Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 137,132 complaints - component: POWER TRAIN
Incident date: May 2, 2026
In October of 2025 I was notified of a safety based recall for my 2025 Tacoma related to the front axle shafts possibly breaking which could cause loss of steering control should an incident occur. The recall is listed as 25TA11, (Interim notice 25TB11) and is attached to NHTSA ID 25V656. As of May 6th, Toyota lists this situation as still preparing the remedy. If the situation is truly a safety c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
"Upon shifting the vehicle into the 'Drive' (D) position, the transmission produces a loud, audible striking/clunking sound. When accelerating from a stop, the transmission consistently slips and exhibits severe hesitation. Furthermore, the vehicle experiences a complete loss of power/engagement when attempting to shift into 4th gear, creating a safety hazard during higher-speed driving. These sym... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Cv axles on the car has been clicking when turning and driving forward and back, they have been replaced once on once side. I’ve taken the car to the dealer ship 4 times Monday may 4 2026 was the last time I took it. It’s currently there as I’m typing this, the driver axle also locked in my once when Turing in a parking lot making loud pops. The last 3 times dealer ship said they can’t do ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
Sudden fracture of the propeller shaft universal joint at freeway speeds causing catastrophic damage to the transmission and exhaust system. This matches the failure described in NHTSA Recall 26V216. While driving on Arizona Freeway 202. Extreme clanking noise heard and lost all power in middle of rush hour. Barely able to navigate vehicle safely off the freeway. No warning whatsoever. Had to b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
Just bought this truck 3 weeks ago, and was very excited. Now I have noticed transmission noises during the drop in RPM's during the upshift from 3-5, 3-4, 5-6, and 9-10. Sent it in for diagnostics and they are certain it is the clutch drum bushing failure.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
While passing at highway speeds under heavy acceleration, the transmission system on my 2026 Honda Passport with approximately 7,000 miles malfunctioned. Multiple warning messages appeared, including “Transmission system problem. Reverse gear not available. See your dealer,” “Transmission system problem. Avoid heavy acceleration and high speed. See your dealer,” “Transmission system prob... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
I've submitted a safety complaint #11733895. I wanted to give an update regarding GM Goodwill Assistance, which is 10% of $10,000 transmission replacement per Chevrolet. This is a known documented transmission defect from GM manufacturing, it is a major safety issue, the car was sold to me with GM/Chevrolet knowing about this issue, but they are putting the financial burden on the consumer. Diagno... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado LD Crew. The contact stated that while driving and going up hill, the vehicle will not accelerate over 60 mph. when the vehicle goes down hill the RPMs rapidly increase. When driving on a straight road, the vehicle hesitated to move forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis and it was not able to be duplicated. The vehicle was not r... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Transmission is slipping. Dealer reported cluthes going out. This is a known issue with all of these cars.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Vehicle is a 2017 Ford F-150 equipped with the 5.0L engine and 6R80 automatic transmission. The transmission has developed repeated harsh and abnormal shifting behavior, primarily during upshifts between 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th gears. During these shifts, the vehicle lurches/kicks forward abruptly and feels as though it is driving over a bump or being struck from behind. Condition is more pronounce... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The vehicle shudders and it very slow to shift from park to drive.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Transmission went out at 100k
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speed the vehicle had experienced acceleration hesitation and had stalled on several occasions. The vehicle eventually towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assista... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the FWD warning light illuminated sporadically and then disappeared. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that something in the transmission had failed and needed to be repaired or replaced. The mechanic notified the contact of a possible recall associated... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The vehicle was puttering and smoking from the exhaust. At first the mechanic thought it was a head gasket, but with further investigation it was the coolant/exhaust. The vehicle stalled out multiple times, twice while driving and once in a grocery store parking lot.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
Complete power loss from transmission. Yes available for inspection. Power loss was experienced on at least 4 separate occasions. This occurred during either slowing down or stopping to make a left hand turn while yielding to oncoming traffic. When re-engaging the accelerator to get across oncoming traffic zero power transfer occurred putting my self, my passengers, and the oncoming vehicles and... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
when vehicle accelerates from stopping position motor immediately increases rpm's from 700 to about 4,000 and increases and decreases with jerking motion. sometimes much difficulty controlling speed and controlling car when there are approaching vehicles. the transmission does not perform safely there is the same problem when passing other vehicles and travelling uphill , sometimes 50 to 75 mph... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2019
Vehicle stopped acceleration at highway speeds on way to work in narrow highway stopping traffic and semitrucks narrowly missing collision. Dealership states the transmission cvt was leaking and therefore caused the issue that costly repairs are unaffordable for me. Bought used from private party a month before the incident now leaving me no funds to repair and no transportation to return to work.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
At 170,000 miles, the 2019 Toyota Hybrid Camry LE has developed a consistent drive train lurch/stumble/shake around 20, 40 and 60 MPH, which is increasing in intensity and occurrence. This defect is quite startling and occurs regardless of efficiency, HVAC, cruise control, etc. settings. Examined twice by a Toyota dealer service department Toyota-trained licensed repair technician, no explanation ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The vehicle experienced a failure involving the automatic transmission gear shift cable (recall AOC 2013–2016). The gear selector indicated the vehicle was in “Park,” but the transmission was not fully engaged in Park due to the defective shift cable/bushing. This created a significant safety risk, as the vehicle was capable of rolling unexpectedly after being placed in Park. This condition... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned on and shifted into park, the vehicle unexpectedly rolled away with no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then collided with a tree. The contact also stated that the air bags did not deploy during the crash. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was provided. Th... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle suddenly shut off and failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel injector had failed. The vehicle was repaired. After having the vehicle repaired, the contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), 25V8290... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while either of her children were driving at various speeds, the transmission warning light illuminated. On one occasion, the FWD warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact added that the vehicle then lost power and did not accelerate as intended during each occasion. The vehicle was steered to... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
May 6, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
I own a Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 10-speed transmission. The truck has approximately 79,000 miles and has been diagnosed by a Ford dealership with CDF drum/cylinder and solenoid body failure. The quoted repair cost is over $10,000 for a remanned transmission replacement. This truck has shifted hard since approximately 30,000 miles, but I was led to believe it was normal behavior for the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The vehicle has a dangerous hesitation and delayed acceleration when I am coasting and then reapplying the accelerator. This occurs in scenarios such as approaching a yield, slowing for a left turn on a green light, or slowing to merge where I reduce speed but do not come to a complete stop. When I press the accelerator to resume speed, the vehicle does not respond for a significant period. The tr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 CHEVROLET Trailblazer. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the computer system failed to recognize that the vehicle had been shifted into the park position, causing a "Shift to Park" warning light to illuminate on the instrument cluster. Although the gear selector was physically in park, the contact was unable to fully shut down the vehicle and had to cycle t... Read more
TOYOTA
PRIUS PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2015 Dodge Dart SXT with an active safety recall that currently has no available remedy. My vehicle experienced failure related to the recall issue, resulting in the vehicle becoming inoperable and requiring repair. At the time of failure, I was informed that the official recall remedy was not yet available and that the necessary part was on backorder. ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
1)Brakes were changed, rotors and pads. Brakes were bled 3 times and it still does not stop correctly. Even when the brakaes are on, it releases itself. 2)Truck keeps shuddering and loosing power. 3Electronics will not stay bluetoothed and it connects and disconnects all by itself all the time. Appears there are recalls on these 3 issues.
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Transmission Malfunction / Erratic Low-Speed Operation I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the transmission system in my vehicle. The issue appears to have originated as a software-related drivability problem but progressed over time into a more serious mechanical failure affecting the transmission. The vehicle exhibited lurching/hesitation at low speeds, particularly during city dr... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to 25 MPH with a “Vehicle Will Shut Down” warning message displayed. The contact stated that the engine then began to shut down, and although the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled. The failure occurred on multiple... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden jerking and a catastrophic loss of motive power (Limp Mode). Simultaneously, multiple safety systems failed, including the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control, and Road Departure Mitigation. The vehicle became a road hazard in active traffic. A certified Honda dealership technician inspected the vehi... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
May 6, 2026
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the 4WD drive light illuminated. There was oil leaking. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTO had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part being backordered. The m... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
SUMMARY OF SAFETY HAZARD: I am reporting a catastrophic and unpredictable loss of motive power in a 2023 Volkswagen Taos (4Motion with DQ381 DSG Transmission). The vehicle presents a critical electronic sensor failure within the transmission mechatronics unit that causes the vehicle to enter an immediate "Limp Mode" without warning. This has resulted in several near-miss incidents where the veh... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
May 6, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The contact owns a . The contact stated that while driving in reverse a loud popping noise had occurred coming from the engine compartment. Later, while driving up a hill was warning message "Accelerator, Reduced Speed" had displayed and the vehicle was slowly driven home. The contact later discovered that the vehicle also did not operate in reverse. The vehicle was taken to the local mec... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle was placed in park, and the vehicle began to roll. The driver entered the vehicle and pulled the emergency brake. A good Samaritan pushed her vehicle out of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (P... Read more
TOYOTA
CAMRY HYBRID
(2026) - POWER TRAIN
May 6, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The torque converter is malfunctioning. This malfunction can damage the entire transmission by releasing metal debris into the transmission system due to severe shuddering. If the torque converter fails while driving, I could lose acceleration power and potentially lose power steering assist and brake assist if the engine stalls, making the vehicle significantly harder to control. This creates a s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
Transmission failed at 105,000 miles Quotes to replace $8000
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
I have a 2013 ford mustang with 6R80 transmission as my wife was driving down the high way the suddenly shift down to 1 or second at 65 miles per hour and the car skidded out of control almost killing her and the people in the other lain I checked on recalls for this problem and I am getting conflicting answer. It says that some mustang have been recalled for the TCM and most all 6R80 transmission... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
My RWD motor completely went out and lost power on the highway off ramp. Could have turned into a dangerous situation. Not sure why these motors seem to be very unreliable. Tesla has not given me an explanation as to what is exactly causing this. Happens to thousands of owners. And this car is only 5 years old. I had the motor replaced in November 2022 and 3 years later it’s out for good. Now I ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
I'm having problems with my transmission and I just recently found out that there's a recall on it that Ford still hasn't come up with a resolve to it I never got a letter about this recall I just happened to find out by running my own VIN number I took it to the dealer a couple days ago and they're telling me I need to hold him to transmission even though this recall hasn't been addressed yet it'... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The Rear Axle Drivetrain Assembly failed. Specifically, a critical structural fastener (bolt) associated with NHTSA Recall #25V090 (MBUSA #2025020010) completely detached from the rear axle. The vehicle is currently in my possession and the failed component/repair is photographed. The detachment of this structural bolt caused a complete loss of propulsion while the vehicle was in a commercial driv... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
This vehicle has ongoing drivability issues that have not been resolved despite multiple repair attempts involving engine-related components and repairs. The issue began in November 2024 while the vehicle was under warranty with coolant and engine warnings. At that time, I reported coolant loss, warning messages, hesitation during acceleration, and abnormal vehicle vibration. I was initially told... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
It started when I put my car in reverse and it would delay and jerk back before reversing off and on. About a month later, I started my car in the street and accelerated and it jerked and shut off in the middle of a street. I restarted it and accelerated it again and it jerked and shut off again. It's a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse with 61,570 miles. I towed it back to dealer and they are stating it's ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
A 2021 Buick Encore GX with 66,828 miles experienced sudden transmission failure while driving. The vehicle lost forward gear engagement and began slipping, creating an immediate safety risk to the driver and other motorists due to unexpected loss of vehicle propulsion and control. The vehicle was diagnosed by an authorized GM dealership. Diagnostic codes P2714 (Transmission Control Solenoid Valv... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
The vehicle would jerk when changing gears and would have a rattle and vibration when accelerating.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Car locks itself into 2 Wheel Drive when conditions are "unfavorable" meaning sometimes rain and most commonly in cold weather. If anyone has driven on snowy and icy roads during the winter, they know how much of a problem this can cause in the winter. Not only has the dealership's maintenance department not been able to diagnose the issue but GM themselves are refusing to acknowledge this problem... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
transmission cable bushing failed. I see there is a recall for older models. The shift cable came off the transmission just like the recall problem had. this left my car stuck in reverse so i could not move the car or start it after I turned it off and I could not get it off the street.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
May 5, 2026
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
Vehicle does a vibration at high way speeds of 40 to 80 mph. Found several threads online stating the same issue. Found a technical service bulletin regarding this issue (18-NA-355). My vehicle needs a new transmission stated by the service shop.
VOLKSWAGEN
E-GOLF
(2019) - POWER TRAIN
May 5, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
going down highway (60mph) a sudden rear wheels lock up jerking the steering wheel out of my hand sudden down shift causing me to be put in the median...wrench symbol pops up trucks in limp mode... no 1-6 gear light or light to show if i am in P.R.N.D.M.1.2. Truck won't start back up until it wants too if you cut it off in limp mode (factory reset) unhooking negative battery cable dosent work. C... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
My vehicle would suddenly downshifted to first, constantly seek for gears, loss of traction from not finding gears, and transmission died at 120k miles.