Electrical Problems
96,451 owner complaints · 283 model lines · median failure at 64,000 miles
Among 96,451 owner complaints for electrical problems across 283 model lines, the most-reported vehicle is the 2013 Ford Edge (835 complaints, typically failing near 45,000 miles). Across all vehicles the median failure mileage is 64,000 miles and the typical repair estimate is $850.
Key numbers
| Total complaints (NHTSA) | 96,451 |
|---|---|
| Model lines affected | 283 from 38 makes |
| Median failure mileage | 64,000 mi |
| Typical repair estimate | $850 |
| Severity mix | 906 severe · 465 moderate · 0 minor (of 1,412 vehicle-year patterns) |
| Related serious reports | 5,350 alleged fires, 2,041 alleged injuries, 2,138 alleged crashes |
Worst vehicles for electrical problems
| Vehicle | Complaints | Typical failure mileage | Repair est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Ford Edge | 835 | 45,000 mi | $850 |
| 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 820 | 95,000 mi | $850 |
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 776 | 72,000 mi | $850 |
| 2009 Dodge Journey | 743 | 80,000 mi | $850 |
| 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 706 | 62,500 mi | $850 |
| 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 664 | 90,000 mi | $850 |
| 2011 Ford Edge | 657 | 55,000 mi | $850 |
| 2010 Dodge Journey | 605 | 79,955 mi | $850 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 590 | 71,239 mi | $850 |
| 2006 Jeep Commander | 582 | 89,000 mi | $850 |
| 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan | 581 | 84,000 mi | $850 |
| 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 577 | 80,000 mi | $850 |
| 2015 Chrysler 200 | 535 | 53,000 mi | $850 |
| 2016 Honda Pilot | 533 | 50,000 mi | $850 |
| 2011 Chrysler Town and Country | 507 | 73,996 mi | $850 |
People also ask
What is the most common electrical problem?
Based on 96,451 owner complaints in the NHTSA database, the most-reported failure pattern in this category appears on the 2013 Ford Edge. Complaint volume reflects how many owners filed reports, not proof of a defect rate.
At what mileage do electrical problems start?
The median failure mileage across vehicles in this category is 64,000 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 $850, 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
engine · powertrain / transmission · steering · airbags & restraints · brakes · body & exterior · cruise control · 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.