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 114,844 complaints — component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
I purchased my truck from Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, IA around September of 2019. Approximately 1.5 years after purchasing the vehicle, I began having issues with my infotainment system intermittently resetting itself while I was driving. On or about the end of 2021 (after this had occurred a few time), I brought the truck into the Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny, IA, as it seemed to become more frequent ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
This Complaint is not about a specific incident, but about excessively-brilliant (blinding) headlights. In the flow of traffic, the blinded drivers far outnumber the vehicle using blinding headlights. The area those headlights cover spreads out so WIDE, the blinded driver is not able to see the side of the road. Insurance companies may say this problem does not cause accidents; but, I believe t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
We have lost instrument panel info while driving twice in less than a year, it reboots while driving. We took the vehicle to the dealer and were informed there was no tow hitch as stated in the recall letter. My concern is that my car is doing what is described in the recall letter, (during rebooting the control cluster will not show info such as speedometer or warning lights), we have a blank pan... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The infotainment system does ghost touches and changes settings randomly such as tpms, airbag, and maintenance settings while driving causing major distractions by also turning on and off randomly increasing and decreasing volume settings.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLS 450
(2020) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 15, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Window trim on the passenger rear window fell off while driving- it put others at risk by flying off the vehicle on the interstate- Mercedes Benz of Omaha quoted replacement of the window trim parts- no warning messages on dash
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 15, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
My moon roof has started making very loud noises at speeds above 50 mph. There is no active recall for my 2022 Bronco Sport. But there was the exact recall on 2021 Bronco Sports. In addition there is a moon roof recall on 2022 Navigators, F150's, F250's, F350's and F450's. Why has a recall not been issued on the 2022 model?
Incident date: May 12, 2026
Transmission went out
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
My 2021 Audi A6 produces a strong mold and mildew odor from the HVAC/air conditioning system. The smell occurs consistently after the air conditioning is turned off and persists when entering the vehicle. The issue appears to originate from mold growth on the evaporator coil or dampers, likely caused by moisture accumulation and inadequate condensate drainage in the HVAC system. The vehicle was in... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
I was in a rear end collision on May 14th 2026 the impact of the speed totaled my car in my airbags did not deploy and from my understanding where the sensors are on my vehicle they should have I ended up getting a concussion and soft tissue damage because my head hit the steering wheel my seat belt did not lock either.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 12, 2026
I HAVE A CONCERN ABOUTH THE TRANSMISSON I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE SHOP AND THER E ARE ATLEAST 6 OTHERS WITH TRANSMISSON ISUSSES AND ONLY KELLY BLUE BOOK KIT STATES THAT THERE ARE 2 RECALL DEALING WITH THE SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
My Toyota vehicle has a recurring HVAC/air conditioning odor problem that produces a strong vinegar-like or mildew smell from the air vents whenever warmer weather returns and the air conditioning system is used again. The odor is extremely unpleasant and affects the air quality inside the vehicle cabin. The condition repeatedly returns seasonally despite attempts to clean the system. I brought ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Issue 1: High oil consumption in the engine due to poor engine design, according to the auto repair center. 5 quarts of oil are added to the engine once every 2-3 weeks. All oil leaks were previously repaired, but oil is still burning off. Issue 2: The engine has misfired more than once, with a puff of smoke coming out of the exhaust. Issue 3: Twice in the past 1.5-2 years, multiple spark plug... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The vehicle experienced repeated failures involving the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System, and Check Engine system. Warning indicators for the ESC, traction control, and check engine illuminated while operating the vehicle. The issue has occurred on two separate occasions. The first incident occurred on May 4, 2026. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
My car started making a sound similar to a cracked muffler but it was a very quiet sound that lasted a minute or two and went away. I thought something was loose and took to repair shop. My catalytic converter was cracked & the mechanic said it was in a place he had never seen before. Very high up. He tried to go through GM but my issue isn’t the same as any other that had been reported. My car ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The emergency call is malfunctioning in the overhead console.
Incident date: May 14, 2026
When using the rear camera while towing a trailer, the image is partially blocked by a persistent message stating “full view not available”. This creates a safety issue as it obscures the driver’s view of the trailer and/or the trailer load. It is critical to be able to monitor the trailer and the load during towing to ensure a hazardous condition is not developing. I believe the rear view ... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
My 2025 Toyota Tundra’s air conditioning is not cooling properly. The A/C does not perform as expected, especially in hot weather. I am concerned this may be a defect in the HVAC/climate control system. I am also concerned about driver safety because poor A/C performance in extreme heat can affect the driver and passengers, and HVAC issues may also affect proper window defogging/defrosting. I am... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
My ram truck will intermittently have a Christmas tree of warning lights on the instrument cluster, which occur while driving. During these periods, I do not have access to four-wheel-drive, accident avoidance, antilock brakes, etc. If I continue driving the truck for the remainder of the day, the lights will usually go off, but will be stored in the vehicles PCM. the dealership has previously e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
I currently own and am driving a 2014 Lincoln MKS, my fourth such vehicle over the past several years. Lincolns have been one of my favorite vehicles however, I am writing to bring to your attention a recurring issue with the climate control system that may warrant further review as a potential safety-related defect. Many owners, including myself, have experienced a situation where the vehicle's... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 350 E 4MATIC
(2025) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 15, 2026
Incident date: May 4, 2026
All screens on dash were black and a clicking sound could be heard I side the vehicle. This has happened four times. Towed vehicle to MB dealer and they did a software update but it keeps happening anyway.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2024) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 15, 2026
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Stepping on brakes - Car slows then accelerates a few seconds and lunges forward a couple of feet. Extreme safety issue. This occurred yesterday with my sister in the car and we almost rear ended the vehicle stopped in front of us. I have complained to the Cumberland Toyota dealership in the past and was told if they cant recreate the issue and it doesn't happen all the time there is no way to ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
I was driving and slowing down for a stop sign and the engine shut off by itself while still moving at appx 10-15mph. The display had several warning lights appear, and the message "Auto Start Stop, Shift to P, Then Restart Engine". I have the Auto Start Stop disabled on my vehicle, so there was no reason for my engine to shut off while decelerating. I searched online for potential causes and d... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The engine started to fail when I'm driving and on the highway it suddenly loses strength, the oil goes down and I don't know where it's going, the engine starts to make noises and burning smell, the ignition light turns on and minutes later goes out, a triangle signal also sometimes appears for 6 seconds and disappears, when this triangle appears the car starts to fail and give strong jolts, this... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 11, 2026
I was driving to work, when I got off the exit I stopped at Sheetz. When I got back in the car my brake pedal was stiff as a rock, and there was oil on the ground. A friend of mine does mechanic work so I called him and he said it sounds like the vacuum pump. I had the car towed to his garage, the tow costed me $400 which was very cheap considering where I was located. When I got it to the garage ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The car continues to have an issue with the same recalls that were priorly fixed but continued to happen after a few years. The last repair for this recall only lasted six months and I now need to replace the exact same parts again. The vehicle is completely faulty. The computer control valve for the transmission continues to fail. My vehicle will say service transmission, and then you cannot swit... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Air conditioning evaporator core is leaking refrigerant into cabin
Incident date: May 1, 2026
bought the car the guy stated was in great shape said it had 98k miles failed to tell me the odometer was not working and false i had the ad he clearly states the milage and nothing about it being broke i had a third party deliver it to me so i didn’t find out til it arrived.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 3500
(2026) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 15, 2026
Incident date: May 15, 2026
I purchased a brand-new Chevrolet dually truck from Bomnin Chevrolet Dadeland in Miami, Florida. Since delivery, the vehicle has had serious unresolved defects and safety concerns. The truck has ongoing alignment issues that the dealership has been unable or unwilling to properly repair. The vehicle does not drive correctly and there are concerns regarding safe operation while hauling. In additi... Read more
THOR MOTOR COACH
PALAZZO
(2017) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 15, 2026
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
I am reporting a serious and repeated safety defect involving Hehr side windows installed on my 2018 Thor Palazzo 36.1 motorhome (VIN: [XXX] ). Multiple operable side windows on this RV have experienced adhesive bond failure between the scissor arm/operator mechanism and the vent glass pane. This has caused windows to partially detach and violently flap while driving at highway speeds. One rear b... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
Ok after done charging my Jaguar I Pace I put my car in reverse it made a clicking noise and then had traction battery warning pop up and high voltage battery warning then battery fault in red the car then just pushed itself forward for no reason and almost ran into the charger so I put it in park it stopped clicking. I honestly thought the car was going to start on fire this was after the softwar... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
My rearview camera froze while I was reversing. Also when I put the vehicle into drive, the screen stayed on the backup camera after it eventually unfroze, showing the road behind me, it was very distracting. I have no photos or videos available because I was driving no warning lamps were visible, no auditory signals were present
Incident date: May 14, 2026
My car infotainment system keeps on having a "Ghost Touch" and it keeps on being a distraction when im using the GPS and it is a hazard being on the road especially in [XXX] where drivers are reckless. Other people have been having same issue, at least 80% that i have seen in person and online. This should be on a recall or at least have honda figure out the issue since theyre selling there cars ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
My vehicle has been in the shop over 6 times due to the malfunctioning of the EMERGENCY BREAKING SYSTEM. Less then 2.5wks after I purchased this vehicle, I started experiencing my E brake randomly engaging while driving it down the road. I called the dealership. They suggested I bring it to a jeep dealer. I’ve brought it to a jeep dealer where it’s been several times since I purchased the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Lose his power steering while driving down the road. System says needs work on ABS when you hit a bump the radio changes itself. The anti-theft is on when key is in ignition and going down the road it's saying it's theft mode service engine light is on even after servicing the engine
Incident date: May 13, 2026
The sunroof spontaneously shattered as I was driving down the road.
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Travelling on a highway with 70 MPH posted speed limit, the vehicle dashboard signaled the check engine light and a variety of warnings that "power reduction measure" was enabled and to "service brake assist." At the next available exit, I was able to exit from the highway and go to a gas station, where upon pulling next to a pump the brake pedal became extremely hard and nonresponsive, resulting ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
• Component/system that failed: A/C compressor (shaft seal leak confirmed by Mt. Kisco Honda dealer diagnosis). The vehicle is available for inspection. • Safety risk: No direct crash risk, but loss of A/C in hot weather (NY summers) reduces driver comfort and can cause fatigue or window fogging in certain conditions (e.g., defrost mode struggles when compressor doesn’t engage). No warning... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 14, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Sliding rear window leaking, causing mold and ruined seats. Had it "fixed" in 2023 only 3 years of owing it. Now here 3 years later the same issue is occurring and they're not willing to make it right. Mold causes a safety hazard for my children and anyone in my vehicle. My truck only has 30,000 miles on it and I shouldn't be having this issue
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
The vehicle is experiencing premature clear coat failure on the hood and roof. The affected areas show widespread oxidation, dulling, and breakdown of the clear coat, while vertical panels remain unaffected. This indicates failure limited to UV-exposed surfaces and does not appear to be normal wear. The condition is uniform across the panels and not caused by impact, chemicals, or improper mainte... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The vehicle’s HVAC/A/C system malfunctioned. The primary symptom was hot air blowing from the driver-side vents while the passenger side intermittently continued blowing cooler air. The issue appeared suddenly with no prior indication of problems. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. I currently live in [XXX] , where extreme heat makes functioning air conditioning an importan... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2021) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 14, 2026
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
Multiple switches that make the windows go up and down in the car all broke around the same time. The switches are inoperable meaning the doors cannot be locked or unlocked and the windows cannot be rolled up or down in for multiple windows.
Incident date: May 5, 2026
I am filing a complaint regarding Toyota’s handling of a known paint defect affecting my 2014 Toyota RAV4 Limited in Blizzard Pearl paint. Over the past several years, the paint on my vehicle has progressively peeled and deteriorated. Approximately 50% of the vehicle’s paint is now damaged. This issue is clearly consistent with Toyota’s known Blizzard Pearl paint defect program. However, I... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
Vehicle is has an active safety recall and my local dealership has not received the update
Incident date: May 14, 2026
My sunroof glass spontaneously shattered causing glass to be everywhere inside my car while I was driving. It scared me and now my car is undrivable until the glass is repaired. I see many thread online of other Kia K5 owners have experienced the same issue. My initial thought was that my tire popped so I tried to pull off to the side of the road but cars were just trying to get around me. I opene... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Porsche leather dashboard shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag may not deploy properly. The Porsche dealer looked at it recommend that it be replaced. This is a known manufacturer defect that has been occurring with many of Porsche leather dashboards in different models. The manufacture is not taking responsibility in repairing or recalling this da... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
I purchase a 2019 CRV at 80.00 miles. it had problems in the first year. I was driving the car stop while was driving in a residential area with no warning sign. I have pics, the next things my rear view mirror fell down I just stop driving to tape it up, next my wire harness broke blacken my dash broad. After that my hatch back stay up it couldn't get it down I drove with it up until I got t... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The cars fan is constantly running even when the car is cool. I think it has to do with the ITMS I contacted the dealer and they said there’s nothing they can do about it this happens every time the vehicle is started even when I am parked. The fan is constantly running at 100%.
GRAND DESIGN
SOLITUDE
(2021) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 14, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Frame weld cracks. Wall support framing cracks. Damaged cargo doors from flexing frame. Slideout damage from frame support break which may or may not keep it locked in placed during travel. Has been returned to manufacturer twice. 2024, 2025. Same issues again in 2026.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
NHTSA VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT Vehicle Information: - Year/Make/Model: 2024 RAM 1500 (V6 eTorque) - VIN: [XXX] - Current Mileage: ~70,000 miles - Warranty Expired: 60,000 miles - Purchased/Serviced at: Smithhaven Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, [XXX] Complaint Summary: I am reporting multiple recurring safety-related electrical, lighting, and drivability issues involving my 2024 RAM 1500. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
I received a safety recall notice 26S28/NHTSA Recall 26V237 On the same day that this occurred in my truck. Luckily for me, I was within 2 miles of home, the only way I could get home was to drive in first gear up the mountain road to get there. My truck is not drivable. If this happens on a freeway, I most likely would be rear ended as the vehicle stops suddenly. What recourse do I have from Ford... Read more