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 27, 2025
There is a transmission shudder when traveling around 30-40 MPH as well as sporadically when increasing speed. Recently, there is a very hard shift/jolt when transmission is shifting from 2nd to 3rd. The issue is caused by a combination of a faulty torque converter and a software glitch in the engine control module (ECM). This is a safety hazard, and I contacted Toyota dealership in Vineland who t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
My Husband was driving my van with me and my 2 children inside the vehicle and the vehicle lost all power and stalled in the middle of the road and would not restart there was no warning light no noise from the motor or anything. The problem has been confirmed by a independent garage and a Kia dealer this happened on 12/20/25
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
My 2022 Kia Soul experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalling while driving, creating a high risk for a rear-end collision in traffic. An authorized Kia dealership (Mike Miller Kia) performed a major timing repair in March 2025 [XXX] ) to address these safety issues. However, the exact same failure occurred again in January 2026. The dealership now documents that the engine was 4 quarts... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
Transmission jerks had in the shop three times for the same problem it feels like it's going to throw you through the windshield. It's been in the shop since October 23rd 2025 for several problems and the guy told me it was using oil.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 20, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
The transmission is stuck in 3rd gear and sometimes don't move at all. It has jumped in neutral a couple of times while driving or automatically goes to paddle shifting without touching the gear control. It is basically undrivable with only 95000, or so miles.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
1-At approximately 40,000 miles, my transmission was replaced under warranty. It had been failing since approximately 2000 miles having a very hard time shifting between first and second gear. It was finally replaced at 40,000 miles. 2- At approximately 45,000 miles I took my truck into the dealership for this latest recall on the 6.2 L failure for inspection. Vehicle is inspected and I was told I... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 20, 2026
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
I am experiencing a turbine whining noise from my transmission while under load. This has been reported to be an issue that stem from incorrect assembly of the locking washer to the locking nut in the UA80F 8 speed transmission. Toyota only provided extended warranty to 2017-2018 vehicles but not all vehicles that were manufactured with the same exact transmission. This whine is a sign of prematur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
Original inspection and recall was performed on my 6.2 engine on 12/02/25 and the engine failed on 1/15/26 , the vehicle is in the shop awaiting new Engine
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 20, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
ICCU failed preventing the vehicle from being charged and killing the 12v battery.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
I had the truck inspected for recall N25249400 on August 11, 2025 with 24,610 miles. It passed the recall inspection and the dealer changed the oil to GM recall recommended oil. On January 18, 2026 with 28,275 miles, the engine seized while on a major highway. The truck lost all power and just turned off amd would not start or turn over. The vehicle was towed by the Police due to the vehicle be... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the transmission shifter failed to shift out of park. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission shifter cable failure. The contact was informed that the transmission shifter cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repair... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The transmission will go into limp mode at high speeds. Failing to correct itself. I will pull over and shut off vehicle then restart the vehicle and it works fine until it happens again. This has happened several times. I had transmission looked at and in the drain pan were pieces of metal and debris. I have had transmission issues frequently. I am now having to replace the transmission for a saf... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The torque converter has failed after only 22,000 miles. The Ford dealer told me that if not replaced then my transmission will be ruined.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The powertrain transmission failed after a prior warranty replacement. The vehicle began experiencing improper and delayed gear shifting, loss of power, and inability to maintain speed. This condition made the vehicle unsafe to operate, especially in highway traffic, as it could not respond properly to normal driving conditions or surrounding vehicles. The problem was confirmed by a dealership, a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
Catastrophic engine failure of known defective L87 engine
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power while driving at highway speed. While driving on the interstate at highway speed in dark, snowy, high-traffic conditions, the vehicle displayed a warning about an electrical system fault and instructed me to “stop safely.” The vehicle immediately lost some propulsion and ramped down speed. We were only narrowly able to exit the highway before it would ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
The vehicle recently showed an error stating "Service 4WD" which appears to be a known issue with this model of vehicle. When checking the VIN number, it appears this particular vehicle is supposedly not one that has this issue. However with that being said, it is giving the code that is specifically has this issue. The cost to fix this totals more than $4,000 and is known to Chrysler. This ve... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
STELVIO
(2019) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 20, 2026
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
I had just started my vehicle and drove about 3 blocks and was running 40 miles per hour when the truck sounded like it was revving up and it went into neutral and slowed down. I was able to pull to the side of the road and put the truck into park. I put it back into drive and drove back home. It was scary because I had small children with me and it happened at an intersection.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
the vehicle has developed the exact symptoms described in the recall, including: Loss of power Check Engine Light Excessive oil consumption Electronic throttle control warnings / drivability issues My authorized dealer has confirmed that the recall is open but states parts are not available. This leaves me with an unsafe and unreliable vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from under the hood, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 20, 2026
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated or stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The “Check Emission Systems" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact then received notification from the Manufacturer for Honda Service Bulletin: 19-106. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a PCM update wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
Ive been having problems with my 21 ford edge. I looked online to see what it could be. I came across a bulletin about reprogramming the pcm. My car was spudderinglosing power and I notice jerking and I was going through gas like crazy. So we called the Ford dealership make an appointment to have them reprogram the pcm. That did not work though. They suspect it to me the torque converter. I see ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
While driving in traffic in March 2025, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete engine failure, creating an unsafe condition. Subsequent diagnosis confirmed failure of the camshaft and lifters, requiring full engine replacement. General Motors declined to cover this repair. However, this failure is consistent with widely reported camshaft and lifter issues affecting other GMC and GM vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a loud vibrating sound coming from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle wobbled unexpectedly, with a grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
The Timing Chain failed. It is at the Dealership available for inspection. Vehicle was unable to accelerate correctly while driving. If it had blown a valve or locked up the engine we would have been stuck on the highway with my kids in the vehicle. Problem has been confirmed with the dealer. It is a known defect with this vehicle but my VIN was not one that was recalled. No issues had came up ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Had to replace transmission- Internal failure.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Transmission light appeared and a loud knocking noise followed by white smoke bellowing out of the exhaust. I took it to a shop and they said it now needs an engine replacement.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
While my husband was taking our daughter to school on 01/05/2026 around 6:00am, a warning message flashed on the radio screen: "EMISSIONS SYSTEM PROBLEM: The engine is not operating properly. Avoid high speeds and visit your dealer as soon as possible. If the indicator is blinking, stop in a safe place where there are no flammable objects. Turn off the engine for 10 minutes or more to let it cool.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
Vehicle is approximately 8 months old, has 9390 miles on odometer. While on a road trip, we stopped to charge the vehicle at a DC fast charging site. After about 10 minutes of charging, there was a loud pop sound and the vehicle stopped charging. Attempting to unplug and replug the charger into the car gave nothing but an error. Contacting support, was told that the vehicle has an air flap problem... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 20, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
This is a known issue on previous year vehicles. Gas pedal response is delayed excessively causing scenarios where one could become injured if attempting to pull out from a full stop or rolling stop expecting the vehicle to move and it doesn’t. Reference Toyota TSB-0111-22 for vehicle hesitation while accelerating. Brought my vehicle into a Toyota dealer in Scranton PA on 12/16/2025 with this in... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Piston oil ring recall update complete in July 20 25. A month later key fob battery dies. Replaced key fob battery every other month since recall. September 20 25 had brakes and rotors changed at dealership since then anti-slip alert has triggered twice on dry roads. Light comes on then immediately goes off. Remote car starter stopped working in December. Dealership had no resolution for key fob i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
Transmission starting making a wining noise, and was told it will fail. Toyota is well aware of this issue.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact stopped for a traffic signal, and the accelerator pedal was depressed when the light changed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the engine was still running; however, the vehicle failed to respond while the accelerator pedal was depressed or the ge... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and attempting to shift into park, the vehicle failed to recognize that the transmission was in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several attempts were required to shift the vehicle into park(P) to turn off the vehicle. The contact further stated that on other occasions, th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated or shuddered while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. Due to the failure, the torque converter and the transmission were replaced. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and recurring safety issue with my Honda Odyssey involving the camera system. Multiple warning messages and fault codes appeared on the dashboard simultaneously, including: -Collision Mitigation System Problem -Adaptive Cruise Control Problem -Lane Keep Assist Problem -Auto High Beam Problem These systems are all disabled. This failure occurred wi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. While operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The sound was also heard through the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, reversing, and then while driving 20 MPH, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the front of the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was currently being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: TSB-0... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
10R80 Transmission issues. Hard shifting, lunging forward, irradic shifting on highway, hard shifting between 3rd and 4th gear which causes the vehicle to lunge forward. Near full transmission failure on highway. Excessive loss of power and erratic shifting. Had to pull over in the highway. Mechanic states a new transmission is needed.
Incident date: May 23, 2025
Ticking sound started from the motor and the check engine light came on. We took it to the dealership and was informed the vehicle had bad lifters with a bent push rod needing a full motor replacement. The vehicle has 92k miles and was purchased a year and a half ago from that same dealership. The vehicle is currently at the dealership awaiting costly repairs.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact was aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle pulsated before stalling. The contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway. No warning lights we... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC. The contact stated that while riding at various speeds, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the front of the motorcycle. There was no warning light illuminated. The motorcycle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the squeak was coming from the judder spring. The contact was shown a photo of the clu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
Transaxle assembly, consistent with a possible differential bearing fault no transmission fault I have been quoted of price range $5,000 to $11,000 and have read that for 2018-2019 there have been issues but why is my vehicle not included. I was told by Toyota my vehicle not included in the extended warranty
MERCEDES-BENZ
E500
(2004) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 20, 2026
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. Additionally, while shifted into drive and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and it stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with tran... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
Driving at 78 mph and "Check hybrid system" came on, engine and all throttle/electrical shut off and did not regain power. Had to sit for 5-10mins and vehicle eventually regained power after resetting battery and had no issues.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
I was driving, there was a loud pop, then warnings popped up on the dash and I lost power. I was able to limp the car back to my house, because I had just left. I assume it is the ICCU. I’m reporting this because it is a known issue that Hyundai has not seemingly been able to repair. With the pedal to the floor, I got up to 25 mph. Luckily, I was near home and not on a highway.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
Torque converter shudder during acceleration per ford TSB 21-2154. Removed and replaced torque converter with factory new to remedy issue. No check engine lights per TSB 21-2154.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
Bought the truck brand new, after 20,000 miles started vibrating. Took it to the dealership said it was the transmission shutters. They changed the fluid. At 50,000 miles did it again, they said GM came out with a thicker fluid, but it in there. Was fine for a while. At around 135,000 miles getting the vibration again. Also, at 140,000 miles cylinder 8 misfiring. Took it in and they tore... Read more
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE
(2016) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 19, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Component that failed: The valve train system failed due to collapsed lifters in the GM 5.3L L84 engine. The lifter failure caused internal camshaft damage requiring major repair. The failed components were removed by the Chevrolet dealership and should be available through the repair facility if inspection is requested. Safety risk: The engine failure caused a sudden and severe loss of power whi... Read more
SAFETY 1ST
GROW & GO
(9999) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 19, 2026
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
My vehicle has a documented excessive oil‑consumption defect. After a 1,000‑mile oil‑consumption test performed by a Hyundai dealership, the engine was found to have consumed 2.8 quarts of oil, which is far above normal and poses a safety risk. The dealer referenced TSB 23‑EM‑008H and recommended a chamber cleaning but could not guarantee it would resolve the issue. Hyundai Motor America... Read more