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
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2017) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 4, 2025
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a whining sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that later, while driving the vehicle, there was a clucking sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost power to the rear axle. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who examined the vehicle. After removing the r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
MY 2020 5.3 L GMC AT4 IS EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER WITH BUCKING & STALLING. CYLINDERS ARE NOT ACTIVATING WHEN CALLED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS FLASHING, IT STARTS ROUGH AND MAKES NUMEROUS NOISES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AS WELL AS AT IDLE. SO I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP. OUR MECHANIC FOUND TWO FAILED FUEL INJECTORS AND A FAILED THROTTLE BODY. THEN THE LOUD KNOCKS IN MY BLOCK FAILED ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 4, 2025
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact stated that while shifting the gear shifter, the current gear did not appear on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The "Transmission Fault Service Now" and "Low Temperature Will Reduce Power" messages were displayed on the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
I have a 2020 Infiniti QX60. While driving on the interstate I75 the check engine light came on and the car lost power. This was very dangerous as it could have caused a very serious accident. Had to have car towed to dealership. Was told that the transmission needed to be replaced at a cost of $8,600. This suv has only about 75,000 miles. Upon checking the internet I found that this transmissi... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2019) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 4, 2025
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change and tire rotation, the contact was informed of an unstated fluid leak and that the rear brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to Classic Ford of Madison (6251 N Ridge Rd, Madison, OH 44057); where additional repairs were performed. The dealer test-drove the vehicle and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
While driving my 2022 Ford Ranger, the transmission failed to engage Drive. I started my morning as usual, letting the vehicle warm up and the RPMs settle before leaving my neighborhood. As I pulled onto the main road, the truck began acting strangely—I noticed it wasn’t accelerating normally and felt constant gear shifting without gaining speed. To avoid blocking traffic, I pulled over at a l... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an inspection was performed. The contact was then informed that the recall repair needed to be performed; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer ordered the part. The contact stated that while th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that an ABS message was frequently displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that there was a miscommunication error with the front camera, which caused the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was not a safety issue and was given an estimate for the repair; however, the c... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2006) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 4, 2025
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
I was driving down the highway at 65 mph and went to slow down and I had no brakes. Resulting in me having to go into the ditch to avoid a collision. After I was able to get the truck to slow down and to a stop I inspected my braking system to find all of my brake lines were rusted out and I had ruptured my brake lines. Since the incident I have had to replace all my brake lines and both of my bra... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 4, 2025
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the brakes inadvertently activated after passing a truck on the highway. The contact stated that the vehicle unexpectedly slowed down to 40 MPH. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, there was an abnormal bangi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted three times. 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 and informed the con... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
Hello , I would like to report a failed front differential on my vehicle. This issue was diagnosed by an independent BMW shop and is currently being repaired. Mine made it to 69k miles but many others have had theirs failed before 50k miles. My main goal is to bring light to this issue since it seems to be a design flaw. There's also numerous reports for failed transfer cases since they aren't... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2022
Started having issues with 10R80 transmission at 40k then a complete replacement at 53k, nothing but continued problems, now back at shop a week later for knocking and transmission.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Vehicle suffers from throttle lag when accelerating from a stop. Issue does not occur often enough to reproduce at dealer service center but has almost resulted in an accident multiple times over the past 3.5yrs. No warning lamps or messages when the issue occurs.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Car has 77,593 miles. The oil light came on only at idle. Immediately hauled to dealership and was told it was a faulty pressure switch and not covered by the warranty even though its part of the powertrain and the earlier models had the same problem and were extended. Should I expect every 77,000 miles or so to have to spend $1700? The tech said no because they are replacing the known faulty swit... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
My 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (~132,000 miles) has a serious and unsafe oil consumption problem. I had a full oil change, and only two weeks later the dipstick was completely dry. The vehicle provided no warning lights, no low-oil indication, and the GM Oil Life Monitoring System gave an inaccurate reading, failing to alert me to the critically low oil level. On November 25, 2025, while stopped with ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
My PTU has failed and my safety is at risk as my car could at any point loose power causing harm to me and others involved. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. I am requesting immediate inclusion and repair under the recall provisions
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety and reliability concern with my 2025 Hyundai Tucson. At only about 2,000 miles, I was informed by the Hyundai dealership that the transmission has already failed and needs to be replaced. This vehicle is essentially brand new and should not be experiencing a major powertrain failure so early in its lifespan. The transmission issue has caused significant concern reg... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
Vehicle is 3 years old with 60K miles. Transfer case became defective under normal driving and with regular recommended maintenance. We did not know this occurred until a recent dealership visit for another issue. We do not know how long this has been an issue. When the transfer case malfunctioned, there were no warning lights and vehicle has been only functioning in front-wheel drive (designed to... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2002) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 3, 2025
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
My 2022 Kia Seltos repeatedly stalls and shuts off while driving, including in traffic and at stop signs. The vehicle has also had multiple electrical failures and an emergency brake malfunction. A few weeks ago, October 26th, while going through a Starbucks drive-through, My car completely stopped. I got stuck in the Starbucks line and multiple people had to help me push my car out of the driv... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
my truck won't pick up speed when trying to accelerate. I don't know what it is. I know it's a problem and it's a hazard and accident waiting to happen!!!! Please, fix. I have had nothing but, issues with this Chevy Silverado.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
I was driving today and my truck started making a strange noise(like something was loose). I stop the truck to see what was loose, I found nothing. I got back in the truck driving about 20 mph the truck started making the noise again and the truck started dragging( like it wouldn't go faster). I then stop and pulled in a church parking lot where the truck was not drivable. I was told by a concern ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
I am submitting this complaint to report a significant safety defect in my Lexus vehicle. Without any prior warning or history of mechanical problems, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of engine power while I was merging onto a busy highway. The vehicle rapidly decelerated despite continued acceleration input, forcing me to navigate to the shoulder while surrounding traffic was trav... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 3, 2025
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
On 10/21/2025 as I was traveling on the highway in Kansas at 60 mph, the vehicle lost power and the engine went into limp mode immediately reducing the speed dramatically. Multiple warning lights flashed on the screen. I was able to get the truck to the side of the highway. The vehicle never started again. I was informed by the dealer that the vehicle would need a new engine.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
THIS IS A RECALL REMEDY FAILURE REPORT UNDER 49 U.S.C. §30120. My 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (VIN: [XXX] ) received Recall 24V797000 on June 9, 2025. The ECM update is intended to detect incipient clutch-pressure or gear-ratio deviations—early signs of a developing slip—and automatically force limp mode to prevent rear-wheel lockup. On August 23, 2025, after the recall was performed, the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the transmission system error message displayed. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and turned off, and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to respond. A local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the trans... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
I am reporting a recurring safety defect involving hydraulic lifter failure in Ram trucks equipped with the Cummins diesel engine (model years 2019–2024). This issue is widely acknowledged by Stellantis and multiple dealers. It typically begins with a knocking sound and has been documented in many cases to progress to complete engine failure. My vehicle has fewer than 20,000 miles. The lifters ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Have had jerky shifts and hard down shifts while driving 2021 Ford Expedition. Told dealership and was told it was normal. Then went in for oil change told the dealership about lose of power while shifting and hard shifts they advised to have transmission fluid changed. Not even 3 weeks later while pulling out onto a busy road my vehicles engine revved very high but the transmission never engaged ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Have notice a lot of throttle hesitation when taken off from a stop or after letting off the gas pedal and then hitting it again. A couple times it has made me feel un safe as there was on coming traffic and the truck took a second or to accelerate
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Transmission Hard shifts 1-2 or 2-3 Delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse Shudder at 30–60 mph Slipping under light throttle Clunk when stopping The risk I've described to the dealer is that the hard shifts at stop and go in heavy traffic situations could cause and accident. Yes the issue has been confirmed at the dealer and they replaced the transmission. That did not resolve the issue. It ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
While I was en route to get a recall serviced my Vehicle powered off while I was driving, at a speed of 25mph, out of my neighborhood. The Dashboard instructed me to put the vehicle in park (P), press the brake and the start button to power on the engine. The check engine light remained on and the vehicle started driving real sluggish. I couldn’t get above 10mph. I pulled into a parking lot and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V896000 (Power Train); however, parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was t... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 3, 2025
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
My vehicle is experiencing multiple dangerous electrical and drivetrain failures that occur intermittently and without warning. The issues began the day of purchase purchase and continue to worsen. Documented defects include: Vehicle randomly will not start Vehicle randomly will not turn off Dashboard/electronic systems reset intermittently (gauges go blank or restart, Bluetooth disconnects, w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
I took my vehicle (2017 Honda pilot) to a Honda dealer in Selma, TX to have a pre-road trip checkup. They performed mileage related maintenance and assured me the vehicle was ready for my 2200 mile road trip. 600 miles into the trip, I stopped for gas. As I put the car in park, I received multiple errors on the driver's info panel. "1.Emissions system problem. 2.Transmission system problem. 3.Stop... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 3, 2025
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK AT AROUND 38000 MILES UNTIL NOW AT ~63,000 MILES. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE TRUCK ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION BEING UNPREDICTABLE. AT AROUND 50,000 MILES I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SHIFTING POORLY, NOT SHIFTING INTO GEAR, JUMPING GEARS. THEY LOOKED AT IT, SAID IT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSFER CASE BUT NOT THE TRANSMISSION. THEY REPLACED A C... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
While driving and turning left and right, and while cold and turning It does a grinding/groan noice, and recently while driving it did that, and It started losing speed and the grinding worsening and I was losing control of the vehicle. Putting the vehicle in Auto makes the groan/grind worse.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2022
When trying to accelerate from a stop this truck lags and hesitates to the point of stalling almost when pulling into or crossing traffic. I have been in many near miss collisions due to the hesitation and lack of response. This has been going on since I’ve owned the truck in 22 and the dealership failed to address it or even acknowledge it.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The AWD light came on while the vehicle was in normal operation on October 25, 2025. Two days later, a diagnostic service was done at Bay Ridge Honda (Bay Ridge Honda did not previously worked on my vehicle), and it was determined that the rear differential on my vehicle failed. A differential is quite durable and does not fail easily. The mechanic who performed the diagnostic, stated that it look... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V896000 (Power Train) and 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle jumped and attempted to accelerate unintendedly. Additionally, the contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle revved and then the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact's brother was following the contact and assisted with traffic. The Sheriff’s Department as... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
I was told today, on 12/2/25, by the Toyota dealership that my 2018 Toyota C-HR has a prematurely defective bearing in the transmission, causing a loud noise while driving. This will ultimately cause catastrophic vehicle failure. This is a known issue and needs to be resolved by Toyota. The vehicle only has 118,000 miles on it and has been meticulously maintained. Please help the Toyota C-HR custo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
I would prefer that the vehicle be bought by RAM due to the unsafe issues ie . (the vehicle stopped at a all of the sudden while driving ,the emergency brake activated while driving, the transmission gave out and would not accelerate while driving on the highway, my wife and I could have been killed.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
Transmission failed, Ford diagnosed it as needing the torque converter replaced, however, after this was fixed at a transmission shop, the problem persisted and that mechanic said the transmission needs to be rebuilt. My safety was out at risk when my vehicle stalled at an intersection and would not accelerate. Also, on two occasions, when the vehicle was put into reverse, it jerked forward and ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Whining noise coming from transmission recall for certain CVT transmissions and Dealer advised that my VIN does not match
Incident date: Mar 3, 2019
While driving 4WD warning light appeared on dash display. I pulled over shortly after and checked for obvious clues such as leaking oil, loose belts and burning smells, nothing to be found. Currently, I was advised not to drive this vehicle due to causing additional damage or breakdown. I am still waiting for the part to be delivered so this could be repaired.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 3, 2025
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
I am filing a complaint because my 2022 high country Chevrolet Silverado truck has experienced multiple dangerou transmission failures 4all occurring while driving resulting in complete loss of power sudden stalling in traffic placing everyone in danger.This vehicle has malfunction repeatedly since just day 10 after purchase date and each breakdown has been transmission related occurring suddenly ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
At approximately 33,188 miles, an “AWD System Problem” warning appeared on the instrument cluster of my 2019 Honda CR‑V AWD. Darrell Waltrip Honda in Nashville, TN scanned the vehicle and retrieved DTC C1851‑1E, which indicates a rear differential pump motor high‑current fault. The dealer misinterpreted this code and advised that the AWD control unit (Part No. 48310‑5TG‑H52) needed r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The transmission is shuttering and jerking, had it diagnosed and was told that the torque converter is going out with only 137,000 miles on my 2019 GMC Acadia
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
When accelerating from a low speed (under 15mpg) there is significant throttle lag causing risk of accident