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: Aug 20, 2026
The transmission failure I a known issue for this year make and model. It has been recalled in Canada and is being honored there with extended warranty’s. It is not honored here in the US even though they know it is an issue. This vehicle has been inspected by both an independent shop and a Toyota dealership and both recommend replacement. The cost is 12,000-14,000. Toyota corporate denied any... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
I experienced a check engine light and had the vehicle diagnosed with codes P0017 and P0014. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership, where the technician found that the exhaust camshaft was free-spinning without the phaser and that the pin connecting the two had sheared. The dealership replaced the exhaust camshaft and phaser and released the vehicle as repaired and operating normally. Less th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
Three times my car has suddenly stopped and went into park. It happened once pulling into the median of a roadway. The second time I was slowing in traffic to stop at an upcoming traffic light and the most recent was backing out of a park spot. In addition to the sudden stops while in traffic it also has had hesitancy when starting from a stopped position. I have to restart the car while in tr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
We live in [XXX]. We own a 2021 BMW X5-45e. It has about 85,000 miles and has always been serviced by the BMW dealer here in [XXX] – Pierce BMW. On the evening of XXX I drove the vehicle home at 6:30PM after a 30 mile drive and parked the car outside in the shade of our house. The temperature at the time was approx. 95 degrees F. At 6:45PM we left the house and drove on the freeway and city str... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2023) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 20, 2026
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
My 2023 Land Rover Defender is subject to manufacturer recall D126 / NHTSA Recall 26V-248 concerning potential failure of the DC/DC converter due to an internal fault in the boost control microchip. The recall remains incomplete and Jaguar Land Rover has advised that a remedy is not yet available. I have contacted Jaguar Land Rover and my authorized Land Rover retailer, but there is currently no ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
2020 Ford Mustang with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle has a documented history of coolant loss with no visible external leak, consistent with the known coolant-intrusion defect in Ford's 2.3L EcoBoost engines where coolant leaks internally into the cylinders. The vehicle previously threw a cylinder misfire code (P0301) and now shows a crankshaft/camshaft timing correlation fault (P0017). A ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Noticed after driving my Hyundai genesis and once running for roughly 15-20 mins once the engine has warmed up I noticed a bounce feeling coming from the front end(I thought)and then noticed my speed dropped and when pressure was apply to the gas pedal it wouldn’t go, as the car slowed down by itself until it came to a complete stop I cutt the car off and began walking around to where I smelled ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first and then became a consistent failure. No warning lights were illum... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
On 8/3/26, my 2021 Audi Q5 began throwing numerous different malfunction/error alerts and the engine turned off while driving after a bottle of water had partially spilled onto our backseat behind the drivers side. The vehicle was towed to a nearby mechanic who determined that liquid damaged the gateway control module located under the backseat of the vehicle, as the gateway control module is plac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
On August 20, 2026, while traveling about 45 MPH, I accelerated to merge onto a highway while passing a slow-moving semi, with traffic approaching from behind. The transmission unexpectedly disengaged and the vehicle completely lost propulsion. The gear indicator showed Neutral. The engine rapidly increased RPM/redlined but the vehicle would not accelerate. I pressed the Drive selector to re-engag... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2017) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 20, 2026
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
I had been shopping, as I attempted to increase speed, my car wouldn't respond. I smelled something burning and I switched lanes because I needed a safe place to stop. I turned onto [XXX] in Pembroke (I think) and still had no forward (or backward) movement. The lower gears (D5 & D4 ) DID NOT show on the dashboard indicator. I called my husband and he came to me. Then we called AAA and had the c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
The clutch does not engage properly and the vehicle makes a grinding noise when starting to move and while making right and left turns.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Severe transmission shifting delays, unresponsive when accelerating. Shutters and skips when coming to a stop.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
I brought my vehicle to the dealer for safety recall 52D more than three weeks ago. They will not return the vehicle to me because they say the battery can explode. They have not offered enough money to cover the base model rental car. (I have since rented a slightly better car at my own expense. The allowance would not have covered the cheapest car, though.) No parts have been ordered. The deale... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the wrench warning light illuminated, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to third gear. Additionally, the vehicle immediately went into LIMP Mode and failed to accelerate as needed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
The car rapidly came to a stop as I was starting to press the brake lightly. The check engine light came on, the car made a grinding noise, and the screen said it was turning off cruise control when it had not been engaged.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 20, 2026
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
CODES C1490-00 REAR DIFFERENTIAL ACTUATOR INITIALIZATION FAILURE. SERVICE INFORMATION STATES TO REPLACE THE ELSD (ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP DIFF.) BEFORE REPLACING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. REMOVED FILL AND DRAIN PLUGS FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL, ACQUIRED A FLUID SAMPLE. FLUID SAMPLE WAS CLEAN WITH NO SIGNS OF METAL CONTAMINATION, OR EVIDENCE OF AN INTERNAL Differential failure (ESLD) *key word INTERNAL
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The contact's wife owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the gear shifter independently shifted to park and other gears while driving over a railroad track. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and operated as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
My family and I tow a 45 foot RV Toy Howler Fifth Wheel with the truck and the ABS and Traction control lights keep coming on. The RAM Dealer (Aventura) has been telling me for over a year that the parts are on back-order. I've tried to trade it in but the trade in offers have been very low since they know there's no repair parts. I'm very concerned about our safety since we take long trips into t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power, and the brakes became inoperable. The drivetrain and wrench symbol were displayed. The ABS warning light was illuminated and DTC: U100 (Failure of Communication for Engine and Transmission) was displayed. The codes were cleared after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle wa... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 20, 2026
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle started jerking and shaking before unintendedly accelerating. Additionally, the vehicle jerked and started to lose motive power. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
Good Day! I bought my 2021 Subaru Outback XT Onyx in Jan 2021. I had waiting 6 yrs for Subaru to use the Turbo Motor in the Outback again. I've had this car for 5 years with my warranty running out Jan 2026, but I only drive 5000-7000 miles per/yr. Current odometer is 29,901 miles. At my most recent oil change service at the Dealer, they showed me a video of my cars drivetrain from underneath. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
Driving at speeds around 40 and when braking to turn, the brakes jerk and feel like they are not engaging properly. It has happened to a different driver, twice both times on a 90 degree day, a few minutes after the vehicle had been started and the air conditioner was running on high. After this happened we Googled the issue to see what the problem could be. The Google search shows a Subaru Servic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN), the dealer was contacted, and a mechanic was sent to the residence to perform a software update on the vehicle. After the software update was performed, the vehicle experienced hard shifting, and the gear became stuck in 5th gear and 3rd gear on occasion, with... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
The engine/dash wiring harness connector XY230A suffered severe thermal degradation, resulting in a melted pin and causing a complete loss of communication with the Transmission Control Module (TCM, Code U0101-00) and continuous dashboard warning lights (Service Connection Error). This vehicle has a chronic history of unresolved electrical failures, having been brought to Stellantis Puerto Rico de... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message “Service Transmission” was displayed, and the gear s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
My 2020 Hyundai Elantra SEL experienced a total transmission/IVT failure at 81,185 miles. I paid $4,804.14 out of pocket to have the vehicle repaired at a certified Hyundai dealership, Dick Smith Hyundai Genesis of Greenville, now known as Hyundai of Greenville. The transmission was replaced with a new replacement unit. The replacement transmission has now suffered a second total failure at 117,9... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
While on the highway vehicles warning light illuminated and the vehicle immediately slowed down and would not go over 20 miles per hour. Prior to the warning lights illuminating there were no warning lights already illuminated and no drivability issues. You could hear a griding noise when driving at low speeds and the vehicle would not go above 20 miles per hour. Ended up pulling over and towing t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Engine power reduced Car will not accelerate Jerks after a long stop Have replaced engine and transmission same problem occurred
Incident date: Aug 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The “4WD Failure” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; how... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2020
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, almost causing the wheels to lock up. The power train warning light illuminated, and the instrument cluster became inoperable; however, the tachometer was operational. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Camp... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 20, 2026
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the instrument panel was inoperative, except for the RPM gauge and speedometer. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed,... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 20, 2026
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
VEHICLE EXTENDED CRANKING WITHOUT STARTING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, AND ONCE STARTED IT WAS LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE DRIVING AND ALMOST WAS IN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS. SHEEHY FORD SEE ITS A RECALL AND SEE ITS EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL IS STATING BUT REFUSING TO FIX IT AND WANT TO CHARGE ALMOST 10K TO DO SO.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, after the recall repair was performed, the vehicle started experiencing failures associated with the recall. The contact stated that after the recall repair, while driving 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear and the vehicl... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 20, 2026
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission independently shifted into park. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the transmission brake error message was displayed. The vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was restarted; however, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure reoccurred. The failure was a pe... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 20, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Vehicle has a high pitch whine on acceleration. Was diagnosed by Toyota dealer. Advised to replace the transmission. This VIN is not included in the CSP ZJC warranty but is a 2018 and is experiencing the same issue. Sound began at 110k miles.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 2–4 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle drove onto a sidewalk curb and crashed into a concrete post before coming to a stop. There was no damage to the concrete post. The contac... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
At around 125,000, my car developed a shudder at switching gears. Ford has previously identified a problem with my car, which was manufactured before XXX, and purchased on or around XXX. They have since sent out a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB25-2154). No diagnostic codes are identified for the car, but since my car's extended warranty expired at 100,000 miles, I have a potentially dangerous ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The suspected failed component is the front differential carrier bearing on my 2021 BMW 750i xDrive. [XXX] BMW of Westmont, Illinois diagnosed carrier bearing damage and oil leaks and recommended replacement of the front differential. The vehicle has approximately 53,791 miles. The failed differen... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the engine light was illuminated. The transmission emission message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was associated with DTC: P0777. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who recommended a transmission flush. After the transmission flush the vehicle failed to shift from second to third gear. The vehicle was taken t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking abnormally, with the WRENCH symbol flashing before the vehicle lost power. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
I was driving on interstate approximatly 70 mph when it downshifted into second gear and and almost got rearended by a semi truck that was following behind my truck and luckily was able to swerve to miss hitting us. I Believe it is the 6r80 transmission conductor plate that is the cause of the issue
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to turn off. The “Shift to Park” message was displayed. Additionally, after the vehicle was parked and the engine was turned off, the vehicle independently started. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
The contact leased a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle suddenly lost power and shut off. The contact made several attempts to restart the vehicle and the vehicle restarted on the 10th attempt. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power and shut off another time. After approximately 10 minutes and seve... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while making an emergency stop, the transmission jerked. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the transmission shifter cable was damaged. Additionally, the contact stated that after ... Read more