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: Aug 17, 2026
Vehicle has physically and forcibly moved both forward and backward, on its own, after being placed in Park and the engine turned off — including after occupants have exited the vehicle. This movement has struck the driver and two minor children on multiple separate occasions, as well as nearby curbs and objects, without physical injury. No warning lamps or dashboard messages appeared before or ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
The Defective Software Trigger: vehicle’s dashboard Brake Pad Life Monitor indicated the pads were low showing 19% roughly 3.5-4mm remaning life. Upon arrival to the dealership, I was informed that my rotors would also need to be resurfaced. I contested a mandatory rotor resurfacing policy. I openly disagreed with this arbitrary "store policy" but was forced to comply to get my vehicle serviced.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
The vehicle experienced multiple sudden engine stalls while driving in traffic. Specifically, the engine shut off unexpectedly and the transmission automatically shifted into Park (P) while on the road, leaving the vehicle immobilized and unable to be manually shifted out of P. Restarting the vehicle was extremely difficult, which created a severe safety hazard and nearly caused a rear-end collisi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
When stopping for a traffic sign or light, the car announces that it is shifting into park and does so. The car then will not shift into drive or reverse and is essentially disabled. Turning off the car completely and turning it back on will not return it to "Ready to Drive" mode. Jump starting the car, provided it is jump started twice, will clear the problem and move the car to "Ready to Driv... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 3, 2026
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the instrument panel went blank. The contact was able to pull over safely after the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V047000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not include in the recall. The dealer was contacted by phone. The manufacturer was contacted by phone an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a recurring, unresolved electrical defect in my 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL. The vehicle fails to recognize when the ignition is switched off, leaving core vehicle systems active and causing severe parasitic battery drain that leaves the car immobilized. Description of the Problem: False "On" Status: After parking, turning off the engine, and exitin... Read more
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
RA1250S
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 3, 2026
Incident date: Jun 21, 2026
While traveling at highway speeds in heavy traffic, the motorcycle suffered a sudden and catastrophic electrical failure. Without any advance warning, the TFT dashboard display went completely blank, the engine immediately lost all power, and the motorcycle quit running while in the middle of a busy highway.Because the engine stalled abruptly, I experienced a dangerous loss of forward momentum in ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
When stopped at a stop light the auto start feature sometimes - more often than not- fails to start back and the truck is stuck at the intersection. After putting it in park it will start after several tries. My dealership tells me there is nothing wrong with it even though it’s still under warranty. This has happened over 10 times to me
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 3, 2026
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced various intermittent electrical failures while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that the power locks and windows either failed to operate as needed or independently operated while driving. The vehicle was inspected by a friend, and a potential issue with the ground fault cable was found. ... Read more
BLUE BIRD
VISION SCHOOL BUS
(2026) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 3, 2026
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
The VIN# is actually a 2026 Bluebird Vision bus. We have had several of our school buses from bluebird co. have thesame issue of the brake pedal activating the lights without driver's input. Which causes the engine ecm not to let the driver accelerate or keep speed the same. We have replaced brake switch multiple times and still have these issues. We have adjusted the switches and the pedal m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and driving over construction steel plates on the roadway, the brakes independently engaged while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the failure could have caused a rear-end crash while driving at faster speeds with other vehicles nearby and posed a risk to her 1-year-old child s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
It was approximately 8:45 pm at night. I was sitting in my 2025 Honda Odyssey stopped at a red light with my foot on the brake. There were no other cars in front or behind me. It was a long light so the car engine stopped as it usually does due to its auto start-stop system to conserve gas (although electricity in the car remained on). However, when the light turned green, I took my foot off the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2026
Idling, received a warning of "engine stopped. steering power low". Trying to restart the car - it would start up then immediately shut down w/ the same error. Letting it sit for 15 minutes allowed it to reset and start again. It was raining at the time, wind shield wipers were on if that matters.
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER VELAR
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 3, 2026
Incident date: Aug 31, 2026
This complaint is filed regarding an inoperable vehicle subject to active safety recall NHTSA 26V-248 / JLR Campaign D126. My 2021 Range Rover Velar MHEV experienced a total charging failure and loss of motive power caused by an internal failure of the 48V-to-12V DC-DC converter (boost control microchip defect). A professional diagnostic confirmed the 12V battery is viable, but the DC-DC converte... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2026
I was driving home from work, the digital display (center)!showed my speed at 82m/h and revving the engine, the actual speedometer showed the actual speed I was doing of 32m/h…(right side of display). Computer reading lights and license plate light not working, yet they are. Took to repair shop and they could only reset, but it returned almost immediately. Gear shift malfunction. The lights on ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the "Propulsion Power Reduced" and "Shift to Park" messages were intermittently displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle lost automotive power and stalled, and the contact pulled over to the shoulder to avoid a crash. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact sustained emotion... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 2, 2026
While driving on the [XXX] my car lost power while in drive. I coasted onto the should. I could not get the car out of gear or put the car in park. I chocked the rear tire. I opened the hood. The positive cable had popped off the battery post. I got a piece of paper and created a temporary shim. The car drove home to where i found out on line i needed a battery shim. I purchased the shim a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
I was in drive and stopped to make a left hand turn. When it was my turn to go, I pressed on the gas and did not move, so I looked over at the gear shift and it switched itself into Neutral from Drive, by itself. I did not touch it or bump it.
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 3, 2026
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the contact stated that the failure occurred. The contact stated that the instrument panel flickered and went blank and repeatedly turned on and off. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The cont... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 3, 2026
Incident date: Aug 24, 2026
On August 24, 2026, my vehicle was parked, turned off, and locked for more than 6 hours in a parking lot. Without warning, the vehicle experienced a spontaneous thermal event/self combustion. The fire and thermal damage were entirely localized to the dashboard area inside the passenger cabin. The engine compartment, battery area and front mechanical components remained completely unaffected by the... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the Stabili-Trak warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power steering functionality, causing the steering to become extremely firm. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact safely pulled over, and after the audible alarm ceased, the vehicle returned to normal ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2026
I was driving 9/3 and my left blinker light came on solid. I was not using my blinker. Within a few seconds my check engine light came on and another light. Then within 2 minutes the front left engine/tire caught fire.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
The headlights are so dim that I could not see at night. I am forced to drive with the fog lights on for any amount of visibility. I recently replaced the headlights with factory replacements and now the connectors going into the back have failed and power only makes it to the lights when Mercury is in retrograde. This is unacceptable and a severe safety hazard.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2026
I own a 2020 Honda Passport Elite with approximately 63,000 miles. The infotainment display intermittently goes completely black while driving. When this occurs, the rearview camera also becomes unavailable. I have also experienced crackling or electrical-type noise through the speakers during the problem. The problem is intermittent. The system may operate normally for an extended period and t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2026
This is the 7th time this has happened turtle mode out of nowhere I've took it in the shop so much for the same reason the car shut off on me with my [XXX] grand child the car completely stopped throwing my neck extremely hard so hard I'm thinking about seeking medical attention and was stranded 2 hours in a location that was not safe my grandson was [XXX] at the time the car rolled backwards at h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2026
2019 honda accord, the transmission is failing, Slipping Gears, Delayed or Harsh Shifting, Unusual Noises, Warning Lights on, Transmission or check engine light illuminate, signaling potential issues, Fluid Leaks I have a 2019 honda accord, the fuel pump failed and the honda service center in miami charged me $1308.00 and it was supposed to be a free recall. I need help, the car is falling apart... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
The Starlink infotainment touchscreen in my 2019 Subaru Outback Touring has progressively failed. Visible bubbles have formed under the glass, consistent with screen delamination. The screen registers phantom inputs on its own without being touched ("ghost touch"), changing settings, and interrupting functions while the vehicle is being driven. The touchscreen has now become completely unresponsiv... Read more
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 2, 2026
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
RELATED TO RECALL 26V248 ([XXX]) — VIN EXCLUDED DESPITE IDENTICAL DEFECT. INCIDENT 1 — [XXX] — [XXX] (~8,500 miles): Vehicle displayed "Stop Safely Electrical Fault Detected" red warning and lost all motive power in active highway traffic. Unable to move vehicle. Called 911; emergency responders blocked lane. Infant and two senior citizens in vehicle; both seniors suffered minor heat stroke... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
Electronic power steering went out a couple times on me .
Incident date: Sep 2, 2026
I would like to file complaint against Ford for their latest recall (26N041) and how they are not doing replacing the defective Lead Frame in customers vehicles. It's a big scam and a waste of time. I brought my 2016 Ford F-150 in for Ford’s latest recall (26N04) affecting 2015–2017 models due to the transmission leadframe issue. I explained that I’ve been dealing with an intermittent prob... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
Our 2024 Mazda CX-90 has experienced the same significant malfunction on two separate occasions while being driven on busy public roads. The vehicle displayed an “Acceleration Limited Due to Battery Condition” warning and experienced significantly reduced/limited acceleration while driving. This put the occupants and other motorists at risk because the vehicle could not accelerate normally in ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2026
While driving at highway speeds, the moonroof suddenly and spontaneously exploded without being struck by any visible road debris or external objects. After safely pulling over and shutting the vehicle off to assess the damage, the car now refuses to start or crank. The electrical system and interior/dashboard lights still power on normally, but the ignition will not engage to drive the vehicle.
FORD
FUSION ENERGI
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 2, 2026
Incident date: Aug 29, 2026
CHARGE CIRCUIT CONDITION INDICATOR LIGHT THIS IS DEFECTIVE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT LEFT NOT CORRECTED THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THREE INDICATOR LIGHTS UNITS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THIS VEHICLE, A 2019 FORD FUSION ENERGI ( KNOWN AS A PLUG IN HYBRID) ALL THREE INDICATOR CHARGE LEVEL LIGHTS HAVE BURN OUT WITHIN A WARRANTY PERIOD OF OPERATION AND FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE FAULTY H... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
While travelling to California on a personal trip my vehicle displayed a "Battery System Fault" warning message on the driver's display and advised me to stop the vehicle in a safe location within 120 seconds. After pulling off the highway onto the shoulder of an exit ramp and stopping the vehicle it would not longer shift into drive and displayed a "Vehicle Not Driveable" warning message. -I was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
2025 Ford Ranger XLT experienced an electrical short-circuit causing a persistent speaker hiss with the vehicle turned off, accompanied by an electrical burning smell. The radio and audio became very staticky and a constant hissing sound with the radio and the truck turned off. By the time the dealer looked at the vehicle it was operating normally. Dealership refused to inspect wiring or ACM due t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Back wiper stopped working while it was on. Wiper arm is stuck straight up on back window. Back wiper motor got extremely hot still trying to work with the car ON or OFF. Would make a clicking sound every 30secounds 24/7 and would drain the battery dead. No power.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Recall for cluster, dealership said they could not. Get the parts to fix it.they fixed the airbags said we could pick the car up, called the company that sent the recall letter they said I could buy the part,or I could call other dodge dealerships, I have not had a car since I got the do not drive letter which was in March,I also had to use my AAA to get it towed to fernley which is about 80 mile... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2001) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 2, 2026
Incident date: Aug 24, 2026
THe component was the speed control deactivation switch Manufacturer Recall Number 05S28 NHTSA Recall Number05V017000 Recall Status Recall Incomplete. It is unknown if the part is available for inspection but the vehicle is. The fire occurred while driving and left me stranded on the side of the road with five dogs, 2 hours away from home with no way of getting back. I had to find a hotel that ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Receiving pop up faults on instrument panel. ie battery low voltage, adaptive cruise sys problem, road departure mitigation sys problem, Sys problem detected shift to park, to start engine brake and push start, idle stop engine will not restart all of these issue donot throw codes to the main ECM or BCM so dealer can't trace the problem. This has been going on since march 2025
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
While driving this EV with cruise control on, the dashboard suddenly showed a message that “Smart Cruise Control conditions not met”. Attempting to re-engage the cruise control did not work and then the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion (pressing the accelerator did nothing). The car quickly slowed to about 20 mph before we could maneuver it to the shoulder and turn it off. After a coupl... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 2, 2026
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
While stopped at a highway red light, the vehicle jolted forward and numerous dash lights came on, including messages saying “Brake System Failure, Service ESC, Service Trailer Brake, Service Parking Brake, Engine Power Reduced, Power Steering Reduced.” This is the first time any of these messages have ever appeared. This made the vehicle incredibly difficult to steer and the braking ability w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2026
All lights on dash appear. Forward collision warning, blind spot warning, other warnings. Car loses ability to accelerate for a few moments and makes unsafe to drive. RPM needle bounces.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 2, 2026
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
The stereo screen face failed, with warning signs in foreign languages. An inspection was completed and it was confirmed that the module behind the screen attempted to update and burned out. When this system update failed it continued to run power resulting in a dead battery. luckily there was another vehicle around to jump start the vehicle but if someone is out of cell service or doesn't have a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
After sitting 2 weeks at airport parking. 12 volt Battery dead . Unsafe to repeatedly have to take out emergency key and pull handle cover off and get in car hit 12v button to start. The dealer we took it to refuses to replace the 12 volt integrated battery. It has happened multiple times. They checked battery and said it was okay. Repeated having to push 12 volt button unacceptable and unsafe.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
Vehicle went into “limp mode” as I was entering an intersection. Pressed accelerator to the floor and vehicle would only sputter and crawl slowly. Vehicle towed to dealership. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk as the vehicle, without warning, essentially stalled while driving. If there were other vehicles on the roadway, this could have easily caused an an accident with i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2026
My 2025 Ram 1500 equipped with the 3.0L High Output engine has experienced two separate incidents involving loss or severe reduction of electric power steering assist. The first incident occurred on August 23, 2026, while traveling at approximately 40 mph on a public roadway. The steering became extremely heavy, the odometer began flashing, and the check-engine light illuminated. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2026
Car has a parasitic draw and is on its second battery in 3 years. The dealer can’t seem to fix the issue and shows little concern to find the issue. Dangerous to get stranded somewhere or in the cold. It’s erratic when it decides to kill the battery and not safe.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
The car does not ride properly...it stops suddenly, it jolts, it vibrates, the battery sounds like it is overworking or overheating. Our plug-in charger caught fire and when we found out there was a recall on the battery we brought it to Jeep and they told us it's fine. But, it's not fine. It completely stalled while driving this morning and feels like it's going to blow up. I no longer feel safe ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the instrument panel lights illuminated but the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the RF Hub had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
I purchased a 2013 Ford Focus from Boucher Ford of Menomonee Falls, WI in February, 2026. A few months later, Ford issued a recall on this car that requires the Powertrain Control Module to be reprogrammed to avoid issues like a collapsed fuel tank or stalling while driving, potentially causing an accident. I had been informed by a mechanic that this car was sold to me with a custom tune on the PC... Read more