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 13, 2026
I am the only owner of this vehicle and it has 114,000 miles At 90,000 miles i had to replace the transmission and now, its at the dealer due to turbo leaking oil internally and externally AND coolant intrusion. These issues are commonly known and the coolant intrusion is from a design flaw. Why is this engine not included with the recall for the very same issue on other ford ecoboost engines
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Torque Converter and Transmission failed just outside of the powetrain mileage limit. The compenents were replaced in January 2026 and have failed again as of May 2026. Ford is of no assistance to the customer for the failure.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2020) — POWER TRAIN
May 21, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The vehicle recently began making a whining noise when the gas pedal is pressed that is consistent with premature failure of the transmission. I took it to my local dealership and they recommended replacing the transmission and limiting usage of the vehicle to short trips until that is done because the transmission could fail while driving which would result in loss of power to the wheels which ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move when placed in reverse(R). In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would suddenly downshift to first gear as the wrench (transmission) warning light would appear on on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was a transmission failure. The contact then received ... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the powertrain warning light illuminated unexpectedly. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) — POWER TRAIN
May 21, 2026
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Vehicle experiences repeated harsh shifting, hesitation, sudden downshifts, hard downshifts with engine redlining, and loss of acceleration during normal driving. Transmission intermittently jerks violently between gears and hesitates when pulling into traffic or merging onto the highway, creating a serious safety concern. I have experienced multiple near collisions due to the vehicle hesitating o... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
2016 Kia Sorento 2.4 mileage 75,500 (just out of warranty as of Jan 2026), vehicle is having transmission issue, hard shifting/jerking from1st gear to 2nd gear on first cold start-up of the day. No warning lamps on. Took into Kia to have the transmission serviced, cost $462, did not solve the issues. Kia paperwork upon completion of service paperwork stated "No further action required, Transmissio... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to release from low gear while at a stop. The transmission was backed up. The engine light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there were no recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 213,766.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds the transmission had erroneously downshift causing the vehicle abruptly reduce speeds. After pulling over and switching the transmission to park and back to the drive position the vehicle operated as normal. During the failure no warning lights or messages had displayed. The vehicle was taken to the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The vehicle began showing serious safety related symptoms before the engine failed. These included engine knocking, repeated sensor failures, the speedometer and odometer blacking out while driving, the navigation screen going dark, and the entire instrument cluster malfunctioning. These issues caused loss of speed information, loss of vehicle status, and loss of navigation visibility, creating un... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Driving down a two lane road without any cruise control on the truck suddenly speeds up to almost 90mph with out pressing on throttle had hold brake down engine rpms were in the red shut truck off for it to finally go back to normal
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Transmission, 6 speed, drops into 2nd gear locks up rear wheels. I was driving at highway speeds and the rear wheels locked up. My van skidded into another lane and almost caused an accident. My van has been down shifting for years but the rear wheels have never locked up. I shifted into neutral quickly to avoid an accident. I do not understand why this vehicle is not included in the recall. Ford... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Front Differential input bearing failure. Sudden jerking that almost causes loss of control. This poses a safety risk. This seems to be a know problem for the 2020 BMW X5 M50i No warning lights and I did not experience hearing any sounds as other have reported.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Car went into limp mode far from home. Lots of lights on the dash lit up. I scanned the OBD and it came back with code P271E to replace the automatic transmission assembly. This was confirmed by a transmission repair shop. This is a known issue by Honda and they have issued service bulletins 21-046 and 21-047. However, my vehicle is outside of the warranty extension and they will not provide ass... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The issue I’m having is the transmission/engine when it comes to the hesitation for stopping and either slowing down or just a rolling stop. Sometime I would feel like I need to precisely control the brake pedal in order to go smooth stop, but no. It feels like it’s ’jumping’ in mini burst. I have the hybrid engine of the V35A-FTS. I did check for recalls but nothing found but found a TSB ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Premature engine fail. Excessive oil consumption due to piston ring failure. Maintenance has been done on car on regular basis. No check engine light. Carson was services at dealership 4 months ago.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
This is the third Check Engine, Drive train malfunction, Power Supply error messages popped up. Dealership replaced the battery at the first visit, replaced the starter at the second visit. Error messages appeared one week after the second visit to the dealership.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) — POWER TRAIN
May 20, 2026
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
I had been driving my truck for multiple days, after a knocking sound suddenly started from under the hood. It was evident at any speed that wasn't idle. There were no check engine lights displayed on the dash. The sound was annoying enough that I took it in. According to the dealer technician, the transmission pump "completely detached" and was "rolling around inside the transmission." They found... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
My 2019 F150 3.5 ecooboost with the (10R80) transmission is unsafe to drive. The vehicle only has 66,000 miles and it is experiencing very serious transmission problems. I will lead off with the most dangerous safety issue. The 10R80 transmission will shift unexpectedly while traveling around 50 mph from 9th gear to 1st gear without actually engaging 1st gear, but simply becoming unresponsive on a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The Contact owns a 2023 NISSAN Rogue. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed he stated he lost a motive of power, causing the vehicle to be towed due to not having power. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed to have an issue with the fuel system. The contact stated the vehicle had been to a dealer on multiple occasions. The contact referenced that ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
My vehicle started having stuttering/shifting issues back in August 2025, I was advised the vehicle did not need new engine but upgraded oil. I continued to have the issues and have continued to bring back to dealer for constant software updates - cannot duplicate issue meanwhile the stop sale order was issued and I was not advised. The vehicle then experienced very hard jerking- stall- that lead... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Check engine light on with Powertrain Malfunction / REduced Power notification on myford pass app. Scanned with OBD scanner and it has code P0929
Incident date: May 6, 2026
I drive a 2021 Acura TLX 2.0 L turbo 4 cylinder. I was driving to work on [XXX] on a busy street in Boyle Heights, Ca. When all of sudden I get a warning indicator “engine temp is high do not drive”. Pulled over immediately. Good thing I was in the far right lane and was able to pull over and not stall or get rear ended by another vehicle behind me. There were no warning, symptoms and indicato... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
On [XXX] ~[XXX] PM, at highway speed on [XXX] eastbound near Frisco, CO (a mountain interstate), returning to Denver from Salt Lake City, my 2021 Subaru Crosstrek suddenly and without warning dropped into reduced-power limp mode and began lurching and shaking while the engine kept running. I lost the ability to accelerate or maintain speed. At the same moment the check engine light came on and mul... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the 4-wheel drive warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transfer case and actuator had failed. The contact was unaware whether the components needed to be repaire... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Confirmed transfer case broken by independent auto technician., No warning lamps detected
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Transmission stalling, hesitating, affecting engine performance and rpm's. broke down on highway. We replaced the transmission, now it's doing a similar problem and the mechanic says the engine is failing, cylinders issues. I've read up it's happening to many of the same year make and model. I spent 7k on a new transmission. Now a new engine??? ...frustrating! Please help
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
CV Axle broke without warning. Minimal safety risk, had to push the car across traffic to a parking lot. Had the vehicle towed to independent garage for repair.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
The vehicle is completely grounded and unsafe to operate due to a severe transmission defect covered under active Safety Recall 26S28 (NHTSA Campaign 26V237). The molded lead frame and Transmission Range Sensor inside the 6-speed (6R80) power train system are failing due to degradation from thermal cycling and vibration. This creates an immediate highway safety hazard where the vehicle is at risk ... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
When trying to accelerate on interstate drive train light and I have to pull over turn off car on interstate then start again to keep out of limping mode also when backing up car stalls jumps and makes a grinding noise need a remedy
Incident date: May 16, 2026
The connecting rod bearing in cylinder one broke causing catastrophic engine failure. It has been inspected by a Honda dealer. The check engine light started flashing after the rod broke making me lose power in the vehicle at an intersection.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
May 20, 2026
Incident date: May 17, 2026
Check engine light illuminated with service transmission. The next day transmission started slipping and finally would not engage in reverse. Dealership Has it now and after diagnosis they advised that they had replaced the electronic control module to which, on the test drive, the gauge cluster blacked out and they got more codes. The cpdes that the vehical threw were the transmission valve body... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
Owner was driving at highway speeds and the vehicle experienced multiple sudden stops. After consulting with the GMC certified repair facility, the control valve body of the transmission was determined to be faulty and replaced. As a result of the sudden stop at highway speeds, the owner experienced a torn rotator cuff and could have been involved in a serious motor vehicle crash.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 RAM 1500. The contact stated while driving his vehicle in bumper to bumper traffic, the gear shift would place itself in park while moving causing him to put it in drive back and forth. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on multiple occasions but have not received a diagnosis at this time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The fail... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
When driving transmission has issues in low gears specificially when starting from a stop and accelerating, often shifts very hard, or shifts into neutral and engine just revs. Very unsafe in all aspects as normal accelration does not take place. I have taken it to my local mechanic who advised that this is just how these transmissions are, and my next step will be to take it to FORD directly. ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
I was driving on the highway and the transmission gave completely out!! with no warning! No check engine light no error message. Car only has 160000 miles on it, if i wasn't calm as I was that could've been lethal!!!!
Incident date: May 6, 2026
96,247 mi Engine knock and complete oil loss within 3,000 miles of last oil change Symptoms consistent with NHTSA Recall 21V301 (Hyundai Recall 203) and Warranty Extension TXXM coverage
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 FORD F-150. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle down shifts suddenly when attempting to accelerate, causing a resistance and slowing down on it's own. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: (26V237000 (POWER TRAIN) however, The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notifi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle several warning messages and lights had illuminated which included a flashing shifter light and on occasions the vehicle would not immediately start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a software update. After retrieving the vehicle the vehicle experienced additional electrical failures inc... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
The manufacturer's mandatory 73B Safety Recall update (Vehicle Fires) creates a critical software-induced communication failure on the central vehicle network. Following the 73B flash, the vehicle developed an Active SGW U0001-00 CAN C Bus network fault, which permanently blocks data transmission and triggers an HCP U0412 hybrid battery fault. This network crash disables the hybrid propulsion syst... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
Torque Converter fails causing transmission to be replaced. No engine light.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The gear shifter cable became detached from it’s mount located under the air filter in the engine bay and stranded the driver at a gas station after she turned off the vehicle until she was able to use the gear release to shift the car into neutral and start the car. After arriving to her destination the vehicle would not shift into park or reverse even with use of the gear release. This can put... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle lost motive power in low gears while accelerating. There was a slight shudder. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering and shaking every 30 seconds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where unknown repairs were conducted under the EVAP warranty. The ve... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
wHILE PROCEEDING ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY THE TRUCK AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTED FROM 1ST GEAR TO 7TH GEAR RENDERING IT SO SLUGGISH IT WOULDNT BARLEY MOVE FORWARD LEAVING IN THE MIDDLE OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS HAS OCCURED MORE THAN ONCE AND IM NOW NOT USING THE TRUCK.
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that due to the failure, the vehicle failed to shift into 6th gear. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the parts required for the re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I've had my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 since July 2023 with zero issues until my service 4WD light came on in December 2025. It went off immediately, but I let my mechanic look at it & he couldn't find anything. It continued this way until early April 2026, the light came on but always went off right away. I was driving home from my grandsons' house (about 1.5 miles) & half way home, there was... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
My 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is currently immobile due to an active safety recall involving vehicle movement/park functionality concerns, and loss of power. Prior to the recall being issued, one certified Jeep dealership inspected the vehicle regarding the concern - with no resolution. Since the recall has now been formally issued, I have attempted to contact both that dealership and the cert... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000(POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
Car lost power while in motion at 60mph, no warning lights or notifications on ford pass. After pulling off road car would only crank but never start. Fluids were leaking from undercarriage near transmission, but unsure what fluid it was.