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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 191,761 complaints - component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the rear taillight socket wiring harness failed to function as intended. The contact was informed that the brake lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had occurred every 6–7 months. The contact stated that the repair was completed by the... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2026

While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. The engine stalled while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of acceleration and power. This created a serious safety hazard in traffic. The issue is consistent with the condition described in Safety Recall U01 for 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles involving the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). However, this vehicle's... Read more

Incident date: Jul 29, 2026

While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. The engine stalled while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of acceleration and power and creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. This vehicle previously received the Safety Recall U01 repair in January 2018, but the same engine stall condition has returned. The recall remedy does not appear to have permanentl... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while stopping at a red light, the vehicle idled and automatically turned off while stopped and then the vehicle restarted but the vehicle stalled. The electronics on the vehicle were not operating as designed. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact's brother was able to jumpstart the... Read more

Incident date: May 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that the power windows independently rolled down while the vehicle was parked, causing water to enter the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and performed an unknown remote software update; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the power window master switch replacement was recommended. The ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 29, 2026

On July 24, 2026, while driving on a marked city street with no vehicle, pedestrian, or obstruction ahead, the Forward Collision-Avoidance system on our 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited AWD applied emergency braking on its own, three to four separate times, each lasting one to two seconds. Traffic behind us nearly struck our vehicle. My family was in the car. This is the latest event in a progressive ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 31, 1969

The ignition switch AKA WIN MODULE has to be broken, making it extremely dangerous to drive my vehicle. Any time I go over a bump or the key wiggles slightly the car will turn right off and I lose full control over the car. I have to find a safe place to pull over and restart the car by taking the key out and putting the key back in. The part where the key goes in is very very loose. This puts mys... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2026

while vehicle is driving multiple dash alarms will start cycling through including stop/start, service electronic stability control, speed control messaging unavailable, service airbag system, service 4WD, engine light and ABS light, anti skid lights all come on, the speedometer goes to zero, and the power steering goes out. Driving highway speeds and suddenly having no power steering is a safety ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started beeping with several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that the windshield wipers activated, and the brakes locked up. The vehicle had experienced the failure in 2020, and the dealer replaced the alternator, which temporari... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2026

Brake vacum pump experienced a catastrophic failure. I was unable to step on the break because the break pedal was hard. I ran thru a red light. I was told the brake vacume pump shattered & pieces of metal went into my engine

Incident date: Jul 29, 2026

Idle stop function error during waiting at red light. Engine failed to restart so i had to turned it off and restarted the engine at the traffic light. Happened twice already. Idle stop system is defective need to be recalled

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

While driving the HVAC stops working, radio locks at current setting (cannot turn volume up or down, etc.), screen goes blank or locks, windows do not open or close. Their are multiple warnings about sensors not working. Malfunctioning driver assist jerks wheel when driving through a restaraunt drive-thru. Had the sensor replaced for the adaptive cruise control and it did not correct the cruise is... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Component: The MIB3 Infotainment Head Unit (specifically the internal eMMC memory chip) and the motorized rearview camera trunk emblem assembly.Inspection: Yes, the vehicle and all malfunctioning components are fully available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

The rear hatch clicks like it wants to open but doesn't release the latch to open it and I can't get to the place to release an lower the spare tire which is safety concern to me. Also the driver side seat belt casing broke and doesn't release every time you push button to unlatch it which can cause serious problems if in an accident I had a individual garage guy inspect an said he had replaced se... Read more

Incident date: May 4, 2026

The vehicle ACM shorted and caused a fire while driving. My safety was put as risk because the car quickly filled with smoke and unbearable fumes causing me to swerve and attempt to find a safe place to pull over.

Fire

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

The switch to start the vehicle has to be pushed down and turned at the same time. Vehicle starts but shuts the engine down when the key returns sometimes. On one occasion vehicle shut down while driving.

Incident date: Jun 4, 2026

Got recalls notice but the local dealership in st george SC (family ford) told me they wont do the brake or fuel injector recall until i have issues so i guess until my car catches on fire with my kids in it then they will do something

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2026 Forest River Campsite Reserve RV. The contact stated that after parking the trailer, the electrical system failed, causing the interior lights to flash while the water pump was turned on and the fan was inoperable. Additionally, the bedroom reading light had a cracked solder joint. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the battery cables were exposed and unprotected ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 26, 2026

I own a 2023 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid. At approximately 42,000 miles, all of the warning lights illuminated while driving. The warnings included Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Parking Collision Warning, and multiple other system alerts. At the same time, I experienced a loss of electric power steering assist, increased steering re... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

The VSA module failed, causing 5 warning lights to illuminate. This module controls ABS, traction control, and power steering. All of these systems involve the safe operation of the vehicle. The module failed due to a flawed design; the module contains 20-30 very fine connecting wires that frequently break due to vibration and temperature changes. VBS module failures are extremely common on 2008-2... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

Passenger airbag weight sensor (light next to radio goes on/off) intermittently not sensing adult passenger in passenger seat. Airbag may not work properly in case of accident and could cause severe injury or death of passenger. Indicator light inconsistently goes on and off. This is an active known recall issue. The VIN for my vehicle is not included in the recall.

Incident date: Jul 29, 2026

The transmission shift cable fails to engage go into reverse or park when car is starting up. It fails to maintain connection and has resulted in near misses when backing up or attempting to get around another vehicle in a parking lot. This appears to be an issue associated with an ongoing safety recall that has NOT had a timely remedy as it has now been 10 months (as of October 2025) since the re... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2026

12 v battery has drained 3 times now

Incident date: Jul 7, 2026

This car has several issues and I could only select a few. Electrical: the infotainment system disconnects from Wireless car play at random when you drive the vehicle. It then returns a Wifi error on screen and you cannot use car play any longer on both android and iOS. Additionally, the electronic system will reboot when the car is in use. In my case, it always happens on the freeway when drivi... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

truck is experiencing the active recall symptoms daily, but the manufacturer is denying a repair due to parts availability. I pull a trailer everyday and I been having break issues the ABS light goes on and off all day, driving on the freeway, streets and even when the truck is on park noise is annoying. Service electronic braking systems is on as well I been almost had accidents and loosing contr... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

Water has leaked into the driver side rear of the vehicle, causing corrosion and failure of the power tailgate control module. Water has also soaked the carpet and foam in the rear driver side. This power tailgate control module failure has caused a battery drain as the trunk opens on its own and does not respond to interior buttons or key fob buttons. The van battery has needed to be jump started... Read more

Incident date: Jul 27, 2026

In December 2025, my check engine light came on. Diagnostic codes read P0128 (coolant thermostat) and U1467 (module communication). I took the vehicle to a mechanic, who diagnosed and repaired the issue. Shortly after, the check engine light returned, so the same mechanic replaced the ECM (plug and play). This repair did not resolve the check engine light. The mechanic recommended I take the vehic... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2025

I am reporting a critical Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve failure on my 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The failure resulted in an immediate loss of engine power, reduced vehicle performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and the vehicle entering limp mode while driving, creating a significant safety hazard in traffic. Diagnostic & Technical Details: Error Codes Captured: Diagnostic trouble codes i... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2025

Car shuts off randomly saying low steering power, will restart after a few minutes. This a safety issue that can lead to a crash.

Incident date: Jun 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 BMW X7. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP feature failed to function as intended. There was a fire message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to update the control unit. The control unit was not communicating as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHT... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

My 2019 Audi e-tron will not charge. The charging indicator turns red after a few seconds and charging stops. The issue happens with both my home charger and Electrify America public chargers. The vehicle does not make the normal charging connection/clicking sound. This appears to be a charging system or high-voltage electrical issue. I am concerned about a potential safety defect because the vehi... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

This vehicle has now experienced three separate incidents of sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at highway speeds, requiring it to be towed to the dealership on all three occasions. Each incident involved the same dangerous defect, and after each repair I was assured, the vehicle had been repaired and was safe to operate. Despite those assurances, the identical defect has continued to recur... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

I was driving the vehicle yesterday, had no problems and then when making a right hand turn the vehicle completely locked up. The brakes and steering column locked and the vehicle completely shut done. The dashboard lit up and the windows still worked but there was not power to the engine. Attempted to JUMP the car, unsuccessful, ultimately called a AAA who used a battery box and the car started. ... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2025

The issue involves defective malfunction of the dashboard (usb,audio, and sometimes warning lights are hidden then appear) and improperly unbalanced wheels. Which has significantly impacted the safety, reliability, and usability of my vehicle.

Incident date: Jul 21, 2026

Car cutoff. Started back up to get off interstate. Saw smoke under hood and got it. Within 5 min sparks under the frame and then 10-15 min later flames

Fire

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

While driving a rented 2023 Kia EV6 on the freeway, the vehicle lost power and shut down completely, without warning, on multiple separate occasions during a single trip. This occurred at highway speed in live traffic, creating a serious risk to vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic. The vehicle was a rental (Dollar Rent A Car); no external damage or collision was involved. The vehicle has sin... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

Immediately after a scheduled dealer appointment to repair recall 302 the display panel on my 2025 Tucson Hybrid became glitchy, it flashes,, turns to white static then goes completely black.

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic 48V mild-hybrid electrical power supply breakdown and complete system failure while traveling at highway speeds during a cross-country move. The sudden failure forced an emergency lane change into an isolation zone just off the highway. The sudden failure left the cabin completely powerless with no operational safety systems, hazard lights, or air condit... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

I bought this car in 12/2025. After putting approximately 60 miles on the car, the onboard computer would not save the inputted data. Took back to dealership and update performed. Upon returning the car for this work, the adaptive cruise control would shut itself off on the way to the dealer. They could not replicate this issue. Since having the car for about 6 months the car has been in to the de... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

On 7/28/26, my 2018 Honda Odyssey began displaying the following warning lights and system messages on the dash: •Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system error •Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) error •Auto High Beam system error •Collision Mitigation Braking System / forward collision error These errors were present before I replaced the 12V battery. I had the battery tested at that time an... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

On June 20, 2026, while the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was being driven on Richardson Highway near Mile 155 in Alaska, smoke and flames developed from the engine compartment without any collision. The driver stopped and both occupants exited before the vehicle became fully engulfed. The fire created an immediate risk of serious injury or death and blocked the northbound lane. There were no known... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

The Front Passenger Safety Restraint System failed prematurely on my 2019 Tesla Model 3 at only 23,105 miles, triggering the alert 'Alerts - Seats - Front passenger safety restraint system issue/Service is required' and disabling passenger airbag functionality. Upon inspection, Tesla Service quoted $1,285.13 out-of-pocket to repair the system. While the root failure involves a $12 occupant occupan... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

Vehicle Safety Complaint My Kia experienced an ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failure and was at the dealership for approximately two months while awaiting repairs. The ICCU and related components were replaced, and I was told the vehicle had been repaired. However, immediately after I received the vehicle back, the “Check Electric Vehicle System” warning illuminated again. Since th... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

I've had a Blindspot warning light alert, told by dealership this is an electrical issue, after a web search, I see this is a common and known issue for Ford, yet no recall has been issued. I also have another know, common powertrain issue with my rear differential. The vehicle makes noise when turning, unstable when driving. The vehicle is less than 5yrs old and under 60k miles. Both issues are s... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

The entire information screen went black and the heads up display turned off while driving the car. The screen then intermittently flashed all warning lights as well as a "no service" message. The car continued to operate "normally".

Incident date: Jul 28, 2026

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. issued an official Warranty Extension in July 2025 covering engine misfires from piston ring deterioration (DTCs P0301-P0304) on 2013-15 Pilot and 2013-17 Odyssey vehicles. My 2015 Honda Odyssey (VIN: [XXX]) experienced this exact defect, resulting in severe engine misfires and secondary alternator failure caused directly by engine fluid saturation leaking onto it ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 22, 2022

This 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a severe and recurring history of catastrophic high-voltage hybrid powertrain and transmission failures that cause a sudden loss of motive power while driving, presenting an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle has already required two full automatic transmission (eFlite EVT) replacements under factory warranty due to internal failures. It has experienced mul... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TIMELINE (13 DAYS) XXX: Delivery taken at 105,439 miles.XXX: My boyfriend noticed a cloud of smoke from exhaust as I pressed the accelerator pedal to leave the parking lot. I didn't notice because it was almost dark outside when leaving. He didn't notice again so he didn't stop me and told me when we got home. XXX (Day 12): Check Engine Light (CEL) on. Dipstick found dry. 2 q... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

The electronic throttle control light and check engine light are on. I took it to a mechanic and had the accelerator pedal replaced. The lights remained on and the truck remains in "limp mode" and will not go over 59mph. The mechanic stated that this is due to the unresolved recall problems with the traction control and anti lock braking system, and the HCU needing replaced. These components a... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog