Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
1,512 NHTSA complaints about power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift issues across 39 makes and 262 models.
The power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 1,512 filings from 39 manufacturers and 262 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 97 crashes, 14 fires, 54 injuries, and 2 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the FORD EXPLORER with 131 filings, followed by EAGLE TALON and FORD AEROSTAR. 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 EXPLORER | 131 |
| 2 | EAGLE TALON | 81 |
| 3 | FORD AEROSTAR | 80 |
| 4 | JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE | 79 |
| 5 | MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE | 42 |
| 6 | KIA SPORTAGE | 39 |
| 7 | MITSUBISHI GALANT | 34 |
| 8 | JEEP CHEROKEE | 34 |
| 9 | DODGE DAKOTA | 33 |
| 10 | CHEVROLET BLAZER | 33 |
| 11 | DODGE DURANGO | 31 |
| 12 | MITSUBISHI 3000GT | 28 |
| 13 | FORD F-150 | 28 |
| 14 | DODGE RAM 2500 | 25 |
| 15 | FORD EXPEDITION | 24 |
| 16 | CHEVROLET S10 | 23 |
| 17 | DODGE RAM | 21 |
| 18 | DODGE CHARGER | 21 |
| 19 | JEEP WRANGLER | 17 |
| 20 | FORD RANGER | 17 |
| 21 | TOYOTA TUNDRA | 14 |
| 22 | FORD TAURUS | 14 |
| 23 | CHRYSLER 300 | 14 |
| 24 | FORD F-250 | 13 |
| 25 | DODGE RAM 1500 | 13 |
| 26 | DODGE STEALTH | 12 |
| 27 | CHEVROLET TAHOE | 12 |
| 28 | FORD ESCAPE | 11 |
| 29 | CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER | 11 |
| 30 | CHEVROLET ASTRO | 11 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that after shifting into park(P), there was an abnormal beeping sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated.
The contact owned a 2012 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to drive(D), the gear shifter detached from the steering column. No warning light was illuminated. Neithe
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the button located on the shift lever had detached. The vehicle was taken to
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-350. The contact stated that upon moving the gear shifter into drive, the vehicle failed to immediately shift into drive with a delayed response to the driver's input. N
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the gear shift lever was shifted to park(P); however, the gear shift lever failed to function as inte
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the gear shifter had repeatedly become loosened, causing the gear shifter to move in a circular motion while in park(P). The contact s
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was started, the gear shifter was shifted in drive(D); however, the vehicle rolled backward. The contact depressed the brake p
Transmission Range Sensor issues causing the truck did not recognize the gear correctly. Cluster did not recognize(light did not turn on) when the car is on gears. I called the dealer and they recogni
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while parking, the vehicle failed to shift to the drive position. The contact opened the hood and pushed the cap back on the bushing. While
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while pulling the gear shift lever to shift the vehicle into reverse, the lever then would not shift into drive or any other gear. The check eng
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Verano. The stated that while he was pressing the shift knob to select drive, the vehicle failed to shift into the desired gear. The contact stated he pressed the shift k
2016 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 22V-413. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT A LOCAL SHOP PRIOR
2015 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER STATED THAT THEY EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THEIR SHIFTER NOT SHIFTING INTO GEAR AND LOCKING UP. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR RECALL 22S25/22V254.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The vehicle had previously been serviced by an independent mechanic who replaced the engine and two engine cylinders. The contact stated that while driving at an
Silverado is telling me to shift my truck into Park, when the truck is actually already in Park. This does not allow me to physically turn the ignition off on my truck, forcing me to start and shut of
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into the intended gear and often failed to shift into any gear, which is an overt and considerable safet
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park(P) however, the "Shift to Park" message was displayed. The contact shifted
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that after shifting into park(P), the gear shift indicator showed the vehicle was in park(P) however, while attempting to turn off the vehicle, t
The contact's husband owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated that while she was attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter seized in the neutral (N) position as she attempted to place the gea
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle remained in the PARK and failed to shift into DRIVE. The steering wheel was locked preventing t
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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.