Homepage > Pittsburgh News

Call 4 Action: Car Complaints List

POSTED: 4:08 pm EDT July 14, 2005

Pittsburgh's stop-and-go traffic and severe weather can be tough on a vehicle.

But if your car is experiencing problems, Call 4 Action reporter Meghan Jones says it may not be the weather.

The Center for Auto Safety took complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and came up with a formula. The result: car complaint ratings, based on information about the first half of 2005.

"Just because there's a car on this list, it doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it, but it does mean you should look into some of the issues that exist with the car," Lemon Law attorney Susanne Kimberland told Call 4 Action. "This particular list doesn't necessarily mean the vehicle is a lemon. It means there are certain complaints which are known complaints to the vehicle."

If you have one of these vehicles and are noticing problems, take it to a mechanic.

"Make sure that the documentation is there, that you took it in for this problem, and it's right there on paper in black and white," Kimberland said.


2005 Projected Car Complaint Ratings
(listed by model and complaint index ratio)

1. Suzuki Verona 10,462
2. Nissan Quest 4,980
3. Volkswagen Touareg 3,240
4. Nissan Armada 2,383
5. Chevrolet Malibu 2,304
6. Mazda RX 8 1,982
7. Chrysler Pacifica 1,689
8. Nissan Maxima 1,460
9. Nissan 350z 1,402
10. Toyota Sienna 1,374
11. Honda Element 1,161
12. Subaru Impreza 1,157
13. Hyundai Tiburon 1,140
14. Chrysler Crossfire 1,114
15. Acura TSX 1,060
16. Pontiac Grand Prix 1,046
17. Suzuki Grand Vitara 869
18. Cadillac CTS 818
19. Pontiac Aztek 807
20. Mitsubishi Endeavor 762

Source: Center for Auto Safety
More Information: NHTSA Complaint List


Regardless of whether your car is on this list, Jones says car problems should always be taken seriously for your safety and everyone else on the road.

If you're getting nowhere with your service shop, know your rights.

If your car is new or leased, you may have a Lemon Law claim in Pennsylvania and be eligible for a replacement vehicle. If you have a used vehicle, you may be able to recover money.

"You have protection under federal and state law," Kimberland said. "Don't sit there and allow an unsafe vehicle to be on the road, and you be driving it."

WTAE-TV Pittsburgh on Facebook

Links We Like

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

It was bound to happen. There are now applications for your cell phone that can help you avoid speeding tickets as well as traffic jams. Drive carefully. More

Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

Consumer Info


Sponsored Content Provided by ARA

Sponsored Links