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 117,775 complaints - component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Subject: Formal Demand for Remedy – Safety Recall / 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally demand immediate resolution regarding a serious safety recall affecting my 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall, issued in September 2025, involves a defect in the fuel delivery module that may result in a loss of motive power. This defect pre... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
Car leaks. Cargo Bay fills with water. Possible mold issues. I am told this leaking causes damage to the control module for the tailgate. Our tailgate will close on us and has almost closed on our children. We have to be very careful when the children are around the tailgate because it will begin to close without warning.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The 12.3 inch display of the instrument panel, where the speedometer and malfunction indicator lights are shown, goes blank when I turn ON the engine. It remained blank even when I drive. It is NOT safe to drive as I will not know which part is malfunctioning. The dealer has confirmed that it is a known issue. There were NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The transmission drops out of 6th gear to natural when accelerating.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I think it is crazy that my 2020 chevy trax doesnt have a temperature garage, there was a 2019 recall concerning leaking coolant, and I believe a recall on something dealing with the oil cap or component all of which I am having problems with. First in February of 2026 I was on a busy multiple lane express way and all of a sudden my coolant image warning light came on and indicated :engine overhea... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 29, 2026
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
PANORAMIC SUNROOF Because I can not afford to inspect my sunroof, I have to resort to driving with a tilted panoramic defective sunroof that will not fully close. I fear for safety while driving, or parking anywhere when having to resort to shopping for groceries, weather hazards, highway hazards, and my own personal safety. I fear it could shatter from the sounds it makes at random times. It has... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 29, 2026
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
Sunroof exploded outwards towards traffic while driving on highway. It caused a loud shot gun sound which cause occupations of our vehicle to panick none the less vehicles behind us got the shattered glass. No warning signs to even look for nor hear. Have called auto places all around us to no avail on getting it fixed. Isn't worth the insurance hike if we cannot even find someone to fix the probl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
The hood to my car randomly unlatched and smashed my windshield while I was going 30mph.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
The infotainment system in my 2021 Jeep Renegade has failed and was diagnosed by an authorized Jeep dealership as an infotainment (info center) failure. The display frequently blacks out, shows lines, and becomes distorted, preventing access to essential vehicle controls including navigation, climate control, and radio functions. More critically, the backup camera randomly activates while the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2019
VEHICLE: 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 VIN: [XXX] COMPONENT: Power train, automatic transmission DESCRIPTION: When the vehicle is placed in Park with the engine running, the vehicle experiences an intermittent jolting or lurching sensation approximately every 5 seconds, accompanied by an audible clicking sound. The jolting is most pronounced immediately after shifting from Reverse into Park, and gr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
1. Dash Board has several cracks especially over airbag. 2.The location and severity of the cracks raises concerns regarding the structural integrity of the dashboard during a collision and the potential for obstructed airbag deployment. 3.It has not been inspected. I plan to carry it to the dealer tomorrow. 4.There were no warnings. I just realized the cracks a few weeks ago. I had seen them p... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Components are the HEAD UP DISPLAY (HUD) and the WINDSHIELD. The HUD mechanism is located on, and in, the dashboard. It projects/displays driving information on to the windshield at eye level of driver. During day time, typically bright, sunny days, the HUD also casts a blue reflection onto the windshield, typically a blue oval that can vary in size depending on direction of travel and location of... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2020) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 29, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Sunroof was working properly, no issues. I parked car with sunroof open and when i restarted car it started closing extremely slow. Technicians have tried resetting but no luck. This is a safety issue that has been repeatitive on KIA Suvs since 2012 or 2014. Techs cannot reset sunroof and last KIA I owned was 2014 had same issue plus drainage hole issues. A panoramic sunroof malfunction can b... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
The Chevrolet Equinox EV emits an unusual and loud sound while in "Drive" or "Reverse" and stopped or at low speed. The sound has widely been described as "angelic" - it is a higher pitched sound which does not sound similar to any other vehicle or even a "white noise" sound. This sound is played both inside and outside the vehicle, but only up to a specific speed threshold. I believe that the u... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2022 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite travel trailer, purchased July 21, 2022. At the time of sale, the unit had an open federal safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-243) involving a fire/explosion hazard. The recall was not remedied prior to sale. The vehicle was presented for service multiple times, and the recall was not identified or addressed until May 20... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
There is a recall out for “2016 Audi A6 vehicles” the recalls are “fuel system rail” as well as “coolant pump”. Both recalls are vin specific and what I find to be devastating is that both recall risk pertains to possible fire! I have the exact issues with my vehicle I even have the epc light coming on and the code is “fuel rail system” I also have an ongoing issue with my coolant ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
I was driving down the highway at 73 MPH and the sunroof shattered sending glass into the interior of the car, onto me, and into my clothes. It sounded like a gunshot and was terrifying.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
The Dashboard Module provided by MEDALLION INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEMS Part# 66-02439-000 on the Freightliner Chassis is delaminating causing the critical gauges to become difficult to read. Additionally the screen will unexpectedly dim causing additional readability. I consider this to be a potential safety issue as it is unknown if and when the screen may go entirely blank. I have contacted Freig... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
10 speed transmission randomly threw a incorrect 10th gear ratio code and threw my truck into limp mode on the interstate in traffic. Transmission had to be rebuilt
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
There is a class action lawsuit for 2021-2023 Jeeps where the power steering catches fire. That happened to us.
Fire
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
The CV Axle joint has prematurely worn down and makes a popping sound when executing a sharp turn at low speeds. Honda is aware of the issue and has noted that it is widespread; however, they have offered no solution for fixing it.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Sunroof/moonroof cracked without any impact or signs of impact.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Without any Waring Lights the car goes into " Limp Mode " .ON turnpike roads with Speed Limits at 70 MPH and with some sections with no shoulder to get off the highway this is very dangerous .
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Multiple warning lights were turning on then turning off in their own, typically 2-3 days later. However while on, all ADAS showed errors and did not work. Most recent time, had an elevation changed (over 6000 ft), lights came cascading on parked safely. Next morning, car would not accelerate/was extremely jerky. Turned off waited turned back on, while lights were on car felt to be running fine.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
Rear backup camera failed and is just showing a blue screen or black screen with squiggly lines.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 28, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The back lift window just shattered while the car was in park heard a loud boom and the weather has not changed temp
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 28, 2026
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
The Panoramic sunroof randomly exploded while driving down the highway. Nothing around us or above us to cause it. Myself, my [XXX] pregnant wife, and [XXX] daughter were in the car and had glass rain down on us after the very loud boom. We almost wrecked. The issue has not yet been inspected by the dealership but I understand this to not be uncommon. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDO... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
My 2025 Hyundai Palisade is currently subject to multiple safety recalls affecting occupant safety. These include a recall involving seat belt buckle assemblies in the front and second row seating positions, as well as a separate recall involving the third-row seating area where the vehicle may not meet federal safety standards for occupant protection and may increase the risk of injury during a ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
Incident Date: 12/28/2025 Location: [XXX] Related Recall: 23V905 / 23S64 On December 28, 2025, while driving at highway speeds on [XXX] , my 2020 Ford EcoSport suffered a sudden engine fire. There were no prior dashboard warnings or "Check Engine" lights until the fire began, the vehicle speed started to slow down itself, and I immediately pulled over on the side of the interstate. I turned of... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
The complaint is regarding a 2010 Ford Escape, original owner and maintained mostly at dealer shop. Vehicle only has 79k miles on it, and has been garage stored. It has rust in the rear wheel wells and a crack in the rear right subframe due to rust.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2015
Rearview camera only works 10% of the time; recall was issues in Aug '25, but there is still not a remedy. Seems pretty easy to just install a new camera, not sure why this is taking so long. The vehicle has horrible sight lines, backing up is near impossible on your own. Recall Info: Aug 26,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number59C NHTSA Recall Number25V-552
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Car just turns off randomly. This has happened at least 6 times within a month. Once on a highway. Last time it turned off a strange sound was coming out of the car also.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The gages fall all the way down, I’m not able to accelerate, engine light, traction light, tire pressure light, crash detection light, and other lights come on and prevents me from being able to drive. This happened on the interstate and almost caused an accident.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
Car was in summon mode and crashed into a fence . Caused damage to frond end of the car
Crash
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
My horn is not working again. It was replaced when I initially got the Kona in 2023. It did not work coming out of the dealership. And now again it is back to not working. This is a liability and also a danger to my children.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
2025 Lexus RX350H purchased new on 09/04/2025. The sunroof portion of the panoramic sunroof exploded, sounded like shotgun blast. Then we heard some wind noise but realized none of the windows were open/affected. I started to open the inside electronic sunscreen but noticed glass shards so I immediately closed it back up. We were greatly startled and I could have swerved/loss control of the ca... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
Right slide door problem on dashboard. Continues to beep and blink right slide door problem while driving. The door will not open when stopped and in park.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Axle makes clicking sounds when turning.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Driving with no other cars around us and no debris anywhere and the moonroof suddenly shattered with a loud noise.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
The backup assisting camera is no longer working properly, causing a safety issue while reversing. There are recalls on this from 2015 to 2019 but not 2014 even though the same issue is happening with the 2014's.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
After subscribing to the Safe Drive on the VW app, I got a warning display on my dash for service for the SOS call system. The orange triangle appeared and the SOS light turned from green to red. I cancelled the app and unsubscribed from everything. The SOS light returned to green, but the dash still has the warning triangle and says the SOS emergency call system has an issue. The car was purchase... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
I purchased a used 2015 Jeep Wrangler from a dealership in New York. At the time of sale, the vehicle had an open urgent safety recall (19V-018) for a defective Takata passenger airbag inflator. This recall was never disclosed to me by the dealership prior to or at the time of purchase. The recall advisory was noted on the NYS inspection report conducted the same morning the vehicle was sold to me... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
ON YOUR VEHICLE, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO HAVE THE SYNC SCREEN IMAGE ON THE CENTER DISPLAY FLIPPED OR INVERTED IMMEDIATELY AFTER AN IGNITION CYCLE. Safety Risk THIS MAY RESULT IN THE IMAGE DISPLAYED BEING INVERTED OR FLIPPED, THIS INCLUDES ALL BUTTONS. WHILE IN REVERSE THE REARVIEW CAMERA IMAGE, BUTTONS, AND CAMERA GUIDELINES MAY ALSO BE INVERTED OR FLIPPED. A REARVIEW CAMERA THAT DOES NOT CORRECTLY... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
Ford has not been able to remedy this problem
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Auto start/stop system - yes, it is available for inspection. The vehicle turned off at a buy intersection and it was a couple of minutes before it would restart. The vehicle will be inspected my a dealer on Monday. No manufacturer, police, insurance representative has inspected the vehicle. There was a message when the vehicle turned off but I can't recall what it said as other drivers were blowi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing regarding multiple recalls affecting my 2025 Hyundai Palisade, specifically related to the electrical harness and ongoing safety concerns. Since purchasing the vehicle from a Hyundai dealership in [XXX] , I have experienced repeated issues. Initially, dashboard lights activated randomly while driving, followed by connectivity problems and a malfunctioning tru... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
2020 Chevy Traverse High Country Exhaust bank 1 and bank 2. Transmission shudder.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
I was making a right hand turn inside the parking garage. Suddenly my car took off full throttle. I sped forward at full speed towards the line of cars on the left then straight ahead a good distance. I thought I was going to die. I was on Level 3, going in to have lab work done which I did have done. This incident happened maybe 30 minutes before they did the lab work so there should be a ti... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The rear camera recall is many many months overdue for a fix. My rear camera hasn’t worked probably in almost a year. Neither The dealership nor Ford have provided updates.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
The car will not shift. The bushing or shift cable is broken.