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: Apr 23, 2026
on saturday [XXX] while driving on the highway my car lost propulsion and started slowing down even after i was pressing on the acceleration/gas pedal all the way. It happened 3 times within an hour's time frame the car refused to speed up and would stop driving. I was in immediate risk as well as the drivers behind me since i was on the highway and my vehicle immediately slowed down and came to a... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Fuel leak from gas tank to engine
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
Receiving daily Battery Saver Mode notices telling me some remote features including lock/unlock may temporarily be unavailable. Not to use my AC and go for longer rides, which I have done with no change. My interior lights are not coming on. My radio powers off and on while driving. Constant clicking and noises come from the vehicle when turned off. Difficulties starting the vehicle at times. Fee... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 28, 2026
I was travelling on the highway at approximately 72 miles an hour in the left lane trying to pass a vehicle in the right lane. while accelerating my truck was like the brakes were slammed on and all kinds of lights starting flashing. This included the check engine light, low oil pressure light and lane assist lights. The truck shifted into Neutral and I could not place back into drive. I swerv... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
On May 23, 2026 I was driving family and friends around San Francisco, CA in my 2017 Honda Pilot (48K miles). We were driving up multiple steep hills, up to a 20% grade in some places with a full car of 7 people. The car handled it well. However, as we neared my home 25 miles away, the car started shaking and the check engine light started flashing. We searched online and the advice was to pull ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
This vehicle (VIN: [XXX] ) has suffered repeated catastrophic engine shutdowns and complete loss of propulsion power while in motion. The dashboard displayed "Engine off! Shift to P or N, then start engine." This has occurred so many times the owner lost count, requiring multiple tows to Kia of Beavercreek. Following one incident, Service Manager Brad personally assured the owner's wife, looking h... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Loosing oil putting oil in every 3 to 4 days no leaks on ground or oil pan or drain plug.oil don't smell or looks burnt happened around did 2 oil changes in a week still the same. Car will sputer hesitation on acceleration every so often
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Auto start/stop not working and air horn went out as well, yes available for inspection. No it hasn’t been inspected yet by dealer as it is over warranty limit. First appeared 5/29/26
Incident date: May 19, 2026
While driving the vehicle, the accelerator will become inactive and result in the vehicle slowing to a stop. I will shut off the ignition and let vehicle rest for 10-20 mins before restarting. This does not resolve the issue and I end up towing the vehicle into the manufacturer’s service department. This often results in 100s of dollars in “diagnostic” fees. The service dept claims it’s ba... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLS 450
(2020) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
This is in regards to an open recall for a year. Your website said to file a complaint if it’s not taken care of in a timely manner, And Ford has still not provided the parts to take care of this recall.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The car cut off on the street with no warning. Once I crank the car back up and pulled over, it was leaking fuel and coolant with no warning lights on the dash boatd
GREAT DANE
REEFER
(2017) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The vehicle suffered a sudden, severe engine malfunction/misfire while in operation, presenting a serious safety hazard on the road. Following the incident, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership service center (Repair Order #XXX), where technicians verbally confirmed that the engine requires a complete replacement due to internal mechanical failure. The catastrophic mechanical failure... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) on this vehicle produces loud whirring noises when charging at 80% or above. This has been documented in writing to the service department. The ICCU defect is a known systemic issue across the Hyundai and Kia EV platform. The vehicle is currently scheduled to return to the dealer for this and other defects. This is the second major service visit on a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
So I had check engine light I took it to the mechanic the code was p1450 the mechanic told me it’s the purge valve and it’s recall with ford book and appointment from the website witch is I did after I checked my vin I found out that’s this purge valve has recall and it’s free of charge I went to dealer they denied and said they have to do their diagnostic that will cost 190$ and they did ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Engine light for car read codes PO 304 303 420 prior to sale of car per code read out taken when engine light went off shortly after my purchase. Not addressed prior to sale. Codes read and called to dealership. Car taken for service. Reported fuel smell, exceleration issues, short stallings. Same codes. Stated car was " fine." Drivable. Asked for brakes/ rotors to be checked. No documented brake... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
My 2021 RAM 1500 ecodiesel was subject to an NHTSA recall (23V-263). The recall included a replacement High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) due to a mechanical defect in the Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) that causes the pump to fail prematurely and destroy itself internally. The HPFP was replaced under the recall over two years ago, only for the new fuel pump to fail catastrophically and se... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 450E 4MATIC
(2025) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
My car has started stalling and dying when i slow down, take off or when idling. No power when accelerated, and the smell of exhaust comes into my car. I was making a turn from a red light and my car spit, sputtered, and died right in the middle of the busy intersection. I was almost hit from the rear and another car had to go into on coming traffic to avoid T boning me. I took it to 2 different ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
When I would go to accelerate onto the the interstate and would hit around 67-69 MPH my car would go lazy and the engine light would come on. This happened about 3 times and then 4th time every single check engine light came on. I took it to the mechanic and he replaced the battery, but said there might still be a fuel issue. I then took it to the dealership and they said I had “bad gas” and w... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
My 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus has experienced repeated hybrid system failures. The vehicle currently has an active "Hybrid System Malfunction" warning light. This is the latest in a series of 17 recalls and recurring defects since purchase in July 2023. Most recently, the vehicle was out of service from February 14, 2026 to approximately March 18, 2026 due to a severe transmission fluid le... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I have had 2 different instances where my vehicle stops in the middle of a busy intersection or traffic and have no warning what so ever. Vehicle just shuts off and I am not able to turn back on to move out of the way. First time I got it repaired it was related to the fuel pump and now I am waiting to hear back from my mechanic to see what the issue is but so far it is an indication of the fuel p... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V869000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufactured had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacture and the dealer was contacted. The contact st... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Following a coolant rapid mate replacement performed by an authorized Tesla service center, the vehicle experienced a complete shutdown on a public road the same evening it was returned. The high-voltage cooling system was not properly purged of air following the service. This caused low coolant flow to the rear drive unit during a 63-mile drive in record heat. The fault cascade included a HIGH VO... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: May 24, 2026
There was a recall-SC209A for a faulty piston ring. This vehicle “passed” prior to my purchase. I was unaware that my vehicle was part of the recall- when the VIN is entered in the NTSB website, no active recalls show. Starting in 10/24, the vehicle began having problems accelerating, and when I brought to my local mechanic it was found to be nearly empty on oil despite a recent oil change. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Recall has been out for 11 months and still no fix.
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2024) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
When driving the car through a busy intersection there was a sudden, brief surge of acceleration, followed by deceleration and the vehicle cutting all motor power and becoming inoperable. The MIL lamp illuminated and the "Ready" light went out. I was unable to move the vehicle out of traffic until I got out and disconnected / reconnected the 12v battery to reset the car systems. The problem is ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 2, 2026
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
The DEF system failed on this truck at the end of 2025. The truck has entered limp mode, and if we continue to drive it, it will shut down completely. The vehicle has been at Darling's RAM in Ellsworth, ME since March 2026, and they say that they are still waiting for the parts. Why aren't parts available?? They have no idea when parts will be shipped from the manufacturer. Why is this at all ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Armed truck in driveway set e brake went in my home heard coule bangs came out and e brake didn't hold and truck hit my 96 explorer causing damage to rear passenger lights and body continues down the hill hits my 12' utility trailer while tearing down approximately 200' chin link fencing pushing trailer over riding lawnmower before stopping against trees. Taking on frontal damage as well Also ex... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 29, 2026
While driving, the Forward Collision Warning system activated unexpectedly without any apparent hazard or obstruction in front of my vehicle. Immediately after the warning appeared, the vehicle suddenly lost speed and became very slow to accelerate. I was unable to safely increase my speed while traveling on a busy roadway, creating a dangerous situation and nearly resulting in a collision with su... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
El problema es exactamente en el tanque de la gasolina, se está saliendo la gasolina en la unión de la manguera de llenado con el tanque de gasolina. Esto representa un riesgo no solo para mi seguridad sino también para cualquier persona.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I DROPPED OFF MY CAR AT THE COVINA KIA DEALERSHIP EXPLAINING THE RECALL AND THE ISSUES I NOTICE SUCH AS A BULGE IN THE VERTICAL PORTION OF THE SEAT NEAR WHERE THE CALVES TOUCH. THE SEAT ALSO FEELS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR. THEY SAID THERE IS A 3 BUSINESS DAY WAIT TO EVEN BE DIAGNOSED AND DID NOT ALLOW A RENTAL CAR. I HAD TO FIGURE OUT TRANSPORTATION. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN UPDATE O... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Wife was shopping with our kids. Stated she smelled gas and it continued to get stronger smelling as she drove. Noticed the mile to empty graph was going down really fast. I had her pull over at a safe location and look underneath the truck for anything out of the ordinary. Found gas running out of the engine bay dripping on the hit exhaust and atomiziing. I had her shut the truck off immediatel... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 16, 2026
The fuel gauge in my 2015 Taurus/Interceptor is showing inaccurate fuel levels; it will show there is less fuel in the tank than there actually is, causing me to think I am possibly going to run out of fuel. Example: I will fill the fuel tank when the gauge reads 3/4, which should be around 5 gallons of fuel used. The amount of fuel being put in the tank is significantly less than what the fuel ga... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2019
The fuel injectors failed for the exact same reason as other VINs that Honda issued an extended warranty for. The fuel injectors failed without warning and went into limp mode. The vehicle barely moved in rush hour in an unfamiliar city with very busy traffic. I reached out to Honda and they could not provide an explanation as to why the warranty wasn't extended for the fuel injectors like they... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Prior to [XXX] The vehicle ran rough and sputter excessively. I took car to local repair shop. Diagnostic equipment determined the fuel injector needed to be replaced. Vehicle ran better but continued to sputter and ride rough on occasion. Prior to [XXX], the vehicle stopped operating properly. The vehicle would not travel faster than 20 mph and sometimes would stop completely in the middle of the... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
MB recall is since Feb 2026 and they neither ready to fix it not ready to provide a proper compensation . The vehicle is currently unusable for the following reasons: 1. Safety Catch-22 (Fire vs. Theft): Due to the fire hazard associated with the current battery recall, I cannot safely charge or store the vehicle in my garage. However, the local Township Police have explicitly advised against keep... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Between XXX, a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox RS experienced repeated sudden loss of engine power, throttle control, and steering control at highway speeds. Fuel management system, turbocharger, and catalytic converter failed repeatedly. GM-authorized dealer confirmed defects on multiple warranty repair orders. Breakdown 1: Nov 2024, interstate, rain, nighttime. Vehicle lost power and steering surrounded... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
2021 Lincoln Nautilus Reserve 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with coolant intrusion caused by a blown head gasket on cylinder #6. Vehicle would not accelerate properly and lurch forward when the gas pedal was pressed over 25%. The issue was taken to the shop and not found. The issue progressed and was taken to the shop a second time. The issue was found from a misfire code on cylinder #6. Vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
While driving on the freeway at approx 65mph, the car suddenly starting de-celerating and forced me to pull over to emergency shoulder/lane and try to determine the cause. The car is a "Hybrid" and the dashboard stated to put car in Park and Idle the Engine over 2000rpm to charge up the Battery. ( i still don't know which Battery they were speaking of...Engine Battery or Hybrid Battery) I sat ther... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
On May 15, 2006 I was turning slowly into a parking space perhaps 3 to 5 miles an hour. My vehicle suddenly surged forwarded and accelerated on its own. I hit a wall. No warning lights appeared. No crash warning or any beeping of any sort. My car had a recall for the fuel injector. In October 2025 Ford sent out someone to adjust the software at my home. I do not believe a tube was ever inserted. W... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
Year/Make/Model: 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid Mileage at time of incident: approximately 69,000 Component: Hybrid Propulsion System / Powertrain My 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid has experienced five recurring "Hybrid System Failure — Turn Off Engine" errors occurring without warning while the vehicle was being operated. Each occurrence rendered the gas engine ineffective in moving the vehicle, creating an imme... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
My 2012 Range Rover HSE Sport, after repeated calls and asking to speak to the appropriate parties about my car, finally got a call and said that the the safety recall was completed to [XXX] and I could pick up my car. He/She said that I would need an engine and I just needed to come in a pick up the keys and car.car was driveable. After the members refused for 30 days not to repair the saf... Read more
GENERAL TIRE
GRABBER ST
(9999) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 11, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing transmission and Transmission Control Module (TCM) issues with my 2014 Ford Focus. In October 2022, the transmission was replaced, yet I continue to experience serious transmission-related failures. Most recently, the vehicle would only start in neutral and would not reliably shift into drive or reverse. These recurring issues have made the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
1.XXX XX— GM Recall Notification (Recall No. N252494000) I received official notification from General Motors of Recall N252494000 affecting my vehicle. I brought the vehicle to [XXX] as directed to have the recall remedy performed. 2. XXX — First Report of Engine Propulsion Issues I reported engine propulsion concerns to Jim Ellis. This was my first formal complaint regarding the performanc... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2026
The vehicle received the official N252494001 recall oil remedy on 06/27/2025 at 15,438 miles (but suffered catastrophic engine failure and loss of propulsion at 33,661 miles on 05/30/2026).
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 1, 2026
Incident date: May 30, 2026
While getting the cr-v fuel pump mtr saf recall fixed on my vehicle, the dealership found a crack in the fuel pump module. They also said there is a leak in the head gasket and a purge flow malfunction. They stopped any work on my vehicle and said I needed to replace my vehicle with a new vehicle. If a Honda dealership is not willing to work on my vehicle, what am I supposed to do with it?
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT SUPPORTING STATEMENT Vehicle: 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350 I am submitting this complaint regarding a continuing safety concern involving water intrusion and electronic system damage in my 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. My vehicle was subject to a Mercedes-Benz recall involving water intrusion and related components. Despite recall-related repairs being performed, moisture... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
When coming to a rolling or quick stop and then attempting to maneuver across traffic, my truck hesitates for about a full second before accelerating. This delay can create a dangerous situation for myself, other drivers, and pedestrians. I believe this is a safety issue that Toyota needs to address promptly.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The car shut off and I can’t get it back on it does not jump I tried replacing the alternator but that’s not it
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
Since software update 5.x the behicle it throws a false "Disconnect Charging Cable" message on the dashboard display even though no charging cable is attached to the vehicle. This leaves the vehicle immobilized. Multiple instances since approx [XXX]. I checked codes and there is a fault code VCU1-U116E00. Further research indicated that prior reports to nhtda resulted in 2 seperate service bul... Read more