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: Jul 15, 2026
I’ve reported this problem but as I got into the repair their was far more damaged that was caused due to the vacuum pump. It took out my exhaust camshaft and sent metal through out and the timing needs replaced as well. A shop would rather total my car than what it would cost to fix. I’m attempting to fix it myself but have been without my car for months now. This is created such a hardship a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2026
Ever since taking delivery of my vehicle, we notice a strong machinery/oily smell lingering on ourselves (clothes/hair) and our children’s car seats and strollers that are in the vehicle when it is warm outside and the ac is being used. Additionally, since taking delivery of the vehicle, I started experiencing health issues which worsened in the warmer weather when we were using the AC more. The... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
There’s a safety recall issue on the backup camera it has gone out. It keeps saying backup camera unavailable.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
Tesla rolled out FSD 14 Lite to hardware, including to my vehicle and it’s become extremely unsafe.The past several days the vehicle will suddenly slow down/break causing people to almost crash into me, make sudden and indecisive lane changes, and constantly rocking the steering wheel left and right. I hope someone takes this seriously and has Tesla revert back to the old software or make change... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
The left headliner above the small rear window is wet/stained after heavy rain or a car wash. I have had this issue previously with the front left headliner and the clips were replaced. The same issue is occurring with the rear left headliner now. The risk of mold exposure, water damage, etc. is high.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
ABS module has failed. Causing a number of other safety systems to be deactivated. Power steering, traction control, drive mode selection, and braking. All these lights are illuminated on dash. Independent auto repair shop verified this ABS module has failed and there is no replacement parts from Ford.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Multiple door actuator locks are faulty and broken, conveniently just out of warranty. The first right passenger door lock broke/faulty in October 2025, leading me to discover a class action lawsuit was filed against Toyota for faulty actuators. This can be found here: [XXX]. This faulty door lock was fixed as a goodwill gesture from Toyota; The same issue occurred recently for the front driver ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding what I believe is a premature paint defect on my Kia vehicle that has resulted in exposed bare metal and the development of rust on my vehicle. The factory paint has begun peeling and chipping away without any collision, misuse, or abnormal wear. As the paint has separated from the metal surface, it has exposed multiple areas of bare metal that are now acti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
See attached letter
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
OUR 2016 NISSAN FRONTER HAS A SLOW AIR LEAK ON THE TIRES AFTER HAVEING THEM CHECKED BY A TIRE DEALER IT WAS FOUND THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR (TPS) WAS LEAKING AT THE CORE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE CORE OR THE NUT THAT HOLDS THE TPS ON THE WHEEL. GALVONIC REACTION HAD WELDED ALL IN PLACE . DEALER CUT THE VALVE OFF AND REPLACED WITH A NEW TPS (NON METAL) AS IS THERE PRATICE AS THEY HAVE HAD PROB... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TIMELINE (13 DAYS) XXX: Delivery taken at 105,439 miles.XXX: My boyfriend noticed a cloud of smoke from exhaust as I pressed the accelerator pedal to leave the parking lot. I didn't notice because it was almost dark outside when leaving. He didn't notice again so he didn't stop me and told me when we got home. XXX (Day 12): Check Engine Light (CEL) on. Dipstick found dry. 2 q... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2026
No "incident" happened. When I purchased my vehicle, the body/fender/hood did not match up on either side. As soon as I purchased my car brand new, I started having multiple noises ( I am still hearing) when I turn my car, I got the steering gearbox recall over a year ago and the noise went away and came back. The sharper I turn, the squeakier the noise. My wastegate actuator makes a metal rattle ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
While driving down a county road at approx 40mph, the glass of the sunroof of my 2019 RAV4 suddenly cracked, with shards falling down into the vehicle. There was no apparent cause or impact. After moving to a safe location to further inspect, I noticed the following details; - the rectangular glass of the sunroof is cracked through at multiple points along the edges of the pane, and a "web" patt... Read more
TOYOTA
LAND CRUISER HYBRID
(2024) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 28, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
1. Component Failed: Panoramic Sunroof Glass Assembly (Structure / Visibility / Glass). Details: While traveling at highway speed on the freeway, the panoramic sunroof glass spontaneously exploded outward without warning or impact from any foreign object. Inspection: I have not had the vehicle repaired yet so it is currently available. I also took a picture of it. 2. Safety Risk: The sudden, loud ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
There is a recall on the catalytic converters of my year Expedition, but my check engine light came on at 86,000 miles, outside the 80,000 limit Ford put on the recall for the part. I think Ford should stand behind their product and the parts they are using, since the catalytic converters have failed on my car, my husbands expedition, and my dad’s ford 150.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
Transmission stopped gearing into 2nd gear because of known transmission issues with 2018 F150’s. This happened before 60,000 miles on the truck, but was outside of warranty because was not reported until after the 5 year mark. Causes truck to jerk and transmission to deteriorate.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
While I was driving the vehicle on the freeway there a single popping noise that sounded to be below the vehicle. Immediately after there was a big trail of white smoke coming from beneath the vehicle. When I was able to pull over and got out of the vehicle there were flames visible and the fire quickly grew.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
Vehicle had an engine fire yesterday. Inner cv boot is burned. Luckily fire was put out quickly with a fire extinguisher.
Fire
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I am writing to respectfully request goodwill assistance regarding a significant sunroof failure on my 2021 Jeep Renegade 80th Anniversary Edition (VIN: [XXX]). I purchased this vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned Jeep from Ferman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Wesley Chapel on June 1, 2024. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had only 6,084 miles. It currently has approximately 17,000 miles, meaning it... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
I am writing to respectfully request goodwill assistance regarding a significant sunroof failure on my 2021 Jeep Renegade 80th Anniversary Edition (VIN: [XXX]). I purchased this vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned Jeep from Ferman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Wesley Chapel on XXX. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had only 6,084 miles. It currently has approximately 17,000 miles, meaning it has been... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
my 2023 Santa Cruz had 7500 miles when purchased 4/25/26. I have had issues with the screen blackening/fading which cuts of electronics; ex; safety features. This was taken in twice. Then the truck loses power. Going 55 or 75, suddenly truck drops to 20mph. Car's honk, brake & swerve not to hit us. It has been at dealers three times now for same issue. Since I've owned vehicle, it has been at deal... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
A 220
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 28, 2026
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
Manufacturer (Ford) has failed to remedy the problem highlighted in following NHTSA recall. The recall was initiated by NHTSA on January 17, 2025, recall schedule proposed by FORD was "Planned Remedy Owner Notification Date: Jun 29, 2026 - Jul 03, 2026 ", which has passed and FORD still is not fixing. The schedule was already lenient and still has been ignored and they need to be held accountable... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
Back up camera is STILL not working as intended. When backing up camera goes blank. This already an existing recall, but its been a long time since its been issued and I dont think they are trying to remedy it.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
Out of nowhere without any warning light all of a sudden couldn’t back up when geared into reverse to reverse. Turned the vehicle off and back on, then was able to reverse. Left parking lot and was on the road and vehicle started loosing speed, then put into park with hazard lights. When attempting to get off the road for safety reasons tried putting into drive and the car then drove in reverse.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
On July 24th 2026, while operating my 2015 Dodge Dart, I was backing up in reverse and attempted to shift the vehicle into Park. During this normal shifting process, the transmission shift cable failed/broke, causing the vehicle to become stuck in Reverse and preventing me from safely shifting the vehicle into Park or another gear. The failed component is the transmission shift cable, which is th... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C 300
(2017) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 27, 2026
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
Transmission is shifting very hard including a clunking noise from first gear.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
We are the sole owners of the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Over the years the dashboard has deteriorated and developed cracks along the entire length, including over the area of the passenger airbag. We are currently concerned as to what would happen in the event of an accident that would trigger the air bag causing the dashboard to explode and send splinters all over the place, possibly causing severe ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
my BSD sensor would go on and off for the last several months when no one was around me. I work early and even when I was alone on the road the BSD would flash for 2-3 mins and go off.. then my fan for my air conditioner stopped. When I removed the glove compartment to see the wire connecting to the fan is "melted". When i called bob king hyundai, I was informed there was no recall. So, I attempte... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 27, 2026
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
In the event of a differential pinion shaft failure, the customer may experience a loss of motive power and/or unintended vehicle movement with Park requested if the parking brake is not applied. A loss of motive power or unintended vehicle movement increases the risk of a crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
25V347 and 24V031 I recieved a notice of the first recall in February 2024. Over the Summer of 2024 and 2025 both the A-pillar and B-pillar trim has melted and become detached from the vehicle during high heat warnings and during my commute to work on the interstate 60 miles each day. Parts from the vehicle flew off at high rates of speed and were at risk to others on the road. For 2.5 years no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
Engine has a noise (chirp) when vehicle delivered. Found out after purchase that a known problem was present in the engine compartment that engineering has been unable to identify. Bulletin #PIP6045B (Oct20,2025) Document ID:7006702 With the engine failures General Motors have had I have concerned about operating. A failure could result in danger to the occupants.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
AC unit blows hot air only on the left side. Temp in IL is over 90 degrees F. Yes, it has been confirmed by the dealer, but they are saying they are not liable if I pay for them to conduct the service and they cannot fix it. No, but the manufacturer had issues with the a/c compressor and condenser and for this specific 2019 Honda Civic. Those were recently replaced, but now I am still having A/... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
Subject: Manufacturer and Dealer Non-Compliance / Obstruction of Federal Safety Recalls Vehicle: 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan Description of Problem: I am filing a formal complaint against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)/Mopar and its authorized dealer network for active non-compliance, negligence, and obstruction regarding 7 open federal safety recalls on my vehicle. Authorized franchise dealerships... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2026
We were notified there was a recall and to schedule an appointment to get the update. We did and it was updated. It hesitated when we drove it the next day and everyday after. WE took it in a second time and was told by our dealer that following the completion of service campaign 9c2 certain vehicles may exhibit a brief hesitation or rough shifting conditions and to let it warm up for 1-3 minutes... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2025
The horn is intermittenly failing and was verified by a Weimer Hyundai in Morgantown, WV on XXX. This is a known defect in 2023 Hyundai Elantras and they have issued an extended warranty to address the problem. An absence of a horn is a safety issue as you cannot signal other drivers in emergency situations. It is unlawful to have a horn that does not operate in most states including WV ([XXX]) wh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding Ford Recall 26S28 (NHTSA Recall 26V237). My truck exhibited the dangerous unintended downshift condition described in this recall for several weeks before the repair remedy became available. A few weeks weeks before April 27, 2026, the truck began unexpectedly downshifting from approximately 5th or 6th gear into a much lower gear while driving. Each event ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
Internal starter failure.
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2025) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 27, 2026
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
This issue began after I brought unrepaired recall concerns to the dealership’s General Manager and was told I would need to sign an NDA and failed to provide the recall part numbers as agreed. When I received my vehicle back, I immediately noticed physical changes to my instrument panel. I then reviewed four years of photos and videos stored on my original devices and discovered approximately t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Upper front grill trim piece was repaired under recall. After being fixed I was driving and it broke off flying up in the air and behind the truck. It did not hit another vehicle. Adaptive cruise control stopped working. Lane assist stopped working. Brake pad wear sensor error message stating it doesn't work. Vehicle has 19,000 miles.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
I want to make a complaint about my 2020 Kia Soul. It is a great car, but the white paint will not stay on the car no matter what I do. It keeps flaking off all over the car. Just recently, it was my right passenger side door. It looks horrible. The car is under a car loan and is loosing paint as I pay off. I want to make Kia aware of this issue. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 27, 2026
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
Have a safety recall on my vehicle. Jeep has had this issue for the last couple of years (unbeknownst to me) and still don’t have a remedy for the issue. I’m concerned it’s going to continue to cause damage to my vehicle. Found out there was a recall from a carfax email. It took Jeep an extra month to notify me.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The vehicle is currently at Kayser Automotive Group located at 2303 West Beltline Hwy Madison, WI 53713, their direct line is [XXX], since the diagnoses of the corrosion of the DCN. SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS THAT FAILED: A faulty or clogged engine bay drain plug failed to divert water, causing significant water accumulation that routed into the interior cabin. This water intrusion directly soaked inte... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
About one month ago, I noticed that the paint on my rear quarter panel (to the right of my rear window) was peeling. It continues to peel. My insurance will not cover the paint failure, as the adjuster stated that they "will not touch my car because there are several class action lawsuits again Honda for the paint on this specific model and color of white" '. I have contacted Honda and they stated... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
Vehicle was not accelerating properly, so took to the dealership (Mike Shaw Subaru) to have work completed. Technicians indicated that the engine valves (shim valves) all had to be replaced and other work needed to be performed such as: Intake manifold, shim valves, gasket throt chamber. After dealership assured me that all work was performed and car was okay to take home, the next time it was dri... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
This is a new rebuild of this vehicle with the electronics now being within the screen. Initially had SOS and telematics issues which most of these cars are having. These seem to be fixed after two updates by Mazda. Have continuously been having issues with connectivity with their app and the ability to access my car through the app. Including locking/unlocking the doors, starting the car, having ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
Water is leaking from the microphone housing directly above the driver’s seat during normal operation. The water drips onto the driver’s head and into the roof‑mounted electronic components. This creates a safety hazard due to potential electrical shorting, distraction while driving, and possible malfunction of overhead electronics. The vehicle has only 63,000 miles, and I purchased the e... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2026
Vehicle Safety Hazard & Recall Remedy Denial Recall: 26S28 / NHTSA Campaign 26V237 Summary of Issue: I am experiencing active, unsafe vehicle symptoms directly tied to Recall 26S28, including intermittent transmission signal loss, warning lights, and abrupt downshifts while driving. I initially contacted Ford in April/May 2026 immediately following the recall notice, but was informed no remedy ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
Subject: Event of engine failure • While driving on a level paved road at 15 miles per hour in a busy area my 2019 GMC Sierra Denali pickup truck stalled in the middle of a busy street. • Truck stalled in a heavy traffic area at an intersection putting myself and passengers in a dangerous area and situation. This obstructed the normal flow of traffic causing a danger to pedestrians and normal... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2024) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 27, 2026
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
Vehicle suffered a violent, un-commanded highway-speed downshift due to NHTSA Campaign 26V237000 / Ford Recall 26S28. The tachometer was redlined during the incident. The mechanical overspeed immediately damaged the engine's cam phasers. Eide Ford in Mandan, ND, applied the recall software patch after the structural failure already occurred, cleared the diagnostic trouble codes without providing a... Read more