On a older Motor Guide, the switch you put your foot on went bad on me twice in about 2 years. They told me that was common. I have had the Minn Kota for 3 seasons and "knock on wood" have not had any problems at all! That Minn Kota has been the very best T-motor I have ever had. I used to be a big OMC T-motor fan until I got the Minn Kota.