Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
15 NHTSA complaints about engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software issues across 7 makes and 14 models.
The engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 15 filings from 7 manufacturers and 14 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.
Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the FORD F-150 with 2 filings, followed by VOLVO XC60 and NISSAN ROGUE. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.
Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FORD F-150 | 2 |
| 2 | VOLVO XC60 | 1 |
| 3 | NISSAN ROGUE | 1 |
| 4 | NISSAN FRONTIER | 1 |
| 5 | KIA SORENTO | 1 |
| 6 | KIA OPTIMA | 1 |
| 7 | JEEP WRANGLER | 1 |
| 8 | HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID | 1 |
| 9 | HYUNDAI SONATA | 1 |
| 10 | HYUNDAI SANTA FE | 1 |
| 11 | FORD F-350 SD | 1 |
| 12 | FORD ESCAPE | 1 |
| 13 | CHEVROLET TAHOE | 1 |
| 14 | CHEVROLET CRUZE | 1 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted into a lower gear and the speedometer stopped wo
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC Co
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated. The check engine warning light illuminated,
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the turn signals and the windshield wipers became inoperable. The vehicle was
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle decelerated to 30-35 MPH. Additionall
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while at a stop light the vehicle stalled. The contact shifted the vehicle into park(P) and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle wa
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH uphill, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated.
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and the contact informed
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle was running rough. Additionally, the vehicle was shuddering violently and started to stall. The check engi
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated that the
The contactâs son owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while the vehicle was being driven approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was not aware of any warning ligh
The contact owns a 2010 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the charging system failure warning message was displayed, and the battery warning light was illumina
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated with the RPM rising. There was no warn
Code P0351, P0352, P0353, P0354, P0355, P0356. Vehicle shut down on the interstate on the way home for work, 2½ hours from home. And will not restart. Pcm most likely the problem.
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while merging onto a highway at 50 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated to 30 MPH and shifted into limp mode. The contact stated t
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints involve engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software issues? ▼
How dangerous are engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software defects? ▼
Which vehicles have the most engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm):software problems? ▼
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Data Sources
Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.
Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.
Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.