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
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The original transmission was replaced due to hard shifting from 1-2 gear 3-4 gear when slowing down. I purchased a ford certified refurbished transmission and had the same issue with shifting from 1-2 and 3-4 gear. Ford replaced the parts under warranty. On both occasions I felt unsafe with staying in gear.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300
(2019) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
Rear differential lock rings broke and caused leaking fluid, as reported to me by a dealer service department. This could lead to handling problems and even total system failure. No warning lights, messages, or noticeable symptoms. Upon an internet search, I found that this seems to be a COMMON issue with Jeep Cherokee's - therefore, I'm not sure why it isn't already a recall.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
Took posession of car at 5k miles. No issues. At around 8k started noticing a clicking noise when making turns; especially tighter turns. Finally, took it to dealership today 2/9/2026 and was told nothing they could do and it is not a safety issue according to Honda since there is no visible defect seen. The technician did confirm the noise when doing a test drive while vehicle was being inspe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35–40 MPH, the vehicle experienced transmission failure. The contact stated that the RPM was elevated while driving, and the transmission shifted abnormally rough. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the transmission was rebuilt. The local... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
Vehicle unresponsive after sitting idol at traffic light. When trying to accelerate, no power. Vehicle was still running, but unable to accelerate. Finally able to accelerate after RPMs up to nearly 3000 rpms, and slow to respond and accelerate. Engine warning code on dashboard soon after. Error code is P0751, shift solenoid A performance stuck or off. Similar issue when under warranty in 2022 wi... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2015) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious transmission defect on my 2018 Acura RDX that materially worsened after an Acura-authorized warranty repair addressing a known torque converter defect. Acura issued a warranty extension / service campaign for the torque converter on certain 2017–2018 RDX vehicles. Prior to this repair, my vehicle did not exhibit any severe jerking, slipping, or ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2015) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
While driving on the highway my car suddenly began to stall. It lost power later after that & when I got an oil change then tried to drive it later I was stopped by another driver told something is leaking. While driving to a Autozone I noticed the gears jump while shifting from 1 to 2 and I now can’t past 20 mph. I’ve already gotten the camshaft replaced and while researching I learned my car... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with a loud clunking sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle jerked, hesitated, and bucked while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was take... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
2026 Nissan Kicks, less than 1,500 mi. Computer system several warning lights appeared without notice; caused car to shut off and sputter before starting several times. The first time the warning lights that came on were: Warning (exclamation point inside triangle); Malfunction See Owner's Manual (In Orange box on panel) with all collision symbols showing [pictures avail on request] Second warni... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
My pickup is a 2015 F-150 4WD Supercrew (5.0/6 speed auto). I was driving on an Interstate and pulling a loaded flatbed trailer. The transmission was in the “towing” mode. While leaving a rest area my truck would not shift up from first gear. I turned the truck off and re-started it and it seemed to work for a short time, but as soon as I got back to speed on the Interstate the pickup SUDDENLY... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
While operating my 2024 Kia EV6, the vehicle began displaying repeated warnings related to the power system and 12-volt battery. The instrument cluster first showed a “Power limited” message, followed shortly by a “Stop vehicle and check power supply” warning. At the same time, the vehicle indicated that the 12-volt battery was low, despite the high-voltage traction battery being at or nea... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
The transmission on the vehicle has gone bad twice since we purchased it used. The car has 34,400 miles on it. The problem puts the driver in an unsafe situation as the problem causes the car to lose power while at high speeds. The piston rings have also been replaced as part of the recall. Kia just keeps replacing these parts with more defective parts. I have videos if you want them.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The vehicle experienced a catalytic converter efficiency failure that was confirmed by an authorized dealership in January 2025. The dealer indicated the catalytic converter required replacement; however, the replacement was not performed, and the vehicle was returned to service with an unresolved emissions defect. Less than one year later, the vehicle developed recurring emissions system failure... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Shift hard while driving. Hesitates from the stop position to go when pressing the gas
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The crankshaft tone wheel failed just like the TSB's and recalls. The vehicle would not restart. There are multiple bulletins and recalls along with warranty extensions for this issue but for some reason it does not seem to apply to my truck even thought it falls in the tsb years and details of failure.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the transmission failed to properly change gears. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was n... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The Chevy Malibu turbo is malfunctioning and making a loud noise when driving also bringing up the engine light with codes
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
Hard clunks when shifting Hesitation or delay when accelerating RPM flares between gears Jerking when slowing down or taking off Slipping or feeling like the truck goes into neutral Shuddering
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The vehicle is subject to an active safety recall involving the two-speed power transfer unit (PTU), which can cause loss of motive power and/or loss of PARK function. The vehicle displayed a “Service 4WD” message and all-wheel drive functionality is disabled. The issue has been confirmed by a Jeep dealership, which stated that the recall repair cannot be performed because the manufacturer has... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2025
While cruising on the highway at 55 to 60mph, the transmission will suddenly and without warning rapidly downshift resulting in unstable and dangerous conditions. This has occurred multiple times on icy or frosty roads and the vehicle becomes difficult to control. My safety and that of oncoming traffic was compromised. A "wrench" light comes on in the dash following the event. Once the vehicle... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle momentarily lost motive power while shifting into gear, and the transmission shifted hard. The power train warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The warning light was illuminated after each failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
Transmission downshifting at highway speed, started to stall, went to limp mode had to manual shift to get to exit
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD feature was inoperable. The contact stated that the PTU splines were worn, preventing the engagement of the 4WD feature, and potentially preventing the vehicle from remaining unmovable while shifted to park(P). The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recal... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Shutter from the torque converter and sudden down shifting. There was no accident but the problem exceeded to point where I had to get my transmission rebuild, it cost me about 3,700 to rebuild it.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pushed into a nearby lot with the assistance of bystanders. The vehicle could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the failure could not able to be replicated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred within the week. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
While operating on my daily commute at approximately 40-50 mph, the vehicle suddenly downshifted from 5th gear to 3rd, with no throttle input change. Following a commanded full stop of the vehicle, upon accelerating, the vehicle seemed to be slipping into each gear. A short duration later, the vehicle prompted me with an orange wrench symbol on the instrument panel and the phrase "see manual." The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the transmission. The transmission was slipping, and the RPM was abnormally elevated. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the engine overheated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the failure reoc... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on several occasions, the transmission independently shifted into neutral(N). The contact stated that during each failure, the drive(D) button was pressed without depressing the brake pedal first. The contact stated that an undisclosed message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH with cruise control engaged, the vehicle experienced transmission failure. The contact stated that the engine seized, and the vehicle abruptly stopped. The “Service Transmission Soon” message was displayed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the message was cleare... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted hard with unintended upshifts. The contact stated that the vehicle was able shift out of a higher gear occasionally upon switching to manual mode. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet d... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQS 450+
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
I have experienced a ICCU failure at 7200 miles on my 2025 EV6 GT Line. This failure is a safety hazard as it will quickly disable the vehicle and strand the occupants wherever they be at the time of failure. (highway, back roads, day or night). There are warning lights when this occurs, but there is a very limited time to get to safety, depending on the state of charge of the onboard 12v battery... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle while transitioning to 4WD. The contact continued driving and the driving sound became more frequent while shifting into 4WD. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the driveshaft had detached and was hanging down from the susp... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Fiat 500L. The contact stated that while the vehicle was coming to a stop at an intersection, the vehicle became inoperable while attempting to shift gears, with the message “Gears Unavailable” displayed. The contact attempted to shift gear several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence a... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2015) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
Statement by American Honda Regarding Left and Right Front Drive Shaft Recalls Our 2011 Honda Accord, driven by our grandson, had experienced a possible breakage of the drive shaft, leaving him stranded on an off-ramp on the freeway. It appears Honda has had recalls for this mechanical failure on a limited number of VN numbers. I did find that there had been over 292 complaints according to NHTSA... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
I own a 2016 Acura ILX and recently discovered multiple federally mandated safety recalls affecting my vehicle, including a brake master cylinder recall, fuel pump recall, driveshaft separation recall, and Takata airbag recall. I have owned this vehicle for over seven years and was never notified by mail or otherwise at my correct address that these safety recalls existed. One recall is currently ... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
THE CALAPSABLE LIFTERS HAVE FAILED AND I NEED TO HAVE THEM REPLACED AS WELL AS THE CAM SHAFT. WHY ISNTTHE 2020 ESCALADE ON THE RECAL LIST OF 6.2L ENGIN RECALLS?
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that the transmission shifter cable had previously been replaced three times. While starting the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced the transmission shifter cable, but the failure persisted while attempting to shift the transmission into park ... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
Transmission downshifted unexpectedly during normal driving .
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
Sudden downshift from 4th to 1st gear. Rear end locked up, had to manually select 1st gear in order to get power back to the wheels.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
Trans mission input shaft speed sensor. Transmission is downshifting and going into limp mode while driving.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
Complete transmission failure and need replacement the car is less than 10 years old Nissan has had major issues with the CVT system and transmission…transmission lose power on the highway
JEEP
GRAND WAGONEER
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 9, 2026
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
Poor acceleration and lose of transmission control ….complete safety hazard and the car has a failure to lose power while driving…..a humming noise and the car jerks while shifting gears
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
First incident my [XXX] daughter was driving my truck on the highway going 70mph, the truck went from 10th gear dropped all the down to first almost causing her to wreck the truck before getting to the side of the road, it has a lifetime warranty so took the truck to Jones Ford in Wickenburg Arizona, after several conversations with the warranty company wanting to deny the claim finally got the t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
The high-voltage charging flap assembly (Part 4KE810001) has failed, preventing the charge door from latching. Notably, this failure (DTC P31D000) occurred within 7 days of the vehicle being serviced at Audi Burlingame for a high-voltage battery software recall. This presents three safety hazards: 1. Driver Distraction: Triggers a continuous auditory chime and 'Warning! Please check the charging ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
On 2/4/26, I experienced a slight skip while driving, But did not continue. The very next morning while in reverse, A winding sound started. Put car in drive pulled out onto main road, drove fine, not even half a mile. Stopped at sign, pulled out onto main road a main road, and car would not go, would not go in gear at all. No one was hurt, but received a few horn honks. Made it to side of road, p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
The truck suddenly downshifted to 6th to 2nd gear on the highway. Engine rpm hit more than 7000. Transmission now grinds, shudders and slips. Almost caused a wreck. Hasn't been documented to anyway, just by word. Has not been inspected as there is no way to inspect. No warning before incident, transmission now grinds 4th to 3rd gear, shudders in every gear and slips.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
While driving at highway speed, the vehicle experienced a sustained loss of motive power. Despite the accelerator pedal being fully depressed, the vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 62 mph. Based on the symptoms and prior service history, the malfunction appears related to the fuel/propulsion system, engine, or powertrain. The vehicle is currently parked and available for inspection... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2026) — POWER TRAIN
Feb 8, 2026
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
At about 800 miles i noticed ticking from the engine and random and intermittent jerking. Some of which were very severe that felt like someone rear ended me. I took into the dealer with my complaints. They kept my vehicle for 2.5 days and didnt give me a loaner. The my were unable to reproduce the jerking and said the ticking was normal. They showed me the ticking and said its normal and will go... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
I keep getting the same codes every few weeks. P0732