Component
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
1,497 NHTSA complaints about power train:driveline:driveshaft issues across 45 makes and 378 models.
The power train:driveline:driveshaft is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 1,497 filings from 45 manufacturers and 378 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 47 crashes, 20 fires, 44 injuries, and 1 fatality. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the DODGE RAM 1500 with 58 filings, followed by JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE and FORD RANGER. 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 | DODGE RAM 1500 | 58 |
| 2 | JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE | 56 |
| 3 | FORD RANGER | 56 |
| 4 | FORD F-150 | 56 |
| 5 | FORD EXPLORER | 47 |
| 6 | CHEVROLET SILVERADO | 33 |
| 7 | DODGE DURANGO | 27 |
| 8 | DODGE RAM | 25 |
| 9 | CHEVROLET S10 | 24 |
| 10 | FORD AEROSTAR | 21 |
| 11 | DODGE DAKOTA | 21 |
| 12 | NISSAN FRONTIER | 18 |
| 13 | LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER | 18 |
| 14 | TOYOTA TACOMA | 17 |
| 15 | FORD EXPEDITION | 17 |
| 16 | DODGE RAM 2500 | 17 |
| 17 | CHEVROLET TAHOE | 17 |
| 18 | JEEP CHEROKEE | 16 |
| 19 | CHEVROLET SUBURBAN | 16 |
| 20 | DODGE CARAVAN | 14 |
| 21 | LAND ROVER NEW RANGE ROVER | 13 |
| 22 | JEEP WRANGLER | 13 |
| 23 | GMC SIERRA | 13 |
| 24 | FORD TAURUS | 13 |
| 25 | CHEVROLET ASTRO | 13 |
| 26 | KIA SPORTAGE | 12 |
| 27 | FORD MUSTANG | 12 |
| 28 | CHEVROLET BLAZER | 12 |
| 29 | JEEP LIBERTY | 11 |
| 30 | TOYOTA TUNDRA | 10 |
Recent Complaints
The contact leased a 2023 International MV607 from Enterprise Rental Car. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the driveshaft unexpectedly detached from the vehicle. There was n
See attached document for complaint.
See attached document for complaint. I took my 2013 Honda Accord in to my Honda Dealership due to leakage. I was informed the leak was in the intermediate drive shaft that was not under recall. Part
See attached document for complaint
See attached document for complaint.
The component that failed was the driveline on our RV. Specifically, the driveline was installed at an incorrect angle, which caused excessive vibrations and loud noises while driving at highway speed
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving up an inclin
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving with the cruise control feature enabled at 70 MPH, the contact noticed a loud banging sound. The contact noticed in the rearview mirr
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 35 MPH, there was a loud pop from the rear end of the vehicle, and the rear end of the vehicle started vibra
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from being stationary, the rear driveshaft suddenly detached from the rear of the vehicle and dragged on the grou
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal squeaking and humming sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning light
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be restarted.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the passenger side drive shaft fractured. The vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was pushed
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to move or respond. The vehicle was restarted but the failure persisted. The ve
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the driveshaft detached. Due to the failure, the gear oil and rear differential fluid leaked out of the ve
Truck shakes violently at 65mph and higher. Replaced tires, rims, suspension, had the ford dealer check it many times. Took it to a mechanic shop and come to find out the driveshaft is making my truck
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle made grinding sounds. The contact pulled over on the side of the roadway. Upon i
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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.