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 1, 2026
Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began experiencing ongoing mechanical and electrical issues that required multiple repair attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for service on the following dates: •November 29, 2024 •December 2, 2024 •December 16, 2024 •December 23, 2024 •January 6, 2025 In total, the vehicle was out of service for 21 days in December and 28 days in Januar... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
I received a check engine light which i took to Bell tire for diagnosis. Here is there diagnosis Comments: The P01F0 code on a 2020 Chevy Blazer means the engine coolant temperature is below the normal operating range, often due to a stuck-open thermostat (or both thermostats in models with dual units), a faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, or low coolant, leading to poor fuel econom... Read more
GENERAL TIRE
GRABBER HD
(9999) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Vehicle has electrical issues with headlamps flickering and power steering loss (which is electronic) at lower speeds. Power and radio intermittently cut out momentarily and on occasion a "stabilitrac loss" warning flashes. Looking online, many consumers experience this issue which appears to be due to faulty ground or battery connections and many have reported complete loss of power at highway s... Read more
POLESTAR
POLESTAR 3
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The lights flash high beam, low beam, high beam, low beam, while I’m driving. Nothing seems to keep them from doing that.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
System/Component Malfunction: Systemic failure of the onboard computer (Infotainment/Connectivity Module) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), specifically the Collision Avoidance/Auto-Braking system, Rear-view Camera (FMVSS 111 non-compliance), and the 12V Battery management system. All components remain in the vehicle and are available for inspection. Safety Risk: The vehicle exhibits... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Polestar Polestar 3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH in a parking lot, as he depressed the brake pedal, to slow down the vehicle did not slow down. The contact stated no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped a curb and ran over some shrubbery. The contact stated that the passenger side front and rear doors had scrape... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
When the car is in drive and I am driving the screen shows a message that the car cannot do a function because the car is in reverse. See photos.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Instrument control panel does not function. It is a dark/blank screen not allowing driver to see vital functions and information about the vehicle. This vehicle had an alternator issue but could not be determined without extra tooling and labor to diagnose the problem. Safety is of paramount concern. Vehicle was taken into a dealership for inspection and determined that the "ICP" had failed and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
electrical failure of dc to dc converter, confirmed by manufacturer while driving on the highway i got an error message and immediately afterward the entire car shut down. no power steering, no brakes, no lights or hazards, no airbag. i was able to stop the car by gliding into an embankment in the left hand lane of the highway. was towed to the dealership. only by luck was my car not hit from beh... Read more
Crash
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
My vehicle has experienced multiple dangerous incidents where it shuts down or shifts into neutral while driving. This has happened on highways, tunnels, busy on-ramps and main streets. The car loses power and requires restarting, which takes about 30 seconds. On a busy highway or street, this is enough time for a serious accident to occur if other vehicles cannot switch lanes on time. This has h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
DEC 24, 2025 I STARTED MY AND WENT A VERY SHORT DISTANCE DOWN THE ROAD, MY ENTIRE DASH DISPLAY WENT COMPLETELY BLACK. IT STAYED THIS WAY FOR ABOUT 5 TO 10 MINUTES AND I PULLED OVER AND TURND THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON, PRETTY SCARY
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
The vehicle has an electric tailgate lock switch failure/defect. The tailgate unlocks on its own and pops open while driving, at stop lights, in drive-thru restaurants, and while parked which causes a safety hazard to the driver and passengers in the vehicle, as well as other drivers around the vehicle. Even after closing the tailgate, it will unlock and pop open on its own again. Then, I tested t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
The infotainment system is not working. It has the "black screen" issue.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
The instrument panel cluster went totally dark, I only have 53,000 miles on this vehicle. I can't see any warning lights, digital speed, and most dangerously how much gas I have in the vehicle. The dealer wants $2000.00 to replace it but this seems to be a common issue with Jeeps and the 7.0 cluster should be recalled along with the 3.5 cluster. I have the 7.0 that has not been recalled yet.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
On [XXX], shortly before 7:00 we parked our EV in the designated charging space at the EVgo charging station on at the EVgo charging station located at [XXX] and connected the charging cable to our 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 in the normal, intended manner, as we had done previously. We paid by credit card and watched the EVgo screen confirm proper connection and that charging had begun. We remained in ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The electronic control module in the driver’s side footwell short-circuit, battery and electrical in the car are being drained and car does not work properly and completely drains battery.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
My instrument cluster has failed. I can't see any vehicle information. No gas or oil gauges. No information what so ever. I can't see my speed or if may my be overheating. This is basic safety issues I should be able to see. There has been a recall for 2020 Jeep Wrangler's so other people have has the same issue. I can't drive without the basic safety instruments working. I don't even kno... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2026
On [XXX], after placing my young child in my Tesla and closing the door, the 12V battery failed suddenly and the vehicle became inaccessible. I was unable to unlock or enter the car. I did not receive any warning or alert that the 12V battery was about to fail. The vehicle was in my garage, and the window automatically cracked, which allowed me to monitor my child while I sought help. I called Te... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2010
Over the past several years, there have been multiple instances where I or my wife are driving on the highway and the engine light comes on or starts flashing, and I am unable to go faster than 50 miles an hour, and the engine itself feels to be underpowered. We have taken it to the dealership for repair at least five times over the past five years and in each case they have attempted to do a repa... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The power steering went out on the car as I was driving down the highway going 65 mph
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
(2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated while driving. The contact stated that the warning light turned off while restarting the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the sliding doors failed to function automatically and required to be opened or closed manually. The contact stated that while attempting to ope... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failed. While driving, we heard a 'pop' noise from the rear, which was a blown fuse. Immediately after, alarms were sounding, display showed electrical system failure, and car would only drive in turtle mode (extremely limited speed). Car was drivable for approximately 100 feet and then totally died. Car needed to be towed to dealer for repair.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2017
High-voltage battery system failure causing complete loss of propulsion. Vehicle entered "turtle mode" (reduced power warning) at 25% charge, then became completely immobile — unable to move even on flat surface. This has occurred multiple times. Charging system displays "fully charged" within one minute while vehicle dashboard shows 60% — clear battery management system malfunction. Vehicle h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
While driving the vehicle warnings alerted me that the battery was low and to start the vehicle ( it was running as I was driving) then the alert changed to pull over when possible. At this time the power steering and power brakes started to fail by the time I pulled into a parking lot the vehicle completely died and I had to push it into a parking spot. I called Land Rover they towed it to a deal... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Reporting multiple safety-related defects on my 2024 Mazda CX-90. Steering system: At approximately 5,000 miles, the vehicle developed abnormal steering behavior, including inconsistent steering response and abnormal feel during normal driving and turning. The condition affected my ability to steer the vehicle predictably and raised safety concerns, particularly during low-speed turns, parking ma... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the expressway at 60 MPH, the battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle then lost motive power while stopped at a stoplight. The vehicle was towed to the side of the roadway by the Police. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, who determined there was a failure with the 48-Volt E-Torque battery. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz S560. The contact stated that while parking their vehicle, a burning-leather odor entered the cabin, and they noticed smoke in the cabin. The contact noticed a small fire beneath the driver's seat. The fire was extinguished with nearby snow. At which time the vehicle's engine failed to start despite the vehicle starting. The windshield wipers would turn over; ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
While driving, the engine light turned on and the battery light. Truck started shaking and shut off. Lost complete power. Was right next to my driveway thankfully. Very unsafe situation as I have my wife, [XXX] and [XXX]. Had it towed via my insurance progressive. Mechanic confirmed it was the alternator which is a common problem for the etorque alternator ram rebel 2020. Order is back ordered by... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Have been getting reduced engine power since the summer on and off. Check engine light says its throttle bottle sensor and accelerator pedal position sensor. Which I was told there was a recall but my vin isn’t listed
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 4, 2026
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
My 2011 Range Rover Sport HSE experienced a severe fuse box failure. Fuses F15, F18, and F20 melted, causing wiring damage and disabling multiple systems. This failure appears to be due to a design or manufacturing defect and poses a serious fire hazard, putting the vehicle and occupants at risk. Upon research, it appears that almost every Range Rover Sport (LR3/320) from 2010–2013 suffers from... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2025
Battery light came on, its a new battery with warning of 12v battery failure. The back camera has been giving blank screen and camera unavailable message.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
With no warning except a pop, the vehicle iccu will fail and leave you stranded, very dangerous if you are driving on the parkway
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
All seatbelts in vehicle sticks and/or catches have to use seriously more pressure on release button,or seatbelt/latch it’s self or both. My wife and children have had me have to come get it because it wouldn’t release. Engine motor mount bolt had to be replaced, I noticed when alternator went out, vehicle wouldn’t respond from throttle acted like it was missing then threw dash lights then n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
Power steering went out when i try to turn on car I get a red steering wheel with “!” Signal next to it and I am unable to use steering wheel
Incident date: Jan 30, 2026
Just after Thanksgiving, my vehicle displayed a “Service Emergency Calling” message. I brought it to the dealership and they documented the concern, referencing GM bulletin PIP6077B, but no repairs were performed. On December 30th, while parking, I shifted into reverse and the vehicle would not reverse and instead moved forward. A “Service Transmission” warning appeared and the vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
ICCU failure. Car totally inoperable within 5 minutes of warning message. Towed to the dealership with no ETA on a fix. It has already been over two weeks.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
Tesla Model Y 99,000 km It is known issue with many driver of same model and milage that Wire Harness connected to Oil pump gets hot and damage. This can also cause fire. Many people have been complaining about similar issue on Facebook group.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
Multiple Honda Sensing safety systems (collision mitigation, lane keeping, road departure, adaptive cruise, and auto high‑beam) disabled suddenly on 2020 Honda Odyssey EX‑L around 76,000 mi. Dealer and two independent diagnostics confirmed DTC U3000‑49, internal electronic failure of the forward recognition camera. The fault disables all automatic braking and lane‑keeping functions. Batter... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
ICCU failed while driving on freeway. Heard loud pop which dealership determined to be a blown fuse as a result of the ICCU failing. Car decelerated to 30-40 mph and stayed in this limp mode. Light on dash indicated an electrical system issue. Vehicle was towed to dealership and repair was made under warranty.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC300
(2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
A recurring malfunction occurs with the infotainment/radio and rear backup camera display. The rear backup camera view remains stuck ON while driving forward in DRIVE at speeds over 20 mph, including highway speeds. The system also cycles between screens (including switching to the camera view), and the infotainment freezes and becomes unresponsive (loss of screen/control). Audio playback and hand... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact discovered that the water pump was continuously running after the vehicle was turned off. The contact referenced and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
My 2023 VW ID4 has experienced multiple system failures/malfunctions (e.g., display, backup camera, climate controls, & speedometer failed) beginning in late November 2025. The following is a summary & an approximate timeline: Nov 4, 2025: “OUE7 – Software Update” email; dealer unable to complete (OTA update). Nov 7 & Nov 21, 2025: Weatherstrip repairs; maintenance inspections performed. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
The Ioniq 5 has a known issue with a part called the ICCU. When the part fails, which it seems to inevitably do despite multiple recall repair visits and software upgrades, the car ceases to be driveable. In advance of this moment when your multi ton vehicle turns into a brick you get a short warning saying pull over, but that is not always possible. The car starts loudly beeping and reduces its m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
Rear latch unlocks while vehicle is running or not running up to 30 times at once. Rear latch unlocks without key being in vehicle. This has been reported to Hyundai Motor America since August 2025. The front collision warning goes off at random times, left side departure goes off at random times.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
On 1/3/2026 I attempted to charge my car using my at-home level 2 charger. When charging initiated, the breaker tripped. I reset the breaker and tried again, but the same issue repeated. I attempted to charge my car by plugging directly into a GFCI outlet using the level 1 charger that came with the car, but this tripped the GFCI breaker. I had enough battery to drive to the dealer, and Hyundai d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the vehicle frequently experienced electrical malfunctions, and the interior lights and windshield wipers would activate spontaneously. The “TEM” warning light was illuminated, and the radio display lights unexpectedly illuminated. Additionally, activating the turn signals unintendedly caused the wipers to activate, and the air bag w... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 3, 2026
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
The defect presents itself when the equipped data communications module (DCM) attempts to communicate with 3G cellular networks. As 3G networks within the U.S. are no longer functioning, the call will continuously fail even after the vehicle has been turned off, draining the battery and resulting in a no-start safety risk for drivers but in order to replace the DCM to the 4G it will cost upwards o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Diesel and to request immediate review and assistance from General Motors. I purchased this vehicle from a GM dealership in 2024 with approximately 70,000 miles for roughly $42,000. The vehicle currently has approximately 121,000 miles. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has suffered major ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Car beeped and displayed warning stating that Ignition will turn off and Check Starter System on four separate occasions, resulting in loss of all electrical power including but not limited to headlights, brake lights, console display, speedometer, dashboard lights, turn signals, hazard lights a/c, etc. The center console felt very warm. The car needed to be pulled over and ignition turned off for... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
Hydraulic fluid is leaking onto the hydraulic clutch actuator’s circuit board, creating a potential fire hazard. The vehicle requires replacement of the dual clutch and slave cylinder. This failure occurred just over one year after Kia replaced the dual clutch and performed a full engine replacement at a Kia dealership. This condition is identical to a known safety recall affecting 2019–2022... Read more