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
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
The vehicle has developed a serious transmission defect involving harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and repeated slipping into neutral while driving. Since picking the vehicle up from Key Acura after an inspection, the condition has worsened significantly. The “Check Engine” light, the flashing “D” indicator, and the transmission warning light are now consistently illuminated. Prior to t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. During the failure, the transmission became stuck in 5th gear, and the vehicle operated at reduced speeds. The vehicle was turned off but failed to immediately restart. After approximately 15 minutes, the vehicle restarted, and the failure was self-corrected. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
Driving the vehicle at highway speeds (around 55mph). Driver hear a loud hum, lost power and needed to pull over. The rear axle housing grenaded and twisted the pinion clean off the rear axle. The truck was loaded with tools and pulling a trailer. However this load was well within the GVWR of the vehicle
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and failed to shift into third or fourth gear. Due to the failure, the contact made several stops while driving to the residence. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic but was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V390000 (POWER TRAIN); and associa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
Vehicle out of nowhere downshifts harshly.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
My vehicle has experienced multiple dangerous incidents where it shuts down or shifts into neutral while driving. This has happened on highways, tunnels, busy on-ramps and main streets. The car loses power and requires restarting, which takes about 30 seconds. On a busy highway or street, this is enough time for a serious accident to occur if other vehicles cannot switch lanes on time. This has h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
I hit my brakes to avoid an accident in multiple -5 degree weather and my trucks transmission shuttered and failed to work. This truck was running very strong before this unexpected event. Chevy owners should not have to pay for this out of pocket. Thank you
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
After a dealership repair to the rear differential, my 2022 GMC Yukon XL experienced a sudden driveline failure. A component detached underneath the vehicle, resulting in loss of control and immediate disablement. This occurred shortly after service and without warning. The vehicle is routinely driven at highway speeds while transporting multiple minor children. This appears to be a serious post-r... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
Transmission dropped from high gear to low for no reason. Had fixed at local ford dealer . Happened two times in 2 days.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Transmission had multiple internal failures with c,d,f clutch and intermediate clutch transmission pumping failing. Truck has 85,167 miles
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
check engine light and traction control light on. vehicle undriveable. took to dealer code P0304 lifters need to be replaced
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 - 45 MPH with the transmission in 4th gear, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 1st gear. The contact stopped the vehicle and waited for several minutes before continuing driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure had occurred twice. The contact performed a Keep Alive Memory (KAM... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Vehicle was having issues with acceleration. It started subtle where I could tell it was taking a little more time to catch or switch gears as I accelerated. It quickly progressed as I drove it more (within weeks of noticing the issue) that I could not safely turn on to higher speed roads from a slowed or stopped speed. For example if I turned on to a high way, whether merging or from a stop sign,... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
On Sunday, February 1st 2026 during sub-freezing temperatures The vehicle's 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80) experienced a complete mechanical failure while driving. This resulted in a sudden and total loss of vehicle propulsion, requiring the car to be towed. Prior to the failure, the vehicle's AWD system indicator light was illuminated. The failure was diagnosed by Alexandria Toyota on Febr... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
High-voltage battery system failure causing complete loss of propulsion. Vehicle entered "turtle mode" (reduced power warning) at 25% charge, then became completely immobile — unable to move even on flat surface. This has occurred multiple times. Charging system displays "fully charged" within one minute while vehicle dashboard shows 60% — clear battery management system malfunction. Vehicle h... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2023) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
On Saturday, [XXX], while driving under normal conditions, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion without warning. There was no reduced-power mode, no dashboard alert, and no mobile app notification prior to shutdown. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by a Ford dealership. The technician identified an intermittent software-related condition consistent with Ford TSB ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
During a recent incident where a tire issue caused damage to the wiring harness for the parking brake, resulting in a Parking Brake Failure notification on the screen, the vehicle would not stop or turn off. The vehicle displayed N for neutral on the dash, but the vehicle would drive forward unless the brake was depressed. In addition, we were unable to place the vehicle in Park, which meant tha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
I was driving down the road at 45mph and the vehicle suddenly shifted into 1st gear and rapidly slowed down. A malfunction indicator came on, I shut the vehicle off thinking it was a glitch, then the vehicle wouldn't restart. This occured in midday traffic, which could've caused a crash. Never had any previous issues with the vehicle. It cost me $1854 to have this repaired at the Ford dealer, they... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
While transmission is cold. You can start to back up into the street and will come to a complete stop half in the road and half out. Like as if it were in neutral. Then I violently slams back into reverse. From there once it in drive. It will skip gear and slam into a lower gear. The car will also come to a complete stop like in reversing when in drive from a cold starting position.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
Transmission slipping and hard down shift and hesitation from 2nd to first , has had rear wheel lock up while moving , dealer is ignoring my issues . Thanks
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
I was driving my Audi when I got transmission malfunction light on along with suspension fault and epc light and check engine light all together and the car wouldn’t go faster than 20 mph. Causing someone to rear end me and them fleeing . So not only was my car hit because of this but I had no driver to hold responsible for the damage
Crash
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
Driving along at normal speed, often on the highway. Truck in 5th or 6th gear. Sometimes 4th. It will shift into 1st gear. Other times it will shift into 3rd or 2nd and get stuck for way too long. I will have to completely stop for it to start shifting "normally"
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
Component/System Failure: The engine and lubrication system appear to be malfunctioning. The vehicle has repeatedly experienced sudden engine shutdown while stopped at traffic lights and during low-speed operation. The dealership has identified oil leakage involving the oil pan and oil filter housing and has indicated there may be an internal oil leak within the engine. The vehicle is available fo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
My 2022 Ford Explorer had Recall 23S55 performed on June 21, 2025 to address rear axle/differential fastener fracture. Despite the recall repair, the rear subframe-to-differential cover bolt sheared off while driving, causing the differential to drop and the driveshaft to be pulled from the differential. Grease leaked and the driveshaft was gouged against the subframe. This is the same failure m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Tesla Model Y 99,000 km It is known issue with many driver of same model and milage that Wire Harness connected to Oil pump gets hot and damage. This can also cause fire. Many people have been complaining about similar issue on Facebook group.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
I purchased this 2018 Honda Accord Sport brand new from the dealership, relying on Honda’s longstanding reputation for reliability and longevity. At approximately 120,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a blown head gasket during normal driving conditions. The vehicle has been properly maintained according to Honda’s recommended schedule. I have already opened a claim with Honda corporate regardi... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
Vehicle is at 88k miles. Vehicle has hard shifting/delayed shifting between 1-3 and 5-7 gears. At highway speeds, vehicle tries to downshift from top gear. Have lost rpm's while driving-lasting about 3-5 seconds before engaging the gears again. Took to a dealer, was informed it was a "known" issue and would need the transmission replaced. Extended warranty will not cover since it is a known issue.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
While driving on a highway, the vehicle intermittently suffers a sudden loss of engine power during acceleration, accompanied by a flashing check engine light. The most serious event occurred while merging into traffic when the vehicle failed to accelerate normally and briefly lost power, creating a risk of being struck by faster-moving vehicles. Pulling over and restarting temporarily restores no... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Sudden down shift at high speeds. It put it self park while driving. Skip gears while driving.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
re: Safety Recall 25S82/NHTSA Recall 25V512. I received this recall notice in August, 2025. Never received any more info. I contacted the Ford dealer here on February 2, 2026. I was told the axle parts are still not available and it will be 6-8 more months which makes the total response time 11-13 months. I was put on a waiting list. In the meantime my pickup axle could fail causing a crash as o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The truck would fall out of gear, going down the highway it would shift into 1 or 2nd gear reving the engine. I would have to put it in neutral and at times have to shut it comeplete down to have it reset.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Truck is shifting into low gear while at highway speed cause load thump or bang
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Diesel and to request immediate review and assistance from General Motors. I purchased this vehicle from a GM dealership in 2024 with approximately 70,000 miles for roughly $42,000. The vehicle currently has approximately 121,000 miles. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has suffered major ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
The car has the iforce max powertrain. At low speeds or in stop and go traffic, when the car has come to a stop, the car will lurch forward, which could potentially cause an accident. I took car to dealership and they said this is normal operation of the hybrid system and there is no fix. This is a huge safety issue if the car pushes itself forward and potentially causing an accident. The transmis... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
Going down the Hwy 6th gear the transmission will go from 6th gear lit up on dash down to 1st gear lit up. Hasn’t engaged in 1st gear (yet) then goes back to 6th gear. No warning lights on the dash.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
My steering was what I felt as an affected problem. I was subsequently stuck while out with my one year old in the cold 10/31/2024. Eventually the car started again but I had what felt like steering issues (i.e. dragging/shuttering) thereafter. I was told that there were no issues aside from the power steering which completely failed and was replaced. Not until 1 year later when I insisted that th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
My vehicle is burning oil at an excessive rate causing vibration when the oil is nearly depleted and an unsafe driving condition. The vehicle will burn nearly all the oil in approximately 1000 miles. This has happened repeatedly. It is widely known amongst Palisade owners and the subject of numerous online posts. In addition, the dealership has acknowledged widespread issues with an oil burning pr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
DRIVING DOWN ROAD, APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE JEEP ABRUPTLY STOPPED, NOTHING NO POWER TO ANY PART OF THE VEHICLE , LOSS OF DRIVE POWER. THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME FOR SURE I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT IN THE REAR, I AM SO AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE , AS THIS HAS HAPPENED ON TWO OCCASIONS LATE SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 14 2025. ALREADY. THE DEALER CONFIRMED IT AS I SENT A PICTURE OF THE DASH BOARD THAT ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The affected systems are the engine and powertrain. After completion of Safety Recall 23S64 (NHTSA #23V905) in November 2025, my vehicle began experiencing repeated loss of power, stalling, and reduced-power “limp mode” events. The check engine light illuminated and diagnostic trouble code P0299 (Turbocharger Underboost Condition) was identified. The vehicle remains available for inspection up... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
At a complete stop my car started shaking violently back and forth. It felt like we were in an earthquake. It has happened before but not as violently and not as long. No warning lights or anything. It has had problems with lurching and stuttering since we bought it. The dealership said they fixed it once (the stuttering) but it’s still happening. They cannot duplicate it and it’s not throwing... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Gear shift dash error. Getting all led lights let on my shift gear led indication. Car will run jumping or jerking movement. Then experiencing power loss when acceleration.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
My truck abruptly downshifts to a lower gear, first or second, without any warning on the freeway. Seems like wheels lock up momentarily. There is nothing that notifies me before this happens. Very random occurrence but also very dangerous.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. While the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light or a stop sign, the failure was more noticeable. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked abnormally and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The RPM fluctuated before the transm... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
my 2020 ford edge suddenly started failing to catch the gear when driving, the rpms would rev but the car would not speed up, when it would finally catch, the car would jerk forward. No warning, no heads up, I just got in my car one day and the problem existed. I bought this car new, I am the sole owner and I routinely take it in for upkeep. It has 62,000 miles on it so JUST over the 60k warranty.... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
December 2024 I started experiencing intermittent down shifts from 6th to 3rd. First time was on a very icy road while towing two snowmobiles on a trailer causing it to jack knife and I spun out. Luckily no one else was on the road. After a brief search, I assumed the well know lead frame was the cause. Im a diy person so I ordered new parts and replaced the leadframe myself. I've driven over 10,0... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
The transmission exhibits violent, harsh shifting, sudden and unpredictable deceleration, and most alarmingly, abrupt downshifting from 10th gear to 1st gear while driving at highway speeds. This is not a minor drivability issue — it is a severe safety defect that places my life, my passengers, and other drivers at risk.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
RITICAL BRAKING FAILURE & DEALER NEGLIGENCE: The vehicle exhibits a violent shudder and loss of deceleration during the hand-off between regenerative and friction braking. This defect was first reported to the dealer (Rich Ford) at 35,399 miles (RO #[XXX]) within the Bumper-to-Bumper warranty but was not repaired. THE INCIDENT: On [Insert Date], the braking system failed to decelerate the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that after having a software update to the ECM following the notice of an unknown recall, on several occasions while in reverse, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle seemed like it would accelerate forward. The contact had to push the vehicle for the vehicle to reverse. The contact that while pr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
Transmission failed. This is the third transmission in this car, which only has 130,000 miles and has been well-maintained. This transmission failure happened in a busy downtown area with evening traffic (lower visibility, lots of cars, lots of people, lots of angry and impatient drivers as car stopped working in busy area). I am lucky that I was not rear ended during the sudden failure.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
Following extensive research & uncovering the fact that there are several class action lawsuits underway calling out GM for not issuing a formal recall when they should have from the start, we've been forced to personally absorb significant costs tied to replacing our 2023 Suburban's Valve Body around the mid-December FY'25 timeframe. It's also been publicly stated that GM opted to "not release" a... Read more