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: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 320I. The contact stated that the Drive Train Failure, Check Engine, and Engine Overheating warning lights were illuminated. There was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle, and fluid was leaking underneath the vehicle near the muffler and under the driver's side seat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the codes were cleared but the failures persist... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I heard a noise thought it was my brakes, my mechanic said it was a transmission. Now it stalls when take off and at lower speeds very loud
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
On 11/7/25 , we were driving my 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 to a friend's home in rural [XXX] , a trip of approximately 160 miles. At around 5:00 PM, we stopped about halfway to our destination to charge the battery. The car would not charge above 47%. While we continued to attempt to charge the battery, the console displayed a Check Electrical System Warning message, and we received the DTC P1AA700 via ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The car had a power failure so I took it to the dealer to have it checked since it had an open recall, according to what the mechanic tells me is that the fault comes from the mild tree, but he does not tell me what causes that failure and he has not given me the results of the recall either
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Engine light turns on every couple months. The Kia either stops accelerating and goes into “limp mode” or gives code for misfiring cylinders. Took to dealership several times, they did nothing but reset battery so light goes off. Unsafe when driving my family around and has turned into an unreliable vehicle. SO frustrating for a new vehicle to have these issues.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
After 3 failed diagnoses with various vehicle repair shops that could not fix our problem, we took our 2019 Lincoln Navigator to the Phil Long Ford/Lincoln dealership 26 days ago. After expressing my concerns about our vehicle jerking into gear and intermittently losing accelerator power during driving, the dealership diagnosed it as a problem with the cam phasers. Upon picking up the vehicle and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I took this vehicle in for the recall that GM had indicated. The vehicle was taken to a GMC dealer and “passed” the PICO test and the oil was changed out as recommended. Two weeks ago, the engine completely seized while driving in the interstate and was towed back to the dealership. I am now waiting on engine replacement after passing their solution. The car has roughly 30,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
While driving in traffic on a 2 lane road with small shoulders, the engine stopped, dash indicated automatic shift to neutral, restart vehicle. vehicle coasted to a stop partially blocking the lane due to lack of shoulder and size of vehicle. Turned off ignition and attempted to restart. there was a click and the dashboard/electronics all went blank/off for several seconds then came back on. Attem... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
At 138,000 miles my 2019 Toyota Highlander's transmission failed. I noticed a whining sound when I pushed on the accelerator, so I scheduled a service appointment to have it looked at. The day I brought it into the mechanic it began stalling at stop signs. I was driving my children to school when the vehicle began stalling, fortunately I was able to get it looked at that day. My local mechanic dia... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
My expedition started stuttering and the speedometer, started fluctuating speeds which would also cause my cruise control to turn off. Then the speedometer quit working altogether and so did the odometer. If I turned the truck off and restarted it, it would reset everything for a few miles then it would start all over again. I went to the Ford dealership and got it fixed. It cost $2500. Later doi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
While accelerating from a stop the truck went from 1st gear and then would not go into 2nd gear for a 5 seconds and then it engaged into 2nd with a harsh gear change. This happened several more times to various degrees of time out of gear and not engaging into gear.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
The transmission has a shudder at various speeds.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The vehicle experienced repeated transmission malfunctions involving the automatic transmission system. Symptoms began occurring consistently and included failure to properly shift between gears, particularly failure to engage 3rd gear, resulting in high engine RPM followed by a sudden and harsh engagement into gear. The transmission would also fail to downshift when coming to a stop, at times rem... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
On 3/31/2026, SUDDEN Power train failure occurred with 122k miles.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I was accelerating from a red light and felt like I had lost power. The RPM's of the engine increased, but I was slowing down. After about 5 seconds, the transmission engaged harshly and the wheels started spinning/squealing like burning out. I almost lost control of the vehicle. If the road would have been slippery, I would have lost control, in heavy traffic. I took my F150 into the Ford Deale... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
The cdf drum in the 10R80 transmission in 2021 Ford Expedition has failed causing inability to accelerate or decrease speech reliably. For safety during interstate driving, there is a indisputable need for quick and reliable increases and decreases in speed. Being able to clear an intersection quickly is important not only for the driver's safety but the safety of others in an intersection. Dealer... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
Transfer Case has gone out. No longer getting power to the rear wheels as it is a AWD car. Problem has not been checked by the dealer yet. There were no warning lights on the dashboard when it went out.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal and attempting to overtake another vehicle. The RPM was extremely elevated; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and restarted the vehicle before resuming normal drivi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while coming to a stop at a stoplight, after shifting into drive, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into park and the electronic parking brake engaged unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving after shifting the vehicle back into drive and releasing the electronic parking brake. The vehicle was taken... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Vehicle exhibits delayed deceleration after releasing accelerator. Engine RPM remains elevated for several seconds, causing the vehicle to continue applying power unexpectedly. Issue began after recent repair and was not present before. Condition is intermittent but reproducible and affects drivability.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Thank you for your time reviewing my complaint. I've answered each of your bullet points below. - the transmission is hard shifting in low gears however no warning/no dashboard lights to indicate issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. - I use my car for work which includes transporting individuals to work and appointments. This hard shift happened with a passenger while on ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode several times, with the powertrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted after each failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure started after the ... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
There was a recall for my type of vehicle regarding the transmission. We have tried calling and dealing with Kia about it but they keep saying that our vehicle is not on the list for the recall, we have had the car since the release and are the only owners. The transmission has been showing the same symptoms that the other vehicles were and have had either the pump replaced or the transmission its... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
Loss of power while driving on highway, would not speed up. Shaky driving. Appeared to go into limp mode. Dealer informed me that the transmission valve body will need to be replaced. No prior messages or alerts, check engine light came on after power loss.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
On April 2, 2026, the engine in my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe failed catastrophically while my wife was driving. The vehicle lost power suddenly and completely. There was no warning and no prior symptoms. She was able to pull over safely in a residential area. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Hyundai dealer, where the service representative suspects connecting rod bearing failure—the same fail... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
My power train unit warning light is on. I took it to a independent licensed auto mechanic that stated there are is a open recall on this vehicle for this part. I have went to the Jeep Dealership and was told to call jeep directly. After numerous calls Jeep denies there is a open recall on this part and refuses to repair this part on the recall and I will have to pay the entire cost of repair. I a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
A significant engine failure occurred while driving, presenting as loud knocking from the engine. The issue developed without prior warning lights or messages. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership and the problem was confirmed as internal engine failure (piston slap/engine knock). The dealership recommended full engine replacement. The engine is available for inspection upon request. There ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the rear wheels locked upon depressing the brake pedal without warning. The contact temporarily lost control of the vehicle, and the rear wheels skidded, almost causing a crash. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence, where it remained. The dealer was notified of the failure, and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
Our 2018 Honda Odyssey repeatedly and without warning completely loses acceleration power, creating extremely dangerous driving conditions. This occurs in two distinct situations:(1)while driving at highway speeds when attempting to change lanes or accelerate, and(2)when stopped at a stop sign or intersection and pressing the gas to merge into or turn into traffic. In both situations, pressing the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
As I entered onto i4 reaching the speed of 60 miles an hour my vehicle began to make a high pitched whining noise that got louder as I pressed on the gas pedal, noise dissipated when I let off the gas pedal. Vehicle began to slow down on its own , even when applying pressure to the gas pedal, I had no choice but to pull over on i4, error message displayed “RED CAUTION EMBLEM” error message “... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the contact noticed an unusual grinding sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact noticed a lot of unusual clicking or rattling sounds. In addition, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that upon exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed a fire underneath ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Vehicle experienced catastrophic timing system failure causing engine to jump time and stall at idle, creating a safety hazard due to risk of sudden loss of power. This is a repeat issue originally documented under warranty (2020) and again during recall/service program 21N03 (2021), where repair was declined as “not severe enough.” Recall 24E13 (software update intended to prevent timing ch... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I am reporting a potential safety defect in BMW vehicles equipped with the B58TU engine, primarily model years 2019–2021. These vehicles use an oil pump containing an internal plastic component responsible for regulating oil pressure. This component has been reported to fracture in service, resulting in sudden and complete loss of oil pressure. Failures commonly occur during cold starts in low ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
There is a loud clicking sound coming from the front axle(s) while steering around corners. It began within 30 days of taking possession of the new vehicle in mid-April 2025 and has continued to this day, April 6, 2026 with 11k mileage on the car. Furthermore it has become progressively worse, whereby early on the steering had to be near the fully clocked left or right position, now it only has to... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
42,000 miles drive shaft failure. Dealer stated drive shaft is ready to fall off. Completely stock vehicle, 1 owner.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while in drive, the transmission slammed into fourth gear. The hill assist feature was activated during the failure. The contact believed that the failure was caused by an inoperable back over prevention camera. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and offered a buyba... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - POWER TRAIN
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Was driving down the road at 35 mph and I instantly lost forward drive. Reverse worked but I could not drive forward. Got the vehicle towed and had to have the valve body in the transmission replaced.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2023) - POWER TRAIN
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
My Cybertruck’s Power Conversion System failed at ~65,000 miles. I received a PCS alert, AC charging became unavailable, and the vehicle displayed charging faults. The repair required major disassembly of the tonneau, bed, and air suspension and cost $7000 because it occurred after warranty. Why This Is a Safety Defect: The PCS is a critical component that handles onboard AC charging, DC-DC con... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Hard shifting in most lower gears, slipping gears, shuddering in higher gears
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Shift to Park issue: Known issue where the car fails to recognize it is in Park, preventing it from shutting off. Electronics: Potential blanked-out display screens, USB port issues, and malfunctioning cameras. Steering Assist: Restricted, temperature gauge goes to cold and radiator fan blows hard. I have to unplug negative cable to battery and reconnect and everything goes back to normal.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Vehicle History & Initial Defect: I took delivery of a used 2025 BMW i5 in November 2025 (~1025 mi). Upon delivery, the vehicle immediately displayed a persistent "Acoustic Pedestrian Warning" failure. This was a direct violation of FMVSS No. 141 (Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and EV). Despite dealer assurances that a software update would resolve the issue, the failure persisted through m... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Apr 5, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Nothing has happened yet. However, after only 308 miles… my 2026 Denali is knocking and ticking very loud. Why? How is this possible? We’ve only had it 2 weeks! I have only driven it 5-6 times in the past 14-15 days, too worried that this might happen. But I was reassured by the dealership it wouldn’t. But here I am now. I am so disappointed. Being a Disabled Vet I thought we could have some... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
The motor on my 2026 GMC Sierra stalled 2 weeks ago with a p0016(crankshaft position sensor issue). Was able to clear code and limp home. Vehicle did stall on a busy road and stop abruptly. Scheduled service and was advised to drive it in. Was experiencing irregular idle when warmed up, and a slight hesitation in the pedal. Service advisor started the vehicle and claimed no codes, and everythi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
Bearing in transmission failed. Need to replace the whole transmission. Car is 8 years old and has 59,000 miles
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
Dead pedal incidents. At least 4 times in the 6months of ownership, I've experienced where when you press on the gas to go, there is no acceleration for approx 2 seconds. Its almost caused an accident 2x of the 4x times its happened. I feel it may be related to the transmission. Prior to this truck I had a 22' Lexus LS500 Fsport which I think also has the 10 speed trans and twice experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
When driving the transmission is slipping meaning it jerks forward when accelerating on the road.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
Harsh shifting in relation to TBS 23-2250 causing the vehicle response to be unpredictably unsafe merging or suddenly stopping or accelerating.
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Apr 5, 2026
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
My 2019 Honda Odessey has had transmission issues since the very beginning. I've experienced jerking/shaking, hesitation before accelerating, delayed shifting, sudden loss of power. Fortunately none of this has resulted in any accident or injury. Unfortunately, yesterday (4/4/2026) I got charged $271.34 to have to transmission warning light read only to be told, "we cleared all dtc then test dr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
Took dealer 3/26 for Sam issue Engine Power reduced after already cause me hit curb. Got it out 4/1/26 Now 4/5/26 it happened again same codes after they claimed they fixed it. Also keep having Emergency services come on a caused my dashboard out. My issues is car keeps stalling losing power. Same codes as week ago after dealer fix. Also 4 time took for noises in my car from passenger side. They k... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
Truck has 11000 miles. Waiting in drive thru, felt a jolt, like someone rear ended me. 3 warnings came on “system malfunction, Hybrid system malfunction , and drive/start malfunction. Truck was stuck in 2nd gear. Drove to parking lot, turned truck off. Was able to drive to dealership. 23 days at dealership, replaced transmission under warranty. Solenoid problem.