Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 133,534 complaints — component: POWER TRAIN
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
Same Problem as almost all 2018 chr has. Bad transmission
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
INCIDENT SUMMARY: On January 9, 2026, at approximately 1:30 PM, while traveling at 50 MPH in North Carolina, the vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic engine seizure without any prior "Limp Mode" warning or Check Engine Light. This resulted in an immediate, total loss of motive power in active traffic. I was forced to navigate a dead multi-ton vehicle across lanes without power steering or va... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Unexpected rear wheel lock-up at 29000 miles. While engine braking from highway speed onto an off-ramp at approximately 50 mph, the rear wheels unexpectedly locked up. Due to prior rear brake actuator issues, I suspected the emergency brake had activated without my input. It was only momentary, and no fault codes or warnings were displayed. It happened again under the same circumstances two months... Read more
KIA
OPTIMA HYBRID
(2014) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 10, 2026
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
While driving during colder weather the car will show HEV (hybrid system) warning and tell you to shut it off. I was in a construction zone with no where to pull over when the car died and lost all propulsion and brakes. This seems to be a common problem on KIA Optima hybrids from 2012-2015.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of sudden loss of propulsion, including at highway speeds. Engine revs when accelerator is applied but vehicle does not accelerate, as if in neutral. Multiple warning lights illuminate, including “Service Transmission.” I narrowly avoided a rear-end collision. Diagnostic codes recorded include U0402 (invalid data from transmission control module) and... Read more
CHEVROLET
ALL-WEATHER FLOOR LINER
(9999) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 10, 2026
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
While traveling on a highway at approximately 70 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of motive power. At the same time, the dashboard illuminated multiple warning lights simultaneously and the vehicle entered limp mode without warning. The vehicle rapidly decelerated and was unable to maintain speed with surrounding traffic. This created an immediate and serious safety hazard and... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
GOT THE EQUINOX BRAND NEW ON MARCH 2025. FEW WEEKS LATER HAD TO TAKE IT TO SERVICE/DEALER WITH BACKUP CAMERA PROBLEMS AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT STARTED TO HAVE SPEAKERS ISSUES DUE TO A VERY LOUD HUMMING SOUND WHILE DRIVING. ALSO WINDOW FROM DRIVERS SIDE RUNS SLOWER THAN THE REST OF WINDOWS. THE VISIBILITY THROUGH FRONT GLASS IS NON EXISTENT WHEN RAINING DUE TO THE ANGLE. TRANSMITION STARTED S... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2021
The DCT transmission causes significant hesitation at slow speeds or starting from a stop. This often leaves the driver and it’s occupants in a vulnerable position if the car hesitates when trying to navigate through traffic. I have taken it to the dealership and they stated that nothing is wrong with it, However, in reviewing online forums, it is obviously a significant concern.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure. It is available for inspection upon request. Visible PTU fluid leaking under the vehicle. Loss of 4WD. Service 4WD warning on dashboard began on Monday, January 5, 2026. Vibrations and grinding noises while driving. Burning oil smell in the cabin. Change in driving, such as delayed engagement and jerking during acceleration. Loss of power. My safety and the safe... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2015) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 10, 2026
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
My pickup truck has a Duramax diesel engine with a CP4 diesel injection pump. That pump has not failed yet in my truck. However it has been known to fail in numerous other GM vehicles with Duramax engines and when it does fail the engine comes to a complete stop and cannot be restarted. This is a potentially hazardous even fatal situation. Repair if the pump fails is very expensive - $12,000 to $... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
My 2018 Honda experienced a catastrophic engine failure (blown head gasket) at only 30,012 miles. A head gasket is not a wear item and should not fail at such low mileage. I previously reported related symptoms during dealer service visits in July 2024 and August 2025, including signs consistent with cooling or engine performance issues, prior to the complete failure. The vehicle has been properly... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
While driving on Highway 35 in Austin, Texas, my vehicle's transmission unexpectedly failed, which placed myself and my passengers in a precarious situation. The vehicle became inoperable on the side of the highway, necessitating that my passengers and I manually push it while traffic was actively flowing. This mechanical issue occurred without any prior indication. Through my subsequent research,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Car stopped working and wouldn’t start. I was told there is an ICCU failure. There is a back order of ICCU for this vehicle and unknown date of repair.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
Multiple incidents from different shops after oil changes, car continues to leak oil from around filter. Have had to replace the shifter sensor twice within the last 5 years. Regular driver back and forth to work. Drive less than 8k miles a year
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Drove car approximately 15 miles. Parked car. Car would not turn off. Message- Transmission/Park. Wouldn't Car stayed neutral. Had to call wecker to take dealership. ... Diagnostic Solenoid Valve Body faulty.... 2019 Terrain Miles 91669. Is there recall. Have more reports of issue. Should this happen with a well maintained vehicle All maintenance updated to date.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
In May 2021 I purchased my Highlander XLE with 5 miles on the odometer. In Feb 2021 dealerships were notified of Toyota Technical Service Bulletin (T-SB-0008-21) dated Feb 2021 was a problem. I have never been notified of the TSB for transmission whine/grinding noise. At approximately 75,000 miles (out-of-warranty) and regular servicing, my vehicle developed a noticeable whine from the transmiss... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
Repeatedly there has been a cylinder 1 misfire causing the check engine light to activate. The vehicle starts to shake and idling is rough. It has happened repeatedly over the past 3-4 years. In 2025 it happened in August, October and December despite repeated maintenance. Error codes that have popped up due to the issue primarily include cylinder 1 misfires a known and documented issue related ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
P0741 Error Codes - Torque Converter issue around 100k miles. Shuttering at low rpm between 2nd and 3rd gears. This is a known issue for owners of the 2020 model year. TCM software update and transmission oil change did not fix.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
8F35 transmission problems, poor shifts, jumpy shifts, vibration at 45-52 mph. vibration at 59-61 mph tying to figure out if it needs to stay in 7th gear or change to the final 8th gear. At any speed below 35 mpg the transmission is challenged to understand itself and its purpose on this earth. i am scared to death to drive under 35 mph because the transmission becomes extremely unstable. Up shift... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Car is in shop 3rd time 2020 sorento with 2.4l thete ii gdi engine. In May e went in p1326 code of death, knocking and blinking light. They put a band aid on. Back in September more issues, oil gasket valve cover and 4 spark plugs. Another bandaid, westarted seeing oil, I thought we were nuts because it was just fixed. Check engine light cane on, read 4th spark plug shot that they put in on 9/2... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
RE: Manufacturer Recall Number R24B2 - No Remedy available for more than a year! I am the original owner of my 2019 Nissan Leaf SL in California but have been unable to use my car for traveling due to the fast charge port recall. I have performed all the services and the recalls at the local Nissan dealer but there is still no remedy for the fast charge issue. As per the purchase agreement with N... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
My vehicle has been with the Ford dealership for about a month and the mechanic and the engineers still have not found why my vehicle is giving a service wrench warning. When driving the vehicle will flash red warning lights which makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. I have paid for an Auxiliary Transmission Pump and battery. This did not fix my truck. The dealership said they replaced the PCM, but ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Engine safety concern. Grinding and clunking while engine is running and gets worse under load or when accelerating. Have taken into dealer for service over 6 times. Recall service was performed and their fix was to change to a thicker oil but all that caused was worse fuel economy, more expensive oil changes, and the noises have become worse. Going back to dealer next week for another attempt. Ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
My 2018 Toyota Camry with 132,000 started experiencing transmission issues in the last 10,000 miles or so - with hesitation in shifting. Now at 132,000 my transmission has officially fully failed. Upon bringing it to a reputable transmission repair shop, I learned that the repair would cost me over $8000 between parts (hard to find) and labor. This is wild as I expected a Toyota to last up and ove... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
Not sure of exact date I believe it was right before Thanksgiving. The truck started shuttering and vibrating. It feels like we are driving on a gravel road. the manual said to change transmission fluid between 45,000 and 60,000 so we took it to the dealer. that is what we did hoping that would fix the problem. but it did not so we took it back and they kept it for 3 weeks they said no codes c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The upper radiator hose and gasket on numerous Colorado and Canyon trucks have failed prematurely. Mine has failed at 31k miles. Radiator hose leaks can cause engine overheating and failures while on roadways. Additional issues of leaking coolant on roadways and into the environment. Vehicle is scheduled to be viewed by dealership. Symptom which lead to diagnosing problems included rushing fluid s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
My 2025 Toyota Camry XSE (Hybrid) is subject to an open safety recall issued December 16, 2025. The recall involves a serious safety risk, and I was advised by the dealership not to drive the vehicle. At the time of the recall, the vehicle was approximately two months old with about 1,500 miles and in like-new condition. Because there is currently no available remedy, I was required to leave the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, purchased in February 2024. The vehicle experiences repeated drivetrain shutdowns and unsafe operation due to confirmed failures in the transmission control module and valve body, diagnosed by Chrysler Dodge Jeep in North Las Vegas, Nevada. These malfunctions prevent proper gear engagement while driving, creating a significant r... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The "4WD Needs Service" light appeared on the dashboard of our 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. We took vehicle to the Enumclaw Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealer located in Enumclaw, WA. Their service technician determined that the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) was failing and found active code c14a7-97 "ptu motor-component or system operation obstructed or blocked". Had the PTU completely failed we could ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
10R80 ten speed automatic transmission first exhibited indications of failure 9/16/2020, Ford's response being reprogram PCM. Transmission has progressively declined in reliability complete with harsh shifts, jerking, erratic up and downshifts, suddenly reverting into neutral at highway speeds. Safety of self, wife and other family members imperiled due to the vehicle suddenly lurching, jerking,... Read more
JEEP
WRANGLER 4XE
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
I had problems in gear shift the car when start moving it’s go very slow it’s need about 1 minute to change the shift. The Toyota dealership recommended me to change the transmission with the cost $11,000
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that she received notice of Manufacturer Recall Number: 19F07 and follow-up Manufacturer Recall: 19F19. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power control module needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired, but the contact stated that a year and seven months later, while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle down... Read more
Crash
JEEP
WRANGLER 4XE
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
My F150 is having problems shifting gears. Most prevalent in the lower gears when accelerating. It hesitates as it shifts, up or down, and then creates a loud thud and jerks the truck, as it finally shifts. You can feel it during other gears, as when downshifting to climb a hill. There is a loss of drive during this shifting hesitation, and this creates a safety issue when pulling out into tra... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
I am the second owner on my Ford fusion 2020 SE all-wheel-drive I got the car at 21,000 I had warranty since I had the warranty. I've been going for this power training code and having them check my car out all the time they always say there's nothing wrong with it. It's just the code is being erased so by the time my warranty went out all these problems are coming up and now they could find those... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The transmission has severe shuddering when accelerating up to 40mph. I’ve had the torque converter replaced twice and the issue has remained. Over time the speed of shuddering has expanded up to 40mph before it drives smoothly.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
While traveling down the highway at approximately 60-65mph I pressed the accelerator to change lanes and pass a tractor trailer when it felt like my transmission slipped very abruptly. There was a very noticeable power loss and the truck would not accelerate. Then I noticed a loud knocking noise coming from the engine. No check engine light or any other indications on the dash to let me know there... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
While driving my 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid, the vehicle displayed the warning message “Check Hybrid System – Stop Safely.” Immediately after this message appeared, the vehicle lost propulsion and entered a reduced power/limp condition. This creates a dangerous situation because the vehicle can suddenly lose power while driving in traffic. The dealership informed me that this condition is rel... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Based on my best assessment, the issue appears to be related to the transmission pump. The vehicle experienced transmission malfunction consistent with a failing transmission pump. This vehicle has an active federal safety recall listed under its VIN; however, the local dealership in Puerto Rico refused to honor the recall and attempted to charge for the repair.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
I have a 10 speed transmission in my 2018 f150. I started noticing harsh shifting and came to fine out it is from the known issue that ford has acknowledged. The cds clutch drum slipped do ti fault parts. I contacted ford and they refused to help and said that my vehicle was out of warranty even though they acknowledged the service bulletin they stated that there was no recall at this time. I ... Read more
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota CH-R. The contact stated that while driving in ECO Mode, there was a humming sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission and torque converter were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The conta... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
There is a squeaking noise that comes from the front DRIVE SHAFT TRANSAXLE SEAL of my 2025 Toyota Camry XSE when turning the vehicle at slow speeds without applying the brakes. The vehicle was inspected by the Toyota Dealership I purchased it from and they replicated and confirmed this defect on 1-03-2026. A defective or malfunctioning axle seal can wear out over time, which can cause it to leak.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
My transmission started making whining noises about 100000 miles I brought it in to get diagnosed and was confirmed that my transmission is going out and will cost 10000 dollars to replace the car made it to about 130000 miles and the transmission fully went out the car is sitting behind my house currently waiting for me to raise the money to fix it the car was used for daily commute to work and h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked violently. The driver stated that the vehicle failed to respond as intended while depressing the accelerator or brake pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle stopped jerking while... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
Within 1K miles, both CV joints began to "click" when doing low speed turns -- or accelerating while turning. This is a VERY widely documented issue with the Honda Prologue. Just took the car in to my local (Honda Marin) dealership (car now has 5K miles). They verified the issue but stated Honda of America had no fix at this time -- and that it wasn't a safety concern. I'm not sure how this ca... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
Just after merging from I-65 North to 264 East at 65 mph in Louisville KY on November 14th, the display indicated to "press start" and the engine stalled. I was only able to get the vehicle about 3 inches off of the left side of the yellow line before running out of inertia. I was stuck there for 2 hours while waiting for a tow truck. The first truck could not lift my vehicle because with the e... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
I have a 2018 Toyota CHR with of course a CVT transmission. I am around 105k miles with normal maintenance and have had small issues but nothing crazy until now. I have been noticing a strange noise coming from my car and after replacing pretty much every moving part on the car (besides the transmission), the issue is a bearing coming from within the transmission. After doing further research thro... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
Failed Power Train Unit, and this is available for inspection. I was driving on the highway with my grandson and husband going 70 mph when the unit failed it basically felt like the car was thrown into neutral. Thankfully no one was hurt. Dealership has confirmed the issue. No issues driving the vehicle before the issue after the issue the light did come on and the vehicle is undriveable.
ALFA ROMEO
STELVIO
(2019) — POWER TRAIN
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
I was driving 45 mph on a state route when all of a sudden my drive shaft bolt came completely out and split my drive shaft in two causing me to lose control. No damage at all or rust or anything is visible on the drive shaft. Could have caused a serious injury or worse. I just had a Multi Point Inspection done the day before the incident occurred
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
I purchased a pre-owned Chevrolet Silverado Z71, 4WD, off-road, LTZ pickup truck (Model # C1500 k 1500, VIN [XXX] , NAIC # XXX) from Wally Edgar Chevrolet in Lake Orion, Michigan on 3/28/24. It has the V8 – 5.3 L gasoline engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle was, and still is, in very good condition (no scratches, dents, and a good running engine). However, on 10/29/2025 th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The transmission stutters at sustained modest speed (25-45 mph). It was taken to the dealer, who determined it was affected by tsb 25-2134. This is a widely known issue and the dealer refused any servicing without payment. This should have been a recall, since hundreds of known issues in and out of warranty have occurred.