About the Data ∞
This site is part of the CarComplaints.com network --- a series of sites that are dedicated to car owners. We don't sugar-coat things or take paid endorsements.
Where does the complaint data come from? ∞
All the complaints on this site are the first-hand accounts of real owners. This information should be used as a reference point, it's always best to seek help from a qualified professional mechanic if your problem persists.
What is PainRank? ∞
PainRank™ is a CarComplaints.com algorithm that uses complaint data from owners (the average mileage of failures, the cost to make repairs, etc), relative complaints analysis, sales numbers, NHTSA data, & owners' own vehicle rankings to come up with a number representing how much pain a car inflicts on its owners. The higher the PainRank™ score, the more painful a car is to own (typically).
Where does the recall information come from? ∞
A safety recall involving an automobile can be independently conducted by the manufacturer or ordered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Either way the manufacturer must file a public report which describes the safety-related defect or their inability to comply with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard. The report must also detail the major events that resulted in the recall determination, a description of the remedy, and a schedule for the recall.
Manufacturers are obligated to make an attempt of notifying any known owners of the recalled automobile. That means manufacturers take their own records of purchasers and merge it with current state vehicle registration information.
This site monitors and collects all of its recall information from the NHTSA.
Where does investigation data come from? ∞
The NHTSA is authorized to order manufacturers to recall and repair vehicles when the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) indicate that they contain serious safety defects in their design, construction, or performance. Before the order can be made, ODI must investigate the defect further. Before initiating an investigation, ODI carefully reviews the body of consumer complaints and other available data to determine whether a defect trend may exist.
This site monitors and collects all of its defect investigation information from the NHTSA.
What is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)? ∞
Technical Service Bulletins, or TSBs for short, are notifications made directly by vehicle manufacturers to help automotive technicians diagnose and repair commonly reported problems. Thousands of bulletins are issued by car manufacturers every year.
These bulletins differ from recalls in that they are not considered safety or emissions issues and they usually apply only when your vehicle is in its warranty period (whereas a recall is "open" until the work has been performed. TSBs frequently (but not always) address a recurring problem and include illustrated instructions for repair, a list of the parts needed, the warranty status and the labor charge.
This site monitors and collects all of its TSB information from the NHTSA.
Help us, help you ∞
We offer this information, including analysis and statistical breakdowns, for free. Here are a couple ways you can keep this site running.
- If you own a Porsche, take a few minutes and tell us about it on CarComplaints.com.
- Sign up for email alerts so we can tell you when something new pops up.
- Spread the word about this site on Twitter and Facebook.
Acknowledgements and Notes ∞
Complaint, trend, vehicle, and NHTSA logos created by kokota on the Noun Project.