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
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
Loud clunking noise from front end when turning right or left and accelerating from a stop or slow speed. I’ve been told by dealer that this is from defective front CV axles. I’ve also been told that this could be a safety issue if the component fails completely. Both General Motors and Honda are aware of the issue.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
CVT failed after only 94K miles.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
Vehicle: 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL (battery-electric SUV). At approximately 4,500 miles the vehicle began displaying battery/high-voltage system warnings and charging system errors. An earlier incident involved a critical battery warning instructing service. When presented to the dealership, the vehicle was initially described as potentially requiring extensive diagnostic disassembly. The deale... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding Recall 78C (NHTSA Recall 25V-766) affecting my 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. The recall states that engine block casting contamination may result in catastrophic engine failure, loss of propulsion, and possible engine fire. This recall has now been open for approximately 120 days without a remedy available. Stellantis has confirmed that engineers are still ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2004 Ford Expedition. The contact recently purchased the vehicle and stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission hesitated before upshifting with the accelerator pedal depressed. Additionally, while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle rolled backwards when the accelerator pedal was depressed before responding as needed. There was no warning light illu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Automatic 6 speed transmission has down shifted to 1st gear 3 times this week while traveling 30 to 40mph locking the rear wheels and red lining the motor in traffic.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Very hard downshift of transmission caused rear wheels to break traction on icy road. Vehicle slid sideways across the road nearly going over the edge of a steep downgrade.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
We have been dealing with issues with this vehicle since 2024. We had 3 open recalls which we took into the closest dealership to us and things were okay for a few months and then started having issues again. We live in a small town and it is hard to get to the dealership so we had a few local mechanics take a look and one had found that the exhuast recall was not installed properly and so he addr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
In several separate unreplicable instances, the vehicle has turned off while driving, once on the highway, once on my street, once turning across heavy traffic, and others. I've almost died a couple times and I've taken it to the dealership several times, they have Not been able to find anything wrong with it and have been unable to replicate the issue. The engine has been replaced, and it was ha... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and occasionally jerked while accelerating with the accelerator pedal depressed. The message to "Pull Over and Shut off Vehicle" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Transmission issues. Random hard shifting. Random over revving due to improper shifting. Multiple components are being replaced. They are all heavily reported as issues in the transmission. The dealer refuses any remedy. No warnings show prior to the issue
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
Puttering can be heard. Manifold has been replaced already. Reverberation through steering wheel and pedal can be felt when idling. Car has shuddered when driving 40+ in the past but dealership downplayed any possible issues. There is an issue with something in this vehicle whether it's the torque converter or another part up or downstream.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
After I bought from personal owner feb. 3rd 2025 I drove 50 miles and overheated before I made it home . The check engine light came on it showed up as a bank 1 bank 3 misfire also camshaft position sensor so I replaced these things and it still was losing coolant oil is just fine. Every time I would drive it it would still overheat I would keep putting more antifreeze in to make it home. It star... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
Clicking /rattling noise when turning
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
My transmission feels as if it is skipping. It feels as if the truck is going to stop while driving. Making it very dangerous and unsafe for my children and myself. The two codes that a scanner gave were P0732:00-6D and P07F7:00-6D. Please help with this. My truck is not even that old nor is high on mileage. Thank you.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
RAM 3500 truck was purchased in Ventura, CA and has experienced multiple electrical and drivetrain failures beginning shortly after purchase. In January 2025 while traveling in Oregon, the infotainment system repeatedly blacked out and the cruise control button stopped functioning. A dealership replaced the cruise control button, restoring cruise control, but the infotainment problem remained. Whe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
I own a 2024 Subaru Impreza (base trim, FB24 engine). The engine has developed repeated oil leaks into the spark plug wells due to failed spark plug tube seals / valve cover sealing on the same engine. The first occurrence was around 24,000 miles. The dealer found engine oil in the spark plug tubes, diagnosed leaking spark plug tube seals (and/or valve cover gasket), and performed repairs under w... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
Vehicle Safety Complaint - Tesla Cybertruck Steering System Failure During FSD While driving my Tesla Cybertruck with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged, the rear steering system failed without any prior warning. FSD immediately disengaged, and a red steering system ERROR appeared on the instrument cluster. The rear axle steering was completely disabled, turning radius became severely limited, and ve... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
I was driving down a 25mph road and my car completely stopped. I shut my car off and it had trouble starting. When it would start it would go a couple hundred feet and stop. Took it to the shop and the transmission line was broken. The entire transmission needed replace because of one thing going bad. 4.5k repair bill
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
I bought my car in July of 2025 and since then my car keeps derating and reducing engine power while driving down the road at 70 miles an hour. It cuts out and decreases power. I took my car to the shop twice to have them tell it needed an update. I drove away and then the car does it again. Since December my car has down this decreased power, derated notice more than 30 times!! It is a safety ris... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
While driving, car displayed a check electrical vehicle system warning light. The 12 volt battery completely died and could not maintain charge resulting in slower and then complete loss of propulsion. Towed to dealer and the following Monday determined it was an ICCU failure. Part is back ordered but verbally told on 2/24/2026 that part would be delivered in two weeks. We'll see!!! If ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle, and there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while accelerating, the "Service AWD" warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
Although my VIN was not listed on any data base as a risk of the 10-speed transmission issue, my transmission first faltered while driving on the highway on 26 November 2024 and then again on 9 December 2024. While driving, the transmission instantly downshifted to a lower gear and there was a loss of power, which was a huge safety issue while driving on I-44 at 70 mph. Ford was notified of both i... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
When driving the vehicle on I-94 near Taylor, MI, 2 codes popped up on my dashboard cluster: 1) Transmission System Problem 2) Blind Spot Info System Problem When diagnosing this at a local auto stores & the Honda dealer itself, a stored code of DTC P0741 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance or Stuck OFF is listed. Honda has identified a problem with this under Service Bulletin 23-078, bu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
Hi, I would like to report an issue with my vehicle. The transmmision has been experiencing problems, and the dashboard radio display has been flickering intermittently.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
Giving an error of reverse assist and not available when starting truck and when placing truck in reverse. Have look up to seen if included in the recall that was issued 6 days ago. Have called dealership to confirm that not part of recall. The message just showed up last night. This truck should be included in the recall
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
Rear axle component failed on my 2023 Ford F-150 Lariat. Vehicle completely lost mobility and would not move. We were stranded on a dangerous freeway exit. A recall repair for issue was performed. A second failure of the axle was later discovered during tire service. This is a repeat failure of a major drivetrain component and raises significant safety concerns. Additionally, the first failure was... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
The ICCU failed. The vehicle suddenly stopped on the road, would not go into any gear and could not be moved whatsoever, was stuck on the side of the road in a dangerous position. Called roadside assistance, after a few hours the vehicle was towed to the nearest dealership. After a week the vehicle had the ICCU replaced under warranty.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
Powertrain/engine performance (acceleration control): vehicle struggles to accelerate when pressing the gas. Transmission / drivetrain (gear engagement / shift control): vehicle drops from Reverse into Neutral without driver input (unintended gear disengagement). Water intrusion: ongoing water intrusion, power tailgate was already replaced due to water erosion, when it rains or snows water gets in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Both catalytic converters have failed, with one have a catastrophic failure, resulting in pipe becoming disconnect from the exhaust system and dropped to pavement while vehicle was traveling at interstate speed. Pipe was facing forward when it dropped. Posed severe risk to myself and other vehicles. Disabled vehicle was towed to Ford dealership where it was confirmed both converters were cracked... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
According to Hyundai, all active recall campaigns have been addressed on this vehicle (NHTSA site says it wasn't, Hyundai claims it was on 9/22/2025). Last night (3/3/2026) while driving on an unlit, two-lane country road about 20 minutes from my house, I heard and felt a bang noise from underneath the rear cabin of the car accompanied by a message stating "Stop vehicle and check power supply" on ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
The fuel injectors are failing, the vehicle smells of gasoline fumes in the cabin if the vehicle and we are now getting check engine lights due to emissions which I contribute to the failing fuel injectors which have been under recall for quite some time now and Ford does not seem to want to fix this issue. They can only tell us they do not have a fix yet at this time. My understanding this is a v... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
My 2024 Ford Mustang has been experiencing a serious mechanical issue that the manufacturer has been unable to repair. The vehicle has been at the dealership for an extended period because a defective component cannot be replaced. Ford acknowledged that the required part has not yet been manufactured. The vehicle has remained unresolved for over five months. This creates a potential safety concern... Read more
JEEP
GRAND WAGONEER
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
While driving approximately 70 mph on I-10 in Louisiana late at night, my 2020 Hyundai Kona EV displayed a “Check EV System” warning while I was on the highway. There were no safe areas or emergency shoulders available to pull over, so I continued driving toward the nearest exit. Approximately 15 minutes after the warning appeared, as I attempted to exit the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
With the cruise set at 55-60 mph the Rpms will jump, along with a slight shudder feeling. Cruise control has turned off a few times due to this. Cruise set at 25mph and would shudder/lunge forward. Torque converter is showing it’s slipping and will need replaced. No check engine lights.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
My truck is equipped with a 6R 80 transmission and as I was pulling off an offramp onto interstate 295 my transmission shifted into first gear and my truck skidded and came to a stop sideways with oncoming, traffic, barely avoiding me. The rear end of my truck literally locked up.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2019
My vehicle is experiencing a transmission safety issue that has been diagnosed by the authorized Toyota dealer service center (Toyota of Scranton). During my most recent service visit on 3/2/26, the dealer reported that the transmission is “failing and whining” and recommended full transmission replacement. This condition creates unsafe driving behavior, including abnormal whining noise during... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V860000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter independently shifted from drive(D) to reverse(R). The contact stated that before the failure occurred, the message "Hill Assist" was displayed on the screen. The contact clicked "OK," and shortly ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Circuit Malfunction- Faulty wiring causing ABS, and EPC damage and defects.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
While accelerating to merge onto the highway, the transmission attempted a shift twice and could not complete the shift. That process causes an aggressive deceleration with each shift attempt. It then slowed, turned on the check engine light and displayed "Reduced Power Mode" - i.e. went into limp mode. The dealer pulled code P0747. The repair is a full transmission rebuild. I did not experience w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Moisture in the air has corroded the wiring harness and connections to the Rack and Pinion causing the power steering to freak out and jerk the sheen all over the place and then cut out while driving.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
While driving the vehicle a short distance, I heard a loud pop from the back seat. The car immediately warned of an electrical system failure. The issue and symptoms are consistent with ICCU module failures, reported across the kia/hyundai egmp platform. My safety was put risk, because I was stopped in heavy traffic when this happened and could have been stranded far from home with no ability ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Vehicle was on a slight incline. Shifted into park. Vehicle was running and I went and got into the passenger side, waiting for my daughter to come out of work and drive home. Vehicle evidently came out of the park gear and rolled approximately 100' backwards into another vehicle parked behind me on the same incline.
Crash
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2017) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Hesitation when accelerating. Has stalled while driving. Has come to a complete stop when put in reverse.
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER SPORT
(2015) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
On December 24, 2025, I was traveling from Arizona to California when WITHOUT WARNING I lost all power from my Ford EcoSport while on the 10 freeway. At that moment I was able to navigate to the side of the road. This placed myself and others in an unsafe situation on the freeway. The vehicle was then towed to a dealership in Temecula, CA where upon inspection they stated that I would need a n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated, jerked, and failed to respond on some occasions, requiring the vehicle to be turned off and restarted. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked significantly and almost stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warn... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) — POWER TRAIN
Mar 4, 2026
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and hesitated, and the transmission was slipping. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and DTC: P2818 “Pressure Control Solenoid H was stuck and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) valve body”. The contact wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormally strong burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. On another occasion, while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact inspected the vehicle and ob... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
My 2026 Honda Prologue makes clicking sounds when executing turns. The problem was confirmed in a diagnostic assessment at the Honda dealer at about 7,500 miles (2/4/26). The service rep. said Honda was looking into the problem (CV joints/bearings), but there was no current solution, and they would contact me when a solution became available. The rep. said Honda did not consider this a safety issu... Read more