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 13, 2025
When cruise control or self-driving systems are engaged, there have been numerous times when the automatic emergency braking system mistakenly slowed the car suddenly. At 70+ mph, this is incredibly dangerous. The AEBS apparently sees shadows as dangers. Fortunately, there has never been an instance when another vehicle has been close behind.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
I was driving the vehicle on route I287 and all of a sudden the break system got activated without touching any button and the car speed was damped down and as a result the car was pulled aside to see what had happened. The break system completely collapsed with a break sign on the dashboard appearing persistently which could not be deactivated or was not able to remove from the dashboard w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK AND THE AIR SUSPENSION STOPPED WORKING. MY TRUCK IS ROUGHLY 2-3 INCHES FROM THE GROUND. BOTH OF MY FRONT TIRES ARE POINTING INWARD WHEN YOU LOOK AT IT FROM THE FRONT FROM THE WEIGHT OF THE MOTOR ON THE DEFLATED SUSPENSION. HITS SMALL BUMPS LIKE EXPLOSIONS. VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IF I KEEP DRIVING IT THE WAY IT IS THE FRONT BALL JOINT OR WHEEL BEARINGS ARE GOING TO COME OFF... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
Engine has ceased at 67000 miles a mechanics has searched my VIN id number and 3 recalls have come back but Volkswagen says they are not applicable to my vehicle. I’d like to confirm this if possible
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
My engine just stopped working while I was driving. No warning signs just stopped working. It had to replaced.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
I was on the freeway driving home and a vehicle cut me on the freeway which resulted in me breaking a little heavier than usual but wasn't abnormal and resulted in the vehicle shutting down due to the battery jumping around in the engine compartment and then instantaneously catching on fire with no way of steering or guiding myself to safety the highway did arrive on scene as well as ambulance and... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
While driving on the interstate at 75mph the vehicle shutdown and would not allow a restart. I had to coast over to the emergency lane with no engine power. Once stopped the vehicle would not start. After having the vehicle hauled to the dealership I was informed that the engine had locked-up and a new engine would have to be ordered and replace the engine. The dealership could not provide me with... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The ABS , traction control, and brake light came on in the dash. Had the vehicle checked and the code came up C2200-49, which indicates the ABS module. Found out that the 2019 models and newer have a recall on the same part. Went to and spoke to 2 different dealerships to try and get fixed or even to buy the part, but was told that this module has been an issue and back ordered for over 3 years. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Fisker attempted to install a software update (Software OS 2.2) to my vehicle over the air which was intended to address recall number 24V623000. This attempted software update caused the vehicle's 12 Volt battery to drain, resulting in the car activating its low battery audible alarm and damaging the battery requiring me to pay for a new battery and its installation. The software was not successf... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
The engine failed. There was no warning. The truck literally just cut off in the middle of the road. I never saw any lights or there was no symptoms to lead up to this incident.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
Sticky steering when on center and in warmer weather. Cannot make minor steering adjustments without overcorrecting left or right. This is an ongoing issue for the past few years.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
Transmission torque converter needs replacement i brought it to the dealer for inspection after feeling repeated hard shifts and feeling as though there is a severe vibration when accelerating. The dealer stated the torque converter needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
Since my purchase of the vehicle Dec 2023, the tailgate opens on its own. Usually follows hitting a bump such as the rain gutter entering a store parking area. I have also had it occur while driving down the road. Have been told multiple times by my service personnel they have had same complaints from other Sierra 1500 but have no fix for the problem. They have offered to deactivate the electroni... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
I leased this vehicle on May 17, 2024, expecting it to function as intended. Instead, within months, it suffered recurring and escalating failures that have rendered it unsafe and unusable. January 7, 2025, I brought the truck to Gates GMC for routine service and reported that it had lunged forward by approximately 2 to 2.5 feet while shifting into park. Additionally, it exhibited irregular accele... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
There are multiple recall notices on 2023 Fisker Ocean, No response from Fisker customer service. Submitted multiple tickets to the Fisker no responce. While driving the vehical acclarate speed rapidly ,shotdown vehical while driving on highways. The following Recals pending more than 6 months ,No responce from FIsker. Customer service phone number no one answer, no email responce. Recals: Cab... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
There are multiple recall notices on 2023 Fisker Ocean, No response from Fisker customer service. Submitted multiple tickets to the Fisker no responce. While driving the vehical acclarate speed rapidly ,shotdown vehical while driving on highways. The following Recals pending more than 6 months ,No responce from FIsker. Customer service phone number no one answer, no email responce. Recals: Cab... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Vehicle stalls when started, after vehicle is up to temp the rpm’s fluctuate and vehicle misfires. I was driving down the road when all of a sudden the car went into limp mode I couldn’t do anything and me and my son almost got run off the road but after a few minutes of pressing the gas pedal it finally started to move. Dealership is unable to fix problem because they can’t even figure out ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
There has been several safety recalls for my vehicle that was supposed to be fixed by software updates I cannot drve my vehicle, i have no access to service and no access to these updates
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
I recently had my oil changed about 3 weeks ago from today. Three (3) days ago, while I was driving, my engine lamp came on and my engine began to run hot. I didn't understand why given that I had just got the oil changed. I pulled to the side of the road and turned the car off to allow it to cool down. It would not crank and I had to have it towed to the auto shop to be serviced which is where th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission control module error. The contact was informed by the mechanic to take the vehicle to a dealer to check for a recall rela... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding a recurring issue with my 2019 Kia Soul, which I believe falls under the same circumstances addressed in the recent recall for earlier models of the same vehicle. Despite my vehicle's VIN not being part of the recall, it has experienced the same defects that were the focus of the recall campaign for other Kia Souls with similar issues. Vehicle Inf... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
On [XXX], my 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid experienced a sudden loss of acceleration while driving on the highway, creating a dangerous situation where I was unable to merge or maintain speed. This put me at immediate risk of an accident as other vehicles were traveling at normal highway speeds. This issue arose less than 136 miles after my vehicle underwent recall repairs on [XXX] at Superstition Sprin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The contact was an attorney calling on behalf of the owner of a 2025 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that the owner was driving on a neighborhood street at an unknown speed with Autopilot engaged when vehicle control was lost. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a traffic light pole where it came to a stop and caught on fire. The owner was unable to exit the vehicle and was pronounced deceased... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 deaths
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The transmission went out on the vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
I was experiencing a weird binding or lurching in my drive train which made my Subaru feel unstable. I am a mechanic so I investigated these symptoms online and found that a large number of Subaru owners with manual transmissions were experiencing the same issue......a failing viscous coupler was the issue. There were no warning lights or indications prior to failure A failing viscous coupler wil... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
The clutch/transmission clunks or jerks randomly when accelerator is pressed to gain speed, from stop or passing, in any drive mode. Believe this has been going on the past several years.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2019
Lost of coolant with no warning lamps. Engine went into hydrolock and now will not start. Miss fire code appearing before locking up. Dash light power come on and off when the car is off and park. The car has 77k miles and would choke when the car was running and changing gears. Has not been inspect by anyone yet because the car is dead on the drive way.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2019
While driving the 370 miles from Fairbanks to Anchorage with our family and dogs, our vehicle shut down completely with no warning. The drive is through a very remote section of Alaska. While passing a slower vehicle, our Yukon completely shut down, to include the all controls including the dash and lights. We were unable to complete the pass, leaving us in direct line with on coming traffic with ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2019
While driving the 370 miles from Fairbanks to Anchorage with our family and dogs, our vehicle shut down completely with no warning. The drive is through a very remote section of Alaska. While passing a slower vehicle, our Yukon completely shut down, to include the all controls including the dash and lights. We were unable to complete the pass, leaving us in direct line with on coming traffic with ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Genesis uses soy-based wiring in the engine without any rodent protection. We had rats chewing the wires in the engine last year in April, for $6.9k repair cost and again this year in February for $7.4k in repair cost. This car cost way too much to own, the repairs take about 5 to 6 weeks to complete, and most importantly this cat is a major safety concern to me and my family.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Having shift to park warning and dinging after shifting the car into park and turning off the car. Cannot leave the vehicle. Then can’t move the shift lever so have to start the car And attempt to shift car into park again which does not always allow yu to shift to park and leave the vehicle again. If this is such an issue why is there not a recall? I have read many articles online about this i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
There are a few safety issues I've experienced multiple times while driving this car. To the best of my knowledge, there haven't been any warning lamps or indicators on the dash related to these issues. When driving, the car will activate the emergency braking system, braking incredibly hard at freeways speeds and street driving speeds even though there is nothing near or close to the front of th... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
Complete Electric Failure multiple times now. Been in the shop multiple times.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
We leased this vehicle and within the first week of driving it we noticed that surface of the dashboard reflects in the windshield, severely impacting visibility. The problem is that the car has a grill which I believe is to vent air into the cabin. The design of it is very poor and the light reflects off it, severely impacting our ability to see other cars and pedestrians. In certain light condit... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Twice the prologue warnings have come on that state “service high voltage system" and "reduced acceleration. There is no AC/HEAT in the vehicle under 35 degrees. Under 6000 miles
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
Manual transmission had an issue with 2nd gear not fully engaging and popping out under light acceleration. Transmission was replaced under warranty in December 2022. In April of 2024 the same issue occurred again where 2nd gear would not stay in gear after 18 months of having transmission replaced. The replaced transmission is no longer under warranty. This indicates a part defect of their 6-spe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at night, the contact noticed that the headlights were significantly dim. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact had been driving with the high-beam headlights at night. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
Driving high speed across Alligator Alley FL molding on both sides of front window loosed and began "flapping" loudly. On checking later learned that problem related to recall 24V031, loose A pillar applique trim. Over a year now and repair is unavailable so has not been done. Fear problem will reoccur, perhaps more serious.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
At 68k miles and one month past the 5 year warranty, the CDF drum broke off causing metal to fly loose in the transmission/ creating etchings in the transmission. The entire transmission needed to be replaced because of loss of pressure in the transmission. The vehicle was attempting to shift into first and second gear driving at 80mph.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
I was driving on a local road going 35-40 mph, when SUV shut off (no power). I maneuvered to the shoulder, and tried to restart, which it did. The hybrid was near the end of the charged battery mode, when this happened. I purchase the Grand Cherokee 4XE (new) in May 2024, and recently had the battery replaced due to a safety recall. This is the first time I lost power while driving. The car has ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2024
Steering sticks and does not return to center in sweeping turns. Clicking noise over bumps in very cold weather (may or may not be related--steering issue most concerning). Most prominent at higher speeds (for example, getting off of the highway) but occurs at any speed. Once you turn the wheel, it will return slightly then stick in place. It takes a small amount of extra force to correct it back ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that during cold weather conditions, the check engine and the low oil pressure warning lights illuminated intermittently. The failure had become constant over time. The contact who is a certified mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the camshaft had failed due to a camshaft position timing performance bank code. The contact rep... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
The engine failed with 15,000 miles on it. No warning lights ever came on. Had the oil changed several days prior. Lost power, but was able to drive to the dealer, but making weird noises.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
Lifters and camshaft replaced three times Engine seized up Electrical problems with the steering and Crash warning systems Been at the dealer for one year as of today it’s still there
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
Lifters and camshaft replaced three times Engine seized up Electrical problems with the steering and Crash warning systems Been at the dealer for one year as of today it’s still there
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
Lifters and camshaft replaced three times Engine seized up Electrical problems with the steering and Crash warning systems Been at the dealer for one year as of today it’s still there
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
The driver side Daylight Running Light went out prematurely.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
The software that makes the truck work as a 4 cylinder truck has caused the engine light to come on and causing a code P0300 various engine misfire. The misfire is caused by the lifter spring causing the lifter to remain in the down position. The down position is against the can rod and as the cam rod rotates, this causes the lifter to break at the bottom and causing the can rod to also break whi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
BECM failure leaving car stranded in traffic with no ability to move under its own power.