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: Oct 31, 2025
I purchased this car on 11/16/2023, brand new with 32 miles on it. On 11/20/2023 the automatic start-stop failed while I was at an intersection and the car would not move. There were no warning lights, messages, or other symptoms of the problem. Fortunately a police officer drove through the area minutes after the car stopped and was able to help me until a tow truck arrived. The car was towed to ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
On December 15, 2025, while driving my 2008 Chrysler Sebring in Indianapolis, Indiana, I noticed smoke coming from the driver’s side near the battery. Shortly afterward, the car completely stopped responding — the brakes and steering were unresponsive — and the vehicle caught fire in that area. I exited the car safely, and the fire department responded and extinguished the fire. The exact c... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
I bought a 2005 Ford escape the VIN number on the dash and the title do match however the ECU and the door jamb VIN [XXX] which is for a 2006 Ford escape 4 cylinder 2.3. the vehicle I bought should be a 6 cylinder with a 3.0 l the mechanic says mismatched VIN the dealership refuses to listen. About the vehicle on [XXX] drove it 30 miles then was able to call the mechanic for some maintenance as h... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2025) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
On 12/20/25, the "lane assist not available" and the "EPC" warning indicators lit up. I was in the car with my 11 year old, we pulled over and looked in the manual to understand EPC, and the manual said it "is possible to continue driving," so we continued. As we entered the freeway the car went into limp mode and would not accelerate. I put the gas pedal to the floor, put on my hazard lights, and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
After the vehicle was parked and powered off for several hours, I started the truck and experienced an extreme and unexpected audio volume spike from the factory BOSE sound system. The startup sound and turn-signal chime played at an excessively loud level, far beyond normal operation. The sound was sudden and intense, causing immediate ear pain, ringing, and a headache. My dog, who was in the v... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
While using Full Self-Driving, the vehicle accelerated aggressively during a left turn, crossing two lanes of traffic. I believe the system commanded acceleration, not me. I am requesting a review of vehicle logs to determine whether accelerator input came from the driver or from FSD.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The Legacy (my third one) was about a month old and had about 30 miles on the odometer. I had no warning of any problem with the car. On or about 5:45 PM on Oct 22, 2025 I was driving my Subaru Legacy when the engine stalled. I was in the HOV lane of an interstate highway. Multiple times the starter failed to restart the engine. Traffic was blocked in my lane and diverting around me. It was dusk w... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
Excessive oil consumption. I am routinely getting notifications of low oil about 1,000 miles before the oil change is due. When I bring it in for an oil change it is nearly empty. No signs of leaks anywhere.
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
I had purchased a car through Facebook Marketplace after talking to the seller and seeing a CarFax report on the car we decided to purchase it. After coming home the following day I look closer at the documents and realized the CarFax did not match the VIN of the car I purchased. After looking up the CarFax with the VIN on the car I purchased I saw that the person who sold me the car had rolled ba... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
After trying to remove rhe key from ignition, it gets stuck and won't come out unless I turn the car on, shift it into drive, wiggle the steering wheel, and try it again. Sometimes it works. Alot of times it take 5-10 min to get it out.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 21, 2025
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
I have had this happen numerous times in my car for absolutely no reason. I also just got my cars state inspection and nothing was noted, while other things unrelated to this issue were recommended by the mechanic. The car will start to stall in reverse AND in regular driving mode. Most recently it will come up with see manufacturers manual, and my engine light, traction control and crash sensors ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
I bought a new 2021 Ford ecosport with several recalls. I've reported previous one on the recall list. However the following two are not on recall list. First, the back up camera is malfunctioning. It turns black when reversing. Secondly, within a week of purchasing brand new the vehicle had loose rail covering on top of vehicle. Not sure of the proper name. It fell off on highway SH 99. I had to ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Approximately 2 months after purchase, the sunroof spontaneously shattered/exploded while driving on the interstate. We had it fixed and about 3 months after that, the same exact thing happened.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
The transmission on this 2016 grand jeep Cherokee had completely went out due to fluids being in the transmission. Which is causing a head gasket problem as well. This car was regularly serviced. Only had this vehicle 7-8 months. My safety was put at risk when I was driving my kids to school and on my way to work when it started to overheat causing me to pull over and not being able to drive this... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
Car was in park and running idle and randomly the back windshield completely shattered. The car had been on for a while probably at least 20 minutes so it wasn’t that the window all of a sudden got really warm compared to the outside cold temperature. Had Safelite replaced the window, but there are still a bunch of shards of glass in the tailgate because that would have to be fully replaced in o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Rear camera visibility is very poor, especially at night.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
the rear camera showed " unavailable" on the center display screen so I had to get this fixed and i paid $658.34 to get this fixed because the recall informational stated that "ford motor company is working to provide parts for this repair. when the remedy becomes available, ford motor company will notify you via mail to schedule a service appointment with your dealer for repairs to be completed f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
The horn started malfunctioning recently at around 200k miles, sometimes working sometimes not (regardless of steering wheel positioning). As prior complaints have stated; the suspect was likely the clockspring, but all the steering wheel controls were functioning with no issues and no warning lights illuminated. Also, I've continously found myself in the 3rd gear multiple times after very lighy t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
On May 28, 2025, a 2023 VW ID.4 spontaneously caught fire while in use. The local Fire Department and County Hazmat responded to the scene. The vehicle was declared a total loss due to thermal runaway and lithium battery fume toxicity. Crucially, the vehicle experienced a secondary ignition/re-fire several days later while in the custody of a towing company, resulting in the total destruction of t... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
There is a recall on this vehicle
MERCEDES-BENZ
E500
(2005) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 20, 2025
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The panoramic sunroof sunshade assembly on my 2020 Ford Explorer Limited failed when the sunshade suddenly came off the guide track during normal operation. Prior to the failure, the sunshade operated normally with no warning signs, messages, or indicators. Once detached, the sunshade hung down into the rear window area and obstructed rearward visibility while driving, creating a safety hazard dur... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
the check engine light and see manual (Alley Wrench) constantly goes off and code for P0973- the symptoms following were stalling that felt like someone was rear ending her and acceleration takes time to go back up. Will happen many times on a right and shops claim a replacement of transmission would be needed. Vehicle is 2022 Ford Explorer and should not need a replacement this soon!!!!
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 20, 2025
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
SCREEN DASHBOARD ( INSTRUMENT CLUSTER) BLANK/BLACK AT STARTUP. OCCURRED DEC 20. DEALER CLOSED AND XMAS HOLIDAY CAUSED INABILTY TO MAKE APPOINTMENT.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Rear camera does not detect traffic passing or people walking behind the vehicle.Sometimes the screen goes blue. Crash alert goes off any time it wants. Even when parked.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The manufacturer has issued a 'Do Not Occupy' warning for the second row of my 2025 Sienna (Recall 25V668). As this is a family minivan, the vehicle is now unsafe for its intended purpose. No remedy is available, and Toyota has provided no timeline for repair. I am seeking a buyback due to indefinite safety impairment.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
I am submitting a complaint regarding my 2 year-old vehicle due to a recurring/mechanical issue that is impacting its safety and reliability. While I understand the vehicle’s age, this problem appears to be beyond normal wear and tear and warrants review. In addition the condition has resulted in ongoing problems that I believe require further evaluation and resolution.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Onstar telecommunications module failed within 5 months of ownership. GPS and in car navigation goes crazy showing incorrect position which is distracting on the infotainmet screen. Been almost 4 weeks with no estimate of part availability from GM.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Own a 2019 Suburu Crosstrek vehicle that has unexpectedly accelerated/lurched on its own when pulling forward into a parking spot. This has happened twice...last month & today.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
In 2025 I decided to clean the hybrid battery fan. I removed the side panels and found that the fan to battery duct had never been installed. I am the original owner and no one had ever removed the inside panels or had reason to remove the duct. This has likely resulted in the overheated battery which now needs replacing even though I have only 161,000 miles on this car which I have always mainta... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
2008 MercedesE350 (W211) Driver’s seat heater, ~11:48am Location: Lidl Parking Lot, 2017 St. Joseph’s Dr., Bowie/Upper Marlboro, MD While I was sitting in the driver’s seat with my back fully against it, the seat heater burned through the leather on the left side of the seat. The cabin immediately filled with smoke. The burning stopped only after I turned off the seat‑heater button. I was ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
I was notified that my Truck has a safety recall and immediately reported this to Frontier Ford via email on 8/18/25 per the service advisors request. Frontier Ford [XXX] [XXX] It's now been 4 months and I'm still waiting for the replacement part. I've been told by the service advisor that it is ok to drive my truck, unless I hear any noise from the axle. No inspections have been done. I'm... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
Sunroof glass shattered on I-5 south approx 1215pm just before the Nisqually exit. We looked for cause of the incident but could not find debris/rocks that could've been the cause. Also, there wasn't much glass inside the car, the remnants puckered upwards. The glass shatter seemed to come out of the blue; weather was grey but no rain or sprinkles at the time. We pulled over at the next exit wh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
Rear back window shattered without any impact from debris or objects.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Cabin vibration happens intermittently. Purchases vehicle new with 300 miles on it. Less than a month I experienced this vibration for the first time. It has happened at least once a month since. The noise and vibration is inside the vehicle only and only noticeable when driving. It appears to be related to the noise cancellation system.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
The REAR end of the truck needs to be repair. The dealership says multiple people have needed to order the rear end.
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2020) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 20, 2025
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
I was parking , I had my foot on the brake. I was at the parking curb stopped and my vehicle fully ecellerated , full speed crashing me into the building infront of me. the vehicle would not turn off even after exiting. this happened before however I only hit the curb as there was nothing else to hit. Im terrified. This could have EASILY KILLED SOMEONE. someone needs to review the data recorder i... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Vehicle consistently exhibits throttle lag from a stop. It is almost like the engine is not responding to the throttle input. This condition is unsafe when pulling into oncoming traffic as the vehicle does not accelerate and then lurches out into traffic as it finally responds to the throttle input
Incident date: Mar 30, 1998
Hello I have a 2014 grand Cherokee 3.6 and the oil cooler went out again .. this is TH 3RD TIME. The last 2 times I pay out of pocket for it but now 3 different mechanics told me there’s either a recall or something with the oil cooler when jeep has to fix it. I don’t want to pay another $1000 again PLEASE HELP ME OUT JEEP OF LOWELL DIDNT HELP AT ALL
Incident date: Sep 28, 2025
Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking Collision Mitigation Braking System automatically activated even there is no obstruction while driving.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2025
Multiple times the car has locked the brakes when there was a car several car lengths in front of me. This has resulted in me nearly being rear ended three different times. The force of the stop has also caused me to have neck and back pain. This is u safe and will result in injuries. There are many reports about this on Reddit.
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The vehicle is subject to three critical safety recalls with no available remedy: 25V-741 (High-Voltage Battery Fire), 25V-766 (Engine Sand Contamination/Fire), and 25V-710 (Software Loss of Power). Following manufacturer instructions, I have been forced to park the vehicle outdoors away from structures due to fire risk and refrain from charging. For Recall 25V-766, a 'Do Not Drive' advisory has ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
I am the owner of a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV and have experienced ongoing and unresolved issues with the vehicle’s connectivity systems — including OnStar, internet access, GPS functionality, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. The problem first began in late July 2025, when I suddenly lost both internet connectivity and GPS navigation. During that episode, I was unable to use the OnStar system ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The rear window shattered. It is a safety issue because my window shattered as I was in a public parking lot and I had no idea. Also u had groceries in my trunk and now tiny pieces of glass was near my bags No but bulletin tsb 22-014 identified the issue
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
I'm pretty sure it's the ptu . I was driving up a hilly road and my jeep had no power all of a sudden. Then the service 4wheel drive light came on in the cluster,/ dash. Then when I stopped the tires would not quit spinning. But I could tell only one at a time was rolling. But it would switch to a different tire .each time it switched it would almost catapult me of to the side or towards the midd... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Vehicle was parked in my driveway. My wife and I were about 10 feet from it working on another vehicle when we heard a loud pop. We looked over at the vehicle and the sunroof has exploded. It was bubbled upward and completely shattered. I contacted my VW dealer and we slowly drove the car to the shop and left it. The dealer said it probably wasn't covered under dealer warranty because it was glass... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2021
My 2022 Model Y, 213k miles, battery health 77%, no issues until Beginning of November 2025. After Tesla’s update, BMS_a079 popped up, capped charge at 22%. No dead cells, no imbalance—pure software bug remotely triggered by Tesla. Service refused written diagnosis, only said ‘nine thousand dollars for new battery. Risk of stranding.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2021
A warning “Service Electronic Stability Control” is on and off when I’m driving. Brought it to local Ram Dealer but they said they can do anything about it.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Unknown, ESC , traction control, service brake. The truck stop and those 2 codes shows and is on but doesn’t it move
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
The vehicle has a CVT transmission failure causing severe shuddering, jerking, and progressive loss of acceleration. Initially the vehicle would not exceed 20 mph, then worsened to 15 mph, then 10 mph, and now will not exceed 5 mph. The issue consistently occurs after the vehicle has been driven for more than approximately 2 minutes. There are no warning lights or alerts prior to the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Camera backup manufacturing not working suddenly after freezing day .