Which breakdowns end with the car being towed?

Airbag leads at 31%.

Failures whose owners say the car had to be towed

Airbag31%

Fender21%

Oil pump18%

Bumper15%

Seat belt14%

Ball joint14%

Tie rod14%

Driveshaft13%

Knock sensor12%

Steering knuckle12%

Brake hose11%

Crankshaft position sensor11%

Timing belt11%

Transmission control module10%

Serpentine belt10%

If your car shows one of these failures, plan for a tow instead of driving it in, and ask the shop whether it arranges one.

Source: NHTSA owner complaint files, the vehicle-towed field · file downloaded 2026-10-05