Which other parts do owners name in the same complaint?

Among the 4,071 owner complaints naming this part, head gasket is named in 12% of them, more than any other part.

Head gasket12%

Water pump8%

Radiator7%

Thermostat6%

Spark plug6%

Engine overhaul5%

Owners name the head gasket most often in the same complaint, which is not proof that one caused the other. Ask the shop whether it checked the head gasket too, so you are not quoted twice for one visit.

Source: NHTSA owner complaint files · file downloaded 2026-10-05