Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Power Train:automatic Transmission (58.4% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Power Train:automatic Transmission complaints here are 8.1× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train:automatic Transmission | 87 · 58.4% | Recalled | Recall 04V176000 |
| Air Bags | 15 · 10.1% | Recalled | Recall 20V027000 |
| Power Train | 14 · 9.4% | Recalled | Recall 04V176000 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 · 4.7% | not available | — |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:engine | 4 · 2.7% | not available | — |
| Tires | 3 · 2% | not available | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 149 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 20V027000 · 2020 · reported 01/17/2020
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 01V166002 · 2001 · reported 08/14/2001
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 04V176000 · 2004 · reported 04/15/2004
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“2001 ACURA TL. CONSUMER STATES TRANSMISSION JERKS AND BUCKS WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED JUST PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING TO BACK INTO HIS DRIVEWAY, IT…”NHTSA complaint 10440789 — filed 12/21/2011 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
“THE D5 ON THE TRANSMISSION STARTED BLINKING, THE THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH TCS LIGHT. THE SHIFT FROM LOWER TO HIGHER SPEEDS WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10437517 — filed 11/28/2011 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
“2001 ACURA 3.2TL. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE TRANSMISSION *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECENTLY NOTICED A JUDDERING AND SLIPPING ON D5 WHILE SHIFTING FROM…”NHTSA complaint 10414280 — filed 07/19/2011 · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power train:automatic transmission issues are the most-reported category, cited in 87 of 149 NHTSA complaints (58.4%), followed by air bags (15), power train (14), vehicle speed control (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
149 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 8 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 5 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V027000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
