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.
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
Showing 133,534 complaints — component: POWER TRAIN
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
10th gear, gear ratio incorrect. CDF drum failure. Rough shifts from 3-4 struggles to shifts into park and reverse.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i, approximately 48,000 miles. CVT transmission failed suddenly with no prior warning signs. Vehicle was exclusively dealer-serviced for its entire life. While driving, the transmission began shuddering, slipping, and making metallic grinding noises. Vehicle could barely climb a small ramp and was locked in limp mode, making it unsafe to operate in traffic. Diagnostic codes P... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
High pitch wine when accelerating
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while shifting from drive(D) to park(P), the vehicle continued to accelerate or reverse unintendedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact to go to settings and choose brakes, and while parking, the parking brake engaged, but the driver needed to manually release ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
driving 70mph on highway when engine suddenly failed. engine turned off and kicked into neutral. had to pull over on busy highway in a powerless car and have car towed. it is now getting a full engine replacement at 42k miles.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2008) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 10, 2026
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Transmission shudder that is causing Drivability issues. Multiple mechanics have told me to drive it and maintain it until the transmission gives out.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
While driving down a highway doing between 45 and 55 mph the transmission suddenly and completely faulted causing the truck to come to a complete stop. Just enough power to get to the shoulder luckily. The transmission had basically completely blown out, fluid everywhere. The insurance company did not find any comprehensive damage. The entire transmission needs to be replaced. There were no indica... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Ascent (Build Date: March 2020) Component: Power Train – Automatic Transmission – Hydraulic Pressure Sensor / Wiring Harness The vehicle developed a flashing "Transmission Service" warning and check engine light. It was inspected by a certified technician at Lithia Reno Subaru. Diagnostic scan identified multiple transmission-related codes including P0137, P0700, P2096, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The vehicle is experiencing multiple serious mechanical failures affecting the brake system, powertrain, and steering/wheel components. The brake system produces a constant hissing sound and appears to have lost braking assist. When the brake pedal is depressed the vehicle continues to roll forward and requires excessive force to stop. The vehicle has rolled forward while braking at intersections,... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
i have a 2014 jeep cherokee trailhawk. the service 4wheel drive light keeps popping u. a recall needs to be put on this year, make and model. its a known issue that jeep has not addressed at all
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
Upon stepping on brakes, the car shifts into Neutral and says “press start Button again.” This happened to me 2x now.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
Problematic transmission shifting with lower gears causing significant hard shifting and jerking motion while driving. The problem was confirmed by my local Ford dealership on 11/26/2025, who recommended an overhaul to the transmission and tear down to determine if further damage is present or if a new transmission is needed. There were no warning lamp indicators showing any earlier related matt... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
1. Transfer Case-SH-AWD failure-> No, it was recently replaced at the dealership at no cost. 2. Failure with the AWD system would cause me to be in FWD, only causing failure in steering input, especially in turns. 3. The car was put onto the lift and attempted to spin all 4 wheels, only the front 2 spun. Also, they noticed a seal failure/leak from the Transfercase/Transmission. 4. Acura Technician... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
ICCU failure within three (3) days of buying vehicle. Only 300 miles on it. Failed to charge with known working Level 1 charger on day 1, successfully charged with Level 3 charger on day 2, and then failed to charge at same Level 3 charger on day 3. Simply connecting the Level 3 charger on day 3 had the car emitting "charger errors", and then followed that up with an "On board charger" fault. Vehi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Good evening, I’m emailing to you regarding my ford fusion q20212. My steering has went out non drivable. I did see where that year had a lot of power steering issues.. could you help me out on the power steering recall and the power train.. also need to get airbag completed. Text me a Time to meet I can’t drive it ar all will need towed. Thank you for print ur time… I really need to get fix... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
These cars have a known issue for burning oil the motor thats in my car was recalled for same issue but they are not trying fix my car under that recall of the bad motor that they did recall
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
Rear differential fluid leak The 07204 recall pertains to certain Pontiac vehicles, specifically the 2007 Pontiac Solstice, where a faulty rear axle pinion seal may leak, potentially causing a loss of motive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge, and the recall began on February 1, 2008. [XXX] [XXX] Overview of Recall 07204 Vehicle Affecte... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Blown turbo with propeller broken off lodged into the pre-catalytic converter, which caused damage to the catalytic converter/exhaust requiring a new turbo and a complete new catalytic converter and exhaust system. They also found major oil leaking from the upper timing cover gaskets, which I later found documented on the accounting service record as not repaired at that time few months from my pu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
I have a 2024 Honda Prologue EX AWD, leased new, with approximately 16,000 miles. At approximately 13,000 miles, I started to hear clicking/cracking from the front of the car while turning under either acceleration or braking. I soon learned that this was a common issue with the Prologue's front axles. I had my local dealer inspect it in November 2025, and they heard the noise. However, I was told... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
My Acura was not sending power to the rear wheels. The car was driving as if it was front wheel drive only. I feel that the safety of not knowing your vehicle is not acting as they all-wheel-drive vehicle when it’s supposed to an impact safety because the vehicle would not be able to handle as it was intended to. After inspection from the Mechanic shop, the failure was deemed to be the internal... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2019
1)Numerous Gas Cap ‘red warnings’ were fixed each time 2)Driver-side ‘Seat Belt’. Fixed. 3)Check engine light ‘off and on’ will quit after 5-10 minutes 4)Stabilitrak/Traction-control (red light warnings), on and off, finally stayed on: Took back to Parsons of Antigo, WI dealership for repair; they said it was fixed. I left dealership at their closing time, started car, the car was shak... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted, and a short distance later, the failure persisted. The contact stated that there were several attempts to restart the vehicle. However, the failure persisted. The messag... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered unexpectedly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with dual clutch failure. The contact wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
On January 29, 2026 my 2023 Tesla Model Y was serviced by Tesla for windshield repair and routine maintenance. Within a week after the service visit, the vehicle began displaying a service warning message on the dashboard. I contacted Tesla and was advised to bring the vehicle back for inspection. Before I could return to the service center, while slowly reversing out of my garage, a large bolt f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and stopping at a red light, the vehicle accelerated but failed to exceed 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that on another occasion, while stopped and attempting to make a left turn onto a highway at 75 MPH, the vehicle fa... Read more
GOODYEAR
WRANGLER AT
(9999) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
Driving down the highway and I lost all the gears it went from driving speed then wouldn’t go over 30 mph. When I got pulled into a business on the side of the road then tried to restart it it then wouldn’t go into reverse. It was dangerous because there was cars behind me going the speed limit then my car just lost speed. No warnings it’s not throwing any codes. Looking on the internet it s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the transmission. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the bearings were damaged and that the transmission needed to be replaced. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The continuous variable transmission (CVT) in my 2017 Infiniti QX60 failed due to faulty components. They are failing to cover the repair and take accountability for the faulty equipment even though they have admitted to the part quality issue.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
I drive a 2017 Lincoln MKZ equip with an Ecoboost 2.0L engine. A very widely known design flaw in the Engine Long block has caused coolant intrusion into the #1 cylinder. This can cause overheating issues and ultimately cause a fire and/or stall the car in a critical moment (i.e. highway) and cause an accident. I took the vehicle into my local dealership and they confirmed this issue and is consis... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Car electrical dash lights up, powertrain, strange noises, electrical glitches, engine stalling, carbon monoxide or gasoline smell, makes me dizzy when turn on the ac
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
While driving at highway speed (60mph), the truck suddenly downshifted to 1st gear causing the rear wheels to lock up until the vehicle slowed to roughly 45mph. At the time of the incident, the truck was not loaded, not towing and weather conditions were cool and dry. Since that incident, the truck hunts for gears, shifts erratically and harshly and will occasionally get stuck in a random gear.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The iccu failed on this car rendering the whole vehicle useless. This part is currently a recall and I was using a new ICCU with the software update per their recall solution. My second ICCU failed at approximately 40k miles.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
My vehicle started to shift irregularly. From a stop, I would accelerate and before shifting to the next gear the vehicle would lose power, pause, and then shift to the next gear. Doing this until the vehicle reached the desired speed. At first, I could turn the vehicle off then on again and it would be fixed. Eventually, the check engine light came on and stopping and restarting no longer fixed t... Read more
JEEP
WRANGLER 4XE
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
Since before my 60K warranty expired, I have experienced clunking when automatic transmission is espeically shifting down from about 4 to 3 of the 10 speeds. It has gotten worse, and it actually has good and bad days just like you and me. The other day it felt so severe that it seemed the entire truck would implode and then I would be sitting duck, or worse, hit something out of control or from qu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
[XXX] Noticed hard shifting while ascending a 13% grade at [XXX] , while ascending for a brief period I lost forward power, throttle was unresponsive. I noted the shift dashboard fluctuating between various gears as though confused as to which gear it should be in. [XXX] Hard shifting between 3rd-4th and 3rd-5th becoming more consistent and noticeable. [XXX] I've been driving this vehicle a lot ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
My Ford EcoSport had safety recall 23S64 performed at Diamond Ford in Lancaster, California. The recall involved the oil pump drive belt system. After the recall repair was completed, the vehicle began displaying a low oil pressure warning and the engine started shaking. These symptoms involve the same oil system addressed in the recall. Because the vehicle is now experiencing low oil pressure a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Complaint Description: This complaint involves a 2014 Ford Focus with VIN [XXX] . The vehicle experiences severe transmission shuddering, slipping, delayed acceleration, and hesitation when attempting to accelerate from a stop. The vehicle sometimes struggles to move forward normally when entering traffic or crossing intersections. These symptoms appear consistent with the widely documented PowerS... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
When accelerating vehicle will lose power and not accelerate. Releasing the gas pedal for a few seconds and then pressing it again the vehicle will accelerate. Also, when coming to a stop the transmission with make a high pitch whining noise
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that on several occasions, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral(N). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and shifted the vehicle back into drive. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of t... Read more
SUBARU
XV CROSSTREK
(2013) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The “check engine” light came on - after shutting off the engine a couple times - it still came on. Took the 2020 Nissan Altima Platinum to Glendale Nissan - after a 3 hour wait they said I need a new Cam Shaft for $6,000. The car only has 42,000 miles. I took the car to get a second option - they want $9,000 to fix it. So I called Nissan to enter a claim on February 20. It took Nissan until M... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
When I am parking the truck, I press and hold the brake pedal, While the truck shifter in in "Drive", I press the start/stop button to shut truck down, the shifter gets stuck in "drive" and doesn't automatically shift in to park. The truck locks down and will NOT operate as the shifter locks in "drive" and won't shift. This happened to me while travelling and was stuck in middle of no where for ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
I was unable to charge this electric vehicle which I normally do almost once or twice a week using my home level 2 charger. It also did not speak the message that "your vehicle is being charged" which it normally does when I charge the vehicle. I tried multiple times. Then I got into the vehicle and saw that it was giving me the following error messages (pics included below) upon trying to star... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Recall Number 25V512 was issued August 11, 2025. It is now seven months later and my local dealer is still unable to obtain the parts for this recall. My dealer is Newberg Ford in Newberg, OR 97132
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 80,758 miles - I began to accelerate from a stop light and heard a large clunk. Proceeded to pull over after a complete loss of power. Once away from traffic, Jeep would not be put into 'park' without hearing and feeling the grinding of gears through the shifter handle. I had to shut the car off prior to being able to place Jeep into 'park', and even then the car was a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
My transmission went out on my 2021 C-HR. The problem is, Toyota continued making and selling the car after they knew there was an issue. The 2018 and 19 models had transmission recalls, but they failed to fix the issue and continued to let others purchase a vehicle that was going to fail.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and started, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle while reversing. The contact stated the sound started shortly after the vehicle was purchased. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Driving at highway speeds, transmission shifts into 2nd gear. There is no transmission selection on dash. Shut truck off, now won't start. Truck finally started toke to my local shop and had it repaired.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback. Complete transmission failure.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
The vehicle has experienced repeated mechanical failures involving the engine, cooling system, drivetrain, and electronic systems. Documented failures include the navigation/APIM module, transmission jerking and drivability issues, transmission valve body concerns, cam phaser failure, driveshaft repair, front wheel bearing/IWE failure, coolant leaks from heater core hoses, and engine vibration req... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
Rear Axle is grinding. Took vehicle into dealer and it is the well documented rear axle issue but this vehicle is not included in a recall. The differential fluid was replaced and figure 8s were done but there is still grinding. The rear axle also drags at times when in auto 4wd. The dealer said the next step would be to replace the axle. This is the issue: Differential Noise/Failure: Repor... Read more