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: Oct 25, 2023
The vehicle's electrical system intermittently fails while driving. The entire instrument cluster and electronics shut off (speedometer, gauges, and all warning indicators go dark) while the engine continues running. On one occasion this occurred at night on a highway, with sudden loss of dashboard and electrical function until the vehicle could be pulled to safety, rendering the vehicle essentia... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
The engine failed on a 2015 Hyundai Elantra with approximately 71,000 miles. The vehicle has an open, unresolved safety recall (Recall 251, NHTSA #23V651000) for an ABS module brake fluid leak that Hyundai has acknowledged but has not provided a remedy for. The vehicle is currently at an independent repair facility and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle repeatedly shut off witho... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The primary failure is in the electronic transmission control system and engine wiring harness assembly, specifically throwing diagnostic trouble codes P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction) and P0717 (Input Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal). The authorized dealership identified a critical issue with the engine harness chafing, but their subsequent repair attempts have failed to resolve the... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
ABS communication failure has completely locked the transmission in Park, creating an immediate safety hazard, and that the manufacturer has failed to provide replacement part
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
If I leave the auto idle engine stop on,and come to a complete stop, the auto engine stop turns on, but as I release the brake to drive, the vehicle stalls in drive and engine shuts down. I will have to manually turn the car back on and restart the whole system before being allowed to continue. All while at a green light and a ton of traffic waiting behind me to move! Its very disappointing and em... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
FIRE HAZARD — UNDERSIZED DC CABLE WITH UNDOCUMENTED SPLICE INSIDE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT The 2026 Midwest Automotive Designs Luxe Cruiser D6 (VIN [XXX] , Unit #[XXX]) contains an undersized negative DC cable carrying 304 amperes continuous through a conductor rated for 195 amperes (2/0 AWG copper), representing 156% of rated capacity under NEC ampacity tables. Motor-starting surge loads can exce... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
Subject: Supplemental Evidence for Existing NHTSA Complaint / ODI #11711973 I am submitting supplemental safety information for my existing NHTSA vehicle safety complaint, ODI #11711973, involving my 2025 BMW X3, VIN [XXX] . Since filing, I had an additional BMW of Sterling visit/repair estimate dated April 22, 2026, mileage 17,628, RO #[XXX]. The dealer documented additional concerns including ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Sometimes my backup camera will not show a screen. I have considerable amount of trouble trying to connect my phone to the car. Hands down can I use the GPS on the car. Lights do not come on my dashboard. The RPM bounces up and down from starting it all the way to the while you're driving. The car does not want to stay started it does not like to go it does not hands down not like sitting still.... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The vehicle turned off at a red light and would not start up again.
TOYOTA
RAV4 HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 22, 2026
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes Benz EQB 250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V073000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Component or system that failed: The GPS navigation system and cellular connectivity module in my 2024 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX] ) have intermittently lost signal and become completely nonfunctional multiple times over the past month. Tesla's service documentation indicates this affects the vehicle's connectivity hardware or managing software. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2022 GMC Terrain after experiencing a sudden infotainment system failure that also disabled my backup camera functionality. The infotainment screen in my vehicle suddenly went completely black without warning and without any physical damage to the vehicle. The screen failure caused the backup camera to stop functioning as well, creating a significant sa... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid experienced a serious charging system failure during routine overnight charging using a standard Level 2 home charger that had previously worked without issue. In the morning, the charging connector was physically trapped in the vehicle charge port and could not be removed despite repeated normal troubleshooting attempts, including repeated unlock cycles, charger powe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
This is supplemental evidence for NHTSA Safety Complaint #11739200 UNIFIED SUPPLEMENTAL EVIDENCE PACKET SEE UPLOADED FILE
Incident date: May 2, 2026
SOS MODULE FAILURE 3 TIMES IN 8 MONTHS
Incident date: May 15, 2025
On 4/28/26, my 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited suffered a catastrophic high-voltage system failure, causing the vehicle to completely shut off at highway speeds on a live road. Stuck on the highway for nearly 3 hours at around rush hour blocking one lane of traffic. The dealership (Ourisman Jeep) diagnosed a failed 48V Hybrid Power Pack Unit (Part #68381513AA) under STAR Order #9575**. This su... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Shift to park dings continuously and vehicle won’t turn off draining battery leaving doors unlocked. Don’t want to force into park and break anything more.
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Total engine failure in the Ford Explorer XLT 2.3L ecoboost.
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The vehicle experienced a loss or severe reduction of power steering assist. The steering became very difficult to turn, creating a safety concern while operating or maneuvering the vehicle. The issue appears to involve the electric power steering system, steering rack/rack-and-pinion, and/or related electrical harness or connector. The problem occurred on or about 05/21/2026 at approximately 490... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2004) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 22, 2026
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Automatic start stop completely turns off car when pulling up to a stop sign, light, or yield intersection. Car completely turned off and wouldn’t start on a bridge overpass causing a safety hazard. Took a solid minute for it to restart.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The vehicle’s 12-volt electrical system repeatedly loses power within about 1 hour of sitting. The car becomes completely unresponsive (cannot unlock or start) and requires use of the built-in 12V battery reset button to restore power. This occurs frequently and makes the vehicle unreliable and potentially unsafe, as the car may become inoperable without warning. This appears to be an electri... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2015) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 22, 2026
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
I am submitting this updated complaint regarding ongoing issues with Safety Recall 69PZ (Passenger Occupant Detection System) on my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Despite multiple repair attempts at Gossett Volkswagen in Memphis, TN, the recall remains incomplete, and the vehicle now exhibits additional safety‑system failures that began immediately after dealership service. I purchased the ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trailor lights and the brake lights failed to function as intended. No warning lights were ullimunated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a malfunction with the trailor brakes and service brakes. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Toyota made a defective coolant valve in their 2019-2021 cars that leaked spontaneously in these vehicles. Over 950,000 cars have been affected to date, including my 2020 Rav4. They are aware of the issue and made a customer support program for this issue which led to engines overheating/electrical code problems, which can cause a severe safety issue if left unrepaired. The program however has a l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Vehicle was driving at 50-55 MPH on [XXX] . The vehicle immediately gave multiple warning systems such as "Dream Drive Unavailable" "Regenerative Braking unavailable, use brake pedal" "Hold unavailable" "Dynamic handling unavailable" "Car will Power off in 5 minutes" and the car started applying the breaks and went into a "turtle" mode. It went from 50 miles per hour down to 35 miles per hour in ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Prius. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V049000 (Electrical System, Latches/Locks/Linkages)however the parts were unavailable. The dealer was contacted, the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced any failure regarding the unrepaired recall.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
The contact leased a 2025 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that upon pushing the button to open the hatch, the hatch would automatically come down once a person moved from under the liftgate. A beeping noise would emit from the hatch as it's coming down which resulted in the contact being hit on her head. The contact stated that failure occured while she was assisting a client who was legally blin... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Following a recent $9,000 engine replacement performed by an authorized Kia dealership, my vehicle suffered a catastrophic, simultaneous mechanical and electronic systems failure while in operation. Without warning, the vehicle triggered the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) and entered "Limp Home Mode," severely restricting vehicle power. Immediately following this, the vehicle experienced a t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I have been having issues with the vehicles audio speakers for a few months now, having random momentary bursts of full volume static noise, as well as sometimes consistent static noise that doesn’t stop for up to 30 mins even after the vehicle is turned off. On 5/21/26 this happened once again, turning vehicle off didn’t work. The static sound stayed playing even after the truck was turned of... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The telecommunications module for vehicle GPS and OnStar emergency services failed after a factory software update. Now the vehicle has no GPS location, information emergency OnStar services or the ability to access vehicle Telematic via cell signal or an app. Dealer refused to cover the item under the 36 month bumper-to-bumper warranty leaving the consumer stuck with a $2000 cost just to have GPS... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
During operation of my 2015 Ford Edge Titanium, the vehicle experienced intermittent loss of acceleration and multiple electronic warning messages. While driving, pressing the accelerator pedal would sometimes result in little or no vehicle acceleration. The RPMs fluctuated abnormally and the vehicle appeared to enter a reduced-power condition. Warning messages included “Hill Start Assist Unavai... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic brake-by-wire system failure while operating in one-pedal driving (Regeneration Boost mode). While decelerating at a low speed behind an 18-wheeler semi-truck, the vehicle failed to continue slowing down. I immediately depressed the physical brake pedal, but the vehicle completely ignored the foot pressure. The pedal and braking system became complete... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V655000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aw... Read more
EVENFLO
REVOLVE360
(9999) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 22, 2026
Incident date: May 15, 2026
A fuse box burnt up while driving in down town Chicago at 35mph causing no power to steer and loss of braking. The vehicle only stopped because it ran off the road hitting a pothole there was total loss of power. towed to the dealer Ram claims it was a burnt fuse box and there is still electrical issues with the truck its not fixed truck has approximately 11,000 miles still under factory warranty ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
While driving car began to decelerate and the dash lit up with a number of ABS/Brake system failure symbols. I was on the highway traveling at abt 70 mph when the issue happened. Got car to coast off hwy onto an upward sloping exit. Stopped at a light. Turned off and back on and was able to gain minor speed got approx three blocks to a gas station. Pulled off and tried restarts. The screen sta... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 22, 2026
Incident date: May 17, 2026
The authorized dealer performed a non-compliant remedy for Safety Recall 23V-337. The initial repair resulted in melted wires and a charred connector due to high resistance. The dealer's subsequent re-repair utilized an un-staggered cluster of approximately 8 inline crimp connectors in a single tight bundle.This directly violates BMW Factory Repair Standard ISTA/AIR 61 13, which explicitly mandate... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
After having to have my vehicle towed to & held by the dealership for a total of 3 months altogether over the course of two separate engine rebuilds due to a national recall on faulty oil pump parts, my vehicle's check engine light came on & gave a message that there was an issue with the emissions system. I am now experiencing multiple engine system faults EVERY SINGLE TIME I refuel my vehicle wh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
APIM real‑time clock failure. Dealer refuses repair, states ‘software issue’ for 16 months. Clock resets instantly to 12:00, cannot retain time. Will also blink sometime to current time and then immediately back to 12:00. This displays both on my head unit as well as my heads up display.
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The rear camera frequently does not work when the vehicle is put into reverse. This creates a major safety concern and makes it difficult for me, especially as an older driver, to safely back out of parking spaces and avoid hitting someone or something. The rear camera is an important safety feature that I rely on daily. I am requesting that the vehicle be properly repaired, or bought back if the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
ICCU failure. Total and sudden loss of power. No acceleration. "Limp mode" activated for 5 miles before total shut down.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
Power Tail Gate electronic circuit is not working due to water seeping into the trunk from the Roof rails there is a manufacture defect with the sealants on the roof. Water seeping into the car is damaging the Battery as well as it had to be started with jumper cable.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
A vehicle was sold and delivered while under an active stop‑sale safety recall (manufacturer recall 26TB03). The recall was not disclosed at the time of purchase. When questions were raised about whether any recalls were present, the issue was dismissed and no recall information was provided. According to the recall documentation, the potential defect involves the rear door system possibly openi... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
While driving on the highway in my 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan (approximately 70,068 miles), the EPC warning light and oil warning light illuminated and the vehicle began to stall/lose power. I exited the highway immediately and shut the vehicle down safely. A substantial amount of engine oil leaked from underneath the vehicle after stopping. The vehicle was towed to a Volkswagen dealership. Dealer d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
I started my Jeep in my driveway and a warning quickly flashed onto the center screen just before the Check Engine Light illuminated. I attempted to test drive it. The vehicle started cutting out before the engine started racing. I was able to stop at the end of my street. I made a U-Turn to return to my home and the Jeep started bucking and jerking wildly as I was attempting to stop in front of m... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
Vehicle is very hard to steer, will not reset when restarting the vehicle. two dash messages; advance track warning and power assist failure. I have not attempted to drive on road due to difficulty of steering the wheel. I am afraid the vehicle is uncontrollable at this point and needs to be towed to a repair facility. Not sure if this incident is linked to the recall under 14S06 for ford recalls.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 21, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Radio 8.4 touch screen is delaminated and freezes during back up camera use and sometimes the inputs change on their own
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 21, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Shift to park error Vehicle won’t shut off
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The vehicle just shut down as I exited. The power and gas pressure decreased. Pulled over to see if my hybrid battery was defective or drained. It wasn’t. A notification popped up and said “Hybrid Control System or Low Voltage DC/DC Converter, Contact dealer for service. Finally got it towed to Kia of Valencia the next day and they said it was “Hydraulic Clutch Actuator” and they want cha... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
The touch screen for the radio is having ghost tapping and it is switching from the radio to Bluetooth to turning on and off by itself.
Incident date: May 17, 2026
Batteries keep draining overnight, sitting at dealership since April 22nd. Still can't diagnose the reason for that.