Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 133,534 complaints — component: POWER TRAIN
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
2020 toyota highlander l Transmission..whining noise it gets louder when accelerating
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
While driving my 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid, the vehicle suddenly displayed a low oil pressure warning, immediately lost power, and entered limp mode. I was able to pull over safely, but the engine then suffered a catastrophic failure — a connecting rod blew through the engine block, leaving large metal fragments inside the engine compartment. The vehicle is completely inoperable. Prior to this ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power, lost braking power, and lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving at high speeds, which caused the contact to be frightened. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
My CVT transmission has been replaced three times by Nissan. I am currently on the third CVT transmission and it has failed requiring a fourth CVT transmission replacement. I was in a few different situations each time the trasmission failed that were unsafe. I've been at intersections, trying to accelerate forward when the stop light turns green causing me to stop in the middle of intersections o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
While driving 70mph the vehicle had a sudden loss of power which required me to quickly navigate over two lanes of highway traffic to the right shoulder. I had no power or ability to accelerate. I was in hybrid mode with adaptive cruise control active. Upon safely making it to the shoulder of the road, I saw message on the dash saying something about electrical mode unavailable. I turned the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
I was resuming speed after a toll, my 2015 Ram Eco Diesel 1500 lost all momentum, threw an alarm to service the Electronic Throttle with a red lightning bolt framed by two red lines, and I limped to the shoulder with several semi close on my tail. After researching I shut off for a minute, removed key, opened door, then restarted. The engine struggled and revved several times before starting. The ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 16, 2025
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
on [XXX] iwas driving coming back home from [XXX] by exit [XXX]. the engine turn off and didnt turn back on. i had to get a town to take me out of the highway and pay $141.00 becide that my engine seized. now i dont have a car and the car didn't gave me any notification that something it was going on with the engine. if i had any light on the car i wil take it to the mechanic, know i loss my sourc... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
2018 Nissan Rogue with 110,000 miles transmission has failed and needs to be replaced. Stranded my granddaughter. Vehicle was inspected by a garage and they have confirmed that a new transmission is required. Cannot replace with a used one because there are none available since this has occurred in many vehicles apparently. No warning or signs of this prior to the transmission going out and un... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
Honda has a 2 TSBs for all Pilots on all VINs having a transmission juddering issue. They are making us pay out of pocket for a known issue on all 2017 VINs. I was quoted a minimum of $700 due to the labor involved. We, as customers, shouldn't have to pay for a known issue with all VINs of 2017 Honda Pilots. It caused issues with cruise control and keeping speed on the road especially uphill. Some... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Wheel bearings failed at 55k miles , 5.25 years
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
The vehicle was brought to the dealership at around 17,000 miles with concerns regarding a clunky sound and hesitation in acceleration. The issue is extremely noticeable while turning and accelerating. No warning lights, messages or audible chimes show up when the issue occurs. Due to the vehicle hesitation on acceleration and the clunky / bouncy feeling in the steering wheel, my wife and I thi... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
A 220
(2020) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 16, 2025
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
I own a Jeep Cherokee 2018 ( [XXX] ) it has less then 60k miles on it. The dashboard recently - 4WD System unavailable" lit up and remains lit. I took to non dealer for diagnosis- stated it is a known issue in Jeep Cherokee, transfer case internal failure. I verified online there is a recall for faulty power transfer (25V011000.) but my VIN is not reflected. I believe my Vin should be included in ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
A 220
(2020) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 16, 2025
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
I’m reporting a safety issue with my 2019 Toyota RAV4 that has recently started and is getting worse. The problem seems related to the start-stop system or something in the powertrain. When I come to a stop—at a stop sign, red light, or roundabout—the car doesn’t always respond normally when I try to start moving again. Sometimes there’s a hesitation, and other times it lurches forward u... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
I was told by the dealer that my 2019 Outback had a cam carrier oil leak. At the time, my car had 50,700 miles on it. My drivetrain warrantee was for 5 years or 60,000 miles. I was over on the years but under on the miles. The repair was estimated to cost $4,500.00. The dealer said that this oil leak is common and even when repaired it could leak again. This is a design flaw that Subaru has n... Read more
GRAND DESIGN
SOLITUDE
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 16, 2025
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part not being available. The manufacturer was notif... Read more
GRAND DESIGN
SOLITUDE
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 16, 2025
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the engine continuously revved very high, and while at a stop light, the vehicle almost stalled after activating the A/C. Additionally, the transmission failed to immediately shift into gear, and the vehicle jerked while shifting gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who performed a transmis... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2024
I was stopped at a red light on a busy road. When it turned green and i accelerated the car would not move. It jerked and the dash lit up lioke a Christmas tree. A big red turtle came up on the dash and I was able to move but only 5-7 miles per hour. I drove the 8 -9 mile home at only 7 miles an hour while being honked at and near misses from the heavy trraffic. The vehiocle was towed to the deale... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
We bought a 2019 Chevy Traverse High Country in 2018. Oct 2021-Jan 2022 Chevy held the car to put a new transmission in, at no cost to us, with no explanation, no paperwork. Now we are in September 2025 and the car needs another transmission. In Oct 2021 I was accelerating through an intersection and the car stopped in the middle of the intersection, it was TERRIFYING. Luckily people around me rea... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 16, 2025
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
I am writing to report a serious and recurring safety issue with my vehicle. On multiple occasions, while either pulling out into traffic or driving at normal speeds, the vehicle has unexpectedly dropped into first gear. This sudden downshift has caused the vehicle to decelerate abruptly, nearly resulting in a loss of control and posing a significant risk of an accident. As a business owner, I of... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
Transmission lead frame failure. Common / known issue with Ford F150's. Evidently, there is a recall on the part that mine needs, but my vin isn't included in the recall. I can't accelerate at random. Vehicle starts off in 3rd gear / limp mode Yes, confirmed by ASE certified tech Replacement part isn't readily available due to high failure rate and recall.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while shifting from reverse(R) to drive(D), the vehicle made an abnormal banging sound, jerked and then sputtered. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving at various speeds, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminat... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
My vehicle lost complete power while I was sitting at red light. The dashboard went completely out and pop back on stating to put the vehicle in park and push the brake to start. After following those instructions the vehicle failed to start and I left disability until OnStar notified MPD to assist. While waiting for assistance I was almost hit 3 times. When MPD arrived on the scene they were able... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Bought a used 2018 Ford Focus From a dealer in October 2024. In February 2025 the car started shuttering when put inn reverse when I left work. I drove ten miles to Home and didn't drive the car util the next day. The next morning when I went to work the car would not do more than 25 miles per hour. I pulled over and called someone to come tow the car. The car would not go in reverse. Car was take... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
I own a 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty (VIN: [XXX] , mileage: ~20,000). The vehicle is subject to a recall involving the transmission output planetary four assembly replacement. Ford and the dealer insist that the transmission must be disassembled and rebuilt to complete this recall. I do not agree with this solution because it permanently alters the integrity of the original transmission. Additionall... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
I had the recall fixed for the oil pump drive belt tensioner on 1.0L engine. Dealership fixed it but they told me my torque converter was damaged. I read and looked up that most dealers fixed those because it affected the torque converter. But the dealership told me they would not fix it unless I pay $4789. I told them about the o the people said the recall also damaged the torque converter. But t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while shifting to reverse, there was a loud popping sound coming from the transmission. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who replaced the transmission fluid, but the failure persisted. The cause o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2001
I have contacted local GMC repair facility (Frank Brown in Lubbock Tx.) about the safety recall on my 6.2 liter engine to attempt to schedule an inspection of my engine and cannot get them to inspect the engine which the recall notice said they would do. They continue to stall and say the inspection isn't approved by GM. I've tried 3 different times to address this isuue without satisfactory res... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park(P); however, the “Shift to Park” message was displayed. The contact shifted the gear shifter back and forth and then shifted into park(P) before the proper gear was recognized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
While driving on interstate leaving a construction zone started to accelerate to maybe 40mph and heard/felt a hard clang and lost all forward motion costed to side of interstate. Looked underneath truck, nothing visible broken or leaking. Restarted truck tried to move forward with no luck. Reverse worked, put back in drive loud noise again stomped on the accelerator and started moving forward very... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
I was driving down the highway and the transmission started shifting erratically and went to 3rd almost causing me to wreck. Check engine light and wrench icon came on and had to pull over immediately. Code says faulty transmission range sensor and lead frame are the cause.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
Vehicle will cut off as if an electrical short and the Service Stabilitrak indicator will flash on the dashboard along with warning chimes. This has happened several times at low speed (1st gear) especially while turning. The steering wheel locks and can not be turned. I've almost been involved in an accident this week because the truck turns off while making a turn. I was at a stop sign waiting t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
All lights came on randomly ford house said it was the torque converter
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
URGENT SAFETY CONCERN/ISSUE On [XXX], while driving my 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige, it lost all power without warning, leaving me unable to accelerate or control the vehicle. This created an unsafe situation as I was traveling at 40 mph when all power was lost. What happened to me was a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was brand new with only 1351 miles at the time. Several warning lig... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
2024 Chevy Traverse transmission failed at 5,200 miles while exiting a major interstate. Vehicle struggled to downshift and switch gears. Transmission fluid leaked excessively while driving and parked. The vehicle was not drivable after failure. Unreliable and clunky acceleration and slowing down put passengers, including children - especially those in the rear-most seat - in danger. The problem w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
My son was driving home from work when car suddenly went into limp mode with check engine light and all other safety light came on the dash. Driving around 50mph and my son nearly collided with multiple cars as the became hard to steer and brakes unreliable. Luckily no one was hurt this time. Car has 83k miles. was taken to the dealer and diagnostics run and provided with a $5000. repair to repla... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
I’m having an issue where there’s a sudden loss of all power while driving at highway speeds, forcing me to slowly move to a safe spot while trying not to get hit by other cars. Once I’m safely stopped, I have to turn the vehicle off and back on, and then the power is restored—but the problem can randomly happen anytime at speeds over 65–70 mph. No codes are showing. A repair shop couldn... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an in... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
We have experienced sluggish/poor acceleration response, scary hesitation at take off regardless of how hard you depress the gas pedal and when driving and are at a speed approx.45-55 mph and press the gas pedal as much 75% and there is no acceleration. I have had the vehicle at an authorized Hyundai Dealer repair shop 3 times and have filed a formal complaint with Hyundai. Hyundai states that thi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
PTU failure at 65,000 miles. Unknown timeline for the replacement part
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The engine continually misfires, forcing me to continually get it fixed. Now, with only 68,000 miles I have to replace the head gasket ($4000), which my mechanic states is an extremely common problem with this make, model, and year. I also continually get notices to my Ford app about “fault detected—service engine soon” (for the misfire) and “a power train or AWD fault has been detected”... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
On April 5, 2023, I purchased a used 2021 Nissan Armada SL with 74,429 miles on it. On August 29, 2025, I took the vehicle in for front & rear differential and transmission fluid services. On August 31, 2025, I drove the SUV to Boston MA. The vehicle began a jerking motion and slow acceleration. I assumed it was due to a possible low grade of gas. I filled the vehicle with 93 octane gas. The issue... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Automobile falls out of gear randomly losing all forward power to move the car. While pulling out into traffic, this causes the car to not gain speed with traffic endangering those in the car. Dealer currently has the car and has quoted to replace the Transmission with a rebuilt unit. No warning lights in the car to tell us anything was wrong. Based on research, I believe Ford knows this transm... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Vehicle displayed "Shift to Park" error and would not shut off. This occurs after the shifter is placed in the park position. By any standard, a defective component that prevents the car from being shut off is an extreme safety concern and needs immediate attention. Additionally, the instrument panel remains illuminated and the aux power items continue to function. This has happened multiple... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The contact leased a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the vehicle failed to respond while the gear shifter was in reverse(R). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven, and the dealer became aware that the transmission was slipping. The dealer inspected the vehicle and found clutch debris inside the tra... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
At 99500 the transmission went Kaputt! Repair man says metal shavings obstructed flow of fluid, through the filter, into the transmission, not allowing for running the car forward or backward. Very dangerous as we were driving down a highway when it just stopped working. Vehicle is only 6 years old. Why would this happen so soon?
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Sep 14, 2025
the transmission for this truck has on several occasions shifted very hard when accelerating, and on a couple occasions has down shifted without warning and without reason. the down shifting incidents were unexpected and could have caused an accident if I was in traffic.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The check oil light indicated that the oil level had become too low. The Volswagen dealership service technician identiifed the cause to be from the exhaust valve seals wearing out. The cylinder head needs to be replaced per their recommendation. No warning apart from the low oil indicator.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
GMC Consumer Relations Subject: Structural Undercarriage Safety Defect – 2012 GMC Terrain SLE Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2012 GMC Terrain SLE VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Purchase: 148,305 Date of Purchase: [XXX] Location: Rochester, New York I am filing a complaint regarding a severe undercarriage safety defect in my 2012 GMC Terrain SLE. The rear undercarriage of this vehicle shows heav... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2015) — POWER TRAIN
Sep 15, 2025
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
When turned on airconditioner car shuddered engine light came on started blowing white smoke alot and blow buy engine oil in crank case