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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 137,132 complaints - component: POWER TRAIN

Incident date: Aug 6, 2026

The transmission began slipping at 20, 25, 35, and 45 mph by the time we hit 80k miles. The vehicle was out of warranty. We were told it was unaffected by the recalls and not related to the issues affecting other drivers. It now has 167k miles and we have tried having the transmission flushed but it still slips and needs a new transmission. Chevy knows about these issues and refuses to replace the... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2026

Complete unmitigated loss of acceleration and power while traveling at highway speeds, creating an immediate life-threatening road hazard. Following a warranty engine replacement and mandatory dealer software flash at Clay Cooley Hyundai (Sherman, TX), the vehicle began experiencing powertrain communication issues. While operating the vehicle at 65 MPH on the highway, the vehicle completely failed... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2026

2016 f150 transmission downshift recall was preformed, didn’t fix the intermittent downshift at highway speeds. A week and a half after it caused a skid on a wet road. Was told at the dealership, they’re not allowed to do anything else without an active engine code

Incident date: Aug 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a software update. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift out of low gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be driven for 250 miles. The vehicle was not diagnosed o... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, with a loud screeching sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the power transfer unit was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2026

Around 108018 miles started to experience rough, harsh, slamming shifts and skipping gears from 1 to 4 or 3 to 6 and then from 8 slamming to 1st gear at times very unsafe and erratic and through my research this transmission has been a big problem on Fords. I took to a local transmission repair shop they drove and confirmed the shifting issues and said yes the valve body/shift solenoids need repla... Read more

Incident date: Aug 4, 2026

Oil pump solenoid has been replaced 3 times and the vehicle is under 100,000 miles. There is a low oil light illuminates on dash board in addition to acceleration lose and a white smoke coming from under the hood and the back end of the vehicle. The 6th or 7th time this happened the Bronco had to be towed. There were many more problems included in this tow, powertrain failure, engine misfire, los... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2026

Was driving to vegas, it was 103-107 degrees After fast DC charging drivetrain had issues that when pressing acceleration the car would have almost a loss in power that caused a stuttering movement. If forcefully driven, the error message drivetrain electrical system would pop up. Issue can be resolved but only after letting the car stay in park for 10-15 minutes after finished charging. Issue was... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2026

Drive train control module & actuator replaced at less than 75,000 miles

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

I bought my 2019 F-150 a few months ago used. Since then it’s been nothing but problems and honestly, terrifying one’s. The truck has shifted and driven rough since I bought it. But on some occasions it goes from rough driving to potentially accident causing. The truck will randomly decide it does not want to shift from a gear, meaning I can’t speed up on busy 95 traffic or move out of the w... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

On [XXX] at about [XXX] pm at 12,488 miles and 67% charge, I was pulling into traffic from [XXX] onto [XXX]. As I accelerated into the gap in traffic, the car momentarily lost traction. Initially, the traction control system intervened and restored traction. Moments later, the car lost traction a second time. However, the second time the car lost traction, the entire car seemed to shut down. The d... Read more

Incident date: Aug 6, 2026

I was at my granddaughters and I went to leave and it was like dead except the wrench came up in the dash panel , I waited before calling my husband and I went back to try and start it again and it started no wrench in the display or anything , this was in February 2026. In March of 2026 I was in the middle turn lane on [XXX] by Tuttle, Ok. And it stalled as I was trying to turn and would not move... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2026

In September 2025, the manufacturer issued a component specific extended limited warranty(MINI ELW FRM 15Y/186M)acknowledging the Footwell Module (FRM) may fail after a 12-volt battery disconnect or power supply interruption. My vehicle was identified by VIN as affected. Beginning in 2021, my vehicle experienced recurring electrical failures consistent with FRM failure: three battery replacements ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

Ford Motor Company put out a recall on the PCM. I had the recall performed and it has caused more damage to my truck. It now has eratic shifting, stuck gears, and going into limpmode. Ford Forums show that this is an ongoing issue after the reset is performed creating an unsafe vehicle to drive. The check engine light is now on and was not prior to this recall reset.

Incident date: Apr 3, 2026

I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure could have caused a severe accident and jeopardized the well being of my wife, daughter, her friend and myself along with any other people th... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2026

On two consecutive occasions, my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport suddenly lost almost all ability to accelerate after highway driving. Both times, after exiting the highway and stopping at a traffic light, pressing the accelerator would only allow the vehicle to travel a few miles per hour. The vehicle was effectively unable to accelerate normally or keep up with traffic. Turning the vehicle co... Read more

Incident date: May 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her husband attempted to turn the key in the ignition, but the vehicle failed to operate as intended. The messages "Service Advanced Trac", "Oil Change Required", and "Hill Start Assist" were displayed. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2026

The transmission goes into neutral. It has gone into neutral on the highway,local streets, also from a stop. From a stop in drive the electronic D on the instrument panel starts flashing. I turn on the hazards put transmission shifter in Park and start engine. This problem is intermittent, it can be cold or hot, it has happened 4x in 2 years. No accidents thankfully. The engine does not stall, the... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

1. Transmission is going out dealership never said a word about the 6 recalls on it one being transmission 2. Front seat belts are in backwards and the child safety hook in back seat has a recall on it that the 3 of the 6 I know of Ford had told alm to replace the entire transmission before they ever sold it they did not do that they didn't take care of any of the recalls

Incident date: Aug 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that two months later, while the contact's wife was drivin... Read more

Incident date: May 4, 2026

As I pulled up to stop, in electric mode, at a stop light, the display screen pulled up a message to pull over safely because the engine would stop soon, within about 10 seconds the screen showed the engine stopped. I was still at the light. I tried restarting the vehicle, moving the shifter from drive to park and back, pressing the park button several times with no success. With cars honking b... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2020

The contact owns a 2022 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally rough grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle operated normally for a while. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determine... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

Vehicle intermittently fails to accelerate when accelerator pedal is depressed after stopping. Vehicle may move extremely slowly for several seconds and then suddenly regain power. This has occurred while entering/intersecting traffic and has resulted in near-collision situations. Dealer cannot duplicate the problem.

Incident date: Aug 1, 2026

Around 68432miles my 2018 Honda CRV EXL AWD has started getting the problem of "Shutter Grill problem, power reduced" warning light. It often happens on highway speeds after about 75-100 miles of driving on long trips. Its very dangerous once I encounter it in the middle of the highway with reduced power to operate the vehicle safely. Have not encountered this issue in city driving at all. Once ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2020

While driving on the highway, the check engine light illuminated. Approximately 5 to 10 minutes later, the battery warning light came on. Upon exiting the highway and coming to a stop at an intersection, the automatic engine Start/Stop system engaged and shut down the engine. When attempting to safely proceed, the vehicle suffered a complete electrical failure due to the 48V mild-hybrid eTorque sy... Read more

Incident date: Nov 7, 2025

The vehicle contains a known manufacturing defect where the engine coolant bypass valve cracks internally, leaking pressurized fluid directly into the main electrical connector (covered under Toyota CSP 24TE04). This fluid intrusion has caused active electrical short-circuits to the battery and ground networks. As a direct result of this progressive component failure, the vehicle is actively dropp... Read more

Incident date: Aug 9, 2026

Clutch feel felt off from delivery. The friction zone of the clutch was tight and there was a pulsating vibration when the clutch tried to engage. Thought it was normal for this bike, turns out it wasn't. Got worse as riding over 3500 miles. At 3500, under dealer inspection, advised that the clutch plates needed to be replaced as they were "sticking". Yamaha denied warranty because it is a "Wear i... Read more

Incident date: Jul 30, 2026

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer: Engine / Powertrain (Engine Block & Cooling System). The vehicle suffered an internal engine failure caused by coolant intrusion into Cylinder #4, requiring a full engine long block replacement per Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2229. The vehicle and component are available for i... Read more

Incident date: Aug 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into park(P), and the gear shifter could not be shifted out of park(P). The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be re... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

Truck downshifted to a gear too low for the travel speed, caused the rear tires to briefly lock up, very lucky to have kept control. Unsure why the truck did it, it’s happened twice now at 89,000 miles.

Incident date: Aug 7, 2026

Need transmission replacement. Only had car for 2 1/2 years.

Incident date: Nov 27, 2024

The car wont move Fwd Until it suddenly Catches its gear Especially when its hot when the car is running for a long period of time and at a stop , or during a turn. The engine runs fine but the physical power is not reaching the wheels , Car will shut off if its not reaching it power , Cars feels like goes into Natural when it slips and finally catches its gear to move fwd . This has happen all t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that upon shifting into park(P), the vehicle rolled forward and the system failed to recognize that the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact called the dealer, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. While at the dealer, the contact was informed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V293000 (Power Train) and the ve... Read more

Incident date: Aug 8, 2026

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving my 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Z71 Trail Boss (VIN [XXX]), currently at approximately 63,000 miles. My truck suddenly developed a rough idle, engine ticking, and a cylinder 3 misfire. The check engine, traction control, parking brake, and “Service ESC” warnings appeared. The transmission also began shifting extremely hard, at times feeling ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2026

My 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S has experienced repeated electrical and drivability failures. Most recently, while driving at approximately 16,500 miles, the vehicle displayed “Service Electric Vehicle System” followed by “Stop Safely – Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon.” The warning appeared while the vehicle was in motion, creating concern that the vehicle could lose propulsion or shut down unexpecte... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

As of June of 2026 i witnessed my thermostat gauge going from cold to Hot in a back and forth motion. This rising in temperature on the thermostat gauge has happened during acceleration above 45mph, sitting idle with AC on, and while sitting idle after only about 10 mins of car being powered on and in motion. Because the vehicle is under warranty i believed parts would be replaced with new parts... Read more

Incident date: Aug 6, 2026

2015 KIA Sorento v6 engine failed and seized. VIN was not included in KIA extended warranty offered for this year and engine.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while at a red traffic light, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, and the vehicle shuddered with an abnormal dinging sound coming from the vehicle. The message "Transmission Hot - Idle Engine" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission was sli... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

There has been harsh shifting observed, both cold and warm. Often when downshifting and slowing to a turn or stop, there is a violent slamming into gear. I have also observed slipping in 3rd gear and making harsh shifts that appear to skip gears by the indicator. This is not a constant but intermittent issue. I have not taken it to the dealership because they will likely not be able to duplicat... Read more

Incident date: Jun 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Reset - Start Unavailable" and "START/STOP System Unavailable" were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on another occasion, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was unable to pull over, and the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with assi... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

I was traveling south on I-35 going up a long steep hill and my transmission started to hard shift and then I would lose power and when I would accelerate, I had no power it would just stall out so I merged to the right side in case I had to pull over because I thought the engine had died. When I reached my destination, I looked under my truck to discover fluid on the under carriage at that point ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was physically rocked while in park(P) to enable the transmission to recognize the gear shifter position. Additionally, the vehicle frequently failed to turn off while shifted into park(P). The contact had to cycle the gear shifter between park(P) and reverse(R) until a clicking sound was heard, all... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, exhaust system malfunction, and master warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Engine Control Malfunction" and "Transmission Overheated" were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicl... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

Truck equipped with the 10R80 downshifted from 10th gear to 1st gear while on the freeway doing 80mph. NOT SAFE AT ALL.

Incident date: Aug 11, 2026

vehicle shifted from 1st to 3rd gear and as I accelerated the engine RPMs drastically increased. The transmission jumped from 3rd to 8th gear and then immediately dropped to 1st gear while I was at 40-45 mph. Due to the speed the back tires locked and the vehicle jumped from 1st to 3rd gear and I stopped. Thankfully I did not have a vehicle behind me, or they would have him me. Dealership determ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); but a failure occurred. The vehicle unexpectedly decelerated abruptly with a related warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The fai... Read more

Incident date: Jun 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that upon shifting the gear shifter into reverse(R), the transmission remained in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (POWER TRA... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2025

Just over 50k miles and barely out of warranty, the pinion bearing in the front differential failed. This is a known issue with many people on BMW forums reporting the same failure in 8 cylinder X7's. Some failures occurred in vehicles with less than 30k miles, but most seem to happen in the 40-50k mile range. This is a $10k repair and BMW does not offer an upgraded replacement part, they just ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2025

i have had this at the dealer for the recall 4 months with no fix insight

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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