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: Apr 29, 2025
The coolant system on my 2022 Genesis GV70 has repeatedly failed despite multiple repairs. On April 2, Greenway Genesis diagnosed a coolant leak and replaced several components. The problem returned, and I brought the vehicle back on April 29 because the coolant appeared low again and the engine sounded louder than before. On October 25, Holler Hyundai confirmed another coolant leak, this time inv... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE XL
(2019) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 3, 2025
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
Two bolts flew out of the CCVT system, blowing a hole in the valve cover and destroying all the timing components. Because of the issue, all oil spilled from the car. The other two bolts in the system were bent as well. I was driving the vehicle when this happened and could’ve been seriously hurt. I now need a new engine.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
On Acceleration from a stop at approx. 35 miles per hour the rear wheels locked up causing the vehicle to come to an abrupt screeching stop. Almost rear ended by other vehicles causing great concern for safety. According to Ford the codes that kicked off are transmission shift solenoids. This is the second time this happened, fist time was backing out of a driveway, no codes and could not detec... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Ford F150 2.7L Ecoboost was running fine. Went to dealer for PCM recall and 3 days later check engine light came on. Went back to the dealer and they say I have a PO430 code now and that I need a catalytic converter at the tune of $3000. Of course I am 8000 miles over the factory warranty of 80000 miles and the extended warranty I bought does not cover it. Seems not right. Is the any help with thi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
2018 Mazda CX-5, 2.5L NA Has been diagnosed with leak in the cylinder head cover, which has resulted in engine oil leaking directly onto the exhaust manifold. This leak produces significant smoke and a strong burning oil smell while the vehicle is running. There are numerous reports on Mazda owner forums describing the same issue occurring in Mazda CX-5 models. Some owners even reported instances... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The truck I bought last November 2024..was running kinda bad.. by may of 2025 the tranmission was stalling I call the dealership..and explain my problem. I was told that someone would call me back but that never happened...July of 2025 the car was running hot I had my service work done oil change..tune up..so by August I had to use a jump box to start the vehicle..come September 2025 the truck was... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
1st gear to 2nd gear are slipping
Incident date: Nov 3, 2021
The 4 wheel drive light would come on and off then it stayed on so I took it to a Jeep dealership and paid for an OBD scan it showed the Power Train Unit (PTU) and I had my car put on OBD scan again and found out the Throttle Position sensor (TPS) also is in need of replacement after I was entering the highway my gas pedal did not accelerate and I was lucky to be able to downshift into manual and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
Transmission experiences shuddering while accelerating. Impact on driving performance which is a safety issue. Problem has been confirmed by the dealer. No warning lights are present during this problem.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
When’s he start and you get gas it won turn off but don’t do it , and whend I hit a jump and I tuning he shake it wild
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
The car started making whining noises when pressing the gas pedal. Toyota reported "noise from transaxle final drive. recommend replace. vehicle ok to drive but noise will continue until transaxle is replaced." There are no warning lights, messages or other symptoms prior to the sound starting or currently. This is a known issue with its 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80E/UA80F) that can cause... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
I have taken my truck to two seperate ford dealerships. Both acknowledging something strange on the transmission with the hesitations, the jerkiness and the hard shifting that happens. The first replaced the trans fluid and the filter. The second dealer replaced the valve body. During the 5th visit. They had me drive around their foreman to show him the problems. While he did feel the jerkiness a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact works for a company that owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while his boss was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a station. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front trans-axle had disintegrated, causing the shaft to pinch and t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
Transmission will not shift into gear. No recall on this and dealers option is for service and repair. Transmission was serviced and problem shifting still continues. I have received alerts from Ford Pass App indicating Powertrain Malfunction/ Reduced Power — What Is Happening? The transmission control module has detected a concern when trying to shift to 7th gear. A failsafe logic disables 7th ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
My car has a vibration, I went to the dealer after one week of buying it, they first told me it has a learning transmission and after it learns how I drive it will go away. I later found out there is not such thing, the vibration at first was at slow speeds 30 t0 40 mph. I made a complaint to gm and the dealer, the dealer felt the vibration but could find what was the cause and said gm has to rec... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and hauling a boat, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into second gear. The contact stated that the drive mode indicator light flashed red, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving downhill, and the contact pulled ov... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
My oil pump went out causing Low pressure codes and resulting in me paying over 2 grand to get it repaired, They super seeded the oil pump they used to use with a new one and theirs many other reports online etc of the 2020 bmw m340 oil pump going out due to plastic internals which can lead to engine failure .
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
The component that failed was the CDF Clutch Hub. Very hard shifting when accelerating from a stop and when going up hill. The problem has been confirmed by the Ford dealership. I had no warning prior to this happening. Safety concerns in that I could not accelerate quickly to avoid impending traffic.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139.
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2013) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 3, 2025
Incident date: Dec 16, 2020
Transmission has been clunking/shifting hard and occasionally slipping out of gear. Recently it slipped out of gear while turning through a busy intersection. My truck lost acceleration momentarily which could have caused the vehicle behind me to rear-end me or crossing traffic to hit me. Apparently there are WIDESPREAD issues with Ford's 10R80 transmission. I took my truck in to be inspected ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
When accelerating car shuddered between 15- 30mph and then sometimes between 40 and 55mph. Also, issues with vehicle alert "shift to park" when vehicle is in park.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2003) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 3, 2025
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
Buying a used vehicle checking on issues
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
On the highway, the vehicle would not accelerate and was losing speed even though the gas pedal was fully depressed. Initially, the vehicle was in ECO drive mode, traveling approximately 65 mph and the steering wheel paddle to toggle the regenerative breaking between levels 1-3 prior to getting onto the highway. The vehicle speed dropped from ~75mph into the low 50mph range on the highway and was... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Vehicle acts like it’s going to die. No maintenance lights well maintained. Rattle noise and acts like it’s misfiring. Went to turn at traffic light and almost got into a wreck due to no horse power. This has been happening since less than 40,000 miles but car dealership keeps saying “nothing is wrong” because there isn’t a warning light on! It’s getting worse!
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
While driving 50mhp the vehicle sounded like it was stalling. Couldn't speed up. Svc 4wd and stop/ start system unavailable. There should be a recall to repair but the dealer has no solution or parts. Need solution asap
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
This is a supplemental complaint to NHTSA ID #11604939. On October 25, 2025, Passport Nissan in Alexandria, Virginia diagnosed my 2016 Nissan Rogue with fault code P17F1, which indicates a known CVT transmission failure. The technician documented drivability issues including hesitation, slipping, and pulsing during acceleration. The diagnostic sheet recommended full CVT replacement. The dealership... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
We were parked on a slight incline loading items onto a carrier onto the back of the vehicle. We heard the electronic brake release and the vehicle started to roll backwards down the hill towards us. My husband jumped in the driver's seat and slammed on the brake pedal. He confirmed that the vehicle was still in park.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C250
(2013) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 2, 2025
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
The vehicle was represented to me as safe to drive, with no major mechanical issues, and that it would pass emissions after only a simple minor fix. After I took possession, the check engine light came on. The car began running rough and showing hesitation. A scan immediately showed a camshaft position sensor fault, cylinder misfire, lean fuel condition, and oxygen sensor/emissions faults. I was a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
2020 Ford Expedition FX4. Towing a four wheeler and motorcycle on the expressway. The suv was in tow / haul mode and on cruise. The car downshifted to go up a incline and made a booming noise and then composed its self. Shortly after, I tried to pass a car, and the trans downshifted, made a couple of loud clunks, shuddered, lost all power. After a couple terrifying seconds it composed itself, foun... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2025
4WD disabled, service required light came on. After taking my jeep in for inspection I was told I need a new Transfer Case
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
I own a 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy with approximately 114,000 miles. The transmission had to be replaced at around 98,000 miles. Recently, before my next scheduled oil change (I had about 1,000 miles left), my vehicle suddenly began making a loud knocking noise and lost power. The dealer informed me that the engine may have blown. There were no warning lights, oil indicators, or overheatin... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 2, 2025
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
Transmission fluid mixing with coolant in radiator!
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 2, 2025
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
My wife was driving at highway speeds with all are kids when the trucks motor suddenly loss all power all check engine lights illuminated and what I'm assuming had major engine failure causing rod knock.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2018) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 2, 2025
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
The transmission is going bad which makes it dangerous to drive. Had it 2 days and I check my FIXD module and found code. Took to where I purchased it and the drained cvt fluid and now makes a whinning sound and garage knows. U was told they inspected it before selling it to me. No codes where on dash either.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The transmission down shifted from 5th to first while going approximately 50 mph out of nowhere and without warning. This caused a rapid deceleration while on a busy road and scared the crap out of me. The truck stayed in a reduced power mode until I shut it down and restarted. I used my auto scan tool to look up if any fault codes were registered. Fault code P0722:00-68 was registered (Output... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
I am reaching out regarding a serious issue with my 2018 Toyota Camry xse that recently experienced a transmission failure at approximately 112,000 miles. This was completely unexpected, as I have consistently maintained the vehicle according to Toyota’s recommended maintenance schedule. Oil changes, fluid checks and other regulatory services. Given Toyota’s reputation for quality and du... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Around 80,000 miles it started shuddering and jerking at lower speeds. It has progressively gotten worse, there is a service bulletin for it but no recall. This happened after my extended warranty was up. Quoted $9,300 for torque converter and refab transmission.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 1, 2025
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
Vehicle shuts off intermittently without warning. Random dash warning lights will flash, but not stay on. Air suspension will engage on its own while vehicle is not turned on, and electrical panels and lights will turn on and flash while vehicle is parked in garage, hours or days after last driven. Transmission will struggle to shift gears from low speeds, but then quickly “catch up” causing u... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
I experienced an abrupt downshift while driving ~60 mph and the speedometer/odometer quit working, an orange wrench light appeared, and the engine light came on. My vehicle had Ford recall 24S37 open, which relates to the OSS and a symptom is an abrupt downshift. I took the truck to the local Ford dealer. They indicated that there were no codes showing- which I am suspicious of given the issues... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
My 2004 Toyota Tacoma was part of the frame replacement back in the fall of 2018 when Bobby Rahal Toyota in Mechanicsburg, PA has by truck for over 6 months while they replaced my frame. It has been determined that my rear differential is rusted and is now to the point of needing replaced. For over the last year I have tried working with Bobby Rahal to come to and understanding on having this ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
In early May 2023 I was driving my 2018 Elantra vehicle on the expressway. I had hot an area where there was traffic and had to slow down and move along with the speeds everyone else was going. When I slowed down my engine quit. Everything turned off and the car was stalled. I was able to turn the car back on and start the engine but there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine and when ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Nov 1, 2025
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
During acceleration there is a hesitation. With the Transmission almost like the car was put into neutral. The accelerator needs to be fluttered to get it to respond. This has happened several times pulling into traffic. This last time it happened the notice came on stating that the Transmission is over heating. Pulled over to let it cool down. I notice recalls for this problem but my car is not l... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
customer states that the frame of the vehicle has been compromised by corrosion. the vehicle only has 163,844 miles on it and it has major holes in the frame. The chassis could break in half prohibiting the use of this vehicle on the roadway due to the safety of occupants. I advised the customer of this of which they bought a frame repair kit (Pre-cut over frame c-channel steel) to weld onto the f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
My car lost roughly half its power while traveling in heavy traffic on the interstate. The engine light in the lower left hand corner of the dash began blinking at the same time. I was able to get off the interstate whereupon I turned the car off and then restarted it. This cured the problem and it has not happened in the week since. No one has inspected the problem, but I have an appointment ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
No warning light. Going down the freeway at About 70-80 mph then the accelerator stops working. It goes down to about 44 mph with my foot floored in gas pad. I have to get off the road and then let her set to cool . This went on over and over on a recent 15 hour trip I had the transmission sensors evaluated and it was indicated they were no good replaced one but need 2 and one reordered. If was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Completed a transmission change, new battery, oil change, and spark plug change and the car is still jerking when changing gears and touch screen keeps turning off
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
There is a current recall for Jeep Cherokees 2017-2019 for a faulty PTU. My vehicle is not included in the recall, however, it is displaying issues consistent with the PTU. In auto drive-mode, there is a low grinding noise up to 18 mph. In snow, sand, and gravel drive-modes, there the noise is constant to at least 30mph. When the fuses were removed to try to disable the PTU, the noise was consider... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
My vehicle began jumping when switching from drive to reverse. When I placed the car into reverse, it stalled and would not switch into reverse or neutral. The car stalled in the middle of a parking lot. The check engine light did not come on initially, and when it did, it did not remain on for very long. The car prompted a Shift Solenois B Stuck On error (P0757:00-E8), as well as an inability to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
10/24 Loss of power while driving. Dash indicated vehicle was not on. Tried pushing the ignition button but received the message that vehicle could not start unless it was in park. Accessory power continued allowing me to pull to the side of the road. Fortunately I was not on the freeway but on a residential road. Was able to restart after putting the vehicle in park and drove the few blocks to h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
Recall for rear axel has not been repaired this is now overdue my ford dealer claims parts have not been provided by Ford Corporation.