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.
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
Showing 137,132 complaints - component: POWER TRAIN
Incident date: May 23, 2026
My Honda Odyssey has always had continuous issues when sometimes driving the car at low speeds it randomly jerks, which can become an issue when driving. I believe this is related to the manufacturers reference to service bulletins #19-014 and 20-016 stating a software upgrade is required. However my local dealer is stating this software can only be carried out if it is diagnosed first and a fee w... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was upshifting roughly while accelerating, causing the vehicle to jerk forward abruptly. The contact stated that while releasing the accelerator pedal, the transmission downshifted roughly. The contact stated that the Service 4WD message was displayed on the instrument panel. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a pothole or an object on the roadway and the vehicle stalled. The failure had reoccurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH uphill in the mountains, the transmission started slipping, followed by a loud banging sound. The contact stated that later, while fishing, there was an abnormal metallic sound like BBs hitting a tin can coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that previously, while driving at an undisclosed spe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and unexpectedly downshifted to first gear before the vehicle veered over into the next lane. The contact was able to regain control of the vehicle and steer it back into the correct lane. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Vehicle has been to VW at least 10 times for same issue since 2021. Stalls at low speeds like in traffic or driving around neighborhood, and while decelerating from higher speeds causing a dangerous safety issue. Several components replaced some like the fuel evap canister and purge valve numerous times. Symptoms clear up for days or weeks at a time and than return. VW has been unable to correct t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, causing the vehicle to shake and jerk abnormally. The speedometer was fluctuating, and the transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the parents' residence. The d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
On July 8, 2026, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled while I was driving in the middle lane on the I-95 highway, creating a safety concern. There was complete loss of engine power and low power to steering. The vehicle had to be towed to BMW of Peabody, Massachusetts. The vehicle had 30850 miles during the incident. During the inspection at service centre, I was informed that the safety fuse box an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
Did Ford PCM recall, 2-3 days check engine light failed ignition coils $500, filed complaints with dealer and ford now o have another check engine light with faulty catalytic converter a recall for a faulty part from Ford should be all inclusive in its repairs it’s unfair for me to be out of pocket $2500
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was stalling. The message "Transmission Service" was displayed on the instrument panel. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the failure as a shifter assembly failure. The vehicle was not repaired because the part was not available. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
My 2023 Equinox RS losses power during quick acceleration for lane changes or passing. It will also lose power during some turns at normal speed. It will also accelerate and deaccelerate at a low speed making it feel like the gears are slipping. Auto stop on occasion will be a hard take off requiring a firm foot on the brake. At time it will also shift hard into 1st gear. My car has been in the de... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his fiancé was stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle accelerated violently after depressing the accelerator pedal, and the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle continued accelerating while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle crashed through a yard, into a road sign, before crashing into the rear... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving in 10th gear, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 3rd gear, and then to 1st gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to shift into the intended gear, shifted hard into drive(D) or in reverse(R), and the vehicle overheated intermittently. The contact stated that while driving 70-75 MPH, the v... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML350. While the contact’s wife was driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, the message "Do Not Drive Vehicle" was suddenly displayed. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, and the brake fluid reservoir was topped off. The mechanic was unable to find any leaks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The message turned off and was displayed again 4 hours later.... Read more
GOODYEAR
WRANGLER DURATRAC
(9999) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 13, 2026
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
The internal transmission bearing defect causes sudden unpredictable loss of propulsion of the vehicle and creates a high risk on the interstate which is where I drive most the time and risks those in my car or around me. The dealer confirmed the issue. There are no warning lights just a whine while driving.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Leaking transmission fluid at 7,000 miles. Technicians noticed during routine oil change at dealership.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
While driving home and stopped at a red light, the dashboard displayed a "Service Required" warning followed immediately by a "Shift System Fault" message. The vehicle would not accelerate and stalled in the middle of the road with traffic going around me. I was unable to move the vehicle until I was able to restart it, which took at minimum 2 tries and 5 minutes. The warning cleared after restart... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
While traveling at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly began slowing down. Pressing the accelerator caused the engine RPM to increase, but the vehicle would not accelerate. I was forced to pull onto the shoulder. After restarting the vehicle, it would no longer move in either forward or reverse and had to be towed.
Incident date: May 15, 2026
Last year I was heading to heading to [XXX] in XXX when I pushed on the brakes on my 2020 Chevy blazer my brakes were working but the steering wheel was shaking weird like I was hard on the brakes but I was tapping them slowly earlier this year right before I had transmission flush at fox Chevy in Caledonia I noticed before two weeks of bringing it in I was near a traffic light slowing down it we... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The van fail GA state emissions with code p2797. I have to the end of July to get the tag. I went to the state for a repair waiver control # s1174706. I told them this code is under a tsb it fell on deaf ears. I. Took the van back to the dealership for a third time a different dealership they say they did the procedure for the tsb code p2797 butt didn't fix the code to pass GA emission. Tsb are go... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
COMPONENT/SYSTEM: The powertrain launch control system — the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) and 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission paired with the 2.5T engine — fails to deliver engine power in response to full accelerator input from a stop. The engine does not rev and the vehicle does not move for approximately 1–2 seconds despite the accelerator pedal being fully depressed, then power e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
Possible O2 sensor. Engine misfired, bucking under acceleration, engine light flashing and auto hold system shutdown. Upon pulling out into traffic, I hit the gas and this happened, which was a risk to me and other drivers as I could not accelerate properly. I am taking my car to Reedman Toll on July 13. I can reproduce the problem every time I heavy accelerate.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
"Ford Recall 19S07 was previously completed on my vehicle via a software patch, but the physical output speed sensor has now completely failed, throwing code P0720. The corporate software remedy failed to protect the mechanical hardware "
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
Ptu going out. Service 4 wheel drive light on. Car wasn’t in an accident. Four-wheel-drive will not activate any longer. Very costly Repair for a part that just went out with not even being used.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The transmission gear make noise when the gear shift and the engine have loud noise tick tick inside the engine . I’m feel not safe to drive and feel very stressful of my car .i can’t sleep due to car not safe drive
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
While driving in Sport mode on an interstate, during descending downhill, the transmission started down shifting. At that time near the bottom of the hill was standing water on an area. It was suddenly like hitting the brakes & I hydroplaned, but luckily I never touched the brakes. The down shifting at the same time as hitting the water caused the vehicle to loose control of the road. Luckily I re... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2016) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 12, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Car is running rough white smoke from exhaust and coolant level reservoir losing coolant
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
The transmission lost the ability to move the vehicle. The valve body for the transmission became inoperable at 7,600 miles. This is a safety issue because it can leave people stranded in cold/inclement weather. This happened without warning and the dealer replaced a spacer and check balls for the valve.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
On XXX while driving at approximately 5mph in a parking lot my Genesis GV70 shifted from Drive to Park by itself causing the car and my wife and I to lurch forward and come to a stop! The car would not come out of Park and a warning came up after the fact saying to contact immediate service. My wife and I were in the car and there were no injuries. If this occurred at a higher rate of speed on a b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
I took my 2016 Kia Sorento to the dealership for an emissions service update as a result of a service bulliten (SC340) After recieving the car back, the transmission acts unpredictably and the throttle is erratic. This happens when started cold and continues until the engine reaches temperature. It did not do this previous to the update. It is a safetey hazard and almost caused a collision. The t... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 12, 2026
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
COMPLAINT SUMMARY: [XXX] / ENGINE THERMAL FIRE RISK / WARRANTY DECEPTION My 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe (2.4L GDI Engine) is experiencing severe powertrain degradation under the known Theta II engine defect class-action framework. On November 7, 2025, the vehicle logged a Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1326 via an independent scan, indicating catastrophic internal rod bearing wear. On XXX,... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 12, 2026
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
The vehicle jerks while changing from 1st to 2nd shaking the engine. I have had 2 transmission flushes which help for a moment then it behave the same way jerking while shifting gears. The vehicle asks like it does not want accelerate at times while shifting gears as well
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 12, 2026
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The car developed a sudden metalic rattle noise and with no service indication lights on the dash. It was immeaditley serviced by the local Ford dealership and diagnosed as a cracked flex plate in the drivetrain after just 51,000 original miles. This is still within the original milage warranty but outside the warranty limit by years dispite the fact a flexplate doesn't go bad by age. Failure of... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
Transmission has harsh shifts all the time this is dangerous and well known by ford
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
I was slowing down, actively pressing the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a full stop. As the car decelerated to what my senses and perception registered as a full stop, I pressed the “P” (Park) button while keeping my foot on the brake pedal. I felt the physical click of the “P” button under my thumb while still holding the brake, and my mind registered that the vehicle had successfu... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
The integrated high-voltage powertrain / single-speed transmission unit is failing, causing severe mechanical chattering, rapid actuator cycling, and vibration under the vehicle. This failure follows a recent catastrophic, unexplained total loss of traction/HVAC coolant while at a previous Audi dealership. Audi is aware of systemic coolant migration issues into the electric drive motors on 2022 e... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The control panel /radio panel has had a glitch or blacked out screen where it wouldn't come back on for a few hours and I could smell electrical or plastic burning after it did come back on after that the radio started changing channel on its own while screen glitched on and of with saturated static wrench on my dash comes on periodically. The tires pressure unit never has the same amount of air ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
I own a 2018 Honda Accord LX 1.5T. The vehicle has developed an intermittent hard-start condition after sitting overnight. The engine cranks for approximately 5–6 seconds before starting and runs very rough for the first 2–5 seconds before smoothing out. Warm restarts are normal. While driving, the vehicle hesitates and stumbles during acceleration, is slow to build RPM, and fuel economy has ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 11, 2026
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
CVT issues-car is sputtering and gears slipping. Vehicle has 148,000 miles.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 11, 2026
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I am writing to log an immediate emergency update to my vehicle safety report regarding my 2012 Hyundai Equus Signature 5.0L. On Friday afternoon, July 10, 2026, Hyundai Motor America’s corporate office formally initiated a high-level Tier-2 supervisor review to investigate the severe powertrain safety hazard currently present on my vehicle—specifically, a catastrophic internal rupture of the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
Drive a 2020 Ford f150 with a 2.7 l. XLT with a a 10r80 transmission. I was getting on the highway. Got up to 70 75 mph didn't make it very far and my transmission jerked real hard shut me forward and I hit the steering wheel and broke a tooth and it went from 70 to 75 mph down to zero from top gears all the way to one and now it won't go past 7th gear on the highway and if it does it's either at ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
My vehicle has experienced transmission-related issues that have affected its safety, reliability, and overall performance. The symptoms include hesitation during acceleration, delayed response when pressing the accelerator, jerking, loss of power, and unpredictable driving behavior. These issues have made it difficult to safely merge into traffic, cross intersections, and maintain normal driving ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 11, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Dash board panel comes on when you turn on the car, but once you put it in drive it automatically shuts off accept the rpm gauge, car goes into limp mode when driving and causes it to not allow any acceleration or movement of vehicle.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 11, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
I brought the car to the dealership on June 24th about the car jolting forward and a this coming from the bottom of the car . The car jolts forward when in drive I have 10k miles now after he dealership put 588 miles on my car . Got my car back on July the 20th . I was told that my engine misfired and they had to replace spark plugs on a new car I purchased this car brand new . Less than two years... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
I, as well as other owners of 2017–2018 Toyota Highlanders and 2017–2018 Siennas are experiencing serious transmission issues—including high-pitched whining, erratic shifting, clunks, hesitation, and premature failure. My 2017 Toyota Sienna has the UA80 8-speed automatic transmission at issue and started whining upon acceleration in March/April 2026 timeframe. It has always had the clunking ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
On XXX, less than 24 hours after an authorized Porsche dealer released this 2024 911 as a successfully completed repair with the diagnostic codes cleared and no root cause documented, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power while traveling at highway speed. It entered limp mode with severe deceleration and displayed a red engine control error, forcing an emergency lane change across traffic to reac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
Had cruise control on set on 64 up and down hills and around curves it just started going faster & faster I had to stomp the brakes 3 times to get it to quit afterwards the power train is now not shifting right it still was at times going to shop staying at 27 to 35 rpm’s, made it to shop
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
On Wednesday July 8, 2026 at approx 7:45 AM The powertrain system failed entirely due to a catastrophic malfunction of the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which completely and instantly failed with absolutely no prior dashboard warning lamps, check engine lights, or symptoms. While traveling at approximately 40 MPH on a public road, this unexpected defect caused an immediate and... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2026
While making a right turn, vehicle suddenly lost all power and shut down for several seconds. This is a safety issue, stalling out in front of oncoming traffic, etc. No warnings lamps, messages appeared. No dealer inspection yet. Numerous other owners on message boards have reported the same issue occurring with their vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Transmission failed and light appeared. Speed reduced from 30 to 15. Acura stated they had to reset computer system and claimed when they started the car no lights shown and was able to reverse car. I was unable to reverse car, struggled and tugged feeling in the car. This is the 2nd time and they always repeat same solution no lights appeared and to reset system.