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: Jul 1, 2026
Harsh and erratic shifting, unintended down shift and sometimes never wants to shift and task meter sounds like it’s floor but don’t go no where. Close accident when at intersection vehicle would go on our green light and another car thought we were letting him go then our truck gear caught and we almost hit them My husband and I had a lifetime power train warranty and dealership will not ho... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
Gear shifter is not registering that the vehicle is in park. Because of this issue I have to sit in the vehicle for up to 15 mins trying to get it to register that it is in fact in park and can turn off. If I didn't take the time to do this, it would kill my battery. Unfortunately with the heat index, the vehicle gets hot very quickly and im now worried about getting hot stroke trying to get it to... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has repeated safety-related failures involving the engine/cooling system, fuel-injector/misfire system, steering-assist warning system, and electronic parking brake system. The vehicle is currently at AutoNation Chevrolet West Austin, dropped off on XXX, and is available for inspection. Soon after delivery, the vehicle began losing coolan... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Once the vehicle's auto idle stop system engaged at a traffic light, and the engine failed to restart automatically leaving us stranded in active traffic. We usually disable the system but forgot that time. It has also required multiple manual push-button attempts to start from a parked position at home and in public parking lots. The vehicle was brought to an authorized Honda dealership for this ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
After I shift out of park and start driving, my vehicle shudders and jerks. The shuddering and jerking are less noticeable the faster I go and almost goes away completely once I reach 60-70mph. It's almost like when the car has bad gas but after testing this theory that was found not to be the case after changing to premium gas. I took my car to Lafayette Ford located in Fayetteville, NC. They... Read more
EVENFLO
REVOLVE360 EXTEND
(9999) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 3, 2026
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
The transmission has very harsh and delayed up shifts. It has been maintained by Ford since new. The transmission appears to be defective.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The 4WD warning light illuminated on the dashboard of this 2017 Jeep Cherokee (only 67,000 miles). The vehicle was taken to an authorized Jeep dealership, where a technician officially diagnosed a complete mechanical failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The estimated cost to replace the failed component is approximately $4,000 out of pocket. This vehicle is experiencing the exact same mechan... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
This is the second Ford Edge that my family has owned. We traded in our 2020 Ford Edge when its transmission torque converter failed at just over 100,000mi and the cost to repair was as much as the car was worth. The torque converter on our current Ford Edge (2019) just failed at 57,000mi and again, the cost to repair is as much as the car is worth. The failed torque converter caused immediate hea... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2020
My transfer case and transmission splines stripped out as I was leaving a parking lot on a rainy day... i heard a bang... went to dealer, they confirmed drive shift to rear wheels not turning. Today July 3rd 2026, my MDX-2022 With 92k miles is at the Acura dealer... I fortunately have an Acura Precision warranty.... which will cover my repair...
Incident date: Jan 15, 2020
The truck went into park from drive on its own . The emergency brake was also activated after going into park. The shifter knob kept switching from drive into park every time I slowed down at a light or stop sign.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The vehicle has a documented, active transmission failure code P0720 relating to Recall 26S28 (NHTSA Campaign 26V237). Per pages 3 and 4 of Ford's official Part 573 Safety Recall Report, dealers are explicitly required to bypass the software wait and replace the physical lead frame hardware if a vehicle exhibits this code prior to the software's release. The local franchise dealership (McCombs For... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The transmission malfunctioned on the Interstate. The car started jumping and then would slow way down to about 33 MPH with the RPM's super high and then kick back in and speed up super fast and I would have to brake constantly. I almost hit the car in front of me at one point. A different point in the same trip the car behind me had to slam on it's brakes to stop from hitting me when the car l... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
While driving the vehicle at approximately 25 miles per hour, on its own, the vehicle put itself into neutral and a warning light to exit the vehicle appeared. Thankfully we safely pulled the car over to the side of the road. Upon restarting the vehicle, it operated normally. Had this incident occurred at a higher rate of speed or on a busy road, there could have been very different consequence... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
Pulling into traffic the truck suddenly shifts from fifth gear to second causing the vehicle to suddenly slow which makes getting slammed in the rear by another vehicle highly likely. At high speeds on the highway it becomes dangerous to change lanes and expect the truck to maintain speed. This problem is occurring frequently now so an accident is likely to occur. I want a loaner until Ford fins a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
transmission not shifting right and back up camera not cutting off while driving
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The dealership where I get my 2020 Chevy Tahoe service, stated that there is a recall for the water pump for the 2020 Chevy Tahoe, due to a manufactory defect, causing the water pump to leak. On XXX, mileage 62,777, I had to replace my water pump for that same reason, but my vehicle was not part of the recall; therefore, paying for a placement water pump myself. The dealership is Musson Patout A... Read more
BMW
I4 XDRIVE40
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 3, 2026
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
I was driving down a neighborhood road and my car suddenly slammed to a stop, forcing my chest into the steering wheel and throwing my dog from the backseat into the back of the passenger seat. We had it towed to a local shop and they reported the solenoid inside the transmission has failed. This is a two year old vehicle with less than 100k miles on it. Luckily, I was in a neighborhood going less... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
The “service four-wheel drive” warning light started coming on. I took it in to an independent, very reputable mechanic and he did a diagnostic on it. The diagnosis that came up says “Has C14A7-97 indicates issue with transfer case. Transfer case would have to be removed and inspected.” The mechanic told me that Jeeps are being recalled because of this and that I should take it into a Je... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
When driving the vehicle under normal load and conditions, after coming to a complete stop- then trying to accelerate to take a turn or move forward- the vehicle begins to proceed then suddenly stops moving or accelerating. Twice now I have almost been T Boned. Once when leaving my neighborhood and trying to proceed onto the main 45mph country road, most recently tried to turn left from a turning ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
No engine lights are on. When at stops it starts chugging and when I accelerate sometimes it does not go like it should. It idles high and feels like it is slipping. I have almost been hit in the rear several times when this happens. One lady did rear end me but the damage was so little that I did not call the cops. This vehicle has not been inspected and it is available for inspection at any time... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
I took my suv in for diagnostics to a certified GM dealership at least twice while still under warranty. The check engine light was on, the car was behaving abnormally as well as making unusual concerning noises. The dealership sent me away saying no codes showed up and they couldn’t find a problem.The light would come on and off sporadically. I took screen shots of my dashboard every time the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
My family and were traveling to visit family, and the transmission stalled on me on the interstate. I almost had a horrible accident with my kids in the vehicle. The vehicle is in the shop currently and dx with transmission issues. GMC needs to recall and or fix the transmissions in all of their vehicle.
Incident date: May 24, 2026
My 2020 Ford Expedition has a transmission problem. The vehicle has harsh shifting, slipping, hesitation, jerking/lunging, and abnormal shifting while driving. The problem happens during gear changes and creates a safety concern because the vehicle may hesitate, slip, or shift unexpectedly in traffic. I took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The technician diagnosed the issue and recommen... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
My 2020 Ford EcoSport (1.0L EcoBoost) is covered by Recall 23S64 / NHTSA 23V905 (engine oil pump drive belt). The defect causes sudden loss of motive power at highway speed (65+ mph), usually after 40+ minutes of driving, with the powertrain warning light and code P0299 (turbo underboost). Losing power in Los Angeles freeway traffic is the safety hazard. The recall remedy has failed repeatedly. I... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
Jeep Cherokee 2021 with less than 44,000 miles. pTU accentuates went out. VIN not in recall despite the make, model, and problem being recalled on 60,000 other jeeps already. If not fixed the car can freeze and possibly roll over or roll away when in park. I feel jeep should pay for this as part of their recall.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
•12,000 Miles: Front rotors required complete replacement. •21,000 Miles: Front rotors failed and required replacement a second time. •28,000 Miles: Front seat cushion required repair due to material separation. •34,000 Miles: Front rotors failed and required replacement a third time. •51,000 Miles: Front rotors failed and required replacement a fourth time. •51,000 Miles: Complete tra... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 3, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
While driving on a highway, my 2019 Ford F-150 suddenly lost power during acceleration due to a transmission malfunction. The truck hesitated and failed to respond to the accelerator, nearly causing a rear-end collision. The transmission required a major overhaul at approximately 53,000 miles, yet the same symptoms returned shortly after the repair. Around 56,000 miles, the engine also developed a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Request for NHTSA Investigation – 2018 Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost Coolant Intrusion Engine Defect Vehicle Information Year/Make/Model: 2018 Ford Escape Engine: 1.5L EcoBoost VIN: [XXX] I am submitting this complaint regarding a well-documented coolant intrusion defect affecting my vehicle’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle is experiencing coolant loss without any visible externa... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
CVT issue my Rogue Sport has 81000 miles and now needs a transmission according to the mechanic shop. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
My vehicle was towed back to the dealership to have the transmission replaced, under warranty. After confirming the failure and warranty, I was informed, by emailed service order, that the airbag light was illuminated.it also listed the cost to diagnose the light and that I declined this "recommended service". What I said was that I absolutely wanted it diagnosed and addressed. What I declined wer... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Mother single , sole support 4 babies and going through divorce needed a vehicle right away . Carvana rated this car 94 after its 150 pt inspection . It was noted that it was in an accident. Driving the babies on interstate the Pilar flew off, later on still on interstate , ck engine light came on, then steering warning, brake warning and sudden loss of speed . Car would not accelerate beyond 40 ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
While driving on the interstate and merging to the next lane, my transmission shifted from 9th gear to 1st gear multiple times. My safety and others safety was put at risk due to the car suddenly slowing with no brake lights to indicate I would be slowing. During the incident, I lost approximately 5-10 miles per hour forward speed. The problem has not been looked at or replicated by a dealer at ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
when cold: - delays in shifts, sometimes up to a few seconds, hard jolt due to revs being too high once it finally shifts (really bad in 2nd gear, pretty bad in 3rd) - slight delay in overdrive gears sometimes (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th) after warming up: - delay upshifting into 4th and 5th almost always, even in manual mode - slight jolt downshifting into 6th at random: - gearbox gets confused and d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
Vehicle is a 2019 Honda CR-V (1.5L Turbo) experiencing an active internal mechanical failure—suspected collapsing/sticking piston rings bypassing the combustion chamber, resulting in severe, unmeasured oil consumption. The dealership (Wesley Chapel Honda) filled the engine with new oil and refuses to perform an internal diagnostic teardown or provide a safe alternative vehicle. Instead, they ar... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
While towing a 5000lb camper to go camping, the vehicle spontaneously started fire. When I exited the vehicle I noticed smoke and flames coming from underneath the cab. I opened the hood and it appeared that the fire was coming from the transmission area. Attempts we're made to extinguish the fire while awaiting the arrival of the fire dept. Attempts by myself, and others were unsuccessful cau... Read more
Fire
TOYOTA
CAMRY HYBRID
(2026) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 2, 2026
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
While driving my truck returning from a camping trip I received the following warnings in the dash: Service ESC, Service traction control, forward collision system unavailable. Check engine light was flashing. I made the assumption that the Check engine light was due to the warnings listed above. I continued to drive the vehicle until I began to feel a very noticeable shudder at idle, at low sp... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2026) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 2, 2026
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
My 2021 Subaru Forester has a recurring, worsening defect in the Idle Stop/Start (ISS) system that creates a stalling hazard. When ISS shuts the engine off at a stop, the engine intermittently fails to restart when I try to move again. It cranks progressively slower, warning lights illuminate, a continuous alert sounds, and the vehicle cannot proceed until I shift to Park and restart manually. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Hesitants and Shudders when shifting into 2nd gear.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
The vehicle suffers from a persistent transmission defect including shuttering bucking slipping torque converter failure valve body failure twice metal debris improper down shifting chirping noises and related liability and safety issues. The vehicle has undergone multiple unsuccessful repair attempts at authorise GM dealerships. These repairs include torque converter replacement valve body replac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Car shudders, bucks, jerks when shifting between 20-40mph. After performing software updates, the car is still experiencing same issues and requires the transmission to be replaced.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The ring gear wore out and had to replace the whole rear end
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after his wife had parked the vehicle, the message "Parking Malfunction" was displ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The vehicle has an automatic stop/start feature that is enabled by default, though there is a button readily accessible to deactivate the function easily ea. time the vehicle is operated. The vehicle has just had the starter replaced under warranty @ 25K miles. There have been issues with the vehicle struggling to start for at least six months now - rough, slow starts where the engine is struggl... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 2, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was driven to a nearby rest stop. The power train malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission had overheated. The vehicle was turned off to allow the transmi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Vehicle: 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe (VIN: [XXX]) Complaint Description: My vehicle is currently under active NHTSA Recalls 25V-766 and 26V-363. Following the 25V-766 software flash designed to detect internal engine bearing failure, the vehicle has experienced a sudden, unrecoverable loss of propulsion (Limp Mode) on the highway at 60 mph on three to four separate occasions. This has nearly resulted ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
I was driving at highway speeds and parking suddenly engaged forcing vehicle to lose all power. While I was able to get the vehicle off the road it could have ended much worse. Ford recognizes this as a recall but because it it is not officially active they will not fix it unless I pay for it. Manufacturer Recall Number26S48 NHTSA Recall Number26V402
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
We have a Honda 2018 HRV We purchased it new from Suburban Honda in April 2018 They have serviced the in our ownership The CVT Transmission was serviced and maintained by this dealership The fluid was changed at 29.063 miles and the transmission was updated by Honda at 31781 miles The fluid was changed at 54874 Now at 76081 miles the CVT Transmission has failed and Honda has said ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
Vehicle has intermittent shift issues. Transmission will shift to neutral while in motion. Issue is not terrain specific. Poses extreme safety issue has been looked at and not found by mechanic. Ongoing issue since I took ownership in Nov. 2024.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
My transmission has started to shift hard. While driving at speeds 30-50, the transmission will lag and cause a "jump".