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: Jun 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, after depressing the accelerator pedal and then attempting to depress the brake pedal to make a left turn, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. An independent mechanic was contacted. The contact pulled over into a church parking lot. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
I own a 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid (VIN XXX). I experienced repeated hybrid system warning lights and high-voltage battery fault codes. I brought the vehicle to Porsche Atlanta Perimeter for a safety inspection. The dealership did NOT perform the required PIWIS Hybrid Battery Test Plan, did NOT check individual cell voltages, and did NOT assess the hybrid battery control unit. Instead, they ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
I own a 2014 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid (VIN XXX). I experienced repeated hybrid system warning lights and high-voltage battery fault codes. I brought the vehicle to Porsche Atlanta Perimeter for a safety inspection. The dealership did NOT perform the required PIWIS Hybrid Battery Test Plan, did NOT check individual cell voltages, and did NOT assess the hybrid battery control unit. Instead, they ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti JX35. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle started vibrating violently. The vehicle resumed normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence while accelerating. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact previously owned a 2017 Toyota Highlander and heard the same whining sound coming from the transmission. The contact stated that when the 2017 Toyota Highlander was taken to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 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 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.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLA 250
(2015) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 14, 2025
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was shifting extremely roughly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission due to the vehicle not receiving a required software update. The contact was informed that the transmission ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 14, 2025
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E070000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was slipping. In addition, while stopped at a light, the transmission hesitated before depressing the accelerator. No warning light wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 14, 2025
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
In March 2025, my 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV experienced a sudden engine failure. The engine began running rough, the check engine light turned on, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive. The Cadillac dealer diagnosed the engine with #8 exhaust push rod bent and metal debris in the engine oil. This matches the defect described in GM Recall N252494000 (connecting rod/crankshaft internal engine def... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The contact leased a 2022 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the AWD warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power. The driver was able to pull over safely. Upon investigation, the contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and stated that the dealer had leased the vehicle with an active recall. The vehicle was taken to ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
Having torque converter replaced in my 2020 with 37,000 miles on it. Transmission stutters/lags at speeds under 40. Seems to be a common issue so wanted to report. Luckily had warranty replacement. Definitely a safety concern as the car delays when you hit the gas before it goes, many times i was nearly in an accident.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2025
COMPONENT FAILURE: Body Control Module causing systematic electrical failures: door locks, power windows, window regulators, four-wheel drive transfer case display. Components intact, available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: Door locks malfunction preventing emergency exit. Power windows fail affecting communication/egress. 4WD display fault (yellow AUTO vs white) indicates transfer case control iss... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward before resuming normal operation. The contact also stated that while driving at moderate speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted before violently jerking fo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
At 155,000 miles transmission shudders and slips gears. Torque, converter went out and started slipping more and whining and making a grinding sound. Transmission had to be completely rebuilt, with all six clutches, and a brand new torque converter had to be installed.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO EV
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 14, 2025
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
See attached document for complaint. I am writing to you about the attached letter from BRP (reference letter dated January 22, 2025 re: Engine Output Shaft Can Break- Potential Loss of Drive Power-NHTSA Campaign ID Number 24V728). My Can-Am Spyder is affected by this issue. As stated in the instructions in the letter, I contacted my local authorized BRP Can-Am dealer to have the repair completed... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Tuesday 11/11 my 2019 Jeep Cherokee was involved in an accident due to the PTU not working properly. In PA we had very poor road conditions due to snow throughout the night into the morning. When making a turn my car slid and hit a curb damaging the front right side of my vehicle. I do believe the safety of myself and others had been put at risk. while no one else was involved in the accident just... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 9, 2022
Transmission has failed at 73,000 miles
Incident date: May 9, 2022
The transmission and engine fails repeatedly. The vehicle repeatedly stalls while accelerating at all speeds, simultaneously, the gear shift lights,dash lights, radio, etc restarts. Issue also happens when shifting gears. Issue happens at every stop light and stop sign, when the vehicle is engaged in ‘auto stop’. The vehicle has been in and out of the repair shop since 2022 for TCM/ECM failu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
As I was parked with the car running, my 2024 Equinox suddenly shut down and the check engine light came on. I tried to start it, but it didn’t. Someone tried to jump the battery, thinking it was that, but it wasn’t. I had it towed to the dealership and after 2 days they said the Fuel Pump Power Control Module needed to be replaced. Unfortunately, GM did not have the part, but the dealership f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: The transmission is slipping or malfunctioning when driving the car, specifically when accelerating. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Answer: When the transmission slips or malfunctions, the acceleration of the car doe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
This vehicle belongs to my friend, but I was the injured party. She was visiting me and realized she forgot her phone,.the vehicle wias at the top of my driveway and in park. She wanted to go back in the house to look and got out of the car & left the door open., I leaned into the car to press stop engine and immediately the car began to roll down the hill, dragging me 50'. Car still in park slamm... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
Was driving for 12 miles, at a stop light. Light turns green, I accelerate, loud collision warning goes off and warning “battery overheated! Pull over safely and leave the vehicle”. Could not pull over safely because the car immediately ceased and locked up, car behind me nearly rear ended me and swerved to avoid. Is this another ICCU unit failure? Car towed to dealership (car has 2056 miles i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
2020 Ford Ranger with transmission and engine (EGR cooler) issues resulting in hard shifting and surges makes it dangerous to drive. Happened on vehicle that was properly cared for and maintained. Issues present on truck that has less than 70k miles.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2017) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 13, 2025
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The slave Cylinder failed causing the clutch to not fully disengage burning out the clutch at only 783 miles on the vehicle. Ford headquarters claims driver misuse, dealership disagrees at such low mileage.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
After less than a year of usage on a Highlander with 70k miles, the transmission began malfunctioning. The reverse function would work sporadically. The gears would shift only when using the power stick function and manually switching gears. The transmission would go into overdrive and once after an oil change the car came to an abrupt stop after traveling 25 mph hour.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
Carr went into limp mode and wouldn’t drive more than approximately 10 mph in traffic. Once I was able to pull over and reset the ignition button, the car seems to be operating normally.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
I would like to report a safety concern with my car having a strong shuddering or vibration, including the steering wheel which I’m unable to move. When this happens RPM remain below 3000 rpm as if the the gears were having trouble changing, the shaking remains while driving in the city at around 25-35 mph and highway speeds at around 65-76 mph. My car was under warranty when this started happen... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), resulting in damage t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Took vehicle to dealership to have recall 19V075 completed. Dealership informed me that Ford motor company will only replace the Multi- Frame part in the transmission that contains the OSS sensor if the vehicle is not older than 10yrs and 150,000 miles. The service advisor at the dealership informed me that if they perform the PCM program update without the mechanical repair being done the intermi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the PTU was the cause of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The local dealer was conta... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
Car stopped working in an intersection then started rolling. Only way to stop was to put emergency brake on. Took to a mechanic and was told it was the ptu. There is a recall with no remedy as of right now since January. I need a vehicle to live. Want company to pay for a rental. Not me paying for it then being reimbursed
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
We experienced premature failure of the rear differential, which was told to us to be a "know defect" by our dealership service department. Ford has been made readily aware of this failure point and potential safety concern-- it is well-documented on the internet, including this NHTSA website, yet fails to issue the proper and appropriate recalls. Consumers are expected to foot the bill for this k... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2025
This report covers 2 events for the same problem. The first occurred in the spring of 2025 and I did not document the date or time. The second one occurred on November 10, 2025 @ about 10:15 a.m. (1) Last spring my wife was driving the Venza up the street to our residence going a slow rate of speed. As she approached the house, she took her foot off on the gas and coasted toward the left curb... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
CAR STARTED MAKING A HUMMING, WHINING TYPE NOISE. I WORK OUT OF TOWN SO WHEN WE WERE ABLE TO GET VEHICLE IN TO DEALERSHIP THEY STATED THAT IT IS THE TRANSMISSION. AND THE COST WAS OVER $10000 TO FIX. THIS IS A 5 YEAR OLD CAR!!! I STILL OWE $7000 ON THE CAR!!! I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY ANOTHER CAR PAYMENT TO KEEP MY CAR GOING!!! I STARTED TO LOOK THINGS UP AND WE TOOK CAR TO A TRANSMISSION PLACE. TH... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
EV battery failure. This is a known issue that Hyundai is refusing to acknowledge is a common problem on their cars.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2018
Purchased a 2020 Audi Q5 sold as-is. Within 30 days, the transmission malfunctioned and the vehicle lost power. A dealer estimated repairs would cost around $27,000. This sudden loss of drive ability poses a safety risk.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 BMW 750E. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the high-voltage system warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle a short distance, and then the drive train warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the warning instructed the contact to contact the local service center. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The dea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
Drogi Biurze Badań nad Wadami NHTSA, składam skargę dotyczącą bezpieczeństwa pojazdu dotyczącą mojego Jeepa Wrangler Sahara 4xe 2024 (VIN: [XXX] ), który został pierwotnie wyprodukowany na rynek amerykański, ale obecnie eksploatowany jest w Unii Europejskiej (Polska). Dowiedziałem się, że na mój pojazd mogą mieć wpływ dwa amerykańskie wycofania bezpieczeństwa wydane przez Stell... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
Component is transmission. Stutter vibrate shift while driving. There is a recall on the 2021 Chevy 1500 Silverado which is exactly the issue we are having from our 2021 Silverado. The VIN for our truck is falling under the current recall. Chevy wants to charge to even diagnose the problem which has to be done with a dealer and not a private place. That is absurd and puts our safety at risk s... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 13, 2025
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
We noticed the "battery" indicator light was lit, so we changed the battery. That addressed the light, but soon it lit up again, followed by an overheated engine warning so we stopped and called for a tow to Puente Hills Jeep. We were informed it was a pulley so it was replaced along with the serpentine belt. Soon after receiving the vehicle, it started smoking, and it appeared it was catching fir... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
Why does a service shifter notes appear on the dashboard of my 2015 Jeep Cherokee latitude? Thank you
Incident date: May 12, 2025
I was starting to accelerate to a higher level of speed onto the highway; 55 mph going up a hill. I was unable to accelerate much as I pushed on the gas, however the RPM's would get higher. while I was at 45 mpg the RPM's were at 3.5. All of sudden my service engine light came on. I knew something was wrong. Turned around took my car back home very slowly, had my husband come look at my car, wh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
This is an update to NHTSA Complaint #XXX with new safety information. My 2017 Tesla Model S (VIN [XXX] ) has a confirmed high-voltage isolation fault. Tesla replaced the rear drive unit under warranty, but Tesla’s own technician notes now state: “There is a risk of isolation alerts reoccurring during regular driving, use of HVAC system, or DC charging.” “Vehicle may power off due to iso... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2017) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 13, 2025
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
Highlighting a materials defect with the rear crankshaft reluctor ring on the 2.8 LWN Duramax, installed in the Army Infantry Squad Vehicle and the 2015-2023 Chevrolet Colorado, from which it is based. When the ring delaminates, due to age, the vehicle engine shuts off and no start, rendered dead lined, as the ECU can no longer "see" the crank position. Requiring the transmission to be removed to... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
All of a sudden, when I would shift the gear to neutral or reverse the car would only drive forward. While there are other recalls related to this issue for other models, there isn’t a recall for this 2022 model. The ford dealership said it needs a new transmission and that would cost around $10,000.