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 29, 2025
I own a 2021 Hyundai Sonata 1.6T, which has an open NHTSA safety recall (25V796000) related to fuel tank pressurization and fire risk. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Hyundai dealership due to a check engine light, reduced performance, and DTC P14EE, which aligns with the recall condition. The dealership refused to treat the concern as recall-related unless I paid a diagnostic fee and late... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the contact heard an abnormal whining sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that it was a known failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] on [XXX] south of Madras Oregon. We were on our way to Bend Oregon and just coming up to the scales, when I accelerated to pass a car in the passing lane, all my dash lights lit up and the engine stopped running. Being in heavy traffic this made a dangerous situation with vehicles all around me, while my vehicle was coming to a stop. I was able to pull to the ri... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V019000 (Electrical System) and 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the passenger-side of the vehicle, and the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the vehicle unintendedly shifted out of park(P) while the key was not in the ignition switch. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the parking brake was engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Tailgate can open by switch located at storage area in console. It can be easily bumped then tailgate will o pen without driver receiving a warning light or dashboard message. If this occurs, and it did with this vehicle, any cargo could potentially fall out causing accident to vehicles following. Additionally, the powertrain (transmission) is a known problem for failure. If such a failure occu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
The vehicle hesitates, bucks, and surges when accelerating from low speed 0-25 mph up to around 50mph making it difficult and hazardous merging into traffic and other driving situations. The hesitation, bucking, and surging is getting progressively worse and occurs at higher speeds now.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
On the afternoon of Saturday, December 12th 2025 I was preparing my car for a trip an hour north and back to drop my daughter off with her grandmother. I was charging my car with my Level 2 charger and preheating my car. Upon leaving for the trip, within a half mile I heard a loud popping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle and immediately had a warning on the vehicle stating "Stop Vehicle ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 30, 2025
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
When given gas to move from a complete stop, vehicle lost all power. After vehicle lost all power to rear wheels, warning lights flashed on cluster. Manually moved vehicle to side of road and checked under SUV to see rear axle was at a unusual angle and later discovered rear axle bolt on road. Vehicle was towed to dealership, which originally completed recall repair in July of this year, for this ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
Summary of Defect and Repair History My 2024 Kia Telluride EX AWD has experienced repeated and ongoing transmission failures. The failures include the vehicle becoming stuck in 5th gear, unsafe acceleration characteristics, and loss of normal drivability. Two transmissions have been replaced, and the same defect continues to occur. The vehicle remains at the dealership today with the defect unres... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 30, 2025
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
Per my mechanic (fyi: 56k miles on vehicle): I test drove the vehicle and can hear a noticeable whine type noise when accelerating the noise goes away when getting off throttle. I put it on lift and the noise is coming from the transmission pump and sounds like cavitation. I checked the fluid level and it was overfull, very dark and has some very fine metal debris in the fluid. Something is coming... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormally loud booming sound. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, exited the vehicle. Upon inspecting underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed that the driveshaft was fractured and damaged. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several different occasions. The... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2025
When I placed the vehicle in park, the dashboard alert/warning would signal "shift to park". This would continue to go off for quite some time, and it continued to get worse and take longer to shut off. Eventually the alarm would not go off I turned the car back on and off, nor if I engaged with the shifter. I could not leave my vehicle in this state, and I was unable to determine if my vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
During a routine left hand turn at low speed (~10-15MPH), the vehicle engaged emergency braking. The dashboard indicated emergency braking was enabled. There were no objects in the vehicle's path. Acceleration was not possible during the event. Because the braking was unexpected and unintentional, the vehicle behind nearly collided with me.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Was driving car after a recent oil change. The oil change was performed early because the car was ticking and found oil to be low. Was going to take into dealer to be looked into but the car made a loud sound and stopped immediately and turned off. Luckily I was not driving too fast but had I been this could have posed a risk to myself, my passengers and other drivers. This complaint is consistent... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
When attempting to pass a slow moving vehicle on a 2 lane highway when driving up a hill the transmission failed to properly shift instead making a loud clunking and grinding sound before eventually managing to shift into a gear. This failure to shift properly meant that the vehicle was unexpectedly without power when trying to change lanes leading to a dangerous situation.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Well, the problem is with the transmission. The transmission will lurch, and it also will go into neutral while you are driving down the road, the other thing with the suspension I had repaired. But it said the drive modes were disabled and kept on throwing. Check engine lights. Not to mention, I had to have the cam. Phasers fixed last year, that was another $5000 repair.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift to park(P) as intended and could not be turned off. The message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact was able to turn off the vehicle after shifting to low gear. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
I purchased the 2021 Telluride (former owner of a Sportage, Rio and Sorento). I have our local mechanic handle maintenance and service. After paying $1,400 for a tune up to address misfiring, we quickly concluded the transmission was shot and my engine was burning theough every drop of oil before it was due for a change. I went to Kia of Des Moines, since it is covered under a 200k/20-year warr... Read more
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2019) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 30, 2025
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
While driving car shifted from 2nd to neutral. Engine rpms went up but no power was transfered to tires. Had to put car into park and then back into drive to regain power transfer to tires. Luckily no one was injuried. Took car to local mechanic. Diagnostic came up with no error messages. Service tech took it for a brief test drive and noticed issue with transmission. Recommended transferring to d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
Transmission failure at 80,000 miles. This a known issue with 8F35 transmissions in these model years. Left me stranded and in danger on the roadway. The transmission has other recalls, and a TSB from Ford acknowledging the issues without recall for known failures. There were no lamps, indicators, or codes before failure.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle jerked upon starting and shifting to drive(D) intermittently. The contact stated that the failure initially occurred after refueling the vehicle, but the failure had become consistent and was occurring erratically. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and accelerating between 3... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
Oil cooler housing leak same issues with Hyundai/kia class action
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
I asked the dealer for information about the L87 6.2L engine rod bearing failure recall. I was told that they wouldnt perform the work until i recieved a letter from GM. This was when i got my first oil change. Then every oil change after that i asked the same question. At 43401 miles i parked the vehicle and havent driven it since. I am afraid to have something happen to me or my family. I paid $... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
When coming to a stop and then trying to accelerate to turn into a street I get an abnormal amount of throttle lag. There’s even times it seems to lag and then registers that I am trying to accelerate quickly causing me to “burn out” while I’m turning and no I am not accelerating crazy. There’s been a few close calls where I almost lose control of the vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
2023 Toyota Tundra experienced repeated engine stalling and vehicle lock-up while driving on public roads, including in an intersection. During one incident, the driver was thrown forward into the steering wheel. A Toyota dealer attempted repair by replacing the neutral/park safety switch, but the repair failed and the dangerous condition persisted immediately after. The vehicle has been removed ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2020) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 30, 2025
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
After starting my vehicle and placing it into drive, a warning message appeared on the dashboard stating, “Vehicle warning Do not continue to drive,” indicating that the vehicle would be unable to move forward or in reverse. Immediately following the warning, the vehicle lost all ability to move in either direction while other vehicles were approaching, creating a hazardous situation placing... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
Engine oil level drops significantly well before the oil change interval. Vehicle consumes excessive oil without warning lights or leaks. Risk of engine damage or failure if oil level is not closely monitored. Condition discovered during normal use.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
After 2474 miles, the vehicle Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failed in my 2025 Kia EV6 making the vehicle undrivable so it had to be towed to the Kia dealer. The ICCU was replaced under warranty. The failure of the ICCU in Kia, Hyundai and Genesis electric vehicles is fairly common and they have yet to come up with a permanent solution.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
I completed my 70,000 maintenance on my vehicle on Monday. Friday when I got in my car after shopping, the dash light for parking brake kept coming on. When I put it in drive, the engine light, park assist light, collision assist light, and multiple warning lights kept cycling on my car’s screen. I drove back to the dealership and they kept the car from Friday morning until Monday afternoon befo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
When slowing down to a stop but not stopping completely then speeding up to enter another street or an intersection there is a 1-2 second hesitation before the truck reacts and actually moves. This is very scary and dangerous as it can cause an accident with oncoming traffic in certain situations. Toyota knows about this and does not have a fix for this defect.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 29, 2025
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
I bought my 2020 Ford Ranger preowned with around 64k miles on it. After having owned it for about 6 months or so, I started to notice lots of problems with the transmission. After first noticing it, the problems persisted for a couple more months until I finally decided to address it. The problems were very characteristic of transmission slippage, and they got progressively worse week by week, wh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Vehicle has no gears and will not move. Was able to pull into parking lot. Transmission has acted jerky and slipped gears since I bought it.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle vibrated. The contact stated that the vibration increased as the contact decelerated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission parking pawl and the transmission control module had failed. The vehicle was repaired... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
On October 16, 2025, while I was working and driving my vehicle, I experienced a sudden failure after stopping to complete a delivery. When I returned to my car and attempted to shift into drive, the vehicle would not shift gears. I was fortunate this occurred while I was pulled over on the side of the road. The problem was determined to be a failure of the shift cable connecting the shifter to t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
While driving on the freeway at normal highway speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The engine immediately lost power, and the vehicle shut down within seconds. There was no prior warning or opportunity to take corrective action. The vehicle became completely disabled and could not be driven. This occurred late at night with limited traffic, and I was LUCKY to ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 29, 2025
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and was stuck in first gear. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that an unknown internal transmission part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unintendedly shifted to neutral(N) and stalled in the middle of the road. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal, shifted the vehicle to park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was restart the vehicle after 10-15 seconds. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
Ford Consumer Affairs was sent a letter with this information, too. My 2018 F150 truck had issues with the 10 speed transmission. It’s been jumping, skipping gear, down shifting for no reason. Yesterday, 12/28/25, we were returning home from a holiday trip on I-95’s left lane of the highway when the truck down-shifted from 10th gear to around 3rd or 4th gear spiking the RPM to over 5,000 RPM... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while in reverse(R). In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to an independent... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal clanking and rattling noise. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive(D), the vehicle failed respond; however, upon engaging 4-wheel Drive(4WD), the vehicle moved forward at a slow speed. The contact's husband drove the vehicle to an inde... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Front differential diagnosed as failed, needing a full rebuild or replacement by local Ford Dealer. The vehicle now has 70,700 miles, the noise first thought to be a wheel bearing at 60K+ miles. Safety concerns are a possibility of a failure at highway speeds,. I have reviewed similar complaints with fewer miles on similar 2022 Ford f-150 trucks having these component failures.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
Throttle lagging, truck won’t accelerate at low speeds and is very jerky
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at 68 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The message "Shift to Park" was displayed. The contact managed to pull over to the shoulder of the road, where the contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it remained for further investigation. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
I got my 2024 traverse little over a year ago. So far I had bring it in 3 times now first I got oil change and they told me something leaking from back so I went chevy and the transmission was leaken bolts wasn't put in all the way. Also my breaks said they was due I bring back to them they said its a sensor probelm they just turned it off. Now im back again horse is Crack and they said I could co... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Vehicle shudders on acceleration. 2013-2018 vehicles were recalled. 2019 is doing the same thing.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
My transmission went in my 2018 Toyota car and the dealer wants to charge me more than the cars worth. It only lasted until 83000 miles. Many others had the same complaint online and Toyota will not do anything about it. Took it in to the dealer when I was supposed to for maintenance. So frustrating that now I will have to get another car and can't afford it.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
The truck had a horrible shift from 3-5 that makes it hard to even get up to speed correctly and when getting up to around 2.5k-3k rpm it seems to slip makes a loud bang and the catch again and continues to go. It makes the truck annoying to drive and also feels like it’s just going to completely give out one day
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
Problem Description (very important): My 2018 Jeep Wrangler experiences a severe and violent front-end shaking commonly referred to as “death wobble.” This occurs while driving at highway speeds and makes the vehicle difficult to control until I slow down significantly. The shaking feels dangerous and unpredictable and creates a serious safety risk. I transport my children in this vehicle, and... Read more