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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 117,775 complaints - component: UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Incident date: Mar 27, 2026

2017 Ford Escape 65,000 miles,1.5l coolant intrusion.#2 cylinder misfire code. First thing upon raising the hood noticed and acknowledged there was no coolant in resevoir. Attempting to replace spark plugs. Removed/replaced #4 plug. Attempting to replace #3 spark plug, plug broke off. Researching and collaborating with reputable mechanic concluded that short block coolant intrusion has occurred.... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2026

Fuel tanks shields have rotted. I have researched this and it appears that the reason this problem occurs is because of a process called galvanic corrosion. The fuel tank shield is bolted onto an aluminum heat shield, and the pairing of these two different metals accelerates the corrosion. Land Rover has acknowledged this problem and it’s given priority due to the fact that this is a safety issu... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

This vehicle has died 4 times in one week. when this happens, multiple lights have flashed in the dash board, including the "eye sight" warning. Then, it would not restart but continued to "turn over" when the ignition button was pushed. One instance was on a busy street at a stop light, another at a busy intersection in the inner left turn lane, the other 2 instances were in parking lots. The fir... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2026

We were stopped at a stoplight. As soon as we stepped on the gas pedal, there was a loud clunk sound and plastic parts started flying out from under the car. We immediately pulled over. Oil was spilling out everywhere. The transmission oil pump was laying on the inside of the engine compartment. We had towed to Toyota. They diagnosed a bent piston went through engine which also caused a hole in th... Read more

Incident date: Jan 29, 2026

Panoramic sunroof spontaneously combusted while driving. No previous damage observed

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

Our mechanic noted that there is rust/rot damage to the metal gas tank shield. It’s unknown how long this has existed.

Incident date: Jan 5, 2026

2018 Volvo XC90, VIN [XXX] , 54,618 miles. Original owner. All service performed exclusively at Volvo Cars West Houston (same dealer, all three failures). Volvo Technical Journal TJ 34648.1.2, titled "Prior Approval - Lack of airflow causing poor cabin cooling," is classified as a Product Fix and explicitly lists the 2018 XC90 as an affected vehicle. This TJ required the dealer to submit a Prior ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

Today, i received an extended warranty for my horn. There is a known issue with water getting into the horn and causing them to fail. Upon researching this, people have reported having their horns changed several times. This is a safety matter that an extended warranty is not fixing. Please enforce a recall so that this matter may be properly resolved. Canada has already issued a recall, I hope w... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

Everytime I drive the car and I don’t get no warming and I bring the car to the dealer and tell them what going on and dealer do and don’t tell me what going on.. i should be able to get another car free because they want me to keep pay thing out my pocket which I don’t have Also want to let you know that [XXX] and I will like to explain more on phone [XXX] Also the ford dealership wa... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2024

My 2013 Toyota Prius with only 99,000 miles is experiencing a brake system failure. The brake warning light, ABS light, and traction control light all illuminate. The brake actuator pump runs every 10 seconds, indicating loss of hydraulic pressure. Safety concern: This issue affects braking performance and disables ABS and traction control, creating a safety hazard, especially in emergency brakin... Read more

Incident date: Jun 11, 2025

This is a supplemental report to my previous filing regarding a 2023 VW ID.4 battery fire. On May 28, 2025, while being operated, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic thermal event. White smoke emanated from the front compartment followed by active flames. The vehicle was a total loss. Critical Safety Finding: A subsequent forensic examination conducted on October 29, 2025 (File 27739-01) by a cer... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Oct 21, 2025

While accelerating from a light that had just turned green, after passing through an intersection the vehicle seized up and came to a complete stop. There were no warning lights or any indication of a malfunction. The vehicle did not shut off, the wheels just stopped spinning. After a few seconds it began to accelerate again. It happened on a Sunday, I called the dealership Monday Morning. I was n... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

My air conditioner EVAPORATOR CORE HAS A HUGE LEAK. Dealership told me they just go bad its not even 10 yrs old 2018 Honda accord ex just go bad a hole ?? Honda extended the condenser warranty to the evaporated core but the dealership said no just the condenser I'm sorry. But you got lot people out here with just hole in there evaporator core this is not normal and to be told its 2800 to fix and c... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

Dear Toyota Japan Customer Experience Team, I am the owner of a 2016 Toyota Tacoma currently registered in Guam, U.S.A. I am writing to request your assistance regarding a water leak issue from the rear brake light area, which has caused the carpets and seats to become wet and develop mold. I originally purchased this vehicle in Saipan and recently relocated to Guam. When I visited the Guam Toyo... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

Subject: Vehicle Safety Defect Report – Brake Failure and Collision Mitigation System Malfunction To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am filing a safety defect complaint regarding a Honda vehicle that experienced sudden brake failure and a suspected Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) malfunction, resulting in a crash on [date]. Incident Summary: • Brakes suddenl... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jan 25, 2026

My sunroof exploded while driving . Nothing hit my car there was no cars around me

Incident date: Jan 25, 2026

Component Failure: Independent inspection confirmed a broken brake master cylinder mounting bracket and a missing AC compressor mounting bolt. Safety Risk: The broken brake bracket compromises the structural integrity of the braking system, posing a risk of brake failure while driving. The missing AC bolt creates a risk of the compressor becoming unseated, which could damage the serpentine belt a... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

Sunroof spontaneously exploded while driving. No object hit the sunroof.

Incident date: Jan 2, 2026

My engine light came on and stayed on. The vehicle also stalled twice when trying to drive home. I was already scheduled for my yearly inspection at the Ford dealership in Washington PA who said they would also check into this issue. The Ford dealership advised me that this was an emissions issue where the valve was sticking and it wouldn't pass inspection unless I paid to have a new valve put in ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

Starting in drive with the brakes depressed, when trying to accelerate with the gas pedal, the vehicle will not activate the engine from electric mode(EV). The car will not accelerate even with the gas pedal fully depressed. It has happened four times so far. Safety issue because when I’m pulling out into traffic to make a left or right turn, the car will not accelerate and therefore can get hit... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2026

Regarding this recall notice 26S09/26V124 This camein the mail Friday, 3 days to late to prevent a accident. On that previous Tuesday, while backing out of the garage in full sunshine I backed straight into my wife's vehicle parked to the side. No warning sensors, no alarms. Progressive insurance is handling the claims, but I am still going to be out of pocket my 500 dollars deductible plus ren... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

Vehicle: 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD Purchase Date: [XXX] Mileage at Purchase: ~54,900 miles Dealer: Cherry Hill Jeep Chrysler Dodge, Cherry Hill, NJ I am filing this complaint because I am currently being required to drive a vehicle with a severe wheel misalignment that is visually observable, while the selling dealership has deemed it 'drivable' and has not completed the necessary repairs. On... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 9, 2026

The rear toe link arm is not adjustable, so I can't get it aligned. It has caused a clunking noise when I turn and everytime I align my front end, it does not last.

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Powertrain/Engine Control System. The vehicle suffers from a total loss of motive power while driving in traffic. It is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle unexpectedly enters "Limp Mode" while driving at various speeds in active traffic.... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

The starter on my BMW failed, and it overheated and damaged my alternator to the point that I needed to replace it. The dealer and independent service center confirmed that this was the cause, but BMW is refusing to reimburse the cost of the alternator replacement. I was at the exit of a highway and could not even put the car in neutral, so my safety was significantly at risk.

Incident date: Oct 8, 2024

My car was stuck in drive. It would not shift into park. My father had to use the emergency switch under the hood to put it in park. A local dealership was contacted and parts have been ordered to fix the problem. The car has not been inspected. There were no warnings. I did not receive a recall notice in the mail.

Incident date: Apr 8, 2026

While driving, the vehicle experiences intermittent electrical malfunctions affecting multiple systems. The door locks cycle repeatedly, windows roll down on their own, and when attempting to roll the windows back up, they immediately roll back down. The dashboard lights flicker, become extremely bright, and at times go out completely. The central display (including Apple CarPlay) also shuts off e... Read more

Incident date: Apr 6, 2026

I took my car in because the electric parking brake warning appeared while driving. I also looked it up and saw many others were having this issue. So basically Honda charged me for something that’s an ongoing Honda issue and passed it off as a glitch and cleared the codes. Clearly Honda needs to recall the 2023 accord because this isn’t safe and clearing the code isn’t taking care of the pr... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

Rust on roof by the windshield

Incident date: Dec 4, 2019

I bought a CPO lexus 2025 RX 350 in Jan 9, 2026. This car was lightly used in less than 3 months and right now it's around 7685 mileage. However, just with 3 months I purchased this car, the A/C stops cooling and the dealership said this is due to the condenser was damaged by small road stones where the small road stones can easily pass through the grille. - We have noticed that there are multiple... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2026

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

Incident date: Apr 7, 2026

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: Oct 12, 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: Mar 16, 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 9, 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

Incident date: Jun 19, 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: Dec 4, 2025

Transmission failure. Way to common with these transmissions and touqure converters

Incident date: Mar 9, 2026

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: Apr 10, 2026

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: Apr 10, 2026

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: Dec 30, 2025

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

Incident date: Apr 5, 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: Apr 5, 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: Oct 1, 2022

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: Apr 9, 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 9, 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

Incident date: Jan 4, 2026

Hi Dear My car doesn’t report crash.

Incident date: Feb 1, 2025

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: Apr 4, 2026

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 1, 2024

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

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Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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