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: Dec 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, there was while smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with oil intrusion into the pistons, causing transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer changed the oil and advised the contact to return every... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
The contact owned a 2024 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized, causing the front passenger side to crash into the front driver side of a commercial vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle ricocheted and rolled over to the driver's side, and did a 180 turn where the tires came to a stop at the bottom of a hill; however... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
High pressure fuel pump Yes almost caused an accident Vehicle was inspection and replaced No warning at all just lost power and all lights came on the dash. I was traveling in left lane down the highway lost power had to cross 3 lanes to get right side of shoulder. I shut off the car when I stop on the shoulder . I inspected the car for sign of low oil or coolant I didn't see any reason... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The gear shift, camshaft. Have to keep taking it back for repairs after having repairs done on car.
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The gear shift, camshaft. Have to keep taking it back for repairs after having repairs done on car.
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The gear shift, camshaft. Have to keep taking it back for repairs after having repairs done on car.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2025
Coolant leaking , engine knock sound , turbo issue
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
The Dashboard with all the instrumentation goes blank while driving causing loss of all instrumentation gauges and headlights shut off. This has happened repeated times since the car was purchased new in June 2024 and has been in the service department since October a total of six times. They have replaced fitments, the dashboard cluster, the phone charging pad and have done multiple software upda... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
Issue: Persistent “Service Shifter” Warning on 2017 Jeep Cherokee I own a 2017 Jeep Cherokee, and the “Service Shifter” warning continues to appear even after replacing both the wiring harness and bezel. Despite these repairs, the issue persists, creating safety concerns and frustration. This appears to be a recurring problem for many Jeep owners, yet no permanent fix has been provided. I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side A-pillar trim detached. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was repaired at the owner’s expense. The contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The dashboard glares when it is sunny outside and at night when cars are driving past on the other side, this is a huge safety issue as it impairs visibility. The dashboard is also very sticky
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The dashboard glares when it is sunny outside and at night when cars are driving past on the other side, this is a huge safety issue as it impairs visibility. The dashboard is also very sticky
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
The driver seatbelt will not lock when fully extended or in the event of an accident. This will be the third time that I will have had to have this repair done. Ford warrants the part for 5 years or 60,000 miles. I am out of the five year window but I just turned 60,000 miles. Repair will cost upwards of $800. Unfortunately I am not in the habit of checking my seatbelt to see if it works. There w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware of an oil leak. The contact stated that the leak was small. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine oil cooler needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact had previ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The TIPM is bad. Truck goes dead whenever it wants. I’ll be driving down the highway and it quits and then you can’t get it to start back. Windshield wipers work sometimes other times they randomly come on.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
On multiple occasions my 2024 Grand Cherokee 4XE will flash "Service Hybrid System" and cut out while driving. Brakes, steering, and other functions are severely limited on these occurences. I have brought this issue up with the Jeep dealership every time the incident happens and they always ask if there are any lights on. No lights stay on, the engine and all systems just cut out. Tried contactin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
AC Compressor. The dealer is saying I need to repair the AC compressor. When this happened my heater and mileage weren't showing and a lot of message errors were showing.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
While driving at approximately 25 mph on a local street in Seattle, WA, my Tesla suddenly engaged the brakes without any apparent reason. The vehicle was not in Autopilot or Full Self-Driving mode, and my foot was actively pressing the accelerator pedal at the time. The braking was abrupt and forceful, causing a sudden deceleration. The weather was clear with good lighting. There were no obstacle... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
While driving at approximately 25 mph on a local street in Seattle, WA, my Tesla suddenly engaged the brakes without any apparent reason. The vehicle was not in Autopilot or Full Self-Driving mode, and my foot was actively pressing the accelerator pedal at the time. The braking was abrupt and forceful, causing a sudden deceleration. The weather was clear with good lighting. There were no obstacle... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
Traction control kicks on while driving on dry pavement and the truck bogs down like there isn’t any power. The truck slows down abruptly and will not speed back up without pulling to the side of the road and I have to shut it off and reset. The drive selector knob lights starts flashing and now they don’t come on at all. This has happened on 4 occasions
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
My fuel level sensor has failed twice now. Once at 60k miles and again at 106k miles. It’s expensive to fix is a dangerous problem. This needs to be recalled
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
Instrument panel showed "Front Left Malfunction Service Required ". I believe it says bad grounding circuit due to rust accumulation.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
Vehicle is slightly off-balance no matter if I do an alignment ball joints seem to always get affected. I’m not sure if the hydraulics are working correctly. Yesterday I just started leaking antifreeze fluid.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
Second row seat belts become unlatched randomly while driving. They have been confirmed "clicked in" and tug tested each time. During driving, the seat belt unlatched indicator comes on and we have to pull over and re- latch the belt. Service technicians have been unable to reproduce the problem, likely as they cannot have 3-7 people ride in the car for hours to verify.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
I was going down the road and suddenly my brakes locked up. I had no control of my car and I hit a telephone pole at 60 mph. I had the car towed to a Toyota repair shop and days later the guy told me it had been wrecked before. I was not told this by the dealership and nothing showed up on the car through CARFAX. The dealership had replaced 2 batteries within 7 months and I had taken it to the dea... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
The windshield wiper linkage could corrode and seize. If this happens, the windshield wipers may not work. Windshield wipers that don't work could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
I let the sunroof back and it pretty instantly snapped and a piece of the traction for the sunroof broke off. I don’t use the sunroof often (maybe 6 times total since buying the car). I let it back occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stop working from use. Now the back of the sunroof is titled upwards and will not close.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
I bought this vehicle a month ago and the engine stoped while I was driving 3 or 4 times.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
2019 Honda Pilot EX-L Receive alarms for malfunctions in the following systems: Collision mitigation system Lane keep assist Adaptive cruise control Road departure mitigation Automatic high beams
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed valve body. The contact was informed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
Installed trailer brake assist. When we shut the truck off, the brake lights came on and stayed on. Assured by B&B trailer of St Augustine, Fl that it was an issue with the truck and not the part. Other issues have come up- dash lights also come on when turned off, backup camera, remote start, rear defrost, cig lighter plug, rear speakers, and A/C stopped working. Took it to Daytona Dodge on 1/29/... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Indian Scout motorcycle equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Commander 2, Tire Size: 150/80/60, DOT Number: W8F700BX2623. The contact stated that while riding at speeds between 50 - 60 MPH, the motorcycle experienced a light hopping and became slightly unstable. The contact measured the tires and determined that the front tire was out of round. The contact stated that t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
The camera sensor in my 2019 Honda Odyssey EX-L failed due to excessive overheating. The sensor reached extreme temperatures, leading to a complete system failure. As a result, the vehicle became inoperable. The failed component is no longer available for inspection as I was forced to purchase a replacement due to the vehicle’s dependency on it for proper function. The failure of the camera sen... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
The engine violently vibrates and no matter how much I get an oil change it burns so fast and I have to keep adding. It's not leaking, just burning. I plugged in a diagnostic tester and it said that the 3rd cylinder was misfiring. I haven't had the car for very long, and this is not normal. I take good care of it.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V148000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a repair; however, the manufacturer refused due to the cost. The deal... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
About a year ago the light of the SOS appear in red and will not reset back to green. The SUV has a warning sign in the dash that does not go off: Error: emergency call function. And an orange triangle in the display who cant go off. The dealer said that Its the car net module defective and is a well known issue with the 2020-2022 Atlases. They were supposed to order a new module and change it i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Chevrolet is telling me my engine has failed at 75,000 miles. While driving on the highway recently I lost all power. I had my 3 kids in the car and was driving at highway speeds on a crowded highway and lost all power. I had to move over to the side of the road while in neutral with no power. Once I was on the side of the road, I was able to then turn the car off and turn it back on. I then drove... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
In several occasions I have noticed my Audi Q4 windows and tailgate are open the next day in the morning in my garage, after I made sure all windows and doors are properly closed and locked, thank God hasn’t happened when parking in open public parking lots and or in raining days. Also many times after locking doors and applying brake properly (after double checking before getting out of my car)... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Vehicle gear slipping acceleration loss with difficulty in proper control of the vehicle. Vehicle has a consistent noise that comes from the accelerator as if something was loose and vibrating. The wheels don’t seem to be moving at the same time and feels like the cars slightly moves side to side as if something in the structure of the vehicle has como off loose with sounds/ rattle coming from... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Vehicle gear slipping acceleration loss with difficulty in proper control of the vehicle. Vehicle has a consistent noise that comes from the accelerator as if something was loose and vibrating. The wheels don’t seem to be moving at the same time and feels like the cars slightly moves side to side as if something in the structure of the vehicle has como off loose with sounds/ rattle coming from... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
As I was driving down the street it sound like I ran over something but it was actually my engine failing, then caught on fire. I was able to pull over and used water bottles to let out the fire. My vehicle had to be towed to the repair shop because the engine wasn't able to restart.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
While driving , the car just shuts off and the steering wheel and breaks lock. No matter how fast you’re going. Took to the mechanic and he said it was the WIN system.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Passenger and or driver side low beam headlight continues to go out. Mechanic has found connector keeps burning out the socket. Light is burnt out on bott sides. but connector is shorting out. Fire and safety issue. This issue is on a lot of chevrolet malibus and needs a recall initiated to correct these issues. I keep getting pulled over due to need to us high beams and not having low beams. This... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
While in use on several different occasions, the front windshield wipers malfunction. They stop working for hours sometimes even days. This is a hazard especially if you are in the middle of driving and it’s storming. The a few days ago for instance I was driving and all of a sudden they stopped working while I was driving home in the rain, at night. I had to immediately pull onside the road and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
With only 60k miles on my car which I regularly take in for maintenance, my car started to leak a ton of oil. It was determined that the cylinder head is cracked. This should not happen on a car this new and maintained. In doing research, this seems to be a common occurrence with this year.