Guides and recall news

Should you buy the first year of a redesign? What 40 redesigns show

In 35 of 40 recent redesigns, the first model year drew more owner complaints than the two years after it. Here is how big the gap is and when it matters.

The most reliable used car years, by model

The best model year to buy for 89 popular cars, SUVs and trucks, based on owner complaints per 100,000 sold.

Used car years to avoid: the worst years for 89 popular models

The model years that drew the most owner complaints per car, what went wrong in each, and what to do if you already own one.

Best used pickup truck years: F-150, Silverado, Ram, Tacoma and Tundra

The best and worst model years for America's five most popular pickups, with the problems behind each verdict and what they cost to fix.

Best used minivan years: Odyssey, Sienna, Pacifica and Grand Caravan

The best and worst model years for the four most popular used minivans, based on owner complaints per 100,000 sold, with the sliding door and transmission problems behind each verdict.

Most reliable used small SUVs, ranked by owner complaints

Twenty-four popular small SUVs ranked by owner complaints per 100,000 sold, with the best year to buy for each and the years to skip.

Most reliable used midsize and three-row SUVs

Twenty-five midsize, three-row and full-size SUVs ranked by owner complaints per 100,000 sold, with the best year to buy for each and the years that drew the most trouble.

Most reliable used sedans and small cars, ranked

Twenty-four popular sedans and small cars ranked by owner complaints per 100,000 sold, with the best year to buy for each and the years to avoid.

CVT transmission problems: which cars and years to watch

Owner complaints about CVT transmissions are concentrated in a handful of models and years. Here is which ones, what failure feels like and what a fix costs.

Honda 1.5 turbo oil dilution: which CR-V, Civic and Accord years

Fuel getting into the engine oil is the top complaint on 2017 and 2018 CR-Vs. Here is which Hondas are affected, how to check and what Honda did about it.

Jeep Wrangler death wobble: which years, what causes it, what it costs

Death wobble is the top complaint on the 2018 Wrangler. Here is what it is, which years are most affected and how to check a Jeep before you buy.

Phantom braking: cars that brake hard for no reason

Automatic emergency braking that fires with nothing ahead is a top complaint on some 2017-2020 Hondas and Nissans. Which cars, why it happens and what to do.

Car battery keeps dying? The models and years with the most reports

Dead batteries and overnight drain are the top complaint on 2015-2020 Subaru Outbacks. Here is why batteries drain, how to test for it and what fixes it.

Windshield cracked for no reason? Which cars get the most reports

Subaru Outback and Forester owners file more complaints about cracked windshields than owners of any other car we track. Here is why, and what replacement really costs.

Car burning oil? The models and years with the most oil consumption complaints

Oil burning complaints cluster in the 2012-2015 Chevrolet Equinox and 2016-2017 Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sorento. What causes it, how to test and when it becomes engine failure.

Hyundai and Kia engine problems: which years and what is covered

Engine failures drove the 2012-2017 Kia Sorento and 2016-2017 Hyundai Tucson to the top of our complaint rankings. Which cars are affected, the warning signs and how to check coverage.

Power steering failure: which cars lose steering assist

Sudden loss of power steering is one of the most common serious complaints in federal data. Here are the models and years where it clusters, the recalls that cover it and what a repair costs.

Hard brake pedal: why it happens and which cars have it

A brake pedal that suddenly turns rock hard usually means the brake assist has failed. Here is which models and years draw the most complaints, the recalls and programs that cover them, and what a repair costs.

Timing chain problems: what to check before buying a used car

Learn how to investigate timing-chain noise, warning codes, repair records, and manufacturer bulletins before buying a used car.

Are car recalls free? What used car buyers should know

Recall repairs are free at any dealer, even for the third owner. Here is how to check a car and get the work done.

How to check a car for open recalls by VIN

A two-minute check that every used car buyer should do. Where to find the VIN, how to run it and what the results mean.

Recall remedy not yet available: what it means and what to do

When a recall lookup says the remedy is not yet available, the carmaker has admitted the defect but does not have a fix ready. Here is what to do in the meantime.

Recall vs service bulletin vs extended warranty: what is the difference?

Many well-known car problems never become a recall. Here is how carmakers handle known faults, and how to get a fix that is not on the recall list.

How to file a car safety complaint, and why it matters

Owner complaints are how federal investigations and many recalls start. Here is how to file one in about ten minutes, and what to include.

Lemon law basics: what counts as a lemon and what you can get

Every state has a lemon law for new cars, and some cover used cars too. What qualifies, how the process works and the records you need.

Used car inspection checklist: what to check before you buy

A practical walk-around and test drive checklist for any used car, plus what a paid inspection adds and what it costs.

How many miles is too many for a used car?

Mileage matters less than it used to. What matters more is the model year, how the car was maintained and what kind of miles it has.

Car crash test ratings explained: what the star ratings mean

The five-star ratings on our model pages come from federal crash tests. What each test measures, how to compare cars and why older ratings are not directly comparable.

How to spot a flood-damaged used car

Check a used car for flood damage by combining title history, hidden-area inspection, and an independent mechanical examination.

How to check a used car for a Takata air bag recall

Use the VIN, manufacturer recall records, and repair documentation to check a used car for an unrepaired Takata airbag recall.

Is an extended warranty worth it for a used car?

Compare a used-car service contract's coverage, exclusions, deductible, and claim rules before deciding whether it fits your budget.

How to check a used hybrid's battery health

Learn what a test drive, service records, warranty check, and qualified inspection can tell you about a used hybrid's battery.

What a car history report shows, and what it cannot prove

Use a vehicle history report to investigate title, mileage, and damage records without mistaking a clean report for a mechanical inspection.

Honda recall: tire repair kit bottle cap can shoot off on CR-V and Accord Hybrids

Chevrolet Silverado recall: roof rail air bag inflators can rupture

Jeep Grand Cherokee recall: rear coil springs can fall out while driving

2024 Toyota Tacoma recall: shock absorber reservoirs can break off

Ram 1500 recall: rear seat belt anchors may not be attached properly

Ford Explorer recalls: second-row seats can tip, roof rail covers can fly off

Honda Odyssey recall: water can kill the rear camera on 2018-2020 vans

Honda Pilot recall: rear subframe can rust through in salt states

Jeep Wrangler recall: power steering pump wiring can catch fire, park outside

Honda recalls millions of cars over cracked passenger seat sensors

2024 Toyota Tundra recall: engine debris can wreck a main bearing

Hyundai Elantra recall: driver air bag inflator may rupture