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: Feb 12, 2025
Drove my 2015 Hyundai Elantra on the coldest day of the year to an appointment. Car was fully warmed up. Pulled into a gas station to park and was going less than 3 mph, making a left hand turn into the space. Elantra suddenly accelerated hard and the car hit a cement pole, causing extensive front end damage. If car had full insurance coverage, it would have been a write off. Hood crumpled, r... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
Fuel tank is leaking at connection between fill tube and tank. Multiple recalls have been issued apparently for similar problems with cars of other years. With less than 1/2 tank, the fuel leak is not as pronounced. With the tank full, the tank drips fuel. Fire department in Riverside was called and confirmed issue. Upon bringing vehicle to Clearwater Mercedes and other mechanics, the problem was ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2021
When temperatures were around 0 degrees, I was driving to work and I started hearing a noise and the car was shaking. I oil all over the ground and checked the oil once parked, the dip stick had no oil and there was white foam under the oil cap. This issue could've cause me to lose control of my vehicle while driving, putting myself and anyone around me at risk. I had the vehicle towed to a deale... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
I am experiencing a recurring P04FB diagnostic trouble code on my 2023 GMC Acadia, related to the crankcase pressure sensor. GM issued Bulletin No. PIP5841C, which attributes the issue to moisture buildup freezing inside the sensor. Their recommended fix is to remove the sensor, blow out any moisture, and reinstall it. However, this is not a permanent solution—the code returns within days, sugge... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
When at red light or stop sign intermittently the vehicle lunges forward on its own 1-3 feet. without the brake or go pedal pressed. Vehicle is driven in OPD creep mode off. Lunges almost like if you popped the clutch on a manual transmission car. I always leave space behind the car in front of me so have not had a crash. However I would be afraid of it doing it with someone walking close in a cr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
Leak error messages that cannot be removed until recall issue with fluid leak is fixed. Leak is corroding engine fuel lines and can cause a fire Will driving. The remedy is taking to long to be deployed. Need assistance with this issue.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
First we thought the fuel pump went bad due to the vehicle not starting. Pump was replaced and about 3 weeks later the same issue persisted. When the shop investigated it turns out the fuel tank harness and body side connector needed to be replaced due to connections becoming loose and delivering low voltage to the fuel pump causing it to burn up
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
Considering purchasing but, after checking VIN, there was no report of Camera harness or fuel pump recall being completed.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
Had my recalls completed and started having jerking on my way home from the dealership. Didn’t have any issues prior and I drove 2 hours to the closest Subaru dealership. Had transmission serviced and still doing it. Read the fuel update and head unit updated could take a bit longer to learn and could cause jerking but still happening 3 weeks later. Transmission was serviced last week. The sh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
Two issues with powertrain/transmission: 1- The powertrain/transmission fails intermittently- vehicle RPM goes sky high but vehicle receives no power, seems to fail/lose power. Has happened in very dangerous road conditions where unexpectedly was struggling to get the motor to engage/get power to the vehicle. Check engine and check hybrid system lights accompanies the problem. 2- The car should ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
On 01/19/2025, after charging my vehicle to 100% using a Level 2 Charger, while driving, my vehicle displayed several warning notifications on the driver display, including "12 Volt Battery Low. Stop safely", "Stop vehicle and check power supply" and "Check electric vehicle system", shortly after I heard and felt a loud thump/pop. I returned home and powered the vehicle off. I and was able to driv... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
Ford states remedy not yet available.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
Hesitation when trying to accelerate. When I come to a stop sign and hit the gas, there’s always a hesitation
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
I received a recall notice back in November of 2024 regarding 2 issues with my new 2024Honda CRV Hybrid. It took almost 2 months for Honda to fix one of the recalls, but they said the parts were not in for the fuel pump. They told me to keep checking back with them. It is now approaching the end of February, and when I called Honda back again to check on getting my fuel pump recall fixed I was inf... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
I was driving in I-694 to dealer for a scheduled oil change when all of the warning lights came on at once and I lost ability to accelerate. This was frightening and dangerous. I was surrounded by many vehicles, including semis. There were no advanced warnings. The dealer diagnosed turbo and engine failure. I brought the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a second opinion, and he stated t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Spark plug for damaged due to oil seeping into it. This could lead to overheating of engine or cylinders getting damaged potentially leading to vehicle malfunction when I drive. Audi inspected the part and recommended to reseal the top of the engine. There was a warning for check engine which led to identifying the problem
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 18, 2025
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Incident #1 - exiting a parking garage and the vehicle shut off. My wife was able to pull into a parking spot. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and the resolution was a faulty fuel pump module. Incident #2 - My wife was at highway speed 65mph during rush hour 4 lanes of traffic when without warning the truck engine shut off and the vehicle shifted to neutral. I dont know how but she was able... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
CP4 failure- whole fuel system replacement
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Fuel injector failure. Sudden loss of engine power creates a major safety issue when traveling at speed on highways or especially busy interstate highways. Vehicle was towed to dealer and repaired under warranty promptly. This is a known issue with this and other Hyundai models and all four fuel injectors should be replaced. At present, Hyundai only authorizes one be replaced at a time as they... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2010) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 18, 2025
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Emission system failure. Code P2459 Regeneration Frequency. Overheating of the DPF while stuck in regen cycle causes burning smell and diesel fumes in the cabin while driving. Suspected vehicle on fire. Date of incident 01/25/2025. Vehicle at dealership for repair 01/28/2025. Dealership repair unsuccessful following STAR approved process of elimination. Vehicle returned to dealer 02/18/2025 for sa... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 18, 2025
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
This is the second time I’ve taken my Hyundai IONIQ 5 in to Hyundai as part of a recall “fix” for ICCU Failure. Each time, the car has been operating fine, I take the car in for the “fix” as it’s required, and then shortly after the car breaks down while it’s in motion / operating. I’ve concluded these are not “fixes” and I have no ability to trust the safety or reliability of ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
My car suffered a failure of the Integrated Charge Control Unit ("ICCU") which makes the car underivable. This is the third time that I have had an issue with the ICCU. The first two times, it failed to charge the 12V battery, leading to a loss of all 12V systems and being unable to drive the car. This third time, the car now refuses to charge on AC power. Hyundai has tried to "repair" this is... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
2/4/19 bulletin issued for PCV valve defect [XXX] bought car from dealer, was told nothing wrong with car [XXX] sold me a extended warranty to assure me the car would be protected [XXX] car wouldn’t start in driveway had it towed to Tarr Chevrolet. [XXX] warranty refused to fix car, seems they excluded the PCV valve from warranty. The PCV valve blew the rear seal, part of the power train which I... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
Our car had 2149 miles on it. Engine started to stalled on [XXX] on [XXX] from OKC to Tulsa. We made it to Tulsa. The car was towed to Tulsa Hyundai dealership on 12/25/2024. After diagnostic on 12/26/24, we were told the car had bad gas. The dealership performed the necessary work including replacing 4 fuel injectors in order to fix the problem. It cost $3991.52 and it took a week. We were told s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
The recall for high pressure pump came out in July of 2022. To this day there is no fix. They just put back in the same defective high pressure pump and it breaks down again leaving you stranded. Mine has been fixed twice since the recall. That is on average every 18 months.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
Major throttle response issues. Long delay when pressing accelerator, and when under heavy acceleration, if you let off the gas because of an obstacle, the truck continues to apply propulsion. Both issues could create an unsafe situation or cause a collision
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The engine hesitated going up a hill by my house. I’ve gone up the hill many times in this truck and other cars and never had the problem. I turned it off and started it again but I do t know if I should keep driving. The dealer says I can’t get the recall done yet.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
The truck hesitates to accelerate when pulling away or in middle of intersection of street, even when putting gas pedal to the floor… there is no acceleration.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Vehicle sitting in driveway. Fuel injector leakage and resultant engine control unit detecting fuel set off spark which resulted in explosion under hood. Completely destroyed engine intake manifold (over 100 pieces found), and requires all (6) new fuel injectors. Due to core return value, I will NOT be keeping injectors, but they have been inspected by certified mechanic where repairs are bei... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
It burns oil excessively Stalls out while driving Stability traction control comes on Timing chain has to be replaced now Fuel pump needs replacement All this happened at same time My cost is 2700.00
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
As you were fueling the vehicle it will spit fuel back at you and poor fuel all over the ground and me, many people have this problem there is a recall from 2007 to 2008 but not 2009 through 2010 even though they have the same exact very dangerous issue
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
There is hesitation when depressing the accelerator. After stopping at stop sign then trying to move into traffic the vehicle will not move for several seconds. When the vehicle does move it takes off at an increased rate. This has happened several times from the first day the vehicle drove off the lot until present day.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
All warning lights cycle through on vehicle dashboard after turning on vehicle. Vehicle was taken to Honda Auto Service Center, where issue is diagnosed as Carbon Buildup, causing misfires. Error Diagnostic Code is one of P0300 - P0304. After maintenance, error clears out. However, there is a Honda Service Bulletin 23-042 which provides a warranty extension for Honda Fits of the same year, make, a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Vehicle sporadically hesitates when accelerating from stop. Cause unknown. Dealer declined to address condition because they could not replicate it.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Honda has failed to provide the necessary parts to fix a safety recall on my vehicle. This recall is affecting my ability to renew my California DMV registration, as the state requires all safety recalls to be completed before renewal. I have contacted my local Honda dealership multiple times, and they have informed me that the parts are unavailable with no estimated repair date. This situation ha... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 18, 2025
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
I was driving down the highway. The check engine light comes on. Then a warning comes on that say prepare to stop the car will shut down. This is a hybrid. The electricity is depleted but the gas tank is half full. After turning the car off i can run it for a little while and then the same warning comes back.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
Service advancetrac light came on while driving. Lost all propulsion and power steering. Almost went off road around a curve due to no power steering. Ford dealership diagnosed it as faulty steering sensor. Had that replaced about 18 months ago, now this near accident just happened. Service trac light traction control light are both on with no propulsion or power steering. I’ve been doing r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
Dashboard notification indicating tighten gas cap, and then check engine light comes on. Took vehicle to get scanned and code says evap leak, took to mechanic all issues were fixed including replaced gas cap as suggested by many Chevy Traverse owners who have the same issue. 30 days later now same issue is coming up. Researched online and it seems that many other owners have experienced this and f... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 18, 2025
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Vehicle hesitates when pressing the accelerator, especially when pulling off after a complete stop. This doesn't happen 100% of the time. From my experience, this happens 65-70% of the time with varying degrees of hesitancy. It's a safety issue as you never know when this is going to happen and to what degree; especially when crossing traffic lanes at an uncontrolled street crossing. I have sp... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
FUEL RAIL SYSTEM - The check engine light came on after only three days/156 miles! OnStar was contacted and a diagnostic was run indicating "The Engine and Transmission System is not performing as expected. An issue has been detected in the Fuel Management System used to maintain control and monitor fuel consumption." I took the vehicle back to the dealership and was advised that the fuel rail ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Since the coasting feature on the Genesis GV80 and similar models is inoperative, it could mean that Genesis misrepresented the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and emissions performance. The coasting function is designed to disengage the engine from the drivetrain to improve fuel economy, and because it doesn’t work as advertised, real-world MPG may be lower than stated. This could mislead consumers... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
On Dec 20, 2024 at 1:51PM my vehicles check engine light turned on as I was driving an Uber rider to their destination. I was unable to accelerate my gas pedal to get on the freeway. I immediately pulled over to the side of the road and saw my check engine light pop up on my dashboard. I checked my Ford App, stating check engine light is on due to low fuel system pressure, poor fuel quality/restri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
The truck has a hesitation when accelerating from a stop or after coming to a stop and then accelerating again it has a hesitation or lag before powertrain responds making it a hazard when on coming traffic is approaching.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Every winter, since 2020 when I fill my gas tank with gas, the nozzle stops every time I squeeze the gas pump at the gas station. My tank will only take a couple gallons before the nozzle stops. I spend upwards of an hour at the gas station to just fill up my tank half way. Stellantis makes faulty gas tanks and has been for years. This faulty gas tanks forces customers to take their car into the... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2012) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 18, 2025
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Kept getting a misfire on cylinder 2 after ford preformed a “recall” on the power train control system well the car now has coolant leaking into the number two cylinder causing it to shake violently and complete loss of power luckily my wife was able to pull safely off the roadway with my [XXX] son present before losing control and having an accident INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREE... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
Fuel pump malfunction causing my vehicle to stall and suddenly decrease speed. Potential of causing accidents when it occurred. Problem was confirmed and repaired at a mechanic. Engine light came on after the problem started.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2024) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 17, 2025
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Case #[XXX] Topic: Dealer Experience First Name: [XXX] Last Name: [XXX] Email Address: [XXX] Zip Code: 35824 Phone: [XXX] VIN: [XXX] Vehicle Mileage: 60,000 Description: I called Shottenkirk Honda to make an appoinment for the RECALL on my car on [XXX]. This recall states that it has risk of crash or injury. I was told the next "recall" appointment they had was May 27 . Do you have any sugges... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
Driving truck at highway speed and went to pass a group of slower vehicles on my right. I increased speed to 75 mph and the engine stopped and I had no acceleration. Engine would not shift into Neutral and would not restart. I coasted off to an exit ramp and the truck stopped in the middle of it blocking traffic for about an hour. Highway Patrol was on site to help direct traffic through the inter... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
I have called Honda Dealer, John Eagle of Houston ( address: 18787 Northwest Freeway, Houston TX 77085 . phone number: 2815281165) for more than 60 days ago about the recal letter that I have received about my 2018 Honda Accord about replacing fuel pump. They informed me that the part is not available at that time and will call me when it will be available and till now I havent receeived any call ... Read more