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: Apr 1, 2024
July 2024 – driving over 40 mph the Rubicon on a busy two-lane highway with my [XXX] and lost all acceleration. Interior warning lights started flashing with the warning, “Service Electric Throttle Control.” As this was up hill, there I nearly started going backwards and two vehicles swerved around me as I was able to pull over. As cars honked that drove by, I turned the vehicle off which... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
A very strong gas smell was detected on the vehicle cabin. It lingers for a long time when it seems to be going away, it comes back strong again. This began July 2nd 2024. I have not taken my vehicle to get checked out because I cannot afford it, but i did ask around and everyone including some that know about cars said the car is too new and it is not normal, it is bad for our health since we are... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
A very strong gas smell was detected on the vehicle cabin. It lingers for a long time when it seems to be going away, it comes back strong again. This began July 2nd 2024. I have not taken my vehicle to get checked out because I cannot afford it, but i did ask around and everyone including some that know about cars said the car is too new and it is not normal, it is bad for our health since we are... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I was driving to the post office and it was raining heavily so i turn on my wiper blades however after a couple minutes of doing so I saw my MICHELIN wiper blade silicone pealing off I was about to stop the blades but the Michelin blade broke in half and got blew away by wind if i was driving at night and the rain was more heavy and both blades were the same model I probably would’ve have crashe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I am experiencing premature transmission failure. It is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and my 3 small children have been put at risk because of the likely potential of transmission failure during our frequent trips on the interstate, that could lead to a deadly accident. This problem as been confirmed by an independent licensed automotive mechanic. The vehicle has not ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon shifting from park(P) to drive(D), and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was confirmed, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The dealer stated that the VIN was not under re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Elantra HEV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, upon releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated independently. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who det... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact's husband owns a 2012 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, lost motive power, and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a handheld diagnostic machine retrieved DTC: P0016 (Cam and Crank sh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There were two unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failure in the steering wheel. The vehicle was not repaired. A local dealer was also contacted, and confirmed the vehicle was not under recall.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
In 2 opportunities when I am going over a SPEED BUMP my SUV senses the bump as a possible hazard and stopped the car from 25 to 0 in a fraction of a second. BOTH Times I have had passengers with me. Almost got rear ended this last time. I went to the dealer the first time this happened and they did not give it enough importance and denied to disable it.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
It was a rental car, driving on freeway , warning light will come up , saying engine will shut off. The Van had no power, and I had to pull over. I turned off the car for 2-5 minutes and restart. Then the car will accelerate again. I had to drive from LA to Las Vegas. It started doing that after Loma Linda , CA [XXX] , on [XXX]). It took me 7 hours to get to Las Vegas. Because of the const... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2024
I have a occupancy sensor error which has turned off the airbags on the passenger seat. I looked up the issue and found an open recall with Subaru regarding this issue. I spoke with multiple case managers to resolve the issue. They said they have reported the issue to NHTSA but it is not an active recall because they have yet to find a solution. So they have no responsibility to fix the issue at t... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2024
The forward collision warning and automatic braking system are terrible and have been terrible since we purchased our Pilot new from a dealer. The warning lights and beep go off frequently when driving on highways and surface streets, in fact it’s nearly impossible to have an incident-free trip longer than 20-30 minutes. The automatic braking system has engaged many times, causing unexpected and... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
I have a 2017 Kia Sorento and I have been having problems with the turbo, in the 7 years I have had it they have replaced the turbo twice and now this would be the third time. Every job done has been at the Kia agency I bought it which means this is definitely a manufactured problem. At the dealership the three times I have taken it they have told me the turbo fell off and it damaged other things,... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Received PO270 code which is speed output sensor which requires valve body and TCM to be replaced. Dealership stated that there should be recall but is not. Very common issue and Infiniti would not provide any help.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
radio software prevents the rearview image from displaying on the center screen when in Reverse.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
While pulling out of my drive way I noticed when I pressed the gas pedal my truck barely moved, it felt like it was in neutral. I pressed the gas pedal further and it started to move but the RPMs were around 6000 RPM. I then pulled to the side of the road and tried shifting it into different modes, cycling through manual and automatic, but still nothing. I then noticed that while in manual mode th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
Tire Size: LT235/80R17. Tire installed [XXX]. Tire Dated Stamp: 4619. Mileage on tire: Approx 23K. Vehicle: 2017 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn Dually w/6.7L Diesel. Road Surface: Smooth. Hazards: none. Weather Condition: Excellent. Front right tire blow out occurred on [XXX] approx 10 miles east of Leesville LA. No indication of tire failure prior to blow out. Initial tire inflation was 80 PSI. Appro... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2016) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jun 26, 2024
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The contact called on behalf of his grandparents who owned a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his grandfather was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that due to the failure the vehicle crashed into a huge stone flowerpot outside of the dealer. The huge stone flowerpot then struck a parked ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the drive train inoperative warning light illuminated. In addition, the transmission independently downshifted from 10th gear to 7th gear. The contact stated that the engine abruptly seized, and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with alternator failure due to engine... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle failed to stop, which led him to rear-end a truck in front. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained a fracture in the finger, and forehead injury caused by the impact with the steering wheel that required medical attention. The air bags did no... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and attempting to adjust the steering wheel, the steering wheel was sticking. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was test-driven, and the failure was replicated. The dealer determined that further diagnostic testing was required. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
Delamination of the main screen that houses the control panel for the vehicle. After much research, this is a common failure on the Chrysler vehicles. This delamination is caused the radio to rapidly switch through all the buttons which is extremely distracting. With it turned off, all features are visibly unavailable. This should be a recall. As a car manufacturer, having settings that affect the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 1993 Ford F-150. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 00V424000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while inspecting the fuel tanks, he noticed that fuel had transferred from one tank to the other, nearly causing the tank... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
Engine coolant bypass valve failed
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
Transmission and transfer case leaking. Masters cylinder ( brake booster) leaking
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
Transmission and transfer case leaking. Masters cylinder ( brake booster) leaking
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
While accelerating on the highway, several warning lamps (battery, engine, others that I forget) came on. When I pulled over the hood was smoking, and a fire flared up after I opened the hood. My son and I escaped the car with no injury. Still waiting for report from insurance company.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
ABS/Service Electronic Brake Control and Cruise Control lights constantly flash and chime while driving. Have been told that replacements parts have been on back order for over a year now. Any help will be appreciated.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V028000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
On Saturday [XXX] I noticed when I opened my driver side door, the dash light & the light on my touch screen began flickering. I didn't think much about it at the time, but the next day, [XXX] as myself & my wife were traveling on the highway, I tried to turn on my cruise control but it would not come on. I then tried to adjust my stereo volume on the steering wheel & it wasn't working either. Wel... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
I don't yet know the exact cause of the problem, but while at highway speed (approx. 72 mph), my wife pressed the gas pedal to accelerate, and it didn't work. She continued to press the pedal, and after several seconds, the vehicle did accelerate. I see this issue on severe threads and will be contacting the dealer or my mechanic as we are very concerned about this safety issue, the vehicle not ac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the seals on the driver’s and passenger’s sides of the front windshield had deteriorated. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) 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 reas... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the windshield rubber and trim cracked and detached from the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) 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 th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328D. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to be restarted but the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings in the fuel... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Check engine light airbag light brake light on my car they turned them off and they turned on right after
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Check engine light airbag light brake light on my car they turned them off and they turned on right after
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Gear shifter indicator has no display as the GM recalls that already exists for this year. Major safety hazard with known GM issues. Why is only my vehicle not covered under this recall.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
Son driving vehicle. Vehicle suddenly loses power whire moving and not shifting gears.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
I was driving and the vehicle cut off , said service shifter and had to put in park , and restart . I was in the middle of traffic and was luckily able to pull over . It started after stuttering a few times . But I’m now scared to drive it .
Incident date: May 10, 2024
Power steering fault light came on and the vehicle is very hard to now drive because it is difficult to turn the steering wheel, which could cause an accident.
Incident date: May 10, 2024
We have replaced the battery 3 times now in less than a year. The battery keeps dying, which is so bad it is ruining the battery such that it has to be replaced. My pregnant wife and child have been stranded several times. Subaru sent a class action lawsuit notice, but when we went to the dealer they claimed they knew nothing about it. They tested the battery and said nothing was wrong. Doing... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
"front left safety restraint system fault/service is required" this is the error message, and i am being charged over $300 for a faulty seat wiring harness being replaced out of warranty for a massive safety issue
Incident date: May 29, 2024
when the vehicle approaches 45-50 mph on the highway, the car begins to shake violently, where it feels like the body/frame of the vehicle is going to separate from the car. the only way to resolve/reset this is to bring the vehicle to an almost complete stop and then re-accelerate. when this happens on the highway everyone violently shakes in the vehicle, and it is difficult to quickly bring th... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
when the vehicle approaches 45-50 mph on the highway, the car begins to shake violently, where it feels like the body/frame of the vehicle is going to separate from the car. the only way to resolve/reset this is to bring the vehicle to an almost complete stop and then re-accelerate. when this happens on the highway everyone violently shakes in the vehicle, and it is difficult to quickly bring th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
Windshield cracked spontaneously while parked, March 29, 2024. Temperature was approx 28°F. This was the second time in 11 months this has happened. Safelite technician said it was caused by faulty windshield heater. The first one I paid for the replacement, the second one was under warranty from Safelite. But was told if it happened again they would not be responsible.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
Cracked windshield for no reason
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
The idle stop cuts the engine when stopped at lights or stop signs or traffic slow downs but does not always start back up. Twice this month I have had to open the door and then press the ignition multiple times to get the car to start again. When this happens we also get an alert that there are other features being disabled. This was an issue last year and the dealer felt it was that we needed a ... Read more