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 224 complaints for AIRSTREAM
AIRSTREAM
FLYING CLOUD
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 21, 2026
Incident date: May 26, 2023
This complaint concerns an immediate, systemic electrical fire hazard introduced by Airstream of Tampa through their dealer-installed Titanium solar package on my 2023 Airstream RV. Service technicians mounted a high-output Victron MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-50 (3,000-watt) inverter/charger improperly inside an enclosed, unvented wooden cabinet. The unit's primary cooling exhaust rests directly flu... Read more
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE
(2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 5, 2026
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
While driving on a highway the car started to hesitate, a message appeared on the console "Propulsion power is reduced" and the engine light turn on. After driving some miles, a new message appeared: "Engine unavailable, service soon" and the car only ran on electric power, no motor engine. I had the same problem 3 year ago and the dealer identified the problem as a shorted EGR valve. This time I... Read more
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE
(2020) - ENGINE
Aug 5, 2026
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
While driving on a highway the car started to hesitate, a message appeared on the console "Propulsion power is reduced" and the engine light turn on. After driving some miles, a new message appeared: "Engine unavailable, service soon" and the car only ran on electric power, no motor engine. I had the same problem 3 year ago and the dealer identified the problem as a shorted EGR valve. This time I... Read more
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 3, 2026
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
As I was coming to a stop at light my brakes became very difficult to push the pedal down to stop. It took everything in me to get the vehicle to stop before entering the intersection and oncoming traffic. I was able to get the vehicle parked safely in a nearby parking lot but then the engine wouldn't start it just kept trying to turn over. The brake assist error popped up, and then the check engi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Vehicle is at 83,000 miles and the engine was diagnosed with a need to replace TSB 22-2322 (Intrusion of coolant into engine Cylinder) This issue could cause the vehicle to stop running or break down in transit. The only fix is to replace the entire engine which was designed with a flaw. Ford Service center quoted me $15,000 to replace engine. Miller vs. Ford motor company class action lawsuit cla... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Passengers are stuck in vehicle due to failure of doors opening from either inside, outside or both.
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE
(2016) - POWER TRAIN
Jan 19, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Component that failed: The valve train system failed due to collapsed lifters in the GM 5.3L L84 engine. The lifter failure caused internal camshaft damage requiring major repair. The failed components were removed by the Chevrolet dealership and should be available through the repair facility if inspection is requested. Safety risk: The engine failure caused a sudden and severe loss of power whi... Read more
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE
(2016) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 19, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
My vehicle has a documented excessive oil‑consumption defect. After a 1,000‑mile oil‑consumption test performed by a Hyundai dealership, the engine was found to have consumed 2.8 quarts of oil, which is far above normal and poses a safety risk. The dealer referenced TSB 23‑EM‑008H and recommended a chamber cleaning but could not guarantee it would resolve the issue. Hyundai Motor America... Read more
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE
(2016) - ENGINE
Jan 19, 2026
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Component that failed: The valve train system failed due to collapsed lifters in the GM 5.3L L84 engine. The lifter failure caused internal camshaft damage requiring major repair. The failed components were removed by the Chevrolet dealership and should be available through the repair facility if inspection is requested. Safety risk: The engine failure caused a sudden and severe loss of power whi... Read more
AIRSTREAM
MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER
(2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 22, 2025
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
My dash with my dash lights, speed, warning lights, odometer, gas tank and oil temp went out in my jeep. It flicked off with red lines. Come on randomly but stays off. Took to jeep told me it was the jeep instrument cluster. No recalls on my specific jeep but [XXX] shows there is a recall of this part. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: May 17, 2023
2013 Hyundai Genesis sedan (BH) is experiencing the intermittent soft brake pedal and reduced braking pressure that matches the TSB 22-BR-001H for the HECU on 2009-2012 Genesis sedans. I took it to the local dealership but their mechanic said they could not recreate the condition. The ABS and ESC lights have both come on at times but I was told there are no stored codes. The tech noted that the... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
To date, I have brought the vehicle to the service department four times, primarily due to the check engine light and other critical malfunctions. Below is a summary of the incidents: First Visit (approx July 2024): The vehicle suddenly lost acceleration while I was in traffic, leaving me stranded in the roadway. This posed a serious safety risk. The vehicle remained in the shop for 28 days. Secon... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
To date, I have brought the vehicle to the service department four times, primarily due to the check engine light and other critical malfunctions. Below is a summary of the incidents: First Visit (approx July 2024): The vehicle suddenly lost acceleration while I was in traffic, leaving me stranded in the roadway. This posed a serious safety risk. The vehicle remained in the shop for 28 days. Secon... Read more
AIRSTREAM
TRADE WIND
(2025) - ENGINE
Oct 15, 2025
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
Driving down the road and the engine turns off with no warning lights, noise, or any indication of an issue. I was luckily able to use momentum and move to the side of the road. The Chevy dealer has inspected the engine and concluded that the engine is blown.
AIRSTREAM
TRADE WIND
(2025) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Oct 15, 2025
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The backup camera does not function about 50% of the time. Polestar did issue a OTA software update that I have installed several months ago (software version 3.6.4) but the issue has not really improved. I was hoping that another update might be issued but so far, nothing. I should note that it is not just the backup camera, the entire infotainment has been very buggy and laggy as well but the ba... Read more
AIRSTREAM
GLOBETROTTER
(2023) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 27, 2025
Incident date: Mar 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle shuddered abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the surrounding area of the CV axle and front differential was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on bac... Read more
AIRSTREAM
GLOBETROTTER
(2023) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Jun 27, 2025
Incident date: Mar 9, 2025
Sensors that activate when objects are close to vehicle and are supposed to warn collision do not work at all. Sometimes they activate when there are no obstacles at all and the vehicle is stationary. Pedestrians are not noticed nor are objects/vehicles that are in the way as the vehicle is in motion (and even stationary). Also the system seems to reboot at will while driving.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
Airbag recall mail received from Mazda, when trying to book online mazdausa.com service depart denies vehicle has a recall and refused to schedule appointment
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
There is a loud grinding/ squealing noise whenever I press the break pedal. I went to have it check at Big O tires and the guy checked my breaks and tires and said they were at 100 percent however the sound is coming from a defeat somewhere with the break pedal and the stopping mechanism. He added grease to it to see if it would help but it has not. Also The Steering wheel recall that they just di... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The engine kicks like the injectors are blocked or something. It happens in idle and all speeds, including highway speeds. It is not speed related. However, I am reporting this because it jerks the car at highway speeds and this is dangerous. I have one occurring trouble light regarding the oil pump but it’s not related. Something is troubling this engine like there is debris in the fuel lin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond, then slowly responded. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle would only respond when depressing the accelerator pedal with added force. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. issued a recall for our 2010 CRV. The recall identified a flaw in the design whereby "corrosion can form in the rear frame due to the accumulation of road de-icing agents mixed with mud and water. As a result, the rear frame can deteriorate, and the rear trailing arm may fall off. A detached rear trailing arm can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk o... Read more
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE NINETEEN
(2021) - ENGINE
Feb 20, 2024
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
see attachment for details
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE NINETEEN
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 20, 2024
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
Terrible car, after long thinking about it the last accident in this car I think was caused from the transmission literally as soon as I put it in reverse it acted as if I was accelerating and proceeded out of the parking spot a little bit, another scary thing I pulled out of a parking lot and almost got hit because the car acted as if it was in neutral when the car was in drive with on coming tra... Read more
Crash
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE
(2014) - AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Jan 13, 2024
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The vehicle throws a “passenger restraint system malfunction” every 5 minutes while driving. Based on discussions on bmw forums, this is a common issue among several models of BMW. The issue seems to be caused by loose wires/sensors beneath a he passenger seat.
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE
(2014) - AIR BAGS
Jan 13, 2024
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The vehicle throws a “passenger restraint system malfunction” every 5 minutes while driving. Based on discussions on bmw forums, this is a common issue among several models of BMW. The issue seems to be caused by loose wires/sensors beneath a he passenger seat.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
I all of a sudden started smellinggas but could not find any leaking underneath the car, also my car started giving lower mileage. Called the extended warranty and submitted the car to Firestone auto care. They ran a fuel system inspection and found leak. They removed and replaced the the fuel line and fuel pump. They said the can was at risk of catching fire and this is unusual
AIRSTREAM
INTERNATIONAL
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 7, 2023
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine was misfiring. Additionally, coolant had leaked into cylinder #2, and that the long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the... Read more
AIRSTREAM
FLYING CLOUD
(2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 24, 2023
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
There were no accidents or near accidents but the computer system was spitting out different problems and telling me that different system were needing service such as the ESC system, the steering wheel column l, collision traction , etc plus the engine light came on. Thus occurred on the 20th of June. I took it in for service and they said they fixed the problem but then while coming home on the ... Read more
AIRSTREAM
FLYING CLOUD
(2020) - STEERING
Jun 24, 2023
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
Very scary!! Power steering completly locked up and continuing to lock up while turning. This is not something to take lightly as there had been no prior warning. Simple drive to the grocery store almost caused an accident while turning. Had to yank the wheel to correct as it was completely stuck in the turn position. Check light on, inspected by mechanic and they are indicating that this is a s... Read more
AIRSTREAM
FLYING CLOUD
(2020) - SUSPENSION
Jun 24, 2023
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
Experienced the death wobble on the freeway. I was forced to pull over on the shoulder of the freeway. I thought I had a blow out. It scared the heck out of me. Once I reentered the freeway the wobble was gone. Now when I hit rough spots on the road the front end vibrates like it is loose.
Incident date: May 28, 2023
I PURCHASED THE CAR AT A USED CAR DEALERSHIP. I DROVE IT HOME AND THE NEXT DAY THE ENGINE LIGHT LIT UP AND IT STARTED TO RUN ROUGH. WHILE DRIVING IT DOWN THE ROAD THE CAR SHUT DOWN AND I COULD NOT EVEN GET IT OFF THE ROAD. I HAD IT TOWED AND THEY AGREED TO TAKE IT AT THE HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP. AFTER RUNNING DIAGNOSTIC ON IT THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AND THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THAT IT W... Read more
AIRSTREAM
INTERNATIONAL CCD
(2005) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 21, 2023
Incident date: Mar 21, 2023
Both turbos failed and so did the water pump. Less than 90,000 miles. When the turbos failed, there was smoke from the tailpipes. Then there was noise under the hood. When the water pump failed, there was water leaking under the vehicle. Yes, the problem was diagnosed and fixed by the Ford dealership. One of the turbos was fixed last year. The water pump was fixed in December. The other turbo is w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Air Stream Base Camp. The contact stated that while hauling the trailer, the trailer was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the three-foot cord loosened and melted the plug and cord. The contact stated that as a result of the failure, the hot water heater and furnace combo experienced an electrical short. The cord lost voltage and melted a hole in the receptacle. T... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from the front driver’s side door hinge. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened, with the front driver’s side door being difficult to close properly. The contact also stated that the front driver’s side window failed to roll down after several attempts. Upon investigat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from the front driver’s side door hinge. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened, with the front driver’s side door being difficult to close properly. The contact also stated that the front driver’s side window failed to roll down after several attempts. Upon investigat... Read more
AIRSTREAM
FLYING CLOUD
(2017) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Dec 11, 2022
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
Body separating from trailer framework due to forward attachment design-build defect in model 26U and other models featuring forward storage compartment; high potential for on-road detachment causing rig instability and swaying out of control. Currently in RV dealer shop for repair. Dealer states two other identical model trailers in work for same defect. Airstream owners report this defect in onl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
The side door access window failed while driving down the interstate at the posted speed limit of 70 mph. The failure occurred without warning. The entire window detached from the door and flew onto the roadway. It shattered and was run over by a semi-tractor trailer. The safety of other drivers was at risk as there was no warning that the window would fail. The window area of the vehicle has... Read more
AIRSTREAM
TOMMY BAHAMA
(2019) - VISIBILITY/WIPER
Sep 20, 2022
Incident date: Sep 20, 2022
The rear view mirror has been highly questionable since driving off the lot. Airstream assured me it was an easy fix. After trying to fix on numerous occasions. Oh, that is a Mercedes problem! I think if nothing else there should be a warning like most passenger side mirrors ( objects can be closer than they appear). Worst rear view and back up camera I have ever seen and owned. 4 years later stil... Read more
AIRSTREAM
INTERNATIONAL
(2015) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 31, 2022
Incident date: May 19, 2022
The trailer door latch fell off and trapped us inside for about an hour. There was no one around to help us at our campsite and no telephone cell service. We had no tools other than a butter knife to try and jamb the latch lock. We did finally manage to get of the trailer on our own by using brut force. This is a extremely dangerous problem that AirStream could easily fix. Yes, there is an escape... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
door handle jammed, resulting in inability to open door and exit trailer!
AIRSTREAM
GLOBETROTTER
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 17, 2022
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
Upper lock on door will not operate resulting in an inability to open the door.
AIRSTREAM
FLYING CLOUD
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 10, 2022
Incident date: Sep 4, 2021
The brakes on my new Airstream Flying Cloud (23 ft) are unreliable, lock up, and/or engage without notice, endangering myself and others. Trailer was purchased on 16 Mar 2021. Took it on a 400 mile trip without incident. Before the second 400 mile trip on 8 Sep, I noticed the some running lights were filled with water. On the trip, inside the Allegheny Tunnel, PA Turnpike, the automatic lights c... Read more
AIRSTREAM
FLYING CLOUD
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Apr 10, 2022
Incident date: Sep 4, 2021
The brakes on my new Airstream Flying Cloud (23 ft) are unreliable, lock up, and/or engage without notice, endangering myself and others. Trailer was purchased on 16 Mar 2021. Took it on a 400 mile trip without incident. Before the second 400 mile trip on 8 Sep, I noticed the some running lights were filled with water. On the trip, inside the Allegheny Tunnel, PA Turnpike, the automatic lights c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
The passenger side window that is part of the door started to come off. I was able to catch it coming loose in time to prevent it from coming completely loose. A Google search reveals that this is not an uncommon occurrence with the airstream basecamp models. There are several reports online from previous owners. We were lucky that the window didn’t come off during transit! I’ve called airstr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2022
The passenger side window that is part of the door started to come off. I was able to catch it coming loose in time to prevent it from coming completely loose. A Google search reveals that this is not an uncommon occurrence with the airstream basecamp models. There are several reports online from previous owners. We were lucky that the window didn’t come off during transit! I’ve called airstr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2021
I am writing about a 2021 Airstream Basecamp X AC unit. The bolts that hold the AC unit on top of the trailer stripped out of whatever was holding the unit on top of the trailer. Fortunately the trailer only suffered water damage during a rain storm but I understand that the unit was no longer secured to the roof and other owners have actually experienced the unit falling off the roof in transit. ... Read more
AIRSTREAM
INTERSTATE
(2018) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 30, 2021
Incident date: Aug 10, 2021
There is an open recall NHTSA #21V042 that no dealers in Colorado can repair until March 2022. Parts are available but they claim to be book through March due to all the current recalls. This is a safety issue since wet conditions can cause the sensor to disable the electronic stability control. This is on a 4x4 vehicle that will be used during the winter in Colorado. I would like to have an autho... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2021
The Air Stream Basecamp rock guard shield Southco fasteners have repeatedly failed and dropped out while traveling. We had a full replacement of all the Southco fasteners for the three rock guard shields installed on our 2020 Air Stream basecamp X trailer while we were traveling July 2020. Replacement service was handled under warranty by an Air Stream service department. While on a May 2021 trip... Read more
AIRSTREAM
FLYING CLOUD
(2015) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 9, 2021
Incident date: Jan 18, 2021
OUR 2015 AIRSTREAM REFRIGERATOR STOPPED WORKING WHILE ON SHORE POWER THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN WE SWITCHED IT OVER TO PROPANE. THE TRAILER WAS SITTING STATIONARY ON OUR PROPERTY NEXT TO OUR HOME. THE FIRE WAS IN THE SERVICE BAY ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TRAILER. I QUICKLY GOT THE FIRE OUT AVOIDING MORE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE TRAILER AND POSSIBLY OUR HOME.
Fire