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 25, 2026
Auto Idle Stop restart. Engine shit off at a complete stop. Release the brake to go and vehicle fails to restart. Vehicle may shit itself into neutral or park. Must manually restart the vehicle. Sometimes after multiple time attempts. Vehicle is stranded in traffic for several seconds to several minutes.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
Our 3 yrs old + Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SUV with barely over 30,000 miles on it had 2 safety issues within 2 months of each other! First was the driver's side mirror- it was rattling, feeling like it might fall off! Seems common issue, perhaps due to cheap plastic parts inside. We had it fixed- Toyota Brand Engagement Center gave a 'Goodwill' gesture to cover us replacing it at Dealership, though it sh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
The centre console screen has completely failed and has gone black. Yes, the screen is available for inspection upon request. The screen houses access to most safety systems in the car, including the reverse camera, front camera, collision avoidance system settings, lane safety settings, blind spot monitoring settings etc. Lack of access to these systems makes driving the car less safe Yes, the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
On Saturday, June 20, I was driving my son to soccer. We stopped at a stoplight. When the light turned green, I pressed the accelerator and we went forward. However, when I took my foot off the accelerator, the car continued to accelerate. Luckily it slowed down when I pushed on the break. But every time I took my foot off the break the car continued to accelerate. I did not have a good place to p... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
A year ago while driving on the interstate, my Ford Maverick suddenly threw a "Stop Safely Now" alert. I was able to turn the ignition off and back on to safely exit the highway. The alert came back once I made it to a parking lot and stuck around for a while. I was able to get it started and drove to a Ford dealership that told me it was just a software update. The same issue happened 2 more time... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
I am filing a formal safety defect report regarding a severe, non-functional Advanced Passenger/Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system that has been completely inoperable ("INOP") since delivery of this brand-new vehicle.The vehicle has been subjected to four (4) independent, consecutive service repair attempts at authorized franchise dealerships with a compl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
I got to my destination and got out of the truck and like a hour later I came back to my truck to get in and my truck was full of smoke and stunk and my center console and center dash melted and gone . Nothing would work . That’s all I know
Fire
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
I was driving my 2024 Jeep Gladiator Willys Texas Edition on the FM 3180 and I 10 when the vehicle experienced a complete electrical failure without warning. The instrument panel began flashing, the vehicle lost power and became completely inoperative while I was traveling. I was able to get the vehicle off the roadway, but it would not restart. At first it would start and flash, windshield wiper... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The manufacturer-installed 40kWh replacement battery has suffered an internal high-voltage isolation short to the vehicle chassis (Codes P0AA6/P31E7), creating an immediate fire and shock hazard. The component failed just 2 years after installation in 2024. Nissan is refusing to repair this severe safety defect because the vehicle's original body frame is past its warranty window.
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
On two occasions the car stopped while on the highway. Dealer checked it twice. Told me to drive it and when it happens again I should bring it in. The following is the transcription of the voicemail that Alex from the dealership left me Hey, this is Alex over at Peter's Nissan. Just giving me a call back. Uh, I did just received your keys from the technician. You need a couple more road test... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
This is just a copy of what I sent to Honda. navigation cannot even be used because of this problem. this does create a safety issue when I'm in areas I'm not familiar with and the fact that I cannot use the maps function and have to look at my phone for directions. not to mention the constant distraction. Is Honda ever going to do anything about this trash? This is not okay and IS A SAFETY issu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
Randomly all controls on my steering wheel (I.e. cruise control, volume for sound, Bluetooth phone controls etc) just stopped working. Now I cannot control the radio, phone or even toggle to see mpg, mileage driven, use cruise control etc. I read there was an extended warranty regarding this issue and my vehicle was or is affected. However it has since expired and upon contacting local dealership ... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2018) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
Once again I am having to replace a bulb for my vehicle. This will be the second time in 3 months I have had to replace my rear blinker bulb. Not including the 4-5 times per year I have to replace headlight bulbs. This time the wiring has melted and the bulb has nearly melted the lens cover. I only buy the exact OEM recommended bulb every time. Nothing fancy. Just the basic old school bulbs. Every... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2018) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
My Nissan Leaf was affected in the NHTSA Recall 24V-700. We took it into the Valley Nissan of Longmont, where we initially purchased the car, on 6/19/2026. The dealership checked it out and told us it was fine, so we took the car home that day. We drove it around on 6/20/2026 and received an urgent EV service warning. The car went into turtle mode while we were driving on the highway. We called th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The auto start/stop feature will fail at random when I come to a stop. My vehicle will shut off and the parking brake will turn on, leading to delays in traffic and unsafe traffic situations. I have had my battery replaced, so this has occured with new batteries and nothing wrong with my car.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V091000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and a software update was completed to monitor any issues with the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a ... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE PHEV
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding my Volkswagen vehicle because it has experienced two recurring defects during the warranty period that remain unresolved despite repeated repair attempts by the dealership. Issue 1 – Excessive Oil Consumption The vehicle has had a persistent excessive oil consumption problem since the warranty period. The dealership has attempted to repair this defect si... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
The vehicle advanced warning stystems are all failing. After multiple repair attempts this continues. Previously it resulted in failure where vehicle would not move due to advanced brake assist.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving and stopping on a red light at around 25 mph, vehicle was shaking till it completely stalled. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed with ignition coil failure and pending repairs. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V743000 (Electrical System). The dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
The infotainment system is experiencing the "ghost touch" problem already identified by Mazda and there has already been a class action lawsuit won regarding this problem. I was not aware of this class action lawsuit or I would have participated to have my system repaired. My infotainment system is completely unusable and I have been told it is over $500 to repair/replace. I am the original o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Car was parked outside husbands work since 7 at 12:15 pm he was advised by a co worker that my car was on fire ! When I ran outside my his workers where trying to put out the fire with the fire extinguishers from the work warehouse ! The fire department ended up finish putting out the fire ! The whole engine compartment was burnt to a crisp and a huge hole was burnt through the hood on the passen... Read more
Fire
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: May 4, 2026
We have a vehicle with a recall, NHTSA ID: 24V-700, NISSAN ID: R24B2, the dealer is unable to schedule a service appointment and the Nissan Corporate Case Manager no longer responds to communications, of which I have sent many. I currently have no known way of getting this safety recall resolved. I called Nissan Corporate Affairs (6/25) and all they could do was send a message that I called to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH in a neighborhood, an advertisement unexpectedly appeared on the center display and obstructed the navigation screen. The contact stated that on the most recent failure, the navigation screen returned after a short while; however, on a previous occasion, the navigation screen could not be restored witho... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
While driving my 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid AWD at highway speed with only 16,755 miles on the vehicle, multiple warning messages suddenly appeared, including warnings related to the engine, hybrid system, AWD system, and other vehicle functions. The vehicle instructed me to pull over immediately and significantly reduced power output, making it difficult to maintain highway speed and saf... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
I purchased this car in April 2023 and in December 2023. I had to get a new battery when I purchased a car. They told me that there was no worries or mishaps with the vehicle they said just only normal wear and tear for is a used vehicle. My car is a 2021 Nissan Altima so the car would’ve been about two years old maybe or on his way to be in two years old when I got the car according to the Carf... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
When I came to a stop at a traffic light, the car shut off as expected. However, when I took my foot off the brake the car did not start up. I had to manually start the car. This happened 3 times earlier so I had the car in to Curtis Ryan Honda for service one week prior and they claimed the battery was defective and put a new one in. However, even after the new battery, it did it again yesterday.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Seat warmer started to catch on fire
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the seat belt warning light was intermittently illuminated while the seat belt was securely buckled. The messages "Service ESC” and “Service Trailer Brake System” we... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Car bought new April 2026. At 1700 miles the 12v battery drained completely overnight after having been driven not 8 hours earlier. Car parked in garage, windows down and car left unlocked. Car was charged to 95% and did NOT have the charging cable on. Woke up to drive it and it wouldn’t start. Totally dead. Had to have it towed. Jumping the car did by tow truck did start the car to allow me to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The check engine light came on while the vehicle was being driven during a vacation. This happened after the vehicle had a maintenance-required tune-up performed by the dealership on May 19, 2026. The vehicle was not having performance issues at the time, but I did not want to drive home with the check engine light on. The very next business day, I took the vehicle to the dealership for inspectio... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
The lane-keeping assist function (In-Lane control, part of the driver-assistance suite) does not turn off when commanded. The driver selects the control to disengage, and the system remains active and continues to apply steering input. This is a recurring condition and it is getting more frequent. A driver-assistance steering function that cannot be switched off removes driver authority over the ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E 350 4MATIC
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Around May 22, 2026 While driving on the interstate the high voltage battery/ hybrid battery failed and the main battery stopped charging and the vehicle went into battery saver mode and the vehicle stalled. Its been at the dealership for over 30 days due to part backorder and isn’t projected to be available until Aug 5.
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: May 29, 2026
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2019 Honda Accord LX. While driving, a yellow “Brake System” warning light appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle continued to drive normally, and no obvious braking problems were noticed at that time. However, the warning remained illuminated while driving. In addition, I experienced intermittent episodes where pressing the accelerator pedal d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
BMW F Series models between 2008-2021 have issues with rear turn signal malfunctions. On my car, the left turn signal stopped working and caused a fault warning. The dealership said the housing needed to be replaced, but then it started working normally, and then the right rear did the same. Since then, I have had intermittent failures on both the left and right sides. A simple google search s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Carplay turning off during heavy travel (getting lost), going 5 minutes down the road, anytime. but phone is still connected so gps will not work properly. Screen Glitches. Heavy/thick random speaker bass noise while on phone calls and even no music. Phone trying to connect to previous forgotten phones while driving.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Genesis. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a nearby parking lot, upon returning, there was heavy black smoke coming from under the front passenger’s side seat. Upon further inspection, the contact burned his right hand while attempting to check for the source of the fire. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer while the black smoke was present,... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the radio was inoperable. The contact stated that the gauges failed to properly operate. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the rearview camera image was reversed before becoming inoperable. The ABS, AWD, and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent me... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
Air bag code and light on dash code B0085-00 . Code is set when the key is in on position and the door is opened. Left front side impact sensor. I am a master technician and determined wiring problem between the driver door and cab . Performed search on line common problem. This is a safety issue and should be addressed. Thank you
STD
TRAILER HITCH
(9999) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
Check engine light and collision lights come on at start of vehicle due to the wiring harness issue. The throttle body and EMC have been replaced. This is a huge safety concern as it effects the engine and the operation of the vehicle. The problem continues even after the dealer has confirmed and reproduced the issue.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
On June 24, 2026, my spouse was operating our 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe when the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic, and total electrical failure while actively on the roadway. The vehicle was stopped at a traffic light when all propulsion power was instantly lost, the engine shut down, and all electronic systems—including the center infotainment screens and instrument cluster—went completely... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
While driving my Porsche Taycan through a high-speed intersection, the vehicle suddenly displayed battery and chassis system error messages instructing me to pull over immediately. Before I could safely move the vehicle to the side of the road, it completely lost propulsion, speed control, and steering capability, causing the vehicle to abruptly slow to 0 mph in active traffic and leaving me stran... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2026
The power-unlatching tailgate drops open unexpectedly. Opened on freeway at 75mph. Known saftey recall however my VIN isn't listed as an affected vehicle
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Digital instrument panel speedometer screen has gone blank. No longer displays speed. This occurred while driving the vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
Back up camera is inverted. Its been 8 months sinse recall. Nothing from Ford. 2 Computer screen will not update,
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. My family was out of town, when the fire occurred. However, the neighbors were home and their home also sustained some damage. My home was a total loss. On June 16, 2026 I received a call while out of town that my home was on fire and it was a total loss. Statements from the neighbors and fire marshal were that the garage was on fire an... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
My 2019 Honda Clarity has had a hybrid battery failure that triggers “Check Engine” and “Power System” warnings, making the vehicle unsafe and unreliable to drive. I brought the car to Norm Reeves Honda Cerritos on 12/29/2025, and the battery—still under warranty—has been on backorder for over 6 months with no repair completed. The dealer repeatedly requested new diagnostic readings bu... Read more
HONDA
CLARITY PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 25, 2026
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
Vehicle in question had problems since day. One computer was affected was never fixed. Many problems ended up in agency for repairs a total of 9 1/2 months and I’ve only have a three year lease on the vehicle and have not been able to use it fully because of electrical and further issues. Litigation found with my attorneys and Ford attorneys, that the vehicle had multiple problems and was issue... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
The motorcycle unexpectedly shut off while accelerating into an intersection. It appears to be caused by a faulty ignition lock that turns the motorcycle off due to vibration while driving, recorded on video