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
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
PRIORITY COMPLAINT: MANUFACTURER RECALL OBSTRUCTION & COERCIVE SAFETY WAIVER INDUCEMENT. My vehicle is actively subject to NHTSA Campaign 26V073 for a severe high-voltage battery defect causing an immediate fire hazard while parked or operating. Because the manufacturer has no immediate remedy available, I filed an administrative buyback request due to the extreme danger of driving the car. Me... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
While traveling at highway speeds, the digital instrument cluster suffered a sudden, complete power loss and went entirely black for approximately 5 seconds before rebooting. Component failed: Digital instrument cluster / dashboard display. It is available for inspection. Safety risk: Complete loss of critical data (speedometer, vehicle status) at high speed. It caused immediate driver confusion... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQB 350 4MATIC
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Ford has had this recall open since October of last year. My car has a faulty backup camera that is not working. It’s been 9 months since it came out and there still no forward motion except for mustangs for this recall to be fixed.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
The car suddenly lost power and produced error messages on the screen. I had to quickly change lanes to get out of traffic on the highway. My dealer diagnosed the issue as a BECM malfunction and quoted a repair cost of approximately $3500. However, due to my car originally being registered in California, this failure is not covered under GM Special Coverage Bulletin N232432680 (issued March 2024)... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
I am filing a formal complaint regarding two critical manufacturing defects on my 2018 Honda HR-V that pose immediate safety risks and financial losses: 1. CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE (Instrument Gauge Failure): The digital display gauge on the right side of the driver's dashboard consistently blinks out and displays entirely unreadable, corrupted characters. This failure makes it impossible to monitor ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2026
I lost my low beams about a year ago and also one high beam. Just one month ago that headlight went out also. I have read that there are wiring problems r/t the Pontiac G6. I am unable to drive my car at night without headlights. The fuses, bulbs and relay switches are intact and working. My mechanic says it’s a wiring problem. Is the manufacturing company responsible for this kind of prob... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
My vehicle has been subject of multiple recalls, however the current recall is a significant one and has been pending for months with no end in sight. I am concerned The manufacturer and dealers are not taking this seriously and the delay is causing additional damage to my vehicle. Additionally quickly googling my vehicle will show that it has fuel pump and acceleration jerking and lag issues that... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
STELVIO
(2018) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
While driving on Route 130 in New Jersey on 7/6/26 at around noon I encountered a heavy rain storm. During this downpour I received warning messages about the emergency hood release being activated and that the car was entering limp mode with reduced propulsion. My car slowed to a crawl, luckily everyone was going slower thanks to the heavy rain and I was able to pull over to attempt to close the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
ON JUNE 2ND 2026, the air conditioning in my 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe failed without warning. The system began blowing warm air instead of cold air, making the vehicle uncomfortable to drive. At the same time, I noticed that both front ventilated (cooled) seats had also stopped working. Although the seat cooling indicator lights illuminated when activated, the seats did not produce any cooling. I ca... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
While driving my car it will randomly go into limp mode, the dashboard lights up, and rotates through a list of issues wrong including brake systems, AWD, cameras, lane assist, etc. the dealership had me pay $450 for a system update, 10 hours after picking it up the problem occurred again and my car broke down in an intersection on a country road. I had it towed to the dealership and paid $270 for... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
-After turning the car on and driving a short distance, the driver dashboard made a warning sound and flashed a warning about my 'ignition system' turning itself off. After that, the entire dash (the speedometer, gas gauge, the infotainment system, the internal climate controls, etc.) went blank. The warning told me to immediately pull the car over and turn it off. Because of this, the car's exter... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
Screen with odometer, gas gauge, mpg, etc has been failing. Makes it difficult to get service and warranty coverage on repairs, tires, etc due to not knowing mileage at time of service. Also makes it difficult to know how much fuel is in the vehicle, with risk of running out of gas causing operation and safety issues. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Has been confirmed by dealer a... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GTI
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Alliance RV Valor. The contact stated that while the RV was hitched to the vehicle and traveling, the contact and her husband noticed an unusual odor. The RV was parked, and upon inspection, they observed a burned area and smoke coming from the roof-mounted solar panels. Further inspection revealed that the electrical wiring and attachments were burned and melted. Additiona... Read more
Fire
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
Incurable Electrical Nonconformity and Active Safety Hazard Four years ago, I reported a severe electrical integration failure to an authorized Tiffin service center. The vehicle’s aftermarket stereo integration harness back-feeds power into the Mercedes-Benz CAN-bus network, causing erratic flashing of the SOS emergency lighting, mirror puddle lights, and interior dome lights all night long. ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2022
I was driving on the highway and my transmission due to a failed transmission service done to my vehicle caused my vehicle’s transmission to overheat a blowout my transmission cooler and mix coolant and transmission fluid unknown to me because of a clogged transmission cooler line improperly flushed instead of replaced by the Patrick Hyundai dealership there could’ve been and electrical fire o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
I am writing regarding my 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe (VIN [XXX]), which has been out of service since January 2026 as a direct result of a manufacturer safety recall involving the high-voltage battery (Safety Recall 68C). The vehicle became inoperable because of this recall-related issue and has remained at the dealership ever since. Since that time, Aventura Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram and Stellantis en... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
This event occurred after a history of ABS system issues as well as Infotainment system issues since 10k miles. During morning commute at approximately 60 mph, all dash warnings began to chime associated with the Touring features of the sedan. TPMS, Collision Avoidance, Braking System, Lane Departure, etc. AND Electric Power Steering. The steering wheel clicked and immediately became difficult t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Electrical issues the entirety of owning this car. Now the car has a dead transmission at 88k miles. The car has caused me to almost be t-boned in a intersection twice due to unexpected loss of acceleration and power. Before trans went down it would stall, hesitate, and now it is completely dead and wont move and i have to put a new transmission in my car. Completely unsafe, i could have lost my l... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
On 2026-07-05, my car started except the digital instrument panel was blank/black. This meant the digital gas and battery gauges weren't visible, in addition to the speedometer, etc. I tried restarting the car to see if it was a fluke but it did not come back. On 2026-07-06, the car worked fine / as expected, but after a google search, it seems like this happens to other owners as well in the pas... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
We had car checked due to strange and erratic shifting in less than a year of owning. Then took in for recall, they stated it was fine and performed the remedy with higher grade oil. Still had issues and took to another dealership to look at and they stated it was fine as well. About 2 months later while I was driving it was hesitating and would kind of buck and when I was about to turn on to a bu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
The turning lights keep flickering and the back trim became lose.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
While traveling with my fifth-wheel camper attached, my 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty (6.7L Power Stroke) suddenly developed a complete no-crank condition. Prior to the failure, the vehicle displayed multiple electrical warnings, including U0100 (Lost Communication with PCM), High Engine Temperature, AdvanceTrac, Blind Spot System Fault, Hill Start Assist, and Pre-Collision Assist warnings. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Component/System: Smart Key System / Automatic Door Locking System I own a 2023 Toyota Camry LE equipped with a Smart Key System. I parked the vehicle, turned off the engine, and left the smart key inside the vehicle. My [XXX] child remained securely strapped into a rear child safety seat and was sleeping inside. I briefly stepped outside to wipe dust from the windshield while standing next to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
When driving, the rear passenger interior trim cup holder heats up to an unsafe temperature. The vehicle was in the shop for 4 weeks and I was told this is normal and it was because of radiant heat from the axel/wheel well. After driving approximately 100 miles, I used a temperature gun to screen the area. The hotspot was 126 degrees, with temperatures around in ranging from 77-85 degrees. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
While driving down the highway the vehicle radiator fan kicked on high (could hear it from the cab) then my electronic power steering went out seconds after receiving the “Service Electronic Power Steering” dash light. Since then it is intermittent, EPS returns and then goes out again, each time accompanied by the high fan noise.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
1. car flashed text on dash "stop safely vehicle will shut off soon". this was when it was 'off' (vehicle was stuck not in park and it was unclear if engine was on or off, but could not shift gears or move car). I'm concerned the vehicle has electric failures and I drive a lot and with children on highways. Warnings for transmission, electric kept cycling. 2. safety was it was a big parking lot ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The trunk does not open. The lift gate error message comes on. The lights stay on longer than they should and the battery is drained. This all resulted after the b pillar flew off on the high way. I have had duct tape on my car for over a year and unable to access the trunk.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
We purchased a brand new 2025 Honda Odyyssey in Nov. 2024. Within a couple months of owning our new vehicle we began having issues with the Auto Idle Stop system. The vehicle will not turn back on at random when stopped at any time when driving. This is a huge safety risk as this has often happened while stopped at a light. It’s also happened when in the drive through. Essentially any time stopp... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
Randomly, and without warning, the instruments, gauges, and displays will switch into a language I do not speak or understand (Italian). Coinciding with the switch to Italian language, cluster and radio display settings revert back to default settings, auto door locks and paddle shifter becomes inoperative (with no menu to enable), pedestrian emergency brake (peb) lamp or forward collision warning... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2025
The passenger side sliding door is locked into place the power actuator has gone out. An entry way is locked putting people in danger, one way in one way out for 5 rear passengers. Multiple model years have a reoccurring issue.The failure of the sliding door lock actuator is so common that it prompted thousands of owner complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). W... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
In the four months that I have owned this car, the following issues have occurred and have not been resolved: - Google Maps suddenly stopped working while navigating while I was driving on multiple occasions. - Bluetooth connectivity will disconnect suddenly and not reconnect - All audio in the car has stopped since 7/2/26. This includes turn signals, safety alerts, cross traffic alert. This has ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
Started vehicle and went inside to grab my bag and there was a loud explosion and the engine bay went up in flames. Determined to be electric and originated in or near the TIPM. The vehicle is a total loss, house has damage, and other vehicles.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
My 2018 Chevrolet Colorado diesel has had repeated diesel emissions/DPF-related failures that cause the vehicle to enter reduced-power or limp mode. This is a safety issue because the truck suddenly loses power and cannot accelerate normally. The most serious incident occurred while driving over Santiam Pass in Oregon. The vehicle went into reduced-power/limp mode on a mountain highway, leaving m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
1. The HORN suddenly stops working. This happened 3x in a 6 month span. The first time the horn wouldn't work all day. However, next day it did. Second time it didn't work for 3 days. Last time it stopped working completely just before Memorial Day weekend. I have read it is a known issue in Hyundai Ioniq 6 forums. 2. Forward Collision Warning is to Invasive. Once it even stopped on the fr... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2025
Defect: On Freightliner Custom Chassis diesel motorhomes the entire instrument cluster is a single all-digital "OptiView" LCD (Medallion 12.3", part 66-02439-000). The factory adhesive bonding the cover glass to the LCD delaminates under normal service, spreading bubbles and haze across the screen. It is widely reported across many coach brands on this chassis (Newmar, Tiffin, Coachmen, Winnebago,... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Good Afternoon. The Pro Power Onboard high-voltage electrical system has experienced a permanent malfunction, locking out with a "Ground Fault Detected" warning. The vehicle is a 2021 Ford F-150 Rocky Ridge conversion. This failure stems directly from a defective or incomplete execution of Safety Recall 23S35 (NHTSA Campaign 23V613000).The initial remedy applied by the dealership consisted only o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Experienced ICCU failure under everyday conditions, driving home from an appointment. Car had sat in direct sun for 30 mins, and starting the car and driving away with the AC fully blasting is when the failure occurred.
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Was driving 70mph on the highway, all instrument cluster speed gauges go to 0mph and I lose ability to manage speed through cruise control. Was driving blind and had no clue what speed I was going and was extremely worried for my safely. Dealership said my instrument cluster has failed, won’t cover under warranty or as a safety issue. Ridiculous a 80k 6 year old car has a main gauge part fail.
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The fuel gauge no longer works and the speedometer is inconsistent. The 2021 Murano has a digital spped read out that can be used. The main speedometer can jump around show 45 while running at 73 mph. Or showing 23 when at 33 - so it is clearly a safety issue. This is a low mileage vehicle - with about 18000 miles on it.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle by pressing the Push-To-Start button, the engine failed to turn over, and no electrical features were available. The vehicle was towed to the l... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled on several occasions, and the instrument panel turned blank, forcing the contact to coast to the side of the road to restart the engine. Additionally, when shifting from Park to Drive, the vehicle shuddered violently and unintendedly shifted into Park. The contac... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed, the power steering failed, several warning lights illuminated, and the engine suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred two days later. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed alt... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jaguar I-Pace. The contact stated that, following the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number 26V067000 (Electrical System), the vehicle failed to start. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was made aware of the post-repair failure; however, it was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
DRIVING HOME FROM CHURCH SUNDAY JUNE 28TH DOWNSLOPE OF A SMALL HILL SMELLED HOT METAL; WASN'T SURE IF THE ODOR WAS FROM US, THE LARGE TRUCK THAT JUST PASSED US OR ENVIRONMENTAL; SUDDEN "POP" WAS HEARD ACCOMPANIED BY A "JERK" IN THE VEHICLE; LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES; DASH WAS LIT AND SHOWED RPM/MPH/ETC THEN BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON SMOKE BILLOWING FROM ENGINE FOLLOWED QUICKLY BY COMPLETE FIRE FROM ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
Electrical issues: Media screen blacks out/glitches including speakers. Gear switch "Dial" will move on its own and park itself. Switching from "Drive to Park". "Transmission not in park" on dash , Lights on dash for engine 4x
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
When I am stopped at a red light, the auto shutoff is activated, and when I lift off the brake and try to accelerate forward at the green light, the vehicle stalls for about 15 seconds, leaving the driver and passengers vulnerable to a car accident. One of the passenger seatbelts triggers the "no seatbelt" alarm, even when the passenger is buckled. If no one is seated there, there is no alarm. T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
Sluggish start when hot - fuel pump leak into engine when hot, causing starter issues, wears out starter, causes other stress on engine. Common issue in Toyota Siennas. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
Hybrid Control Unit failure was the fault that came up on the screen. 3rd time within 3 months now. The HCU was just replaced a week ago at the KIA dealership and the vehicle is only 1 year old. This left my wife stranded on the side of a busy highway in 100 degree temps over the 4th of July holiday.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
On July 4, the electrical system under the dash caught fire and burned the ignition and dash, all the electrical under the dash
KIA
SORENTO PHEV
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 6, 2026
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
In 2018 shottenkirk desert lexus marked two recalls as completed but also simultaneously typed in a note saying "customer declined worked and is out of town" The original part number and quantity fields are left blank. The dealership was paid for these items. I do not have anywhere in the vehicle history after that date showing any recalls were addressed. The recalls are the airbag which is a saf... Read more