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: Apr 29, 2026
Defective Purge Valve. From my research this is a major issue with the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Onstar module out. Car can not be detected of location. Can not use gps. In the event of accident onstar can not help me this is a safety problem for a woman especially. When it first went out the car would not cut completely off had to disconnect battery. The gps light stays on with a line through it. Can’t use blue onstar button it’s completely out. Dealership says module needs to be changed... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
I have had several instances of the infotainment system freezing up after starting the Jeep and putting it into reverse. When this happens, the radio sound is replaced with a buzzing noise and the rear camera image becomes frozen. None of the radio controls work and putting the vehicle into Park doesn't have any impact. The only resolution is to push and hold the power button until the system r... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The sunroof seal isn't working. It lifts when going through a car wash, and water is getting in.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
The back window shattered in my driveway after Getting in car to go to work. Happened when shut the door.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Two years in a row my car leaked a significant amount of water through every light button any hole in the ceiling. It also leaked all over the center counsel while driving and came through the foot pedals all over my feet and the entire floor of the vehicle while driving. The value of my car has been destroyed and Chevrolet is not taking this seriously. They have told me they will only replace the... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The car horn stopped working. Replaced the fuse and still not working.
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2026) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 10, 2026
Incident date: May 10, 2026
2019 Jeep Cherokee. In December 2023, when I took my foot off the brake at a light, the car stalled out and would not start afterward. I was using the auto start/stop feature. Of course it started when the tow arrived, but I took it to the dealer anyway for safety. I had a new starter put in under warranty by the dealer. Code was a faulty starter. In April 2026, the same thing happened and was no... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
Coolant leak into engine block, ford dealership said $8,000 to replace engine cars only at 65k miles. Problem is from manufacturer defect in the 2.0l TT turbo engines in fusions and should be recalled as it’s not the owner/operators wrong doings.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Mileage (~124k) * RPM behavior * Loss of power uphill * Can cause a crash on highway with the cvt promblems nissian sentras sv has been cause of loss of power out of no where needs to be addressed as a recall maintenance has been don great on vechile it has history and need to be addressed. It goes from 70 to 55 issues of cvt
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The 2017 Ford edge was parked in a parking spot, the shifter visually and physically engaged in the park position. Exited the vehicle went into the store. A vehicle passing by behind the Ford edge, noticed it slowly rolling backwards and did not stop colliding with the back of her truck. The Ford edge still showed as it was in park during this occurrence After for the research, it does appear tha... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 7, 2026
The inflation screen keeps going on and off
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Transmission slow to respond when accelerating from a stop, also when going from reverse to drive the transmission is also slow to respond, causing interruption in that moment of traffic. The possibility of causing an accident. The incident has not been confirmed by a reputable dealer. Also, it has not been inspected by a reputable Honda dealer. there has not been any warning lights on regarding t... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
I purchased the Ford Explorer in June of 2023. The struts were replaced at 10,400 miles because of this problem. I have tried to work with Ford Customer service and have a case number associated with it XXX . I brought the Explorer in to get it fixed again for the same strut problem. It has 44,600 miles on it. So it’s out of the warranty it 36K miles . Still after working with Ford Custom... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 10, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
I am submitting a complaint regarding the air conditioning system in my vehicle. The vehicle has a refrigerant (Freon) leak that causes the air conditioning system to stop cooling properly. In addition, there is a loud abnormal noise coming from the AC system while operating. The issue has progressively become worse. The air conditioner either blows warm air or loses cooling performance complete... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The recall on the 2nd row seat welding makes this row unusable per Toyota’s recommendation until they get a remedy. There is no estimated date on when the remedy will be available and Toyota is offering no solution to this. I have 2 small kids, one [XXX] and one [XXX] . I brought home my newborn in this car before the recall notice was sent out. It is our hybrid family vehicle and we cannot use... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Recently purchased used iX and successfully used the Parking Assistant Professional about a dozen times to back into my home garage using 5-point maneuver (driveway layout visible from aerial photo from address provided with report; drove in straight passed spot on garage’s left side looking in, other SUV parked in right spot, back into perpendicular spot in garage). After recording a new 3-poin... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
The car had been parked for 30 minutes in the driveway and spontaneously caught on fire. Our lives and home were at risk of serious injury due to the fire. Firefighters and police were called to the scene and the fire was put out. There were no mechanical issues prior to this happening.
Fire
Incident date: May 10, 2026
The headlights are bouncing and shaking at night causing significant distraction and almost a strobe light effect. This is dangerous
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
There’s an issue with car play disconnecting phone my phone. The microphone cuts out and I cannot safely make phone calls or use phone commands. I’m basically forced to pull over so I can use my phone. Subaru has been aware of this issue for months now and should have disclosed it to me prior to sale. I already took car in once but there was nothing they could do.
Incident date: May 9, 2026
Kia radio goes out randomly, will cut off and fails to turn on when the vehicle turns on. It will make a loud noise like an old car being scratched and then it turns off. The radio will freeze up and it affects my digital speed control. I have reported multiple times to my dealership with no help. It has been happening since I purchased the vehicle in 2023.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLS 450
(2020) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 10, 2026
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Sunroof shade came off track while driving and I had to hold it the whole way home so I could see out the back window to safely drive. Upon research I found this is a common defect on the escapes and ford has done nothing to prevent this. Repairs cost thousands of dollars and this is not ok. This needs to be a recall to be fixed for all escapes affected.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
I have been consistently at risk since I picked up my car in late December 2023. The Horn icon which is impossible for older people to see, especially at night, is located in a place that is very hard to find on the steering wheel and unintuitive. Just yesterday, a large truck was coming around the corner near my house in my lane in the opposite direction and I could not find the horn to honk. It... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
When driving my Kia Sportage on the highway, the screen panel goes completely dark while using the GPS. No warning lights what so ever. This is a major issue for me because I'm depending on the GPS to safely get to where I want to go. I have gotten lost 3 or 4 times in areas that I'm not familiar with because I don't know what exit to take. The moment the screen blacks out on me, it causes me to ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2026) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 9, 2026
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
Anytime the ac is on for longer than 10 min, it leaks water down the driver side panel onto the floor mats.
Incident date: May 7, 2026
The backup Camera goes upside down. The car hesitates when accelerated when needing a boost like getting on freeway Parking brake won’t catch. This is 2nd time and needs to be fixed again
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
I took the vehicle in for maintenance -transmission flush, oil change, anything they could find because I was planning on a road trip and wanted it ready. They found the box frame just behind the front tires had completely rusted with large holes. The service tech did not even want to put the vehicle on the lift. They took some pictures and sent them to me. No maintenance was performed due to the ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The entertainment system (and rear camera) freezes up and emits a loud squeal. The system eventually reboots but while backing up the camera screen is frozen and unable to see behind while backing. This creates a definite safety problem (it occurs at various time not only abcking up). The dealer hasn't been able to reproduce the error.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
The uconnect system or radio that has all the digital controls on it.Seems to do what it wants to whenever it wants to. It appears the delaminating underneath the the screen cover. Hey, it actually dialed 911, while my girlfriend borrowed my vehicle.A few weeks ago.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Recall 23V228 was performed on my vehicle (brace installed), but the structural failure the recall was meant to prevent has occurred anyway. Honda is denying a buyback by claiming 'general rust,' despite stating the vehicle is irreparable and unsafe to drive.. I live in [XXX] . [XXX] on [XXX] noted the frame damage. I spoke to Honda Corporate was given case #XXX and was told to take it to a dea... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The dashboard will randomly not work upon start up or stop working while driving... this only occurs for no longer than 1 min and will self correct. I have had multiple mechanics look for the cause of the issue and have replaced everything short of the instrument cluster and the wiring harness of the truck. While this doesn't seem to interfere with the function of my vehicle, this is/can be very... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Safety recall: 25v659 Rear view camera could display a blank or distorted image on the center display screen when the vehicle is in reverse. Unavailable camera on center display screen.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Hi my name Is [XXX] . JD Byrider financed me this car knowing that it had open recalls putting me and my family's lives in danger. The car has had electrical problems since Ive had it. Every other day different lights appear on the dashboard Service Airbags ,Service ABS and traction ESC off are some of the few. The car has been to their service department 14 times since Ive owned it each time they... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The gear shifter gets tight to put it from park to drive and drive to park, but doesnt stay constant. Brought it in and was told that I am spinning it to fast to spin it slower. I told the dealer I do spin it slow with the same issue. They told me they will not do anything until it gets stuck. Upon doing research, I have found several others have had the same issue.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
Ford has failed to remedy this issue and has been pending for more than 1 month
Incident date: Nov 14, 1992
Vehicle is 2025 Hyundai Tuscon purchased 12/31/2025. On April 18th, as I was backing into my garage i noticed that I could not see through the right side end window. On closer look I noticed that the glass was shattered without any spots of particle hit or point of impact. I stopped and took pictures, took the vehicle to Potamkin Hyundai and the service guy also took pictures. I went back on Apri... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Car reduced speed and the smell of gas filled the car. Car shut off. Check engine light came on with reduced speed. This is the second time this has happened. Gas leaked onto ground from car. Car stalls immediately while driving and does not allow you to press the gas to keep moving. Almost hit from behind on Main Street.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
First and foremost, I am not arguing against, as I hold myself accountable for my choices. I understand the purpose of ignition interlock devices and support preventing impaired driving. However, the reality of rolling retests during heavy traffic, lane changes, merging, and freeway driving can create dangerous distracted-driving situations. Drivers are told to prioritize safe driving, yet missin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
My Cadillac has experienced a history of repeated mechanical/electrical issues and has spent extended periods of time out of service at the dealership for repairs. On today’s date, while driving at normal roadway speed, the vehicle suddenly lost all power without warning, creating a dangerous safety situation. The vehicle became extremely difficult to control and lost normal drivability functio... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
While driving my Tesla, Autopilot was engaged and navigating with the destination entered. At the time of the incident, my hand was on the steering wheel when the vehicle suddenly attempted to make a hard right turn toward a divider. This was not an exit or intended route, which raises serious concerns about what caused the vehicle to react that way. In addition, I have experienced multiple batte... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
I was driving on the freeway and a system warning came up “check hybrid system” and the car went limp. Thankfully I was able to get off safely from the momentum this time, but it has stopped in the middle of the street before. This is the second time it’s shut down this year. I took it in last year for the same problem. I took it to the Kia dealership and they stated there’s nothing no wro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Yes there is a issue with the ABS control modules in these trucks, and they are nowhere to be found, it causes a safty risk bec you lose control if u need to hard break and possibly lose your steering. Dodge/ram doesnt want to take responsibility for them and its crazy, this could kill someone and i feel it should have a recall, the warning lights are the traction control/emergency break and your ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
2024 Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC, VIN [XXX] , sold to me on 01/21/2026 by Peoria Motor Company LLC d/b/a Mercedes-Benz of [XXX] for $144,995, financed by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. The dealer's Certified Pre-Owned Inspection Report is dated 01/28/2026 — seven days AFTER contract and one day AFTER the vehicle was shipped to me in California — meaning no valid CPO inspection existed at... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
Rear view camera display experiences intermittent failures. The display only occasionally works when the car is placed in reverse. This has led to nearly impacting one or more pedestrians when the car is driven in reverse.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 8, 2026
Incident date: May 3, 2026
My vehicle's dashboard was melting. I thought it was some kind of condensation. When trying to wope it, sticky gook came off on my papertowel explosing the bottom level.of the dashboard. I went through all the levels all.the way to Corporate Lexus legal in TX as the fumes were making me sick. I am a senior citizens who was not planning on buying another vehicle as I drive very little. After 4... Read more
1 injured
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
Back in December 2025 took car in because there was a coolant leak until the car started. Alerting me that it was overheating in the middle of the freeway. I had to find a place to pull over while the car was alerting. With urgent urgent urgent alert to pull over. Took it into dealership and it Turns out it had a coolant hose leak . I took the car in for an oil change TODAY and turns out has a ho... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
The back windshield of my 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe just exploded outwards. The vehicle hasn't been moved or driven today. The glass exploded out the back and shot over 18 ft away. There has been no change in temperature it is 70°. It was terrifying and came out of nowhere there were no cracks or chips in the back windshield. I'm so glad we were off to the side when this happened or it would have c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
The vehicle's transmission control module is not working. The Ford Focus vehicle put my family and I at risk because we would be driving along in the Ford vehicle then all of a sudden it would slow down abruptly in traffic as it loses power. We've only had the vehicle 7 years and it is one of the most expensive problems to have with the car. Many reports online state that transmission control modu... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
I had my Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk fixed by Jeep per the recall notice. The PTU was replaced although no issues were apparent. The Car was fine before the work was done, but a month later started having driving issues and felt like it was skipping when turning left and wandering on the freeway. So I took it back to Jeep. They have had the car two weeks (14 days), and do not know what is wrong with i... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
My car is a 2019 Audi Q8 3.0L V6 with only 41,831 miles. My emergency light went on and I brought it my locat Audi Dealer. The inspection revealed that the coolant pump was leaking internally, contaminating the entire vacuum system with coolant. This is not a maintenance failure or the result of owner neglect. It is a well-documented, inherent design defect in the EA839 3.0T engine platform that... Read more