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 62,429 complaints - component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
Car was taken to dealership for inspection. Upon inspection, it was determined that the fuel tank had expanded and pushed towards the heat shield, and expanded upward pushing up the back seats of vehicle. It was determined to not safe to drive. Manufacturer contacted me and offered a buyback. Upon their offer of a buyback, it was determined that I would owe the manufacturer approximately $2,000. I... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
As I was driving down road car began to lose power, check engine light came on and car went into limp mode. Car was towed to nearest repair shop where analysis was made. I was advised to take to dealership for repair. Advised that there was a service campaign issued by the manufacturer on GLB class with M260 motors. See attached report. Took car to MB dealer and informed that an update to the ECU ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
There is a recall on this vehicle (25S75), issued on July 8, 2025. As of the date of writing this, there is no remedy available. This is a safety issue, and the fact that it remains unresolved over a year later, is completely unacceptable. The NHTSA site says to file a complaint if the issue is not remedied in a timely manner, and this is certainly not a timely remedy.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
While traveling at highway speeds, my 2017 GMC Yukon SLE suffered a sudden, catastrophic Active Fuel Management (AFM) valvetrain lifter and camshaft collapse. This caused an immediate and highly dangerous loss of vehicle propulsion in live moving traffic on I-95, creating an extreme physical safety hazard for my family. General Motors has extensive, documented internal corporate knowledge of this ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
car taken to Hutchenson Kia of Macon for Kia recall Campaign SC356. I heard loud pop a few days before appointment. The dealership stated the gas tank failed structural inspection and has already expanded. This put me and my children in danger. The dealership kept my vehicle and will not give me me a loaner. They left me stranded without a way to get home or pick up my kids from daycare. the 1800... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
Gas fumes filled the cabin. I am suffering from headaches from smelling in fumes. This is dangerous and health issues. The gas tank is under passage back seat and costs $2,235 to replace primary and transfer pumps. Is this covered by a recall?
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
This specific van has 2 open recalls already: 1 on a rear seat issue and 1 on a fuel pipe issue which is why i submitted to KIA dealer in the first place after smelling gas inside the cabin of my car while driving for 3 days until the dealer opened. While at the dealer they found a manufacture defect of the gas tank expanding in the heat and releasing liquid fuel into the charcoal cannister meant ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Apr 20, 2005
I am submitting this complaint because I believe my Volvo electric vehicle has a serious and recurring safety-related defect that has not been permanently repaired despite multiple repair attempts. Since purchasing the vehicle new, it has repeatedly failed to operate as intended, left me stranded multiple times, and continues to display warning messages while driving. I purchased the vehicle new ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
On July 25, 2026, while driving my 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at high speeds on the freeway, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of drive power accompanied by a check engine light and a severe hybrid system error warning. The failure occurred without any prior warning or degradation in performance, forcing an immediate emergency maneuver through traffic to reach the shoulder. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Driving on the interstate at high speed, when check engine light comes on, warning message - Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off - and red turtle warning indicator (limp mode). After a short time, vehicle will no longer accelerate. I pulled over to the shoulder, stopped and shut off engine. Restarted after a few minutes and everything appeared to work fine, with check engine light on. About 15 m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
After finishing a long drive south, I shut the engine off and a yellow engine code popped on. I connected my computer to it and revealed a P129F code (fuel pump control module). I have noticed that other GMC models have been included in a recall concerning this problem. The 2021 GMC 2500 Denali should be also since it is the same problem. This needs to be covered by the manufacturer since it i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The vehicle is grounded at the dealership due to NHTSA Campaign 25V794 (Kia Recall SC356). The vehicle's fuel tank has critically expanded and swollen, causing permanent structural and chassis deformation inside the vehicle. The dealership service department has documented this structural damage, confirmed the vehicle is entirely unsafe to operate due to an immediate fuel system fire hazard, and s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
The vehicle randomly stalls and shuts down. This can happen while pulling out in traffic. It has happened 5 times or more.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Gas leak in the fuel system. Obvious gas smell when car is turned on. Because of the impending danger i have taken the vehicle to á local independent service center for evaluation. They are in the process of confirming the problem. I could not chance driving too far to the dealer because of the hazzard and risk. There were no warning lights indicating the problem.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure and engine-compartment fire involving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select, equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle had approximately 99,864 miles when the final failure occurred. Shortly after I purchased the vehicle, the original engine developed severe overheating, loss of cabin heat, white exhaust smoke, misfiring, and coolant intrusion.... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
Driving down the highway and my vehicle lost power. It stopped dead still in the middle of the highway under a hill both front and back. It was very dangerous both for me and the other drivers. Engine light came on and the car wouldn’t start . Had it towed to the Chevrolet dealer.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2021
You ca. have gas in the car and it still just cut off and say no gas and it be gas in their
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
On XXX, while traveling to [XXX], I experienced serious fuel system problems after filling my vehicle. The fuel gauge fluctuated from full to empty, and a loud pop caused the rear seat, where my two children were sitting, to lift upward. The vehicle would not accept more fuel despite the empty reading. I called AAA, but before the tow arrived, the gauge returned to normal, so I continued my trip. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
Subject: Vehicle Safety Incident Report – Fuel Pump Disconnection and Oil Leak To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Date: July 27, 2026 I am submitting this report to detail a recent vehicle malfunction that posed significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. While driving to work, I experienced a situation where my vehicle was unable to shift gears properly or... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
Have replaced the fuel injectors twice after completing the recalled fuel pump and now getting P0172 code with another bad injector!!! This is a piece of shit and I’m going to trade it in on a Toyota.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
The engine stalled out while trying to pass someone. The car wouldn't go faster when hitting the gas and felt like I couldnt safely slow down to get back over. It felt like something slipped and lost traction, but roads were dry and not rocky or sandy. tapping breaks and letting off gas did nothing. it has happened before but usually in winter, and gettin up to speed. its like the gear shift got ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
On XXX the vehicle lost motive power while my wife was accelerating to merge onto a highway with our two young children aboard. It would not accelerate and she was forced to pull over in an active merge area. Simultaneous warnings illuminated: Electronic Parking Brake, ESC, Forward Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Detection, and hybrid system, with "Check Hybrid System" displayed. No crash or injur... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The car died on the freeway, tow truck towed contacted mechanic next day and they came and diagnosed the car and needed a crank shaft sensor and change was complete. Car is still showing the same issues stalls approximately 30 to 40 mins of idle I had mechanic pull live data stream from scanner upon monitoring short term fuel trim bank 1 still shows that the fuel pump is seizing one warm, causing ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Vehicle: 2016 BMW 528i xDrive (VIN: [XXX]) Safety Issue / Defect Description: Strong, hazardous raw gasoline fumes began entering the passenger cabin and trunk area. On XXX, the vehicle was brought to an authorized dealership (BMW of Sterling) for diagnostic evaluation. The dealership's technician conducted a multi-point inspection and produced video evidence documenting fluid leaking from the t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
The dealer is saying that the car needs a purge solenoid repair or replacement as well as rear shocks. When I looked this up on a 2016 Ford fusion it states this is the most are one of the most common issues the purge solenoid the dealers trying to charge me almost $500 for this repair and I guess I’m reaching out to the Ford company itself or somebody that can help so my name is [XXX] and my ph... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
CORRODED GROUNDING STRAP FAILED CYLINDER 5 GLOW PLUG CIRCUIT CRACKED AND SEPARATED EXHAUST BACKPRESSURE VALVE
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
I am reporting a critical Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve failure on my 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The failure resulted in an immediate loss of engine power, reduced vehicle performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and the vehicle entering limp mode while driving, creating a significant safety hazard in traffic. Diagnostic & Technical Details: Error Codes Captured: Diagnostic trouble codes i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
This vehicle has now experienced three separate incidents of sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at highway speeds, requiring it to be towed to the dealership on all three occasions. Each incident involved the same dangerous defect, and after each repair I was assured, the vehicle had been repaired and was safe to operate. Despite those assurances, the identical defect has continued to recur... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
Diagnosed 07/20/2026 with catastrophic oil ring failure requiring engine replacement. Engine can stall due to oil degradation/absence of causing uncontrolled vehicle handling and fire. This would put myself and others at risk. It has been diagnosed at dealership. Complaint Narrative: The subject vehicle is experiencing its third total engine failure due to an inherent manufacturing and design def... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
My truck currently has approximately 112,000 miles. Recently, it suffered a high-pressure CP4 fuel pump failure that sent metal debris throughout the fuel system. The failure has been diagnosed by both an authorized Nissan dealership and an independent diesel repair facility. Both concluded that the fuel system has been contaminated and requires replacement of the high-pressure pump, injectors, fu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
Fuel Pump Failed. Ford has stopped sale on the Fuel Pump because of recall 25S75. I need a fuel pump to operate my vehicle. Ford has offered no solution. It has been 10+ months since my fuel pump failed. Why is there no urgency? What am I supposed to do? Ford doesn't care, you at NHTSA don't care.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
I've taken my car 3 times for the same recalls 1st time was to jack Kisse for power train and fuel injector he told me the recall wasn't to my car I argued I can tell something was wrong with my car it keeps stalling and it's going to end up killing me in traffic from the fuel injectors so I take it too [XXX] of Norton and broken arrow they tell me after sitting there for 8 hours that the power... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
My 2022 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is experiencing an active failure related to open Safety Recall 40D (NHTSA ID 26V290). The dashboard is displaying a persistent "Service 4WD" warning light, and the vehicle's four-wheel-drive system has completely disabled itself. The vehicle is currently trapped operating exclusively in front-wheel drive.The local dealership has inspected the vehicle but states th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
Following the 68C recall remedy, my vehicle's electric drive mode exhibits intermittent and unsafe power loss during normal operation. Symptoms include sudden RPM spikes, abrupt ICE engagement, loss of drive power with a delay before the gas engine catches, and electric mode becoming temporarily unavailable — occurring unpredictably during stop-and-go traffic, merging, and intersection navigatio... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2020) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
Dash light came. I took VW to Dothan ,Al Dealer and service stated it was fuel sensor faulty and had to order one. Meanwhile I was driving 70 mph in heavy traffic and vehicle lost power having barely avoided sccident. Took vehicle in and had sensor replaced and when I went back to pick up VW it was dead and had to be put back in . This was 3 rd trip to dealer in 2 weeks. garage. No loaner was offe... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2020) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
Fuel injectors are faulty beginning at approximately 90,000 miles - very similar to Warranty Extension: MIL Comes On with DTC P0420/P0430, P030x, and/or P219A/B (Without Software Update) - is likely injecting excessive fuel causing computer faults, poor engine performance, initiating 'limp mode' and turning the vehicle into a literal rolling road hazard.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
I was investigating a thumping sound coming from the vehicle when going over bumps. I discovered that the left fuel tank strap had completely broke into two pieces and was no longer holding up the tank. The fuel tank straps are not readily viewed on the vehicle until you lower/remove the underbody aerodynamic material. It appears that the underbody aerodynamic material may have been contributory b... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2020) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 28, 2026
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
I was dropping off my fiancée to her doctor appointment and while driving to park the car started to smoke profusely. I was unable to tell at first, but I quickly realized that there was a flame spouting from between the front windshield and underneath the hood of the car. I jumped out of the car and grabbed both my [XXX] and [XXX] out of the car and immediately started running towards the office... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
Car shuts off at highway speeds and in stop and go traffic like it has a fuel delivery issue. Car sputters and then loses all power. I know there was a previous recall on this vehicle but I’m curious whether it was actually fixed on my car specifically.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
While adaptive cruise was engaged, the vehicle read Alabama highway 80 west state road sign and incorrectly interpreted the sign for a speed limit sign which is 55 MPH.The vehicle displayed a “80 MPH” speed limit sign on the instrument cluster and then began to accelerate. When I took it to the dealer for repair, the “turned off safety feature”.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2021
On July 23, 2026, my 2023 Audi Q5 suddenly lost power while I was driving on the highway, with no prior symptoms before the incident. The vehicle began stuttering, entered limp mode, displayed multiple drive-system malfunction warnings, and developed a loud knocking sound from the engine area. The loss of power created a serious safety risk because the vehicle could no longer accelerate or operate... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
This 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a severe and recurring history of catastrophic high-voltage hybrid powertrain and transmission failures that cause a sudden loss of motive power while driving, presenting an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle has already required two full automatic transmission (eFlite EVT) replacements under factory warranty due to internal failures. It has experienced mul... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
Recently this vehicle has triggered a check engine light. Upon further examination the code was related to an ignition #3. (CODES: P020C, PO1DO).
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
This is the 4th time that a new fuel pump has been replaced on this 2022 Hyundai Tucson hybrid. I think the car part needs a recall because the fuel pump keeps breaking.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
While driving in live traffic, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic and total simultaneous mechanical and electrical system failure. Without warning, the vehicle completely lost engine propulsion, braking assistance, and all dashboard displays. Concurrently, the vehicle suffered a complete blackout of all exterior safety lighting, including the brake lights and the emergency hazard flashers rende... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
At approximately 44,000 miles, multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard of my 2018 Honda Accord (1.5L turbocharged engine), including brake system, electric power steering, and driver-assistance/collision-mitigation warnings, accompanied by a rough start and an engine misfire. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer, which performed a diagnostic scan and a borescope inspection... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
1. High Pressure Fuel Pump 2. All safety is good 3. It has been taken to the dealership and blaming it on the water separator (water/rust in fuel) The codes thrown are towards the High Pressure Fuel Pump 4. No there were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. 5. Dealership did not provide the inspection report
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
My car keeps going into limp mode seasonally, it also emits bad odors when given throttle, and it is definitely lacking power. Situation has also caused a misfire on my 3rd cylinder and a super rough idle and start
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
While I was driving the vehicle on the freeway there a single popping noise that sounded to be below the vehicle. Immediately after there was a big trail of white smoke coming from beneath the vehicle. When I was able to pull over and got out of the vehicle there were flames visible and the fire quickly grew.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
The vehicle was running when it overheated and started smoking from the gasket area, with no warning lights appearing on the dashboard; the car will not start now.