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: Jan 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact state... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2021 Kia Soul due to repeated engine and powertrain failures and concerns about the quality and safety of the repairs. While my vehicle was under Kia's 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, I repeatedly brought it to the dealership for excessive oil consumption and transmission problems. Despite multiple visits, the dealership performed minor repairs or claimed... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
I own a 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS equipped with an automatic transmission. Before the recall for “Momentary Wheel Lock-Up” was performed, my vehicle began experiencing harsh shifting, harsh engagement into Drive and Reverse, and the transmission would occasionally lock up while backing up, making it feel like the brakes were suddenly applied. On one occasion, the vehicle also attempted to move ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
System/Component Malfunction: High-voltage hybrid powertrain system failure. Code P0DAF-00 (Hybrid EV Battery Cell Balancing Circuit) is present and locked in the Hybrid Control Processor (HCP). Vehicle is available for inspection. Safety Risk: Operating a vehicle with an unresolved high-voltage hybrid cell balancing defect poses an immediate safety risk. Cell imbalances can cause sudden loss of ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Vehicle: 2020 Ford Escape Issue: Transmission / Torque Converter My 2020 Ford Escape has ongoing transmission problems, including slipping, shuddering, delayed shifting, and sudden loss of power. The vehicle hesitates when accelerating and sometimes fails to engage properly, creating unsafe situations in traffic. These issues appear related to the torque converter and are happening more often ove... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
Purchased used car in July 2024 and was able to drive it maybe 2 months and the transmission would not shift and would come to a complete stop. Not a safe feeling driving in 3 lanes of traffic on a busy highway at rush hour. Transmission light on and took to mechanic and was told this make and model is notorious for transmission failure and it needs replacing. The odometer is 86316 and car has bee... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the transmission was shifting abnormally rough. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER SPORT
(2015) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with turbo charger failure. The contact was informed that the turbo ch... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER SPORT
(2015) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
MOMENTARY WHEEL LOCK UP. ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. Safety warning not to drive as could cause catastrophic damage to transmission. Same symptoms as noted on update GM bulletin N242454441. 12/24. Only extends warranty 2020- 2022 models up to 150,000 miles. Gen 3 Transmission Control Valve appears to be the fix... My vin not included in the extended mileage. I just turned 62,000. Just o... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
STELVIO
(2020) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
On June 16, 2026, a 2021 Infiniti QX50 experienced a safety-related malfunction while being driven at approximately 15–20 mph. The vehicle suddenly jerked, lost power response, displayed multiple warning lights, showed a “System Fault – See Owner’s Manual” message, and became unresponsive/difficult to control. The engine remained on, but the vehicle did not respond properly. The vehicle ... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
I purchased my vehicle around Labor Day of 2020. I still own and operate the vehicle. Since I have owned my vehicle, I have repeatedly been told my turbos are leaking oil, etc. I have even had several oil leaks repaired on my car. Fast forward six years, and I am buying 5 quarts of oil every two weeks and topping up the oil in my vehicle every week, at least 2-3 quarts per week. I also have smoke ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
2018 Chevy Silverado 2500Diesel Duramax (63,000 miles & Garage kept) While pulling 37' camper on flat terrain, Push Rod bent and broke in half - violently shaking and missing; Engine was ruined. Engine light did not appear until after it started shaking. Luckily this happened before crossing over steep mountain where we would not have been able to get off road or control vehicle and camper be... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
I am reporting recurring failures involving the vehicle's electronic control systems. These issues have been documented with the dealership on multiple occasions and a Nissan District Technical Service Manager (DTSM) has also inspected the vehicle. Nissan has not been able to replicate the issues as they are intermittent. Braking System: When sitting at a stop light, where I had my foot on the br... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
The lower fuel pump is going out. It is a known issue with the car. I was driving out of town and the car started to stall. My steering has become ruggish while on the trip as well, and steering was complicated during heavy winds. The car has been inspected by dealer and both warning lights have been cleared. But the issues still remain.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
Transmission began jerking and sputtering which caused the vehicle to lose acceleration ability while traveling at highway speeds. Transmission was confirmed to have failed by an independent shop and required a complete rebuild. No warning lamps or notifications prior to failure
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5-30 MPH, the transmission failed to shift properly, and the vehicle lost motive power. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V746000 (Power Train); however, the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that on five occasions, while stopped at a light with the Auto START/STOP system activated, the vehicle inadvertently turned off and shifted into park(P) independently. The contact stated that there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, and the brake pedal was firm; several attempts were ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
- The all electric drive system intermittently fails. The vehicle drive shuts down and stops suddenly when decelerating to a stop in full electric mode while in drive. The vehicle "drive" light on the gear shift then starts flashing when the drive system shuts down. Vehicle motors lock up and the vehicle comes to an abrupt stop. The vehicle then has to be shifted into Park, and then back into ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
Component or system failure: AWD - All wheel drive failure, dealership stated the transcase is leaking causing the failure. Safety: this has impacted the vehicles traction, especially on wet roads Reproduced: the dealer found the issue and reproduced it Inspected: yes, by the dealer Warning lamps or messages: None 2022 MDX Advance
Incident date: May 29, 2024
Was traveling approximately 55 MPH down the highway for 15 min in electric mode. Moved to the shoulder and stopped quickly using regenerative braking for an oncoming emergency vehicle. I got back on the highway and I suddenly lost almost all pedal response and it would not accelerate. I kept pushing the accelerator pedal harder and harder. That's when the ICE kicked on and there was a sudden viole... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
1. Car's computer abruptly shutdown all controls/systems when lightly applying brake to stop at yellow light. Lost Total control of car, steering locked, 4 wheel drive locked all wheels, park brake inoperable, doors locked, windows would not operate, key fob was made inoperable, HVAC was inoperable, no lights worked except for Emerg flashers, wipers activated and went erratic, multiple alarms went... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during cold starts, after shifting into gear, the vehicle unintendedly shifted into neutral(N). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle operated as intended while the transmission temperature was normal. The ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2026) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Encore GX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-65 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle was shuddering abnormally while accelerating, and the transmission failed to properly shift into gear. The contact was concerned about safety while driving the vehicle at highway speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated, or messages displayed prior to the fa... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were on backorder. The contact was concerned that the failure might occur while driving in an area where there was no phone service as the residence was ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
Failed Component & Availability: Ford 10R80 10-speed transmission (Power Train). Available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: My family is put at extreme risk in two ways. 1) Sudden loss of motive power, slipping, and violent engagements at highway speeds create an imminent rear-end collision risk. 2) This exact vehicle is now under Safety Recall 26S48 (NHTSA 26V402) for unintended vehicle... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Infiniti QX60. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently jolted while stopping, and the infotainment screen and instrument panel intermittently turned off and restarted independently. Additionally, the blind spot detection system and the Lane Keep Assist were intermittently inoperable, and the power window master door lock button was inoperable. The transmission sl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while leaving the parking lot and attempting to shift into reverse(R), the gear shifter failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power and stalled in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift out of park(P). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of th... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED WHILE DRIVING. SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF GEAR UPON ACCELERATION. CLUSTER SHOWED WRENCH AND ENGINE LIGHT. TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF THEN RESTARTED AND THE CLUSTER CLEARED AND OPERATION RETURNED TO NORMAL. A WEEK LATER, THE SAME INCIDENT. SEEMS TO BE THE PROBLEM THAT EXPIRED IN THE 2023 CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CA... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V344000 (Seat Belts), 26V368000 (Structure), 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the tra... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to respond normally while depressing the brake pedal. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The failure caused the steering wheel to lock up, the brake pedal became extremely firm, and the accelerator pedal became inoperable. Additionally, the exterio... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer had not yet contacted. The failure mile... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
While driving, regardless of whether at neighborhood or highway speeds, my Jeep Wrangler 4xe suddenly loses drive power without warning. Electric propulsion drops in stages — to about 50%, then 25% — then the dash displays "Electric Mode Temporarily Unavailable" and the vehicle forces itself into hybrid mode. When this happens, I press the accelerator and get little or no response for several ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V570000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the issue; however, the recall repair was not performed because the contact had previously replaced the part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted; however, th... Read more
JEEP
WAGONEER S
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
On 6-22-26 at approximately 1035 am, I was traveling southbound on Rte 140 in Taunton. I was in the left lane, traveling at a speed of approximately 55 mph. The Jeep was in Electric Mode. I attempted to accelerate so that I could get around a tanker truck. I pressed down on the accelerator, but my speed only went up to 56 mph before slowly starting to come down. I pressed harder on the accele... Read more
DUCATI
PANIGALE V4 S
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] pm I was at the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX]. When the light turned green I attempted to make a left turn. The Jeep was in E-Save mode, but the gas engine was not on at the time. I stepped on the accelerator, but the vehicle moved very slowly through the turn, no matter how hard I pressed down on the accelerator (electric motor engaged at this time). I feared... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
While operating my 2017 Hyundai Elantra under normal driving conditions at approximately 70,000 miles, the engine suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power and stalled completely while moving in active traffic without any prior warning. This severe stalling event occurred despite the vehicle being strictly and meticulously maintained according to all manufacturer guidelines and schedule... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
My son was driving the car and the engine started knocking and engine shut off.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
No restart after auto idle stop - Car fails to restart automatically after stop and releasing the brake pedal. This has happened on a number of occasions in the last few months.This can cause a dangerous condition that can can cause an accident if stopped in an intersection or a rear end collision as the driver behind assumes the vehicle will move but does not. Car has to be shut off to restart.
CONTINENTAL
CROSSCONTACT LX SPORT
(9999) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 28, 2026
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
Rattle in my front end E code for transmission
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
The power transfer unit (PTU) has failed at 68,000 miles. "Service FWD" light is illuminated on the dash. Review/inspection of vehicle by original car dealer could not resolve the issue. Provided a quotation for $3,640.70 to repair. Although the part did not completely fail, it is uncertain how it might fail and in what condition the failure will leave the vehicle but could lose power or motion as... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
2022 Ford Bronco 2.7L EcoBoost VIN [XXX] has experienced recurring engine oil pressure failure causing vehicle to enter limp mode limiting speed to 25mph creating an unsafe driving condition. Diagnostic trouble codes P0524 Engine Oil Pressure Too Low and P06DD Engine Oil Pressure Control Stuck Off confirmed. Two failed warranty repair attempts at Lenoir City Ford Lenoir City TN on XXX and XXX. Dea... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
Engine has experienced surging and makes strange noises
HYUNDAI
PALISADE HYBRID
(2026) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 28, 2026
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
Car wants to stall out when "shifting gears" like a loss of power
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
While driving the vehicle, the automatic transmission stuck in 5th gear. The paddle shifters would not operate, shifting the vehicle into neutral or park had no effect. The vehicle was being operated on a busy highway with multiple intersections, which put all passengers and the vehicle itself in danger since accelerating in 5th gear was almost impossible. The vehicle had to be completely shut of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE INTERMITTENTLY. OFTEN SLOW TO TAKE OFF AT A STOP LIGHT. SAFETY CONCERNS OF BEING REAR END DUE TO SLOW TAKE OFF. TOOK VEHICLE TO CHEVY DEALER FOR REVIEW AND THEY INDICATED AND SHOW A PICTURE OF THE TURBO BOOSTER BEING BROKEN. PER DEALER THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE POWER AND NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY. DEALER STATED I WAS 5k MILES OV... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
I have a 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Limited and had the ICCU "popped" (failed) which took about two weeks to replace. This time we were lucky that in happened at our home but had we been driving the car would it would have completed died. We regularly drive from from [XXX] to [XXX] were there are large section of [XXX] with no cell service. Meaning potentially walking for miles in extreme heat or cold. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
Without any indications of a problem our transmission began making a loud whining noise. The evening before it was fine and the next morning on startup the noise just began. The Vehicle only has 45,000 miles on it and the transmission had been serviced at the recommend manufacturer interval. Took it immediately to my auto repair shop where it was diagnosed as a transmission failure (they has se... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
The transmission is failing and it has been confirmed. When it is being driven it makes loud sounds that can be heard over the radio.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
When you go to take off and pull into traffic the transmission will stall and not move. The transmission will shift into gear in about 5 seconds afterwards. Then it shifts erratic.