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: Oct 25, 2024
I was driving my 2024 CX90 PHEV when a warning about an electrical leakage in the hybrid system was detected. I brought it home and parked in my garage. I called the dealership and they told me to bring it in. When I started to leave, the car would not shift out of park and bricked up. A towing service had to drag it out of my garage. My concern is that there is no limp mode or any way to swit... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
This is my 4th time filling out this form. Fuel gauge and miles to empty will reset with the fuel gauge reading full and the miles to empty recalculating without putting fuel in the vehicle. My computer owners online account shows I have a fuel level of 153%.This truck has 2781 miles on it. The fuel gauge has reset itself 6 times in that mileage. Have now contacted Toyota Customer fulfillment and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
Over the last several months the vehicle developed a strong fuel odor in the engine compartment after being driven. I took it to the Honda dealer to identify the cause on 8/30/24, they kept the vehicle for 2 days and were unable to find a problem although they also observed the strong fuel smell. Their recommendation was to return with gas tank less than half full so they could check that. Fue... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
BMW issued an extended warranty of 15 years/150k for a pressure control valve (PCV) failure for certain years/models that included my vehicle. While driving, the PCV failed causing a loud high pitch noise and white smoke billowing from my exhaust. Such an immediate failure while driving of this PCV valve should have been subject to a recall given the sudden and unexpected failure. I travel a lo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
My kia Sorento is involved in an engine recall. When driving on the highway three times now my engine has stalled and car has gone from 65 to 30 mph, almost causing multiple accidents while driving with my [XXX] and [XXX] . The Kia customer service agency said this must occur three times before they will replace my engine. They are not replacing the engine. I fear for my life, my husband life an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
The malfunction light came on in my car I had a mechanic check the code that came up and he said it was the canister purge valve! Then I noticed whenever I put fuel in my car it was hard to start it would sputter and almost die !
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2014) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 1, 2024
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
On September 1, 2024, I was driving my Giulia over a busy 4-lane overpass. An error code related to the fuel system flashed on the dashboard, and the car stopped nearly instantly in the lane where I was driving. Upon seeing the error code, I was not able to pull over into the breakdown lane - it was that sudden. Attempts to restart the vehicle failed. My wife (who was a passenger) and I quickl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
For the past year at least I've had check engine light come on and turn off before being able to get in for a diagnostic. Along with the entire engine shutting down while idling, parking, turning. Whole electrical system failure. Can't move the steering wheel. Have to restart the car and it takes a few tries. Sometimes the car will be off and will not start back up for a while.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The car smells like gas by the rear wheels. In speaking with other owners of this vehicle this is a defective flaw in the vehicle it is a known problem in this vehicle and there has been no recall. This is a serious concern as gasoline is highly flammable. I have had to spend thousands of dollars fixing problems with this car and I cannot afford to fix this issue. This is a major concern. Please a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
One day after I filled my gas tank, I noticed a strong gasoline smell outside the car. The next morning, I noticed a huge puddle on the pavement under the fuel tank. At least a gallon of gasoline must have leaked out overnight while the car was parked. I also noticed that gasoline continued to drip down from the fuel tank to the ground. I then had the car towed to the mechanic and they discove... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Premature Injector failure at 33K miles, Lexus would not take responsibility
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 31, 2024
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
I get dizzy every time I drive my 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. There is a fuel smell inside the cabin and outside of the driver's rear wheel well. I noticed this during the short time I park in my garage. Since, the noticeable smell, I have been parking outside and have since minimized by use of the vehicle. I love the vehicle, but I am getting headaches and dizziness while driving it. Upon looking up... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that there was a fuel leak near the driver's side rear door. The contact stated that the TPMS, ESC, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact researched online and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Action Number: PE20011 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact calle... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
It is progressively getting worse where my fuel injection is not working and when trying to accelerate and merge into traffic it bogs down and i almost get hit by the car behind me.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 31, 2024
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
I am the owner of a 2017 Ford Focus vehicle. Recently, I have encountered multiple occurrences of stalling while driving on the highway. In two of these instances, I was in the process of passing a semi-truck and fortunately had no other vehicle behind me, or my safety and that of others may have been put at great risk. After the first incident, the check engine light appeared and was addressed by... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The fuel pump recall was issued in December 2023 and it still hasn't been repaired. It is almost a year later and when I have tried to contact the dealer and the company about the status of the recall, I don't get a response.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
First incident we were driving on the interstate towing a fifth wheel RV, and several warning lights illuminated before everything just shut down. Manage to get to the side of the road. Vehicle finally restarted and the rest of the trip was uneventful. Second incident, vehicle had not run for two days, got in and while the starter cranks, the engine will not start or run. Engine/Transmission s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
On several occasions over the last several thousand miles, several issues have developed (all without warning at the time of first occurrence). At random times the engine will shut off when lifting out of the throttle. The car will run out of fuel before the fuel gauge is on empty or the "Miles to Empty" indicator state there are more miles to empty. Additionally, when shutting off the car to fuel... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
My car didn’t move i would put drive and it would park and i would try driving and it didn’t move then it would move and stop again
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
I took in my car for the fuel pump recall on October 4th at Clawson Honda Fresno. I took it home the same day and the next day my car was stalling and shut off on me. I took my car back to Clawson Honda on October 8th and they scanned it and said the fuel pressure was low. They cleared the codes that they claimed were unrelated to the recall and wanted to charge me 390 for diagnostics. I refused. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
I looked under the truck before a long trip and found a gas tank strap hanging oddly. Upon looking further into discovered the mount has rusted through. Doing some online research I have found this is a fairly common issue.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
With PHEV battery at 0%, it's normal for the gas engine to kick in. What's not normal is when the infamous BCEM propulsion system failure happened. First, it shut off the ICE engine and reverted to EV mode when I have 0% charges left. The system also reduced power to the car. Luckily, I wasn't on the freeway, or this could end up really badly. I was at the point where I could no longer acce... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Fuel pump recall. Honda states that they do not have the part and they will contact me once the part is here. It has been months (Dec 2023 recall), I am worried that the car will brake or even worse I may have an accident. Already had and still have tons of electronic issues that Honda refuses to fix even though they lost at the arbitration! They literally told me after the trail: you’re on your... Read more
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 31, 2024
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
It accelerated unexpectedly with no input while decelerating in one pedal drive mode. Cruise control was not in use at all during the drive.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
My check engine light came on and an alert for an "emissions system problem" appeared. The engine made a revving sound when starting the car, and it felt like the vehicle might stall while driving to the mechanic. The local Honda dealership in Mount Kisco, NY was unable to diagnose the problem, but a trusted mechanic identified that the fuel pump under known recall was the issue. He ordered a new ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
I have filed a BBB complaint as well against Land Rover. I have a 1995 Land Rover Discovery I just bought. I live in Midland,Tx and there is no dealership close to me at all. There are qualified Land Rover shops in Midland that will fix the open recall/fuel tank. Land Rover so far is stating I have to go to a dealership. I am getting a canned answer from Land Rover and a customer service rep via ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
Having trouble with fuel pump. Have had many appts. With my mechanic. Has lost power while driving and had to have it towed in. Engine light stays on no matter sensors.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The motorcycle is just over 1 year old. Has less than 1300 miles on it. The bike does not start, the manufacture is not helping the dealership work on the problem. The motorcycle has been with the dealership for more than 3 months at this point. As an adventure motorcycle, a no start problem or if the bike shuts down while riding this could be a dangerous potentially deadly situation. There is a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
On 10/10/2024, my Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (hybrid) had a battery fire at my home. Luckily, the fire department got it controlled before any additional property or any people were harmed, but under slightly different circumstances (middle of the night or parked in the garage) the house would have burned and my entire family could have been killed. After this incident, I read that Jeep/Stallantis is... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 1, 2016
Shift to park message & audible alarm. Display while in motion pulling into home driveway. Vehicle stalled midway while in motion. Halfway in the street & half driveway. Displaying propulsion power reduced & Engine not available service soon. After 30 minutes of starting & restarting was able to move out of the street. However vehicle will NOT move. Transmission will shift, however will no... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2019) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 30, 2024
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Stalling while driving slow. Stalled in traffic. Had to pushed off the road. Started running after a few minutes. Stalled 2 more times while i was leaving home. Would not start again for a few days each time. Alot of sensors are flashing. Has not been looked at by any dealership. Engine shuts down while driving
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
The safety of this vehicle is a ticking time bomb. We are instructed not to park in or near a structure, near other vehicles, or charge it. Even if I don’t not charge it how am I supposed to park at my own home? How am I supposed to park at work? You are putting several lives at risk not to mention others vehicles, houses, businesses. I do search and rescue and have my k9 with me pretty much at ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
My 2019 Honda Passport with VIN# ending with**********2184. A safety recall of a faulty fuel pump was dangerous to drive. The faulty pump recalled from Honda NHTSA warned drivers that are at risk of crashes and accidents. The increased risk of property damage as well. I was exhausted trying to get a loaner car from my Dealership that I have all of my routine maintenance is performed. The fuel pump... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Fuel sensor does not report accurate amount of gasoline in Tanks
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
I received a notice of recall with my car registration and I contact the Honda Dealer Future Honda of Sacramento. I went for the appointment for the on October 05, 2024 and was told that they did not have the parts.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
It’s almost been a year since the recall came out. The dealerships are saying Honda hasn’t issued any parts. Called the Marysville Service Center, was told Honda wasn’t fixing any cars unless having problems. Am I supposed to wait until something happens, get in an accident???
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The CP4 high pressure fuel pumps fail and take out the whole fuel system.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
1.When slowing down my vehicle kicks like it is choking. It is available for inspection upon request. I checked my Honda link app the week of October 21, 2024 to see if my vehicle needed a service and I noticed the recall on my vehicle for the 2023-25 Multi-Model High-Pressure Fuel Pump Stop Sale. 2. I learned through the Honda link app that there is a recall. Unfortunately, I was unaware of th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
I have had my vehicle in for repair three times for an EVAP code. The first visit they found nothing wrong. The second visit they placed the EVAP canister. The third visit they said if the light comes on again it's a faulty part. The light is on again. Since the first occurence, I have noticed the some of the same issues that were reported for the 2020 Equinox fuel pump issues, e.g. hesitation, ch... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Riding at freeway speeds fuel system is spilling out fuel down both sides of the engine. I smelled strong fuel smell while riding but was unable to stop until almost home. At home inspected bike and discovered leak even while at idle but have not dug in to identify exact leak location. having it trailered into BWM repair facility when appointment available. I do not see a recall for my make year ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
In june of 2022, the vehicle was exhibiting symptoms of hard to start especially after refueling, stalling, and poor drivability and the check engine light was illuminated.This vehicle was taken to local ford dealer (dowling ford- cheshire, ct) and diagnosed as a faulty fuel vapor separator (aka purge valve/solenoid) Ford part # f2gz-9d289-a. The dealer performed diagnosis/repair/replacement of th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
I have a recall for fuel pump malfunction that was announced in December 2023. The first time I was notified was in February 2024 and today we are at the end of October 2024 (240 days) and there has been no update. My car failed to start twice and the battery was in good shape in May and July. The car constantly hesitates when trying to accelerate. Every time, I call a Honda dealer they tell me th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
I received a recall notice from Honda regarding the Safety Recall of the fuel pump module in May 2024. My local dealer just informed me that they have no idea when they will receive the replacement modules and they are receiving about two units per month at random intervals. If this is indeed a safety recall, I believe Honda should be making these units available for existing customers ahead of ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 29, 2024
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
It’s been nearly a year since the dealership promised to call me as soon as the part arrives. I haven’t received any updates since then. I attempted to schedule an appointment for a service related to the recalls, but they kept canceling it. According to them, they prioritize cars with symptoms, while my car is still drivable reason why my appointment was cancelled.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
On multiple occasions while driving the car engine will shut off - this has happened on the highway as well. I have taken the car to the dealer 4 different times and its the same thing every time - they tell me the charcoal canister has to be replaced. When they replace it the car is fine for a few months and then it happens again. If my family is in the car on the highway and the engine shuts ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Vehicle unexpectedly lost power on a major highway. Limped into a service station, called for a tow truck. Several days later vehicle was repaired with a bill of $2800. Four weeks later, while driving, check engine light comes on. Contact dealership that completed repairs, brought car in. Now it’s the 48V Hybrid battery needs to be replaced, $4000. Based on some cursory research, this is a known... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 29, 2024
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
FUEL TANK SENOSOR HAS MALFUNCTIONED WITHIN 2 YEAR OF OWNING VEHICHLE. DEALER SAYS THE WHOLE FUEL TANK NEEDS TO BE CHANGED
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
This is in addition to complaint # 11621324 The dealer now says it is the FUEL PUMP MODULE that is bad. Same item as on previous recall. They say it will be covered under emission warranty but not the fuel pump. At $1500 for fuel pump. However - they replaced fuel pump before discovering the module issue. They either did not test fuel pump properly, or, fuel pump was not bad, only the module. Or, ... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2020) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 29, 2024
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
When gas tank is filled with more that 3/4 of a tank of gas, fumes are very strong within the vehicle and around it. This continues until the gas tank has less than 3/4 of a tank of gas. There is a recall for the evap canister on my year, make and model...but my VIN is not included.
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 29, 2024
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
Honda placed a recall for the fuel pump on my vehicle and did not notify me. I was notified by my insurance. I have had many issues caused by or related to this recall that they have refused to fix or remedy. They want me to pay out of pocket and they have completely delayed fixing my recall. They tell me the part is unavailable and they will call when available and then tell me they still don’... Read more