Component

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

2,321 NHTSA complaints about traction control system issues across 41 makes and 328 models.

The traction control system is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 2,321 filings from 41 manufacturers and 328 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 118 crashes, 10 fires, 56 injuries, and 2 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the TOYOTA SEQUOIA with 246 filings, followed by CHEVROLET IMPALA and TOYOTA PRIUS. 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.

2,321
Complaints
328
Models Affected
118
Crashes
10
Fires
2
Deaths

Most Affected Vehicles

# Vehicle Complaints
1 TOYOTA SEQUOIA 246
2 CHEVROLET IMPALA 206
3 TOYOTA PRIUS 181
4 CHEVROLET MALIBU 91
5 FORD WINDSTAR 60
6 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 54
7 FORD FUSION 42
8 CHEVROLET COBALT 42
9 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE 40
10 TOYOTA SEQUOIA SR5 37
11 CHEVROLET EQUINOX 34
12 FORD EXPLORER 29
13 TOYOTA SIENNA 26
14 CADILLAC SRX 25
15 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 23
16 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY 22
17 GMC ACADIA 19
18 FORD ESCAPE 19
19 SATURN AURA 18
20 PONTIAC G6 17
21 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 17
22 DODGE JOURNEY 16
23 TOYOTA COROLLA 15
24 HYUNDAI SONATA 15
25 HONDA ACCORD 15
26 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 15
27 TOYOTA RAV4 14
28 TOYOTA CAMRY 14
29 SUBARU OUTBACK 14
30 PONTIAC TORRENT 14

Recent Complaints

2014 HONDA ACCORD

The contact owns a 2014 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the Lane Departure and Forward Collision Avoidance warning lights illuminated, and the traction contro

2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, it lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the

2017 NISSAN MURANO Crash

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that with the traction control feature deactivated and while driving up the snowy and icy inclined gravel drive way, the traction control ligh

2018 RAM 2500 Crash

The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact received a recall letter related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at 20-25, th

2018 RAM 2500

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the traction control was unavailable and was not in service, and the cruise con

2019 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking forward while depressing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact

2017 NISSAN SENTRA

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V135000 (Exterior Lighting), and the recall repair was performed. Approximately 4 ye

2019 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check eng

2008 TOYOTA CAMRY

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Power Steering, Service Vehicle, Traction Control, and ABS warning lights illuminated, and the speedometer

2023 GMC SIERRA 1500

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle started running abnormally rough, pro

2012 FORD EXPLORER

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that a minute an

2018 ACURA MDX

The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled, with several unknown warning lights and the traction control warning light i

2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the rear wheels locked up, causing the vehicle to slide across the road. The contact was able to regain

2014 TOYOTA PRIUS

The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that the ABS and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was

2020 JEEP CHEROKEE

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle while accelerating, while the vehicle was idlin

2018 FORD EDGE

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, the Advance Trac, the Hill Start Assist, and the Powertrain warning lights were illuminated.

2015 JEEP WRANGLER

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, and the check engine warning light intermittently flashed on the instrument p

2020 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine, traction control, and stability control warning lights were illuminated. The ve

2016 CHEVROLET COLORADO

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist deactivated, and the steering wheel became very difficult to maneuver. Th

2022 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving at various speeds or while accelerating from a complete stop, the automatic emergency braking system engaged while there wa

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints involve traction control system issues?
The NHTSA has received 2,321 complaints about traction control system problems across 328 vehicle models from 41 manufacturers.
How dangerous are traction control system defects?
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM issues have been linked to 118 crashes, 10 fires, 56 injuries, and 2 deaths according to NHTSA complaint data.
Which vehicles have the most traction control system problems?
The most complained-about vehicle for traction control system issues is the TOYOTA SEQUOIA with 246 complaints.
Where does PlainCars get its safety data?
All vehicle safety data comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database, which collects reports from vehicle owners about safety-related defects.

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.

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