PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated March 2026
2006–2011
Model years affected
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
Tell us what's happening and get a preliminary diagnosis, typical cost range, and trusted shops near you.
Answer a few questions and get a preliminary read plus shops near you.
Start my diagnosis →Overheating leading to an actual fire, not just burn marks
Check engine light: On
A driver suffered severe burns when a seat heater caught fire, with "the entire tread out layer" coming off; a separate complaint describes a seat heater burning a hole through the seat, a shirt, and pants, causing personal injury.
Difficult steering, especially at low speeds
Check engine light: On
20+ complaints describe power steering leaks and rack failures, with some owners reporting difficult steering specifically at low speeds. Multiple complaints describe steering rack leaks matching NHTSA Campaign 08V682000, but with the affected vehicles excluded from that recall.
Some vehicles reported unsafe to operate while awaiting repair
Check engine light: On
Brake system recall parts reported unavailable for extended periods, with some vehicles explicitly deemed "unsafe to operate" by owners awaiting repair.
Defective tail lamp seals allow water into the spare tire compartment
Check engine light: On
Defective tail lamp seals allow water into the spare tire compartment and, from there, into electrical control modules, including the SAM (Signal Acquisition Module) unit.
Child-safety-relevant restraint failure
Check engine light: Off
8+ complaints describe rear seat belts failing to retract or lock properly, echoing the Chrysler Town & Country's 3rd-row seat belt failure.
The vehicle experiences delayed or no-start issues due to the ignition key or drive authorization system failing to recognize the key
Check engine light: Off
The vehicle experiences delayed or no-start issues due to the ignition key or drive authorization system failing to recognize the key. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 185 owner reports on file.
The camshaft adjuster solenoid fails, which can cause rough running or a check engine light
Check engine light: On
The camshaft adjuster solenoid fails, which can cause rough running or a check engine light. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 231 owner reports on file.
An internal transmission component failure may cause rough shifting
Check engine light: Off
An internal transmission component failure may cause rough shifting. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 227 owner reports on file.
The brake light warning message may be displayed
Check engine light: Off
The brake light warning message may be displayed. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 162 owner reports on file.
The rear tailgate latches may hang up and cause battery drain
Check engine light: Off
The rear tailgate latches may hang up and cause battery drain. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 114 owner reports on file.
The electrical switches in the door latches may fail
Check engine light: Off
The electrical switches in the door latches may fail. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 108 owner reports on file.
Engine performance problems occur due to crankshaft position sensor failure
Check engine light: On
Engine performance problems occur due to crankshaft position sensor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 53 owner reports on file.
This generation has a confirmed steering rack recall (Campaign 08V682000), with some owners reporting exclusion from coverage despite matching symptoms. A separate brake system recall shows extended parts-unavailability delays. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
A driver suffered severe burns when a seat heater caught fire in one documented case. Similar seat-heater burns are reported on the BMW X3. A separate fire in a parked vehicle was tied to a battery malfunction. This generation also has a confirmed steering rack recall with a VIN-exclusion gap, and a brake system recall with parts reported unavailable for so long that some owners describe their vehicles as "unsafe to operate."