA) | 18,290 |
|---|---|
| Model lines affected | 124 from 25 makes |
| Median failure mileage | 48,305 mi |
| Typical repair estimate | $600 |
| Severity mix | 368 severe · 121 moderate · 0 minor (of 521 vehicle-year patterns) |
| Related serious reports | 120 alleged fires, 1,788 alleged injuries, 4,016 alleged crashes |
Worst vehicles for cruise control problems
| Vehicle | Complaints | Typical failure mileage | Repair est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 Toyota Camry | 532 | 56,000 mi | $600 |
| 2010 Ford Fusion | 494 | 53,000 mi | $600 |
| 2005 Ford Taurus | 473 | 94,685 mi | $600 |
| 2005 Ford Freestyle | 423 | 76,000 mi | $600 |
| 2006 Ford Freestyle | 422 | 73,000 mi | $600 |
| 2010 Ford Escape | 405 | 51,000 mi | $600 |
| 2007 Ford Freestyle | 306 | 65,000 mi | $600 |
| 2009 Toyota Camry | 243 | 20,000 mi | $600 |
| 2005 Toyota Camry | 219 | 40,000 mi | $600 |
| 2010 Toyota Prius | 216 | 5,000 mi | $600 |
| 2011 Ford Escape | 170 | 44,500 mi | $600 |
| 2011 Ford Fusion | 159 | 42,000 mi | $600 |
| 2009 Ford Escape | 157 | 68,000 mi | $600 |
| 2006 Ford Taurus | 153 | 91,000 mi | $600 |
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 142 | 18,899 mi | $600 |
People also ask
What is the most common cruise control problem?
Based on 18,290 owner complaints in the NHTSA database, the most-reported failure pattern in this category appears on the 2007 Toyota Camry. Complaint volume reflects how many owners filed reports, not proof of a defect rate.
At what mileage do cruise control problems start?
The median failure mileage across vehicles in this category is 48,305 miles, but the range is wide — the 25th to 75th percentile on individual model lines can span tens of thousands of miles. Individual vehicles fail earlier or later depending on use.
How much does it cost to fix?
The typical repair estimate in this category is $600, with significant spread between model lines — complex components on luxury vehicles can cost several times more than the same repair on a mainstream car.
Are these complaints verified defects?
No. Owner complaints filed with NHTSA are unverified first-person reports. A high complaint count signals a pattern worth checking (open recalls, TSBs, investigations) — not a confirmed defect.
Other component categories
electrical · engine · powertrain / transmission · steering · airbags & restraints · brakes · body & exterior · visibility / wipers · lighting · fuel system · suspension · tires · wheels · seat belts · equipment / accessories
Checking a specific car? Decode its VIN to see the exact build, open safety recalls and crash-test ratings — free, no registration.
Source: ProblemsByVin (CC BY 4.0), aggregated from public NHTSA complaint and recall data. Owner complaints are unverified; volume reflects reporting, not per-vehicle defect rates. See Data Sources & Methodology.