Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 60,899 complaints — component: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
Fuel smell in the cab of the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
It has happened on multiple occasions where I’m driving at 70mph, and my engine cuts out and I can no longer accelerate on the highway. My rpm’s drop to 0. I have to pull over until it comes back on again. It’s putting my safety, my children’s safety at risk, other drivers on the road at risk when all of the sudden my car will not accelerate.. has not been inspected by manufacturer. No ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
The internal core of the Exhaust Heat Recovery System (EHRS), part of the center muffler/front pipe assembly (#28600-L5210), suffered a catastrophic failure. This allowed approximately 9 gallons of engine coolant to leak directly into the hot exhaust stream. Safety Risk: This failure creates a severe visibility hazard. During acceleration from stop lights and stop signs, the vehicle emits massive,... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The engine stop/start system on my 2016 Honda Accord, VIN [XXX], has stalled and shut off without warning in active Los Angeles traffic dozens of times since September 2025. The vehicle loses all power mid-drive with no warning — no dashboard lights, no warning sounds — leaving me unable to accelerate or respond to surrounding traffic. The condition has progressively worsened and now includes ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
Our 2024 Bronco Sport Outer Banks, 1.5 liter engine, purchased new from a Ford dealer 11/2024, serviced at the dealership and driven less than 14k miles, was destroyed by a spontaneous fire 3/22/2026. After driving 12 miles, we parked in a parking lot. Upon exiting the car we noticed a burning smell and saw small plumes of steam or smoke coming from under the car hood. Within a minute a red/orang... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
uUknown. Sometimes I smell gas on & off when the car is running, especially. I open the windows and it subsidesafter ahwile & it not as strong.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The high pressure fuel pump “grenaded” while driving on the interstate. Caused an immediate shutdown and barely got off the main lane to the shoulder in extremely heavy traffic putting me, my wife and others in imminent danger. The components were inspected by the dealer mechanic and insurance adjuster and they said that is what happened and that there was no reason for it to have happened. A ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
I am reporting a recurring safety issue involving sudden loss of power while driving in my 2023 Ford Escape. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents where, while accelerating or pulling into traffic, it suddenly loses power, hesitates, or fails to respond to the accelerator. In some cases, the RPM drops unexpectedly, and the vehicle will not move or respond for several seconds. After this ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
I own a 2020 Kia Niro PHEV. In October 2024, my dealership performed Technical Service Bulletin SA512 on my vehicle addressing the inverter coolant system. I was not informed at that time that the issue was likely to recur or that periodic maintenance would be required. In March 2026, the inverter coolant warning light returned. I brought the vehicle back to the dealership, where I was told the co... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
While charging my 2023 Porsche Taycan 4S at an Electrify America station, white smoke began emitting from the front wheel/charging port area. The vehicle also produced a burning odor inside the cabin. I immediately stopped charging and unplugged the vehicle. The smoke ceased within approximately 1–2 minutes. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Porsche dealership. Initial explanation from th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
Started with gas smell and I was able to see gas dripping down from fuel pipeline in the rear wheel driver side.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
I am reporting a Safety Remedy Denial by Audi of America (Case #[XXX]) regarding a failed suction jet pump and charcoal canister in my 2015 Audi S3. This failure resulted in a fuel leak and strong fuel odor near the exhaust, creating an immediate fire hazard. Although Audi issued a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty extension ([XXX]) for the 8V chassis A3 population, they are denying coverage for m... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 26, 2026
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
My vehicle is currently under a recall (recall SC356), but I'm currently very far from a Kia dealership. The nearest one is about 175 miles away. I contacted Kia and they informed me that they can't reimburse me for having my car towed to the dealership. So now I am stuck with a car that could possibly catch fire at anytime, according to the recall notice. And they refuse to help me.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
We had an oil pump failure that was because the part was plastic, not metal.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
On 1/26/2024 approximately 9am, my husband had been driving on the highway for about 2 hours and pulled over to shut his eyes for a few minutes. He shut off the engine, closed his eyes and immediately smelled smoke. Black smoke began coming from under the hood and quickly got worse. He quickly got out of the car and walked away. He heard a loud pop sound and the engine area was engulfed in flames... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The fuel pump system has failed. The vehicle will turn over but will not start, it tries to start but keeps dying out as it’s cranking over. My vehicle is the only means of transportation for myself and kids.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
On January 19, 2026, the vehicle lost power while driving and required a tow to the local dealership. After inspection, the dealership determined that the ICCU was at fault and needed to be replaced. The ICCU part was backordered. The vehicle was inoperable for 6 weeks as we waited for the part to be available and installed.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
I am filing this complaint because my Volkswagen Tiguan has a serious and ongoing engine issue involving excessive oil consumption and a faulty cylinder head. The vehicle burns through an abnormal amount of oil between changes, requiring constant top‑offs, sometimes as frequently as every few hundred miles. Despite regularly adding oil and following all manufacturer‑recommended maintenance, th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The car powered off on me while driving on the interstate causing an extremely dangerous situation for me and other drivers without any warning, no signs the vehicle abruptly stopped I coasted to the side and avoided traffic and started right up but drove rough. It’s fuel and fluids in the car and no check engine lights were on.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
I see there was a P0420 error code related to catalytic converter oil consumption recall, but when I put in my VIN it said no recalls. This is for a 2020 Hyundai Elantra 2020. The problem comes and goes and was able to be reproduced or confirmed by a dealer Hyundai. The warning lamps, messages comes on frequently and was reportedly fixed charges $2000 for a sensor. I the code and it is all over th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
This vehicle is subject to Safety Recall 24V-700 (Manufacturer Recall R24B2) due to a defect in the lithium-ion battery that can cause a fire during Level 3 DC Fast Charging. Since the initial notice, I have received four separate recall communications from the manufacturer, yet as of March 2026, no permanent remedy has been provided. The manufacturer’s only "interim" solution is an instruction... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
Head gasket failure diagnosed by Wittmeier Honda in February of 2026 Chico Ca. Car was initially throwing misfire codes, battery, fuel pump, then fuel injectors were replaced. Took it back to the dealer because car would sputter, dash is blacking out and I'm unable to indicate the speed at which I'm traveling, white smoke from exhaust, misfire, poor gas mileage, car nearly stalling in intersection... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
My vehicle is not included in the current high voltage battery recall under NHTSA recall 26V073, as it has a manufacture date of 08/2024 per door jamb sticker, however, page 5 of the NHTSA report explicitly states “A change in the production procedure of our supplier ensures that this issue can no longer occur on vehicles produced from July 31, 2024 onwards.” This leaves car production betwe... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 25, 2026
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
While driving, the vehicle stutters during acceleration, creating hesitation and inconsistent power delivery. This occurs during normal driving conditions and has not improved after being inspected by a dealership. The issue has been reproduced multiple times and remains unresolved. The vehicle was taken in for service, but no effective repair was provided, and the condition persists. There is a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
I am reporting a fuel‑system defect on my 2018 RAM 1500. The vehicle has only 43,325 miles, which is exceptionally low for its age, and it has been properly maintained. Despite this, the fuel‑tank venting system has failed. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty vent valve located within the fuel tank. This defect prevents the vehicle from being refueled at a normal rate. During r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The vehicle has had an open recall for over 12 months with no remedy. The open recall represents a serious and dangerous fault that makes the vehicle unfit for purpose. Nissans lack of resolution to the problem has serious and severe consequences.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
My 2016 Subaru Outback CVT transmission has exhibited an intermittent jerking and grabbing sensation when accelerating from a stop, worse when cold, since at least February 2023. This is a known defect covered under Subaru warranty extension bulletin 16-115-18. February 2023 — An authorized Subaru dealer documented the complaint in writing. The technician stated the vehicle never warmed up durin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
While operating my 2021 Honda Civic Type R (VIN: [XXX] ) in high-ambient temperatures (approximately 95°F), the vehicle experienced a sudden and total loss of motive power during acceleration while exiting a busy intersection. This resulted in an immediate engine stall in the path of oncoming traffic, creating a severe risk of a collision. Following the stall, the vehicle was extremely difficult... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failed internally while I was driving at night, causing the vehicle to suddenly stall and shut off completely while my children were in the vehicle. This resulted in an immediate loss of power and created a dangerous situation in traffic. The failure caused metal debris to spread throughout the entire fuel system, and the dealership confirmed that the system req... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Fuel pump module failure, there’s a recall on this part for this year model but not my vin #
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Referencing report [XXX] We are having issues getting the fuel filling door to open. We have unlocked the car, several times, but it will not open. We had to pry it open so we could fill the tank and have left it open since as to not have the issue again. Part number in question - 81560R5000 There are other recalls on the car that we need to get taken care of. Is this another one in addit... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
While driving my family home on a hot 90+ degree day. My 2016 Chevy Colorado suddenly has a power loss engine died and i went from 75 to parked in less than 30 seconds. Luckily I was able to pull off the freeway to the median. We were almost hit by two vehicles pulling a trailer and the other pulling a RV. I had to have someone pick my kids up due to the hazards of being stranded on the side of th... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2017) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 25, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Vehicle completely lost power and quite running in the middle of the desert in Arizona. This relates to Saftey Recall 93c. I had to have the car towed and repaired in Scottsdale, AZ. I have been told that this repair (which was expensive) might not remedy the problem and it could reoccur. It's been over six months since the recall was issued and yet no remedy is available and I have not receiv... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
When I am stopped at a light or stop sign and go to pull into an intersection, halfway into the intersection the vehicle stalls and does not want to move. It has caused me to almost get into several car accidents and thankfully other vehicles have been able to brake before hitting me. It has been scary as I have had my daughter each time in the back seat and a few times it would have been on her s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall (Recall 78C) on my 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, which has now been open for approximately 139 days without a remedy. This recall involves engine manufacturing contamination that may lead to catastrophic engine failure, loss of propulsion, and potential fire risk. Despite the seriousness of the recall, Stellantis has failed to provid... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The warning light is saying engine power reduced having to do with the DEF system
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Nothing has happened but I want to file a complaint because it has been almost a year since this recall was issued and nothing has been done. Manufacturer Recall Number25S76 NHTSA Recall Number25V467
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 25, 2026
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
Vehicle experienced a loss of acceleration while driving. When pressing the accelerator, engine RPM increased significantly but the vehicle did not increase speed. The vehicle felt as though it was stuck in one gear and would not upshift or downshift. The issue was most noticeable while driving uphill, where the vehicle was unable to maintain speed despite full throttle input. This created a safe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2017
On March 5, 2026, while I and my 2 passengers were traveling on the 405 Freeway at approximately 40–50 mph, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic total loss of power. The engine shut off and all electronic systems failed simultaneously, including the instrument cluster and all interior lighting. Most critically, the hazard lights were inoperable, leaving the vehicle invisible to high-speed traffic... Read more
AUDI
SQ6 E-TRON
(2025) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 24, 2026
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Yes. The vehicle has experienced multiple critical system failures, most notably involving a defective SX6 module, which is a central control unit responsible for coordinating key electronic, safety, and communication systems. Its failure has led to widespread issues, including persistent warning messages, driver assistance malfunctions, MMI system instability, and ultimately a complete high-volta... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
Without any warning, on March 15, 2026, I turned out of a parking lot onto a major road and I noticed it wouldn't accelerate above 20 mph, so I pulled off the road. I tried again and my vehicle still failed to accelerate. And on my third attempt, my vehicle decelerated and was about to completely stall. I managed to turn into a parking lot and avoid getting rear ended. However, this could have... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
While accelerating to highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly experienced a significant and continuous loss of power. Even with the accelerator fully pressed, the vehicle would not increase speed beyond roughly 50 mph. Based on the behavior and previous service history, the issue appears to be related to the engine, fuel delivery system, or overall powertrain. The incident created a serious safety c... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 24, 2026
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
On 3-21-26 I noticed the smell of gasoline after driving the vehicle. Upon inspection a noticeable fuel leak from the top of the fuel tank was evident from underneath the vehicle. Further inspection found fuel leakage at the fuel pump outlet line. After online research it was found that other vehicles of this type have hairline cracks on the fuel pump outlet causing fuel to spray out under pressur... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 24, 2026
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Check engine light came on without warning, car started losing power, idling roughly, stalling out, and not wanting to start. Had my battery, alternator, and starter checked and they are all fine. Diagnostic test showed it was to do with how much fuel/air the vehicle is getting. The check engine light goes off and on as I’m still having to try and drive my vehicle to and from work due to not hav... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
While parked on a slight downhill grade, gasoline started leaking and created a significant puddle on the ground. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms. An independent service center ran numerous tests over two days, including a smoke test. Diagnosis: There is a hole in top section of fuel tank and the fuel tank needs replaced. Recommendation was to not drive vehicle with fuel tank over ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The car will start shaking, can’t exceed a certain mpg, and does not speed up. The check engine light comes on. The car is available for inspection. I drive on the freeway and slowing down, and shaking can cause accidents. This a continuous problem.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
When filling gas tank and letting the pump stop on it’s own, Tank gets full, pump clicks off, fuel pushes back out of the fuel filler and I end up with fuel spill on my car and the ground. I worry that fuel spilling and any source of ignition equals a posible fire hazard. Jeep dealership replaced the fuel filler neck but the issue continues. After one repair attempted , I took the car back to de... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The vehicle displays inaccurate fuel level and miles-to-empty information, creating a safety risk because the driver cannot reliably determine how much fuel is actually available or how far the vehicle can be driven. The infotainment system also freezes and CarPlay frequently becomes unusable. There was also a key recognition / “key not detected” malfunction. These issues have occurred in a ne... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The issues lies in the Hybrid systems electric only function. When climbing grades, the vehicle experiences severe power loss which can be felt by the driver and is displayed by the vehicle on the dashboard information cluster. Power output from the hybrid system drops to or below 50% output even when pressing the accelerator to maximum. This issue occurs almost every time climbing a steep grade... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
On 12/4/25, I was pulling into a space in a parking deck, was approximately one quarter of the way into the spot and the vehicle suddenly accelerated and struck a cement wall. I did not have my feet on the pedals at the time and was going at approximately 5 miles per hour. The airbags did not deploy, and no automatic braking or warning systems engaged. As a result of the accident, I sustained thr... Read more
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