Central Electronic Module (CEM) overheating causing complete electrical shutdown
Loss of dashboard, lights, wipers, power steering, AND brakes simultaneously
Check engine light: On
The CEM can overheat due to what owners describe as improper ventilation design, causing complete electrical shutdown while driving — loss of dashboard gauges, stereo, lights, wipers, windows, AND power steering/braking capability simultaneously. The problem is reported to intensify in heavy rain or extreme heat, with multiple owners describing near-miss accident scenarios.
This is one of the most severe electrical failures reported for this vehicle, because so many systems fail at once.
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Fuel pump/tank leaks, some owners excluded from recall by state of purchase
Gasoline odor inside the vehicle and garage
Check engine light: On
Fuel system complaints describe fuel leaking from pump housing and tank cracks, causing strong gasoline odors inside the vehicle and garage, with fuel pump failures recurring around 50,000-mile intervals. Many owners report being excluded from recall 09V483000 based on their state of purchase rather than VIN or actual vehicle condition.
50,000 mi (recurring interval reported for fuel pump failures)
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Transmission stuck in third gear, or rolling backward on inclines
Vehicle can roll despite being shown in Drive
Check engine light: On
The vehicle gets stuck in third gear, "slamming into 3rd gear" unexpectedly at highway speeds, and — a serious rollaway risk — rolls backward on inclines despite being shown in Drive. Multiple complete transmission failures are also reported, especially on 2003-2005 models.
$2,000 – $15,000+70,000 – 105,000 mi
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Sunroof glass spontaneous shattering
Shattered at highway speed with no external impact
Check engine light: Off
Sunroof glass has spontaneously shattered while driving at highway speeds with no external impact — one owner described the sunroof as having "exploded."
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HID ballast failures
Headlights turning on and off intermittently at night
Check engine light: Off
Headlights turning on/off intermittently at night and "bulb failure" warnings despite functioning bulbs are traced to HID ballast failures.
$700 – $1,000+
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Software Upgrades Will Fix Audio System Problems
Audio system malfunctions are resolved by a software upgrade
Check engine light: Off
Audio system malfunctions are resolved by a software upgrade. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 158 owner reports on file.
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Software Upgrades Will Fix Climate Control System Problems
Climate control system malfunctions are resolved by a software upgrade
Check engine light: Off
Climate control system malfunctions are resolved by a software upgrade. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 136 owner reports on file.
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Hard Shifting, Erratic Shifting and Transmission Slips
Hard or erratic shifting, and the transmission slipping
Check engine light: Off
Hard or erratic shifting, and the transmission slipping. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 101 owner reports on file.
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Oil May Leak From AWD Differential Housing
Oil leaks from the AWD differential housing
Check engine light: Off
Oil leaks from the AWD differential housing. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 46 owner reports on file.
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Recurring Starting Issues Due to ECM Failure and Water Leakage
Recurring starting issues attributed to Electronic Control Module failure and water leakage
Check engine light: Off
Recurring starting issues attributed to Electronic Control Module failure and water leakage. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 43 owner reports on file.
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Clicking Noise From Front Axle/CV Joint Area
Loud clicking noise from the front axle area, most noticeable on acceleration, with a potential CV joint and protective shield issue
Check engine light: Off
Loud clicking noise from the front axle area, most noticeable on acceleration, with a potential CV joint and protective shield issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 62 owner reports on file.
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The most serious problem on this generation is the Central Electronic Module (CEM), which can overheat due to what owners describe as improper ventilation design, causing complete electrical shutdown while driving — loss of dashboard gauges, stereo, lights, wipers, windows, AND power steering/braking capability simultaneously, reported to intensify in heavy rain or extreme heat, with multiple owners describing near-miss accident scenarios. Separately, a fuel pump/fuel tank recall (09V483000) shows some owners excluded from coverage based on their STATE OF PURCHASE rather than VIN or vehicle condition. Owners also report the sunroof spontaneously shattering at highway speed.