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 6, 2026
On May 26, 2024, I entered into a lease agreement for a Lincoln Navigator vehicle manufactured and warranted by Lincoln Motor Company. This vehicle subsequently developed multiple serious and dangerous safety defects, including uncontrolled and spontaneous seat inflation, failure of seat pump systems, infotainment system failure including loss of backup camera and safety display systems, unexpecte... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Vehicle went into limp mode Twice. 1st time on 10/28/24, Technician found fault for Hybrid Battery pack, Chrysler technical service bulletin said to clear fault then drive, if fault did not come back release the vehicle Work order stated, Bring vehicle back if it happens again and replace hybrid battery. 2nd time, 2/06/2026 vehicle went into limp mode again while driving. My safety and the safet... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition switch and failed to release. Additionally, the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed that the key was stuck and needed to be broken, and any damages would be at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
the radio static real loud even after the power is turned off heat can't be on either
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the windows independently rolled up and down, and the engine seized. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times within five days. The v... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The drivers side locking mechanism doesn’t work with the key fab all of a sudden and I have to climb in through my passenger side door
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
ICCU unit failed on 1/27/26, vehicle entered limp mode and is unusable. This is affecting thousands of Hyundai Ioniq 5 autos, and probably others as well. Due to the widespread problem, Hyundai is unable to give an estimate on finding a replacement part.
GRAND DESIGN
SOLITUDE
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 24, 2026
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Previous on board charger (GHCA) failed and was replaced in January of 2026. In February I noticed the car was charging slowly on a 48A home charger (car showed 5.4kw at 22A). I unplugged the charger, waited a minute, and plugged it back in. The car then reinitialized charging and showed 11kw at 48A. The car then started making audible electrical crackling noises. I have a video in which you can h... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
the electrical system failed on four separate occasions. Once in heavy traffic on Route 130, NJ; anther with a young grandchild in the car. I am afraid to drive it
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Battery completely dead after 4 days of not driving; this is after I purchased a $210 brand new batteyr from Autozone. Looks like there is potential class action lawsuit based on the parasitic draw by the DCM unit. I need this repaired at Subaru's expense.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Genesis GV70. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, it failed to exceed 15 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on several occasions, the instrument panel unintendedly turned off. The failure had been occurring intermittently. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
I was driving on a residential street, traveling about 25 miles per hour. I heard a loud popping sound from the back of the car and within seconds I started to lose power. I pulled over to the side of the road and my car was dead. No electrical system, I couldn't even power the locks. I waited for several hours to have it towed to the dealer where it sat for 29 days waiting for the part. It's the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that several attempts were needed while cold-starting the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); the battery was replaced; however, the vehicle was still difficult to start. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the remedy was not yet ava... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Because the front camera has malfunctioned, all electronic warnings are permanently displayed on dash upon start of car, including Engine light and Brake system warnings. Although the camera is the only only thing that has actually failed, the warning systems are no longer available to accurately display all other malfunctions of the car which would prove dangerous should a system failure actuall... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Cooling fans running continuously after the car is turned off, which drains the battery. The dealership has identified that this is due to a faulty fan relay that will need to be completely replaced. The battery has been replaced once and the issue continued indicating that it was not a battery issue. The car ran out of battery in a busy location and caused risk to the passengers that were then e... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
While driving, heard a POP sound, followed but multiple warnings to stop vehicle and check the electrical system. The car went into turtle mode. luckily I was close to home, but any other situation could have been dangerous. This is a commonly known issue with these Ioniq 5 vehicles. The ICCU fails and can no longer charge the 12v battery, causing loss of electrical systems and possibly even the a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
The rear door handle has failed and now the door pops open when parked.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
The vehicle was in the middle of a u-turn when the ICCU fuse suddenly and without warning blew. Display warning messages came on to "check electrical system". Car was able to drive in "limp mode" at about 40 mph on level roads, but not more than 25 mph on any uphill. This is a well known problem with Hyundai EVs. It will be towed to a dealer to confirm. It felt extremely unsafe to be in the mi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
During normal driving in temperatures below approximately 20–27°F, the vehicle began losing electrical charge as indicated by the malfunction indicator light (MIL) and battery warning message. While my wife was attempting to return home, multiple vehicle systems progressively shut down, including electric power steering, ABS, auto-leveling suspension, and lane departure assistance. As she was ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
When driving, the car has stopped 4 times in the last 3 years. Last week the car came to a red light and the inside lights started flashing. There was a warning that read "transmission not in park." The car's power steering and brakes went out and the car went through the red light. Three other times the car was on the expressway and it died with the same warning. Fortunately, the car was in the s... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 24, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Kia EV6. While the contact’s daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH, the messages "Electric Failure: Stop Car Do Not Drive” and “12-Volt Battery Voltage Low" were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle then failed to exceed 20 MPH, causing the driver to activate the hazard lights while pulling over to a side street while driving approximately 5 MPH. On the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
I purchased this used car in the end of July 2025. Within the last month the service transmission light came on. Within a 24-hour period, the message changed to, "service transmission unable to shift Soon". Also alarm bells go off when I first start the car and sometimes during driving. The car feels like it drives correctly and smoothly with no shifting issues. Sometimes when that second message ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
i bought this van brand new for over $53000 and it has been hesitating to start for months. i had the battery tested and came back good. The van hesitates to start and sometimes i have to redo the push button because it fails to start the first time. Yesterday, 02/23/2026 the van left myself and the kids stranded at walmart. it would not start for anything yet the lights and radio work and acted l... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); 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 cont... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
I was pumping gas and DURING gas started pouring out by the rear tire flap. It was not a whole tank but a large amount. And the next day also noticed a puddle where gas tank lies. This has happened in the past but sporadically and not all of the gas comes out. Also, there is a safety recall on rear fuel feed pipe leaks AND fuel pump motor but supposedly not on this particular vehicle year/VIN.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V524000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The truck has been stalling while driving or won't start. The ECM relay was recalled and was taken care of Thursday, February 19. However, the truck still stalls while driving and won't start at times. I've asked Nissan to look at the IPDM to see if there was any consequential damage, but they won't without paying a fee for a diagnostic test. This is a major safety issue that needs to be fixed. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly shut off, the instrument panel went black, and the vehicle lost motive power, and the vehicle lost power steering and power brakes functionality. The vehicle was shifted to neutral(N) and restarted, and regained power, and the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The f... Read more
CHEVROLET
SUBURBAN 1500
(2026) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 24, 2026
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
Left speaker drivers seat goes in and out with sound. Radio glitches volume goes up and down randomly. Open door alarm sounds randomly. Blue tooth does not work. Sinus x does not work. Back up camera flipped upside down and beeps all the time when in reverse.
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 24, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
False warning message for right taillights/brake lights/signal light in rear lamp.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
I believe my door actuator on the driver’s side has failed as of 2/23/26 The door will not unlock. I cannot open or close it. The court case that was open has closed as of September 2025 and the recall is no longer active.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
While driving down the road on the highway, the hood randomly popped open, engaging the emergency breaking system extremely harshly. Then the vehicle was unable to shift back into gear. Reported problem to dealer and no codes shown for the incident. Jeep (FCA/Stelantis) potentially had the system like Volkswagen when it knows it took it up to the diagnostic system to not show codes were an injury ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
Vehicle lunges at a dead stop. Vehicle power quit while driving on the highway
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
ICCU failure. Occurred within the first few hundred feet after starting a drive.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Incident Date: October 26, 2025 Summary: On October 26, 2025, while merging onto a highway at high speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and total electronic safety system failure. Without driver input, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system engaged the brakes (phantom braking), causing a dangerous, unprompted deceleration in active traffic. Simultaneously, the Electric Power Steer... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
Auto dealer fraud 8/3 2024 dealership sold me a title washed lemon with major safety hazards Defective unrepairable components Discovered later after purchase P0885 limp mode Fire hazard the vehicle may catch on fire when parked Went back to the dealership that I purchased from for a P0885 on December 4 2024 Returned Back to me march 18 2025 with a blown motor I asked the tow truck driver to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The Hood Ajar message stays on and then the service auto start/stop unavailable message comes on. Hood is actually closed and this warning is incorrect but will have to stop car to try and reset it. Hood latch was replaced. First time did not fix it. Took it back and dealership did something else to fix.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C200
(2015) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
⸻ Highlight Summary: My 2023 Ford F-150 (VIN: [XXX] ) has intermittent rear tail lamps, brake lights, turn signals, and backup lights failure due to water intrusion. The right side has completely failed; the left side is beginning to fail, creating a serious safety hazard at night or in low visibility. Both the dealership and Ford Customer Assistance have avoided returning calls and are denying... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Window switch failed and I was unable to roll down the window. Dealer confirmed and performed repairs. Problem occurred on a dry day with no previous issues and the dealer stated it was manufacturing defect with the switch.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2020
There is an unexplained loss of 12V power from the 12V battery, and the car will not start. This was reported to the local Toyota dealership on 12/5/25. The car had to be jumped in order to drive it to the dealership/service department. They said the 12V battery was fully charged when they inspected it and there was no parasitic drain on the the battery. They inspected the battery again on 12/30/2... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQB 250+
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 23, 2026
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
My vehicles passenger seat is laid back and the button to bring seat back up is not functioning. The passenger side window will not roll up or down, the sensor on the side view mirror is not working. The automatic power running board is not working on passenger side. The tire monitor is not working.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
SUV states brake system failure, tell driver not to drive over 43 miles per hour, attempted to have repairs continue to have repeat service with same issues, notified gm customer service of concerns regarding safety of vehicle with no brakes or steering control however vehicle states owner can drive, this is not safe to general public nor myself and family, gm staff stated could have towed did not... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
At the time of the incident, I was pulling into a parking space in a parking lot near a park. I was traveling at approximately 3-5 miles per hour, consistent with idle or walking speed during a routine parking maneuver. I was nearly stopped and aligned with the parking space when the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated without driver input. This occurred from a near-idle speed in a parki... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
The Smart Brake Support system malfunctioned while driving. The vehicle began shaking and lost power, requiring excessive throttle to move. The car hesitates and may not accelerate normally, creating a dangerous situation in traffic. Warning lights appeared on the dashboard and the vehicle became unsafe to operate. The issue occurred shortly after purchase and was reproduced multiple times. The d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
ICCU failure. Vehicle has 5200 miles on it. A loud "pop" was heard then the vehicle went into "limp mode" and restricted speed to 30 mph. After about 10 miles the car totally lost power and wouldn't start. Warning l messages said to get it serviced which is what I was attempting to do.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
First time this occured we were driving in the winter and the car randomly shut down and started saying "Electrical Fault" or something of the sort. Turns out it was an ICCU issue. We got this replaced last year. Turn around 6 months later and the same thing happened again, but in an intersection. From my understanding when the ICCU fails the entire car basically goes into limp mode and prevents y... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Warning ⚠️ Engine Malfunction Power Reduced Service Now. This happened while driving on the highway which put our safety at risk. The vehicle is currently with the Nissan dealership service division in Dearborn, MI. Has no been confirmed yet. Warning popped up on the onset of the issue.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
Year: 2019 Make: GMC Model: Suburban Mileage: Approximately 125,000 miles (purchased under 90,000 miles) 1. Transmission Failure My vehicle is experiencing clear signs of transmission failure, including: •Hard downshifting/clunking •RPM fluctuations while cruising •Shuddering between approximately 30–50 mph •Vibrations while idling •Hesitation and irregular shifting These symptoms hav... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair... Read more