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 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally and was sluggish. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
This complaint is in reference to my vehicle which is involved with Federal Class Action Lawsuits and the fact that my engine was defective from the day it was built. My engine was consuming oil at a rate of 1 quart every 361.1 miles driven. I was advised to not put oil in it and drive it until it blows up. This would have put myself, my family, friends, or any other passengers or bystanders at ri... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
All Driveshaft Support Bearings failed and needed replaced.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Intermittent Transmission issue. Truck will not shift into 5th or 6th gear. Temporary fix is turning the car off and on again. Problem will eventually return. Is this a Software or Hardware issue? Is there a campaign or recall on this issue?
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
I am writing to formally report a serious and ongoing concern regarding the condition and safety of my Nissan vehicle. On 08 January 2026, during a routine oil change, the technician discovered a turbocharger leak after removing the plastic plate covering the oil pan. I immediately notified my local Nissan dealership and scheduled an inspection for 12 January 2026. This issue is especially alarmi... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2020) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Transmission blew at 40200 miles under normal driving conditions going approximately 30/35 mph
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The vehicle decelerated in the highway, from about 70mph to 40mhp with no warning, no check engine light, and no previous symptoms, sounds or other indicators. The vehicle was brought to the dealer who advised the high pressure fuel pump went bad as well as the solenoid and OCV harness, causing oil to be forced through the harness. KIA refused to cover the repairs at 74k miles and it was fixed at ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Transmission failure at 76,000 miles. Vehicle not properly responding coupled with erratic gear behavior when trying to shift gears. Problem was confirmed by Ford dealer Doggett Ford, South Loop, Houston Texas. Diagnosis: Transmission replacement. No warning lights or messages. Problems appeared suddenly and deteriorated quickly. Ford Customer Support was contacted but only offered to pay ar... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
While the manufacture states parts are available, I have not been able to get any and have been waiting since October of 2025. NHTSA Recall Number25V512
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Transmission will randomly jump while accelerating and downshift to the point that we have to get to the interstate shoulder. This has happened many times.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
Vehicle was purchased with 95,xxx miles. Within 10 days sporadic transmission jerks and stalls started. Taken to repair facility 3 times over next 2 months with no issues found. During long distance trip transmission felt rough and sluggish. Transmission was serviced. Engine light on. Repair facility replaced all spark plugs, coil packs and cleared codes. 2 weeks later light came back on. Transmis... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Recall H009 is exactly what happened to my car I was turning in an intersection when I herd a loud boom and crackling I lost control almost hitting 2 cars and when I finally stopped I look below and my drive shaft had snapped and some of the drive shaft was stuck in the differential. Recall H039 is exactly what happened to my car I was driving my car and it suddenly cut off on me while driving I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
When the engine is turned off, and the car is not in park, it rolls. When the engine is turned off the car should automatically switch to P to prevent it from rolling. Our car was left in R with the engine off. And instead of switching to P automatically, it just rolled away and hit the neighbors garage.
Crash
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 8, 2026
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Transmission failed days of buying the car used. Had less than 90,000 miles on it.
CHEVROLET
SUBURBAN 1500
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 8, 2026
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
My transmission blew up and I almost wrecked my truck. No engine lights came on, and still no engine lights are coming on it only has 69,000 miles on it and has never missed a service. Its currently at the dealership where I bought it from
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
While backing out of a parking space, with my 1 year old infant in the back seat, my vehicle became stuck in reverse and would not shift into drive or park. The vehicle became disabled and the warning dash stated to put the vehicle in park but i could not park or do anything else and couldnt take my foot off the brake or else i would continue reversing. Eventually i was able to at least turn the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I had been driving my 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE with 46k miles that I just got for about two weeks, so about 10 days out of the 14 i actually drove it from home to work and back home. Within those 10 days driving the SUV, 8 mornings and one afternoon the highlander engine had issues accelerating and shifting gears. Basically when pulling out on to a highway from a side street coming down a hill w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
PTU Control Motor is failing and triggering SVC 4WD. In the middle of winter having loss of power is terrifying. Has been looked at by mechanic, diagnostic ran and code C14A7-97 has been present. I purchased in 2022, 85k miles and regular maintenance.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
Transmission failed at 75K with no warning lights or prior evidence.
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 8, 2026
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Our X1 has a lot of "slip" in the transmission. It's most apparent when you back up and then switch to drive. In our X1, the car keeps rolling backward like it's in neutral. Drive doesn't engage until after a long delay.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
The contact’s friend owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. While the friend was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the transmission sounded clunky while shifting. The vehicle lost functionality. Additionally, while driving at 30 MPH, ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The owner reports that at slow, consistent speeds [approx. 1–10 mph] on an incline, including steep paved city roads and well-maintained alpine roads, the transmission/EV temperature increases quickly. Under similar low-speed inclines where speed fluctuates [approx. 1–25 mph], temperatures rise rapidly and result in overheating. This occurs both on-road and off-road. Once the transmission exc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
When my truck is put into Neutral gear position and my foot is taken off the brake the trucks message center shows "Press Brake and TURN shifter to desired gear". Unfortunately, this is impossible to do as these trucks are only equipped with Column shifter handles and not dash mounted rotary knobs. It is literally impossible to follow this direction as given. I have to imagine giving a customer a ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Transmission, yes it’s available for inspection I was on the highway driving approximately 70 MPH going up hill, and my car starts to downshift and lose power on a high traffic highway without warning no lights flickered or anything Yes it was seen by dodge dealership No it was not inspected by the manufacturer or others No, The check engine came on Approximately 15 minutes AFTER the f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
Vehicle experienced engine failure previously and received a Hyundai-installed replacement engine in February 2025. Replacement engine is now setting DTC P000A00 – Intake Camshaft Position Slow Response (Bank 1). Hyundai dealership master technician confirmed excessive variance between commanded and actual cam timing, indicating a VVT / cam timing failure controlled by oil and actuators. Hyundai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the rod bearings were knocking, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V626000 (Power Train), 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and 20V750000 (Engine). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly started to decelerate even though the RPM was extremely elevated. There was a high-pitched whine coming from the vehicle, and the tires screeched before the vehicle came to an abrupt stop, ceasing all functions. The contact turned off the vehicle in the middle of the interstate... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Trans is shot bearing went in it I understand they had problems with 2018-2019
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 8, 2026
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Summary of Safety Defect: While my 16 year old daughter was driving our 2014 Kia Soul in December 2025, the car suddenly lost power in traffic and would not go over 20 mph; the check engine light came on and the vehicle entered limp mode. The sudden drop in power created a high anxiety, hazardous situation for my daughter, who had only had her license for a week, during rush hour traffic. The vehi... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 8, 2026
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
Vehicle Information: Year: 2021 Make: Mercedes-Benz Model: GLC 300 Engine: M264 Mileage at time of failure: Approximately 65,000 miles Complaint Description: While driving, my 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 began experiencing repeated engine misfires and rough running, accompanied by a persistent check engine light. These symptoms began shortly after I purchased the vehicle and progressively worsene... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Transmission started whining from the pump and then immediately lost power/acceleration. Electronic diagnosis found code P0733 for incorrect gear ratio for 3rd gear. Dealership recommends torque converter replacement and transmission overhaul. Fine metal debris found in transmission fluid sample. Estimate $5,500 and occurred at 110,000 miles on odometer.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). While parked in the snow, the contact attempted to engage the 4WD, but the 4WD feature failed to activate. The “Service 4WD” message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet availab... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, 4WD, ABS, park sensors, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the speed sensor for the rear wheels; however, the failure persisted, and the transmission failed to recognize that the gear selector was in park(P). Roadsid... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
My Oil pump and oil sensor keep going out every 4,000 miles. I have already had to replace it once. I don’t want to have to do it again. Clearly something is causing this issue.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
While driving, after a missed downshift that causes engine bogging, the vehicle experiences a loss of engine power. The engine remains running but will not produce usable torque and will not rev above approximately 800 RPM, despite clutch disengagement and selecting the correct gear. Holding the clutch fully depressed does not immediately restore power; instead, after approximately 4 seconds, the ... Read more
JEEP
WRANGLER 4XE
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 8, 2026
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
The ICCU assembly and high voltage fuse blew/broke at 6,255 miles as I was driving on Interstate 294. That immediately reduced the vehicle maximum speed to about 25mph, causing a hazard to myself and following drivers who were traveling at 55mph or more. I limped about 3 miles to the next exit, where Hyundai arranged for a tow and warranty service to replace the faulty parts. There were no prio... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
I am the original owner of this vehicle and the engine and controls have not been modified in any way. Yesterday while driving at approximately 30 mph on a surface street with dry road conditions in the “2H” setting on the Drive Modes Selection Dial my truck spontaneously shifted into four-wheel drive high and then attempted to switch into four-wheel-drive low – “Rock Crawl Mode.” The ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
10/02/23. Recall repair 14M02B was performed by blue Springs Ford, blue springs MO. Milage on car 96,028. Car has had normal oil change by same dealer. Car now at 107,000 miles only slightly over 10,000 miles in two years has same TMC issue but code now is P07A5. Diagnosed by same dealership and because 1st time replacement done. They are not obligated to fix again. I would agree except for the l... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
When accelerating and decelerating the vehicle jerks and responds erratically. We had just had it at the dealership for its 80k mile maintenance. They did a transmission flush. We thought it was related but when we brought it back in, we were told that the mold leadframe would require replacing.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle experienced hard shifting while attempting to change gears, and the vehicle hesitated, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired; however, DTC: P1C2D03 was retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
I was driving my vehicle on the highway when the transmission suddenly gave out with no warning whatsoever. When I say gave out, I mean, it just completely stopped working and was unable to go into any gear. I was luckily able to coast over to the median without an accident occurring, but it was not without much concern or worry as traffic moving on the highway is 70 miles an hour plus and quite f... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
I reached out to the Ford Motor Company’s recall department at corporate headquarters on 1/7/2026, regarding the safety recall for my 2024 Ford F-150. My truck has been at my local dealership since November waiting for the necessary repairs. The hold-up is due to the replacement part being on back order, and I’ve been informed by a Ford representative that it won’t be available for dealershi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Hello - On [XXX], while travelling to visit family for the Christmas Holiday, a warning about a transmission system error came on. We pulled over, check fluids, looked the vehicle over, added approved coolant which appeared a little low. When we started our van, all the lights were off, and we were able to reach our destination without incident. On [XXX], all fluids were checked prior to leavi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
We bought this truck new. When accelerating in “normal” transmission, mode, it would downshift and the turbos would kick in at the same time giving an unwanted surge of power. I found that driving in “sports” mode would give me more normal acceleration. Another issue I had as it got older was getting a big clank from the transmission when putting it in gear, especially in the morning when... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Vehicle has 54,250 miles. Vehicle has a rear differential bearing going out by hearing and feeling the grinding at all speeds and the transmission jerks shafting gears. Both could cause an accident if totally fail. Chevrolet has a service bulletin out from what my local garage says. Mechanic also says Chevrolet will not warranty the product. Vehicle is now being looked at by a Chevrolet dea... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
GM has redesigned the gear shift of the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox to be placed on the steering wheel. That's fine except engineers put it in the exact spot of where the windshield wiper lever traditionally is AND made it look and act and move like a windshield wiper lever, which instinctively means you as a driver will hit that gear shift when it starts raining or when you want to trigger windshield ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
Car is making a clunking/whirring noise that speeds up with acceleration and slows with deceleration. Also beginning to have a vibration. No warning lights on the dashboard. Dealer states an entire new transmission is needed, more than $11,000. This is a large financial burden. I see reports online that there is a known issue with the CVT transmissions in C-HRs causing failure, and Toyota Canada... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2016) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 8, 2026
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Recently out 2020 Nissan Versa started "Shuddering" when accelerating at low speeds. I took it to the Nissan Dealership and they quoted me $7,000 saying the transmission had to be replaced. I conducted online reviews and found Nissan customers experience this same issue in concerning numbers. I found multiple Nissan Technical Bulletins about this very issue, with this vehicle. Not only is it conce... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 8, 2026
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
Cars is not keeping track of temperature showing engine is cold after 30 minutes of driving, fan runs for extended periods of time after shutting off, check engine light comes on, steering assist alert comes in screen. All of this happens in a cycle. To stop it the battery has to be unplugged and reconnected resetting the car and everything goes back to being fine for a short period of time.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
My 2020 Toyota Camry is experiencing a premature and progressive transmission failure that creates serious safety risks. Symptoms include hesitation and loss of power during acceleration, harsh and delayed shifting, RPMs increasing without vehicle movement, failure to properly engage gears (including reverse), and loud whining/grinding noises. These issues make the vehicle unsafe to drive, especi... Read more