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 16,369 complaints for AUDI
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Intermittent Power Steering Faulire
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
Was making loud buzzing noises and cracking noise while driving. The whole bottom is now gone. This been going on about 1-2 years now, when this all started. Need all the pillars replaced immediately. I drive to work in this vehicle and it's a 40-minute commute one way.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
I own a 2021 Cadillac Escalade that falls under the manufacturer recall issued by GM/Cadillac for engine problems associated with this specific make, model, and year. I received an official recall notice via both email and U.S. Postal Service, instructing me to take my vehicle to my local dealership to have the recall addressed. I promptly complied and took my vehicle to the dealership. However, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The passenger side outside rear view mirror does not provide for a clear view on the passenger side of the vehicle. The adjustments on the mirror cannot be set to reduce or eliminate a blind spot on the vehicle. The mirror is not like a normal mirror from other vehicles. I have almost hit several vehicles due to the lack of clear view with the mirror. To give an idea of the blind spot, a vehicle c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
I am the original owner of a 2020 Hyundai Kona equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. This engine has been subject to known manufacturing defects, including excessive oil consumption, timing component wear, and premature failure. Hyundai has acknowledged that my specific engine falls within the range of engines affected by this defect and has confirmed that it is part of a recall/service campaign g... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle at a slow speed in the driveway, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration, lurched forward, and crashed into a tree before coming to a stop. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle during the sudden unintended acceleration. During the failure the vehicle sustained front end damages, ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle at a slow speed in the driveway, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration, lurched forward, and crashed into a tree before coming to a stop. The contact was unable to stop the vehicle during the sudden unintended acceleration. During the failure the vehicle sustained front end damages, ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed while the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact moved the gear shifter in and out of Park(P) several times until the vehicle registered that it was in park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission shifter assembly and jumper harness ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to display an image. Occasionally, the rearview camera displayed an upside-down image. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in an Extended Warranty coverage related to the failure. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
Specifically related to the two items checked above as the rear camera failing to come on when the vehicle is put into reverse software 3.6.4 was supposed to correct this issue, but it has since come back.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
The power steering is very stiff and hard to turn. it is worse at slower speeds and while trying to turn
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
I have a 2013 Kia Sorento. The color is Pearl White and the paint is peeling off in several areas of the vehicle. The paint started peeling about 4 or 5 yrs ago and is getting worse. I have contacted Kia dealership and they claim there is nothing they can do. From every thing I have researched this is a known problem and stems from a paint defect. If it is a paint defect it should be covered by th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
I was driving the beltway when out of nowhere my abs, brake, and traction control lights came on. Of course I immediately panicked and then had to slam my brakes on which no longer worked and caused me to slide. Luckily I was able to pull to the side. This is my only vehicle and the wait list for a new abs module is insane. How am I supposed to drive specifically with my kid in the car.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
I was traveling on Stevenson expressway at 55 mph when the fuel pump relay overheated and melted, which burned up the REC (Rear Electrical Electrical Center /fusebox). When the fuse pump relay overheated it shut fuel down going to the fuel pump, which caused the engine to stall. When the engine stalled the car cut off, causing me to loose power steering. Because I was traveling in the middle la... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
White smoke coming out of exhaust smelled of antifreeze. Took to Ford dealer in Eagle River, Wisconsin: Dealer found coolant in #1 cylinder and wrote on receipt - headgasket block failure, recommend replacing engine. Service writer said this is due to a defect in engine block being a slit machined in block between cylinders by Ford. Dealer quote for engine replacement was $9500.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the gear shifter shifted independently, and the message "Vehicle Heisted Gear Ten Error" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a vehicle safety complain... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
We purchased this brand new Thor, Axis from Lazydays, Tampa in January of 2022. We have only used it once since taking delivery (the slide was broken at that time). It has been in and out of the shop for months at a time for over 3 years, for various items, including the "brain" (3 times), the outside jacks, the slider, cracked windshield (while in service), severe water intrusion etc. The fact... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
2023: 16K miles, the Chevrolet Blazer in questions transmission went out; thus requiring it to be brought into the dealership for repair; It was "repaired" and given back to us. A few days after said repair, I was driving it with my son in the vehicle, and the transmission went out while on the highway. I was almost hit from behind as I limped it to the side of the road. A brand new transmission w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
2023: 16K miles, the Chevrolet Blazer in questions transmission went out; thus requiring it to be brought into the dealership for repair; It was "repaired" and given back to us. A few days after said repair, I was driving it with my son in the vehicle, and the transmission went out while on the highway. I was almost hit from behind as I limped it to the side of the road. A brand new transmission w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle jerked and unexpectedly downshifted. The steering wheel warning light, check engine warning light, ABS, and TPS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The uconnect touchscreen had bubbling in upper left corner within the first year of being brand new. I didn't know at that time that it would lead to complete failure of the uconnect system which includes: the handsfree safety controls on steering wheel not functioning so no handsfree phone calls or messaging etc, black and unresponsive touchscreen, no navigation because screen and sound doesn't... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
I was driving one day and stopped at a stop light. I go to accelerate as the light changes, the vehicle moves forward a little then stops moving. The battery stayed on but it would no longer move or rev. So I was left stranded in the middle of the stop light. Thankfully a cop came by and helped me push to a safer spot. I then had to have the vehicle towed to the nearest pepBoys. After their initi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
On 7/20/2025 the following warnings were displayed: Brake System Warning Light (BRAKE), ABS Warning Light, Lane keep Assist Light is white, Automatic Emergency Braking Disabled light stayed on, Traction Control system (TCS) electronic stability control light stays on. Messages: Auto Hold Unavailable, Service Brake Assist, Service ESC, Service Stability Control: Your vehicle may be hard to control ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
Dear National Recall Team, I am writing to report a recurring and potentially hazardous issue with my vehicle that has not yet been addressed through a recall. Since July 2024, I have experienced a problem with the steering wheel intermittently getting stuck, accompanied by a rattling noise from the left side of the vehicle. During a routine oil change, I asked the service technician to inspect ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Cross traffic and blind spot monitoring/alert failed. Electrical wiring failed due to rubbing on the rear bumper causing failure of blind spot alert and cross traffic alert systems. Reliance on these systems is critical to safe operation of the vehicle.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
2019-2023 model year Toyota RAV4s and Toyota Corollas are equipped with defective coolant bypass valves prone to premature failure which can cause coolant to leak out of a vehicle’s closed-loop coolant system, harming its ability to properly regulate engine temperature. This can cause overheating, stalling, increased emissions, and total engine failure and also allows coolant to leak into and da... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2025
Lincoln Aviators 2020-2024 using the Sync 3 Radio screen. Have a issue not switching to dimmed/night mode during night time driving. This is a major safety issue because when driving a night you have a super bright display inches from your eyes creating a blinding issue at night. This issue has been reported by many folks, a simple Google search will reveal this. Unless NHTSA steps if to doing... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2025
Lincoln Aviators 2020-2024 using the Sync 3 Radio screen. Have a issue not switching to dimmed/night mode during night time driving. This is a major safety issue because when driving a night you have a super bright display inches from your eyes creating a blinding issue at night. This issue has been reported by many folks, a simple Google search will reveal this. Unless NHTSA steps if to doing... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Dodge Challenger. The contact then discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 138,160, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 222,348.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
Summary of Problem: The infotainment screen on my 2018 Subaru Outback has delaminated and is malfunctioning, causing multiple safety issues. This is a known manufacturer defect previously addressed in a class-action lawsuit (Starlink Infotainment System Litigation, settled 2021). However, my vehicle’s screen failed shortly after the extended warranty expired. Detailed Description of Safety Haza... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
Collision warning came on auto brakes for a second. Then light stayed on. Took to Dealership and was told Collision camera was out of alignment due to brackets moved or bent.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
Component/System Involved: Molded-in-Color (MIC) Hardtop – Composite Roof Panel What happened: The molded-in-color (MIC) hardtop on my 2021 Ford Bronco (2-door) has developed multiple visible stress cracks above the passenger-side window. These are not surface scratches — they are embedded, structural fractures in the composite roof material. The cracks have formed under normal, garage-kept d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
when you are pushing the brakes the brakes want to push against you and go forward. It also wants to not steer the direction that you are steering sometimes making it very dangerous.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
This is the THIRD YEAR in a row that the Suspension System on this vehicle has failed. This seems like it should be a basic feature of any vehicle - that it should have proper shocks and suspension. The problem is the repair this time is estimated to be at $4000, when we have already had this repaired twice for several thousands of dollars. We drive this car very gently, so there is not an issu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
First noticed during the last 3 months that the car seemed under powered during acceleration. Then had 2 incidents where the engine shut off when stopped at intersection to turn. Then on [XXX] I noticed while driving, the oil warning light flashed but did not remain on. Then again it flashed 1 time and did not remain lit. Upon checking the oil I found it to be 3 1/2 quarts low. Oil had been change... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2019
While driving 60–70 mph on [XXX] just north of Sylmar, I suddenly heard a loud, deep “pop” from the lower part of the car. Within seconds, the engine began steaming heavily and leaking oil everywhere. I immediately turned on my hazard lights and began maneuvering toward the right shoulder, crossing multiple lanes with semis and fast-moving traffic approaching behind me. I felt unsafe and fe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
While driving on the highway, the vehicle experienced total power loss. Instrument cluster showed a Service Charging System now error. Had to coast to wide of road. Instrument cluster also said m “put in park to start vehicle” with a flashing “D” on the gear selector. After turning off and back on, power returned.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
While driving and completely randomly, multiple critical errors appear on the display, and vehicle goes into limp mode. The errors is play in order as follows: 4x4 Off -Service Vehicle Soon -Service advance Trac -Check 4x4 -Pre-collision assist not available -Service advance track After the errors appear, the vehicle goes into limp mode, no longer being responsive to the accelerator pedal. After ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
While driving and completely randomly, multiple critical errors appear on the display, and vehicle goes into limp mode. The errors is play in order as follows: 4x4 Off -Service Vehicle Soon -Service advance Trac -Check 4x4 -Pre-collision assist not available -Service advance track After the errors appear, the vehicle goes into limp mode, no longer being responsive to the accelerator pedal. After ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
My wife was driving on the highway, felt a bump and the engine RPMs spiked. The check engine light came on as well as a error message that the secondary collision braking system was disabled. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and we were told there was a internal failure in the transmission. The vehicle has approximately 80K miles.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Began driving warning lights for brakes, abs, traction control, and forward collision on. Brakes then locked up. Pulled over and full lost brake compression. Could have caused an accident if on the highway. Waiting on tow truck to take to the dealership for repair.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
My Porsche Taycan unexpectedly applies the brakes on its own while traveling at highway speeds and flashes a red warning message instructing me to take control of the steering wheel, even though both of my hands are already on the wheel. This is extremely dangerous because sudden braking at high speeds creates a major risk of rear-end collisions and loss of control. When It Occurs: This issue sta... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
Rack and pinion required repair/replacement. The car has less than 50,000 miles on it. Issues appeared several weeks ago. Repair was just completed because of issues with steering. Repair was done due to safety concerns.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
1) power train system- P090C AND P090C-00 clutch b actuator circuit low causing transmission to slip. dangerous when driving 2) anti-lock brake system code U0401-00 and U3003-16
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
This vehicle has an engine which has rocker arms that are known to fail. The manufacturer has not issued a recall to fix this issue which can result in a catastrophic engine failure. They have acknowledged the rocker arms in pre 2018 models to be defective and insufficiently reinforced to handle the strain of the valve train.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The plastic roof trim panel on my 2015 Audi A3 is peeling and deteriorating significantly. This is not painted metal—it’s a separate, non-paintable plastic component that runs along the sunroof and roofline. The surface began flaking and lifting over time, and multiple independent body shops confirmed the panel is failing structurally and cannot be refinished—it must be replaced. While this... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The suspension system has failed three times. The entire system has been replaced by the dealership twice under warranty. The most recent failure has not been addressed, as the dealer is now refusing to make further repairs. The suspension issues significantly affect vehicle handling and steering during normal operation. Under heavy acceleration, the vehicle becomes difficult to control, posing a ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Sudden reboot of the vehicle's infotainment system, which then repeats every 60-90 seconds consistently. The reboot has happened while reversing the vehicle, which results in losing view of the backup camera and parking sensors / rear cross traffic detection. This issue was originally sparse, but after 7/14 manifests 100% of the time when using the vehicle. This represents a safety issue due to th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Sudden reboot of the vehicle's infotainment system, which then repeats every 60-90 seconds consistently. The reboot has happened while reversing the vehicle, which results in losing view of the backup camera and parking sensors / rear cross traffic detection. This issue was originally sparse, but after 7/14 manifests 100% of the time when using the vehicle. This represents a safety issue due to th... Read more