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 15,943 complaints for AUDI
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
Component/System: Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) / Airbag system — Recall 74E3 / NHTSA 21V874. What Happened: The passenger airbag may switch off even when the seat is occupied due to a faulty PODS wiring connection. The warning message “Passenger Airbag Off” appears with a chime. This is an active safety recall that was issued before I purchased the vehicle, but the recall was ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
Component/System: Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) / Airbag system — Recall 74E3 / NHTSA 21V874. What Happened: The passenger airbag may switch off even when the seat is occupied due to a faulty PODS wiring connection. The warning message “Passenger Airbag Off” appears with a chime. This is an active safety recall that was issued before I purchased the vehicle, but the recall was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Dear NHTSA, On two separate occasions—May 2025 and December 2025, approximately six months apart—I experienced fuel leaks from the upper fuel filter on my 2017 F-350 while driving. Both filters had previously been replaced with genuine Ford parts. I am deeply concerned that my safety was compromised during these incidents. In both cases, diesel fuel was leaking down the engine compartment wit... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an inspection was performed on the engine. The contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the inspection, and the mechanic added a higher viscosity oil, installed an oil fill cap, replaced the oil filter, and... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
An alert popped up on the dashboard. Stating driver system malfunction. This happened on the freeway and then the car shut down immediately. I've gotten this notification over 8 times and it has yet to be fixed. I'm extremely anxious and terrified when driving this vehicle, because my 3 children are in this vehicle while im driving. All services has been all done at audi oakland, they have all the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2025
An alert popped up on the dashboard. Stating driver system malfunction. This happened on the freeway and then the car shut down immediately. I've gotten this notification over 8 times and it has yet to be fixed. I'm extremely anxious and terrified when driving this vehicle, because my 3 children are in this vehicle while im driving. All services has been all done at audi oakland, they have all the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The Diesel Exhaust Fluid system on my 2016 Range Rover Sport has a recurring defect that triggers the warning “Incorrect Diesel Exhaust Fluid Quality Detected” followed by a “No engine starts in XX miles” countdown. This defect has happened repeatedly over several years despite multiple repairs including injector replacement, injector housing replacement and eventually a complete DEF tank ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Safety concerns of Sam Leman Mazda located in blooomington IL installed a radiator from auto zone instead of using Mazda-approved parts. Sam Lemans modified other vehicle components to make the auto zone part fit and initially suggested using zip ties. My vehicle was held from Nov 5-25, 2025 while the dealership attempted to figure out how to alter components to fit the Auto Zone part - my choice... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
In August 2025, my 2017 Audi A3 (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated stalling, strong gasoline odors inside the cabin, and a check engine light immediately after Audi completed recall-related service. The safety issue was later confirmed by the dealership to be caused by a failed suction jet pump (NHTSA Recall 24V110), which allowed fuel to enter the EVAP system and leak into the rear seat area and c... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
In August 2025, my 2017 Audi A3 (VIN [XXX] ) experienced repeated stalling, strong gasoline odors inside the cabin, and a check engine light immediately after Audi completed recall-related service. The safety issue was later confirmed by the dealership to be caused by a failed suction jet pump (NHTSA Recall 24V110), which allowed fuel to enter the EVAP system and leak into the rear seat area and c... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
After complying with Recall 24V436000, the Navigation screen is stuck in Night Time Mode. This causes the streets to become very hard to see during the day. While entered routes are highlighted, cross streets are almost invisible. I have missed turns because of it. I believe this diverts the driver's attention away from looking ahead to attempting to read the Nav Screen. FCA knows about this a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Description of the Problem: I own a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Limited with approximately 3 months of use. While driving on highway, the vehicle suddenly stalled displaying “Hybrid System Failure-Stop by side”. I had to stop on shoulder and restart, drove it couple of days and it happened again. Engine would not start, leaving the vehicle stuck in EV mode only with no ability to accelerate p... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
My 2025 Ram 1500 TRX has recurring safety-related failures of the infotainment system affecting both Uconnect 5 (12” screen) and earlier Uconnect 4 units. These issues are widespread in 2021–2024 Ram TRX and Ram 1500 models and began or worsened after forced over-the-air updates. The primary defect is black-screen failures while driving. When the screen goes black or freezes, the truck loses ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
While moving through an intersection the vehicle will occasionally loose power and the engine returns to idle. I will press on the gas for 3-4 seconds before the engine throttle reacts and the vehicle starts to accelerate. This has happened many times. The vehicle will turn or brake but it will not accelerate.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Vehicle has had two battery failure recalls and one engine failure recall in the 18 months that I’ve owned it. I can’t park the car inside. I can’t charge it and now the engine may catch fire. Stellantis/Mopar has no remediation for either problem.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2025
The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership, and they confirmed they cannot repair recalls 68C, 73C, or 78C because the manufacturer has not provided any remedy or parts. No warning lamps appeared before the recall, but the vehicle is now classified as a fire risk and cannot be charged. The dealership is holding the vehicle because they cannot safely release it back to me due to the high-volt... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Vehicle: 2022 Ford Escape VIN: [XXX] Dealer: Westfield Ford, Countryside IL Problem: Rear light repeatedly fails even after multiple repairs; vehicle becomes unsafe and illegal to drive. The rear tail light on my 2022 Ford Escape has failed repeatedly since early Spring 2025. The dealer (Westfield Ford) has attempted repairs 5 times, including replacing bulbs and diagnosing the wiring/computer s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
As I was pulling into a parking spot, traveling at a low speed I naturally applied the brakes but the car accelerated instead jumping a concrete curb and hitting a wall. In that moment I realized I had no control of the vehicle. This sudden unintended acceleration was accompanied by a loss of braking. Pressing on the brakes harder did not stop or slow the car. Brake and accelerator failed. The veh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
As I was pulling into a parking spot, traveling at a low speed I naturally applied the brakes but the car accelerated instead jumping a concrete curb and hitting a wall. In that moment I realized I had no control of the vehicle. This sudden unintended acceleration was accompanied by a loss of braking. Pressing on the brakes harder did not stop or slow the car. Brake and accelerator failed. The veh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
I am reporting a recurring safety defect involving hydraulic lifter failure in Ram trucks equipped with the Cummins diesel engine (model years 2019–2024). This issue is widely acknowledged by Stellantis and multiple dealers. It typically begins with a knocking sound and has been documented in many cases to progress to complete engine failure. My vehicle has fewer than 20,000 miles. The lifters ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The upper hose is leaking and vehicle is losing coolant
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V201000 (Electrical System). The interface turned off, and the touchscreen was inoperable. The CP message was displayed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that the USB port was not working and was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V896000 (Power Train) and 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the vehicle jumped and attempted to accelerate unintendedly. Additionally, the contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
i dropped my ford truck off for a recall that was done only three months ago and it had an extended warranty (Recall campaign number 19S07/19V075 sudden downshift powertrian control module programming) with it but it didnt fix the problem. when i picked up my truck after them keeping it for two weeks and telling me they had no loaners, they tried to say nothing was wrong with my truck and tried t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
My 2019 Audi E-tron has experienced two major issues during my ownership. At around 87k miles, I was driving into a parking lot and suddenly a “electrical malfunction” warning light appeared on my dashboard followed my many warning lights including 4wd, brake system, and battery. The vehicle was not moving properly and I had to slowly move it into a parking lot and had it towed to the dealersh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Obviously Tesla accepts the very serious problem that it is presenting in the vast majority of Model Y juniper 2026 specifically in the RWD line, they are making deliveries of these vehicles without having gone through a rigorous quality control that determines that the noise actually exists and that over time they could affect too many components of the suspension and end up compromising the stab... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
My explorer is only 4 years old and it suddenly suffered catastrophic engine failure due to low engine oil. The engine started knokcing and clattering BEFORE any warning lights came on the dash. This could also be due to premature bearing failure which is common in the 3.0 ecboost engines.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
While driving the vehicle on an uphill stretch of highway with cruise control set at approximately 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly slowed down without warning. A distinct clunk was heard at the same moment. The cruise control system attempted to restore speed, and the engine became noticeably louder, but the vehicle struggled to return to the set speed. The driver tapped the brake to disengage cruise... Read more
AUDI
A6 ALLROAD
(2021) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 1, 2025
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
The transmission failed abruptly, without any notice or warnings. I had to have it towed to a service shop. When I first tried to drive the vehicle, I was too nervous because the vehicle would not shift so I chose not to drive it for safety reasons. I first towed the vehicle to a shop near my house that concluded I needed a new transmission but they did not repair transmissions. I then had it towe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The vehicle's central locking system does not properly communicate with the keyfob resulting in the doors not unlocking as intended. I have had my child in the car seat in the back and if i accidentantly touch the handle the wrong way the doors will lock and I am unable to use the unlock feature to get my kid out. This could be a serious safety issue if someone becomes trapped in the rear seat and... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
INCIDENT REPORT – TESLA Y – UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION SATURDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2025, APPROXIMATELY 2:40 PM On the above-referenced date and time, we were returning home with the intention of pulling the car into our garage, an activity performed over a hundred times in the one year we have owned the car. Because of the need to back in to allow the car to be charged, the following procedure is ad... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
My screen turns on and off consistently not allowing me to use my backup camera. Causing a small collision while backing up when the camera turned off unexpectedly. Additionally when it’s off it will auto break when I’m not close enough to hitting and it’s loud and yanked me. This has been an issue for some time and I’m seeing a significant amount of my models have this issue and it’s no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Driver’s side door no longer locks and unlocks without physical use of the manual key. Car did not experience damage. The locking actuator stopped working randomly and has not worked, resulting in the car being unknowingly unlocked and subsequently broken into.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
I was trying to merge with 70 mph traffic and could not accelerate last 35 mph. Apparently a speed limiting feature came on that has never came on before decided to engage. My daughter and I were terrified and pulled over and googled what the heck had happened. We went into the settings and this feature was not selected at all so I have no idea why it decided to engage itself.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
The front driver-side tire experienced a full tire tread separation at highway speeds. It caused minimal damage to the vehicle's rim. No crash, other damage, or injuries occurred. Tire size 255/35R19 96H XL
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
As I pushed the interior button on my vehicle to raise the back hatch, there was a winding noise that occurred & the door went down. I opened the back hatch with the button located near the rear license plate. as the hatch started making the loud winding noise going up, the left side hydraulic lifting mechanism shot through the roof of the car. I have contacted Honda several times & they said ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
Two weeks after purchase, experienced multiple, random driver assistance failures. After attempting to repair issue once unsuccessfully, The dealership was unable to provide a second service appointment for two and a half months. Was explained all 2025 Audis were having issues, so couldn’t get car in any sooner. Before that second scheduled service appointment and while driving in traffic, the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
On several occasions I have a dead pedal situation on acceleration from a brief stop. When you press the accelerator, the truck does not accelerate immediately. Instead there is a second or two pause before truck responds to accelerator input. When crossing traffic, this hesitation has caused several situations in which i have almost been t-boned.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
Having issues with the windshield wipers clearing rain when driving and multiple camera malfunctions that I have an appointment to have both checked on 12/2. Wiper stops more than 4 inches from the edge of the window which I could probably just deal with, but when driving it pulls water anywhere from 3-8 inches further across the windshield making it very hard to see when it rains harder or you dr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
My truck started acting sluggish like the parking brake was applied while driving. At a traffic light I put the vehicle in park applied and released the parking brake. I put the vehicle back in gear an let off the brake. The vehicle did not move so slightly pressed the accelerator. The vehicle still acted as if the brakes were applied. I could feel the slight movement and torque being applied but ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
Below is a detailed timeline of the problems I experienced: Intermittent starting issue Over the past few months, the car has occasionally failed to start on the first attempt. It always started on the second try, so I planned to mention it at the next service visit. Complete MMI/display blackout while driving on the highway In the middle of my trip, the entire center display and instrument clu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
Below is a detailed timeline of the problems I experienced: Intermittent starting issue Over the past few months, the car has occasionally failed to start on the first attempt. It always started on the second try, so I planned to mention it at the next service visit. Complete MMI/display blackout while driving on the highway In the middle of my trip, the entire center display and instrument clu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2025
Blown Head Gasket @ 86,000 miles due to Block defect. Now I have to either pay to replace the Head Gasket with the expectation that it will fail again due to the block defect, or replace the whole defective block.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
-lifter failure on 6.2 v8 engine, causing damage to camshaft -lost significant propulsion while driving on the highway, nearly avoided being rear-ended by another vehicle due to loss of vehicle propulsion -dealer had to to replace lifter bank and camshaft -no issues, once lifter failed dash lights all lit up
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
System malfunctions for new all new 2025 Audi S5 including drive system malfunction, loose wheel, brakes limited functionality, parking break malfunction, stabilization control malfunction, driving dynamics system malfunction, hold assist malfunction.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
System malfunctions for new all new 2025 Audi S5 including drive system malfunction, loose wheel, brakes limited functionality, parking break malfunction, stabilization control malfunction, driving dynamics system malfunction, hold assist malfunction.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
Overly excessive oil consumption 2 Quarts every 3 or 4 days.no leaks. Engine gets so hot I don't have to turn on heater In winter. On going issue since 100,000 miles. EBS light stays on electronic parking brake switch does not work. Parking brake will randomly engage after vehicle is turned off. Dealership cannot duplicate issue. If cruse control is turned on the vehicles warning lights all of the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
In the fordpass app, we get a notification that the vehicle has turned off certain function due to inactivity in order to reserve power. However, we will have just driven the vehicle. This message should only populate when the vehicle is inactive for 14 days. It can also populate when the battery drops below 9V or due to extremely hot or cold conditions. It is 70 degrees F outside, so this reduces... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
I am filing a complaint regarding Ford Recall 24502 / NHTSA Recall 24V031 for my 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Explorer-based). My vehicle’s A-pillar interior trim was identified as defective under this safety recall. For nearly two years, the repair has not been completed because the dealer claims the required parts are still on backorder. In that time, the A-pillar trim on my vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Sable. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was involved in a crash. The contact's son was the only occupant in the vehicle during the crash. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed. The contact stated that there were two impacts to the vehicle during the crash. The first impact was on the front passenger's side of t... Read more
Crash
1 injured