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
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQB 250+
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
May 9, 2026
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
My 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure suffered a sudden catastrophic transmission failure while driving on the highway on April 28, 2026, resulting in loss of forward gears and a dangerous situation. On April 28, 2026, while traveling in [XXX] , my 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure (159,173 miles) experienced a sudden transmission failure with no prior warning symptoms. The vehicle began slipping, made a whinin... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQB 250+
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
May 9, 2026
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Multiple times in my almost 3 year ownership I have experienced a “dead pedal” while pulling out into traffic from a stop. It has almost caused a t bone accident on a few occasions. It’s been to the dealer and had a software update TSB 0111-22. After the update I didn’t have the issue for a little while, but it has come back and it now happens almost every time I drive it. Online search sh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
Engine shuts off while driving. Speeds can be low or high. 20-65 mph. While driving, engine will cut off. Sometimes the electrics remain on and I can use power steering to pull to the side of the road, other times everything shuts down. It can happen while turning or regular straight driving. Sometimes it will restart right after, other times, it won't start for many minutes. We have gotten stuck ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Past issue was when vehicle was in Tow/Haul mode it would down shift unprompted. Currently when you break hard it won’t downshift and stays in previous gear causing the inability to accelerate with out putting in park the back in drive. I have almost been hit twice on interstate while manually shifting. My truck is currently in a ford shop and they say I need a new transmission?? However there... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Purchased the car in 2022 noticed some trans slipping issues and immediately reported it to the purchasing dealer. They took the car in serviced it and said it was good shortly after that noticed the problem again. We took it to be looked at and was told "nothing was noticed". A few months later again noticed some issues took it to another dealership and was told "nothing was noticed". Driving ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Shortly after purchasing this vehicle used in May 2024, we began experiencing hard and erratic shifting, particularly between 4th to 5th and 7th to 8th gears. On August 12, 2024, a Ford dealership performed a PCM update, which provided only temporary and partial improvement. The issue was never fully resolved. In January 2025, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed CDF drum within the 10-speed ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding two vehicles provided through Bob Hook Chevrolet in [XXX] . My Chevrolet Traverse has been at the dealership for approximately one month due to a transmission failure. The vehicle has remained unrepaired during that time. The transmission issue has made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate. While my Traverse was in the shop, the dealership provide... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) — POWER TRAIN
May 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
sudden reduced acceleration / limp mode while driving P1326 knock code potential engine failure / loss of power
Incident date: May 9, 2026
1.The USB port not working in the center console 2.Battery was draining and it was struggling to start, died at lights and barely turned back on 3. Door sensor on passenger side kept saying it was open when it wasnt 4. Air barely working 5. Wind sound whipping through the driver side 6. Raining in to the vehicle on the passenger side 7. Screen barely works, sometimes it takes forever to turn on ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
I have a 2025 honda odyssey, I bought mine with 2 miles on it, it was rhe first vehicle ive owned that was new so we had something safe and reliable and this has been far from it. So far we have had 1.The USB port not working in the center console 2.Battery was draining and it was struggling to start, died at lights and barely turned back on 3. Door sensor on passenger side kept saying it was o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Shudder when automatic transmission shifts. Long lag time when vehicle accelerates after throttle is engaged. Can feel and hear knock every time throttle is engaged and disengaged.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Shift to park displaying when car is in park so it won't turn off and stalling out randomly with no warning or anything and being hesitant to go
Incident date: May 1, 2026
While driving the vehicle on the freeway, the driver noticed the car was handling unusually at highway speeds. After exiting the freeway at approximately 45 mph, the accelerator pedal failed to decelerate properly when the foot was lifted from the pedal. A warning message appeared on the display screen indicating the vehicle was shutting down while the vehicle was still in motion. The vehicle subs... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Recurring electronic transmission shift control failure on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The Electronic Transmission Shift Control Pushbutton Circuit Board (GM part designation K212) has failed twice within approximately 9,300 miles. First failure occurred at approximately 45,695 miles in July 2025. The dashboard displayed a malfunction indicator and a "Service Transmission" warning. Diagnostic troubl... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Took my car for an oil change and found that the transfer case is leaking its fluid. Known to lead to tranfer case failure.
Incident date: May 4, 2026
While driving my 2013 F-150 the vehicle suddenly downshifts into 1st gear while driving in the city and remains there. At faster speeds the truck will downshift to 5th gear and remain there regardless of deceleration. This has been accompanied by a check engine light. The truck had the code P-0722. When this happens it is extremely unsafe and unpredictable. This causes an immediate and abrupt redu... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
My car has an issue officially diagnosed by a reputable mechanic that matches the claim of the former TSB SA-058/20 that was changed and clarified through the now existing TSB SA-031/21. My car has a cracked cylinder head. This is the non turbo engine but it does have cylinder deactivation which his believed to be a culprit. The cracking is known to be caused by a manufacturing defect. There i... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The car started sticking when driving then a knocking in the engine. Upon investigation/ diagnostics we found that the engine is blown and needs replacing. I have owned this car for 3 years to date and have keep up on all maintenance which you can find on carfax there is no reason at 136,000 an engine should blow. I would like this fixed asap
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
As I was leaving work and I went to pull out onto Hwy 45 in Columbus Ms and the transmission in my 2017 F150 jerked and hesitated between 1st and 2nd gear and almost got me hit on the driver side by oncoming traffic at a speed of 65+
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The vehicle's transmission control module is not working. The Ford Focus vehicle put my family and I at risk because we would be driving along in the Ford vehicle then all of a sudden it would slow down abruptly in traffic as it loses power. We've only had the vehicle 7 years and it is one of the most expensive problems to have with the car. Many reports online state that transmission control modu... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
I had my Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk fixed by Jeep per the recall notice. The PTU was replaced although no issues were apparent. The Car was fine before the work was done, but a month later started having driving issues and felt like it was skipping when turning left and wandering on the freeway. So I took it back to Jeep. They have had the car two weeks (14 days), and do not know what is wrong with i... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and did not accelerate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that her husband hooked the vehicle up to a handheld diagnostic machine where codes: P003A, P006a, P0046 populated. The manufacturer was notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed rear differential. The contact was informed that the snap ring was detached from the housing unit. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Was traveling on the roadway when my vehicle suddenly lost its ability to change gears. I had to put the transmission into manual mode to be able to pull to the side of the roadway and stop. The vehicle was towed to the repair facility where I was informed the transmission needed to be replaced. I was almost struck from behind by a motorist due to not being able to continue forward. I was info... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
Truck has 80,000 miles on it. For the last few thousand miles, the transmission has started to lurch during gear shifts from low speeds causing the vehicle to feel as if it is stalling out. Dealer states it is designed to do this, but due to power loss a collision is a possibility while trying to enter onto a highway with faster speeds. Dealer states the vehicle is learning the driver's driving... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25E003000 (POWERTRAIN). The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and went into limp mode. Multiple warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the power steering seized. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Transmission intermittently struggling to reach 3rd, 4th, 5th gears. Performed IDS diag at shop, found hitorical code P0734 for "Incorrect gear 4 ratio" TSB 26-2046 to overhaul transmission.
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when turning her steering wheel to either the left or right, an abnormal thumping noise would emit from the vehicle without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the rear differential was defective and needed to be repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer who inform... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
On at least 5 separate occasions the vehicle has slowed significantly and failed to downshift in order to accelerate. This has been accompanied by high transmission temps and power train warnings. In one instance the vehicle slowed to below 40 mph on an expressway with a speed limit of 70. Eventually the vehicle will downshift with a harsh and erratic shift which will then accelerate the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Sudden and unexpected downshifting from 4th to 1st gear when driving.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle jerked. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The contact received the manufacturer's customer satisfaction number: 14M02 in the past. However, when the vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2016
I bought my vehicle around May 2024. Initially, everything seemed fine. However, I noticed that my car was starting to slow down and would enter limp mode, preventing me from exceeding a certain mileage. Subsequently, all the lights on my dashboard began flashing, prompting me to pull over and call a mechanic shop. I had all the necessary maintenance and repairs performed as per the plan. After st... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
My Toyota sienna is a 2020, has 83,000 miles and has recently been squealing when I accelerate. I took the van to a local body shop and they said it seems to be my transmission. I called Toyota immediately and they knew that the transmissions were faulty and that they would try to work with Toyota to get it fixed. There is no way I can pay 9k for a new transmissions because they put in faulty ones... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
I have had an incident where my 2023 gmc 3500 hd was had left me stranded earler this week. i towed the new truck to a certified dealer and i haven't heard anything since then. they mentioned my transmission will need to be fully replaced because valve body issues of solenoid a,e,f, are stuck open and closed codes on the 10 speed transmission upon researching my trucks history it was manufactured ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle would not accelerate past approximately 35MPH while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer on several occasions, where it was diagnosed as needing a battery, an unknown belt, and torque converter replac... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? INTERNAL WATER PUMP/ TIMING CHAINS/ VVT SOLENOIDS/ CAM PHASERS/ CAM SENSORS/ RELATED SEALS How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ENGINE FAILURE - SUDDEN STOP OF VEHICLE Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES, IS AWARE AND HAS ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2022 Kia Sorento, which is experiencing a dangerous and recurring loss of engine power during acceleration. This issue presents a significant safety hazard, particularly during situations requiring immediate acceleration such as highway merging, crossing intersections, and passing traffic.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Transmission suddenly jerks into another gear and has randomly downshifted at highway speeds to lower gear including 1st gear, then fails to get back into 10th gear.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The reduction gear/transaxle failing. Metal in fluid leads to increased noise. Drivetrain will eventually fail and unsafe to drive. Case #56669999 was filed with Nissan Consumer Affairs and they have denied assistance for out of warranty repair. While the car is outside the number of years in the warranty, at 37K miles it is still well within the 60K mileage warranty. A drivetrain should not fail ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact stated while driving on the highway at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle shifted from 6th to 3rd gear unexpectedly. The vehicle will skip around shifting into to various gears. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure milea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
Rebuilt transmissions are bad. Two in the last four weeks have been placed in my 2019 California Special Edition Mustang, and both are bad. They both came from the Ford manufacturer. The transmission locks up at any point while driving at any speed, causing the car to jerk to a standstill, and only while you are driving. We were on 465, and the car automatically stopped in the middle of the highwa... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The vehicle started stalling out randomly on the highway even with it being automatic, after getting home and parking it , it would not back up or drive . Took it to Toyota dealership and they said it’s an internal failure of the transmission which is a UA80 model , it only has 92,000 miles on it they can’t figure out what caused it . There are lawsuits with this vehicle already from other peo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Unexpected PCS2 failure and loss of AC charging. This unable to charge battery where supercharger is not available. Risks of being stranded. Limits current use. Repair unavailable and no estimated time per service center!
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The "shift tower" typically refers to the external mechanism on top of the transmission where the shifter cables connect. Problems with this part, which is a broken internal pin, result in a shifter that moves freely without engaging any gears. The gear become in operatable when driving down the highway, which is a hazard on the road. There were no warning light just not ale to change gears.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
Vehicle has active safety recall A0C/NHTSA 25V-674 for transmission shift cable, but the manufacture states remedy is not yet available. recall notice was recived in October 2025, and no repair has been offered. Vehicle is now experiencing worsening symptoms including transmission slipping/skipping gears and shutting off while driving. Most recently vehicle begun overheating and heater started blo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
The contact's son-in-law owns a 2016 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while her son-in-law was driving at highway speeds, an abnormal, popping sound began to emit from the vehicle. The contact also stated that white steam began to emit from the engine as her son-in-law pulled over and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic performed an inspection and determined that th... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
In the Fall of 2024 we started having trouble with our F150 Ford Truck's transmission. It would drop gears, even from 6th gear to 1st gear, as the recall has stated, so we took it to someone who specifically deals with transmissions, and he stated that the truck was throwing a code that shows that the transmission shift module or sensor was bad. He told us to check with Ford to see if there were a... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Transmission, drive shaft and rear axle "grenaded" and shut down the vehicle. Symptoms included erratic shifting at highway speed, clunking sounds, hard downshifts at low speeds, mis-shifting gears causing performance issues. No warning lights. Codes appeared in FordPass app after vehicle shut down.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The transmissio... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
The 2.0L engine catastrophically failed during normal highway driving, consistent with a thrown connecting rod. The vehicle suddenly lost power on a roadway with tractor-trailer traffic. The driver and a child passenger narrowly avoided being struck by a semi-truck before the vehicle could be brought to a safe stop. No prior warning lamps, no check engine light, no abnormal noises, and no indicati... Read more