Wheels Problems
2,063 owner complaints · 38 model lines · median failure at 50,000 miles
Among 2,063 owner complaints for wheels problems across 38 model lines, the most-reported vehicle is the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette (220 complaints, typically failing near 15,000 miles). Across all vehicles the median failure mileage is 50,000 miles and the typical repair estimate is $400.
Key numbers
| Total complaints (NHTSA) | 2,063 |
|---|---|
| Model lines affected | 38 from 16 makes |
| Median failure mileage | 50,000 mi |
| Typical repair estimate | $400 |
| Severity mix | 26 severe · 62 moderate · 0 minor (of 89 vehicle-year patterns) |
| Related serious reports | 21 alleged fires, 71 alleged injuries, 139 alleged crashes |
Worst vehicles for wheels problems
| Vehicle | Complaints | Typical failure mileage | Repair est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Chevrolet Corvette | 220 | 15,000 mi | $400 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Corvette | 122 | 9,500 mi | $400 |
| 2010 Ford Fusion | 112 | 45,387 mi | $400 |
| 2017 Ford Escape | 71 | 44,346 mi | $400 |
| 2016 Chevrolet Corvette | 58 | 17,363 mi | $400 |
| 2017 Ford Explorer | 46 | 20,000 mi | $400 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Corvette | 43 | 12,000 mi | $400 |
| 2016 Ford Fusion | 42 | 50,425 mi | $400 |
| 2006 Toyota Sienna | 39 | 60,000 mi | $400 |
| 2014 Ford Escape | 38 | 57,000 mi | $400 |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | 37 | 22,000 mi | $400 |
| 2011 Ford Fusion | 37 | 73,400 mi | $400 |
| 2017 Honda Accord | 37 | 15,000 mi | $400 |
| 2017 Ford F-350 | 36 | 13,000 mi | $400 |
| 2013 Hyundai Elantra | 33 | 15,242 mi | $400 |
People also ask
What is the most common wheels problem?
Based on 2,063 owner complaints in the NHTSA database, the most-reported failure pattern in this category appears on the 2017 Chevrolet Corvette. Complaint volume reflects how many owners filed reports, not proof of a defect rate.
At what mileage do wheels problems start?
The median failure mileage across vehicles in this category is 50,000 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 $400, 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 · cruise control · visibility / wipers · lighting · fuel system · suspension · tires · seat belts · equipment / accessories
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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.