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: May 1, 2022
Automatic Intervention Collision Avoidance system activated unnecessarily and unexpectedly during a freeway exit. There were no cars ahead within a reasonable distance, but there was a car in the adjacent lane of a “dual” parallel exit lane on the freeway. There was a solid white line between vehicles and the system seemed to interpret both vehicles exiting the freeway simultaneously as a “n... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
Automatic Intervention Collision Avoidance system activated unnecessarily and unexpectedly during a freeway exit. There were no cars ahead within a reasonable distance, but there was a car in the adjacent lane of a “dual” parallel exit lane on the freeway. There was a solid white line between vehicles and the system seemed to interpret both vehicles exiting the freeway simultaneously as a “n... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 62 MPH, the front driver’s side door keypad detached an... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
On 7/2023, my timing chain broke causing shards of metal to get in the engine. Engine replaced with new engine. When I received car back, started having issues with transmission. Now transmission needs replacing.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Abs light comes on all the time and cruise control goes out and go 50 miles and the abs and brake service lights comes on 67 times
Incident date: May 4, 2024
I would like to alert you to a "near miss" situation regarding my 2013 Ford Escape Titanium automobile which very nearly resulted in a car rollover while driving at 65 mph on the freeway. My wife was driving our 2013 Escape on the freeway. Suddenly, the left rear lower control arm cross support arm assembly Ford Part No. CV6Z*5500*L broke into two pieces. When this happened, the car immediately... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
2014 Toyota Prius: While driving at high speed the engine stalled unexpectedly, steering and braking were not effected. Was able to safely coast to a stop in the breakdown lane and after a few minutes, restart the engine and proceed driving. Another event occurred on the entrance ramp onto an interstate highway. I was able to pull over safely and the car restarted after a short delay. This seems t... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
2014 Toyota Prius: While driving at high speed the engine stalled unexpectedly, steering and braking were not effected. Was able to safely coast to a stop in the breakdown lane and after a few minutes, restart the engine and proceed driving. Another event occurred on the entrance ramp onto an interstate highway. I was able to pull over safely and the car restarted after a short delay. This seems t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2015
The contact owned a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, an abnormal, burning plastic odor began to emit from the vehicle coming to a complete stop. As the contact made a left turn, the contact's passenger noticed flames coming from underneath the hood of the engine. The contact and the passenger both immediately exited the vehicle upon pull... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact was informed by a driver that her brake lights were not operating as needed. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, but the brake lights were repaired. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted, and the brake lights failed to opera... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shuddering, and the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failu... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated when she was pulled over to the side of the school entrance to pick her child up, she observed that the "service power steering" warning had illuminated on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the steering wheel was very hard to turn to the left or right. The contact stated that she turned the vehicle off and on and the pow... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven or parked, the tailgate was inadvertently unlatched. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V060000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The oil box does not look right, Also there is an orange handle dipstick to check the oil. The dipstick should be yellow
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
Vehicle delivered with 5-hole spare wheel. Vehicle requires 6-hole wheel. Discovered discrepancy when a tire separated and required a spare to replace it.
Incident date: May 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the engine made an abnormally loud banging sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the fa... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
see NTSHA report of technical service bulletin. This describes exactly the issue. As a result, the timing chain has been diagnosed as stretched due to the cam phaser issue. From what I understand, the safety concern is that the timing chain, if left undiagnosed/unrepaired can cause engine failure, loss of control etc. Ford has attempted to fix the VCT (Variable camshaft timing. [XXX] . the ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
see NTSHA report of technical service bulletin. This describes exactly the issue. As a result, the timing chain has been diagnosed as stretched due to the cam phaser issue. From what I understand, the safety concern is that the timing chain, if left undiagnosed/unrepaired can cause engine failure, loss of control etc. Ford has attempted to fix the VCT (Variable camshaft timing. [XXX] . the ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, there was a "power steering assist malfunction" message displayed and the steering wheel became very stiff and difficult to turn. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently and stopped within seconds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a loss... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
In January 2023 and April 2023, a recalled was serviced on. The recall of W80 Oil Consumption Inspection. Was performed twice. So many times I have put the 2015 Jeep Renegade in the service shop countless times. I was in the shop for over a month the oil pressure light comes on every 5 to 30 seconds. I have taken it to another service shop however, they suggest I take it back to the original servi... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
My vehicle has the Snow White Pearl paint on it, and it has been peeling from years. I have taken this to a number of body shops and they say its a factory defect. Kia acknowledges that it is a defect and have offered if I got it fixed to submit a case to see if they would reimburse it, however, this is over 10k out of pocket.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the engine temperature warning light illuminated, and the temperature gauge rose to HOT. Additionally, when the vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and cooled down on the third occasion, the engine temperature warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
Porsche sent a "Important Safety Recall" notice to me dated January 22, 2023 about their defective power cable for the mobile charger for my Taycan. This notice promises that Porsche will replace the cable with an updated version "at a later date." It is now May 10, 2024 which certainly qualifies as a "later date" and there has been no further information much less delivery of an updated charg... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe sport 2.0 purchased brand new on July 2016. A month ago with 73322km mileage, engine failure occurred on the highway. First, I heard a rattling sound, then car started to shake, engine light blinking, oil change light went off (which never) happens, and the car started to decelerate on the highway. Upon finding the next exit, as I was turning right at the lights, car shut o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The vehicle's speedometer shows an inaccurate reading, up to 7MPH less than the actual speed. This has been verified multiple times, measured against WAZE and a speedometer app. At lower speeds, i.e., less than 30MPH, the divergence between the speedometer and the true speed is 1-3MPH. At medium speeds, between 40-60MPH, the divergence is 5-7MPH. At highway speeds, the speedometer initially shows ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The front sensor is too sensitive. If there is another car using a turn lane, the Civic will try to brake and will not pass the car. If another car is ahead on a curve, the automatic braking kicks in. This tends to only happen when using cruise control. It is dangerous on the freeway. The sudden braking could cause me to be rearended. I've been lucky, so far, and have only received dirty looks fro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The body Control Module has been found faulty in numerous vehicles that affects the power windows, headlights, locks, Air condition, etc. Currently the manufacturer cannot reprogram new replacement module as they do not have a software capability.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The infotainment center is defective and "ghost touches" all over the screen. This is a hazard when driving as the volume will be turned all the way up or the screen changes off of navigation mode to something else. Additionally, random phone calls will be made or if I'm on the phone, the call will be ended from the random touches. This ultimately results in distracted driving. The UConnect and Ca... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated there was a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the battery had become completely drained from not driving t... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
While driving the power steering went out. Stopped turned the engine off and back on. It still happened several times. Had to the power steering replaced with a power steering pump bought from Chrysler and it did it again. Now what?
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I was driving with my kids on the expressway about 55mph , when all of a sudden the truck went to 30's mph stayed on the 1st gear and did not want to go further from there, and another vehicle almost struck me from the back but was able to swerve me the check engine light also popped out of nowhere. The truck kept staying there on 1st gear, So i had call someone to come pick it up where I was a... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
My car is only 6 years old. I have maintained my car for the past 5 years of ownership. My car now needs a complete engine replacement due to coolant leaking into the cylinders. This was looked at by my local Ford dealership. After reading through other reviews it appears that other owners have experienced the exact same issue. I also was told my the dealership that Ford Escapes experienced th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
When operating under adaptive cruise control, the vehicle frequently slams on the brakes for no reason. This has become so bad that we are simply terrified to operate the vehicle under adaptive cruise control. The highway is completely empty in front of us, there are no hazards and no issues with visibility on the road. The cruise control simply reacts to a phantom in a highly dangerous manner. >... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
At 4 years and 1/2 old car 2020 Corolla XSE an Engine Maintenance Required SEE DEALER light turned on. Did diagnostic with OBD 2 scanner at two locations auto body shop and Uto zone. Nothing appears. It is in fact a NEEDED future recall since thousands if not more people have encountered the same. It is a Coolant By Pass Valve. Cost is only $99.53 + tax at dealer. Problem is that should be under ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The check engine light came on and we brought it to a mechanic to assess the issue. Codes indicated a misfire on Cylinder 3. The mechanic did not state that they observed any physical damage to the head gasket however the engine has coolant in it. The recommended repair is to replace the engine at a cost of $12k.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
Rear latch on a A.R.E. truck cap [XXX] ) with two vertically opening doors. The latch is installed in a manner which the weight of the handle pulls latch open while driving down the road. The doors will both then come open. This will cause items to fall from rear of vehicle onto roadway resulting in a dangerous , possibly deadly scenario in which another vehicle or motorcycle may strike object ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that while decelerating, the vehicle independently turned off. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to the destination. The contact stated that the vehicle then failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
We have 4 chicco Fit4 car seats for our 2 kids. They were originally purchased in 2020 and 2019. All 4 were replaced by the manufacturer in 2021 and 2022 because the foam headrest padding detached from the base (under normal use). One of the replacements was installed in our SUV at the end of 2022, rear facing. I took it out this weekend to switch it to forward facing and noticed the back of the c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
Rear bumper fell off trailer in January of 2024. Trailer is unusable at this time. bumper contains all the lights for rear of trailer. Also bumper stops ( provides protection against cars going under trailer in the events of an accident) under carriage damage. Trailer has been at an authorized dealer since January. Norstar is aware of bumper issues and has notified dealers of such. Our payments on... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
Multiple times when driving the car, all sounds that the car makes will simply stop working. This includes things like the safety features and warning sounds, the turn signals, the radio, any map directions, etc. We have researched online for a solution and found others with similar problems, and we have reported the issue to the dealer on 3 different occasions - they took it into service and to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
I just bought mach E. [XXX] I was in car line at Macdonalds to get food for my 14 year old son. The speeded itself to full speed. I luckily had both hands on wheel. I turned car to left away from car in front of me. Luckily I was able to put my foot on brakes and able to stop the car but not before killing couple of plants on curb. I manage to stop car just couple of feet away from building. In ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
Flywheel broke while driving under normal conditions causing damage to clutch. Have to replace the entire assembly along with slave cylinder. When speaking to ford technician they stated it's a common issue
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
Upon deceleration heavy vibration would occur due to defective tire. These were stock parts that came from the factory. Unstable wobble could cause loss of traction and ability to stop in a timely manner.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
Upon deceleration heavy vibration would occur due to defective tire. These were stock parts that came from the factory. Unstable wobble could cause loss of traction and ability to stop in a timely manner.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
Abs and traction control light flashing randomly and disabling cruise control while on.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2022
2020 Jeep Gladiator purchased new experienced violent shaking of the steering wheel and partial loss of control at highway speed on March 10, 2024 with the odometer at 27,500 miles. The shaking is commonly referred to as a "death wobble" incident. While driving at approximately 60mph on the interstate the vehicle became unstable on uneven pavement and began to shake so violently it nearly resulted... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2022
2020 Jeep Gladiator purchased new experienced violent shaking of the steering wheel and partial loss of control at highway speed on March 10, 2024 with the odometer at 27,500 miles. The shaking is commonly referred to as a "death wobble" incident. While driving at approximately 60mph on the interstate the vehicle became unstable on uneven pavement and began to shake so violently it nearly resulted... Read more