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
AUDI
A3 CABRIOLET
(2016) - SEATS
Aug 30, 2023
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Passenger headrest safety feature designed to reduce whiplash in rear collisions deployed without being in an accident.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
Vehicle suspension in the rear feels unsettled when coming to a stop using regenerative brakes. If you hit a small pothole or recessed manhole cover the rear of the vehicle feels like the rear suspension is jumping. I've taken it to the dealer and they noticed it and also it occurred on a new ioniq 5 they had on the lot also.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
Vehicle suspension in the rear feels unsettled when coming to a stop using regenerative brakes. If you hit a small pothole or recessed manhole cover the rear of the vehicle feels like the rear suspension is jumping. I've taken it to the dealer and they noticed it and also it occurred on a new ioniq 5 they had on the lot also.
Incident date: May 14, 2021
Hello, I have submitted a complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Department on February 4, 2023 to report an issue with my 2011 Ford Escape. My Steering wheel is locking while in motion. I have spoken to a Representative who verified that my vehicle was manufactured in Kansas City, Mo. I viewed the Recall letter that was submitted from the Manufacturing Company on July 1, 2014 with ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
My rear locker is trying to lock while driving in 2H causing the light to flash constantly. Now due to that occurring the service locker is on this is a known issue and needs to become a recall as most Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators have this same issue
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The Water pump failed causing my car to almost stall out and overheating losing power and almost causing me to get hit
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The front section of the panoramic sunroof on my 2021 Ford F150 unexpectedly shattered as I was driving down the road today. There were no cars immediately in front of or near me. None had passed by me. I was not driving underneath anything. The only thing I can deduce is that the glass spontaneously shattered due to unseen stress or faulty glass. I have owned the truck since new and had no issues... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
My sensors continue to beep when there is no obstruction around the vehicle. At times, this will also cause the brakes to grind. When I take it in for inspection, they are unable to find any malfunction because this happens inconsistently. This puts myself and others at risk because it is very distracting to the driver. The vehicle has been inspected by the service dealer, but they have not be... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
While driving 45 mph the brake pedal suddenly lost pressure and went to the maximum distance before it started braking and the rate of braking was lowered. My safety and those around me were put at risk of an accident because I could no longer judge the proper pressure to apply to the brake pedal. The brake warning light is illuminated. The problem was reproduced by service stations.
AUDI
Q5 SPORTBACK
(2023) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 28, 2023
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
Body panel above windshield that is attached with adhesive had an adhesive failure and broke in half while driving. My insurance company concluded that it was not impact related, and that it was caused by an adhesive failure. This is a known issue, but no recalls were issued for the 2019 GLE model. Documentation available upon request.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
While driving at 55 MPM on Interstate 66 West near Reston, I was using Tesla Autopilot and experienced a very sudden heavy braking, braking to about 35 MPH in a second or less. The braking was so sever it lifted me off the back o f the driver's seat. The closest vehicle in my lane (rightmost lane) was easily more than a quarter mile ahead. There were no vehicles on the 2 lanes to my left. I wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
While trying to get ahead of traffic at on ramp to freeway power was reduced and check engine light was activated. Pulled over soon after. Turned truck off and sat for a few minutes then turned truck back on Check engine was gone and truck ran normal. This could have been an accident but thankfully I had space to move over and get out of the traffics way.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
At speeds over 60 MPH, the BMW K1600 B motorcycle is unstable and wobbles. The instability at speeds over 60 MPH are unsafe, and I, nor my wife, will ever ride it again as it feels like the motorcycle is going to lose control and fall over at high speeds causing injury or death to us or others. BMW Motorcycles of Cleveland inspected it, rode it and verbally stated that they agree it has stabilit... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
P0303 code. Ended up being a blown head gasket and required entire engine replacement from damage caused. Refused warranty as it was brought into dealership in Aug 5 2023 but warranty ended July 25 2023. All maintenance had been performed
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
Since I have had the car, five months, there have been THREE INCIDENTS of the car braking to a stop suddenly and unexpectedly while I am driving. At no time were there other cars near me; I was not in danger of hitting anything or anyone as the road was clear. The stops were jarring and upsetting as I could not discern a reason for these sudden stops. I feel it is very dangerous to stop in the mid... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The breaks give out to a point where you run the risk of running into someone or something. We've visited Toyota 3 times now complaining of this issue yet they just state it's the regenerative breaks and how they operate. Although the breaking never got to this level of safety concern until we reached around 30,000 miles. I filed a complaint with Toyota that resulted in nothing being done. A cou... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The breaks give out to a point where you run the risk of running into someone or something. We've visited Toyota 3 times now complaining of this issue yet they just state it's the regenerative breaks and how they operate. Although the breaking never got to this level of safety concern until we reached around 30,000 miles. I filed a complaint with Toyota that resulted in nothing being done. A cou... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The breaks give out to a point where you run the risk of running into someone or something. We've visited Toyota 3 times now complaining of this issue yet they just state it's the regenerative breaks and how they operate. Although the breaking never got to this level of safety concern until we reached around 30,000 miles. I filed a complaint with Toyota that resulted in nothing being done. A cou... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
Weld on AC condenser is leaking and now I have no AC
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
When auto start/stop feature engages at times vehicle does not restart and will not restart. This has happened 5-6 times in heavy traffic leaving the car dead in the middle of the road until we repeatedly try to reset and restart.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
I was turning into some parking spots so i could put my car in reverse and park closer to building i needed. I did not get a chance to putin reverse, the vehicle surged forward and was accelerating. My foot was not on the gas pedal. I was trying to brake. I turned steering wheel so I didn't hit brick building. I swiped the building and 2 vehiles on my right AND still did not stop right away. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
Car is stalling and won’t accelerate over 45 mph.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Wheel on passenger rear is cracked and leaking air constantly. Discount Tire said to report it as GM said too bad. It seems that all of my friends with this model car are having the same issue. Worthless wheel now as it will not hold air. It caused me to partially lose control of the car since it had too low a pressure.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and engine temperature warning lights illuminated; however, the contact immediately pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and turned off the vehicle. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and safely drove to the location where the vehicle had received an oil change service ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
No warning light or nothing just out the blue started knocking and shaking violently lost power almost got hit by a tractortrailer. It has been confirmed from independent shop #4 rod bearing spun and paper thin this happened on interstate 81 near UVA medical center the date was 8-2-2023
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Driving normally with no other vehicles nearby, Crack developed in windshield almost half way up, from the left side, and within seconds crossed most of drivers side in a near direct line. This is the third windshield to Crack in a 12 month period. Both times replaced at my local Subaru Dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased. I have received a warning ticket from police for the pr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
REAR MAIN SEAL, ISSUE CAUSES THE OIL PRESSURE TO FAIL. IF NOT STOPPED IMMEDIATELY, THE ENGINE BLOCK BLOWS AND DESTROYS THE ENGINE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2017 EQUINOX, BUT HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED YET
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
When the vehicle gets hot, above 85 degrees Fahrenheit the electric system including, speedometer and other internal lighting as well brake lights and turn signals completely stop functioning. Windows and locking system is also affected. The engine remains on. But if the car is turned off, it will not turn back on.
Incident date: May 11, 2021
This is a loaner Audi Q8 from Molly Audi of Kansas City. My 2023 Audi Q7 is in the shop for this exact same issue. The brake pedal randomly does not respond. This prevents the vehicle from being able to start, shift out of gear when parked, and the rear brake lights do not respond. My main concern is the brake lights not responding. I do not want to be injured in a collision when slowing down on ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2021
This is a loaner Audi Q8 from Molly Audi of Kansas City. My 2023 Audi Q7 is in the shop for this exact same issue. The brake pedal randomly does not respond. This prevents the vehicle from being able to start, shift out of gear when parked, and the rear brake lights do not respond. My main concern is the brake lights not responding. I do not want to be injured in a collision when slowing down on ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2021
TFP Switch(Sensor) 4 Circuit Low Voltage
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the air bags warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the contact was not provided information the diagnostic test results. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the air bags warning light was no longer illuminated. The manufacturer had been... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The comfort control module catastrophically failed. There is video evidence of the condition the module is in. The whole car shut down. Nothing electronic worked. Doors unlocked, trunk opened, gas cap unlocked, couldn't start car or change gears, roll up/down windows, or lock the doors. The dealership has confirmed the sunroof drains leaked water into the rear left wheel well filling it up with... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
While driving the vehicle the car shuts off
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the cam phasers were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 58... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
Air conditioning not blowing cold air. Took vehicle to Honda dealer. I was told that A/C will need to be recharged with Freon and dye, the cost is $299.95 Once recharged, the A/C will need to be re inspected for further leaks in the A/C system. The A/C compressor seal shaft and the A/C condenser, these two parts, the warranty has been extended by Honda. The A/C evaporator is not covered by Honda w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2019
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while having a routine brake check, the mechanic was not able to remove the lug nuts on all four wheels. The dealer stated was aware of the failure but stated there was no recall for the failure. The dealer recommended the replacement of the lug nuts. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The fail... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2019
Car does not accelerate on a hill readily. Difficult to get it to move as necessary at times.
Incident date: May 1, 2019
Car does not accelerate on a hill readily. Difficult to get it to move as necessary at times.
Incident date: May 1, 2019
Engine has been shaking/misfiring and white smoke coming from Exhaust. Took it to ford and they said it was a coolant intrusion problem on the first cylinder. Learned there is a design flaw in Fords eco boost engines. There is currently a class action lawsuit with Ford. Was told by Ford that a new engine is needed. Approximately $9,000 for repair
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
The contact's partner owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) 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 the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2021
The contact owned a 2005 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a fence. The air bags did not deploy. At the time of the crash, the vehicle was 20 MPH. The vehicle was towed to a junkyard. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact sustained a face injury where he lost several teeth and also h... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
The sliding door on the passenger side has issues with the door lock actuator. It buzzes when unlocking and locking.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
Got an oil change Monday 8/7/23 When I left the dealership & arrived home the “engine maintenance required” light came on. Contacted dealership next day (service was done at Maita Toyota of Sacramento) let them know about what happened they told me they’d do a diagnostic on the vehicle. Car was at 43,772 miles when I dropped it back off at dealership. They ended up letting me know the diagno... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The door hinge bracket is over extending and popping when the door is opened all the way.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
There is a known cam carrier leak issue for this engine, and no safety recall has been issued. The motor oil leaks down to the hot exhaust creating smokes and may cause a fire.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
My truck has 87,000 miles. 1st my engine went out last month because of a known engine issue that Dodge is not owning up to on Hemi engines. 3 weeks later after replacing the engine my Power steering went out as I was driving causing it to be very hard to drive. These are both known issues with these trucks that recalls should in place for. I have spent close to $14,000 in one month fixing these i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
While driving at 70 MPH on the interstate approaching a bend in the path of travel the "service traction control" warning was displayed on the instrument panel display and just after that the electronic power steering stopped working causing a near collision with a vehicle in the adjacent lane. The local GMC dealership noted a recall for the 2015 Canyon model for the steering gear torque sensor co... Read more