Powertrain / Transmission Problems
95,313 owner complaints · 266 model lines · median failure at 63,000 miles
Among 95,313 owner complaints for powertrain / transmission problems across 266 model lines, the most-reported vehicle is the 2014 Ford Focus (1,545 complaints, typically failing near 46,000 miles). Across all vehicles the median failure mileage is 63,000 miles and the typical repair estimate is $2,500.
Key numbers
| Total complaints (NHTSA) | 95,313 |
|---|---|
| Model lines affected | 266 from 38 makes |
| Median failure mileage | 63,000 mi |
| Typical repair estimate | $2,500 |
| Severity mix | 525 severe · 766 moderate · 0 minor (of 1,310 vehicle-year patterns) |
| Related serious reports | 631 alleged fires, 1,625 alleged injuries, 2,989 alleged crashes |
Worst vehicles for powertrain / transmission problems
| Vehicle | Complaints | Typical failure mileage | Repair est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Ford Focus | 1,545 | 46,000 mi | $2,500 |
| 2014 Jeep Cherokee | 1,409 | 38,675 mi | $2,500 |
| 2012 Ford Focus | 1,354 | 59,333 mi | $2,500 |
| 2013 Ford F-150 | 1,188 | 94,000 mi | $2,500 |
| 2013 Ford Focus | 1,053 | 44,210 mi | $2,500 |
| 2015 Jeep Cherokee | 965 | 28,000 mi | $2,500 |
| 2019 Jeep Cherokee | 791 | 59,000 mi | $2,500 |
| 2010 Ford Fusion | 775 | 50,300 mi | $2,500 |
| 2011 Ford F-150 | 755 | 98,000 mi | $2,500 |
| 2005 Nissan Maxima | 738 | 86,000 mi | $2,500 |
| 2015 Chrysler 200 | 667 | 40,000 mi | $2,500 |
| 2016 Ford Focus | 659 | 65,000 mi | $2,500 |
| 2005 Ford Freestar | 655 | 82,000 mi | $2,500 |
| 2017 Jeep Cherokee | 629 | 47,000 mi | $2,500 |
| 2012 Ford F-150 | 617 | 91,000 mi | $2,500 |
People also ask
What is the most common powertrain / transmission problem?
Based on 95,313 owner complaints in the NHTSA database, the most-reported failure pattern in this category appears on the 2014 Ford Focus. Complaint volume reflects how many owners filed reports, not proof of a defect rate.
At what mileage do powertrain / transmission problems start?
The median failure mileage across vehicles in this category is 63,000 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 $2,500, 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 · 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.