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: May 24, 2026
The transmission shift is abrupt. It’s sometimes lethargic and does not transition smooth at all. There’s a clear issue and seems to get worse.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
Vehicle has an open safety recall (25TD01) for rear traction motor cable corrosion. Corwin Toyota in Boulder, CO was notified in January and failed to order the part. Came in April 14 for the scheduled repair and was told the part was never ordered. It is now May 24 and the recall has still not been completed despite multiple follow-up attempts. Dealership has provided no explanation for the April... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
My 10 speed transmission is not shifting correctly Especially on the expressway, going to cause me to get in an accident
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2017) — POWER TRAIN
May 24, 2026
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
There is a known issue with the transmission in my 2017 Toyota Highlander that causes premature failure. This is noted in a Toyota Customer Support Program Bulletin. The issues symptoms are the same as those my car has: a whining noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination. I have contacted Toyota and explained ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The vehicle has experienced repeated transmission-related failures beginning at approximately 5,000 miles. The dashboard warning “Transmission System Error – Check Transmission Oil Immediately” first appeared while driving and was accompanied by sudden loss of power. When this occurs, the vehicle loses acceleration and drivability while in motion, creating a safety risk in traffic. The only ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Purchased vehicle from Wildcat Used Cars in Somerset, KY on [XXX]. Took home and notified dealership of not having seatbelts in middle row. After having an inspection completed, found the SRS system was disabled, airbags removed, knee airbag just stuffed back in. All cables and components unplugged, fuses missing to cause the system to not load up and show the defect. had resistance from dealershi... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2014 Ford F-150 XLT equipped with the 6R80 transmission. My vehicle previously received Recall 24S37 in 2024 for the known transmission downshift safety defect involving Output Shaft Speed (OSS) sensor signal loss. Despite completion of the recall repair, my vehicle is now exhibiting the same dangerous symptoms associated with the recall condition, incl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
READ BELOW WE HAVE STATED THE SHIFT TO PARK ISSUE ON MOST GMC VEHICLES
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Unexpected hard down shift for no apparent reason at abourt 45-50 mph, hard, jerky up shifting at times, usually in the first few gears
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
May 24, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
All kinds of warning signals come up like 4 wheel drive on, off, roll up and down driver window, no brake pads detected, no washer fluid, service esc, service 4 wheel drive, traction control on and off, radio blacks out, lights dim, feels like rear wheels lock up and release, transmission feels like it's going to shake out of the truck. Dealership sold it like this and was sent back to be fixed an... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
While driving my 2023 BMW i4, the vehicle suddenly displayed multiple drivetrain and chassis malfunction warnings shortly after charging the vehicle at a ChargePoint station. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power/propulsion while driving, creating a serious safety concern. After stopping, the vehicle began rolling backward unexpectedly and several systems appeared to malfunction. The cen... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
I own a 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i with the B58 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine. While driving in Minnesota, the vehicle suddenly displayed an urgent warning stating “oil pressure too low” and instructed me to stop the engine. This occurred while the vehicle was being operated on the road, requiring me to stop driving immediately. The vehicle was later inspected by an authorized BMW dealer. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
My truck transmission changes gears randomly while in motion. It is terrifying when it happens in traffic and the truck stalls and looses power then kicks back in with a loud noise. I stopped driving it since March of 2026.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
Any time the vehicle has been sitting with the engine off and has been given enough time to “cool down”, upon starting the vehicle and switching from PARK to DRIVE, the vehicle will violently lurch forward while attempting to reach 2nd gear. This is dangerous behavior that is not normal for any vehicle. There is clearly something wrong with either the transmission or the way the software commu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
While driving, the engine started to shutter and run rough. Pulled over to check and see if everything was ok. When restarting engine it developed a ticking noise which got worse and worse. We then made an appointment at a transmission specialist to get it serviced. While driving there the engine started experiencing engine failure with loss of power and loud ticking noise. Diagnostic from trans s... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The vehicle keep jerking in and out of gear the issue almost made me crash due to the harsh conditions Took to repair they stated this is a known problem. That is what worries me now
Incident date: May 23, 2026
While driving the car immediately downshifted and I could not accelerate. The Hill assist came on and service advance trac came on. This happened 3 times. The first time we towed it to the dealership April 17th, and they changed the oil and tested the battery secured wires and verified after the repair on April 26th. After we picked the truck up on April 26th it stalled on the highway on the home ... Read more
LINCOLN
CORSAIR PHEV
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
May 23, 2026
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Due to a safety recall for possible battery fires, we have not been able to charge the PHEV for more than a year. This significantly affects the vehicle's mileage and performance and reduces the car's value. •We are unable to use the plug-in charging function for an extended period •We leased the vehicle specifically as a plug-in hybrid •The recall materially reduced the vehicle’s usefulne... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2026
Vehicle experienced unintended transmission gear change without driver input from the gear selector. While driving, the transmission shifted unexpectedly into 4H even though the selector was not touched. This created a safety hazard due to sudden change in vehicle behavior, including: loss of acceleration, lurching and unexpected movement. Issue occurred at approximately 30 mph. Concern is potenti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2020
The transmission is the 10r80 model and shifts erratically. should be recalled and rebuilt. i only have 40k miles but it jerks when shifting from park to reverse or reverse to forward and when driving it struggles to go into the correct gear causing delayed acceleration. i have to drive carefully to prepare in case the shift delay and i also have to take a lot of extra time parking to avoid the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The UB80E (Front-Wheel Drive) transmission had a total failure at only 70,000 miles. The vehicle started to make unusual noises with harsh and delayed shifting. No warning lights or messages were displayed at any time. The mechanic who replaced the transmission stated my trans fluid was burned up possibly due to faulty overheated components and in his experience many Toyota models were suffering ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
I have a 2019 Ford Edge Vin: [XXX] . My torque converter is going out and my warranty company doesn't want to replace because they say it was a pre existing issue. I know there are a lot of people with this same exact problem and I know there is an investigation into the problem. I need to know if there is any way this can be added to the recall list so I don't have to pay for this out of pocket.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
The vehicle experienced a failure of the transmission/CVT transmission system and is available for inspection upon request. Prior to the failure, the vehicle began showing symptoms including hesitation while accelerating, jerking, slipping between gears, and delayed response when pressing the gas pedal beginning around February 2026. Warning indicators and abnormal driving behavior continued leadi... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2026
While driving over the expressway, the engine light came on the vehicle started revving extremely hard but was decreasing speed to less than 20 miles per hour I had to cut on the hazards and coast into s safety lane where I could get off the expressway. I then shifted the car into park cut off the vehicle and cut it back on, the car started up but make loud noises from the engine I was able to coa... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
May 23, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
My 2021 Toyota Highlander makes a whining sound when driving. Took vehicle to dealership and was told it is a $10,000 repair and repair is critical.
Incident date: May 23, 2026
Front transfercase blew on the highway. It just happened randomly with no warning.we were stuck with barely amy signal at 2:30am on the side of the highway in the dark. Rear tires also locked up when we were almost stopped. Were able to push it off the road more with 3 people. Thats why the puddle of oil is behind the car. I know its broken because the housing is split open. didnt hit anything... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
hello my name is [XXX] and I bought this 2014 Ford focus from a private dealer without being told what was wrong with the car for 4100 dollars and since I have had it it's been giving me problems it has a salvaged title.also it sounds like the inside of the hood is gurgling water ,sometimes it won't go in to reverse,it has a hard start the tcm module needs to be replaced and I guess it has someth... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Car loses power and made a loud clunk noise. Warning light said service 4wd. Problem Transfer case needs to be replaced. Happened at 62,000 miles. 2019 Jeep Cherokee ltd with 4x4 and 6 cyl.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Car indicated 12v battery was critically low and that I should stop safely. I was just starting it in a parking lot. This is a classic ICCU failure and the car is up to date on all recall updates. The car requires manual key unlocking for outside access at this point, and the rear hatch is only unlockable using the manual release mechanism which is recessed into the rear hatch and needs the ke... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
A major drivetrain service and repair was completed by an authorized manufacturer dealership. After picking up the vehicle, an unusual front-end/steering noise was immediately reported to the staff. Over just 390 miles of driving, the symptom worsened. A subsequent formal inspection by a separate, independent authorized service center confirmed the root cause of the safety failure: the primary axl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
Vehicle experienced sudden severe loss of motive power consistent with Ford Safety Recall 23S64 (NHTSA Campaign 23V905000). Prior to repair, the vehicle entered limp mode and could not accelerate beyond approximately 30 to 35 MPH. Low oil pressure warning indicators and check engine light illuminated repeatedly. Engine produced abnormal grinding and strained startup noises. Vehicle also experience... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
When stopping for a redlight the 10r80 transmission locks itself into 10th gear. I have taken 7 or 8 actual videos for proof of that. Also when leaving a intersection the transmission runs up to the rev limiter in 1st gear then slams into 2,3,4 and 5th gear. Unfortunately I don’t have that on video because I am already moving when it happens. Also unfortunate for me is I called the local dealers... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
On [XXX] while traveling to NJ, the vehicle displayed "check electrical system" and would not accept a charge. With only 40 miles of range remaining, I drove the vehicle to Jack Daniels KIA. It is STILL at the dealership, and neither the dealer nor KIA Corp has provided a date that the car will be repaired. The dealer told me that it is covered under the 100kmi powertrain warranty, but that KIA co... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
May 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Driving 70mph on the interested, the vehicle put itself in neutral. I pulled over and turned off the engine. I started it back up then it stalled at the next stop light. It would not turn back on. It had to be towed to the dealership. Turns out it was the 6.2 engine recall issue. It has been in the shop for 5 weeks and still waiting on repair parts.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Component failed 1.6L Escoboost engine coolant intrusión into cylinders causing misfire and white exhaust smoke vehicle available for inspection upon request .safety risk:engine misfire and coolant loss cause sudden of power or ingine fire while driving. Recall 17S09 was issude for this exact defect .Ford SSM 46433 states this requires new engine assemby . Problem confirmed multiple repair shops ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Multiple DTC codes on car at 25,120 miles,32,344, 34,324, 47,484, 51,853, 53,521, Consistent Fuel Injector failing under warranty, prior to 60,000 miles and not replaced correctly, as I have had to see dealership 4 times for ineffective fuel injector replacement and consistent problem. First DTC code reading @ 25,120 miles as stated on DTC coding Reports through Hyundai/Bluelink app. SEVERE Fue... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
The contact owns a Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle on the side of a residential road, she attempted to place the shift knob from Drive into Park. At that moment, the vehicle suddenly jolted and accelerated forward independently. The vehicle proceeded through a red light at approximately 20 MPH. The contact attempted to maneuver the vehicle to avoid colliding wi... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
My 2020 Ford Explorer XLT sustained a major transmission failure at 94,574 miles without any warning lights. On a 200 mile trip home from Long Island NY to New Jersey the car began to jerk when changing from highway speed to a complete stop due to traffic. As we slowed down the jerking was more pronounce. When reaccelerating the car again jerked forward and at sporadic times did not respond. ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
May 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The primary failure is in the electronic transmission control system and engine wiring harness assembly, specifically throwing diagnostic trouble codes P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and P0717 (Input Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal). The authorized dealership identified a critical issue with the engine harness chafing, but their subsequent repair attempts have failed to resolve the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
My 2022 MDX purchased new in 2021 experienced an unexpected loss of AWD functionality at 5 years old with 77000 miles when the splines of the transfer case sheared with the transmission. The failure reverted the car to FWD and became very easy to lose traction in anything but ideal road conditions. There were no signs of this failure. No warning lights, no indication on the AWD power distributi... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The ignition coil in my 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited has failed multiple times over the past several years. This recurring issue has caused the vehicle to malfunction unexpectedly, creating safety concerns due to reduced engine performance, mi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
***SAFETY/DANGER*** On April 12th at around 5:30 p.m. my family of five, to include three minor children were returning home from visiting family which live about an hour and a half away and as we're traveling on the freeway at highway speeds, in traffic, our new Tahoe unexpectedly and without warning went into reduced power mode and cut speed down to approximately 35 MPH in active traffic, which... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The contact owns a . The contact stated that while parked when the brake was depressed, press start button, when put in reverse, it says gear is selected, the vehicle stayed in neutral. This happens intermittently. The stop button was pressed, all of the instrument panel warning indicators would not illuminate. When pressing p for parking to engage parking, it appeared as if it was in park; ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2012) — POWER TRAIN
May 22, 2026
Incident date: May 22, 2026
They should be responsible for repairs or replacement of the cheap made frames that rust away so fast so u ain’t gotta worry about your truck fallling apart going down the rd and the lower control arms made of cast that rust from inside out and you don’t know until breaks while driving along with camber adjustments where they can throw alignment out with a single bump. Mostly the frame replace... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
2 speed transaxle harsh/slam engagement. When vehicle is in normal drive mode transaxle will engage/disengage depending on input from driving conditions (turns, slippery roads, heavy throttle input). This engagement is so harsh the vehicle will jump and surge. Condition does not occur if transaxle is fully engaged under "sport, snow, mud, rock modes" where transaxle is always locked in. Vehicle... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
On October 7, 2024, my vehicle was serviced at Coastal Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a front-end rubbing/scrubbing noise that increased with speed. The dealer diagnosed both front hub assemblies as failed and replaced both front hub assemblies. I was charged a total of $2184.41 for the repairs, including parts and labor. In less than two years, I again experienced significant front-end noise and sa... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 25 MPH, the service four-wheel drive warning light illuminated and then the day after the four-wheel drive is no longer working warning message illuminated as well. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The veh... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The vehicle turned off at a red light and would not start up again.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
I bought a 2020 Hyundai Elantra in 2024 with 67k miles on it. After driving 22k miles the check engine light went on and when it was brought in to get it checked the transmission went out. I did not buy a warranty so I understood it would not be covered. The issue I had was it was very hard to get information on the condition of the car that was sold to me. What I found out was that the transmissi... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Formal Consumer Complaint Statement — GM / Crivelli Buick I am filing a formal consumer complaint against Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC and General Motors/Buick regarding what I believe was discriminatory and unfair treatment in connection with a warranty-covered vehicle repair. The customer is [XXX] , owner of a 2017 Buick Encore. The vehicle was serviced by Crivelli Chevrolet Buick GMC in Mt.... Read more