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: Dec 4, 2019
The paint is continuing to peel off and its getting worse. When I called Kia they said it is not covered. Apparently this is a manufacturing defect. I would really like this to be corrected if possible. T;hank you, Gail LeBrun
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2014) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 10, 2026
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
The Rear View Camera keeps doing weird things. One time you back up, it could be fine. The next time the picture will be upside down. The next time - no picture at all. The next time it could say that the camera is not working..... Ford issued a Recall on a LOT of models regarding this issue - they need to include my vehicle model and others.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
VTC Actuator Issue with part causing timing chain to stretch and throw codes. I had timing chain replaced $2300, but it was still making a noise at start up. Apparently it is the VTC Actuator/phaser, the part is bad. I can replace the part but it will continue to have issues because the Honda VTC Actuator part is defective. I am told this will cause the timing chain to continue to have issues. Wh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
The rear glass in my 2020 Acura RDX Aspec randomly shattered when I closed my rear driver side door. My car was not running and hadn’t been running for over a hour and there were no signs of impact to the glass. There is a TSB from Honda about this being an issue already. I bought the car used and have owned it for a year. My extended warranty doesn’t cover the rear glass. It was going to cost... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The air conditioning system fails to cool. My vehicle only has 47,000 miles on it currently and is well-kept. A professional garage inspected and advised that there was a leak in the refrigerant system. I contacted my local Chevrolet dealer Jeff Gordan Chevrolet where I purchased the vehicle new and they said the issue was not under warranty and that my warranties had expired. They would not repai... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 10, 2026
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
Emergency Call (SOS) system failure / internal battery defect. This is apparently a known issue on the VW Atlas (and other VW/Audi models with Car-Net/SOS systems). Owners regularly report SOS/Emergency Call errors associated with the backup battery or the telematics module. Some dealers even acknowledge it as a “known issue” with those systems. This isn’t rare, especially in the 3–5 y... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Transmission failure. Way to common with these transmissions and touqure converters
AUDI
A6 SPORTBACK E-TRON
(2025) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 10, 2026
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
While driving my vehicle, I approached a four‑way stop and began crossing a four‑lane road. The road consisted of two lanes traveling in one direction, a median, and two lanes traveling in the opposite direction. As I proceeded through the intersection and passed the median on my left, the vehicle suddenly lurched and made a noise. The sensation was similar to abruptly hitting the brakes, but ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
I bought a 2022 KIA K5 gt-line new and the horn stopped working less than a year later at 64,000 miles Gary Rome KIA assessed the repair and said KIA would not cover. I paid $169.00. In January 2026 my horn stopped working again. Ron Bouchard KIA assessed and said KIA would not cover repairs, I paid $819.98 myself. I have contacted KIA myself and with the assistance of the Ma Atty Gen'l office. I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
I currently have 2 recall notices. One dated 8/25 - Parts are not available and another one dated 4/26 - software not available. When can I expect these to be resolved?
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
The current no. 226 EJECTION MITIGATION RECALL has me scared to drive the vehicle for it's intended use as a Family car transporting 7 people which are all children. The fix from the manufacturer/dealership is taking to long. We are lucky we have not been in an accident. I believed my Family was safe in this vehicle but now know we are not. What a waste of money I have borrowed for this car. Pay... Read more
THOR MOTOR COACH
RIZE
(2024) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Propane line from tank has multiple stress cracks from improper installation, whereas, the line was installed with the hose bent too tightly and without sufficient flexing to prevent cracks and leaks. The multiple cracks caused a severe propane leak with all related propane equipment becoming inoperable due to the severe danger.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Back up Camera has stopped working. When placing car into reverse we get a black screen with a warning signal and picture of camera with line through. this creates a safety issue when backing up with out camera guidance.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
While driving, Sirius XM pushes advertisements to my infotainment display. These notifications are distracting to driving and they WILL cause an accident. This practice should be banned outright and a monetary fine placed on Sirius XM for impairing driving. Completely unacceptable placement of advertisements and it is going to get someone seriously injured or worse.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The vehicle experienced a significant failure of the Body Control Module (BCM). This resulted in multiple electrical malfunctions, including don't detected the Key, Despite the low mileage (12,000 miles), the electronic systems have proven unreliable, and the vehicle is currently undergoing warranty repairs at the dealership. "The sudden failure of electrical components could lead to a crash or ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
On XXXXX, while parked at a campsite approximately two hours from my home, the vehicle displayed an “electrical failure” warning on the dashboard. The vehicle had been parked for less than 20 minutes when this issue occurred. I contacted Hyundai customer support that same evening to report the problem (Case #XXXXXX). On April 4, 2026, the vehicle was towed via Hyundai roadside assistance to Wi... Read more
Crash
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Hi Dear My car doesn’t report crash.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
My vehicle's Maintenance Minder system—the sole official schedule for maintenance per the Owner's Manual (Pages 649-658)—was corrupted by an authorized Honda dealer. The Service Advisor stated that sometimes technicians reset all the Maintenance Minder codes rather than just the applicable ones. Honda Corporate admitted this is a possibility when I followed up after the service. They stated t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
THE BACK DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT LATCH PROPERLY. THE DOOR WILL TRY TO CLOSE BUT YOU HAVE TO KEEP SLAMMING THE DOOR UNTIL IT WILL FINALLY LATCH. I ONCE DROVE A FEW FEET AND THE DOOR HAD TO BE HELD SHUT. IT FINALLY CLOSED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED LAST YEAR (2025) ONCE I READ ON REDDIT THAT A TSB/EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS ISSUED. BUT I WAS TOLD THAT IT DIDN'T COVER MY VEHICLE AND IF I ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
I am reporting a potential unintended automatic emergency braking event involving a 2025 Tesla Cybertruck. On 23Mar2026, at approximately 40 mph, I was traveling behind a Tesla Cybertruck on a public roadway. There were no visible obstacles, hazards, or debris in the roadway that I observed. The Cybertruck suddenly and aggressively braked without warning. The abrupt deceleration appeared inconsi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
I was involved in a serious crash in a 2014 Nissan Juke. The vehicle broke through a fence, traveled downhill, and rolled multiple times before coming to rest upside down. The crash caused severe structural damage: Roof crushed down to seat level Windshield shattered Rear of vehicle pushed into back seat Door panels detached Despite the severity of the rollover and final inverted position, no airb... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Multimedia component is not working correctly and it could cause an accident due to trying to change/control the component over and over again. It has a mind of its own. I turn it off and it turns on by itself. It switches radio stations by itself. The screen changes apps all by itself. I can't correctly use any of it anymore. I try using my phone and even though I don't want it sent to audio on t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
I am submitting a complaint regarding a 2021 Kia Sorento SX that experienced a premature and catastrophic transmission failure at approximately 76,000 miles. The vehicle developed loss of power, hesitation, and erratic shifting at low speeds (0–30 mph), creating a potentially dangerous condition when attempting to accelerate into traffic or cross intersections. A Kia dealership diagnosed the is... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The front passenger door lock does not fully engage or disengage with the key fob or when putting the car in park. The lever must be maually controls by hand to unlock or lock the door.0
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
On 3/19/2026. Battery was at 20% SOC. Plugged in my home L2 charger. Car did not start. Took vehicle to dealer the next morning 3/20/2026. It was diagnosed as an ICCU failure. Parts ordered car left at dealer but still waiting on 4/9/2026 for issue to be resolved.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
To whom it may concern at NHTSA, I am filing a formal complaint regarding a critical technical discrepancy in Honda’s manufacturing records that is preventing essential safety diagnostics and maintenance for my vehicle. Vehicle Details: • VIN: [XXX] • Model: 2022 Honda Civic Touring (11th Generation) • Manufacturing Plant: Honda of Canada Mfg. The Issue: According to the NHTSA Part 565 su... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
My 2015 Nissan Rogue Select, driver side rear door, Door lock has failed with the door in the locked and closed position. I understand there is an ongoing lawsuit over this failure and I am making a complaint to support that this is a safety hazard. While other means of escaping the vehicle are available for an emergency situation, they are less than ideal if the door lock has failed. So far this ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
Rear view camera won’t display when out in reverse. Also, when the camera does come on, it’ll flicker off and on
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
While driving on the highway, something (likely a small rock) from oncoming traffic flew into the windshield. Upon contact, the windshield cracked and shattered in a manner I have not seen a windshield break before, immediately spraying glass shards across the interior of the vehicle (to include dashboard, seats, and floors) and the driver. From the outside of the windshield, the area of damage is... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
In 2018 Honda Accord with the 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine that had a head gasket fail at 110k miles which has been diagnosed and confirmed by local Honda dealer with misfire codes/counts on cylinder 1 due to coolant leaking inside cylinder 1 and 2 due to this bad head gasket. Due to the bad head gasket and coolant leaking into cylinders, this caused the fuel injectors to clog and fail. ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
When the weather is warm or hot the car will drive less than a mile then cuts off but still drives. No air conditioning no radio or camera works how car shuts off but can still drive.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
I bought this car new and it does not have a FRUNK emergency release or a FRUNK light.
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2017) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
I have a 2017 Lincoln Continental that the passenger side front door will not open from the inside.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Power steering stops working causing to the wheel to jerk and almost lock up while driving.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
Front facing camera, located in front grill, has inadequate water proofing, which eventually shorts out the camera and causing it to become inoperable. This creates a blind spot when backing up or driving in tight spaces with such a large truck. When the front camera blacks out, you lose visibility in front of the vehicle. This is a safety issue, because the size of the truck, how high it sits f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Scenic sunroof shade has drooped and sagged down impeding my visibility in the rear view mirror to check traffic while backing out and seeing my grandchildren in their car seats
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
It’s the transmission failure, most owners have complained about the same issues and Toyota ain’t doing nothing about it
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
I was traveling to Kentucky from NYC in December 2025 and while in Pennsylvania a sign on my dash stated your safety equipment was out because of a build up on the front lens outside of the car and it stated to stop and clean it off, so I pulled off to the side of the highway and stopped my car and when I stiffed it into park there was a griming noise from the transmission. When I went into the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
1 WATERPUMP FAILED AND LEAKED WATER INTO MY OIL AND BLEW MY ENGINE. THERE WAS NO WARNING. MY CAR HAD NO POWER AND I COULD NOT DRIVE. I WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE WATERPUMP IS NOT A RECALL BUT THERE ARE ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE ON THE SAME MODEL . THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. 2. PILLAR/TRIM RECALL IS NOT FIXED AND WATER IS GETTING INTO THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND SHORTING OU... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
Center console glossy trim around the gear shift gives off a blinding glare from the sunlight coming through the front windshield. Almost side swiped the adjacent vehicle on my right when blinded. This was noted and photographed after just owning the vehicle for one day. Talked to Toyota Corporate who told me to take it to local dealership. Toyota of Fort Worth said there is nothing they can do an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
I believed Tesla full self driving (FSD) was in effect. My Tesla proceeded at 35 miles an hour toward a stop sign and I had to manually stop the vehicle to prevent blowing the sign. It turns out that Tesla sent an email 2 days ago (April 7 2026) that notified me that FSD had been cancelled because my credit card was declined (I had to replace a card on April 7 due to a lost card). I did not see th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Recently, while driving on the freeway The drivers B pillar, came off and was only held on by the wires for the keyless entry. While driving on the freeway, I had to hold the B pillar until I could get off the freeway. When I called Ford, they told me to bring it in to get it looked at to proceed with the repair, but was then informed there is no parts at this time and had no time line when they w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
My mother's vehicle caught fire while in park and it’s listed under a fire-risk recall. Another car got damage with the fire. I want to open a claim.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Multiple warning lights 4WD, Advance track, power train, hill start coming up on in my 2020 Ford Escape Titanium. Some go off for a few days and then come back on, some go on and off while driving. Also purge valve evap codes come up
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 8, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Vehicle has performed an OTA update to version 3.8.11 on Saturday April 4, 2026. Prior to that there were no failures or warnings reported. After the update has completed there is a warning “Emergency call function is limited. Please service vehicle”. The SOS button in the cabin is Red instead of Green. Other users in the N.A. as well users in Europe are reporting the exact issue in the forums... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
"fuel pump issues directly cause injector system failures". Today Honda assured me than the fuel pump recall could not interfere in the injector system, that's totally false Now I have to changed injector system and spark plugs to my own expense. On Monday 6th of April 2026 showrd engine light as well as stalling when driving On Monday 30th of March AC COMPRRSSOR SMOKED, ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
The white paint on my 2016 Honda Civic keeps peeling, which looks bad and is leading to structural rust developing in several areas of my car. Fixing it will be costly, and the paint quality on these vehicles isn't very good, causing frustration for owners. Furthermore, my steering wheel has been sticking for some time, and I've consulted several shops for their thoughts. This also comes with a he... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
I was driving home from work on the interstate. It was not overly crowded and not many vehicles around me. I was going the speed limit. All the sudden I heard a loud pop and a very loud sound. I wasn’t sure exactly what happened. I thought maybe I blew a tire so I pulled over to the side of the road. I then figured out that my sunroof had shattered/exploded in my brand new 2026 ford explorer.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
Recall Number A0C and NHTSA Recall Number 25V-674 has yet been addressed by the dealer or manufacturer. I contacted the dealership back in October of 2025 when learning about the recall at which time I was told there was no remedy as of yet. We are now in April of 2026 and there remains no remedy for a recall that imposes a risk of losing control of the vehicle's movement which ultimately will and... Read more