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: Apr 7, 2026
Tailgate glass shattered spontaneously
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2025) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
the dash/infotainment system goes blank while driving, almost like the car looses power. then turns back on after 60 seconds with all the warning lights on before returning back to normal
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Driving on the highway with no obstacles or vehicles in proximity, the sunroof spontaneously shattered. If we had the sunroof visor (slide cover) open to let in light, we would have been rained down on by thousands of glass shards while driving at highway speeds. Luckily for us, the cover acted as a barrier from the glass. This part of the sunroof is over both driver and passenger seats. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The hatchback window shattered without any known cause. It appeared to have been hit from inside the vehicle but no one was in or around the vehicle when it occurred. It was 82 degrees outside and the vehicle was parked in the shade. Lexus told me there were no known issues regarding the window on other Lexus vehicles.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
What component or system failed: The entire Air Conditioning system, specifically the AC Compressor, Condenser, and Evaporator, failed catastrophically. The authorized Honda dealer diagnosed it as "Black Death," meaning the AC compressor internally shattered, sending metal shrapnel and contaminated oil throughout all AC lines and components. How was your safety put at risk: This failure is a SEVE... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2017) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
specifics unknown check engine light came on cpl seconds before it started overheating / leaking coolant and or transmission fluid and overheating. and I'm not sure what. started last year but I don't drive very often so the issue just started last year
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
About 1 time in 5, after getting ready to ride the entire display will freeze up 30-60 seconds after beginning the trip. Most often this occurs if CarPlay is also enabled. When this happens, all functionality on the dashboard display is frozen. No speedometer, tachometer, gear indicator, CarPlay freezes, etc. Only fix is to pull over, stop the bike and wait for it to power down - then restart and ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
I purchased a 2019 Ford EcoSport from CarMax on April 12, 2022. At the time of sale, CarMax provided documentation stating that there were no unrepaired safety recalls on the vehicle. I relied on this representation in making my purchase decision. I later discovered that the vehicle is subject to a serious manufacturer recall involving the engine oil pump, which can fail and cause loss of oil pre... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
Approximately one month ago I had a high pressure fuel pump installed in my 2018 Hyundai Tucson. While driving on the highway, about ten minutes from home, my car suddenly burst into flames. There were no warning lights in the cockpit. There was no smoke in the cabin. Another motorist flagged me down. I got out of the vehicle just in time for it to become fully engulfed in flame. It burned down on... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The shift to park. It does not want to stay in park. I feel that if it does not stay in park, the vehicle could roll forward or backwards. Yes, it was looked at by an independent service center, and they thought it was on a recall. This is a 2016 GMC Arcadia and the 2017 model and newer have this problem and were on recall. No one else has looked at it. I do not drive the vehicle that often, so i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The AC evaporator failed due to a known manufacturing defect common across the BMW G-chassis platform (G05, G07, G30). This has created two severe safety hazards: The refrigerant leak causes the windshield to fog up instantly and unexpectedly while driving, completely obstructing my visibility and nearly causing an accident. Chemical fumes and oil from the leaking evaporator are entering the... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2022) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
Electric-Release Tailgate opens unexpectedly on its own, when vehicle is put in park. This had happen when a trailer was hitched and now has caused a dent in the tailgate. There is a recall # N232426400/N232426401; but apparently my VIN is not showing in the recall.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
I think recall work was not done, but says it was done (or is not open). Does it say when and where recall work was done? This car has a parasitic battery drain, 3 batteries in 3 years, required 2 jump starts, 1 call to AAA. There is a recall for such an issue, but I do not believe it was fixed and done. It showed NO open recalls, and just last week I had brake work for a recall done.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
My driver side front headlight fan is malfunctioning. It stays on and makes a loud noise when the car is parked and off and the lights are still on. This is a known defect and my dealership is asking for 2k to pay for it. I am concerned the light will go out causing safety concerns. (TSB) SA01323 and 09-015/23. This should be recalled as is it not a general wear and tear issue, it is a manufacturi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
Frame and crossmember is rusting. Has one hole on each side of the frame where the cross member is attached inside the frame.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
Issue 1: Complete transmission failure was diagnosed by Subaru dealer March 24, 2026 at 5 years and 6 months after purchase with an odometer reading of 45,000 miles (drive train warranty 5 yrs/60,000 miles). Had to purchase and have installed a rebuilt Subaru transmission. First noticed transmission was slipping with a large load in vehicle May 2025 at 4 years and 8 months after purchase at a... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2020) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
There was a warning light for the emergency call function unavailable please service immediately.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
As I was driving on the turnpike the car engine literally just shut down on me! It could have caused a serious accident. This is the 3rd time when driving the car just stopped on its own on me! Gas tank full, oil good and battery good, but the engine is not! It gave me NO WARNING either. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. I could have been hit all 3 times! Family came to help and tried to jump it and it wou... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
Incident Date: 04/05/2026 Vehicle Speed: 65–70 MPH Location: [XXX] Component: Engine / Power Train / Fuel System Summary of Safety Defect: While traveling at highway speeds (65–70 MPH) with four passengers (including two children), the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic engine failure without any prior warning or symptomatic noise. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) began flashing r... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 7, 2026
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
Subject: Vehicle Fire Following ABS Recall Repair – Safety Complaint I am filing a safety complaint regarding a vehicle fire that occurred shortly after a recall repair was performed. Vehicle: Jeep (Grand Cherokee/2019) Mileage at time of incident: Approximate: 58,350 Approximately four weeks ago, my vehicle underwent a recall repair related to the ABS system at Westgate Jeep located in Rale... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Coolant leaking into cylinders. Repair shops said it was a known Ford issue with the 1.5 ecoboost engine. Causes the coolant to leak out and the engine to overheat and the overflow tank to leak.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The defect has left the driver stranded several times and required multiple tows due to the vehicle becoming unsafe and inoperable. On one occasion, the vehicle broke down after a 2.5-hour drive away from home and had to be towed because the overheating and coolant leak issue made it unsafe to continue driving. The vehicle is operated in a region where summer temperatures frequently exceed 115°... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I am reporting a failure in the integrity of Federal Safety Recall completion and documentation at Kia of Daphne. On 2/6/26, I was issued official paperwork stating a recall part was 'Special Ordered.' On 4/3, I attempted to call for FU in part progress. Informed “recall was done and replaced 2/6, and no part was ordered.” Advisor requested I speak to manager, I declined, request they speak t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The TCM went out with zero warning and I know that this is a huge problem known with many of the Chevy equinox and traverse. Recalls on my equinox have not been updated since August of 2021....that's a very long time with no updates
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The telematics module aka OnStar, doesn’t not work.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Complaint Summary: I am filing a complaint regarding a potentially defective A/C compressor that is producing abnormal noise and may indicate premature failure. Description of Issue: My vehicle’s A/C compressor produces a loud, rhythmic “chugging” or knocking noise at idle when the A/C system is off. The noise is excessive and not consistent with normal operation. When the A/C is turned on,... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I was gifted my vehicle around October 2024 by my parents. It had less than 70k miles and was in great condition. The rear view camera only works intermittently with no recognizable reason or incident in time. I still look behind me but worry about pedestrians who are not readily visible. I have had no one attempt to diagnose the problem as I generally park away from most others if feesible and li... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The emergency door release handle is cracked and has the potential to fail during an emergency. Tesla refuses to replace or repair under warranty.
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQE 350 4MATIC
(2023) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
While driving down the highway late at night, with no other cars around, the panoramic sunroof exploded, throwing shattered glass everywhere. The window was not hit by an object and had no previous damage. Shattered flying glass while moving at highway speeds caused a momentary loss of control.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Car shifts out of gear and when trying to accelerate the car won’t go any faster. Feels like it slips out of gear. Happened out of the blue, NO check engine light and no warning
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
While driving, the moonroof on my 2019 Toyota RAV4 XLE AWD suddenly exploded with a loud bang and the glass blew outward. There was no impact, debris, or external cause. The sound was similar to a gunshot. The remaining glass appeared to be pushed upward/outward, not inward. This created a safety hazard due to potential driver distraction and risk of injury from falling glass. This appears consist... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
Four separate incidents but related incidents. Primary concern: vehicle turns off and puts itself in park without notice and cannot be restarted. Two incidents were in traffic at a stop light, and the vehicle could not be started for 12-15 minutes. Two times it occurred while the vehicle had been parked for a short period of time but could not be restarted. March 4, 2026 driver was stopped at a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
While pulling up to a curb to park in residential community, my car suddenly accelerated. It came to a stop after 15’ when I hit the brakes. Fortunately nothing or no one was in front of me. No more incidents have occurred. No warning msgs or lights. No other symptoms. Having dealer diagnose this week.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Multiple dash lights are on and vehicle is running poorly. Was told it was the differential dual pump fluid it was replaced. Dashboard lights are still on. Battery is not that old removed any corrosion on it but still getting dashboard lights.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
I brought my vehicle to a Honda dealership for a safety recall repair (airbag/SRS related). After the repair, the SRS warning light appeared on my dashboard, indicating a potential safety issue with the airbag system. This issue was not present before the recall repair. It appeared shortly after the dealership completed the service. I contacted the dealership multiple times, but they have not resp... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
My 2024 Subaru Outback has twice become inoperable while stopped at a traffic signal. In both incidents, the engine was off while stopped, but the vehicle remained powered on and would not restart. The vehicle also would not properly power down. The car could not be safely driven or moved and required towing both times. This created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle became disabled in ... Read more
FOREST RIVER
SANDPIPER
(2024) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
This RV is a Manufactured defect Nightmare through Estimates and Insurance Estimate and inspection have 15 defects from [XXX] with over 50 pictures showing Manufacturing defects and inspection from Progressive Insurance found over 53 itemize report with what was wrong with the trailer with over 100 pictures. We had to voluntary surrender this RV to Huntington National bank because no one would he... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
I have 2 issues going on with my vehicle. The trim on the outside of my doors is coming off which I know was a recall for some telluride vehicles about this old. Also ive been having some electrical issues/hot smell like something is burning if the heated seats get turned on.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Rear Backup Camera keeps malfunctioning. The display screen from camera glitches or goes black and eventually it will state that rear camera is not available.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2020) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
The glass between windshield and panoramic sunroof has 2 cracks starting on the drivers side and continuing all the way across to the passenger side. we dont recall an objects hitting the glass.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
On 4/4/2026, my child sustained a serious finger injury involving the power sliding door. The child activated the power sliding door using the interior door button. While the door was closing, the child’s hand remained on the front (leading) edge of the sliding door where it meets the door frame (B-pillar). The child’s finger became caught between the closing door and the frame. The power sl... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
My car caught on fire while I was driving in 3/30/26. The far started somewhere in/near the front driver’s side, initial observed flames were coming from just above the front driver’s side tire. There were no warning lights on at the time the fire started. The car was a total loss by the time firefighters arrived.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
My son's car was hit by this Buick while he was making a right turn. The driver of the Buick was not paying attention and thought he had already turned. She accelerated into him and AEB did not prevent it. We are not sure why this Buick's ADAS failed. It is not our car, but that of the person who hit us. I don't know the answers to the above question as we were not the driver and it is not our car... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
I have a Kia Seltos 2021 AWD EX 24,700 mi. that was recalled and new engine put in on April 12th 2025 to fix grinding noise that occurred 4 times the end of March starting on the 17th 2025. On Dec. 12th 2025 Grinding noise started again. Couldn't find anything wrong and told them to try harder. Said needed software update back to what it was before engine put in. My problem: I don't have the 5 yea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I don't have any problem with my car but the dealer is taking to long to fix the recall i need to register my vehicle 4/22/2026
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
All alarms are on. Breaks adaptive cruise control hill assist and all other alarms. Taken in to 2 Honda deals and serval mechanics they cannot figure out what’s wrong with it. About once a month all the alarms will clear while driving and the car sensors will start making the car drive odd. Have to fight the steering wheel to keep it straight and wheels will independently break, thinking it’s... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 6, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
While driving at high way speeds the radio volume went to maximum high. I was unable to turn the volume down by any inputs. Mute was inoperative. Volume controls were overridden by the glitch. My hearing has been affected as well as the infant that was in the back seat. This is a serious condition that has now happened 4 times. No assistance from General Motors. My ears have been ringing for... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
The air conditioning system on my 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid has failed due to a refrigerant leak. The symptoms began with a complete loss of cooling on the driver’s side while the passenger side remained cool. Eventually, the system failed to provide cool air to the entire cabin. This is a significant safety concern as the failure of the A/C system prevents the climate control from effectively de... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Basically normal driving the car stalled. It slowed to a stall. I had to restart the car. This has happened a couple to times.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
Took dealer 3/26 for Sam issue Engine Power reduced after already cause me hit curb. Got it out 4/1/26 Now 4/5/26 it happened again same codes after they claimed they fixed it. Also keep having Emergency services come on a caused my dashboard out. My issues is car keeps stalling losing power. Same codes as week ago after dealer fix. Also 4 time took for noises in my car from passenger side. They k... Read more