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: Feb 20, 2025
The headlight module failed in the middle of driving at night and caused me to pull over and get the vehicle towed. Took to the dealership and apparently it’s been an issue with these trucks and the headlight module fails and then burns out both headlights. There is no recall and is not covered by my factory warranty.
Incident date: May 12, 2025
2019Toyota Highlander = Transmission whine and hard shift at times, Needs replacement transmission at 106,000 mile , no codes stored
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware that the lower steering column bearing was detaching. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a visual inspection of the vehicle was performed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering); however, no repairs were needed at the time. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering abnormally, and the transmission was difficult to shift into gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximatel... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
When starting the vehicle, and extremely loud feedback noise is emitted from the front right speaker. This happens intermittently. Sometimes it's every 5th time you start it, and sometimes every 29th start. This started happening after the dealer-provided SOS Safety subscription expired. The noise is extremely loud and very disturbing especially for individuals like our daughter who has special ne... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
Just days after taking delivery of our first Tesla (2022 Model Y, second-hand ), we experienced a dangerous incident. While Autopilot was engaged, the vehicle failed to slow down or properly navigate a curb near a roundabout. Despite our immediate manual intervention, the front wheel was damaged, resulting in loss of steering and a repair bill exceeding $7,000. After the incident, we were surprise... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle was jerking until shifting into gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The engine had lost power without warning. While driving at low speed.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The ABS brake light on. The problem is related to booster pump assembly.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Catastrophic engine failure; unless it could happen very quickly, the vehicle likely will not be available for inspection. As background, our family purchased this vehicle used from a MI dealer in July 2023. It was a trade-in by the previous owner, and the dealer did not disclose any known issues. This vehicle belongs to our daughter, who is a graduate student in upstate NY. After driving only ~6,... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
Mercedes Dealership is refusing to get the vehicle in to make this safety recall repair in a timely manner. I have been told that i will need to wait for over a month just to drop the vehicle off with no time frame given in terms of how long the vehicle will be gone while being repaired.
Incident date: May 11, 2025
Message: "check/refill coolant light has intermittently come on for past two days. I checked coolant and it is lower than "max" but higher than "min". Also, why is this website saying 0 unaddressed recalls on my car? There are recalls that were not done on my car. Message: "0 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN"
Incident date: May 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the contact became aware that the front headlamps had intermittently failed to provide proper illumination, greatly reducing nighttime visibility. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) - ENGINE
May 11, 2025
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
Was simply driving my vehicle to work. It started overheating parked it right away before it got worse as the car alerted had it towed to a shop. The shop informed me that the motor was blown in the pistons went through the motor something with the oil the mechanic and I were looking further into this and it looks like my make and model in year had some recalls about the motor overheating in the p... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) - ENGINE
May 11, 2025
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
Driving to work my engine failure light came on….the engine immediately sputtered. I immediately drove inside the bay at Ozark Chevrolet. As soon as I pulled in….the technician told me to turn it off and that I wouldn’t be driving it anymore. See my statement for $3,429.15. I have to carry my grandkids in this vehicle. I traded it in on Tundra. And now I find out about the recall. It was the... Read more
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2020) - SERVICE BRAKES
May 11, 2025
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
My brakes went out with no warning, or light on dashboard. I had the master cylinder changed and all brakes bled. The brakes went out 2months later,so changed the master cylinder again. 1 month after the brakes went out again. So I called Mazda service department and the gentleman told me to try and change the brake booster. So I changed the brake booster and master cylinder. 6 days later my brake... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Brakes do not engage sometimes until brake is almost to floor. This has happened to the 3 people who have driven it and almost caused an accident. In fact the warning flashes on dashboard. Brakes have almost failed and yes, it is available upon request. Our safety was at risk because all 3 of us almost hit the person in front of us. The problem has not been reproduced by the 2 service places I ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Vehicle down shifted hard and dash board lit up. Wouldn’t shift any higher than 4th or 5th gear. Fortunately we were only going about 35mph. If we would have been on the interstate as we had been the 2 previous days on our trip to Florida it could have been deadly. Brought the Tahoe to Ron Anderson GMC Chevrolet in Yulee, Florida on 3/18/25. The transmission valve body is the problem. As of tod... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
Transmission valve body failing causing limited power and potential accident in middle of the highway.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Took to dodge dealer and they told me they have been have problems with traction control, 4x4 problems, misfiring cylinders . They spent 5 days trying to figure it out and told me it was a process of elimination . Replace rear diff motor and that didn't work, replaced TCCM, that didn't work, replaced both batteries , that didn't work, new spark plugs, that didn't work, replaced coils on the side w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Took to dodge dealer and they told me they have been have problems with traction control, 4x4 problems, misfiring cylinders . They spent 5 days trying to figure it out and told me it was a process of elimination . Replace rear diff motor and that didn't work, replaced TCCM, that didn't work, replaced both batteries , that didn't work, new spark plugs, that didn't work, replaced coils on the side w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The diesel EGR Cooling System prematurely failed on a vehicle with low mileage and repaired at owner's expense. This defect allows pre-heated, vaporized coolant into the EGR system while the engine is running. In certain circumstances, this mixture interacts with other hydrocarbons and air in the system, potentially resulting in combustion within the intake manifold, which may lead to a vehicle f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
On January 31, 2025, my 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 experienced a failure with its ICCU resulting in the vehicle to lose all power and become unable to be turned on exposing myself and others to conditions where the vehicle could become a serious safety hazard due to its complete lack of power. This occurred despite the application of the NHTSA Hyundai Recall 272 only two weeks prior to this incident whi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Rear Camera intermeitently works or completely fails. Was backing out of a parking space and could not see and a car speed by the back up warning did beep and saved the day - if my camera had been working I would have seen the on coming car a little bit sooner. it's been months since the recall was issued when will a remedy be available? this should not take this long for Ford to remedy?
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
My transmission went off with no warnings and my vehicle has been serviced at the Toyota dealer since I bought it and they never mentioned to me there was an issue with my transmission which is very odd. So I was wondering is this is normal or if there others owners with the same problem. Now I don’t have a vehicle because the transmission is in back order and I can’t even get a rental car bec... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
2nd time this has happened, coolant leaking into cylinder head. June of 2024 and now May2025. If this is a design flaw by Ford why hasn’t this been addressed? Vehicle has little over 90,000 miles.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Engine block timing plate cover has a defect crack in it causing an oil leak and fire hazard.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Engine block timing plate cover has a defect crack in it causing an oil leak and fire hazard.
Incident date: May 10, 2025
The car just completely stalled while driving on a busy street with myself and my children in the car. I first was alerted that it may just be the starter by a local mechanic. I fixed that and it still would not start. I then went and got a new battery and that did not work either. At that point I had the car towed to the Kia dealership. The mechanic told me that the car engine was a part of a rec... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
While driving my lease vehicle on two separate days, it completely shut down while in motion with no prior warning. The first incident occurred while crossing a MAX train intersection in downtown Portland. The engine stopped mid intersection, emitted a strong mechanical odor, ticking noises began, and dashboard alerts appeared. I could not restart or shift the vehicle into neutral. It was stuck, b... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
While driving my lease vehicle on two separate days, it completely shut down while in motion with no prior warning. The first incident occurred while crossing a MAX train intersection in downtown Portland. The engine stopped mid intersection, emitted a strong mechanical odor, ticking noises began, and dashboard alerts appeared. I could not restart or shift the vehicle into neutral. It was stuck, b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle failed to start. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to jumpstart the vehicle. There were several messages displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the messages disappeared while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions for th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Was driving approximately 55 MPH on a busy highway when all of a sudden vehicle lost all power and check engine and service lights came on. I had to immediately try and merge to the side of the road which created a unsafe situation causing traffic to slow immediately behind me so that I could coast to the side of the road and into a parking lot. Engine still running, transmission issue. Felt like... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
I was driving on the highway at a speed of around 65 miles an hour and I heard a loud noise and the truck did a hard jerk and slowed down abruptly I then had to struggle to get over to the shoulder as cars around me were moving at high speeds then I found out that it was the lifters that failed and I started doing research on this problem and it seems to be a problem that a lot of people are havin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
I was driving on the highway at a speed of around 65 miles an hour and I heard a loud noise and the truck did a hard jerk and slowed down abruptly I then had to struggle to get over to the shoulder as cars around me were moving at high speeds then I found out that it was the lifters that failed and I started doing research on this problem and it seems to be a problem that a lot of people are havin... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
[XXX]- bought new 2025 Chrysler Pacifica w/ 29 mi at Troncalli Chrysler Dodge Jeep (TCDJ). [XXX]- 1st time -I was driving the car when it made a “clunk” sound when turning left. All the lights on the dashboard came on and the ABS system turned off.The car safety features disabled and it did not recognize we were in the seats (seat belt lights came on).I was able to drive into a parking lot.Tur... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
For 6months I have a low oil pressure light come on before my oil change is due. Dealer has ran 3 oil consumption test pass/fail/pass the next one will fail as I had to add 2 quarts or oil this week and my oil change isn’t due for 2k more miles. There is no leak visible so it must be within the motor. As well as I have already replaced start/stop battery as well as main battery bc if the start/s... Read more
AUDI
Q4 SPORTBACK E-TRON
(2024) - ENGINE
May 8, 2025
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The fuel injectors/fuel system is malfunctioning causing the vehicle to jerk during acceleration and is dangerous since the car feels like it’s about to stall.
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima PHEV. The contact stated that there was an abnormally loud rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was turning on and off. The contact stated that the catalytic converter and battery were damaged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, there was smoke coming fro... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving the front suspension of my 2023 Subaru WRX. After installing aftermarket lowering springs, I began noticing loud popping, clicking, and cracking noises from the front struts during low-speed turns and uneven road surfaces. To isolate the issue, the springs were completely removed from the strut assemblies. The noise persisted when manuall... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
For 1.5+ years, the transmission will unexpectedly and suddenly downshift into 1st gear without warning. Which causes a sudden deceleration. No warning lights before it happens. It occurs randomly and at different speeds. It has happened over 20 times. I've experienced it happening at speed ranging from 35mph to 65mph. The gear shifter was in the drive position each time this issue occurred. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
I believe that there is a safety issue with the design of the adaptive cruise control on the 2024 Honda Pilot. The vehicle applies the brakes at about 1 mph over the selected speed. It is especially aggressive when topping a hill. The gas lets up, but due to the vehicle inertia, the car slightly accelerates, then braking. I believe that this action is unsafe for several reasons. It slows the v... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Experienced complete engine failure. Car was at a Certified Hyundai dealership 2 weeks prior for new plugs and new coil pack. Multiple point inspection with no noted issues. Driving on a 3 hour trip when suddenly the engine started knocking without an engine light or oil light coming on. Pulled over and no oil on the dip stick. The same dealership did an oil change at 86,000 miles now the car... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I purchased this truck 3/20/2025. I have since realized it wasn't me doing something wrong. The truck hesitates and shakes during shifting upon acceleration from a stop and when putting it in park and attempting to turn the truck off it has a message on the display saying "shift to park" and it will not turn off until you repeatedly restart it and play woth the gear shift to get it to register t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I purchased this truck 3/20/2025. I have since realized it wasn't me doing something wrong. The truck hesitates and shakes during shifting upon acceleration from a stop and when putting it in park and attempting to turn the truck off it has a message on the display saying "shift to park" and it will not turn off until you repeatedly restart it and play woth the gear shift to get it to register t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious engine defect in my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, which suffered rod bearing failure and now requires a full engine replacement at a cost of approximately $8,600. This failure occurred on April 13, 2025, despite regular oil changes and proper maintenance throughout my 1 year and 7 months of ownership. According to my certified mechanic, the vehicle was ... Read more