Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 137,132 complaints - component: POWER TRAIN
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 11, 2026
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
On September 8, 2024, while traveling approximately 75 mph on Interstate 4 with my wife and five children, this 2023 Cadillac Escalade experienced a sudden catastrophic loss of engine power following a hard shift. Steering, braking assist, and acceleration were effectively lost and the vehicle shifted into neutral without warning. We were nearly struck by a tractor-trailer while attempting to reac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V796000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for the recall repair. During inspection, the dealer determined that there was additional damage to the differential, and the parts for the repair were on backorder. The dealer informed the contact that the differential oil was conta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
As the vehicle begins to pull away via creeping the user places foot on accelerator pedal and gently pushes it to accelerate the vehicle from a stop. The car loses power intermittently and jerks aggressively trying to accelerate but somehow unable to, if you’re really careful you can avoid this danger by accelerating slower than a Walmart electric mobility scooter. A clear danger on the road. It... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
1. I'm not sure what component or system malfunctioned. The dealership has said something different every time it's had to be taken in. The first time they said it could have been the dip stick. The second time they said they didn't know but did an update to the car's system. Last week, was the third time we've had to take it in and they said they are doing an oil change and replacing the air inta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
I am the original owner of a 2020 Kia Telluride with 48,409 miles. My wife purchased it new. It has never been sold or transferred. It is fully covered under Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty. What component failed and is it available for inspection? The engine is consuming excessive oil due to failed internal components—likely the piston rings. This has fouled the spark plugs and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
A recall repair was performed on my vehicle at approximately 157,000 miles. Approximately 4,000–5,000 miles later, the transmission failed. The vehicle entered reduced power mode and became stuck in gear while driving. The dealership is recommending full transmission replacement but will not provide written explanation for why the failure is not related to the recall repair. I am concerned the r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while in reverse (R), the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The contact’s wife continued driving at approximately 55 MPH, and an unknown message was displayed, and the vehicle failed to exceed 55 MPH. Additionally, the transmission was stuck in gear and failed to upshift into the next gear as designed. The vehicle was pulle... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
Car went in for recall. Ford replaced engine because they claim a bolt broke. I have taken the car about 300 miles since I received it back and the engine light appeared. I let them know. Light went off and I had another important meeting to make in DFW . This time wrench and engine light came on . It sat at airport for 2 days. Then I got back in , no warning lights on but I got home with more war... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
This vehicle is a total safety hazard due to two distinct failures: 1. Unresolved Door Defect (14+ Months): For over 14 months, the vehicle has suffered from 'Self-Opening Door Handles.' Despite 4 repair attempts, the manufacturer has failed to fix this, posing a risk of doors opening while driving. 2. Fire Risk & Use Restriction (Current Recall 26V-028): Currently, the vehicle is under a ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
I will have random downshifts while driving my car. Sometimes on the highway at high speeds driving 65-70mph the Ford F150 trucks down shifts to a very low speed. Will also do it at 45 mph and downshift to a very low speed. Has almost caused accidents putting the safety of everyone in the truck and everyone behind the truck at risk of injury or death. From what I know, there are no warning lights... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2013
Sudden downshifting, missing shift, sudden deceleration, harsh banging into gear.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete transmission failure at approximately 77,800 miles. There was no prior abuse or modification. The failure resulted in loss of normal drivability and required full transmission replacement. The transmission was replaced with a remanufactured unit due to catastrophic internal failure. Repair costs were approximately $7,000. I am aware of similar GM tra... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and changing gears. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V523000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
When starting from a traffic light after the green light, the car made mechanical noises and would not accelerate above approximately 25 mph. It seemed obvious at the time that the transmission had failed, which was later confirmed after being towed to the dealership. There were no warning lamps or messages displayed; however, during the previous days, there were a few instances when the transmi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
Over the past few years, I have experienced sporadic issues with my transmission. I am aware of an investigation into 2015-2017 F-150's with 6-speed 6R80 automatic transmissions which is what I have. According to articles I have seen, there have been reports of sudden down-shifts at highway speed from 6th to 2nd or 1st gear. While I have not experienced anything that drastic yet, I am concerned th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
Constant camera issues. The rear camera only works half the time and when it does go it, it'll just cut off while driving in reverse. It's completely unreliable and dangerous. New update has affected the cars acceleration. Now when its below a certain degrees outside they changed it so the car can no longer accelerate at its normal speed and instead, barely responds when you hit the gas causing a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
MY 2023 CHEVY MALIBU HAS A MISSING TURBOCHARGER SCREW THAT RANDOMLY CAME OFF FROM UNDER A METAL PLATE ON ITS OWN, GMC HAS A RECALL ON 2022 -2023 CHEY MALIBU WITH TURBO CHARGER ISSUES BUT THEY WONT COVER MINES BECAUSE IT DIDNT COME FROM A CERTIAN FACTORY ALTHOUGH THEY KNOW A HELL OF ALOT OF CHEVY MALIBU OWNERS HAVE TURBO CHARGER ISSUES AND THAT FACTORIES SHARE PARTS WITH OTHER FACTORIES THEY SAY TH... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
UA80 Transmission failure @ 3.5 yrs old and 89k miles.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Transmission 10R80 is having shifting issues that have caused near crashes. The transmission will have delayed or slow shifting or miss shift when starting from stopped position. It happens on cool days or warmer days. Many people having this issue with expeditions but Ford has inspected the vehicle 2 times and found no issues. They refuse to dig deeper into the problem and fix it. These are ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Safety Risk is A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of PARK function can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle. Loaner refused to be given.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
Transmission Fault in red letters came on. Turned car off and then turned back on after 20 minutes and the message disappeared. Three days later same things happened- repeated what I did before and message went away. I've noticed when I try to accelerate it sounds as if I'm accelerating but I'm not getting passed 20 mph. Car does a hard jerk when trying to accelerate.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
Experiencing sudden hard shifting with the 6r80 transmission. Have had wheels lock up once. Issues with the lead frame as well
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
My 2018 Toyota Corolla has problems with acceleration and a very large noise in the front bar that guides the wheels. It also accelerates by itself, which is why I have had to change the brakes many times. It also shakes a lot at the bottom
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact became aware of an abnormal odor. The vehicle started shaking, and the drive train malfunction indicator was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exhaust valve had burned ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
I have had my lane assist come on by its self a few times, which is very dangerous because it seems to take over and will pull on the steering wheel. I’ve also brought my car back to the dealership a handful of times to have it hooked up to a computer and also someone ride with me because the car will either hesitate to accelerate or stutters and doesn’t seem to want to go when I am between 20... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
I was on an overpass in the left hand lane doing 40-45mpg getting ready to make a left hand turn on an expressway on ramp. I coasted for just a bit and applied the brakes gently, then a little more. The truck was not slowing down like it should have so I applied alot more brake pedal pressure and it slowed down some then it down shifted several times and the engine was roaring, I'm guessing around... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a transmission flush was performed; however, the failure persisted, and the vehicle started stalling after the repair. An independent ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the transmission fluid was flushed, and the filter was replaced. The failure recurred approximately 8 months later. On another occasion, while driving 65 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
While driving the truck automatically down shifted. If I drove move 20 MP it would shift. The truck would not go into reverse, the gear was stuck. I had to turn if off and then turn it back on then It let me shift the gears. On the dashboard the wrench and other indicators lit up on the dashboard.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ram Promaster 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping and failed to shift to 3rd gear. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving on one occasion, which required the driver to pull over and to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a complete stop in highway traffic, the vehic... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Vehicle: 2022 Honda Pilot Elite AWD Mileage at first occurrence: ~30,000 miles Current mileage at worsening/repeatability of issue: ~48,000 miles My 2022 Honda Pilot Elite experiences a loss of propulsion during cold starts, most commonly after using remote start. The issue occurs when the vehicle is cold, shifted into Drive, and remains stationary for approximately 10–15 seconds. Under these c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that one of the tires was punctured by a nail, and after the tire was replaced, the check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where it was diagnosed, and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The vehicle was then taken to a certified mechanic who replaced the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
Cv joints clicking when turning right or left. Dealer said it was normal. Battery not charging at superchargers after long distance travel on hwy.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 11, 2026
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
While driving at approximately 55 mph the vehicle began to behave strangely. The "D" light for drive and the gear indicator began to flash. Then the transmission abruptly down shifted to 2nd gear from 5th then lost all power before returning to somewhat normal operation for a short period of time before happening again. The issue occurred multiple times in a 5 mile trip. If there was anyone close ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
Transmission failed at 15000 miles. Attempted to shift to reverse and instead car went into neutral. Allowed me to shift into forward but quickly went into “limp mode” once underway. Seems like the same issue as many similar gm trucks have had with transmissions but my 2024 is not included in active recalls when searched by VIN. Suspect it probably should be since issue appears to be the sam... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Vehicle was making a very loud humming noise at 73 mph. After returning to the dealership they found that the bearings in the rear end house had destroyed themselves causing internal damage to the housing and the entire rear end now needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
I am reporting a safety-related defect involving sudden loss of motive power on my 2016 Tesla Model S. During the drivetrain warranty period, the vehicle developed a persistent humming/buzzing noise from the rear drive unit. This noise was documented on video with a timestamp confirming it occurred while the vehicle was under warranty. At the time, there was no loss of performance or warning indi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
My engine light come on. Air flow notification come on. I had a brake cleaner notification come on.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Transfer case broke and struck the engine while driving.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
2024 EV6 GT-Line with 13,165 miles suddenly showed multiple faults, including "Check electric vehicle system” followed shortly by "Stop vehicle and check power supply". The vehicle almost immediately stopped in the roadway, and my wife (driver) was unable to move the vehicle or even put the vehicle in neutral so the vehicle could be moved. The car is at a Kia dealership for repair who confirmed... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
When driving home from work at night on the highway in a 55mph zone my truck lost all power and the ability to accelerate. While on the highway began to hit the gas a bit more and saw the gears go from gear 10 all the way down to 1st gear at 55mph. Not sure what was happening and the truck began to “gear hunt” (attempting to find a gear that would give power). The truck gave me a check engine ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
Had vehicles looked at twice and serviced once for the transmission slipping. No issues were found when looked at and light was deleted. Took to another mechanic who drained and refilled transmission. Transmission still slips after service. This happens at acceleration and continues til 3rd gears where it jerks in between gears. Stops while driving continuously, the starts up again if stopped for ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
Toyota is asking me to pay for a brand new transmission replacement in my car that is only 5 years old, 74,000 miles on it. The cost is $10,000. How is it possible a brand new vehicle is needing this? I have read a lot of reviews that Toyota is knowingly using the transmission type that they even had to recall on earlier models. Why are they still making vehicles using this type of transmission wh... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 10, 2026
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
In Jan 2025 I received a recall notice regarding the PTU unit. The notice indicated that I could esperience loss of power and the inability to use park. However, when speaking to Mopar abot it they say it is safe to drive!!! What the hell is safe about driving a vehicle that can loose power?? Or one that you can't use Park??? It's been a damn year!!! I find it real hard to believe that it takes th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
Drastically reduced power on highway resulting in reduced acceleration due to code P0198 engine coolant control valve position sensor. Required me to drive at reduced speed on highway to get to dealer. Safety issue.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
My honda prologue has just hit the 4000 miles I've own this car for 6 days only driven it for 200 miles and the cv joint is going out it clicks when I turn sharp right and when I reverse.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
The transmission in my 2021 Toyota Highlander began making a loud whining/whirring noise that increases with vehicle speed. The vehicle was inspected by a Toyota dealership, and I was told the transmission has failed and needs to be replaced. Toyota stated the repair would be out of pocket, despite the vehicle’s age and proper maintenance. There were no warning lights prior to the failure. Thi... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 10, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. An... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
Car stuttered and would not rev past 2k rpm. Blinking check engine light appeared Code was for known connecting rod failure for all theta engines for our 2018 sante fe. Hyundai is trying to get out of covering the cost of repair or replacement even though this is a very well known issue and is covered under warranty.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2014) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 10, 2026
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
PTU failure, due to no maintenance service recommended for PTU, PTU failure has been a ongoing issue due to the position of the PTU,location of changing fluid and no mileage recommended for regular service or recommended regular service in the owners manual