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: May 1, 2026
The camera system has failed. The screen is black and there is an exclamation point and a camera on the screen.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my vehicle following service performed at a Kia dealership. My vehicle was returned to me on April 25, 2026, after being at the dealership for approximately one week. When it was returned, it had missing bolts/screws that were not missing prior to the service visit and were not related to the reason I originally brought the vehicle in. The missing compone... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
There is already an SIB 513316 out on similar defects. Sloshing noises/water in pax compartment due to rain water intrusion that has caused damage in electronic modules in the trunk due to a defective drainage system--holes are not large enough. Failure of control units located in damaged area--which are no longer functioning such as convertible rooftop will not fuction, radio system, check engi... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
All of my service lights light up on the dashboard. A few times now, my car has stopped or the gas pedal doesn’t want to work in the middle of the road when the car was already running.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Supplemental restraint system problem warning light on
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Backup camera is provides a distorted image more than 80% of the time. This is a known issue for 2018 Ford expeditions but it has not been reported as a problem for 2019’s. I am telling you that it is a problem that I am experiencing it. It is the same as the prior year issue. It affects all Ford SUVs in that era. Fixing it is a temporary solution - it is a known issue that they are frequentl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
When vehicle was in Reverse parked in garage with garage door open, I removed my seatbelt and opened the door to exit vehicle believing it was actually in Park. The vehicle rolled backwards at idle speed as I tried to get back in to apply the foot brake. The open drivers door collided with the garage wall and stopped the vehicle before I could stop it with the brakes. A body shop manager doing an... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2026
While driving my truck under normal conditions and using the turn signals as expected, I noticed an issue after parking in my driveway. The turn signals began activating automatically without any driver input, alternating from left to right approximately every 5 seconds. The behavior stopped once I manually engaged the turn signal lever. My truck is one year old - Video Link [XXX] INFORMATION... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
I took my car in for oil change to Infiniti dealer (Infiniti of Nashua) on 4/29/26 and was told by dealer that the rear subframe is rusted and my car is not safe to drive, with a repair estimate of $13,184 to replace rear subframe with all hardware. Actually, I had oil change and 4 wheel alignment done at the same Infiniti dealer less than a year back on 6/25/25. At that visit, the only recommende... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Very frequently, the rear view camera will stop working, glitch and go black. Then give the message, camera is unavailable
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
On 4/17/26 McDonalds Hyundai of [XXX] , dealership performed an ECU update for THETA II Emissions logic improvement (Hyundai campaign number 9C2). Ever since that time the vehicle has been lurching during acceleration. This happens particularly when the vehicle has been sitting for several hours. I reported this to the dealership on 4/28/26 (Scott, service manager) and to Hyundai on 4/29/26 (Hyund... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 1, 2026
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
In January of 2026, I took my 2021 Ford bronco sport Outer Banks to the dealership because my car had a wrench light come on and it went into limp mode. Supposedly it was fixed and now it is April 2026 and my car went into limp mode again, it would not shift in the park and would not start and now the dealership is telling me that there’s transmission issues but from what I’ve read, there is c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The panoramic sunroof glass suddenly shattered while the vehicle was being driven on the interstate, with no visible impact, object strike, or prior damage observed. The component involved is the sunroof glass panel, and it has already been removed and replaced through insurance repairs, so it is not available for inspection (however, pictures are available upon request). The incident created a lo... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
All of my driver warnings keep coming on, I have brought it back to the dealership mechanics three times already they said the code was showing a spark plug. I have had that changed out and the car is still doing the same thing. When accelerating or even while driving it will die I have to pull over turn the car off and restart it and it still cuts out and dies. There have been times that it would... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The vehicle is a Jeep Wrangler 4xe with approximately 43,000 miles experiencing a recurring electrical system malfunction involving the Body Control Module (BCM) and LIN communication network. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. The failure involves multiple electrical circuits and communication loss between modules, confirmed by dealership dia... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2018) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
It’s a safety risk with this car. The converter burns super fast, causing issues that seem like it’s related to transmission or alternator.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
Vehicle developed clunking noise in the steering. Was told it was coupler issue. The dealership, Nlorthbay Hyundai, in Petaluma, California, was negligent in the replacement, creating a grinding metal on metal noise, and damaged the steering column as well. The Dealership refused failed to correct the damage and attempted to defraud me over $3,000 for an entirely new steering column, and refuse t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Two nights ago I was at Domino’s Pizza. I put my car in reverse and the car died and the steering wheel locked up like the power steering was giving out I was able to start the car again, but still with no power steering assist and drove the car home about a mile away, but every time I slowed down or came to a stop sign or a stoplight, the car would die, and the battery light would flash on the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Rpm slighting rising at low mph and it hesitates/jerks a bit
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I am writing to formally report that the manufacturer of my vehicle is refusing to repair a safety issue covered under an active recall. My vehicle is subject to Manufacturer Recall Number SC356. I brought my vehicle to an authorized dealership for inspection and repair as instructed.However, after evaluating the vehicle, the manufacturer/dealer informed me that the issue cannot be repaired. I a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I am reaching out regarding an ongoing issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The vehicle is experiencing a noticeable stutter or hesitation when shifting between second and third gear. In addition, there are instances where the vehicle accelerates unexpectedly or more aggressively than intended. This behavior is particularly concerning, as it presents a potential safety issue during normal driving... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2007
This recall has been open since 2024 with no available repair. My vehicle already experienced the failure while driving twice. I need this escalated to a regional service manager for resolution, or an alternative remedy if parts are still unavailable.”
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
Vehicle: 2008 Lexus ES 350 Issue Description: The dashboard in my vehicle is melting and becoming sticky, causing a reflective glare on the windshield during daylight driving. This significantly impacts visibility and creates a potential safety hazard. The condition worsens with heat and sun exposure. The glare can be severe enough to interfere with safe driving, especially during morning and af... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
I have hit right below my right knee on several occasions while getting in the driver's seat to drive the vehicle. The seat is all the way back. I now have 2 knots below my knee with pain.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The vehicle system keeps throwing code TT04 for a failed over-the-air update. The tech specialist indicated there is no current fix for the issue other than restarting the OTA system, disabling the auto-update function, and not checking for updates. This issue has been going on for over a year. I would like to bring attention to this annoying problem that other customers are experiencing as well.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
A-Pillar Trim flew off on the highway and almost caused a accident. The second one is also coming off. There was a recall for certain VINs but somehow mine wasn't included in the recall.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
I have 2 different issues. One is the passenger rear door not wanting to open sometimes from outside sometimes from inside. Then sometimes it won't unlock and sometimes it won't lock. This issue started about 3 months ago. Second is my clock time both on the dashboard and the one where the radio/GPS shows it goes crazy from time to time. I just didn't know it was something we could report. This h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
I am reporting a safety defect on a 2018 Jaguar F Pace involving the failure of factory-installed plastic engine components (specifically [mention parts, e.g., coolant crossover pipes/housing]). These components are prone to cracking and rupturing, which has resulted in multiple severe fluid leaks. Safety Risk: These leaks pose a significant fire hazard as fluids are dripping directly onto high-h... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 1, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The hood release latch cable snapped, which makes it impossible to open the hood for an emergency or maintenance. The cable is a poor design that is prone to breaking, and from looking online is an extremely common occurrence for the Atlas. It also costs $500-$800 to repair for each occurrence and the vehicle is a safety concern until repaired due to the risk of not being able to open the hood in ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The backup camera on the trunk of the 2023 Kia Sorrento has fallen out. It is attached only by the wires. Apparently, my specific vehicle is not a part of the initial recall; however, the camera has fallen out and is now hanging. I do not feel as though I should be responsible for this repair as it is due to a manufacturing issue.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
I was driving down the highway no cars were near me in any direction and I was not near an overpass it sounded like a giant explosion. I heard glass moving around and realized something happened to my sunroof.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
My van was at the dealership for about 5 months getting a new engine while there I was told the recall would be fixed. My van is used for work & I can’t use it until the recall is fixed!
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Infotainment Center: I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2021 Honda Accord Sport and the ongoing issues I’ve experienced with its infotainment system. This problem has been persistent, unpredictable, and increasingly concerning from both a usability and safety standpoint. Since purchasing the vehicle, the infotainment center has repeatedly malfunctioned without any warning. The screen ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
I was pulling into a parking spot almost stopped when the vehicle suddenly surged forward. I slammed on the brake and put the car in reverse since it had driven upon the walkway. This happened earlier today and I plan to have it checked out as soon as possible . Never have had this problem before, no warning lights or messages.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
I have 130,000 miles on my 2021 Ford Bronco sport. With no warning I'm unable to put vehicle in gear. I attempt to put the car into drive, then reverse and it will not go. The gear gets stuck in park, but unable to park, The car instructs me to intiated emergency park with many warning lights appearing. when driving it jerks , make grinding noises, and I even lost momentum. Ford said the help lin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
I was driving when a turtle popped up on my dashboard I pulled over to Google what that meant and popped the hood cause I seen a little smoke within 3 sec the car busted in flames I ran back and grab my daughter out the back seat we were almost locked in due to the car melting the wire and flames started coming inside the car
Fire
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA250
(2016) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 30, 2026
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
My vehicle was parked for about an hr 30 min , and it started smoking from dashboard area and immediately went into flames .
Fire
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA250
(2016) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 30, 2026
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
Factory window tint of the back window & the driver/passenger side(s) windows are bubbling and peeling causing visual impairment while operating motor vehicle. Examples of impairment are backing the vehicle and changing lanes & these affected areas are blurry. Panaramic Sunroof does not seal properly when closed. Factory vehicle paint bubbling and peeling causing depreciation of the vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
The special coverage program on the coolant valve for My 2021 Chevy Silverado (70,000mi) is not covered due to my vin not being on the list. Something they say and know is an issue, but not covering it for the vehicles they say they’re covering it for.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
I am seeking reimbursement for an out-of-pocket repair for a Throttle Body replacement (October 2025) that is now covered under Nissan Safety Recall R25E3. Despite providing the invoice, proof of payment, and the recall completion notice, the representative [XXX] , Case #XXX) has verbally denied the claim. Furthermore, the representative refused to provide a written determination, insisting on ph... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The failures are intermittent but recurring, and I have personally experienced them multiple times under normal driving conditions. The dealership has not been able to reproduce the failures consistently, and Mazda has provided no inspection, no investigation, and no acknowledgment of the issue despite multiple attempts to contact them. In addition, numerous other 2026 Mazda CX‑5 owners are repo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
While driving my 2023 Porsche Taycan under normal conditions, the plastic underbody protection panel on the bottom of the vehicle came loose and detached. The metal underneath the plastic panel is now visibly bent. I did NOT hit any object. There was NO impact. I did NOT hear or feel anything during driving. There were no warning lights, alarms, or messages on the dashboard. The first indication ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
With the recent completion of recalls 68&78c , and a new HV battery, APPEARS TO ME, thatJeep has changed the software for the throttle response when in electric mode. The result creates a safety hazard as you lose pedal response and power when the battery reaches below 35% or about 9 miles remaining. On the highway the jeep loses all power and will not accelerate over 62 mph. And the same around t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The car will lose power while sitting at a red light. The dash lights up and you can't do anything. You have to turn it off and back on and hope no one hits you in the meantime. This has happened twice now. I bought it brand new, serviced regularly and has 16k miles.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
Sunroof exploded Would not go into drive or neutral Lost all power going 75mph going down highway Brake went all the way down to floor and shuts off wouldn’t start back up for about 5 min Was stuck in reverse world not go into drive until I shutdown vehicle and waited a few minutes on a busy street And then today lock/unlock button was opening and locking while driving down street and scree... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
I was driving and the sunroof spontaneously shattered. There was no rock damage.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The interior panoramic sunroof cloth has become detached from both side tracks causing the material to sag. We can no longer open or close to panoramic roof due to cloth stuck in the closed position in fear of the headliner getting worse.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Our infotainment system stopped working and when we took it one of Acura’s authorized dealers they told us that back half of the car is flooded and that has shot down all the electronics including the infotainment system. They also gave me a bill of $10K USD to fix the leak and replaced damaged electronics. Their argument is that the car was parked outside and that caused this issue. This has ne... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The start/stop switch on my 2015 Honda Fit failed — a known defect acknowledged by Honda through Service Bulletin A20-098. A faulty start/stop switch creates serious safety hazards including the inability to start the vehicle in an emergency, becoming stranded in dangerous locations such as intersections or highways, and potential inability to shut the engine off. My vehicle is UNDER the mileage... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Pulling into driveway and Stepped on brakes at less than 5 mph and whole car started shaking out of nowhere (similar feeling to when you land on the runway in a plane). Steered sharply to not hit other vehicle and hit a tree. Car was inspected less than 3 days ago.
Crash