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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

Clear

Showing 137,132 complaints - component: POWER TRAIN

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

When driving at a slow speed truck seemed to die down and not want to shift to next gears. Truck appeared to shake when pressing on the gas lightly.

Incident date: Aug 21, 2026

On XXX, at approximately 7:40 a.m., my 2023 Kia Telluride, VIN [XXX], experienced a sudden mechanical failure while traveling approximately 65+ mph southbound on [XXX]. The vehicle suddenly locked up, causing the driver to lose control, skid, and swerve toward the side of the freeway. The rear wheels appeared to be locked. Fortunately, no collision occurred and no one was injured. The vehicle wa... Read more

Incident date: Jan 13, 2026

After having the proper recall performed. The engine locked up while driving on interstate. Total loss of power in heavy traffic nearly causing an accident.

Incident date: Aug 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle door was open, the vehicle shifted into reverse and accelerated in reverse at 30 MPH. The vehicle traveled into a wooded area and the rear of the vehicle struck a tree. The vehicle was towed to a certified collision center, where it was pending an official total loss determination by the insurance company. The contac... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

My vehicle recently received the Hyundai 9c2 emissions upgrade they required and since then the vehicle has had predictable acceleration issues for the first several minutes after the vehicle. While trying to slowly accelerate the vehicle with unpredictably lurch forward. Many people have been reporting this.

Incident date: Aug 26, 2026

Harsh shifting from 3rd to 4th and 7th to 8th

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and bucked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,400.

Incident date: Aug 22, 2026

Hard shifting while maintaining 30-50 MPH. If there is a slight incline it slams into 9th gear. It also shifts hard when decelerating.

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

I have a 2013 Ford 150 King Ranch 4X4 with the 6R80 transmission and approximately 125k miles on it. This morning, I was stopped at a red light and upon accelerating my truck would not shift out of first gear. The speedometer stopped working, and engine light came on. I pulled over and turned off the truck to inspect it. I restarted the truck and it was shifting appropriately for about 5 miles w... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

As with many other 2019 Flex owners, I brought my Ford Flex in for a state inspection and surprise surprise! I have to replace my toe link already! Failure after failure.

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

Unknown

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, all warning lights illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after several seconds, the vehicle was restarted and shifted into park(P). The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not re... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment center intermittently went black, and there was water leaking into the vehicle through the top and lower center of the front windshield and the rear windshield. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the rear windshield was replaced without a diagnostic being performed; however, the failures persisted. Add... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

Since I purchased my 2022 Cadillac XT5 which was on 5-9-26, I have had issues with the performance of the transmission. Every time I slow down, the car down shifts very abruptly and roughly until the car comes to a complete stop. I also experience rough gear shifts when accelerating as well. This vehicle should have a smooth transition through gears not harsh and rough especially in a luxury vehic... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driveshaft detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (Power Train) however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle pinion n... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, jerked, and felt as though it was about to stall before resuming normal operation. The failure occurred more frequently while making left or right turns. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission fa... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2024

Rear wheel lock up. Very unsafe. I am on my 3rd valve body for my transmission. GM doesn’t want to replace transmission but will warranty for 150k miles. I bumped a semi during one of my lock ups.

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

Transmission, temporally could be available but to replace it there is a $1500 core charge The transmission catastrophically failed, which lead to the rear wheels to lock up while driving, putting me and others at risk, had i been going faster when it did lock up No the problem has not been reproduced by a independent service center as i am going to replace the transmission myself I have inspected... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

10 speed cvt transmission. Truck was struggling with 1-3 shift, reving, hesitating, and then jumping. Hard shifts, and clunking. Took it to transmission shop got valve body replacement... less than a week later transmission could not hold 10th at highway speed kept down shifting to 9 and then going back to 10 again and again. After 15 min the display showed it in NO GEAR then 1st GEAR at highway s... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

Vehicle demonstrates an intermittent lag during acceleration, particularly during throttle position changes. Typical throttle response is appx 0.5s as measured by stopwatch. When the issue is replicated the delay can exceed 1 second. This is most concerning during situations where moderate to brisk acceleration is needed at a specific time such as turning across traffic at an intersection or me... Read more

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

Execution of manufacturer safety recall service resulted in immediate, catastrophic transmission malfunction and sudden loss of motive power upon leaving the franchised dealership, creating an imminent road hazard. Details of the Incident: Recall Intake: On XXX, the vehicle was driven into the authorized Ford dealership Cloninger Ford of Morganton in [XXX] under its own power for an open manufac... Read more

Incident date: Oct 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while parking in a driveway, the contact shifted from Drive (D) to Park (P), but the gear became stuck. Additionally, the key was stuck in the ignition and could not be removed due to the shifting failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a transmission shift cable failure. The contact associated the failure ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while driving up a ramp at 5 MPH, the transmission unintendedly shifted into Neutral (N) and the engine experienced a total loss of motive power. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle rolled backward, struck the front bumper of another vehicle, and stopped upon impact. The vehicle sustained rear bumper damage. The airbags did not deplo... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jan 21, 2025

January of last year, I was driving, coming off the highway, my engine came on and the system send to shutdown immediatly. I was close enough to my machanic, upon inspection, the AFM System failed at only 76,622 miles. This is part of the building issues with this value lifter problem I wanted to document it with the NHTSA as you are actively opening case for this ongoing issue with GM. i am ho... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

The vehicle has been shuddering/jerking when accelerating. This problem is present at highway speeds, as well as lower speeds. A Ford Service Center on 8-28-26 has diagnosed it as a failing torque converter. The safety or both me and others is at risk if this part fails while driving. It is also dangerous, because when accelerating in rainy conditions the car does not maintain good traction while ... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2023

05/15/23 - AFM Lifter failure - Complete Top End Rebuild under extended warranty purchased when i bought the Tahoe - Preowned certified. Cost $2,000.00 Out Of Pocket ( Days Chevrolet Repaired 86,350 miles) 09/06/23 - Transmission failed - Warranty paid except $2,000.00 (94,000 Miles) 02/02/26 - Broken Driver Side Motor Mount Replaced $350.00 (159,000 Miles) 02/28/26 - Rear end Failure 03/20/26 - ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with an EV inverter and transmission failure. The vehicle was pending repairs and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60.

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

Car stalled July 14th car has been at Kia of Bowie and they are stalling g me and dont want to do the sarter recal and are asking me for $550 for a diagnostic that I should not pay for do to this safety recall ive been telling them from the start that there was a very strong gas smell coming from theoil dipstick and they have been avoiding it till yesterday now the gas has evaperated and they are... Read more

Incident date: Aug 6, 2026

My local Subaru dealership / service provider has told me my car needs a new transmission at 66k miles, due to an issue within the CVT solenoid causing slipping and lag that will eventually lead to catastrophic failure of the transmission - per the Subaru of America service tree. This issue began on July 23, 2026, when a slew of warning lights illuminated on the dash and my car went into limp mode... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

While driving on the road at/or about 45 mph to my workplace, the transmission gave out and lost forward momentum. I had the transmission serviced for its second serivce at 84705 miles just ten days before this happened. The first service occurred around 47k miles when I learned about this issue with Chevrolet transmissions.

Incident date: Mar 30, 2020

Despite several transmission services there remains a clunky shift between gears 7 and 8. The problem continues. Other owners of this model have told me that this problem eventually broke their vehicle, and they were left stranded beside the road. Stranded beside the road is a safety risk.

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle immediately. The "Service 4WD" warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train), which was previous... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

My car has 79k miles and it just went in for a new transmission. I was out of town and the transmission went out along with starter

Incident date: May 30, 2026

During a short drive between [XXX] and [XXX] roughly 27 miles, the red battery light on the dash display illuminated just as we were turning into the Holiday/Circle K gas station in [XXX]. No other warnings or messages appeared on the dash, and upon restart after returning to the vehicle, the red battery light did not reappear. However from that point on my return drive to [XXX], the Hybrid Elec... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn from a complete stop, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal and was stranded in the middle of traffic. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was placed in neutral(N) and pushed to the shoulder of the road. The contact's husband arrived at the scene and ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

On XXX im driving my 2021 Kia Sorento sx it stalled while driving in the mist of traffic engine light comes on and I had my car towed contacted Kia of Bowie they are giving me a hassle contacted them because this is a safety issue from the beginning I have mentioned gas smell coming from the oil dipstick now the car has say and the gas has evaperated and they are saying no gas smell contacted corp... Read more

Incident date: Aug 14, 2026

While driving my 2020 Ford Ranger, the transmission has repeatedly exhibited unexpected and unintended gear changes, including sudden downshifts or gear changes without driver input, hesitation, and abrupt loss of power during acceleration. These problems have occurred during highway merging, pulling into traffic, and city driving. On 08/14/2026, while accelerating to pull into traffic, the vehicl... Read more

Incident date: Jun 18, 2025

Purchased used in 02/2022. Pickup started to shutter when shifting at 35-45 MPH. Took it to Turnpike Chevy who found thrust bearing in reaction carrier broken and damaged planetary gear set. They replaced the reaction carrier ASM and Reconditioned the transmission ASM. Replaced the valve body ASM. Took to John Sauder Chevy numerous times between July 19 2024 and July 7 2025 due to the shutter whe... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

I am the owner of a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 4WD equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8, VIN [XXX], currently at 177,271 miles. On [ADD DATE] while driving 40-45 mph westbound on [XXX] near XXX in [XXX], in a school zone, the engine suffered sudden catastrophic internal failure with complete loss of propulsion and would not restart. No prior warning lights or low oil pressure warning. Vehicle required tow from... Read more

Incident date: Jun 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping and shifting hard. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V083000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not not... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

The vehicle occasionally will change drive modes while in motion. In the past three months, it has switched from Normal to Baja mode three times and from Normal to Rock Crawl mode one time. The issues occured while driving on the freeway in construction traffic, driving slowly down rural county roads, and driving slowly in my subdivision.

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the A/C unit while in operation. The contact also stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle shifted into neutral(N) without warning and rolled backward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic,... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2026

My truck has just under 130k miles. Bought it at 18k miles. At 47k miles I had to have the cam phasers replaced and timing chain fixed. At 76k miles the trans (10r80) blew and had it replaced. At 105k miles I had to have the cam phasers replaced again. Multiple times I was denied through ford warranty. And now ford is turning there back after I had it inspected at Koch 33 ford for a reimburment in... Read more

Incident date: Jun 18, 2026

The pump gear on the transmission went out during normal driving with only having 30,000 miles on it. I am told my numerous people that the Gm 10 speeds always have issues with them.

Incident date: Aug 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti M37. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact also stated that while driving on an incline, the vehicle lost power upon depressing the accelerator pedal and rolled backward, forcing the contact to depress the accelerator pedal to the floorboard to maintain momen... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2024

On multiple occasions while driving the vehicle will randomly change drive modes by its self. It will try to go into 4x4 low gear (rock crawl mode) at highway speeds. This has happened a dozen times since I purchased the vehicle new.

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

At 3k miles the turbocharger and parts within the transmission failed on my 2025 ford maverick, there were no warning lamps or messages on the dash but I had the symptoms of lack of power, the truck struggled to climb hills, it sounded like the turbo sound was coming through the air vents, and going uphill it almost stalled. I took it to one ford dealership who claimed it was normal operation befo... Read more

Incident date: Aug 9, 2026

I own a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle had approximately 35,000 miles when the engine experienced a catastrophic engine failure. Prior to/during the failure, the vehicle experienced abnormal engine noise and a loss of power. Multiple warning/alarm lights appeared on the dashboard, including the Check Engine and Traction Control warning lig... Read more

Incident date: Aug 13, 2026

The transmission had a catastrophic failure at 73,000 miles and six years after purchase. There has been a service bulletin issued with known defects on this transmission yet Toyota corporate failed to acknowledge that they installed faulty transmissions in the 2020 Toyota Highlander. The diagnosis was a failed pinion bearing which the dealer diagnosed to replace the transmission at nearly $10,000

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

Transmission – Loss of Power / Jerking / Safety Hazard The vehicle is experiencing a serious issue with the K113 CVT transmission. The transmission produces abnormal noise and can jerk and lose power, creating a potentially hazardous condition, particularly when accelerating to overtake another vehicle or when merging onto a freeway. A sudden loss of power in these situations can significantly ... Read more

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 11 12 13 ... 2742 2743 Next

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog