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: Aug 13, 2026
Anytime the wipers are on and the speed is above 50 mph, this car periodically applies the brakes to keep the rotors dry. It's an automated system that BMW's and Mini's have. However, for some reason, the vehicle now pulls hard to the right, which veers the car into the other lane. The brake pads and rotors are all new. The tires are new and the alignment is good. The brake fluid was just cha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
My 2022 BMW X5 is having the transfer case star to fail. Where the symptoms currently are at is the car has a shudder in certain situations. I can feel it when maneuvering at slow speeds and I can feel it at times at speed or when on a steep hill. I bought the extended warranty for the car and the maintenance package for the vehicle. I'm at 68k miles and the shudder started before that but I ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
My vehicle was brought to my dealership for service on December 13, 2024, and again on January 13, 2026, due to a recurring Uconnect software/application failure. The system repeatedly displayed the message: “Uconnect Box requires service. Please visit an authorized dealer.” Over time this message continuously reappears while driving even after acknowledging the message earlier. This message... Read more
AUDI
Q4 SPORTBACK E-TRON
(2023) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 13, 2026
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The air conditioner warning light came on in April 2026. I took it to dealer to be checked. Dealer said no problem. That warning light went on intermittently through May, June and July. By end of July I took it back to dealer. The evaporator was indeed malfunctioning and emitting carbon dioxide into the cabin when the air conditioner was on. While repairing the evaporator system, the plastic cover... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
During heavy rain, the sunroof on my Terrain leaked badly enough to allow a substantial amount of water into the vehicle. The rear floor area became completely saturated, and the sunroof controls stopped working. I brought the vehicle to Hudson Cadillac Buick GMC in Poughkeepsie, New York, to have the problem diagnosed and repaired. The resulting repairs and water-damage cleanup cost me nearly $3,... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
Check engine light would come on vehicle was not running well, seemed to stall. When I turned off the car I could hear liquid moving around from inside the vehicle. I am a Mom so I am driving with my 2 small children constantly and worried about their safety. The problem was confirmed by the dealership as well as an independent service center.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
On August 11th, 2026 right before noon, the sunroof on my Audi Q5 (hybrid, 2021 model) exploded without warning. Luckily noone was hurt but the explosion alone was enough to distract someone to run off the road. Luckily there were no pedestrians around otherwise they could have been hit by flying glass. And luckily the sunroof cover was protecting me otherwise the glass would have been all over th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
On August 11th, 2026 right before noon, the sunroof on my Audi Q5 (hybrid, 2021 model) exploded without warning. Luckily noone was hurt but the explosion alone was enough to distract someone to run off the road. Luckily there were no pedestrians around otherwise they could have been hit by flying glass. And luckily the sunroof cover was protecting me otherwise the glass would have been all over th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The entire monitor is experiencing "ghost touch" issues. While driving, the monitor rapidly changes screens beeping each time. It will throw you out of bluetooth into a random radio station. It switches from screen to screen beeping each time. It is extremely distracting while driving. In my opinion, the distraction is hazardous. It has been to dealer, I have also filed a case with Honda Cas... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The cooling fan clutch control wire is supported by a "wire support hose" between the engine block and the fan clutch. the cooling fan clutch control freely rotates on a raceway on the drive shaft. The purpose of the support hose is to prevent the fan clutch control from freely rotating, but allows the control a limited range of movement as the drive shaft changes speed with engine RPM. The ide... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
While driving in the rain, my 2014 Nissan Juke began to smoke underneath the hood. I immediately pulled over and a fire ignited, burning the front half of the car and totaling it. The fire department extinguished the fire. The fire appeared to start near the area of the driver side headlight. There were no warning lamps or previous symptoms.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
The sunroof opens when double clicking the 'unlock' button on the keyfob. this allows rain to get into the vehicle damaging the car.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
The infotainment screen experiences “ghost touches” where random controls are pushed without a person actually touching it. It will switch views (maps to radio to settings), turn itself off and on, and becomes a major driver distraction and at times a safety hazard. Distraction? Quickly changing audio sources one after another. One second you hear map directions, then AM radio, Sirius XM, FM r... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 13, 2026
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
On XXX at approximately 8:10am I received this red warning on my vehicle: "OK to drive with caution. Hybrid system fault detected." I was driving my daughter to daycare at the time and didn't feel safe continuing to do that. My wife had to drive 25minutes to come and get us and safely continue our trip. No other issues with the vehicle prior to this incident. A month or two prior to that, I had ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
While my vehicle was in transit, it experienced a sudden and severe loss of engine power. Simultaneously, multiple malfunction indicator lights (MILs) illuminated on the dashboard, and my vehicle abruptly engaged "limp mode." This drastic restriction of speed and maneuverability while in active traffic created an immediate and severe safety hazard, which nearly resulted in a catastrophic collision... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
My air bag light has come on. The vehicle has never been in an accident. There is no damage to the air bag. The shop stated it’s the passenger side curtain airbag The other issue is the a/c. There was a recall it got fixed but my a/c is still not working.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
Rear view camera goes out or says not available.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
My 2 year old son became Locked inside my brand new vehicle on [XXX] and [XXX] because the vehicle didn't detect TWO sets of keys inside the vehicle on one occasion and one set on another during the first incident my child became locked inside the vehicle with two sets of keys inside on the center in the cupholder. Police had to respond to physically open the door and assist getting my child out ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
I bought my 2018 CHR in 2017 from Huntersville NC, it has 112,000 miles on it and it is paid off. My CHR has only been serviced at Toyota dealerships and I have all the invoices. On [XXX] Toyota performed the 100,000 mile multi-point inspection and everything was good to go. However, approximately 2 weeks later I started hearing a whining noise. On [XXX] Toyota inspected my vehicle and notified... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
When I tried to lock or unluck my car's driver's door, it wouldn't lock or unlock. I tried using the key instead of the "remote" opening but still took some efford. A closer inspection reveal that the little "hook" thing locking the door wasn't working properly. However, it had happened before that the door could only be unlock through physically using the key, and it has developed into a struggl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
I am writing to formally report a serious and potentially life-threatening safety issue involving my Honda Odyssey’s locking system. For several years, I have experienced an ongoing problem in which the doors of my Odyssey have unexpectedly locked while the key fob was still inside the vehicle. This has happened to me at various stores and even at my own home. On those occasions, I was fortunate... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
My CX-5 has 25,000 miles and recently the a/c failed culminating in a distinct chemical smell in the cabin. The issue was identified as a leaking/failed evaporator which apparently is located behind the dashboard and in turn “dump” the leaking refrigerant into the cabin! The total cost of repair due to the location of the evaporator is between $3000-$4500 in my area, seems a high cost to be po... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The camera does not activate when the car is put into reverse. It also doesn't activate when you are parking the car. The parking camera doesn't show on the screen at all. The recall on this item was repaired on my car but didn't fix the issue and the dealer refused to service it further without significant cost. This is a fundamental safety issue that should be addressed by recall and repaired wi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
I am submitting a complaint regarding the battery in my 2022 Subaru Outback. The original battery failed after only approximately 2½ years of normal use. This issue became a serious safety concern when my vehicle stopped at a traffic light at a very busy intersection and died. I was unable to safely move the vehicle and felt that I was in a dangerous situation because of the surrounding traffic.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
While operating the vehicle, the transmission suffered an abrupt failure resulting in Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0720 (Output Speed Sensor Circuit). Further diagnostic inspection revealed a complete internal failure of the integrated valve body assembly, which houses the Transmission Control Module (TCM), solenoids, and output speed sensors. The failure caused an immediate loss of gear select... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
I was driving down [XXX] at approximately [XXX] this morning and heard a loud bang, then an air sound like window not fully closed, then heard crumbling glass falling into Sunroof shade. Initially I thought I had a tire blowout or someone on the access road fired a pistol. When I stopped and took a picture of the sunroof I saw the front sunroof glass bulging upward and the whole window was cracke... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
On August 10, 2026, my 2024 INFINITI QX60 unexpectedly locked while the Intelligent Key was still inside the vehicle, trapping my two young children inside on a hot day. The Intelligent Key was inside my purse on the front passenger seat. The purse also contained my phone, house keys, and another vehicle key fob. There were no large metallic objects in the purse. I was closing the passenger-side... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
Plastic trim around window switches on driver side door panel bubbled and popped. Tesla refused to warranty due to “wear and tear” when vehicle was purchased brand new 1.5 year ago.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2014) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
The Subaru's Starlink Radio has completely delaminated on the layer between the display and the digitizer, which does not allow the radio to be controlled in any way, shape, or form. This means that the touch screen is not working anymore, and because the radio is so delaminated, whenever the car is put into reverse during the daytime, the backup camera is nowhere near visible enough to be seen sa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
I was driving down the road without other vehicles nearby. There was no overpass nearby. I heard a deep, loud noise like a shotgun overhead. I opened my sliding sunroof cover and noticed that the entire window had spontaneously shattered (appeared pebbled throughout). The internal temperature of the car registered 101 degrees Fahrenheit. I kept the sliding panel closed and could hear pieces of the... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GL550
(2014) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
I am reporting ongoing infotainment and electrical failures in two 2024 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles (same trim), unresolved after two years of ownership on both. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto frequently freezes, disconnects, or becomes unresponsive while driving, forcing the driver to interact with the screen to restore functionality — a distraction hazard that can cause loss of navigation or hands-... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: May 4, 2026
My vehicle paint is chipping all over
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
In 2023 we purchased this RV. Recently, we discovered that the cargo carrying capacity is incorrect by about 900 pounds, subject to Recall 23V-428. Grand Design knew of this defect before the rig was sold; however, they didn’t remove the vehicle from the dealers lot, nor were we ever contacted by Grand Design. Grand Design knew of the issue in June 2023, and we purchased our rig in July 2023... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
THERE IS A SEAT BELT RECALL AND 3 OTHER RECALLS THAT FORD CORP OFFICE AND THE DEALERSHIP IN HENDERSON NC TOLD ME THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL 2027 AND I AM EXPECTED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE PLEASE HELP ME
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
I WAS DRIVING DURING DAYLIGHT AND THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY BECAME BARELY VISIBLE, AND THEN ALTERNATED BETWEEN VISIBLE AND BARELY VISIBLE SEVERAL TIMES. IF IT WERE NIGHTTIME THE DISPLAY WOULD BE UNREADABLE AND I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SEE MY SPEED OR OTHER IMPORTANT INDICATORS WHICH WOULD PUT ME AND OTHER DRIVERS AT RISK.
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2026) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
RDU CLUTCH FAILURE Vehicle shutter at low speeds and during deceleration. Issue diagnosed after I had the vehicle inspected by ford dealership Ford TSB for this issue is 26-2328. I believe recall 21S02 should have been expanded to include more. My car was not manufactured during the dates listed for that recall. Ford parts have now switched manufacturers for the RDU CLUTCH which is now on back... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
I have gotten 7 recall letters from them and also 3 phone calls and have tried numerous times to take the car in to get fixed but everytime im told by Beverly Hills Cadilac that they dont have the part yet.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
I went to the store, came home , parked and turned off the car. Went to go outside about 10 minutes ,maybe. Black smoke coming from right front. By the time i grabbed the keys and fire extinguisher there were flames coming from the engine compartment
Fire
SUBARU
TRAILSEEKER
(2026) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
The system that failed was the rear passenger door latch. The door will not latch and I checked the door latch and it moves freely. My vehicle also is telling me that my rear passenger door is open
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
I was stopped at a stop sign and my 2025 Honda Odyssey shut off. I stopped the AIS engaged, then when I took my foot off the brake the engine didn't engage. The car wouldn't move. I took me about 30 seconds to get the mini van's engine to engage. This is the second time this type of incident has happened.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
My new vehicle was stuck in park the dealership replaced a control module then a gear shift assembly and now some kind of brake switch and im nervous that the vehicles is unsafe. The dealership has not been letting me know much I've had to call and they won't give me any paperwork.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
Oil pump solenoid has been replaced 3 times and the vehicle is under 100,000 miles. There is a low oil light illuminates on dash board in addition to acceleration lose and a white smoke coming from under the hood and the back end of the vehicle. The 6th or 7th time this happened the Bronco had to be towed. There were many more problems included in this tow, powertrain failure, engine misfire, los... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 12, 2026
Incident date: May 29, 2026
Drive train control module & actuator replaced at less than 75,000 miles
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
While driving my girfriend's 2020 Subaru Forester on August 11, 2026 at approximately 65 to 70 mph, I struck a deer on a highway. The airbags deployed immediately, and I temporarily lost all forward visibility due to the airbag deploy, and smoke or steam coming from the front of the vehicle as it decelerated to a stop. Within moments of stopping, smoke transitioned to visible flames coming from th... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
My 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 experienced a complete and sudden loss of drive power at high speed, generating open fault code DTC P1A9096 (Internal ICCU Failure) [24V-204]. This failure completely matches the component and safety hazard profile under active Federal Safety Recalls 24V-204 and 24V-868 [24V-204].The vehicle was repaired at an authorized retail facility, Hyundai of El Cajon. The facility's ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
UA8OF transmission went. Vehicle was making whining noise when purchased and was told was normal. Driving the car as normal when traveling through intersection when car would not drive.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The OnStar module in the truck is broke it affects all communications. The truck has including things like let me know what the speed limit is. It happened after they did a software update, which seems a little fishy because there was nothing wrong with it before I understand. Some people were having problems with this module, causing their batteries to die, but now I’m the one having issues and... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2024) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 11, 2026
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2017 Jeep Renegade, VIN ZACCJAAB5HPE81627. The vehicle was purchased used on May 22, 2026 at approximately 89,055 miles and began experiencing problems almost immediately. On May 27, only five days and approximately 96 miles after purchase, a diagnostic showed Check Engine FAIL with codes P0128 and P0456. On May 28, the selling dealership advised that t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
my rear windshield shattered - I was not driving - I was not using the rear defrost - I simply put car in reverse and when I looked back my glass was shattered. 08/09/2026
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
All of the warning lights came on at the same time. The dealer says the internal front camera sensor has malfunctioned and has happened so much that the part is on back order.