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, 2026
I was driving at approx. 40 to 45 mph and in the process of braking for slowing traffic and the vehicle slammed on the brakes and left a short skid mark. I was about 50 feet behind the vehicle and braking when this occurred. I was lucky that the car behind did not rear end me. The collision alert did come on the dash at the same time it slammed on the brakes.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
Car purchased July 4, 2024. Idle stop/start was working but after several months, it became defective. After driving for some time, idle stop/start wouldn't work properly and cut the engine off when idling. I would have to turn the car, open my door, and try to restart the car. It also occurs after parking, turning off the car and less than 10-15min attempt to restart. Most of the time, it'll star... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
2021 jeep wrangler 4xe unlimited rubicon. Death wobble steering stabilizer has been replaced. 4 Alignments in a week . Was told that it was my tires nope not the case . I can’t not drive my jeep at all . Now the transfer case is leaking the track bar that I told the mechanics it needed to be replaced . The mechanic at John jones told me not to bring it back because I was not a mechanic to find s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
2021 jeep wrangler 4xe unlimited rubicon. Death wobble steering stabilizer has been replaced. 4 Alignments in a week . Was told that it was my tires nope not the case . I can’t not drive my jeep at all . Now the transfer case is leaking the track bar that I told the mechanics it needed to be replaced . The mechanic at John jones told me not to bring it back because I was not a mechanic to find s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
Problem was Oil Filter housing made of plastic. It was cracked and no warning light that oil had leaked out. Car SUDDENLY DECELERATED as I was merging into traffic on freeway causing vehicles coming up behind to brake rapidly including a semi truck which had been 200 yards back. I rolled onto shoulder with warning lights activated. Pure luck it was not a major accident. Had it fixed at local ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Genesis GV70. The contact stated that while driving 14 MPH, the brakes independently engaged, causing the contact’s head to hit the driver’s side door/window area, sustaining an injury to the head. The contact lost consciousness for a brief moment. No warning light was illuminated however, the contact mentioned the vehicle engaged Emergency Mode. Neither the dealer nor ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
XXX, I was driving my 2019 Honda Odyssey EX-L on a family trip to Florida when the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree and the car went into neutral. We were on [XXX], close to [XXX]. My wife and I had to push the car off the side of the road and call a tow truck company. This occurred on a Friday night. The only place I was able to take the vehicle for repair was the nearest dealership. I tol... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
The Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software on my 2026 Tesla Model Y repeatedly performs unsafe driving maneuvers requiring manual takeover to avoid collisions. Documented incidents with timestamps since June 3, 2026 include: selecting the incorrect lane and then attempting a route correction against a red light; activating the left turn signal while executing a right turn; attempting to enter a f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
I am submitting this report regarding my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer because it has been experiencing the "Shift to Park" issue described in the GM bulletin 19-NA-206. Even when the vehicle is shifted into Park, it intermittently displays a "Shift to Park" message and does not recognize that the transmission is in Park. This issue has been ongoing and has not resolved despite normal use of the veh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
My truck is intermittently having the camera display a warning code. While in reverse or while towing and trying to use the surrounding cameras. It happens randomly and almost caused accidents in parking lots. While towing I use it for lane changes and with non towing mirrors it’s a very dangerous issue that could cause an accident especially on the highway
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
My truck is intermittently having the camera display a warning code. While in reverse or while towing and trying to use the surrounding cameras. It happens randomly and almost caused accidents in parking lots. While towing I use it for lane changes and with non towing mirrors it’s a very dangerous issue that could cause an accident especially on the highway
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Several times, The Odyssey won’t restart after the Auto Idle Stop kicks in at a stoplight.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
All of a sudden the car just died while driving it on the road at speed. There was no warning or indication of an issue. It just shook and then died. It would not restart. This is an egregious safety issue and should not happen on a vehicle with only this many miles. We could have been killed if we were on a highway. A quick google search shows this is a KNOWN issue. The mechanic said this is a kn... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
My car was in Clarksburg Crown, Mitsubishi, and a lot that had no monitoring, and it was a sticker saying the car was not ready to be sold, and I still went with it trusting the crown Mitsubishi Car associate however there are fuses added to my car weather from them or from car auto tunes in Morgantown I’m not sure but my car has the ability to run without my foot on the gas or things happening ... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
I was traveling along [XXX]. This is a dangerous road it has hills and curves. I was driving my 2024 Hyundai Sonata, where all of a sudden headlights went off and the infotainment center went off I couldn’t see anything on the road. Luckily I was right by a gas station (Circle K). This isn’t the first time this has happened with this car. Three different times, I was on the express way and alm... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
P1010 and P2B86 engine code, constant cooling fan on engine. Confirmed by dealership, quoted for coolant control valve. VIN not included in special coverage N252508341 for this known issue. Limited engine power alert, unable to maintain speed on highway. Dangerous condition traveling under speed limit.
Incident date: May 21, 2026
My vehicle experiences total loss of the instrument cluster PRNDL gear display, an active Wrench Light, and unexpected shifts into Limp-Home Mode while driving in traffic, creating a severe crash hazard from trailing vehicles. An OBD-II scan confirmed permanent fault codes P0715 (Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction) and P0717 (Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal). West Herr Ford of Am... Read more
AUDI
SQ6 E-TRON
(2025) - WHEELS
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
During a routine maintenance visit, a pre-purchase/general inspection was performed on my 2017 Jeep Wrangler, which documented the front axle and differential housing as intact and in one piece. Subsequent to that inspection, while the vehicle was undergoing service, it was discovered that the front axle housing bracket on the driver’s side had fractured and separated from the frame mount. Upon... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
My 2017 Sorento has sticky/notchy steering. When trying to move the steering wheel, it initially sticks and requires extra force to get it to provide a steering input. Once it gets past the initial resistance, it jerks the car in the direction you are trying to go which required compensation in the other direction. Upon correction, it jerks the car in the opposite direction causing a continual n... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The franchise dealer is refusing to safely ground a failed vehicle. My van failed the battery test and the dealership is refusing to comply with federal emergency safety recall guidelines for a documented fire hazard. They are refusing to provide a rental car with battery arrival date TBD.
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle struck a deer, causing severe damage to the vehicle's front end. The contact stated that smoke was coming from the center of the steering wheel; however, the vehicle's air bags had not deployed. The contact was transported to the local hospital and treated for chest injuries. The ve... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
This car has several issues and I could only select a few. Electrical: the infotainment system disconnects from Wireless car play at random when you drive the vehicle. It then returns a Wifi error on screen and you cannot use car play any longer on both android and iOS. Additionally, the electronic system will reboot when the car is in use. In my case, it always happens on the freeway when drivi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
Steering locks up at highway speeds. This vehicle has only 36,526 miles on the odometer. This is a serious safety issue and could easily cause a high speed crash. The dealer has road tested and confirms the problem. The dealer states the electric steering box is at fault. We are having the electric steering box replaced by the dealer.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
The transmission on my 2020 Ford Escape began shuddering around 30 mph and occasionally shifted harshly during acceleration without any warning lights or messages. I took the vehicle to Beechmont Ford, where the technician confirmed the concern, found metal contamination in the transmission fluid, and determined the transmission has internal damage consistent with a failed output planetary bushing... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
We rented a vehicle consisting of the identified Toyota Tacoma with an installed cab-over camper (Travel Lite 550U-XS, VIN: [XXX]). While driving this rental vehicle on a two-lane highway with our family, including two young children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]), a fire ignited in the vehicle's built-in propane/gas stove system. We were not alerted to the fire by any onboard safety equipment, though th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
We rented a vehicle consisting of the identified Toyota Tacoma with an installed cab-over camper (Travel Lite 550U-XS, VIN: [XXX]). While driving this rental vehicle on a two-lane highway with our family, including two young children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]), a fire ignited in the vehicle's built-in propane/gas stove system. We were not alerted to the fire by any onboard safety equipment, though th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
We rented a vehicle consisting of the identified Toyota Tacoma with an installed cab-over camper (Travel Lite 550U-XS, VIN: [XXX]). While driving this rental vehicle on a two-lane highway with our family, including two young children (ages [XXX] and [XXX]), a fire ignited in the vehicle's built-in propane/gas stove system. We were not alerted to the fire by any onboard safety equipment, though th... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TIMELINE (13 DAYS) XXX: Delivery taken at 105,439 miles.XXX: My boyfriend noticed a cloud of smoke from exhaust as I pressed the accelerator pedal to leave the parking lot. I didn't notice because it was almost dark outside when leaving. He didn't notice again so he didn't stop me and told me when we got home. XXX (Day 12): Check Engine Light (CEL) on. Dipstick found dry. 2 q... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TIMELINE (13 DAYS) XXX: Delivery taken at 105,439 miles.XXX: My boyfriend noticed a cloud of smoke from exhaust as I pressed the accelerator pedal to leave the parking lot. I didn't notice because it was almost dark outside when leaving. He didn't notice again so he didn't stop me and told me when we got home. XXX (Day 12): Check Engine Light (CEL) on. Dipstick found dry. 2 q... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that while decelerating to approximately 25–30 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
I am seeing a lot of concerns regarding the seatbelt extenders, the buckle end pretensioner, seat wiring harness and the yellow box connectors that are where the main power and air bag SRS connections sit under the drivers seat. The seat harnesses are catching in the sliding track mechanism during forward and backward adjustments, isn't that a manufacturer error as the harnesses are only kept in ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
At approximately 44,000 miles, multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard of my 2018 Honda Accord (1.5L turbocharged engine), including brake system, electric power steering, and driver-assistance/collision-mitigation warnings, accompanied by a rough start and an engine misfire. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer, which performed a diagnostic scan and a borescope inspection... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, occasionally there was a clicking sound coming from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the failure as an axle failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately two to three months later. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Buick Enclave. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the contact and her daughter inside the vehicle, her daughter's seat belt became extremely tight. The seat belt failed to unlatch, forcing the contact to cut the seat belt to remove her daughter from the seat. The contact believed that the seat belt had malfunctioned. The dealer was notified o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
Transmission stopped gearing into 2nd gear because of known transmission issues with 2018 F150’s. This happened before 60,000 miles on the truck, but was outside of warranty because was not reported until after the 5 year mark. Causes truck to jerk and transmission to deteriorate.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
While I was driving the vehicle on the freeway there a single popping noise that sounded to be below the vehicle. Immediately after there was a big trail of white smoke coming from beneath the vehicle. When I was able to pull over and got out of the vehicle there were flames visible and the fire quickly grew.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
Vehicle had an engine fire yesterday. Inner cv boot is burned. Luckily fire was put out quickly with a fire extinguisher.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
Vehicle had an engine fire yesterday. Inner cv boot is burned. Luckily fire was put out quickly with a fire extinguisher.
Fire
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2013) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Jul 27, 2026
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
My driver side door was working perfect until one day i went into my car and tryed closing my door but it wont close so i had to go to work while holding the door so it dosent open i favent talked to ford itself bucause om scared they will charge me a lot
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Was driving and a loud pop happened when pulling onto the hwy and lost power. Immediately pulled into parking lot and tried to restart but would not start. My son came over that evening and towed back to my house and the discovered the oil pan was cracked along with block and piston shattered. There are parts inside the oil pan. This has not been inspected by a dealer or service center. No warnin... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Was driving and a loud pop happened when pulling onto the hwy and lost power. Immediately pulled into parking lot and tried to restart but would not start. My son came over that evening and towed back to my house and the discovered the oil pan was cracked along with block and piston shattered. There are parts inside the oil pan. This has not been inspected by a dealer or service center. No warnin... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Our vehicle was affected by recall 25V655 for defective battery. The vehicle was serviced at the Nissan dealer and the software update to resolve the recall was applied. Yesterday the vehicle spontaneously combusted during DC fast charging despite the software update. It appears that the software update was ineffective at mitigating the fire hazard.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
We brought the car in spring of 2025 for our daughter, She as driving from school and engine light came on, car was overheating and car started shaking on the freeway. She pulled the car over to check it out on the freeway, she started the vehicle back on and got the car back to her apartment and parked it. She called Expert Automotive to have them tow it to their shop to find out what happen. The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The TCU/TCM has been going in and out of control. Sometimes it will work then others it will shut off. Speedometer won’t work, power steering won’t work, cruise control won’t work, etc. and when you do the transmission reset for it, it won’t work at all.
Incident date: May 21, 2026
When I started my car I heard a “ding” and saw that my airbag light was on. I called the local dealership to ask about it and they said that in the case of a crash that light usually indicates that there is something wrong with the sensors to the airbags and if I was to get into an accident, they wouldn’t deploy; which could cause loss of life if there is failure to deploy. My vehicle also r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
While driving, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist without warning. The steering wheel warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, and the steering immediately became extremely difficult to turn. The condition created a significant safety hazard because the vehicle was much harder to control while in motion. The steering remains difficult to turn after the incident. This appears... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
The dash will completely go black except for red words *no signal.* and all warnings are no longer visible, I cannot tell what speed I’m going, or what percentage battery my car is at. I don’t see visible lane or collision warnings. It is very unsafe and I have been to the dealership twice to try and fix it. The issue returned both times.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
I own a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas with approximately 61,000 miles. After a software update prompted by the vehicle, saying it will be done in 3 parts.the infotainment screen began malfunctioning the following day. Initially, the screen would repeatedly go black, restart, work for a short period of time, and then go black again. This issue continued for almost three weeks. The screen is now completely ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The recall 25v467 was filed july 2025. Since then there has been no fix and my car has no steering due to this recall. Ford will not fix it or do anything. The escape has 106,000 miles. I am still paying payments and have no way to drive my vechile for the last year.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
See attached document for complaint.