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: Jul 1, 2025
Purchased a 2010 Ford F-150 that was fraudulently advertised and sold as a 2014 Ford F-150 with 68,000 miles. The odometer displayed approximately 66,000 miles at time of purchase. An independent mechanic at DTX Automotives confirmed the vehicle actually has approximately 210,000 real miles. The seller presented a Carfax report belonging to a completely different vehicle to conceal the true mileag... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a **2017 Kia Sorento SXL** equipped with a **3.3L Lambda V6 engine**, which experienced **sudden and catastrophic engine failure** at approximately **137,000 miles**. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited **progressively worsening engine knocking and vibration**, indicating internal engine damage. Despite these warning signs, the failure occurred **a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
When going over bumps such as speed bumps or bumps in the road there has been a clunking noise and sometimes a grind, for a few seconds.With this the ABS light also comes on. Then goes off. This has went on for the past 6-7months. Its not every time,it is very random. It will do it and not again for a while. On 3/16/26 the SVC FWD warning light came on while driving. After restarting it it take... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
2024 Roadtrek Zion Slumber Issue: The main latch to secure the pop-up does not stay latched. The lip of the bracket which is supposed to hook over the bar is not long enough so even though it's placed directly onto the bar, tightened and "locked", it comes off with road vibration. The worst incident was when I was driving down the road, the latch slipped off the bar and the pop-up opened WHILE I ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
VIN plate missing over 150 days.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
The doors are designed to open or shut, not a hinged or soft door close. There has been several times when I’ve opened the door and the door slams back on my elbow.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
I am reporting a safety defect involving my 2016 Jaguar XJ. The driver-side door cannot be opened from either the inside or the outside. This failure occurred without warning and has made the vehicle unsafe to operate. This issue presents a serious safety risk. If an emergency occurs, such as a crash, fire, or other urgent situation, the driver may be unable to exit the vehicle quickly. Being trap... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
There is an incredible reliance on navigation and communication while driving. This and many other vehicles have intermittent disconnects to CarPlay This causes inattentive decisions while attempting to reconnect. I have personally had two trips to dealership with no resolution numerous photos showing loss of communication with vehicles main information center.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
Driver’s side front window shattered seemingly spontaneously. Car was locked and parked overnight and found in morning with shattered window. No other signs of damage to car, no rock found next to car/window. Took to nearest toyota dealership who did take pictures and told me they would file a report.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2026) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
July 31, 2024, purchased a new 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summitt (Hybrid) from local Chrysler/Dodge dealer in Las Vegas Nevada. Keeping this very high level, after the 3rd day the vehicle would not start. The dealer sent technician to our home however finally had to be towed to the dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle on several occasions while continuing to work directly manufacture, however a... Read more
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2026) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
March 22, 2026: driving through town when the engine started making an odd high pitched sound then lost all acceleration and had to get it towed back to my house. No indicator lights on the dashboard came on. March 26, 2026: my mechanic diagnosed it as a catalytic converter clog. 2019: vehicle was serviced at a Kia dealer for SC176 recall relating to catalytic converter failure. December 2022: ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
A lot of times when I park even on flat surfaces my parking brake engages and It’s hell being able to leave because I have to turn the car off open the door close door start the again put in drive while my foot is on the brake and pull and push the parking brake button 4 times. Then I’m able to drive. This has been happening more frequently and there is an open recall for the parking brakes ca... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
Belt Starter Generator failure rendered car undrivable -- power steering failed while in motion. Issue is subject to Class Action Settlement in USDistrict Court, Case # 3:23-cv-02291-RK-RLS. But this should have been a recall because of danger of Injury or Death. A recall would provide notice that the notice of settlement failed to provide. This failure happened to me on March 29, 2026. De... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
While driving at approximately 40 MPH there was a loud pop and the panorama sunroof shattered. There were other cars traveling at the same speed or less, but nothing struck the vehicle to cause the glass to shatter. The glass did not immediately give way, but had it, there were passengers that would have been impacted. The roof was inspected by the dealership but is no longer available for insp... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2023) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
While driving on the 60 East highway (approximately 65-68 mph), the vehicle did not accelarate and became completely non-responsive. Each time I pressed on the gas pedal, the RPM needle started trembling between 600-1100, which is much lower than where it should be while the vehicle was in Drive and traveling at this speed. This was an extremely dangerous situation as I had my wife and 5 month old... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
automatic sliding back glass exploded while sitting in the yard. This could have injured passengers in the rear seat. Dealer said no recall is present. Repair is out of pocket. Vehicle has not been inspected. No warning signs or messages or other symptoms prior to the incident of back glass exploding
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
While driving less than one mile from my residence, my 2014 Jeep Cherokee suddenly displayed a warning related to shifting, followed immediately by a complete loss of engine power. The vehicle shut off without warning while in motion. At the time of the incident, the dashboard displayed the messages: “Shift to desired gear” and intermittently “Service Shifter.” I was able to safely maneu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
There is a problem with the camera that is disabled my brake system features. I am hearing this is a known issue with many of these cars
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
Component: Air Conditioning / Heater Subject: Recurrent HVAC System Failure - Passenger-Side Temperature Control Malfunction I am reporting a recurring failutre of the vehicle's HVAC system affecting the passenger-side temperature control. Specifically the passenger-side air vents intermittently and repeatedly blowing hot air while the driver-side continue to operate normally with cooled air.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
Blind spot warning does not come on until the vehicle is past you, and the display screen that has your speed and everything else on it is fading again, this is the second screen they have had to put in my car. and the steering wheel moves when it is in the locked position you will be driving down the road and then out of know where the steering wheel will just start moving without being unlocked.
JEEP
WAGONEER S
(2025) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Subject: Formal Demand for Remedy – Safety Recall / 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally demand immediate resolution regarding a serious safety recall affecting my 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall, issued in September 2025, involves a defect in the fuel delivery module that may result in a loss of motive power. This defect pre... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
Car leaks. Cargo Bay fills with water. Possible mold issues. I am told this leaking causes damage to the control module for the tailgate. Our tailgate will close on us and has almost closed on our children. We have to be very careful when the children are around the tailgate because it will begin to close without warning.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The 12.3 inch display of the instrument panel, where the speedometer and malfunction indicator lights are shown, goes blank when I turn ON the engine. It remained blank even when I drive. It is NOT safe to drive as I will not know which part is malfunctioning. The dealer has confirmed that it is a known issue. There were NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The transmission drops out of 6th gear to natural when accelerating.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
I think it is crazy that my 2020 chevy trax doesnt have a temperature garage, there was a 2019 recall concerning leaking coolant, and I believe a recall on something dealing with the oil cap or component all of which I am having problems with. First in February of 2026 I was on a busy multiple lane express way and all of a sudden my coolant image warning light came on and indicated :engine overhea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
PANORAMIC SUNROOF Because I can not afford to inspect my sunroof, I have to resort to driving with a tilted panoramic defective sunroof that will not fully close. I fear for safety while driving, or parking anywhere when having to resort to shopping for groceries, weather hazards, highway hazards, and my own personal safety. I fear it could shatter from the sounds it makes at random times. It has... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
Sunroof exploded outwards towards traffic while driving on highway. It caused a loud shot gun sound which cause occupations of our vehicle to panick none the less vehicles behind us got the shattered glass. No warning signs to even look for nor hear. Have called auto places all around us to no avail on getting it fixed. Isn't worth the insurance hike if we cannot even find someone to fix the probl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
The hood to my car randomly unlatched and smashed my windshield while I was going 30mph.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
The infotainment system in my 2021 Jeep Renegade has failed and was diagnosed by an authorized Jeep dealership as an infotainment (info center) failure. The display frequently blacks out, shows lines, and becomes distorted, preventing access to essential vehicle controls including navigation, climate control, and radio functions. More critically, the backup camera randomly activates while the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
VEHICLE: 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 VIN: [XXX] COMPONENT: Power train, automatic transmission DESCRIPTION: When the vehicle is placed in Park with the engine running, the vehicle experiences an intermittent jolting or lurching sensation approximately every 5 seconds, accompanied by an audible clicking sound. The jolting is most pronounced immediately after shifting from Reverse into Park, and gr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
1. Dash Board has several cracks especially over airbag. 2.The location and severity of the cracks raises concerns regarding the structural integrity of the dashboard during a collision and the potential for obstructed airbag deployment. 3.It has not been inspected. I plan to carry it to the dealer tomorrow. 4.There were no warnings. I just realized the cracks a few weeks ago. I had seen them p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Components are the HEAD UP DISPLAY (HUD) and the WINDSHIELD. The HUD mechanism is located on, and in, the dashboard. It projects/displays driving information on to the windshield at eye level of driver. During day time, typically bright, sunny days, the HUD also casts a blue reflection onto the windshield, typically a blue oval that can vary in size depending on direction of travel and location of... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Sunroof was working properly, no issues. I parked car with sunroof open and when i restarted car it started closing extremely slow. Technicians have tried resetting but no luck. This is a safety issue that has been repeatitive on KIA Suvs since 2012 or 2014. Techs cannot reset sunroof and last KIA I owned was 2014 had same issue plus drainage hole issues. A panoramic sunroof malfunction can b... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2020) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 29, 2026
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The Chevrolet Equinox EV emits an unusual and loud sound while in "Drive" or "Reverse" and stopped or at low speed. The sound has widely been described as "angelic" - it is a higher pitched sound which does not sound similar to any other vehicle or even a "white noise" sound. This sound is played both inside and outside the vehicle, but only up to a specific speed threshold. I believe that the u... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2022 Forest River Salem Cruise Lite travel trailer, purchased July 21, 2022. At the time of sale, the unit had an open federal safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-243) involving a fire/explosion hazard. The recall was not remedied prior to sale. The vehicle was presented for service multiple times, and the recall was not identified or addressed until May 20... Read more
FOREST RIVER
SALEM
(2022) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 29, 2026
Incident date: May 13, 2025
There is a recall out for “2016 Audi A6 vehicles” the recalls are “fuel system rail” as well as “coolant pump”. Both recalls are vin specific and what I find to be devastating is that both recall risk pertains to possible fire! I have the exact issues with my vehicle I even have the epc light coming on and the code is “fuel rail system” I also have an ongoing issue with my coolant ... Read more
CONTINENTAL
CROSSCONTACT LX
(9999) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 29, 2026
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
I was driving down the highway at 73 MPH and the sunroof shattered sending glass into the interior of the car, onto me, and into my clothes. It sounded like a gunshot and was terrifying.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
The Dashboard Module provided by MEDALLION INSTRUMENTATION SYSTEMS Part# 66-02439-000 on the Freightliner Chassis is delaminating causing the critical gauges to become difficult to read. Additionally the screen will unexpectedly dim causing additional readability. I consider this to be a potential safety issue as it is unknown if and when the screen may go entirely blank. I have contacted Freig... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
10 speed transmission randomly threw a incorrect 10th gear ratio code and threw my truck into limp mode on the interstate in traffic. Transmission had to be rebuilt
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
There is a class action lawsuit for 2021-2023 Jeeps where the power steering catches fire. That happened to us.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The CV Axle joint has prematurely worn down and makes a popping sound when executing a sharp turn at low speeds. Honda is aware of the issue and has noted that it is widespread; however, they have offered no solution for fixing it.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
Sunroof/moonroof cracked without any impact or signs of impact.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
Without any Waring Lights the car goes into " Limp Mode " .ON turnpike roads with Speed Limits at 70 MPH and with some sections with no shoulder to get off the highway this is very dangerous .
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
Multiple warning lights were turning on then turning off in their own, typically 2-3 days later. However while on, all ADAS showed errors and did not work. Most recent time, had an elevation changed (over 6000 ft), lights came cascading on parked safely. Next morning, car would not accelerate/was extremely jerky. Turned off waited turned back on, while lights were on car felt to be running fine.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Rear backup camera failed and is just showing a blue screen or black screen with squiggly lines.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
The back lift window just shattered while the car was in park heard a loud boom and the weather has not changed temp
COSCO KIDS
SCENERA
(9999) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 28, 2026
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The Panoramic sunroof randomly exploded while driving down the highway. Nothing around us or above us to cause it. Myself, my [XXX] pregnant wife, and [XXX] daughter were in the car and had glass rain down on us after the very loud boom. We almost wrecked. The issue has not yet been inspected by the dealership but I understand this to not be uncommon. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDO... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
My 2025 Hyundai Palisade is currently subject to multiple safety recalls affecting occupant safety. These include a recall involving seat belt buckle assemblies in the front and second row seating positions, as well as a separate recall involving the third-row seating area where the vehicle may not meet federal safety standards for occupant protection and may increase the risk of injury during a ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 28, 2026
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
Incident Date: 12/28/2025 Location: [XXX] Related Recall: 23V905 / 23S64 On December 28, 2025, while driving at highway speeds on [XXX] , my 2020 Ford EcoSport suffered a sudden engine fire. There were no prior dashboard warnings or "Check Engine" lights until the fire began, the vehicle speed started to slow down itself, and I immediately pulled over on the side of the interstate. I turned of... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
The complaint is regarding a 2010 Ford Escape, original owner and maintained mostly at dealer shop. Vehicle only has 79k miles on it, and has been garage stored. It has rust in the rear wheel wells and a crack in the rear right subframe due to rust.