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: Sep 12, 2023
My 2015 Kia Sedona with only 115K miles started making a loud clunking noise with no notice. It drove fine with no lights indicating issues or noises. I went to start the van again in the afternoon and immediately shut it off because I knew something was wrong. The van was towed to the mechanic and I was told I needed an engine replacement. They said something was wrong with either the valve train... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (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 while attempting to shift into drive(D), the transmission failed to respond as needed. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2018
Longer than normal brake pedal travel and harder pressure are needed to stop the car. Since it is 122,259 miles, I decided to replace the brakes as a preventative maintenance program. I replaced the rear calipers, all four rotors, all pads, and then had even less brake pedal. I replaced the master cylinder, which still had less brake pedal travel. I towed the car to a local independent mechanic sh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 31, 2018
The vehicle is a 10 speed automatic, while driving the vehicle when it gets to about 4th gear, the transmission slips. This vehicle was purchased brand new and has only 64,000 miles on it. The transmission slips and at lower speeds when the transmission slips and hesitates before it shifts to another gear, this is a safety issue as while the vehicle semi stalls causes the potential to be rear ende... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2018
The vehicle is a 10 speed automatic, while driving the vehicle when it gets to about 4th gear, the transmission slips. This vehicle was purchased brand new and has only 64,000 miles on it. The transmission slips and at lower speeds when the transmission slips and hesitates before it shifts to another gear, this is a safety issue as while the vehicle semi stalls causes the potential to be rear ende... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started to make an abnormal sound and the vehicle was inadvertently vibrating. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V341000 (Air Bags, Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure) 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 manufa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure) 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 manufa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
Alternator failed on my E400 cabriolet 23,000 miles resulting in car shutting down while engine running. Required a tow to dealer service area, 35 miles away.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
While starting my truck, I was heard a very loud static sound coming from my speakers. It was so loud I could barely think. The static seemed to be at max volume and nothing besides turning the truck off and opening my door would make it stop. Even turning the volume down or screen/audio off completely would not help. I was parked at a store at the time and had to drive with the sound for 10 minut... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Ranger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V306000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list because the vehicle was totaled. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not contacted.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
This is the 3rd time in 2 months that the engine just shut off driving on a highway. I have noticed that it happens if I have driving on a highway for 2 hours or more. The car does not show any sign of issues and does not have any code or check engine light. All of a sudden the engine shuts down and it loses all power, power steering does not work, and brake does not work. It makes for very danger... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
WHILE DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY TRYING TO EXITING ALL OF SUDDEN I FEEL MY STEERING WHEEL MOVE ITSELF TOWARD THE CURVE AND TRYING TO BREAK AND STEER ITSELF AT THE SAME CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO CRASH AGAIST THE CURVE AND GO TO ON TOP MAKING ME LOOSE CONTROL OF STEERING WHEEL AND CRASHING TO THE CAR INFRONT OF ME, ALSO THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AT ALL, SEATBELT DID NOT PROTECT ME AT ALL IT WAS LOOSE, I END... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
WHILE DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY TRYING TO EXITING ALL OF SUDDEN I FEEL MY STEERING WHEEL MOVE ITSELF TOWARD THE CURVE AND TRYING TO BREAK AND STEER ITSELF AT THE SAME CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO CRASH AGAIST THE CURVE AND GO TO ON TOP MAKING ME LOOSE CONTROL OF STEERING WHEEL AND CRASHING TO THE CAR INFRONT OF ME, ALSO THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AT ALL, SEATBELT DID NOT PROTECT ME AT ALL IT WAS LOOSE, I END... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 16, 2022
The steering system seems to be binding up. The wheel will not return to center after taking a corner. I have to apply force to steer the car back to straight ahead.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
Instrument cluster screen flickered dim and light for several months. Instrument cluster is now completely white showing a blank screen.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
Driving highway speed, passenger side B pillar trim flew off of the vehicle. Since Ford denied any responsibility with first call (complaint 11543574) I did not contact. Self-repaired.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
While waiting to make a left turn, the car lurched forward about a foot and went into park.It would not shift into any gear. A warning briefly showed up on drivers display which said DO NOT SHIFT UNTIL ???? RESETS. I turned car off but it immediately came back on automatically, and for twenty minutes I was in the intersection blocking traffic (police called to protect me from traffic). On drivers ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
While waiting to make a left turn, the car lurched forward about a foot and went into park.It would not shift into any gear. A warning briefly showed up on drivers display which said DO NOT SHIFT UNTIL ???? RESETS. I turned car off but it immediately came back on automatically, and for twenty minutes I was in the intersection blocking traffic (police called to protect me from traffic). On drivers ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
Random loss of braking feeling and jolting forward when stopping due to regenerative braking letting off. Happened randomly since purchase. Happens around 20mph mark
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
The Radio/ radio screen failed and continues to malfunction. While driving the radio was going bonkers and eventually called 911 by itself. The radio constantly changing stations and settings resulted in losing focus on the road and could have led to an accident. Dealer confirmed radio needs to be replaced. The component has not been inspected. There were no warning lights, or messages. Noticed bu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
2011 Jeep Compass with 62,000 miles on it the subframes rod about the wheel almost fell off the arm that holds the wheel fell off the rear frame and that could have caused the real big accident accident would have lost control of the vehicle and they told and dealership told me that the warranty expired 2 years ago it was a 10-year extension on it so they did not do it it's because they used cheap... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera was very foggy. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
Rear window assembly is leaking water into the interior when it rains or going through car wash.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
When accelerating on the vehicle it would run fine till about a couple minutes driving then it would jerk and the rpm gauge would go to 0 and then back up the the right rpm
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
Hello, I purchased my car brand new March 2022. Since April of 2023 I have been having issues with my cars stalling upon acceleration off and on, and the wipers occasionally getting stuck in the upright position especially during heavy rain periods, which makes it hard to see the roads clearly. I have reported these issues to KIA on multiple occasions. My vehicle has been to the dealership for... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
While driving the car the steering wheel sticks and you have to use more force to turn the wheel which causes you to overcorrect and it does not feel safe. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer simply because I have read online articles seeing many other people have this problem. There were no warning lamps ever activated and the problem first occurred around 50,000 miles and has continue... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that after five minutes of attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The contact then stated that a message displayed on the instrument panel “High Voltage Battery warning and to Contact Roadside Assistance” and “Powertrain Malfunction - Reduced Power”. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that while self-inspecting the vehicle, the fuel pump relay module failed to shut off, causing the battery to drain. The contact stated that the Total Integrated Power Module (TIPM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made awa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Hummer H3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the hood louver detached from the vehicle and cracked the front windshield. The contact stated that the crack obstructed his vision while driving. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V179000 (Structure). The manufacturer was notified of the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2022
Bluecruise when driving east bound by highland illinois will lose control of the vehicle and let it drive outside of its lane. The lane control of the vehicle provides no alerts when this happens. This can be easily repeated on multiple roads when in "Hands Free" This is extremely dangerous as the ADAS doesnt feel like it has good command of the vehicle or the road. Posing an issue to myself and... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Driving on interstate steering just abruptly got very hard to turn there was no power steering
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
I bought this brand new Tiguan in July 2022. The engine is either leaking or burning engine oil. I have the check engine oil level light on around every 2000-3000 miles. I had been to the dealer several times. They just inspect for leak and added engine oil. The problem still exist. The dealer stated that my car needs oil change every 10k miles. I am going back every 2-3 k miles for engine oil. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
My transmission failed while driving in the mountains. I have reverse . And 5th gear. The check engine light came on and a message on the dash stated that the 4 wheel drive was temporarily not available. It has since been taken to the dealer . As it has failed .and is nolonger drivable
AUDI
E-TRON SPORTBACK
(2022) - STEERING
Sep 6, 2023
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Steering seems to binding while turning the wheel in either direction.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
Problem: When the ABS computer system (ABS) fails, the balance between front and rear brakes becomes abnormal even for a vehicle without ABS, it becomes rear biased. Making it unsafe to stop quickly. (90% of the brake force is to the rear). The cost of this part is too expensive for most people to replace and this means that most will drive the car as is without replacing the ABS module. Wha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
The passenger door switch for the door release is inoperable which prevents the door from being opened from the inside. I’m scheduling a visit to the dealership for replacement. Loss of switch operation prevents easy exit during an emergency due to not having a mechanical backup release mechanism as on the driver side door. The vehicle did not notify that the door switch was inoperable.
AUDI
A4 ALLROAD
(2023) - BACK OVER PREVENTION
Sep 5, 2023
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V867000 (Back Over Prevention) 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and the dealer stated that once the vehicle had experienc... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact noticed that both front door panels were damaged which led to the contact's wife being cut on her arm. The wife was seated in the passenger seat. No medical attention was needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
GOODYEAR TIRE, 255/40R20 101W XL I have had to replace 5 tires on my Tesla in 13 months. 3 were from nails, one was from running over a pothole and one was flat from an unknown cause. I have been told by multiple people in the car maintenance field that the tires are not appropriate for the weight of the vehicle therefore are far more prone to imbedded nails and other spontaneous road hazards. I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
Abs light on repaired under warranty once now back on again truck only has 20000 miles but out of warranty light has been on for about 3 months dealer said no parts till 2024 dodge is changing the parts to fix this is what they are saying so they new original parts replaced with new but same parts was not fixing problem they should issue a recall it is totally their fault
AUDI
Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 3, 2023
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
Rear brakes needed to be replaced at 17,000 miles. Same thing happened to my wife’s 2021 Passat.
AUDI
Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Sep 3, 2023
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
Rear brakes needed to be replaced at less than 20k miles The dealer comped it since we lease 2 different 2021 VW Passats and they both needed their rear wheels replaced at sub 20k miles
AUDI
Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK
(2023) - STEERING
Sep 3, 2023
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
When making a turn, if I release the steering wheel, the steering of the car does not return to center. In addition, if I the steering is all the way to the left (such as when parking), it seized in that position and I had to add significant input to the steering wheel in order to make it turn back from full deflection. Once I got past the point where it was locked, it went back to moving with no... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
POWER SLIDING REAR DOORS OPENED WHILE DRIVING, PROBLEMS WITH SLIDING DOORS LOCKING MECHANSIM ON BOTH SIDES, FRONT AND THE REAR LOCKS
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle downshifted unexpectedly, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The powertrain warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was not under warra... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the PUSH to START button failed to function as needed. The contact stated she replaced the batteries in the key fob; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, while the vehicle was idling in park, the driver’s and passenger’s side curtain air bags deployed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to find the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the ... Read more
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2016) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 30, 2023
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and slowing for a traffic signal, the vehicle downshifted very hard. The contact stated that there was an audible clunking sound while the transmission was downshifting. The contact stated that at approximately 1 MPH, the rear wheels locked up and the vehicle came to a sudden stop. The contact s... Read more