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 23, 2026

I'm not sure If I need to report BMW for declining to repair a recall known as 24V-608. I went to my local BMW dealership Valley Auto World BMW In Fayetteville, NC. The first time we went they said they put a cover over the wiring connector for oil or water dripping from the PCV hose. When we went their were no engine codes and a week after they perform the inspection I got engine codes regarding ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2026

When driving the vehicle the on board screen randomly shuts down and restarts while in motion. During this process it changes all of the driving settings and turns off the automatic braking, and the vehicle accelerates with out touching the accelerator. This has happened numerous times and it has been to the dealership 4 times with out any changes.

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

While driving my children to school, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete electrical malfunction in the middle of moving traffic. The vehicle began violently rising and falling. It became inoperable and stopped in the roadway. The door locks failed and would not release — my children were trapped inside a disabled vehicle in live traffic. The only opening that would function was the driver... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

Vehicle experienced a catastrophic, terminal 12V auxiliary battery parasitic drain that flatlines the system to 0% while parked, creating a severe safety risk by stripping hazard lights and motive power. This is the 3rd identical electrical collapse within 4 weeks; a late June 12V battery replacement failed. The vehicle was in active daily use, not stored.Held out of service at Kings Toyota since ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 25, 2025

The infotainment center isn't working as expected: * Wireless CarPlay disconnecting. * Navigation freezing or showing incorrect locations. * Music and podcast interruptions. * Poor call quality. * Siri stopping mid-message.

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

Incident date: Jul 12, 2026

When I started my car I heard a “ding” and saw that my airbag light was on. I called the local dealership to ask about it and they said that in the case of a crash that light usually indicates that there is something wrong with the sensors to the airbags and if I was to get into an accident, they wouldn’t deploy; which could cause loss of life if there is failure to deploy. My vehicle also r... Read more

Incident date: Jun 13, 2026

2017 Golf has been nothing but a nightmare. [1] 2018-2021, it was Infotainment system that I had to repair 3 times; once under warranty, twice out of pocket. Stupid navigation system malfunctions every time they upgrade the map or something and caused another visit to the dealer for replacing the entire radio and that little disk in the glove box. How many times would anyone do this during ownersh... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

i WAS AT A CHARGING PLACE EVGO I WAS NOT PLUGED IN AND CHARGED TO 80% THE CAR WAS NOT ON AND I WAS IN FRONT SEAT TALKING TO A FRIEND WE HEARD A BIG POP AND THEN SAW WHITE/ GRAY SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR WHERE THE BATTERY IS WE GOT OUT AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPT THEY ARRIVED AND THE SMOKE HAD STOPPED AND THE FIRE MEN WERE LOOKING AT THE CAR WHEN ANOTHER POP WAS HEARD AND THEY R... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

It originally started about two years ago when the check engine light came on (along with others) that point to a code with the Mass Air Flow sensor. It would stall at low RPMs at traffic lights, and was extremely worrying during normal driving. We got it replaced and so far okay, but recently the ABS and traction control lights come on and stay on. Another issue that many MANY Nissan owners exper... Read more

Incident date: Jun 22, 2026

The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) failed. Before repair, the check-engine light appeared intermittently, the vehicle sometimes had difficulty starting, and the indicated electric range could suddenly drop from about 30 miles to zero despite a charged high-voltage battery. When this occurred, the gasoline engine started unexpectedly. The air conditioning also intermittently blew warm air unt... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

I was driving in heavy traffic when the steering on my 2025 Acura TLX AWD froze up. Several codes were displayed. I managed to direct the vehicle to the right shoulder where I turned the engine off. I restarted the engine but the steering was still inoperable and the codes were still displayed. I turned the engine off again. When I restarted it the second time the codes were gone and I was able to... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

The backup camera is failing to shut down when the vehicle is put into drive. The camera will stay on for 30 seconds to five minutes when the car is moving forward. The issue was reported to the local GM dealer and the vehicle was brought in for service. They were unable to replicate the problem, so nothing was repaired by the dealership. The problem used to occur once or twice a month. Its f... Read more

Incident date: Jun 24, 2026

Took my car to Honda they stated my head gaskets and turbo charger was bad .. every shop that i talked to about the problem had stated that they have been getting a alot of my models coming in with the same issue

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle displayed a Service ESC warning, indicating a possible malfunction in the electronic stability control system. I have had difficulty reproducing the issue, but the vehicle and any related components are available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others pu... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

There is currently an ongoing recall for the GR Supra over the starter. I currently drive a 2020 and have had periodic starter malfunctions. This is when I go to start the car it states starter system malfunction then lets me still turn it on after clearing the error message. I have brought this up to my dealership and due to the intermittent nature of the issue they said they could not diagnose a... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

I am filing a complaint regarding Ford Safety Recall 23S33 (NHTSA Campaign 23V440) for my 2020 Ford Fusion Energi. I brought my freshly purchased vehicle to my local authorized dealer, Sheehy Ford, to fix the high-voltage battery replacement recall. The dealership told me they had to order the part before they could schedule the repair. They have since stated that Ford corporate is experiencing l... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2026

I have waited years to get the air bags repaired. My wife is scared to ride in the truck. Now the electronics have started messing up. Ford should have to pay me back some of what this vehicle cost because of poor quality workmanship.

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

"This is a formal complaint for an Inadequate Recall Remedy and severe Consequential Damage regarding NHTSA Campaign #24V684000 (Ford Recall 24S59) on my 2024 Ford Maverick XL (65,000 miles, VIN: [XXX]).The official safety recall update was originally performed at 30,000 miles by a Ford mobile service unit, but the remedy completely failed. The Audio Control Module software remains corrupted, caus... Read more

Incident date: Jun 30, 2023

6 month old, 9,000 miles 2026 Sierra 1500 with Duramax 3 liter suffered an engine control module failure 4 hours into a 12.5 hour drive home from family vacation. First a transmission service warning flashed, then an emissions system failure with a forced speed reduction warning. This happened with two children and a dog in the vehicle. OnStar did diagnotics and said I had to see a dealer. Fortu... Read more

Incident date: Jul 9, 2026

Component or system that failed: High-Voltage Electrical System / High-Voltage Battery Safety Plug Assembly (specifically covered under Recall SC314 / NHTSA Campaign 24V-358). It is NOT wear and tear as falsely claimed by the dealer. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request at the owner's residence. How safety was put at risk: The vehicle triggers an active "Check EV System" master wa... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2026

All 4 door actuators failed over the course of a few months. Now none of the locks work, and the cost to fix them is prohibitive.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2026

This vehicle locks itself even with a fully charged key tag inside it. The driver is not able to open the car by lifting any of the door handles. It has occurred 3 separate times. It will only open with a key card. Should the driver not have a key card outside of the vehicle, it must be towed to the dealership for service. The dealer has been advised of the problem, although the service department... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the vehicle independently started, and the contact was alerted by the audible sound coming from the horn. The contact exited the residence and became aware that the windshield wipers and interior and exterior lights were flashing. The contact stated that the key fob was used to lock and unlock the vehi... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

We are getting intermittent failures with screen going dark and/or warning lights flashing. This has happened on multiple occasions with the car while driving. We first brought into Preston Hyundai in Millsboro DE June 27 for this problem. There were some standard recalls (unrelated) but they hoped those recalls would fix the problem. They did not. We brought it back July 19 and remained i... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

My vehicle's instrument cluster has failed, leaving me without a functioning speedometer, fuel gauge, or other critical displays. I believe this makes the vehicle unsafe to operate. I will also not pass Massachusetts state inspection. My local Hyundai dealerships told me the earliest repair appointment is about one- two months away. They also refused to provide a loaner vehicle or authorize a ren... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel went blank. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V741000 (Electrical System) and 26V328000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was driven to a local dealer, who later informed the contact that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist without warning. The steering wheel warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, and the steering immediately became extremely difficult to turn. The condition created a significant safety hazard because the vehicle was much harder to control while in motion. The steering remains difficult to turn after the incident. This appears... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the electrical system failed inside the vehicle, causing the air conditioning system to fail to operate, and the window control buttons failed to roll the window down. The battery saver active warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the posi... Read more

Incident date: Jun 14, 2026

The contact called on behalf of an insurer who owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that 15 minutes after the vehicle was parked and turned off, a neighbor informed the owner that the vehicle had caught on fire. The owner and the neighbor extinguished the fire using water hoses. The contact stated that the fire originated under the rear passenger’s side seat and was caused by an overh... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jul 24, 2026

My current 2021 Honda Pilot (purchased used May 2024) is stalling out in live traffic - the most recent on XXX creating a massive safety hazard. (In addition, the engine is making the same exact clicking noise that the 2015 Honda VIN:[XXX] made right before the engine catastrophically seized on my way to work. That 2015 Honda Pilot seized due to a defective Variable Cynlinder Management (VCM) sys... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield wipers inadvertently activated. The contact turned the windshield wipers on and off to deactivate the windshield wipers. Additionally, the headlights inadvertently illuminated, and the doors locked and unlocked independently while the vehicle was unoccupied, parked, and turned ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 20, 2025

I was traveling on the DC beltway (interstate), it was raining and the temp was in the low 50s. The vehicle in front of me hit their brakes pretty hard. I started braking firmly myself. I heard an alarm sound and I believe the anti-lock braking activated, and the van began automatically braking itself. I was brought to a complete stop on the interstate by the van. The vehicle ahead of me accelerat... Read more

Crash

Incident date: May 22, 2026

This vehicle has been into the Ford dealer multiple times for transmission slipping type issues. From before the 60,000 mile powertrain warranty ended and after. The dealer said the only thing needed was an update and reset. Today a different Ford dealer has informed me that during the transmission flush, there are tiny specks and slivers of metal. The engine issue in regard to cam phaser repair... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2026

Vehicle hands free for phone is not understandable to others after a software update over a year ago. After an automatic software update I made a phone call and the person called complained about me not being understandable. I disconnected and called again. Still unreadable. I tried calling someone else. Not readable. Was told I sounded like I had my head in a bucket of water. I called a third per... Read more

Incident date: Apr 24, 2026

Vehicle threw code 21A50A (Starter Pinion Timeout) and a Drivetrain Malfunction warning. Car still starts and drives. This is the exact mechanical failure described in Starter Recall 26V-438 / 26V-441, but my 2022 330e VIN is currently excluded.

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

The car just died while going 55mph on the highway. Complete shutdown but luckily both the steering and brakes worked. After stopping it wouldn’t start again. I had my three children in the car aged [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]. It was a horrific experience. GMC did some repairs to the engine that took over two months and then the car had a few more warnings pop up just a few weeks later. GMC now sa... Read more

Incident date: Jun 30, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: Dec 12, 2025

Vehicle went into limp mode while driving on the freeway and then would not go past 30 MPH even after pulling over and restarting it. At first there were no errors but after a restart the following warning showed up: "Park with engine On to charge battery". Everything worked fine earlier that day.

Incident date: Jul 24, 2024

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V362000 (Electrical System); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The dealer stated that the manufacturer had approved the battery pack as a rem... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

I’m [XXX] with health issues and my mother is [XXX] we bought a car at ( Drive Time ) hoping we would get a good car to go to the dr , I have a [XXX] I can’t afford it though,in my opinion I felt drive time took advantage of us because I look Mexican and indigenous, they sold us a bad car where the engine was bad , as soon as I drove it there’s was a smell I didn’t think k anything about i... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2024

Had a coffee spill while driving down the road. It shorted out my driving shifter. It immediately triggered a cvt transmission code. I am now worried that im going to have an electrical fire. I took my suv to the shop and they replaced it at a cost of $1200. They blame me for spilling the coffee. I don't understand why you would put something like that next to a cup holder and not have it protecte... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

Was driving, all the sudden I heard a pop and a little bit of smoke and the smell of burning plastic came from under passenger seat. Pulled over, noticed it was coming from electrical harness under seat that controls the heated and cooled seats. Disconnected plug and saw that it had burnt out & caught fire. Have left it unplugged with no incident since.

Fire

Incident date: Oct 15, 2025

I am driving home from work and I’m right around the corner from my house. As soon as I try to make a turn, the car begins beeping and the faults “Electrical system malfunction” and “12V power supply” show up. My car does not accelerate, I lose power steering, and I can no longer move while I’m still in the middle of the road with cars around me. Thankfully, there was a slight downhil... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2026

Got the car from kingdom Chevy on 66 and western on February 2024 used at 62.000. I took the car back twice because the screen in the car kept cutting off fading on and fading off. Secondly, the Bluetooth plug would not work. I did not have the car a month. They kept telling me that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. I took my vehicle to the dealer and was told that there were no recalls on the v... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2026

All the warning lights in the day lit up. Brake, LDWS, AEB, outside air temperature won’t read and the a/c blows hot. $486 to diagnose at dealer and they state that it’s an electrical issue due to a bad vacuum pump. I can’t get an answer as to whether the vacuum pump safety campaign was completed or not. Dealer wants $1500 to replace.

Incident date: Jun 17, 2026

Incident date: Jul 22, 2026

My center screen has a ghost touch; I have brought it to my dealer since the day I bought it I have been having screen and CarPlay issues. never fixed always told its fake phone cable, even though my phone can be disconnected and the screen still goes crazy, either way I left it alone because I can't keep going to the dealer, today while I was backing up this ghost touch keep changing my camera an... Read more

Incident date: Apr 23, 2026

I bought this car used and I've only had it two months and the head gasket has blown. I didn't know the 10th generation had bad gaskets and turbos i found that out after I purchased the car. Literally everyone i know now that had one the gasket or turbo went out. Not only that it was a recall on my fuel pump no one told me about until I added it to my insurance and they told me. Yes Honda dealersh... 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

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