Power Train — Vehicle Component Safety Report

Power Train failure reports: 1787 total complaints across 100 vehicles from 4 makes. See which models are most affected.

1787Total Complaints
100Affected Vehicles
4Makes Affected

Power Train Decision Cockpit

This component hub groups real NHTSA complaint signals by make, model year, and vehicle page. Use it as a spoke from individual vehicle reports into the broader power train safety pattern.

Top Makes for Power Train Complaints

Toyota — 1499 Volkswagen — 258 Subaru — 17 Volvo — 13

Top Years for Power Train Complaints

2019 — 473 2018 — 324 2021 — 160 2016 — 147 2020 — 145 2017 — 138 2015 — 113 2024 — 107

A high complaint count does not automatically prove a defect, but it is a strong inspection signal when the same component appears repeatedly across related vehicles, years, recalls, or crash narratives.

Common Power Train Issues

The power train component is one of the most commonly reported areas of failure in NHTSA consumer complaints. Issues range from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards including potential crashes and fires. Below are the vehicles most affected by power train problems.

Most Affected Vehicles

VehicleComplaintsRecalls
2018 Toyota C-Hr 145 0
2019 Toyota Highlander 133 0
2021 Toyota Highlander 123 0
2019 Volkswagen Jetta 108 0
2016 Toyota Tacoma 101 0
2020 Toyota Highlander 90 0
2018 Toyota Camry 88 0
2019 Toyota Camry 60 0
2017 Toyota Tacoma 46 0
2017 Toyota Highlander 46 0
2019 Toyota Rav4 44 0
2024 Toyota Tacoma 41 0
2018 Toyota Highlander 41 0
2019 Toyota C-Hr 37 0
2022 Toyota Tundra 35 0
2019 Toyota Corolla 34 0
2024 Toyota Tundra 30 0
2020 Toyota C-Hr 25 0
2022 Toyota Highlander 24 0
2023 Toyota Tundra 23 0
2015 Toyota Corolla 21 0
2015 Toyota Camry 21 0
2017 Toyota Sienna 20 0
2015 Toyota Rav4 20 0
2019 Toyota Tacoma 19 0
2022 Volkswagen Golf Gti 18 0
2020 Toyota Corolla 18 0
2019 Volkswagen Gti 17 0
2015 Volkswagen Jetta 14 0
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 13 0

Frequently Asked Questions About Power Train Safety

What are the most common power train problems in cars?

Based on 1787 NHTSA complaints across 100 vehicles, power train issues range from minor malfunctions to serious safety hazards. The most affected vehicles are listed in the table below — click any vehicle to see its specific power train complaint details.

Which vehicles have the most power train recalls?

The Toyota C-Hr is among the most affected. See the ranked table below for the full list of 100 vehicles with power train complaints filed with NHTSA.

How dangerous are power train failures?

Power Train failures can range from minor inconveniences to serious safety hazards. Some power train complaints involve crashes, fires, or injuries. Always have power train issues inspected promptly by a qualified mechanic, especially if your vehicle is subject to a related recall.

How do I check if my car has a power train recall?

Search for your vehicle using our search tool or enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If a power train recall exists for your vehicle, the repair is free at authorized dealerships.