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: Oct 11, 2025
24 July, approx 930 AM vehicle was stopped and left running in park. Vehicle keys (Fob) was left in vehicle and driver exited vehicle for approx 3-5 minutes. Upon return, the vehicle was locked, something that should not occur when the key (Fob) is left in the vehicle. Remote access via the Infiniti app to unlock was unsuccessful. 2nd vehichle key (Fob) was retrieved and the vehicle successf... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 24, 2026
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
As I was accelerating out of a stop light on the morning of 7/24/2026, my check engine light came on seemingly out of nowhere. I was able to take the vehicle to an independent repair shop who identified the issue as the plastic oil cooler assembly on the vehicle being broken. My car's oil was completely empty and it would have been but minutes until the engine completely seized up. The oil had spi... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 24, 2026
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
Through a title search that ended up not being my title number at all And forcing me to do even more research I discovered that the vehicle I bought three weeks ago has a report on public record that caused structural damage to my vehicle and I still don’t have a title for this vehicle because Carvana has the title for my vehicle and I’m having problems touching base with them. They seem to be... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
2025 Ford Bronco Raptor right passenger fender flew off at highway speed on JUN 10, 2026 - took it to Ford for repair, repaired, and it has happened again today JUL 23, 2026; was able to reattach fender with clasps still in place; have also notified local Ford Dealership on issue again.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
Vehicle air conditioning sends off a vinegar like aroma. Likely condensation on coils.
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2017) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 24, 2026
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Vehicle hands free for phone is not understandable to others after a software update over a year ago. After an automatic software update I made a phone call and the person called complained about me not being understandable. I disconnected and called again. Still unreadable. I tried calling someone else. Not readable. Was told I sounded like I had my head in a bucket of water. I called a third per... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
I’m [XXX] with health issues and my mother is [XXX] we bought a car at ( Drive Time ) hoping we would get a good car to go to the dr , I have a [XXX] I can’t afford it though,in my opinion I felt drive time took advantage of us because I look Mexican and indigenous, they sold us a bad car where the engine was bad , as soon as I drove it there’s was a smell I didn’t think k anything about i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Clutch not shifting and was told by Lincoln for the TCM neede to be replaced. Got a second option and it was to by AAAMCO that it was clutch and it was replaced and now it’s says transmission which I’m told is external and insurance is not willing to pay for it but I keep coming up with all the information that’s says there is a recall and letters went out July 6 2026 on 2015 ford focus for... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Since about 80,000 miles my escape has been jerky when shifting in low gears and hesitates to accelerate or accelerates slow putting me and other drivers at risk. I have taken it to ford several times and each time they fixed something but not the problem. They replaced my rear differential, alternator, compressor and AWD module. Also they have done transmission fluid exchanges and updates on the ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
2018 Mercedes C300 - a hole rusted through the rear subframe causing structural safety concerns. This car has been routinely washed weekly and the frame should not have rusted through within only 8 years. This also led to a large repair bill.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The transmission started having issues once the car hit 100k miles, it is unbelievable that Toyota is not willing to help me with this matter! Toyotas are supposed to be reliable!
MERCEDES BENZ
C 300 4MATIC
(2018) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 24, 2026
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
Glass sunroof was closed and exploded outward at 60 mph; nothing hit it and glass shows outward explosion deformation
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
When curving left my steering wheel will get “stuck”. It becomes heavy and then jerks back like it just “unlocked”. I haven’t had to pull it back forcefully, yet, but I’m sure it’s not far off. Went to Mazda dealership who state it’s mechanically related to a rack and pinion within the steering components. My car was part of the initial “sticky steering” recall which the previo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
After I parked my car, I was walking in between another parked car and my vehicle and the tailpipe burnt the back of my left calf. I got out of the driver side. I was driving the car. This is also happened about six months ago to my daughter, who was exiting the car from the backseat and burnt her leg on the tailpipe because the tailpipe of this vehicle is located right under the passenger’s doo... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Failure of Torque Converter. Transmission flushed. May or may not work. Retest after 200 miles. If failure continues, replace entire Torque Converter.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
Our 2025 Honda Odyssey has repeatedly shut off or failed to restart while stopped. This has occurred approximately 10 times. The vehicle was previously taken to an authorized Honda dealership for this issue. The dealership diagnosed the battery as the cause and replaced it, but the same problem continued afterward. The two most recent incidents occurred on 7/21. During one incident, we were stopp... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 23, 2026
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
The two most recent incidents occurred on XXX. During one incident, we were stopped at a red light on a road with a 55-mph speed limit. The vehicle shut off and did not restart normally when traffic began moving. We were left immobilized in an active traffic lane while vehicles approached and passed us at approximately 55 mph. We had difficulty getting the vehicle restarted and moving again. This... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
This is a follow up of NHTSA case# 1840444. Complaint Description: Vehicle exhibited active CAN-bus communication timeout code DTC C1642 targeting the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). Following the official technical safety guidelines established under NHTSA Campaign 20V519000 (Kia SC197), an isolated parasitic current d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
I am filing a comprehensive complaint against Kia America and its authorized dealership for a prolonged failure to remedy a safety defect, ongoing consumer deception, and gross mismanagement of a federally mandated safety recall involving a severe fire hazard. Vehicle: 2022-2026 Kia Carnival NHTSA Recall Number: 26V232 (High-Pressure Fuel Pipe Leak) [Chronology of Complete Events] June 29, 202... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
See safety recall from November 2025, no fix at this time
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
sunroof shattered completely without any force of impact. The glass appears to have imploded.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
My 2018 dodge ram has an open recall since December 2024. There are no parts/no fix. My truck has been dinging and pinging with the break light/traction light/engine light/ABS light since 6 months after I got it. ALL of these things are related to the open recall. VIN [XXX]. Manufacturer Recall Number C4B, NHTSA Recall Number24V-896. "The loss of ABS/ESC/Traction control may cause a vehicle crash... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2026
Sun roof exploded while we were driving along on the interstate.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
I own a 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum equipped with Adaptive LED Headlamps. The passenger-side low-beam headlamp intermittently failed and would turn off while driving. The vehicle displayed the warning message, **"Check Headlamp System – See Manual."** Initially, the headlamp would occasionally begin working again after restarting the vehicle, but for approximately the past three months, the pass... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
When placed into park and try to turn the car off, the vehicle's dashboard still says "shift to park". It's already in park but not registering. The vehicle will not shut off
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
I dropped off my Jeep at Chris Crain Jeep Hot Springs AR on 7/15/26 due to a recall. At the time I dropped the vehicle off, the 4 wheel drive system was working properly and I had no warning lights on the dash. I always kept the 4 wheel drive in AUTO mode. They called on 7/16/2026 and said they completed the PTU update. I took possession of the Jeep but before I left Cris Crain parking lot I start... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2025) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 23, 2026
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
What happened: A franchised Hyundai dealership installed aftermarket window tint on a new 2025 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Night Edition prior to sale without disclosing it as a dealer add-on. When the vehicle was brought in for an active manufacturer safety recall concerning the rear quarter-window glass, the dealership informed us that the official factory recall remedy (applying a protective s... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Dashboard leather is bubbling, separating, and delaminating near the center windshield vents. This is a known manufacturing defect, Audi has issued a warranty extension (bulletin AWA-23-11) for this identical issue on the Q8, e-tron quattro, and R8 models, but not the Q7, despite the dashboard part number (4M8857001S33A) being identical across the Q7 and Q8. This appears to be a widespread issue a... Read more
MERCURY
GRAND MARQUIS
(2006) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 23, 2026
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
I’ve had to replace my front windshield twice every year due to it cracking straight down the middle.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding potential safety issues with my 2018 Ford Expedition Max Platinum. I purchased the vehicle from Sandy Sansing Chevrolet in Pensacola, Florida, and discovered several problems shortly after purchase that I believe may affect the vehicle's safe operation. Within days of purchasing the vehicle, it began displaying an intermittent **low oil pressure warning** ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
Panoramic Ceiling exploded while driving. No one was around me nor was it in bad weather. My entire drive home the glass was falling into the liner and down the side of the car. The glass was dropping down on the liner and could have shattered all over the interior and the passengers had the liner not been closed. It could have also caused you to crash as it sounds like someone shot out a window w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
I own a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas with approximately 61,000 miles. After a software update prompted by the vehicle, saying it will be done in 3 parts.the infotainment screen began malfunctioning the following day. Initially, the screen would repeatedly go black, restart, work for a short period of time, and then go black again. This issue continued for almost three weeks. The screen is now completely ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Formal Complaint – 2019 Buick Enclave Rear A/C Evaporator Failure I am filing a safety complaint regarding repeated refrigerant leaks and rear A/C evaporator failure on my 2019 Buick Enclave. My vehicle has 72,000 miles and has experienced two A/C system failures within 60 days. The first Freon leak was repaired under a GM special warranty. Only two months later, the system failed again, and th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
Door locking electrical issue. When locking door as I get out and close the door and walk away the truck makes a noise and unlocks the vehicle. Have had problems since getting it new. Have taken back in 5 times with no resolution. I feel that as the truck may attract a thieve and cause harm to me or wife as we get back to the truck
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 23, 2026
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
At the end of March 2026, the hybrid battery was replaced due to a recall by the dealership. After this, several software updates done, including the BCM, per technician's notes. In May 2026, my vehicle was found bricked in my driveway, unable to jump start, giving warnings regarding the dual charging system. After being towed to the dealership, they found my 12v battery was dead and stated that i... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
Vehicle Safety Complaint I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2025 Cadillac XT4 because of a serious transmission failure that created a significant safety hazard. While driving on the interstate at approximately 60 mph, the transmission suddenly malfunctioned and the vehicle lost its ability to operate normally. The transmission appeared to disengage unexpectedly, causing a sudden loss of ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The vehicle developed an intermittent but potentially dangerous engine control malfunction. After the engine reached normal operating temperature, the engine speed (RPM) would repeatedly surge while the vehicle was stopped in Park and Neutral, fluctuating from approximately 1,000 RPM to over 3,000 RPM without any throttle input from the driver. The condition occurred with the air conditioning turn... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
COMPLAINT SUMMARY: CRITICAL SAFETY REGRESSIONS IN TESLA FSD SOFTWAREI am filing a formal safety complaint regarding severe, high-risk behavior regressions introduced across the last three consecutive builds of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software. These defects create immediate collision hazards, cause major route disruptions, and require frequent, urgent driver intervention to preven... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
While driving in the middle of active traffic, the vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of motive power. The first indication of a problem was the A/C abruptly blowing hot air. Immediately following this, the vehicle began violently shaking before the engine stalled completely. The low oil pressure warning light was triggered on the dashboard. Losing all acceleration in the middle of ac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
The vehicle has an unpredictable and random tendency to hesitate when the gas is pressed. This has been happening at some level since the vehicle was new. The dealership service department was never able to get the vehicle to do what I was concerned about, so they never helped resolve the issue. Now that it is out of warranty, the issue is getting worse. It is to the point that I believe it is uns... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, I GET AN ERROR MESSAGE THAT SAYS SHIFT TO PARK AND IT TAKES PUTTING IN PARK NUMEROUS TIMES TO GET IT TO CLEAR SO I CAN TRUN THE CAR OFF AND LOCK IT. I KNOW THERE HAVE BEEN SOME MODELS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER MINE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY IT IS NOT INCLUDED AND IF THERE IS ANY HELP AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THIS ISS... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], I attempted to replace a flat tire on my 2025 Kia Sorento while the vehicle was parked on a flat, firm paved surface. I used the factory-supplied emergency scissor jack, rated at 1,200 kg or 2,645.5 lbs. and placed it at the designated factory pinch-weld jacking point. The plugin hybrid Kia Sorrento has a curb weight of over 4000 lbs which is more than the rated w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
Infotainment is unresponsive and also ghost touches on its own. It’ll turn on and blast the radio on its own, end phone calls, call people and switch out of navigation all which is extremely distracting. System was reproduced by the dealer, got replaced and the problem came back. Dealer says Honda tech line says that there is no fix but that it is in the works.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
This is at lesat the second time that our Odessey has failed to restart at an interesction following the start-stop system turning off the engine the when stopped at a red light. After a couple of moments of trying to restart, it started again.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
My 2021 Toyota RAV4 began experiencing intermittent shuddering and vibration at low speeds around May 2026. The condition occurred while accelerating from a stop or at slow speeds and became more frequent over time. Because the problem was intermittent, the dealership was initially unable to duplicate it. Independent inspection later found dark transmission fluid containing metal debris, indicatin... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The computer system malfunctioned; the front panel warning was "Stop vehicle and check regen. brakes". I put my car in drive and when I hit the gas pedal the car reversed instead of going forward. I got it towed to the dealer at Piazza Hyundai in Limerick PA. The service did not provide me with an explanation about the warning and showed little concerns to the issues, I was given a month time fram... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
The panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving without any external impact
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
The sunroof shattered without any impact issue, while we were driving down the road at approximately 65 MPH. If the sunshade had not been closed the driver and two passengers would have been showered in glass risking serious injury. The driver would have been challenged to maintain control risking serious injury to those in his vehicle and others on a busy highway. High Risk incident. I'm from Iow... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
When I stopped at a stoplight at a busy intersection during rush hour traffic my auto shut off engaged like it was supposed to. When I released my foot off the brake for the car to restart so I could drive the car's dash started flashing and displaying instructions to engage the brake and put the car into drive, except I was in drive. It would not restart and no matter how many times I pressed the... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 23, 2026
Incident date: May 25, 2026
The rear access closes on its own after sitting open for a period of time. I was sitting at grocery pick up with the access open. This caused it to close on worker at grocery pick up. It stayed closed and I had to hit the button to open it back it did not auto go back up when it couldn’t close.