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: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2026 Volvo XC60 MHEV. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the instrument panel went dark and became inoperable. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument cluster was inoperable and needed to be replaced; however, the part was not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The tailgate on the truck popped open without being triggered to. This continued to happen like every 5-10 seconds. It drained the battery and was a hazard as I drive down the road.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
The car started with charging issues, Audi said they performed an update that was supposed to fix the problems however they did not complete the update like stated. . The car on 2 occasions while driving MMI screen went blank almost caused me to crash. There was no indication or warnings I took it in again where it’s still at. . The vehicle has been in service several times without being repaire... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
According to repairman, water made it into the rear tail light, shorting out a module that controls all lights, windows, a/c and heating controls.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
I first noticed something was wrong when the car only charged to 90% even though I set it to 100%, since I wanted it ready for the storm. I drove normally after that. When I tried to charge again, the breaker tripped. L1 charging also tripped the breaker. V2L didn’t work either. The weird part: the orange light was still on, and it was still charging the 12V battery multiple times. I have a batt... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
MY CAR WAS DRIVING ALONG AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING WHEEL GOT EXTREMLY TIGHT AND THE CAR WAS HARD TO STEER, I HAD TO PULL OVER TURN THE CAR OFF AND THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON, I WAS LIKE 2 MILES AWAY FROM MY HOUSE, TALKING TO A NEIGHBOR THAT HAS SAME CAR DIFFERENT YEAR, STATED TO CHECK RECALL HIS CALL DID THE SAMETHING YEARS AGO WHEN WE HAD A COLD (LOW TEMPERATURE) WINTER AND IT WAS REPLACED BY ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
You have a recall for chryslr 200 2015 for intermittent starting and stalling caused by faulty PDC connector. NHTSA. My car is doing exactly that but its not under the recall why not? It had done this gor the last 4 months
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
I purchased the 2022 Lexus RX 350 used a couple of months ago. While driving down the highway the instrument panel went blank. I was terrified. I continued to drive not knowing what speed I was driving. The instrument panel went panel came back minutes later. Another incident occurred when the car was parked in my driveway. I turned on the engine and the instrument panel was blank. No numbers ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
I am reporting a serious and ongoing safety defect involving my 2024 Volvo XC90. The vehicle has experienced intermittent unintended acceleration, intermittent loss of safety and alert systems, and false obstacle detection that triggers unexpected braking or steering input. These events occur randomly and without warning, and are not tied to a specific driver, key, driving condition, or user beha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
2017 Buick envision failed an annual smog check with OBD trouble codes: P0700; P2535; and U0100. P0700 is related to a transmission issue.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had no... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
Unable to do AC charging due to faulty ICCU. A failing ICCU is dangerous to drive as the car may lose all of its power
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
Unknown what system failed. The vehicle is at an impound lot and can be inspected on request. Police and fire department were on the scene. Police did provide a report # , and fire department provided a fire rescue case number. Safety of driver was put at risk due to the fire and potential for burning or even death. Other drivers could have been at risk if traffic had not allowed for quick movemen... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
The car completely died. Unable to be jumped. Had to be towed. There’s a problem with the DC/DC converter. The parts going to take at least 3-4 weeks to come in. My dealer states they have over five or six vehicles waiting for the same repair. This should be a recall issue!
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
Vehicle was purchased from Leikin Motors in Willoughby Ohio on 15 SEP 2025. Since taking ownership, I have had 5 service visits for the same wiring harness issue and once for a throttle body replacement. Volvo has repeatedly denied the issue and has continued to perform more splices into the existing harness blaming the issue on rodents. The vehicle has went into limp mode multiple times and conti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The ICCU (integrated charging control unit) failed on Friday 1/23/26 as I was driving home. Two warnings came on, check electrical system and stop vehicle, car went into limp mode and was later towed to dealership where ICCU failure was diagnosed. Part is backordered, no ETA available for replacement. No loaner vehicles available.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Shift to park alert continues to come on when car is already shifted into park. Car will not shut off without pulling car back out of park and shifting back into park. Causing a delay in all electrical attached to power down, potentially draining the battery.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
Electrical wiring harness and connector melting and blower transistor overheating with know Hyundai internal documentation, all causing a smoke smell and fire hazard. I'm on my 3rd manual Heater / HVAC Control Unit. Fire risk acknowledged by Hyundai dealership and customer affairs. Forced to pay diagnostics fees despite know safety issues, Cost for repairs out the door around 2,450 out the door... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
The battery drains quickly. Have replaced the battery twice since 2022. something in the car is draining the battery and making it fail. infotainment screen sometimes stays grey and doesn't go black when car is off. many 2022 mdx owners are having similar battery drain issues requiring frequent battery replacements. please push Acura for a recall and fix.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
At approximately 64,000 miles my engine light came on and I took it to a shop. Cylinder 2 was misfiring so we changed the spark plugs and coils. At 67,000 miles light came on again with same issue and while having my oil changed they noted it was unusually dirty. I changed out plugs and coils again. At 72,000 miles light came on again and I took it to a different shop and learned I had a crack eng... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
My 2024 Cadillac EV is only 9900 miles. I was driving the car on Sunday Jan 11, 2026 with my family when we noticed smoke filled inside the cabin. My 3 children (a [XXX] , a [XXX] old, and a new-born who is [XXX] old) were in the car; they inhaled the smoke. We evacuated the car and called onstar for assistance - who towed the car. The smoke originated from the tailgate of the car. Alarmingly, ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
SEE FULL COMPLAINT NOTES IN ATTACHED PDF; SUMMARY HERE (you do not provide sufficient space to provide all info you request) I own a 2019 Ram 1500 4WD Limited (not eTorque). On multiple occasions, the vehicle has unexpectedly shifted out of Drive into Neutral while driving. When this occurs, a warning chime dings and a message on display directs me to “Shift to Park”. The vehicle immediately l... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
My car has a problem This will be the 3rd visit to the Chevy dealership and the 6th time in a garage. At this time, the original alternator that came with the Tahoe, was running high through December and replaced with a new alternator from Parts Geek. It was ok for a couple weeks and is running high again. You cannot test it from a cold start to get this reading. It must be ran for at least 20 min... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2015) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 29, 2026
Incident date: Aug 29, 2016
The vehicle was subject to an active manufacturer safety recall involving the oil pressure control system and diagnostic trouble code P06DA, which requires inspection and replacement of the Engine Room Sub-Harness if the condition is present. The defect was confirmed by an authorized dealer, DTC P06DA was verified, and the Engine Room Sub-Harness was replaced in accordance with the recall remedy ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
Car died due to 12v battery failure due to ICCU not working properly in Oct 2023. Did ICCU recall and safety updates with dealer and they installed a new 12v battery. Oct 2025, car dies again due to 12v battery failure to to ICCU. Car has been at dealer for over 2 months waiting for new ICCU part to arrive and be installed. The ICCU system on this vehicle and related vehicles in the Hyundai/Kia li... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER PHEV
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 29, 2026
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The secondary instrument fuse block located on the driver's side of the dashboard erupted in flame while the vehicle was being driven, endangering its occupant, causing significant damage to its interior, and resulting in a local law enforcement "traffic hazard" determination.
Fire
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 29, 2026
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
Vehicle experienced sudden loss of propulsion while driving despite indicated remaining battery charge (~13%). Vehicle became immobilized and required towing. Dealer performed static diagnostics after recharging and found no stored fault codes, but no testing was performed to evaluate sudden loss-of-propulsion under load. Manufacturer closed case without investigation. This presents an ongoing saf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
In the middle where the car chargers are – the one in the center isn’t working but the one to the right is. When doing maps, the visual map disappeared and just showed where to turn – happened about 2-3 time. Today the entire screen went black – no radio, phone, maps, nothing. No way to operate it at all. This is unrelated to the current recall that addresses the speedometer / display r... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 29, 2026
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V710000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and 25V766000 (ENGINE); however, parts to do the recall repair were 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 not made aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The owners manual for the 2024 VW Atlas SEL fuse diagrams and descriptions do not match the fuse box (interior) found in the vehicle. As an example the owners manual states the telephone system is controlled via fuse 16, but in my vehicle fuse 16 is an airbag fuse (as detailed in third-party fuse diagrams (e.g. [XXX] )). While third-party sources do display the correct and accurate fuse diagrams t... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 29, 2026
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
Yes, my car caught fire. It's at an impound currently. My clothes caught fire when I tried putting it out. The car could have been parked in my garage or been in NYC, with a full tank of gas, that would have caused serious damage. My insurance company is sending an investigator to look into it today. No, warning lamps, messages or symptoms.
Fire
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 29, 2026
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
This complaint is being filed as an update to prior NHTSA complaints regarding the same vehicle and Recall 78C. The issues described below remain unresolved. My vehicle is subject to Recall 78C, which warns of a defect that may result in catastrophic engine failure due to an engine block casting issue. The recall was issued approximately 90 days ago, and the status remains listed as “remedy unde... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 29, 2026
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
Since my car hit 40000 miles it has had nothing but issues. I've had it in the shop at least 10 times. My brakes went out while driving with my [XXX] old, I've had loss of power, smell of exhaust in the cabin for the last 3 months and dealership says it can't be fixed, yesterday I had complete engine failure while on the freeway. Stalled and wouldn't start back up for 5 min. The dealership has n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
My 2022 Range Rover Sport had a Charging System Fault Detected warning light come on out of the blue. 5 mins late power steering was not working, then out of nowhere the car died in the middle of a dangerous intersection. It had to be towed 25 miles to where it is under warranty. The DC convertor part s back ordered and there is no date for when it will be available. It has already been a month, w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The ICCU in my 2023 Ioniq 5 has failed for the second time. The 12V battery is dead and the car cannot be driven. It will be sitting at the dealership waiting for a new part for at least a month. Hyundai claims to have fixed the ICCU problem but from online reports it is clear that they have not solved this problem.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
Vehicle currently at dealership for ESC, brake system and ABS warning lights coming on. Unable to use cruise control once these lights came on.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
I was driving slowly into my driveway to prepare for turning into my garage. The car rapidly accelerated on it’s own causing me to crash into the garage door next to the one I intended to park in. I have video from my security system.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
I am submitting a vehicle defect complaint pursuant to 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 regarding a potential safety related defect involving engine, electrical, and powertrain systems. The vehicle experienced early engine and electrical malfunction at relatively low mileage, requiring replacement of the engine wiring harness and removal and reinstallation of the engine and transaxle assembly. These are majo... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
10:00 am January 28th AFTER A DRIVE OF APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES TO THE GROCERY STORE, we parked the 2023 Kia EV6 Wind,in the parking area, then entered the store to shop. On returning, we placed the groceries in the trunk and proceeded to leave for home. The push button "START" provoked a notice on the dash that the 12 volt battery was "LOW". The drive circuits would not enable. Prior to going in t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from under the passenger’s side dashboard. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not identified, and an oil change was performed. The vehicle was taken to another loca... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
I believe something is wrong with the electrical system tied into the infotainment system of the car, which displays the radio, heating, cooling, shows the rear camera controllers, as well as some fo the lighting in the sport L is not fully lit, for example where the shift gears is there a light that goes across the front, mines if red, only 1 side is actively turninig on, but the other side is of... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4 Prime. The contact stated that recently the front display screen and instrument cluster became inoperable. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the instrument cluster was intermittently failing. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System). The contact advised the dealer of the recall, but was informed that t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Had a light come on about the Electric power steering, Steering assist reduced see your dealer I know the hybrid had this problem but mine is just a gas model
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
While the vehicle was parked, the trunk opened and the alarm sounded. Using the buttons on the trunk, I shut the trunk and locked the car. A few moments later, the trunk opened and the alarm sounded again. This continued for 40 minutes. Today, if I place a battery in the main black key fob, the trunk will open with the car running. I have an appointment next week at the dealer, however, most ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
Electric power steering failed and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The power steering unit failed while driving down a curvy highway in Kenai Burrow, Alaska. I took the vehicle to the local Ford dealer and dropped said vehicle off. The service tech stated that the 2019 Ford escape was prone to having issues with the power steering unit. The vehicle is in the shop at this time... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Rear-view camera is intermittently failing and often completely inoperative. Vehicle is under an active Ford safety recall for the rear-view camera, but there is currently no remedy available. The failure occurs while reversing and eliminates rear visibility, creating a clear safety risk of collision or injury to pedestrians or property. The issue has persisted without resolution despite the activ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
When using heated seats and heated steering wheel the headlights randomly pulsate and dim - dangerously impacting driver night-time vision / visibility and confusing / disorienting other drivers. Ongoing issue. Happens EVERY time headlights are utilized in conjunction with heated seats and heated steering wheel. Occurs at idle and at speed. Chevrolet refuses to acknowledge, address, or remedy t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
Horns (high and low) have been replaced 5 times under a warranty. This is a serious safety hazard. Vehicle: Kia Carnival (Model Years 2022–2024) Issue: Repeated horn failure / electrical malfunction Owners of 2022–2024 Kia Carnival vehicles are experiencing repeated horn failures that present a safety concern. Reported symptoms include complete loss of horn function, intermittent operation,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
Vehicle electrical propulsion system became inoperable creating a hazard to occupants in a temperature control required climate Vehicles visual control showing speed and all other information went completely black while vehicle was in motion.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
While driving at normal city speeds, the vehicle suddenly displayed a warning message stating “Stop vehicle and check power supply,” accompanied by a red battery warning indicator. Shortly after the warning appeared, the vehicle entered a reduced-power or “limp” mode, with severely limited acceleration and speed. This created a safety concern as the vehicle could not maintain normal traffi... Read more