If you buy a brand-new car, you probably expect the engine and transmission to be two of the things you won’t have to worry about for a long time. But we’re seeing some troubling engine and transmission problems show up in newer vehicles, including some very expensive repairs and recalls involving major automakers.

So what’s going on? Is this simply a case of a few bad engines and transmissions, or is there something bigger happening in the auto industry?

David Finkelstein is our new car expert, and today we’re taking a closer look at some of the problems showing up in newer vehicles and what consumers need to know before they buy.