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: Jun 10, 2026

While making a right turn from a stop the powertrain briefly lost power and the car slowed before accelerating normally

Incident date: Jan 15, 2022

While accelerating from a stop, the drive train temporarily lost power and the car slowed before accelerating normally

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

while executing a right turn from a stop the powertrain lost power and the car slowed before accelerating normally

Incident date: Jun 23, 2026

While accelerating from a stop the powertrain briefly lost power and the car slowed before accelerating normally

Incident date: Jan 14, 2026

while accelerating the powertrain lost power for several seconds and the car slowed before accelerating normally.

Incident date: Feb 22, 2026

The truck is currently at a certified ford dealer for diagnosis with a drive train fault. I suspect it is transmission-related, but was not given the history of all stored, pending and history of the codes. The truck exhibits unprovoked forward acceleration/violent lunging when braking to a stop and when driving at low speeds, making intersection control dangerous. It also has severe delayed gea... Read more

Incident date: Feb 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle started coasting, and thirty seconds later the vehicle operated as intended. The contact then heard a loud sound coming from the front of the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmiss... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2026

Subject: Safety Complaint – Jeep Cherokee PTU Failure Not Included in Recall 40D (NHTSA 26V-290) I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety issue with my 2019 Jeep Cherokee (3.2L V6, ~86,000 miles). My vehicle is experiencing symptoms that closely match those described in Recall 40D (NHTSA 26V-290) and 01c (NHTSA 25V-011), however my VIN is not included in the recall. During low-speed t... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and turning left onto a secondary road, the vehicle abruptly stopped in the middle of the road. The vehicle was pushed off to the shoulder of the road with help from other motorists who had stopped to aid. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 2, 2026

While accelerating on a freeway on ramp the powertrain briefly lost power and the car slowed before accelerating normally

Incident date: Dec 1, 2024

I’ve had multiple instances happen but the two latest are — traveling down the highway when I switched lanes and accelerated moderately. The expedition downshifted and I heard a massive clunk. I had no power. Started coasting and adjusting myself so I could get to shoulder, and it shifted back into gear. Another instance, I was at a stop sign turning left onto a highway as I turned out onto t... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

while accelerating from a stop the powertrain briefly lost power and the car slowed before accelerating normally

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

While accelerating having made a right turn from a stop at an intersection, the drive train lost power for several seconds and the car slowed before accelerating normally

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop or while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased, but the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. T... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

After a complete stop at a stop sign there is hesitation/stalling when trying to accelerate. Sometimes the hesitation is several seconds and then the engine kicks in and lurches forward. Couple times this has been a safety issue as it happens when I’m trying to pull out on a busy road. The delay/hesitation has caused me to almost get hit a few times. There are no lights or warning messages w... Read more

Incident date: Jun 8, 2026

I was experiencing shuddering, hard shifting, and jerking while driving my vehicle. I brought it into the shop and was told my transmission was bad. I was quoted $7500 for a re-built transmission, labor and reprogramming. My vehicle has 97,000 miles on but it isn't worth putting that kind of money into. I purchased my 2019 Ford Edge new and have been the only owner. I have maintained my ve... Read more

Incident date: Jan 21, 2025

The vehicle has experienced a pattern of recurring electrical failures beginning shortly after purchase, involving driver door controls (window, lock, mirror, and interior lighting functions), which have required four separate repair attempts over approximately three years, including replacement of a door module, a wiring harness, and a door switch assembly. Despite these repairs, the same driver ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

I am submitting this complaint regarding the transmission in my 2019 Ford Expedition because I believe it presents a serious safety hazard that should be investigated for a safety recall. My vehicle has approximately 108,000 miles. While driving at highway speeds, particularly when attempting to pass another vehicle, the transmission will suddenly stop providing power to the wheels. The vehicle c... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the transmission was shifting hard when shifting from park (P) to drive (D) or reverse (R). The contact stated that the hard shifting of the transmission also occurred while driving, with the transmission shifting from 4th to 5th gear and 6th, 7th, and 8th gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended and the vehicle lost power. The contact merged onto the right side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle worked as intended; however, after driving fifteen miles down the road, the failure persiste... Read more

Incident date: Jun 8, 2026

* Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) – Southeastern Honda: Shortly after purchase, the CMBS repeatedly slammed on emergency brakes without cause, incorrectly flagging adjacent or oncoming vehicles as collision threats. I presented video and photo evidence to Southeastern Honda. The Service Manager dismissed the hazard, telling me I "just have to learn how to drive the car with these driv... Read more

Incident date: Jun 8, 2026

I am filing this complaint because I truly believe this transmission issue is a safety problem. I was driving my 2021 Ford Expedition and was merging onto a busy highway when I pressed the gas to get up to traffic speed. Instead of accelerating, the engine revved but the transmission would not shift. It felt like the vehicle was stuck between gears or in neutral. My SUV would not accelerate when ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

My car is misfiring. It WILL NOT accelerate as it should. It is like bogging down unable to accelerate when it needs to. It’s struggling. Hyundai is aware of the issue and making owners drive regardless while they “wait for a fix”. It’s extremely dangerous. I’ve almost been hit several times trying to merge onto a highway because it will not accelerate. I’ve had total loss of power one... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

Transmission is failing in car. Has started whining, consistent with other complaints I have seen regarding the transmissions in these vehicles.

Incident date: Jul 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate into a higher gear and went into LIMP Mode. The ABS warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel and was also illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. A few days later, the vehicle operated normally, but the failure r... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2025

On June 25, 2026, at approximately 84,000 miles, while traveling approximately 60-65 mph on Highway 121 in a posted 65 mph zone, driving my 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 equipped with the 6.2L L87 engine, multiple warning messages suddenly appeared, including “Check ESC,” “Check Parking Brake,” “Check Brakes,” and “Check Engine.” The engine began operating abnormally. I drove directly t... Read more

Incident date: May 4, 2026

This is a manufacturer safety recall (NHTSA #25V869) for a loose bolt inside the hybrid inverter that could cause loss of motive power or a vehicle fire. The vehicle was sold to me as new with the recall already open and unrepaired. As of this date, Toyota has not made the remedy available, more than 6 months after the recall was announced. I am concerned about driving the vehicle given the fire/p... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

I am reporting a vehicle safety failure and dealership diagnostic non-compliance regarding Safety Recall 26S28 (NHTSA Campaign 26V237000) on my 2017 Ford F-150. While accelerating, the vehicle suddenly lost its transmission output shaft speed sensor signal, dropping the truck into a dangerous, low-power fail-safe "Limp Mode" that locked the transmission into 3rd/5th gear. An advanced diagnostic ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

Hi, I had to transport a few lumber pieces that did not fit into the trunk of my Kia EV6, so I had to leave the hatch open (I pulled it down as far as possible and secured it via a rope against the latch). When I started driving the car started beeping frantically, but allowed me to drive. When I crossed an intersection traffic came to a temporary halt, and when I came to a stop my Kia all of a su... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

The splines to the transmission and front transfer case are worn and stripped and that is causing a bad transmission fluid leak. The fix for this unfortunately is to replace the Transmission and the Transfer case assy. I am not getting any support from Acura, as this is a known problem according to the dealer. Acura is not cooperating and the cost to repair is $14,000. I noticed a transmission ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

Engine light came on while driving and a message on dashboard said Service Transmission Now.Unable To Shift Soon. Took to dealer and they said it was the park position switch 1circuit high. Had to order part but not knowing how long to get it. Truck only has 12468 miles. Luckily I got it to the dealer ASAP. IF I were on the highway or a remote road, I feel that a serious accident would have happen... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2021

There is only 47,602 miles on my truck. When starting “cold”, the transmission takes about 15-20 seconds to engage. It slips if I immediately put it in gear. I took it to the dealer before even having 2000 miles on it and they said Nothing was wrong. I took it back at about 15,000 miles and got the same response. I’m afraid it might lock up while driving.

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds between 2nd and 5th gears, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was scanned with an OBD2 scanner; however, no failure codes were retrieved. The independent mechanic associated the failure with the transmission and d... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

SAFETY DEFECT REPORT: Sudden Power Loss & Falsified Records 1. INCIDENT & 5-HR TOWING (XXX): On XXX at ~16:30, while executing a low-speed (<10 mph) left turn in Cambridge, MA, the vehicle had a sudden, total high-voltage failure mid-turn, losing all motive power and power steering without warning or error codes. Photos/videos were taken on-scene confirming ZERO physical impact or undercarriage c... Read more

Incident date: Jul 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle sputtered and intermittently lost motive power. The message "Transmission Fault" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to drive to her sister's residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with burnt transmission fluid, and t... Read more

Incident date: Dec 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that upon attempting to park the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to move and was stuck in neutral(N). No warning light was illuminated. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2026

I was driving on [XXX] and I noticed the battery meter started going down from 13 and ended at 9 and the vehicle shut of and put itself in Park while the vehicle was still moving. There were other cars behind me and the car would not restart. I had to get a jump and it restarted. The 48volt battery is faulty INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

The transmission has failed due to a defect within the transmission. Toyota is aware of the defect but refusing to assist owners claiming warranty expiration despite the transmission failure occurring due to a defect and not normal wear and tear. Toyota service bulletin accepting the defect. T-SB-0008-21

Incident date: Jan 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle abruptly lost power, decelerated and stalled. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the road and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the driveshaft had sheared off inside the shaft and the vehicle was undrivable and informed the... Read more

Incident date: Jul 18, 2026

Transmission valve , vehicle shutter, and eventually complete loss of power and failure. Transmission had to be replaced as vehicle was out of warranty.

Incident date: Jul 19, 2026

Our 2025 VW Altas had several engine lights come on at the same time after parking and would not shift out of neutral. Towed to the nearest VW for service and they stated it needed a transmission replacement. This vehicle had less than 16k miles.

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

The car would not accelerate when pressing accelerator, they said the clutch assembly malfunctioned, confirmed by documentation. Myself and others had our safety at risk because the car could not be controlled properly while on the road. The car was taken to the dealer and they confirmed the problem. The dealer's service center gave inspection, and confirmed the problem. The warning message did no... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

VEHICLE: 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, VIN [XXX] DEFECT: Transmission suddenly, violently downshifts from a high gear to a much lower gear with no driver input, at highway speed. Causes RPM spike, violent jerking, Check Engine Light, loss of vehicle control. Occurred 5 times. Not fixed despite 4 dealer repairs, 61 days out of service. 5/12/26 - 1st failure, 70+ mph on I-5, stuck in low gear. 5/... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

After recall 68C (NHTSA 25V-741), a software-only update applied after my high-voltage battery passed physical inspection, my 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe began severely limiting battery discharge power during normal driving. This was not present before the update. The vehicle limits high-voltage battery output during sustained load, such as climbing grades and highway merging, at states of charge as hi... Read more

Incident date: May 14, 2026

This is a reoccuring issue and happens daily. When the vehicle is cold and sitting all day or all night, on the first 5 minutes of driving or so, when you push the accelerator pedal from a dead stop or rolling stop, there is no throttle/engine response for at least 1.5-2 seconds. This is a HIGHLY unsafe condition and can lead to a traffic collision. I have reached out to Toyota Corporate about thi... Read more

Incident date: Jan 12, 2026

multi-component engine failure while being operated under normal driving conditions. Despite rigorous, routine, and fully documented preventive maintenance performed in accordance with manufacturer specifications, the vehicle suffered an instantaneous breakdown of its core mechanical systems. A diagnostic assessment confirmed that a sweeping array of vital engine components—including the cam ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 5, 2024

I own a 2026 Toyota Corolla purchased in November 2025. The recurring problems began on December 8, 2025, when multiple warning lights appeared on the dashboard along with the message “System Malfunction – Visit Your Dealer.” The warning indicators involved several vehicle safety and driver-assistance systems. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Toyota dealership for inspection and repair... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, shuddered, and then stalled. The message to "Stop - Pull Over Safely" was displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The veh... Read more

Incident date: Jun 24, 2026

I purchased the truck at the end of March 2025. Within a few weeks I was noticing different issues in the transmission. It would occasionally shudder, have jerky or long shifts, would jump gears and lose power. The shudder was random but mostly on the highway, the jerky or long shifts would mostly occur when the egjne was cold and more often in cold weather. The lose of power and jumping gears wo... Read more

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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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