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: Mar 9, 2026

Shift to park error on dash. GM is aware of this issue and won't do anything about it. This causes stress and can cause battery drain. The issue lies within the microswitch that reads that the shifter is in park. The metal arm that activates the switch wears down or the wiring is faulty. Several Malibus, as well as other models have this issue and Chevy dealerships want hundreds to thousands of do... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2024

SENCE PURCHACED the truck has a tie rod rattle, I have spoken to dealership and was informed no issue found. But as of late Vehicle wobbles very harshly when execrating or pulling away from stop signs passing another vehicle. Turns out it's a VERY common CV axle issue that the dealership doesn't have any sort of recall on. Feels very very unsafe to drive and its disappointing to see so many other ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 22, 2025

While I was driving home from the grocery store with my 4 kids our 2021 GMC Yukon XL (5.3L V8 engine), the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical engine failure without warning. The engine began violently shaking, lost major propulsion, and dropped into a severe misfire state when we were coming down the highway. This created an immediate safety hazard on the road, as I suddenly lost t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2024

I bought this vehicle and it has about 5,000 miles on it, I added about 60,000 more miles on it and I have to replaced the automatic transmission paid from my pocket since the manufacturer warranty does not cover all that much miles.

Incident date: Jun 6, 2026

I was traveling southbound on XXX from [XXX] to [XXX] While traveling in this major highway, the vehicle shunted forward and it felt like something hit us from behind. In reality, a transmission issue flared up on the dashboard along with a "Check Engine" light. Vehicle was left at the dealership. Blue Link (the automatic car system) detected this issue at 12:48 P.M. I was driving on a highway wit... Read more

Incident date: Jun 6, 2026

My vehicle has 81000 miles and the PTU/transmission went out. After doing some research about this issue I discovered that it is a very common problem with jeeps from 2014 to 2024. To get it repaired is $3,000. Seems like Jeep was installing bad transmissions. They should recall these and cover the coast for repair.

Incident date: Apr 24, 2026

My car began shaking at low speeds when turning. Brought it to a mechanic to investigate and they performed a recommended manufacturer alteration on the car related to rear differential vent. That did not fix the issue and mechanic said a full rear differential replacement was required and it was a safety issue. If the rear differential failed while driving it could cause a serious accident. He su... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2026

My 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited has a diagnosed failure of the two speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU), which is the exact subject of active NHTSA Campaign 26V290000/Jeep Recall 40D. Ed Martin Jeep in Anderson, Indiana provided me with written diagnostics confirming the failure. However, they stated “the part is on back order for 4-6 months” and even explicitly told me “the Jeep is fine to drive, ... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2026

I was driving down the highway and a passerby notified me that my car was smoking. There were no indicators on the car notifying me of any issue. We pulled over and saw the car was leaking oil heavily. When taken to the dealership, they notified us that there was a leak in the transfer/transmission case and the whole transfer case would need to be replaced. The car is well maintained and had been ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

The component system that has failed is the Front Diff/Transmission area. Driveshaft spinning freely in park with rotations to rear wheel. I was driving home and heard a noise that sounded like something broke. Immediately pulled over and had Vehicle towed. I had my kids and husband in the vehicle with me. I'm glad we weren't driving on the highway. The vehicle was brought to Friendly Acura in... Read more

Incident date: Jun 6, 2026

The vehicle's all wheel drive system has malfunctioned at 77,000 miles with a known all wheel drive system issue. Because we are 7k beyond the power train warranty, Acura is not wanting to cover the repair even though this is a known issue.

Incident date: Oct 8, 2025

My 2024 Chevy Malibu has lost power and is not shifting properly yet it’s not displaying any codes. It shifts and jerks very hard when on a cold start but also will not get up and go when I pull into traffic. This has caused me to almost get hit numerous times. It’s like it freezes and won’t go! The dealership could not recreate the problem (shocker), and since no codes they sent me away. Sa... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

When I was stopped and taking a turn, the car will not fully accelerate and it feels almost as if the car is stuck in first gear and won't shift. It makes a super loud revving noise and won't go over 15-20 mph. When this happens, I can't accelerate quickly enough to turn safely with oncoming traffic even with a very long distance. It has happened twice and both time I've nearly been hit. This ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

Without warning transmission overheated, blew out fluid and caught the front end of the vehicle on fire

Fire

Incident date: May 6, 2026

Vehicle will lurch on cold start up. This occurs while in park on a level surface.

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

On 6/4, I completed a long road trip of over 650 miles. When I got back into my vehicle to move it to where it would be parked for the night, it displayed messages for a Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power and a High Voltage Battery Warning. I powered the car off and back on within about 5 minutes, and the messages were still being displayed. I connected a code scanner to the car and the car ha... Read more

Incident date: May 27, 2026

[XXX] [XXX] [XXX]; [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: XXX To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) Subject: Formal Safety Defect Complaint – 2017 Hyundai Sonata Theta II Engine Failure, Excessive Oil Consumption, Intake/Engine Component Failure and Safety Hazard Dear Sir or Madam: I am submitting this formal complaint and request for immediate investigat... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

Transmission shutter had to have torque converter replaced aug of last year and valve body may of this year replaced on the 8l90. Which has a know issue with 2015-2019 but i have the same problem those years are having

Incident date: Jun 2, 2026

Rough idle started at 11,400 miles. Took to GMC dealer near me and had thrust bearing clearance measured. Measured .0054"(within spec). They released truck back to me. 19,400 mile oil change found large metal(non magnetic) slivers in the filter media. I cut filters to check for issues due to known issues with this engine(metal). I called gmc corporate, i was told to not drive the truck. I paid o... Read more

Incident date: Dec 26, 2025

I heard knocking as I was leaving gas station. I was scared about what was going wrong and if it was safe to drive home. I was alone and it was after dark. I took the next day off and took the car to my mechanic. He said it sounded like rod knock but didn’t want to do the engine replacement so he sent me to another mechanic who also said it sounded like the engine needed to be replaced. I di... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

I had two front wheel studs break at 86 foot pounds after a tire rotation at 10,000 miles. I immediately contacted my Honda dealer who ignored me. I eventually got ahold of the service manager who declined to help with the repair, but did offer a free alignment. The design of the front hubs requires removal of the wheel bearings and hubs. I replaced both front hubs and wheel bearings. Honda di... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

2022 Silverado 1500 LTZ w/6.2L 38082 total miles. First engine replacement due to seizure at approx. 17,782 miles around June/2025, The vehicle lost all propulsion and stopped running while sitting at a stop sign at a four way intersection during a really bad thunderstorm, Luckily the intersection was on a declining hill and i was able to coast it into nearby parking lot .I'm a senior citizen wi... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

This is my wife’s car, I have already had to replace the evap hoses on this car twice due to faulty motor craft purge valves. I also replaced the charcoal canister before the second time I replaced the evap hoses so somewhere in the system there is a faulty part. Now at 80,000 miles my wife’s car is experiencing what many others are calling “shuddering”. How am I supposed to get anywher... Read more

Incident date: May 24, 2026

On November 20, 2025, my 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine began experiencing intermittent engine overheating conditions. Concerned about a potential safety issue, I contacted a GMC dealership and was advised that because no diagnostic trouble codes were present, there was nothing to diagnose or repair and that I should continue driving the vehicle. Over the fol... Read more

Incident date: May 16, 2026

2016 Ford F-150 affected by Ford recall 26S28 / NHTSA 26V237. Vehicle experienced a sudden unintended downshift while driving on the freeway. The event caused abrupt deceleration and rear tire squeal, consistent with rear wheel speed reduction. A transmission-related diagnostic trouble code is currently stored and has not been cleared. Ford recall lookup shows no remedy currently available. I am c... Read more

Incident date: May 22, 2026

Recently, the 2022 Outback my mom drives has been having some strange electrical issues. About a year-or-so ago the battery in her outback died. Not unusual in Arizona. I replaced it with an upgraded AGM (Interstate) version—same group, same cranking power. No issues. Recently, after an oil change at the dealer, she called back to report that a “Check Engine” light had come on. She was told ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2026

My 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L Ecotec first stalled while idling at a red light in Raleigh, NC. I restarted it and it sounded different, so I drove it home. The next morning it would not start. The failure occurred at approximately 69,939 miles with no meaningful warning. The dealer’s diagnostic report states there were no current relevant codes and no relevant codes in history. The dealer documented... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

On March 04, 2026, I took my 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe to the local dealer for oil change service. As part of that service visit, they performed Hyundai recall 9C1 which was supposed to lower tailpipe emissions. The next morning, and ever since, my vehicle ran differently. The engine had several 1000rpm surges and was sluggish at other times. This behavior has continued. Particularly when I first star... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond and remained in first gear. The contact shifted into Neutral, manually pulled the clutch, and attempted to reverse, but the vehicle failed to respond as intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

2021 Highlander began with whining noise around May 15, 2026 and just outside the warranty. Had the vehicle inspected at the Toyota dealer for repair. They informed me the transmission failed and needs replaced for a price of $9600. Found on the internet that many folks are having the same transmission issue on several Toyotas made in 2021 with a UA80E or UA80F transmission. Toyota issued a Te... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

Truck is experiencing sudden downshifting with loss of acceleration, and the speed odometer & MPG will both drop to zero. Recall #19S07 was issued in 2019 for Ford Motor Co. for this reason, but NHTSA site is showing that my truck is not covered under the recall (based on vehicle VIN), even though it is now experiencing the issue described. This is a major safety issue. Issue began occurring ap... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2026

The vehicle is operating with a Ford remanufactured transmission assembly which was installed at the dealership of purchase. The repair was completed under the Extended Ford warranty I purchased with the used vehicle 6 months prior and the replacement parts and labor are covered by an active 3-year/36,000-mile Ford Service Parts Warranty from the date of installation with approximately 20,000 mile... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

The car is available for inspection upon request. Safety was put at risk due to the cars potential to break down, or catch fire, due to high volumes of oil consumption and leakage from the piston rings. This was part of a recall campaign (#SC336 PISTON OIL RING), where we had two authorized Kia dealers inspect and claim the car "passed" their test. Recently, we had a catastrophic engine failure du... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing safety concerns involving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata. I purchased this vehicle in 2022 through financing and paid it off in 2025. Since acquiring the vehicle, I have experienced persistent mechanical issues that I believe may pose a safety risk to myself, my child, and others on the road. The most concerning issue involves the... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the instrument cluster lights illuminated. The message “Emissions System Power Reduced – See Dealer” was displayed. An unknown transmission message was displayed. The engine was not working properly. The message "Pull Over and Turn off Vehicle" was displayed. The contact pulled over for 10 minutes, restarted ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

when I was crossing the road to turn around in a U-turn style, the rear end of the car locked up and I slid across several lanes of traffic. This happened only one time but was terrifying! A few times since then, the emergency brake will apply on its own causing the back end to freeze up. it's VERY random.

Incident date: Apr 14, 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

My 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L (VIN: [XXX]) is experiencing a severe safety defect involving rapid engine oil starvation. The vehicle recently failed an official oil consumption test conducted by Fred Beans Hyundai of Abington, where it was documented that the engine consumed 1 quart of oil in just 881 miles (PA Request #XXX). This vehicle is equipped with the Theta II engine, which currently has ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 24, 2026

Engine seized while driving, forced to pull off road to get out of traffic.

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

Transmission failed before 100,000 miles. All service was complete throughout the life of the vehicle. Problems shifting to next gear causing pulling or slipping on the vehicle. If not able to accelerate properly could cause a safety concern on the road. Repairs were made costing $9,000.

Incident date: May 25, 2026

Gas pedal hesitation at a rolling stop. There is a delay in acceleration during occasional rolling stops at locations such as yield signs and unmarked intersections on the roadway. When this happens the driver may depress the accelerator more than should be necessary causing tire spin and traction control integration. The traction control drastically reduces speed and limits acceleration which is... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power and went into LIMP Mode. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle after several minutes, as per the Owner's Manual. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

We experienced a high whine for a couple of months. No codes were being read by any mechanics. Then the transmission started slipping between 2nd and 3rd gears, and then we couldn’t reverse. Now it’s not switching gears at all. There is a recall for our year and type of transmission, for this issue, but our vin number is not included in that recall.

Incident date: May 3, 2026

Transmission broke way too early.

Incident date: Nov 8, 2025

Problem - throttle lag/hesitation/lurch. Truck won't go when throttle is pressed for a couple seconds cold or hot. Mentioned the problem on my 5000 mile service. Service tech said he could not reproduce the problem but happens with my drives 95% of the time. No warning lights have appeared.

Incident date: Apr 2, 2026

Transmission failure vehicle when pulling into traffic/or road while up shifting the trans would have harsh shift and would slip as if not in gear the engine would rev rpm’s and slam hard into gear usually 2nd gear through 7th gear. Sometimes while driving say going downhill the transmission would down shifting from 10th gear to 8th gear hard, sometime it would down shift on the display to first... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

Loss of power from the engine while accelerating from a stop in heavy traffic. Car began shaking and sputtering with intermittent spurts of power, unable to exceed 10 mph on narrow bridge. Pulled over and the vehicle smelled heavily of gasoline near the engine. This issue is the Third instance of my engine sputtering and losing power. The first instance, injectors 2 & 4 were replaced. The second ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 29, 2026

We have been documenting a oil leak on the timing chain cam shaft cover. When the motor heats up the engine seeps/leaks oil on the top of the side of engine. This has been documented for the past few months starting at 37,099 miles when we noticed it, date of first notice was on 4/29/2026. We have pic with time stamps and have taken it to dealership to inspect and have written many times of the is... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving up an incline and while driving on a flat road surface. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failur... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

While parked in my residential garage with the engine shut off and car door closed, the vehicle suffered an un-commanded rollaway incident due to a suspected defect in the electronic parking brake or automatic-park transmission software. The vehicle was completely stopped, the driver exited the vehicle and the driver's door was closed. Moments later, the vehicle shifted out of its parked state or... 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

Read more from our blog