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 191,761 complaints - component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
The 12v battery on these vehicles are severely strained or defective AGM batteries have been used since vehicle inception in 2022. Dozens of reports from owners show "system off to save battery" error codes and 12v symptoms such as inoperable multi-function displays, especially in cold weather. After replacing the OEM 12v battery, i have pictures showing the bulging the battery has suffered. Again... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Headlight high beam do not work after 2 years. Regular lights work but when turning on the high beam the sign comes on but the high beam does not come on
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
2018 Honda Odyssey rear tailgate problems, What was the issue? Problem is because water is leaking from the roof rails onto the tailgate module, causing the power liftgate control unit to short circuit, leading to unintended opening/closing or complete failure.I checked every fuse and my tail gate still wont open! tailgate module failed due to leak on the roof rail. The "holes" are three very sm... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
The vehicle had safety and mechanical problems shortly after purchase, even with low mileage. The issues included warning lights, abnormal noises, repeated mechanical failures, and poor performance that affected the safe operation of the vehicle. These problems started early and continued over time despite repairs and maintenance. Before the incident, the vehicle showed signs of malfunction, incl... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
It shuts down the engine or. Does not go in park it has something going on with electrical I can not afford it help please
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Car was operating normal up until 8:47 pm went to go turn car on and check engine light came on with notification “RISK OF ROLLING! P not possible. Please apply parking brake.” Car will go into drive, neutral, and reverse but does not move upon pressing gas pedal. Will not go into park and only allows hand brake when in neutral. Car will shut off but does not lock doors.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The ICCU (and the associated fuse blew) while I was driving and it caused the car to be slowed immediately to approximately 20 MPH. This apparently is a huge issue with this vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
2015 Jeeps have know issues with the TIPM and ABS module. There have been recalls for these on Dodges and other model jeeps. Something needs to be done to fix this. You can't even get a new ABS module for this jeep and haven't been able to for years. Please help us. This is a huge safety concern!!
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 14, 2026
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
After turning my car on and the car running for several minutes, the engine shut off on its own and it said “engine stopped steering power low”. This is the second time this has happened. The vehicle is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because I am concerned about this happening while driving, or being stranded somewhere. I have not taken my vehicle in yet, but many ot... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
The infotainment system failed intermittently two times prior, causing failure of the backup camera and cross traffic warning sensor system. The entire system failed a month ago and Honda has no idea when they can get parts.
HYUNDAI
IONIQ HYBRID
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 14, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The start/stop system fails while car is running. Power not delivered appropriately resulting in check engine light coming on and entire car shaking. Only 62k miles. Started at 58k.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Electric parking break and auto hold sensor lights on dash, manual indicates malfunction. Hyundai service center has investigated and replaced the faulty sensor but issue still remains.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Infotainment system stopped working. Now radio, no climate control visible and NO backup camera most of the time. Very dangerous without the backup camera
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
While reversing into a parking space, the parking sensor system repeatedly indicated an obstacle on the left side of the vehicle even though no object was present. The system displayed a red warning on the left side and automatically applied the brakes very suddenly, causing the vehicle to jerk to a stop. I exited the vehicle to check the area and confirmed there was nothing on the ground or near ... Read more
Crash
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 14, 2026
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
The tailgate is clicking continuously and dropping at random moments when I’m stationary as well as driving. It is draining the battery and leaving me stranded with zero power or resources for help.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The system that is failing are the brakes and the tail lights. They used to be an open recall for the brake pedal stopper pad, however I’m not sure if that part is able to break again because in October I remember hitting the break and something I heard a crack down by the pedal, but I wasn’t able to see if anything had broken. I can’t check after that. I’ve have had continuous issues with... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
While traveling from upstate New York, the vehicle displayed an engine overheating warning shortly after startup while the engine was still cold. Because I was away from home, I stayed overnight and the next morning took the vehicle to a Kia dealership for inspection. The dealership inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a problem with the exhaust heat recovery system pipe. According to the service ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
I was driving and the vehicle stopped like it was in neutral. I started rolling backwards into a vehicle. He honked and I slammed on breaks. I put flashers on. Waited a bit. Turned off and on and it started. I drove home and called service dept
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
The infotainment software is bricked. It happened when the battery died after purchasing it. The dealership told me to get a battery should be ok Now the infotainment system doesn't work and lane assist about put me into a guard rail the other day. I have no access to my cars functions and it is crazy scary
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
My Apple Car Play has never worked since I bought the car new in 2020. The dealership's solution each time I asked about it was for me to get a new plug in cord, update my iPhone settings, and then they can update the system manually. I have taken it in multiple times, and each time it has worked for 2-3 weeks before it no longer works again. This is dangerous because it usually happens mid-drive,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
PCS2_a094 AC Charging unavailable® This warning creates a situation of not be able to charge at all. Requiring a tow. I’ve was stranded with no way to charge. Had to leave my wife and kids cause I didn’t have enough charge to get them and get the truck back to a service center and another vehicle to get them home. Truck only a year old and 37k miles. Multiple owners reporting the same issue ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
2022 gmc sierra The tailgate is electrical which cause safety awareness and concern due to the tailgate opening by itself. The tailgate seems to continuously electronically open and continue to release the latch causing the tail gate to open possibly loosing cargo from the bed or tailgate opening and hitting other vehicles that may park too close or cause damage on a hitch if available. It is a p... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
I own a 2025 Audi Q7 and have experienced repeated malfunctions related to the vehicle’s driver assistance and safety systems. The vehicle frequently displays warnings such as “Driving Assist Not Available” and other safety system errors. These issues started while the vehicle was still relatively new and have continued intermittently. The warnings appear while driving and indicate that imp... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
After 3 months and 840 miles, my 2026 Hyundai Tucson wouldn't respond one morning. No power at all, including to unlock the car. Road side assistance struggled to jump out but finally the car started, but the cluster panel would not turn on. I had to drive to the dealership with no speedometer or other screen sensors, as well as a lack of blinker or lights. This is outrageous because I barely driv... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
I left my 1995 F 150 parked over the weekend. It burst into flames and was a total lost. How can I be compensated?
Fire
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Passenger side headlight low beam is out. Hi beam and parking lights work on that side. Only way to fix is to replace the whole assembly. Cost over $5000. Headlights should not cost that much to replace the low beam headlight only. This is a SAFETY issue. This needs to be a recall. Many reports of the same problem.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
This vehicle experiences multiple recurring safety-critical system failures while driving, creating a dangerous operating condition for both the driver and the public. 1. Dashboard / Instrument Cluster Failure While Driving While the vehicle is in motion, the dashboard display intermittently shuts off completely. When this occurs, I cannot see my speed, warning lights, battery status, or any othe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Sometimes I feel as if my car is possessed I own a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta and sometimes the passenger headlight works sometimes it doesn't I've replaced the bulbs doesn't matter. My sunroof All of a sudden stopped working. My turn signals on the right side don't work when the headlight is not on. I have no sound from my stereo cuz my speakers automatically went out. It has a lot of electrical issue... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
Car has stopped in middle of the road and engine just stalled. The battery light keeps flashing on and off even after alternator as been changed
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
Even after recall repairs the vehicle continues to randomly display error messages with vehicle systems while driving. It has been cleared several times and battery changed but continues to return. This model has serious issues with the electrical components.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
My 2010 Volkswagen CC became completely inoperable because of the active fuel pump control module recall (NHTSA 17V509). The vehicle stalled and nearly caused an accident. The check engine light came on just before I noticed a burning smell coming from the backseat of my car immediately after smelling that the car suddenly stalled out in the middle of a busy intersection and the engine would not s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The infotainment system always reboots. The screen will stay black or frozen. The system is constantly needing to be rebooted by holding the power button until the dodge logo comes up. The back up camera gets stuck when in reverse then going to drive. The picture stays frozen in time for about 4 minutes and the rcta doesn’t work during that time. The backup camera is always delayed to convert ba... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 13, 2026
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
RE: SAFETY RECALL W36 (NHTSA ID 20V-191). Manufacturer Stellantis (FCA US LLC) has reported this safety recall as "Complete" for my VIN. This reporting is inaccurate. The vehicle remains on firmware version 30.21.0, which is the defective version the recall was mandated to replace. The Head Unit and Telematics Box (TBM) hardware are failing to accept the required safety patch. Stellantis Case Mana... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
The high-voltage battery on my 2022 Nissan Leaf SL+ is subject to Recall NHTSA ID: 25V-655. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increases electrical resistance and can cause rapid battery heating during Level 3 fast charging. Nissan instructs owners not to use Level 3 charging at all until a “remedy” is available. The issue is that the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Fuel gauge malfunctions when the vehicle is cold .... Cannot see how much fuel is in the car or any other information on the gauge
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
ICCU issue. Car showed zero percent battery after charging all night. No warning lights no errors
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
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Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
The ICCU on the car failed and blew a fuse. KIA had to replace ICCU and fuse under warranty
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
The illuminated dashboard, center control console, and headlights suddenly turned off while the vehicle was in motion during a dark night. The blackout lasted approximately 10 seconds and I was unable to see to keep the vehicle on the roadway. After running onto the unpaved shoulder, I was able to fully stop the vehicle without hitting anything. All of the lights came back on and the dashboard sho... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
Rear view camera first began blanking out in the morning, when the temperature was below 64 degrees F. About 6 months later, the camera began blanking out completely (regardless of temperature). The camera image is supposed to appear on the left side of the rear view mirror. Now, instead of the picture, there is an image of a camera icon with a slash through it (indicating lack of input from a c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The vehicle shifted itself into neutral and shut off while driving. It happened twice in three days. The first time I was pulling into the driveway so I was able to put it in park and restart the car safely. The second time I was in the middle of traffic in Tampa and it shifted into neutral and shut off in the middle of the road. Luckily no cars hit me but again I had to apply the break , restart ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Airbag light comes on due to some failure in the passenger seat. This vehicle year has had a recall on the same issue but this VIN number was not included for some reason. Another consumer posted his assessment which I have attached. My vehicle falls under his category. He has sold his since his was never resolved.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. Multiple warning lights illuminated intermittently: TPMS, ABS, Traction, brake system, power steering, Uphill, and Cruise Control. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the Collision Mitigation Braking Sy... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
While driving on the freeway my engine started slowing down and a message came on the dash saying "Transmission Service". I was fortunate enough to make it to the right shoulder from the first lane and the engine stopped. The readout on the dash said I was in neutral but I was in park. The car wouldn't start. After cooling down I could start and drive but the same issue would happen intermitt... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2018 Dodge Journey SE (VIN: [XXX] ) related to a failure in the vehicle’s emissions control system, specifically the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. On January 13, 2026, the vehicle began producing a strong sulfur or “rotten egg” odor while driving, and shortly afterward the check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic testing revealed troubl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
My 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has experienced repeated catastrophic 12-volt battery failures following an ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failure in November 2025. The ICCU failure caused the vehicle to lose power in traffic and required towing. The ICCU was replaced but the 12-volt battery was not replaced. Since that repair, the vehicle has experienced repeated electrical failures. The 12-vo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air conditioner failed. The air conditioner continued to turn off and on unexpectedly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repair under the origi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
While traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic and sudden loss of motive power. This resulted in a dangerous situation with no immediate ability to maintain speed in traffic. The manufacturer (Hyundai) identified a failure in the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). Despite a formal 'Notice to Cure,' the manufacturer refused to replace the 12V battery which was stressed... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Unknown on first appear - key gets stuck in the ignition. This happened for the first time shortly after we bought it. It was still under warranty and the Chevrolet dealership in Washington PA fixed it. We paid to have it fixed and now it’s out again and we can’t get our key out of the ignition and we sit there forever trying to get it to work. Restarting vehicle etc. We had an appointment... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Wife was driving car and the steering locked up and she could not turn it for about 5 seconds. second issue was put it in reverse and it would not come out of reverse, she had to turn car off and on 3 times to get it to put it in park or drive. I ran this through my Claude AI and it says this is an ongoing problem with the Hyundai Tucson. Please make them fix this before selling anymore vehicl... Read more