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: Jan 24, 2026
I own a 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE R-Line purchased new in August 2025. Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has exhibited a recurring safety defect where the electronic parking brake engages without driver input and the vehicle shifts itself into Park. This happens suddenly and without warning. This defect occurs multiple times per week, on average (upwards of 50+ times total since purchase)... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
Fuel / Propulsion System.. Hybrid Inverter Assembly Defective component: Hybrid inverter assembly Cause: Improperly torqued bolt inside the inverter Result: Open circuit Possible loss of motive power while driving Possible short circuit and fire risk Component is available for inspection and is currently at the Toyota dealer. From Toyota’s own recall filing: Loss of motive power while driving at... Read more
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 27, 2026
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
Vehicle lags in acceleration from a slow rolling start, at random times. There is a clear 1-2 second lag in the acceleration, then a sudden harsh shift into gear. Mostly happens during turns, and if traffic is present, may cause an accident. Also when traveling at low speeds 20-35 mph, there is a transmission jutter. Have spoken with service reps at dealerships and they claim to have no knowledge ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the rear wheels. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the rear axle bolts had sheared off. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); how... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Component/System Failure: The electronic throttle control system malfunctioned. The vehicle is reporting powertrain diagnostic trouble codes P2118 and P2101 through the Hyundai manufacturer mobile application (Bluelink), indicating an electronic throttle actuator / throttle control motor issue. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction poses a safety risk... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
Our vehicle experienced total transmission failure with no warning while I was driving on a narrow country road. The car shifted into neutral, and I was unable to go anywhere, so I sat in the middle of the road with hazard lights on in a state of panic. We had the car towed to a nearby Honda dealership and were informed of the transmission failure, which was identified through a diagnostic test. C... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
This vehicle shudders and vibrates during shifting and acceleration at different speeds. Transmission shifts out of gear quite often leaving me stranded at times trying to make it safely out of traffic.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 27, 2026
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while attempting to come to a complete stop, the transmission unexpectedly upshifted to accelerate independently. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result was unknown. The vehicle was not... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 27, 2026
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at approximately 30 MPH and accelerating, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the tone wheel had delaminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
The transmission has completely gone out on my 2020 Ford edge the repair cost is $5500. I should not need a new transmission on a five year-old vehicle. There are several reports on this issue please advise.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
I have < 60K on this Edge. The transmission needed replacing (out of warranty barely). This is my wife’s vehicle. She’s been retired for three years and hardly drives it. This is not a fair wear and tear replacement. It jerked and bucked between 15 and 40 miles an hour. There is even a Ford service bulletin on it. That’s not elevated to a recall. I worked with the dealership and Ford gave me... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
Ford is not providing parts for this safety recall. I am forced to drive this truck with a safety issue.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
I have received multiple letter from Ford indicating the solution for this recall 23S65 is available at dealership. However, every ford dealership I have reached out to says there are no parts available to fix the recall. My ford dealership has placed the order on November 2025 but they have no ETA when the parts will become available.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power and jerked significantly. The contact was able to drive to the nearby residence. The AWD warning light was illuminated. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2022
ICCU failed. ICCU fuse blew limiting power making car unsafe to drive.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
When turning on the car, the right side of the dashboard (digital panel) will not turn on, it will not display rpm, gas or speed. The turn signals are not making the click noise. The issue happens randomly and I haven’t been able to replicate it in the presence of the dealer. Once the dashboard is back on the service engine light will come on and a service code is noted on the diagnostic system.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
My wastegate solenoid in my turbo is over-boosting. I have replaced it once and it’s still an issue. I also am leaking coolant heavily. Ive seen 2013 ford escapes engine’s like mine have recalls stating 1.6L Engine Overheating & Fire Risk: A major recall involved 1.6L engines where a cylinder head cup plug could fail, causing coolant loss and potential fire. Another recall addressed fuel lines... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I was turning into my parking space after work. The car suddenly showed every single alarm possible it started driving incredibly poorly at low speeds. I turned the car off. I let it rest for a minute. I turned it off and it was horribly slow, but it was able to pull it into the parking space. I did not call a tow truck at this time because the last time they towed into an impound lot and it took ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
The ICCU in my Hyundai Ioniq 5 failed catastrophically today ([XXX]) after only 3109 mlles. I believe this to be the case because: • I heard a loud pop from behind me in the car. • The car immediately lost power and would only go very slowly. • An alert about the electrical system immediately came on and told me to stop driving as soon as possible. • A rather loud alarm sounded. • DTC P... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 26, 2026
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Engine started knocking, complete loss of power and had to pull over immediately to avoid any further issues such as an accident
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
When you are driving down the road, the transmission does not want to shift into any gears. There is a major slip when it is supposed to be shifting.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
During a winter storm in approximately 10°F weather, my vehicle became immobilized due to a no-start condition. The starter initially engaged and cranked the engine several times, then failed and would only free-spin without turning the engine. After this occurred, the vehicle could not be shifted into neutral because it is equipped with an electronic shift-by-wire transmission. The only method t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
my 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid regarding the vehicle's stability when shifted into "Park." Upon selecting "Park" and releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle exhibits an excessive rocking motion, surging forward and backward approximately four times before coming to a rest. This is not the standard "settling" common in automatic transmissions; it is a repeated oscillatory movement that suggests a failur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2025
- The vehicle has been experiencing shifting issues (its an automatic vehicle) when driving in all instances and at all speeds that has progressively gotten worse over the past 4-8 weeks. - As it seems to be a transmission issue (and a known one pending litigation) the safety issue is if the transmission fails during operation of the car. - It was brought to a dealership to be inspected after it ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
I experienced complete brake failure while coming up to an intersection during rush hour. To avoid crashing into the vehicles in front of me I went off the road onto the shoulder and coasted until I stopped. During this “brake failure” popped up on my dash. (I have a picture) I ended up turning the car off and then starting it back up. Everything appeared to be fine, however I was not fine. I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
My vehicle, VIN [XXX] , was operating normally when a check engine light appeared, along with a message indicating engine malfunction and loss of power. I took the vehicle to an authorized Nissan dealership, Reed Nissan Orlando, where I was assisted by service advisor Aaron Berning. At the dealership, I was informed that the vehicle had an active turbocharger recall, which could be related to the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
Was taken to mechanic shop and then sent to dealership for shudder issue and sound come from rear. Changed rear differential fluid. Problem/sound persisted. Between 25-45 vehicle transmission is cutting out. Awd light, Powertrain lights and brake lights are on and vehicle went in to limp mode at 55mph due to torque converter. Still currently in shop.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
Failing PTU (power train unit) causing power loss and high risk of breakdown or crash
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 26, 2026
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
My 2018 Traverse has had several issues the past few years such as the electrical components in the car turning on and off randomly, a shift to park message which has been fixed twice, and the most current problem is the transmission. I was out of town 160 miles away with my family of 6 and we were about to drive home when the engine started to sound forced while I was driving. It wouldn't go pas... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
The vehicle frequently fails to engage gas engine when depressing gas pedal to any degree. A full push of the gas pedal does not result in gas engine engagement. This has happened over 15 ties since the recall computer update last summer (2025). This creates extreme danger because the operator expects the full power of the engine to engage when pulling out of intersections or crossing oncoming tra... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2025
I was driving along and my car went into a reduced engine power mode. Code came up as the gas pedal sensor.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
I purchased this vehicle new 7/31/25. Within the first week of ownership I noticed a noise coming from the rear axle. Brought into Ford dealer for diagnosis at 723 miles: tech notes indicated that the abs tone ring was not manufactured correctly and was hitting the ABS wheel speed sensor. The sensor had visible impact marks. The rear axle assembly was replaced under warranty. The repair took over ... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 26, 2026
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
On January 26, 2026, at approximately 6:50 AM, I experienced a serious safety-related malfunction in my 2023 Toyota Mirai while entering traffic on Inglewood Avenue in Lawndale, California. I was pulling out of a parking lot into active traffic at low speed. At the moment I was entering the roadway, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion/power without warning. Simultaneously, the vehicle’s infota... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate and shudder abnormally. There was no warning illuminated. The contact continued driving at approximately 30 MPH. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had anothe... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO EV
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 26, 2026
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
Transmission appears to be lunging and shuttering. Dealer has indicated that the valve body need to be replaced or the vehicle could leave me stranded or without propulsion while driving. From my research this appears to be related to other safety recall and service campaigns for this type of vehicle and the transmission that I have in my vehicle. Also the camera system doesn't work correctly as i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
After a loud bang (fuse blown) the car was unable to move just before I was about to turn into an intersection. The ICCU failed for the second time, all warranty repair completed prior to the incident, first failure occurred in 2024. Both failures occurred close to a when the lead acid battery failed and needed replacement. When the car was stopped and started again, I was able to drive the car sl... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2023) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 26, 2026
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
My car is available for inspection upon request. AWD Service and 4WD Service messages appeared at 389 miles and 2104 miles on the odometer. Messages appeared during operation of the vehicle, shutting down AWD as an option and defaulting to 2WD. Messages would go away and AWD would come back online after a few hours of leaving the car off. AWD system was in use when error messages appeared and ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Transmission has failed, making high pitched whining noise while accelerating. Will need full replacement the car only has 66k miles on it - just out of warranty
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
I was driving on the highway with my daughter with dry normal conditions approximately 65-70mph when all of a sudden the jeep downshifts into 1st gear causing an extreme deceleration almost to a complete stop. I had a dead gas pedal and could not accelerate to get to a safe area or shoulder. The problem stopped after I came to a complete stop. My Jeep has been in the shop many times with unrela... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2015) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 26, 2026
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while responding and felt like the transmission was shifting in and out of gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle downshifted unintendedly while driving, and the vehicle jumped and hesitated to respond while attempting to drive from a complete stop. The power train wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2020
Transfercase fluid eaking observed at 38000 +- miles, this could lead to a binded transfercase thus damage transmission permanently
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
I am reporting a recurring engine defect in a 2014 Volkswagen Passat that has resulted in repeated engine failure and loss of power while driving. Approximately six months after purchase, the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. One to two years after the replacement, the vehicle began exhibiting the same engine-related failures and has since become inoperable again. Manufacturer-issued... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The rear driver-side wheel detached from the axle, resulting in an immediate loss of vehicle control. As a result, the truck left the roadway. The detached wheel landedapproximately 150 feet behind the vehicle, on the opposite side of the road from where the truck ultimately stopped. Insurance has not yet completed its inspection of the vehicle; however, the crack and damage to the wheel were obs... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received a second notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train), that the recall repair was available for the recall repair; however, upon contacting the dealer to schedule the recall repair, the contact was informed that the part was on a national backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer's second recall notification provi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
While Driving Pressing on the gas pedal I got a minute of no acceleration, it felt like the van stopped on me, and then I start pressing on the gas pedal harder but nothing happens and then it shoots forward like a jet, this happened a few times, very dangerous, could have got hit from behind from oncoming traffic behind me since the van just slowed down so much, then shooting forward was also sca... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, Advancetrac, and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was due to an unrepaired recall. The contact was informed that parts were on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
At first it started with my brakes. I was at DQ and all of a sudden the brake peddle was hard and would barely go down. I then put my car in park. Now I have all new brakes, rotors, etc. Then now the car after 139,000 miles and only owning it for 3 years has this hesitation to go. It stumbles and once would go at all. I had to park right where I was, and restart the car. I have 5 kids, one at whic... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
transmission unexpectedly downshifting to first gear at speed. It sounds like shift cable locking clip problem.