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 9, 2025
The car went into limp mode while I was on the highway. The car said reducing engine power and then I couldn't go the speed limit I had to drive well under the speed limit and pull off the road as soon as possible. I brought it home and water came pouring out the intercooler after looking online. I found out this is a known issue for this vehicle.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Drove down the highway, took an exit, came to a red-light, turns green, press the gas car won't move for about 2-4 seconds then jumps into gear and stays stuck in first...look up the problem see there was a recall for the Transmission on the year and model but only some of them.
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQS 580
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 10, 2025
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
The vehicle was driving and suddenly lost power, and started driving very slowly, almost causing an accident on the road. I checked for recalls and other vehicles like mine with the same years that have a recall about this issue, where a high-voltage battery shuts down, also, the back seat buckle does not work to buckle my kids
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, and it was stated that parts were available; however, the day of the appointment, parts w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
The vehicle cannot pick up speed, and it is displaying the DTC- P1C2D03. This is similar to the issues that led to "Safety Recall 236 to repair a condition involving the 8-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) system" in earlier model years (till 2022) for certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles. NHTSA should issue a recall for 2023 model years also as Hyundai has not addressed this issue to the fullest e... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 10, 2025
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
While driving at highway speeds, multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard at the same time, including engine and powertrain warnings. The vehicle suddenly began operating abnormally, with loss of power and unstable driving behavior, making it unsafe to continue driving. This same issue has occurred multiple times previously and the vehicle has been taken to an authorized Chevrolet dea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
The 10 speed transmission suddenly jerks and briefly loses power at approximately 30mph and at or about at 5th gear. This happens during acceleration and deceleration This can lead to a dangerous situation where I could be hit from behind with sudden loss of power or not being able to get out of the way of an oncoming vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to properly shift gears. The check engine and power train warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
I purchased a 2017 F150 in March of 25’. Miraculously no issue started until approx 4000 miles after the purchase. The dealer warranty was good for 3500. In the months that preceded issue after issue began to arise. First and least important in my personal opinion. I get in my truck to head to work and my sliding back glass is laying in backseat, completely intact with the track it slides on. On... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the transmission was failing and was slipping between 3rd and 4th gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the torque converter was also failing. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was an abnormally sharp chirping metal-on-metal and a rumbling sound coming from the vehicle while accelerating. There were no warning light... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2022
At 130,000 the torque converter went and now I need a costly transmission repair, the days of Toyota reliability are long gone
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
CVT transmission went out at about 101,000, and is currently sitting in my yard.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 10, 2025
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Back in 7/2025, I was going to a Dr appt in Chandler, Az. When I arrived in Maricopa, Az, my truck stalled at the first stop light and would not start. I went over Kraegan Auto parts and bought a battery. After about 10 days, I was having to jump start my truck for the next few days. I took the battery back and they realized that it wasn’t the battery my truck called for. So, now I have the cor... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
My Volvo S60 has developed excessive oil consumption consistent with the condition described in Volvo’s “Engine Oil Consumption” extended-warranty notice. I only received this notice after my vehicle had already passed the 8-year/100,000-mile eligibility period, preventing me from accessing the program intended for this defect. I visited an authorized Volvo dealer regarding the oil-consumpti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
Vehicle experienced whining noise when decelerating. Toyota dealer service technician documented the noise as coming from the transmission due to an issue with the pinion shafts. Our safety was put at risk by a potential for the transmission no longer working when driving. There were no warning lamps, messages, etc. prior to the failure. The failure occurred around 136,000 miles. All recommended s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
Clicking/rubbing noise when turning slowly. Rear differential issue diagnosed by dealer.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
My 2022 Ram 1500 TRX has recurring safety-related failures of the infotainment system affecting both Uconnect 5 (12” screen) and earlier Uconnect 4 units. These issues are widespread in 2021–2024 Ram TRX and Ram 1500 models and began or worsened after forced over-the-air updates. The primary defect is black-screen failures while driving. When the screen goes black or freezes, the truck loses ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
Driving on highway 26 at 70 miles in Newberry, SC, the truck hesitated and cut of stalled, was able to get it of the road before it died, push the button to try to start, Engine light came on and dashboard went out, steam coming from the hood, got the children out of the car, on the side of the road, open the hood, fluid everywhere, with no warning lights, truck ran hot, and messed the engine up i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
The vehicle is relatively new 2019 and mileage is low 45000 car was humming for no reason for a day or two and its well maintained, today at busy thoroughfare it stalled at intersection of ave u and another street and was behaving erratically due to know manufacture defect of Toyota Transmission UA80E/F that causes sudden stall and thank god have. I stalled on highway it would have been a catastro... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
AWD lock engaged but not functioning and no error lights indicating the such. This made the vehicle slip aggressively on lightly snowed roads. Once parked it needed to be winched out as only the front wheels spun, not engaging the rear tires.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
So I was driving to work one morning and I pulled into the parking lot, put my car in park and a few mins after I get a message/ alert on my dash saying “service shifter”…. Indicating It’s the p1c86-1D, an electrical issue with the shifter display circuit. I took it to the dealership I bought it from (Della Chevrolet) they did a diagnosis. They said I needed to replace the whole shifter an... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2016) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked unexpectedly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated tha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
My vehicle was sent to the Kia dealership for service after a front-end collision there was minor body damage however the car wouldn't move so long story short a modular had to be replaced on the transmission there was multiple issues trying to program it I was told there was an issue with my computer they had to reach out to Kia manufacturer for help. I received my car back and while it was there... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
The CDF drum bushing slipped, which seems to be a constant problem on the F150's, causing my truck transmission to fail while on the freeway. Looking online, several of these instances have occurred to other truck owners. The cost to repair this is astronomical and if Ford has been aware of the problem for so long, they should have recalled the trucks and fixed the problem.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
On multiple occasions, when I accelerate — even lightly — the transmission of my 2019 Toyota Camry emits a persistent whining noise. The noise appears as I press the accelerator and increases in pitch and volume as I continue accelerating. As soon as I ease off the accelerator, the whining stops immediately. This behavior happens during normal driving — not under extreme conditions or aggres... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
Vehicle experiences sudden and dangerous loss of power while driving, including hesitation during acceleration, consistent with connecting-rod bearing failure risk known in this model’s GDI engine. Dealer estimate found timing and oil-flow component failures connected to internal engine damage. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and stalls/lacks power unexpectedly, creating a high risk of crash.”
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
Both right and left axel have loud clicking when turning. Part difficult to obtain at dealership.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300 4MATIC
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Driving and something came from underneath the vehicle and cause me to swerve in all the airbags deployed
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
the transmission has been slipping for a month . I consulted with a Toyota dealer and they said the fluid was "lifetime." then without any check engine warning the Auto brake system, other systems tied to torque converter failed and check engine light came on ..... then Toyota Tustin CA performed a diagnostic test and declared car needed a replacement transmission at just 88k miles --suburban... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) and 25V732000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal before the transm... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon shifting to reverse and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and jerked while responding. The contact stated that upon shifting to drive(D), the failure recurred, and the vehicle rolled backwards unintendedly. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to move forward while in drive(D) after several at... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
Attempted to shift out 4-wheel high back into 2-wheel drive. On the dashboard, both 4 wheel high and 4-wheel low were flashing yellow/orange. Put truck into park to clear, nothing continued to flash. Put truck into neutral, nothing continued to flash 4 high and 4 low. Turned the truck engine completely off and started again. Both 4 high and 4 low continued flashy. Put truck into drive, 4 low and 4... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
Description of the Problem: My 2018 Kia Soul has a recurring and unresolved safety issue involving sudden loss of power while driving. The check-engine light repeatedly comes on, and at times the vehicle will hesitate or lose acceleration unexpectedly, creating a risk of being unable to maintain speed in traffic. Chronology: This issue has been occurring for over a year. I have taken the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
While driving my 2021 Audi Q5, the vehicle experienced a sudden transmission disengagement without warning. The vehicle behaved as if it had shifted into neutral while in motion. When this occurred, pressing the accelerator produced no response — the engine would not rev and the vehicle would not accelerate. This created a serious safety risk as it occurred during normal driving conditions and c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
Vehicle: 2018 Toyota C-HR (Base Model) Issue: CVT Transmission Failure I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious defect in the CVT transmission of my 2018 Toyota C-HR. After owning it less than 2 years, the vehicle developed transmission problems that rendered it unsafe and ultimately undrivable. Multiple mechanics, including a dealership and a transmission specialist, confirmed the issue... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I had the OSS software recall completed a few months ago. Software fix is suppose to prevent automatic downshifting to 1st gear when traveling in higher gears. I am now having slipping/engine shudder when accelerating in higher gears. More than likely the lead frame will need to be replaced and my independent mechanic has said this should have been the fix initially, not just a software update. (S... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
I'm vehicle has experience both active recalls for similar model year but my VIN isn't listed as been one that is covered by the call. 25V274000 and 21V739000.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the engine started revving, and the RPM was redlined. The vehicle then lost power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and shifted into park(P), but the vehicle continued to coast. The contact turned off the vehicle an... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
I am experiencing an ongoing issue since the truck was new: the engine hesitates upon acceleration at any speed. When stopped this lag in throttle response makes it difficult to navigate in heavy or unpredictable traffic as the vehicle does not response to the pedal instantly and making intentional sudden speed changes is all but impossible to do safely. Depressing the pedal heavy to try and haste... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
On June 27, 2025, while driving, the vehicle displayed a "Propulsion Power Reduced" warning message and a Check Engine Light illuminated. I immediately experienced a loss of power. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Chevrolet dealer the same day. On July 1, 2025, the dealer diagnosed the failure as a faulty Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) and high-voltage system fault (Code P1E00), requi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
RAM does over the air software updates. An update they did early summer 2025 was likely for the RAM RHO and not the TRX. A lot of features changed to RHO graphics and the U Connect 5 system became unstable and would not load properly. While in this state, the ability to select vehicle functions was not possible. (Radio, suspension selections and modes, air conditioning etc.) Attempting a reset pr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A3. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH for a 50-mile trip, the message "Transmission Failure" displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The transmission then inadvertently switched from automatic to manual transmission mode and became stuck in second gear. Additionally, the vehicle jerked and decelerated to 35 MPH while driving. The contact a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE WHINING FROM 35MPH-45MPH ACCELERATION. Needs to be replaced this is the third vehicle this week the dealership said had the same issue.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter was shifted into reverse, and the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. In addition, the contact was adv... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
I purchased a 2019 Ford Edge in October of 2023. In the winter/spring of 2025, the vehicle developed an acceleration stuttering issue. Without being fully aware of the issue, I tried a variety of fixes. Fuel injection cleaners were the main attempt at a simple fix. Shortly thereafter, the cars gave an alert for a "evap" issue. I thought this may be the problem, so I scheduled a fix with my local d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware of coolant leaking from the front of the vehicle near the transmission, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact retrieved DTC: P0016. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 9, 2025
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Transmission failure. Noticed whining when driving, took to local Toyota dealership and they diagnosed transmission failure. They quoted $12,000 for transmission replacement and confirmed that this is a known issue with certain years/models of Toyota Highlander. Ours is a 2020.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
While driving my 2016 Hyundai Veloster (VIN: [XXX] ) on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration. I went from 60 mph down to 20 mph with no throttle response, and the car only continued moving briefly from momentum. I was forced to stop in unsafe highway conditions and had the vehicle towed home. Prior to this complete failure, the car had recurring transmission/drive issues: it would s... Read more