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: Feb 14, 2025
Hello. I just started smelling gas fumes when my car has been running. I see no drips , etc. It happens everytime I drive it to the point where someone pointed it out to me. I had a new engine put in by KIA for my old engine "going to sleep" about 4 years ago. I have been told that this is a on going problem with the Model I have. I want to know what I should do at this point. Im [XXX] and [... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
The driver’s side sun visor broke off and was hanging by the electrical wires in front of my face while I was driving. It hampered my ability to see the road ahead. The dealer observed the situation and ordered a new sun visor which I had to pay for. The part has been on back order for several months now. In the meantime, I have to drive without a sun visor. The initial occurrence was hazardous ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
This vehicle has had transmission slipping issues since I bought it. I had the PCM flashed and reset but it still jerks and slips out of gear ALL the time. The car actually stalled on me while turning through an intersection. This almost cause me to be t boned via a car crash. The transmission has already been replaced and still malfunctions. When it stalled there were no lights and the car would ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
This vehicle has had transmission slipping issues since I bought it. I had the PCM flashed and reset but it still jerks and slips out of gear ALL the time. The car actually stalled on me while turning through an intersection. This almost cause me to be t boned via a car crash. The transmission has already been replaced and still malfunctions. When it stalled there were no lights and the car would ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
This vehicle has had transmission slipping issues since I bought it. I had the PCM flashed and reset but it still jerks and slips out of gear ALL the time. The car actually stalled on me while turning through an intersection. This almost cause me to be t boned via a car crash. The transmission has already been replaced and still malfunctions. When it stalled there were no lights and the car would ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
Ford F-150 have a known transmission failure problem which causes them to have to be replaced with low mileage due to the CDF drum. This causes the transmission to hit hard while the operator is driving which could cause them to lose control. Ford is aware of the problem and has refused to fix it.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
My 2019 Ford Fusion 2.0L EcoBoost (89,000 miles) experienced a sudden, severe engine malfunction due to a known manufacturing defect. The vehicle exhibited severe engine shuddering and a harsh cold-start misfire upon ignition. A diagnostic scan revealed trouble codes P0316 (Misfire on Startup), P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire), and P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire). A mechanic verified that these codes are th... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
When starting the vehicle and placing it in reverse, the center screen was frozen and did not show the backup camera or other sfaety information. Safety was put at risk because reverse visiblity / backover prevention were impaired. Other functions such as reverse auto brake were likely unavailable, or a least unmonitored (rear cross traffic allert was definitely unavailable as it depends on the ce... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
On [XXX] brake system failure, service ESC, Forward Collision system unavailable and check engine lights came on the dashboard and the vehicle had no brakes. Taken to dealership and Conley GMC advised the Main Module was burnt out. $1200.00. Car was “fixed” and sent out. The next morning all the check engine light along with all other failure lights came on after module was replaced. Taken bac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
On 6/9/2010 I was accelerating up a ramp to merge with traffic on Rt146 north . I had reached the top of the ramp and as I viewed the oncoming traffic behind in the mirror I began to shift into the right lane. Suddenly the engine light started flashing, my truck immediately lost power and slowed to 40mph. The truck that had been well behind me was suddenly swerving to avoid my truck . I nearly go... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
On 6/9/2010 I was accelerating up a ramp to merge with traffic on Rt146 north . I had reached the top of the ramp and as I viewed the oncoming traffic behind in the mirror I began to shift into the right lane. Suddenly the engine light started flashing, my truck immediately lost power and slowed to 40mph. The truck that had been well behind me was suddenly swerving to avoid my truck . I nearly go... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
I was driving on a busy road and my car turned off. I had to turn on my hazards and hope no one hit me at 60 mph. I got an EPC error on the dashboard and when diagnosed it was a failure with the Fuel Pump Control Module. This is massively unsafe for myself and my family. I cannot drive a car that can randomly turn off. According to online forums this is a very common VW issue and needs to be looke... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
Went out to drive my car . Walked up to parked car . Was hearing a weird noise (sounded like a AC unit ) got into car . Hit brakes to start car . Got massive vibrating effect felt in brake . Turned car on . Abs light and traction light came on . Worse noise then smoke coming from engine bay . Opened hood and saw a fire in the fuse box area that spread to the heat shield on top of the hood . Put ou... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], I was traveling northbound at the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX], with the vehicle’s self-driving feature engaged. As I approached the intersection, the vehicle unexpectedly proceeded into a left turn despite the traffic signal displaying a red left-turn arrow. I immediately recognized that the vehicle was not stopping and had to take control by forcefully jer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
On 4/25/2026 I lost power on business freeway an orange light flash on along with whining noise I had to steer to right side shoulder for safety. Had it towed to dealership on 4/27/2026 they informed me 3 days later on 4/30/2026 that my car overheated. My car never overheated no smell of coolant nor no steam from the car when I exit to shoulder and turn car off. Retrieved manual from glove comp... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
Seat occupancy sensor, it's associated with code "B12251B".
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
On 06/20/2026, the same day I leased this new 2026 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, at 29 miles it displayed a "Power Steering System Hot - Performance May Be Limited" warning followed by an "Electric Power Steering Fail" warning. The Jeep mobile app and an email from Jeep Service both logged an Electric Power Steering failure that day and stated continued operation with reduced steering assist co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
After coming to a stop brake pedal slowly sinks to floor. First noticed around 40,000 miles, inspected by team kia el cajon at 41,500 miles. Not dash lights associated. Brakes losing pressure is a major safety issue. Kia dealership had car over 30 days replaced brake master cylinder, booster and abs unit. Returned vehicle with same issue claimed normal operation.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
My vehicle was inspected and it was found that the seatbelt B-pillar anchor bolt was stripped at the factory. This problem seems widespread online.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
iccu failure. Car completely disabled.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
This winter a crack in the seal opened up on the driver's side wheel well. We were not aware of the crack. We noticed that the car was collecting water in the carpets down on the floor board. The water became increasingly worse over time down on the floor of the car. We tried looking for leaks and drying out the car with towels. We could not find the leaks. We tried to dry the car out as muc... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
This winter a crack in the seal opened up on the driver's side wheel well. We were not aware of the crack. We noticed that the car was collecting water in the carpets down on the floor board. The water became increasingly worse over time down on the floor of the car. We tried looking for leaks and drying out the car with towels. We could not find the leaks. We tried to dry the car out as muc... Read more
Fire
AUDI
E-TRON SPORTBACK
(2021) - STEERING
Jun 26, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Total loss of Power Steering ! Warning light display: "Steering Assist Fault", "Service AdvanceTrac", turn signals unable to lock and release. Hard Fault codes present: U3000 96-C8, C200D, 49-48 C1B00, 64-48. This problem started somewhere in the last quarter of 2025, it started with intermittent and sudden loss of power steering, while driving, which is very much a safety issue, esp... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2025
Brake, abs and traction dash lights come on permanently. Code pulled is C2200, abs internal failure. Replacement or repair parts unavailable due to manufacturer hold due to engineering issues. Can’t drive due to NC safety inspection fail.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2025
The steering wheel feels sticky whenever I take a curve, turn, or simply change lanes. I have to apply some force to recenter it. It has been an ongoing problem for about three weeks.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The contact’s daughter owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a clunking sound coming from the front driver’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the owner was informed that the struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later driven to a local tire and battery service center... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
The contact owned a 2023 Ford Explorer. When the contact’s husband activated the air conditioning system after the vehicle had been parked for several hours, a fire started underneath the console inside the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, where onlookers assisted with extinguishing the fire with a fire extinguisher. The contact’s husband received burns on his fingers. ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
My 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali with L87 6.2L V8 suffered a catastrophic, silent seizure at 108,000 miles. Driving at highway speeds, warning light stating shift to neutral and press start, engine completely shut off and would not turn back on. I was in the car with my 3 children about to make a turn across a 4 lane highway. I was able to recognize that there was power loss quickly enough that we w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
Subject: Safety Defect Complaint – Sudden 10R80 Transmission Failure in 2018 Ford F-150 Dear NHTSA, I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2018 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission. The transmission failed completely at only 93,000 miles, well before Ford’s first recommended fluid change at 150,000 miles. While driving, the transmission suddenly shifted fro... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Rear spring broke just like VW Campaign Code: 42J2 / 42J3 / 42J5, but I am being told my VIN isn't covered.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Engine Cooling System (Thermostat Housing / Water Outlet) The vehicle suffered a premature structural failure of the factory engine coolant thermostat housing. The component, which is manufactured from a fragile plastic composite, cracked completely open without warning, causing an immediate, rapid loss of engine coolant. This constitutes a severe safety hazard. A sudden, catastrophic loss of eng... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
Both the front passenger and front driver's side doors will not open from the inside. First, the passenger side door handle became defective (I took it to the Toyota dealer and they said the interior handle assembly broke where the cable connects to the handle). The part is back ordered in the thousands. Then about a month later, the same thing happened to the driver's side door. That part is ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure reo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
I was driving on a slower speed road and felt a jerk, my car lurched forward a little and I got a bunch various errors for break regen system, front park sense errors and a few other random faults. The car entered "turtle mode" signified by the turtle icon in my gauge cluster. This is the second time this has randomly happened, the first time happened two weeks prior as I was taking an off ramp of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
After extended use, the magnetic chest clip can pop open without depressing the buttons to unlatch the clip. Slight pressure behind the clip, where the child’s chest rests can pop open the chest clip. This means, if an accident were to occur, the child will fail to be restrained and can fly out of the seat buckle.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that the driver's-side rear rim spoke was cracked in two pieces. The contact stated that new tires were installed on the vehicle. The contact replaced the tire with the spare. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the rim was replaced. The dealer indicated that the owner had damaged the rim. The m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
In the past two weeks, the automatic brake light came on when there was nothing in front of me. Then this past Thursday, I was in the middle lane approaching a stoplight that was about 500 ft. ahead of me, nothing was in front of me and the brake light came on and the car made a quick and hard stop. If anyone was behind me, they would not have been able to stop. Now I am very leery of driving m... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Went in and out of gear as I was driving down the road I was almost hit several times do to this. The transmission did go out at 60,000 miles ford would not cover cost
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Creaking from drivers side footwell. Pinch weld has to be oiled and greased. Vehicle has 108k miles. Front suspension entirely replaced, and the noise boiled down to the floor flexing and metal pinch welds moving and creaking. This is a common issue apparently in the Honda community.we now have to spray the pinch welds every week keep the noise down. Poor build quality.
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Front headlights went out also rear brake lights now I have a problem with brake light and tailgate lamp staying on when car and lights are off. The suspension has had a issue ever since I bought it it makes awful loud noises when driving and especially hitting bumps in road. Passenger front and rear windows won't roll down. Had to replace battery as well. Inside door handles fell off as well as o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
How long does Ford have to fix a recall for fuel injection that could cause a fire? I was notified 11 months ago and there still is no word of a correction to the issue
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The car failed to accelerate on highway on multiple occasions, including when slowing down and then trying to accelerate when pulling out on highways.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
The car failed to accelerate on highway on multiple occasions, including when slowing down and then trying to accelerate when pulling out on highways.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
Power steering quit working majority of the time but will randomly start working again but won't work for long.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that the metal base of the seatbelt of the driver side has become exposed. The contact stated area looks frayed and deteriorated. The contact stated that is coming apart and has affected the seatbelt function. The local dealer was not contacted about the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure mileage was appr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
While driving at highway speeds vehicle changes the drive mode at random. Even attempting to go into 4 low at high speeds. If the vehicle is able to change into 4 low at high speeds this could send the vehicle into uncontrollable lock down to the drive train and potently creating uncontrollable spin out. Car has been at the dealership for this issue, but they cannot find any problems or able to re... Read more