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: Nov 4, 2025
Dealer Jeff Wyler Chevrolet replaced car cabin battery & failed to vent battery gas hose to the vehicle exterior. Hose is laying in well of battery compartment & filling the vehicle with hydrogen gas. General Motors has been informed & car is not safe to drive. Dealer installed a date altered dead cell battery (fully documented) creating a toxic & dangerous situation with no immediate assistance ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
I have a Toyota CHR 2018, bought it brand new in July 2018. I recently noticed a noise and when driving a difference when using the gas. I took it to 2 different mechanics and it is my Transmission. Is my car under warranty? It has less than 110K miles on it
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
This car is equipped with a telematics module that feeds information to navigation system, Blue Cruise hands-off driving, and provides speed limit information in a heads-up display based on map data. The same module also controls connectivity to On-Star, a safety monitoring service. There appears to be a bug in the software whereby the module doesn't appropriately initialized properly. This has s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
This vehicle has had a bad electrical problem where it makes a real bad clicking noise and sometimes it doesn't turn off the radio also the radio doesn't turn on at times. The major problem is it has not passed emissions for almost a year it gives out bad sensor readings and clearing the code so I can pass emissions don't help it comes back on. I have tried to let Ford know that this car is havi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
The thermostat sensor is defaulty. While driving all of the dashboard component lights flash on and off and the vehicle loses power while driving. Called the dealership and the technician knew exactly what it was because he said this is a known issue and when I got the vehicle to the dealership they didn't need to do a diagnostic, they knew exactly what it was. A recall should have happened to avo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The CVT transmission in my 2018 Toyota C-HR failed suddenly while driving. There were no warning lights, check engine indicators, or dashboard messages before the issue occurred. The only symptom was a sudden whining/whirring noise from the transmission area. The vehicle has been regularly maintained and serviced through ToyotaCare until the coverage expired in 2023. The failure happened on 11/02... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
The instrument cluster has stop functioning and you can't see milage, gas or any of the warning lights within the cluster panel. I was not in an accident but wanted to report the problem of the cluster since my jeep was not included in the recall. I have an estimate of 1,600. for a repair from jeep mechanic.I feel that it should have been included in the recall.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
There is a coolant leak in the hybrid radiator caused by a puncture. When taken to the dealer, they said a rock must have punctured it. The dealer currently has the part. Me, my husband, and 2 children were driving on I-5 when the car stopped accelerating and a "hybrid malfucntion" code and "engine malfunction" code started flashing. Prior to this, there were no warnings. I was thankfully able t... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2020) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 4, 2025
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
On Sept 14 2025 we were driving our Promaster and heard a knocking sound then the vehicle immediately overheated. We had the car towed to a dealership and we were informed we needed a new engine as the fan module had failed causing the vehicle to overheat and ruining the engine. The extended warranty company also denied the claim citing that the fan module had failed. We purchased the vehicle on S... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
I am reporting an ongoing safety issue involving the Skid Control ECU and loss of power break recall on my 2024 Toyota corolla hybrid. The first time, my vehicle experienced loss of power brake assist and displayed a “Hybrid System Malfunction” message on screen. I towed my car to Toyota, confirmed it was related to the Skid Control ECU recall and repaired it under the recall at no cost, the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
I smell gasoline through the AC vent at every stop when I drive the car locally at low speed (under 50 mph) after the car has been parked overnight. The smell eventually goes away after driving a while, but it comes back the next day when the car has been parked overnight. I feel like the smell is worse as the fuel tank gets lower. I took the car to the dealership and they were not able to identif... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
Sirus XM radio not working I called Sirus XM and cancelled my subscription they told me it is an ongoing issue multiple people are having the same issue it keeps saying reception is blocked.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
the onstar is out, cant make a call to them, cant remote start on app, navigation doesnt work
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 4, 2025
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
I had repairs done to my Jeep in April 2024. At that time, I was made aware that my ABS control module was faulty and no longer functioning. I have been periodically checking with my mechanic and online to check the status of this part, only to find that it has been an ongoing issue with some models having this part unavailable since 2019. At the end of October 2025, I began having a major safety ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
Sun roof/moon roof exploded without reason.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
On 10/24, a rented van (from Budget Truck Rental) was parked and stationary on private commercial property (a warehouse lot) when a fire originated in the engine compartment area. The fire rapidly escalated, causing severe damage to the van itself, and resulting in the total loss of a second, adjacent rented van. The local Fire Department (FD) responded to and extinguished the blaze. What compone... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
The vehicle's CarPlay is malfunctioning, showing incorrect vehicle location and navigation directions. The vehicle's screen often shows incorrect location and directions, and changes directions as it updates where it thinks the car is. This is available for inspection upon request. The safety of the driver and passengers is put at risk because the screen showing incorrect location and directions ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 4, 2025
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
AS AT 11/07/2023 KIA AMERICA KNEW OF HCV/HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ACTUATOR -HEV/HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE CAUSED TRANMSISSION PROBLEM IN KIA NIRO HYBRID 2020 AND KIA AMERICA REFUSED TO REPAIR IT. RECALL COMPLETED 5/27/2025 AFTER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2009) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 4, 2025
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
I opened my sunroof cover and the back of my headliner dropped. The back window is already small and the headliner hangs in front of it obstructing the view. It seems like everyone has this same issue or defect which is pretty pricey to repair.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
On or about October 21–22, 2025, I brought my 2020 Acura TLX (brown, 99,000 miles, VIN [XXX] ) to Goodson Acura of Dallas for a recall repair related to engine concerns. The vehicle was returned to me on October 24, 2025. Shortly afterward, the car began to lag and hesitate while accelerating. On November 3, 2025, while driving to a doctor’s appointment on the Bypass Bridge in morning traffic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
I am writing to report a significant safety issue with my vehicle involving a leaking sunroof that is causing damage to both the seatbelts and airbags. I believe this issue poses a serious safety concern and could lead to malfunctioning safety systems during an accident. I asked my local Toyota dealership for guidance adn they told me to clean the drain tubes out with weed eater wire. We tried tha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
These parts are still unavailable. This should be a class action lawsuit.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
1/ while at the stop site, the car suddenly stopped and went black. Stereo turn off and screen went black. 2/ sometime I can’t unlock the car from inside. The lock works but not the unlock button. While backing or stopping there is a high noise that seems like I have a bad brake , took it to the dealership and they said the brake is good but they can’t figure out where the noise coming from. I... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2002
When closing the back window of my Nissan Rogue it shattered
CHEVROLET
EXPRESS 3500
(2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 4, 2025
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Rear View camera has quit working. It has not worked properly for quite awile
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
I just purchased a 2019 ford flex in September from Bessette Motors in Carrington ND. When I purchased the vehicle the rear backup camera had an inverted image. The dealership told me they would bring my car back in the following week to fix the camera because the said someone must have flipped the camera over accidently. They have not fixed it, nor they did not tell me the camera issue was part... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2015) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 4, 2025
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
Display has constant screen glitching
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 4, 2025
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
The lock actuator on the sliding door does not function correctly. The same exact part in the same designed car (Dodge Caravan) has a settlement for this. This should also apply to the 2018 Pacifica. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Returning home on I-40 on Sunday, the engine just quit working. Fortunately it WAS Sunday and the traffic was light. Had there been more traffic, someone probably would have hit me from the rear. We managed to get it almost all of the way off the road before it stopped. According to the dealership that worked on it, it was the fuel supply service module, $46.09 part. The service technician sa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
Hello, When I originally leased this vehicle I had electrical issues with the radio and also an intermittent rotten egg smell. I have brought my car in for this they said they fixed the radio issue but didn’t smell the smell we were smelling in it. As soon as I got it back the same stuff was happening again. I had brought it back in for service and they said they couldn’t find anything from ... Read more
TOYOTA
COROLLA HATCHBACK
(2020) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 4, 2025
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
I was leaking coolant and took to the dealer. They say it's my upper radiator hose and it needs replaced but it's on a nationwide back order. I was at 42000 miles and was not covered under warranty. I'm reading that a ton of people having the exact same issue and nobody knows why are recall hasn't been issued on this. This can't be good for the environment having a bunch of traverse vehicles lea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
I [XXX] and I am the owner of a 2020 Lincoln Corsair (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle is under a recall for the backup camera and wiring harness that affects the visibility of the rear-view image. When I contacted my local Lincoln dealership, they informed me that the recall parts are unavailable and that the earliest possible repair appointment is not until March 2026. I purchased the vehicle in Octo... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2024) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 4, 2025
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
Description of the Incident: While driving our RV on the expressway, the slide-out unexpectedly extended on its own without anyone pressing the control button or getting up from their seat. The slide-out extended several feet outward while the vehicle was moving at highway speed. Component/System that Failed: The slide-out mechanism/control system malfunctioned. It appears to have activated sponta... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE, THEN THE SOUND OF GLASS SHATTERING. I PULLED OVER AND LOOKED AT ALL MY WINDOWS AND DIDNT SEE ANYTHING. I CONTINUTED DRIVING AND I COULD HEAR AIR COMING FROM ABOVE, WHILE AT A REDLIGHT I STARTED OPENING THE SUNROOF COVER AND SAW GLASS. I IMMEDIATELY CLOSED IT AND RETURNED HOME AND GOT MY OTHER VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME AND NOTHING AB... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The 8 speed automatic transmission is failing at 100k miles. Whining noises are heard and after being taken to Toyota dealerships mechanic, we were told that the gear mesh or bearing is bad and that we'll need to replace the transmission. We were told that many other highlanders have experienced the same issues. No light popped up before or during driving while the transmission is whining.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
The wireless charging pad in the vehicle below the climate control system. Yes, it is. The charging component malfunctioned and overheated the back of my phone when it was set in the console while driving. I had no intention of charging my phone, but instead place my phone down while driving. When I picked up my phone at a stop light, I laid it in my inner thigh when the light changed. The burnin... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
Numerous defects in my 2024 Honda Civic Sport. I leased this vehicle in January 2024 for 36 months (with a $4,675 down payment and $284.62 monthly payments). From early in the lease, the car has been plagued with serious problems. Below is a chronological list of the issues my vehicle has experienced: Gearbox replacement – Feb 3, 2025 (12,792 miles): The vehicle’s transmission/gearbox failed... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 3, 2025
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
I purchased this vehicle in December of 2024 at 37 miles on the car. The car shut down three times on me due to electrical issue, but the dealership said it was the battery and the electric, i have invoices for all of the visits. i didnt feel safe driving the vehicle so i let the car sit and rented through Turo. Recently in October, there was a loud squeek sound and vibration coming from my brake,... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Started with a transmission whining. Now is setting check engine light and jerking. Toyota knows there is a manufacturing defect in the UA80 transmission in these vehicles, but continued to sell them even after the released TSB# T-SB-0008-21, and refuses to repair this under warranty. Toyota is the only company offering replacement transmissions and therefore can set there own price to scam consum... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
Driver Assist Warning system. The driver assist warning in the vehicle provided a false alarm every 4-5 minutes while driving on the interstate. The trip was during the day and the driver was alert staying between the lane lines. The driver assist warning system was disabled in the vehicle settings. This problem has been reported by multiple individuals in the Hyundai forums.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
On saturday, november first I was driving down the road about sixty five miles per hour.No one around me and nothing on the road.And all of a sudden, my back glass shattered.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
I own a 2020 GMC Acadia that has experienced multiple major mechanical failures within one year. In January 2025, at around 74,000 miles, the transmission failed completely with no warning or clear indication of what was wrong. The vehicle suddenly lost power while driving, creating a safety risk for me and my child. I was quoted around $12,000 for the transmission replacement initially before get... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
Car was driving rough, with hesitation with acceleration and MIL lamp was flashing. Car with only 25,924 miles ( bought with 24,641miles). Dealership said 3 plugs have melted which is not normal wear and tear. Nissan still trying to figure out if it's under warranty and said it is not part of recall. It's possible that this car has the recalled vct transmission and recall should be expanded becaus... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 3, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
I am paying on a 2017 Lincoln MKZ with total engine failure due to coolant leaking into it. I am aware that NHTSA in early October 2023 there was an investigation into more than 700000 late model Ford due to catastrophic engine failure. Why was people not informed on this matter, or a recall established.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2018) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 3, 2025
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
Trunk is defective. Trunk will not open unless it is manually opened, which is hard because it is powered. If there is an accident and a person needs to escape, they would be stuck inside due to these defective trunks. Many others are experiencing this issue online.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
We were driving on the highway and heard what sounded like a gun shot. Our sunroof had exploded. Luckily the interior door was closed or we would have been showered with glass. There was no one around, no rocks or road debris. It just came out of nowhere!
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
On several occasions, the check engine light comes on, the temperature gauge goes all the way up and it states “coolant temperature too high” before the car powers off. I had taken the car to a mechanic who said that it was a sensor issue and replaced the sensor. It has continued to happen on a regular basis while I’m driving. I have contacted Jeep and have an Appointment for them to “asse... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
The head rest leans out so far at the top that my chin hits my chest. It doesn't matter if I try to lean the seat back of forth. Please evaluate the head rest as I believe it will cause serious injury as there is no back and forth adjustment. This can cause severe damage to the neck. You insisted on head rests for safety and I am very concerned about this. Also they are leaning the window so fa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
The gear shifter broke. The button on the back that you compress in order to trigger a button inside of the shifter, broke off and then the button inside got stuck. I was not able to shift gears and even though there was no other issue with the vehicle, I was stuck in a parking lot blocking other people's ability to move around me. It creates a safety hazard by not being able to shift gears to mo... Read more