Baron Auto — used car buying guides built on federal data
Car CareSymptoms of a Bad Starter: What 1,483 Owner Reports DescribeEvery starter symptom list on the internet is written from memory. This one is counted from 1,483 owner reports filed with the federal government — and the biggest finding is how often the battery gets blamed and replaced first.
Before you buy
Check any VIN — free, instant, no sign-up
Decode the year, model, trim, plant and engine, then check NMVTIS for title brands and NHTSA for open recalls. The repair does not show on the paint. It shows in the record.
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Years to Avoid — Complaint Index
NHTSA owner complaints, worst year vs neighbours- Honda PilotWorst year: 2016Avoid 20166.12×
- Hyundai TucsonWorst year: 2016Avoid 20165.22×
- Honda CivicWorst year: 2022Avoid 20225.06×
- Nissan PathfinderWorst year: 2013Avoid 20134.88×
- Hyundai Santa FeWorst year: 2017Avoid 20174.09×
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Why trust this site
We publish the source behind every number. Recall counts, complaint totals and fuel-economy figures come from NHTSA and the EPA and are dated on the page, so you can re-run any of them yourself. Where an article recommends a check, it links to the free federal tool that performs it. Where we think a paid service is worth it, we say why — and where it is not, we say that too.
This site is under new ownership and is not affiliated with Baron Auto Emporium dealership. Read more about the site and who runs it.