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: Mar 30, 2026
My 2020 Subaru Crosstrek CVT Valve Body equipment failure and CVT Torque Converter failure. This appears to be a common failure for prior Subaru Crosstrek model - however was not extended for coverage to 2020 and beyond models - appears the issue still persists and additional year models should be covered. My vehicle experience the same failure for CVT Valve Body failure and CVT Torque Converter w... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
With 94 Miles my brand new GMC Canyon AT4 I leased had a catastrophic failure while i was driving it, the front axle essentially exploded. The findings were that their was no oil/lubricant installed in it from the factory which made this happen. I now have to wait many months for the dealership to repair my vehicle while i have a "loaner" with a bunch of restrictions on it. And i have to pay my le... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the all-wheel drive (AWD) system became inoperable. The contact stated that when attempting to engage the AWD function, the system failed to operate and the vehicle would transition into four-wheel drive operation. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer refer... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle to respond as intended and the contact could smell smoke while stopped. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to where the diagnosed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, as the shift selector switch was replaced. The ma... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
I was driving vehicle and it all of a sudden get stuck in gear in either park gear or some other gear that wont allow me to turn engine off. Sometimes it just slow down to a stop and will not go into gear again for a while or appears the gears are not engaging putting me at risk for accident on highway. Once it slowed down in traffic and I nearly got hit trying to drive it off the highway. The gea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while pressing the brake pedal a grinding noise was present coming from the frontend of the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle the husband discovered that the brake vacuum line was damaged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the four wheel drive vacuum hose. After retrieving the vehicle the failure reoccurred and th... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
We have recurring safety issue with our car that has not been fixed despite multiple service visits to both Grieco Ford and Sawgrass Ford. They keep sending it back as “cannot duplicate”. We have contacted Ford Corporate and they also will not assist. We purchased this car used from Sawgrass ford and purchased an extended warranty with the car. The car issues include: Slipping into Neutral: Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
I was driving and the car just stopped it wouldn't let me put in park or drive it just stayed in neutral. And I was stuck it kept the the emergency break on. Then it wouldn't turn off all the way which caused the car to drain battery.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The vehicle experienced a sudden and repeated malfunction of the hybrid/electrical system and powertrain, resulting in the vehicle becoming inoperable. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. While driving in traffic, multiple warning messages appeared, including "Hybrid System Malfunction," "Charging System Malfunction," "Engine Malfunction," "Bra... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
2017 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 40,000 MILES, REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND PLATE ARE BAD. $2100.00 TO FIX. SEEMS A LITTLE EARLY IN MILEAGE FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. I HAVE READ ABOUT BAD REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND PLATE FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number. 26V237000 (Power Train) however the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced any failure regarding the unrepaired recall.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway, the vehicle began to unexpectedly drive slowly. The dealer was contacted ;however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
I recently had the 10R80 rebuilt due shifting issues and it was discovered that the CDF drum and the outer shell were defective. The transmission would shift erratically and sometimes would shift into a lower gear that should not do causing immediate high engine rpms and throwing passengers forward. In wet conditions this would cause a loss of control. I retained the defective parts and documen... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
The car has developed a growl/whine from the transmission. A trip to the mechanic determined that it sounded as if a bearing inside the transmission is failing. A check online showed multiple complaints regarding the transmission failing with the same issues as my car, and what appeared to be a possible class action lawsuit being filed regarding this transmission issue. No recall is showing for... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2020) — POWER TRAIN
May 11, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
I purchased a 2023 Toyota Corolla LE as a Toyota Gold Certified Pre-Owned vehicle on March 8, 2026 at 61,387 miles. Within 30 days of purchase I began experiencing the following safety concerns: •Vehicle revs to 5,000-6,000 RPM unexpectedly •Violent jerking while driving •Vehicle stalls On April 7, 2026 I brought the vehicle to the selling dealership. The technician confirmed experiencing th... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Brand new OEM ford clutch slave cylinder failed while in traffic. Part number DG9Z-7A564-B fell apart during test drive after it was newly installed. Lost ability to use the clutch pedal and could not pull the car out of gear while in traffic. Component was not inspected by manufacturer yet, there were no warning lights on the dash when it occurred. Was able to get the car back home and noticed br... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
I contacted ford about my molded lead frame because my truck has a issue with the transmission and they denied my coverage to repair the problem and it’s is expired so the won’t fix the issue.
Incident date: May 10, 2026
My trucks transmission is not shifting right. One time I pulled out and I wouldn’t shift almost causing me to get rear ended. Another time it just randomly went down like 5 cars cause me to almost get rear ended on the freeway.
Incident date: May 10, 2026
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, I was driving home from a neurology appointment with my two daughters, including my child with special needs. I intentionally chose not to take the expressway and instead drove a lower-speed route home for safety reasons. While traveling approximately 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly displayed an “Engine Power is Reduced” warning. As I attempted to safely maneuver thr... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
I am filing this formal complaint to report a series of catastrophic, life-threatening mechanical failures involving my 2023 GMC Yukon. This vehicle has become a weapon on the road, exhibiting erratic behaviors that nearly resulted in a multi-vehicle fatality on a high-speed highway.1. High-Speed Power Loss (Highway Failure while my wife was traveling at 60 MPH in heavy highway traffic, the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Driving home from church this morning, the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of power and the car went into “limp mode”. Even the pedal floored and the engine rpms high, the car would barely go about 25 or 30 mph. A message from the dash board told me to pull over and leave the engine running to charge the EV batteries. The batteries would charge enough for what I thought would get me home but... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
May 10, 2026
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Sudden downshift at highway speeds. Sudden shift into neutral at highway speeds. Transmission slams into lower gear causing rear end to make noise.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
After coming to a complete stop at a stop light, my engine began to shudder and then stalled out. I received a message on the dashboard to shift to P and restart my engine. After shifting to P I was able to start my engine. When shifting to R my engine acted normally. When shifting to N my engine acted normally. When shifting to D my engine began to shudder and stalled a second time. After waiting... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
My 2022 Jeep Cherokee Trail-hawk PTU from Transmission failed, and only has 68000 miles. I My warranty has expired, and cant believe they quoted me $5000 to replace this part of the Transmission. I was going online, and noticed this PTU issue is kind of popular with Jeep vehicles, and at the moment, my Jeep has been in the Service Center for a few days now, since I don't know what to do or how t... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
I have had issues with the 10 speed transmission on my Expedition. I looked up my year model and type of transmission and there is a NHTSA recall on select model year transmissions within my year range. My vehicle is doing the same thing that is stated in the recall. I spoke to a transmission shop and they are the ones that informed me of the transmission issues and recalls. I reached out to ... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
Was pulling boat out of water stopped at top of ramp to put on back straps and remove plug,got to back of truck heard pop and boat and truck went in water,total loss truck,there has been complaints on this.
Incident date: May 8, 2026
I took it to the ford dealership, they said the transmission needed to be replaced
Incident date: May 8, 2026
3 times now, I am driving and the vehicle goes into limp mode, the "D" on the dash is flashing but the vehicle sends no codes. The tech said the vehicle can immediately delete the code and they can't fix it if they can't duplicate it. It also hesitates when accelerating and is dangerous to myself, my 4 children and anyone driving around me when it goes into limp mode. There is no code, therefore t... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
May 10, 2026
Incident date: May 9, 2026
2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE 4 door utility 2.5L 4 Cyl Gas A AWD unexpected sudden acceleration My safety as well as other vehicles and occupants as could have been at risk. National Transportation Safety Boaed has confirmed 57 cpmplaints of same issue. Vehicle determined total loss by insurance inspector, Va State Police. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms proir to the problem.
Crash
Incident date: May 7, 2026
My drive shaft/coupling caught fire at the front transfer case. I was able to extinguish it safely. This is the same description as: NHTSA Recall No.: 26V236 Manufacturer Recall No.: 26S26 And the description “ Vehicle 1: 2021-2025 FORD BRONCO‘ includes my vehicle, however, my VIN/license plate number do not show this recall in effect.
Fire
Incident date: May 3, 2026
unusual noises, unexpected slipping, deacceleration. According to mechanics is a CVT bearing failure
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
I own a 2022 Cadillac Escalade equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. While driving in [XXX] near [XXX] and XXX [XXX] , the engine suddenly failed without warning and left me stranded in traffic. Prior to the failure, there were either no warning signs or insufficient warning indicators to safely prevent the incident. The sudden engine failure created a serious safety concern because the vehicle los... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Transmission jerks and shifts hard jolting passengers around when it does. This has happened since I bought it as a second owner with 30k miles. I aske ford about it and they said “yep there is a problem but our shop doesn’t work on transmissions” I have not found any where else to take it as I lived in a small town. But I heard there are others with this same problem. 5.0 engine with... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
On 9-May, 2026, the vehicle was driven during the morning with no warning lights or indication of component failure. Vehicle was parked on the owner's driveway at approximately 13:00. Approximately 15:40 I started the Ascent’s engine, let it idle for about 60 seconds, buckled up and scanned dashboard and rearview mirror. No warning lights or any fault indication. Approximately 15:42, I put the... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
I’m still driving a time bomb waiting for vehicle fire or accident. Was told first quarter of the year. Now, still no remedy. I purchase car brand new and weeks later received notice. Then I was told Toyota was informed not to sell and I just bought mine. All I’m told is to wait. If engine line comes on pull over and tow. That’s great while I’m driving my family.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
May 10, 2026
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
Very hard down shifting at low speeds and it feels like the drive line is coming out of it!! Has been happening since brand new! I have reported it to the dealership and the said it was a quart low on fluid and they added a quart but the vehicle continues to do the same thing???
Incident date: May 10, 2026
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited, 3.3L Lambda II GDI V6, ~102,000 miles. In December 2022, an authorized Hyundai dealer replaced three specific parts under a Hyundai recall/campaign (records requested). On Sunday [DATE] at approximately [TIME] PM, I was driving on [FREEWAY], [STATE], at 55–70 mph at night. With NO prior warning — no warning lights, no chimes, no loss of power buildup, no knocking... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
I am reporting an ongoing and concerning issue with my 2022 Ford Edge. My vehicle has begun hesitating when pressing the accelerator and jerking or skipping, mainly when going from cruising/coasting to accelerating. Some days the issue is worse than others, but it has progressively made the vehicle feel unsafe to drive. At times, it feels as though the vehicle may break down while driving on the i... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
On April 27, 2025, in [XXX] , the vehicle displayed a low coolant warning in the morning. The owner replenished the coolant as instructed, the warning cleared, and the vehicle was driven to work without incident. Later that day, while traveling southbound on [XXX] at approximately 60 mph, the engine overheat warning activated, forcing the driver to stop and pull over. The vehicle required two sep... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
When we brought it in for first oil change at the dealership ; when we got it back it had a broken axle which they tried to say we just needed new tires , after contacting service manager and he and I go for a ride in it they kept it for several weeks and put over 300 miles on it and got ford engineering involved to determine the cause was broken axle. It has been replaced again since then suppos... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Transmission will randomly over shift or down shift when driving. When turning left I have had the transmission over shift from 2nd to 8th causing the car to bog down and could not accelerate in the intersection. I was almost hit from behind on one occasion and had hit on the side another time. I do not feel comfortable making turns without having a protected right away. Ford have changed the tran... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
My vehicle stalled (104000mi) bought in 2024 looked up online was known between 2023-2024 engine recall I wasn't told or shown on Car Fax anything about this So [XXX] worked on engine 2. Mths no charge was to get new motor they replaced alternator.Told Done Engine light was on I went to drive it jerked and over dash said engine problems return to dealer ( 5 min) I did .They had it2 more weeks sai... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The transmission system failed abruptly. I pulled away from a stoplight, had accelerated to 20-25 mph, and then the car came to a sudden stop, as if someone had put on an emergency brake. It continued to act as if the brake was on when I tried to go forward or reverse. I put it into neutral so that I could push it off the road. I realized it would drive slowly in neutral, so I drove it less than ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The vehicle is a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder experiencing a major transmission/CVT failure that creates serious safety concerns. Only 69 days after purchase, the transmission began failing and the vehicle became unsafe and unreliable to operate. The vehicle experiences severe transmission-related drivability problems, including hesitation, loss of proper acceleration, delayed response when attempting ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
The truck rapidly accelerated while I was slowly rolling into a parking spot with my foot on the brake. The harder I pushed the brake the more it seemed to accelerate. I luckily avoided hitting anything. I forced the gear shifter out of Drive into park. No warning lights or messages. I contacted 3 Ford dealerships and all said they haven’t heard of this nor do they think they could identify ... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) — POWER TRAIN
May 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I bought this used with 113,000 miles on it. Within the first year, I had to fix AC,oil leak and alternator. I also had to replace the transmission which gave out completely. Then about 14 months into owning this vehicle, the engine light came on, and I suddenly could not maintain speed. I was lucky I was not on the main highway where I would have been hit from cars behind me. KIA refuses to fix/r... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The transmission on my 2020 Ford Escape has an internal fault code and is not shifting into 6th gear. It is an unsafe issue due to it cannot be driven on highways because it throws the vehicle into limp mode. It was diagnosed at a Ford dealership and Ford is refusing to cover the cost to repair their issue since the vehicle is out of warranty. There is a class action suit against Ford for this iss... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
Took my 2017 Ford F-150 in for a diagnostic on May 8 2026 for wrench symbol check engine light and issues down shifting and sliding tires shop manager and technician claimed the vehicle is unsafe to drive and talked to the Service manager deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive wanted it grounded do to the safety concerns related to Recall 26S28 (PCM/TRS) stated the down shifting is cause catastrop... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
The truck often shifts from 6th gear down to 1st or second gear, sometimes at highway speeds and all warning light come on. It sometimes resolved itself upon starting it again, but seems to affect the throttle body. When the electrical system resets, you can hear a click from the throttle body indicating that the valve reset when the computer reset. We also have been affected by intense suffering ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
My transmission has started to fail. The check engine light came on the error code read p0867, transmission fluid pressure. Other lights came on as well because it tripped the rest of the sensors because of the CVT failure. This seems to be a common problem in Subarus