Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
1,635 NHTSA complaints about power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) issues across 44 makes and 361 models.
The power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 1,635 filings from 44 manufacturers and 361 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 68 crashes, 19 fires, 46 injuries, and 1 fatality. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the FORD FOCUS with 112 filings, followed by FORD ESCAPE and DODGE DURANGO. 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 FOCUS | 112 |
| 2 | FORD ESCAPE | 55 |
| 3 | DODGE DURANGO | 44 |
| 4 | JEEP COMMANDER | 35 |
| 5 | CHRYSLER PACIFICA | 35 |
| 6 | JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE | 32 |
| 7 | FORD EXPLORER | 32 |
| 8 | FORD F-150 | 29 |
| 9 | FORD WINDSTAR | 25 |
| 10 | FORD FIESTA | 24 |
| 11 | MAZDA TRIBUTE | 23 |
| 12 | DODGE RAM 1500 | 23 |
| 13 | VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT | 22 |
| 14 | TOYOTA CAMRY | 22 |
| 15 | HONDA ACCORD | 22 |
| 16 | DODGE GRAND CARAVAN | 22 |
| 17 | CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER | 18 |
| 18 | JEEP CHEROKEE | 16 |
| 19 | FORD EXPEDITION | 16 |
| 20 | DODGE NEON | 16 |
| 21 | CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY | 15 |
| 22 | DODGE INTREPID | 13 |
| 23 | CHRYSLER PT CRUISER | 13 |
| 24 | MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS | 12 |
| 25 | FORD FREESTAR | 12 |
| 26 | CHEVROLET IMPALA | 12 |
| 27 | TOYOTA AVALON | 11 |
| 28 | PONTIAC VIBE | 11 |
| 29 | OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA | 11 |
| 30 | CHEVROLET MALIBU | 11 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owned a 2020 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving under 45 MPH, the TCM received a false data sensor warning, causing the vehicle to enter LIMP Mode. The contact stated that d
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle was serviced under Manufacturer Recall Number: U90 (Catalyst Efficiency Recall). However, recently, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from
The contact owns a 2023 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the garage, the garage became extremely hot, and the fans underneath the vehicle activated. The contact op
See attached document for complaint.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormal sound with sev
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the roa
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The check engine warning light was occasion
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle decelerated and stalled. The vehicle failed t
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle fa
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving on a main road at 30 MPH, the transmission shifted independently to neutral(N). The contact pulled over and restarted the veh
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH on two occasions, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle w
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked, and an abnormal sound was coming from the engine. Several unknown w
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, failed to accelerate, or shift into the intended gear. The check engine warning light was illumin
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently shifted into park. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights wer
Reduced power transmission module defective.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and then attempting to park the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was tak
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had experienced harsh driving and harsh shifting between first and fifth gears. Additionally, t
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a misfire coming from the engine. The contact stated that the ignition coils had melted and w
Related Vehicle Components
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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.