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.

2,215,138 Total Complaints

138,663 Reported Crashes

56,255 Reported Fires

8,561 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 2,215,138 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

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 133,534 complaints — component: POWER TRAIN

Incident date: Apr 6, 2026

I brought my vehicle to Ford Motor Place in Webster Massachusetts to do two recalls, my car was driving normally before the recall service. Immediately after recall work, it does not run properly. The dealer claims transmission failure without prior symptoms. The vehicle only has 70,000 miles.

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the transmission inadvertently shifted from drive (D) to first gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Nov 24, 2025

. I bought this truck for my husband as a birthday present & it has been a nightmare. My husband is a [XXX] & I wanted a vehicle that he would be comfortable in to take him to his numerous medical appointments. The first indication was the check engine light came on. I took to to O'Reillys & they scanned the vehicle & no issue was detected. I then had several instances where the vehicle would not ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 12, 2026

The system that failed is the high-pressure fuel pump and the intake fuel pump. The fuel system pressure is too low, and the cold start fuel pressure is too high. This is defective because I purchased the car used in November 2023. The car is a safety risk as it stalled immediately yesterday while I was driving with my children and it began smelling like gas fumes from exhaust. The vehicle has bee... Read more

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

When starting from a stop or rolling slowly under 15 mph, pressing the accelerator pedal — even flooring it — produces no engine or motor response for 1–3 seconds. The vehicle then suddenly accelerates. This occurs intermittently on both electric and gas power. Safety concern because it delays merging or pulling out into traffic.

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

Driving at highway speed’s transmission was hard shifting on its own from Drive to Low and vice versa on its own the first time. Truck taken to dealer and was told that transmission needed an update. Second time driving at highway speed experienced hard shifting in rear and felt like I was hit from behind. Lost propulsion and check engine light came on. Was told that the valve body needed to be ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while accelerating approximately 35 - 40 MPH from a stoplight, the contact believed that the engine was going to seize. The message Low Power Mode was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was immediately taken to the dealer, who retrieved DTC: P0700, P0776, and P1881. The contact researched... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2026

On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] PDT, a 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 450+ caught fire at an intersection in Irvine, California. The vehicle was being driven normally. It was NOT charging. It was NOT in a collision. It was stopped at the intersection when the fire began. There was no warning. Four occupants were inside: the driver (age [XXX] ), two minor children (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ), and one eld... Read more

Fire 4 injured

Incident date: Apr 2, 2026

Since brand new the electronics have been defective. The lane keep assist has to be turned off during slippery road conditions because the computer jerks the steering wheel during normal driving where white road markings, such as merging lanes are present. During highway speeds on slippery snow or ice it nearly sends the vehicle into a dangerous maneuver. The backup camera was defective intermitt... Read more

Incident date: Mar 26, 2026

I was accelerating to 45MPH on a main road. My truck was running just fine. At about 45 MPH it felt like I hit a wall, and my truck started to rapidly decelerate and seemed to be downshifting very hard. A reduced engine power warning appeared in the message display, and the check engine light illuminated and began to flash. I luckly the car behind me was able to change lanes quickly and missed me ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 22, 2026

One day the trucks transmission started to struggle to find the next gear after taking off from a light. The next morning it did it again and that night did it a third time. The third time it about brought the truck to a stop at 30 mph and made a bang noise, in which a check engine light came on and a message saying speed limited and drive with caution. The truck only has 20,000 miles and already ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message "Shift to Park" was displayed while the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact parked the vehicle and turned off the vehicle after several attempts. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The dealer and the ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintentionally and failed to accelerate above 35 MPH. The vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact arrived at the residence and was able to coast into the driveway; however, the vehicle failed to drive forward or reverse. The check engine... Read more

Incident date: Jan 29, 2026

I have the video BUT I AM UNSURE how to upload or share Incident Description: The vehicle is experiencing intermittent, complete engine stalls while in motion at highway speeds. The failure has occurred four times. Initial Symptom: The issue first manifested as "stuttering" and erratic behavior from the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which I thought it was. Escalation: The vehicle has... Read more

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made awa... Read more

Incident date: Mar 31, 2026

Vehicle dropped off at the McGovern Chrysler Jeep dealership in Newton, MA on March 31, complete transmission failure, vehicle has active recall 25V-741 and resolved recalls including 25V-766 (engine sand contamination affecting propulsion).

Incident date: Apr 4, 2026

As I was driving my truck down the highway at 60 miles an hour, it tried to downshift to first gear several times. During that same time it lost several gears in the transmission. Ford is now replacing the transmission which is going to cost me a significant amount since the vehicle is just barely out of warranty. The truck did not have any prior warning lights or codes. It was hesitating to shi... Read more

Incident date: Apr 12, 2026

While driving on highway on several occasions, transmission jumps out to neutral causing sudden loss of power specially when accelerating. This was rarely happening since 2022 but it started to get worse recently happening more than four times in 2026

Incident date: May 4, 2025

The Transmission Started suddenly, downshifting from high gear to a lower gear at speed, non-sequential and unexpected. I.e., not regular accelerations shifting from 6th to 5th, but a hard, sudden, unexpected shift from 5th to 1st. causing jerking and high rpms. Subsequently, it has not downshifted and has remained stuck in a higher gear at a complete stop, like at a traffic light in 5th or 6th ge... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2025

I purchased a 2018 Ford Focus in Sept of 2023 with 30k+ miles. Financed. In April of 2025 the car started making strange noises when starting and then would not go into reverse. The car pushed in neutral and drove about 2 miles. Stopped for gas and then the car would not start. The car was towed to a mechanic. He had the vehicle for 2 wks trying to purchase a part called an Actuator. I reside... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

While driving in forward motion, the van seems to brake or downshift for a brief second. Seems to pull to left a little. Could be very hazardous if this isn’t fixed.

Incident date: Feb 8, 2026

I own a 2025 Honda Prologue Touring. I have a Clicking and popping noise coming from the CV axel on both sides when turning. It seems to be getting worst as I keep driving. The clicking from the CV joint has become unbearable.

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

The collision alert warning lights have been coming on since the DAY I drove out of the dealership! They tried to dismiss it as my fault - I got too close to something (I was simply passing another car). This has been a constant issue and I’ve told the dealership every time I’ve had it serviced. I’ve had about four times that I’ve been driving at high speeds and the vehicle suddenly slams ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2025

I am writing to you as a deeply loyal Toyota customer who is facing a distressing and financially significant situation with my 2019 Toyota Highlander. Our family has been committed Toyota owners for several decades. Over the years, we have owned a Toyota Corolla, Camry, and multiple Highlanders — and we currently drive two Toyota vehicles. We have consistently chosen Toyota over other brands b... Read more

Incident date: Apr 12, 2026

My family and I were merging onto the highway when without warning, the automatic transmission bucked, making a loud thump sound, then it lost power nearly causing a severe accident. The transmission then began to hunt for gears, seemingly confused. It even cycled through 1st gear, my heart dropped, but luckily it did not engage 1st gear since that would have caused havoc at highway speeds. After... Read more

Incident date: Apr 12, 2026

I was at a stop light, when the lights turned green, I accelerated and heard a loud bang underneath the vehicle. The sound was so loud I thought I had been rear ended. I got out to inspect the vehicle and did not see any damages. I got back into the vehicle and put it in drive to get to the closed gas station. When I started driving, I heard clunking sounds underneath vehicle. I put on my hazards... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2024

Vehicle experienced sudden, unexpected downshifting and loss of gear engagement while driving. On multiple occasions the transmission slipped out of gear without warning, including while attempting to pull into traffic, creating an immediate life-threatening safety hazard. Vehicle was unable to maintain gear selection and would unexpectedly lose drive power. These failures match the exact defect d... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2025

The PTU has failed and caused damage to splines. This failure caused the engine light to come on intermittently and failure to shift. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership where the car is and has been sitting for repair for almost a year due to no repair parts available from Jeep.

Incident date: Apr 2, 2026

On April 2, 2026, while driving at highway speed in heavy traffic, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of forward propulsion without warning. Engine RPMs increased with no corresponding acceleration, consistent with catastrophic transmission slipping. The vehicle could not maintain safe speed. I coasted to a stop and was able to limp at low speed to a parking area. The vehicle was t... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2026

My 2017 F150 5.0. The transmission shift sensor is intermittent. changing gears while driving at low speeds. The indication panel flashes like a Christmas tree.It locked up the brakes twice. Why isn't there a recall for it. The truck only has 73000. Miles.

Incident date: Mar 11, 2026

Repeated failed attempts to repair ICCU culminating in ICCU failure. May 15, 2024 – Initial repair attempt (ICCU-related recall/service). September 5, 2024 – VCMS logic recall performed. December 19, 2024 –second repair attempt for ICCU-related issue. October 16, 2025 – Limp-home logic recall performed. March 11, 2026- Vehicle experienced a complete loss of power and was rendered undrivabl... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 1969

I am reporting a serious and ongoing transmission problem with my Ford F-150 that creates a safety hazard while driving. The transmission shifts very harshly and makes a loud thumping noise, especially when accelerating after braking in traffic. There are multiple occasions where I press the gas pedal and the vehicle does not move at all. After a delay, it suddenly engages with a very hard impact... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2026

My transmission blew had to be towed home

Incident date: Apr 5, 2026

The component at issue is the engine, which suffered a sudden and catastrophic failure due to unknown causes. At no time prior to this incident were there any warnings, symptoms, or indications of an underlying mechanical defect that would have allowed for preventative action. While operating the vehicle on the highway with my family present, multiple warning indicators activated simultaneously, ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2026

I am writing to formally notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that Mercedes-Benz USA has failed to remedy a known safety defect within a reasonable amount of time, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 30120. This notification is submitted in relation to the recall issued under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act regarding the high-voltage battery cells in the 2023 EQ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2026

This is in reference to recall #23S65. I have been to two different Ford Service Centers over the last 2 years (2024 thru 2026). NO Ford service center has completed recall #23S65 on my 2022 F150. The Ford service centers talks about waiting for parts on order. However, the parts NEVER arrive. How can you accomplish a recall with no parts?? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREED... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2026

When I begin to accelerate on the highway, and the truck downshifts, it locks up the rear brakes.

Incident date: Apr 11, 2026

Once I turn the vehicle off, there is a loud sound coming from the engine area that sounds like a fan. Then the first incident of the fan ongoing after the vehicle was powered off, a battery light was on the internal driver dashboard and stayed on. The battery was recently replaced during 2026 so the battery should not be anywhere near dead, dying, or needing to be checked

Incident date: Apr 11, 2026

*What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -The vehicle downshifts suddenly and hard-shifts down on its own. It is worriesome as it randomly happens and oftentimes at high speeds. Yes it is available for immediate inspection. *How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -On more than one occasion the vehicle has sudd... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2026

Engine has rod bearing knock noise. Transmission has a torque converter issue, acts up once in a while when shifting from park to drive or reverse.

Incident date: Oct 16, 2025

Knocking when turning left, right and making U-turns

Incident date: Jul 5, 2025

For a year I have had my car to the shop multiple times due to a musty smell inside my car. I have never been able to find any fluids or moisture inside the car, however, the inside of my windshield tends to get a weird film on it, I am constantly cleaning to keep visibility especially at night. None of the mechanics that I have taken it to were able to figure it out, and most of them could not sm... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

Rough shifting in low gears, can be dangerous in intersections due to low acceleration ability. The check engine light is on for replacement of Transmission Valve Body Assembly.

Incident date: Mar 27, 2026

Premature slave cylinder failure at ~70k miles. Suddenly started leaking brake fluid profusely. Inspected and confirmed by Toyota dealership. No symptoms prior to failure. Clutch stopped functioning, unable to shift while driving. Pulled over to inspect and all of the brake fluid had leaked out. Refilled brake fluid and bled system, reservoir leaked to minimum fill line within 24 hours.

Incident date: Nov 25, 2025

A recall for the possibility that sand may have entered the engine during casting has been in place since November 2025. To date, Stellantis has not provided a remedy that, in my opinion, should require a complete engine replacement. I am required to travel extensively, often hundreds of miles at a time, for work, and this is my only vehicle. I am frequently on freeways with a speed limit of 65-7... Read more

Incident date: Nov 28, 2025

6L80 Automatic RWD Transmission and Torque Converter is dead. No warning lights or any indications that there was an issue. The RPM climbed and could not drive it in gear. Metal shavings found in fluid. 126,524 miles

Incident date: Mar 11, 2026

I took the vehicle in for recall last year and it would not work within 5 months and I saw a transmission warning something about tcm or tsm. I called the dealership and the mfg and both would not pay for the tow and the car sat in my parking lot over the winter. About 4 weeks ago , I jumped the car battery and placed it into drive and within maybe 5 feet it stopped in the middle of the parking ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2026

While stopped in heavy traffic at a traffic signal, the engine stopped and would not restart. This was due to the AIS system. The car became disabled in heavy traffic. I was only a few feet from the entrance to a gas station, however due to the interlock system that locks the transmission in Park, the truck could not be pushed out of traffic. Honda, unlike other manufacturers the use the same tran... Read more

Incident date: Dec 10, 2025

The first problem began at approximately 5,000 miles. After refueling, the vehicle’s transmission would slip severely. The slipping continued to occur intermittently after that point. I brought the vehicle to a dealership Initially, I was told that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. After further testing, the dealership identified a transmission issue related to Technical Service Bulletin 25-NA... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

1. Svc 4wd sys intermittent. 2. Code C14A7-97 shows. 3. Loss of power.

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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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