Troubleshooter: Dealing with drivers’ top 5 vehicle complaints

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Like many, I’m a fan of top-five lists. Not all of these are fun, but a recent top-ten of vehicle complaints compiled by industry experts DesRosiers Automotive Consultants highlights how avoidable some driving problems are. Here are five, with easy ways to avoid these major automotive headaches.

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Fuel-economy complaints

Only a first-time vehicle operator can be excused for not recognizing ‘your mileage may vary,’ that phrase having been printed on new vehicles’ mandatory fuel-economy labels for decades. Even with the Canadian government’s adjustments to its calculations a few years back, these numbers are really only good for comparing which of a set of vehicles should be better (or worse) on fuel. Getting within 75-80% of whatever’s posted on the window sticker is usually achievable for the average driver, but don’t budget on the expectation of getting closer or surpassing those numbers.

Of course, the frequency of this complaint is often driven by price increases at the pumps, but those are easy to predict by viewing any of the handy fuel price history charts on sites such as Gas Buddy. Grab those numbers, crank up your calculator, and you can reasonably forecast your fuel expenses over the life of the vehicle.

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Complex features and technology

Dash controls get more complicated every model year, and it really shouldn’t be a surprise that a 15-minute road test and 30-minute delivery presentation isn’t enough for even the most tech-savvy of us to grasp all of the ins and outs of specific controls and features. During an initial road test, ask how to change HVAC or audio settings, and if traffic permits, perform those tasks yourself. Take the same tactic at delivery time; don’t just rely on the sales consultants’ explanations.

In the first few days of ownership, find yourself some driveway time to dig through the owner’s manual (usually online as many carmakers have stopped supplying paper copies), and continue practicing the common functions until you can operate them without taking your eyes off the road.

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Mechanical issues

It’s almost impossible for a new-vehicle consumer to predict what mechanical problems will develop. Some knowledge can be gleaned from reviews and long-term test results by credible publications, but there’s an even better source that almost no customer ever uses: independent technicians’ experience and opinions.

If you’ve got a reliable auto-service provider who has taken care of your motoring needs over the years, don’t be shy about asking their opinion on a new make or model that’s on your shortlist. It may cost you a dozen donuts and a few minutes of your time at most, and it can save a world of grief.

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Interior- and cargo-space complaints

If you’re shopping for a family hauler (or even something for a single driver and passenger), why wouldn’t you take your travelling crew on your shopping trip to try a vehicle or two on for size?

Do you regularly carry sports or work gear? Bring those pieces along and try loading them into the trunk or cargo area. And while you’re at it, every road-test should include a stop in your home garage or parking spot to check the fit.

Expensive repairs

There are three service questions you should always ask your new vehicle sales consultant when you’re sitting down at their desk: how much does an oil change cost here (obviously for ICE vehicles); how much to replace front and rear brake pads and rotors; and how much to replace all four tires?

Like death and taxes, these are the inevitable expenses of operating a vehicle. While your sales rep may not have the answers on hand, they should be able to obtain them very easily. For other things, remember that trusted independent service provider you use.