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 16, 2023
PCS failure right when warranty expired. This should have been covered under battery warranty since it is component of charging system. But, Tesla refused to consider this under battery warranty
AUDI
A6 ALLROAD
(2021) - STEERING
May 19, 2023
Incident date: Jan 8, 2023
This is the info that was given to kia : VERIFIED CONCERN, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON VEHICLE IDLING ROUGH, SCANNED FOR CODES AND FOUND CODE P0303 PRESENT, MONITORED WITH LIVE DATA AND CAN SEE HEAVY MISFIRES ON CYLINDER #3, REMOVED SPARK PLUG AND SWAPPED TO CYLINDER 1 AND REMOVED COIL AND SWAPPED WITH CYLINDER 4, REMONITORED AND MISFIRE REMAINED ON CYLINDER 3, NO FUEL ON SPARK PLUGS, PROCEEDED TO PERF... Read more
AUDI
A6 ALLROAD
(2021) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
May 19, 2023
Incident date: Jan 8, 2023
AT A 4 WAY STOP INTERSECTION, WHEN IT WAS MY TURN, I DROVE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND SUDDENLY THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM STOPPED THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION BUT THERE WAS NOT ANYTHING i WAS GOING TO COLLIDE WITH. THE "BRAKE" WARNING CAME ON BUT AS SOON AS I STOPPED VERY ABRUPTLY, IT WENT OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE AWAY. i AM TERRIFIED THAT THE CRV WILL BRAKE AGAIN WITHOUT WA... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
Front miliwave sensor malfunction (Radar senor) required replacement immediately due to safety concerns by dealer. Because it could cause unintentional braking. Also because this system is connected to other safety features. I only purchased this car recently from a third party car dealer less than a year ago and this problem only went on for less than a week before service. And the only warning w... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler Trail Runner, Tire Size: LT275/65/R20), DOT Number: (NA). The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle exhibited the death wobble, causing the vehicle to become difficult to steer. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have the wheels aligned; however, the contact was inf... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on two occasions and was diagnosed that the brake pads and brake fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired both times; however, the failure reoc... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
Both sides of my BSM have quit working. Second time this has happened
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated when first starting the vehicle the power steering would not be functioning. The contact stated that he would turn the vehicle off and on and the steering would regain functionality. The contact stated that the "power steering control module" warning light was illuminated. The failure had been intermittent but had eventually completely failed... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at various speeds, the trailer brake system warning light intermittently illuminated and made a beeping sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The Flexplate/Flywheel cracks every 4 years for us, this is our second repair same part. Dealership says now there is a reinforcement plate. That we have to buy, Seriously, give us a break with a broken Flexplate that is either to thin or made of a inexpense product. IDK. Dealership told my Mechanic they keep a lot on hand because they know it’s a problem. Help Please🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 At ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2021
My vehicle's motor stopped without any warning in the middle lane of a busy freeway. I put the emergency flashers on but when I tried to restart the motor it overrode the flashers, causing a semi truck to just miss hitting me. The transmission went into Park mode and since this car is electronic shifting it would not let me put it in to neutral when the motor is not running . People stopped to hel... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
I have 2020 MODEL Winnebago Boldt RV which is a conversion class B RV. It has a Carefree of Colorado roof mounted awning which has "deployed" and had to be manually retracted by removing an end cap and using a 3/8" ratchet. It just pops out under spring pressure and the motor does nothing. I think Winnebago Revels have had a similar issue. I have it secured with wire ties and paracord. luckil... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil warning light illuminated and then turned off independently. The contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the oil level ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Airbag light on. Caused by fraying wires/bad connector under 2nd row passenger seat. Ford is aware of the incident and has made a solution at the owner’s expense.
Incident date: May 13, 2023
The rear tail gate seal for lamps on both the left and right side have failed and the lamp assemblies condense and fill with water. I have read other reports on your website of the same problem with the highlander. In your other reports the a person was told Toyota will not warranty the lamps because of moisture in them because it is not a safety issue. While it is because the moisture blocks the... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2023
I was driving down the interstate coming up to a bridge with barely any emergency shoulder in the pouring rain with my 7 year old son in the back seat when all of a sudden my car lost power and would no longer accelerate over 60mph. I pulled to the side of the road and had to have my vehicle towed. After I finally made it back home, I researched the issue and found that this has already been recal... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2023
While in transit I observed my rav4 engine light 4wd light and traction control light all come on and truck kinda felt like gear slip weather was clear. I continued and went across a railroad track and all of sudden truck completely shuts down and started smoking. I i coasted to side of road had it towed to my designated location Thought was on fire. After inspection following day it showed t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2022
I just bought this vehicle this Sunday. I drove about 400 miles and Wednesday, I got warning ⚠️ electric drive unit ⚠️. Yesterday I took my car to dealership and got call from them that auxiliary transmission issue and they will replace it. Car is still at the dealership, now we are afraid to drive that car and what if it jeopardizes our safety. We drive a lot for work as a home health pro... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The car started shutting off while driving
Incident date: May 12, 2023
MY CAR KEEPS SLOWING DOWN ON ME WHILE DRIVING AND THAS DANGEROUS I HAVE TWO KIDS!! MY CAR WILL NOT Accelerate ONCE IT SLOWS DOWN . MY CAR ENGINE LIGHTS KEEPS BLINKING. ALL MY LIGHTS BEEN ON MY CAR FOR A YEAR AND THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED IT NEEDS TO B W RECALL OM THESE CARS BEFORE HONDA HAVE W LAWSUIT WITH THESE CARS TO MANY PEOPLE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD MY CAR TWO YEARS NO WAY I SHOULD HA... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Freightliner Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V100000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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. The contact had not experienced a fa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
This vehicle has 3 major issues that the dealership has not been able to resolve and are as follows: 1) Battery---is not able to hold charge. In early 2022, dealership replaced a new battery, however, the problem still exists. Battery size does not have the charge capacity REQUIRED to start the vehicle even less than 1 week of parking during warm weather months. 2) Heating System---has a defect, s... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
The service safety restraint system light intermittently comes on. This has occurred multiple times over a one month period. I have seen this happen two different ways: 1) after turning on the vehicle, the message appears in the instrument cluster and the airbag light illuminates. The message can be dismissed and does not reappear while driving although the airbag light remains on. 2) Same as ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Brakes are vibrating when on high speed. Same issue with 2020 Ascent. 2022 Ascent rotor needs to be resurfaced at 18k miles. This brake vibration happend even before 18k.
Incident date: May 5, 2023
My vehicle has been properly maintained since new. At around 90,000 miles the transmission started making noise. I had trans filter changed and the noise abated. at 92,000 the car started shifting oddly. Several times on the highway the engine would rev and the car loses speed. Loud noises from the transmission and hard shifts. I most recently was unable to accelerate while getting on the highway... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the brake line ruptured. The parking brake was applied but was inoperable. The electronic parking brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The parts were on back order. The vehicle was n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2022
I purchased my 2018 Ram 2500 mega cab from Grieco Ford in Delray Beach 4 days ago. As I was driving home, the ABS service, electric braking system and anti lock braking service lights came on. Took it to New Smyrna Beach Jeep Dodge Ram, they plugged it in and said the HCU needed replaced and was it n back order until September. I don’t know what to do.
AUDI
Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK
(2022) - STEERING
May 1, 2023
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the steering wheel had become loosened and was shaking while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the plastic bushing inside the steering column was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the mechanic... Read more
AUDI
Q4 E-TRON SPORTBACK
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 1, 2023
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
System: Infotainment touch screen goes blank. System resets after a period of time. Safety: Unable to see rearview camera, make adjustments, and/or follow navigation prompts while screen is blank. Dealer: Dealer says there isn't a fix. Infotainment has been updated to the latest firmware.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
As I accelerate the car while driving or from a start motion the car occasionally kicks back (jerks), causing me to immediately slow down to avoid the car from not stopping. It has never shut off, but I am concerned that it will while in moving traffic…I have noticed that cars behind me have stopped suddenly when my car jerks….feels like the back wheels are not moving for seconds but enough t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
I was coming to a red light and my 2022 vehicle shut off. A message popped up on the screen and said “please restart car”. This is very dangerous as I had to put my car in park and restart the vehicle in moving traffic.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
Instrument cluster, not working or intermittently working
Incident date: Jul 26, 2022
The shifting was not working when making the selected gear and it was driving in an unintended direction when it was selected reversed. The car was driving forward when the operator selects was in reversed.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
The shifting was not working when making the selected gear and it was driving in an unintended direction when it was selected reversed. The car was driving forward when the operation selects was in reversed. The car was accelerated by itself when I was driving the car and the dashboard did not gave me any warning light that something in the car need attention.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
On April 1, 2023 I leased a 2023 VW Jetta for 39 months. I test drove the car. Upon delivery, it had 12 miles on the car. I drove the car for 150 miles (162 TOTAL miles on car) At 11:30PM on April 6th, it left me stranded in the middle of the road. I called VW 36 month/36,000 roadside assistance for help. They asked if I was in a safe place. I told them No, I am in the middle of the road, in ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
On April 1, 2023 I leased a 2023 VW Jetta for 39 months. I test drove the car. Upon delivery, it had 12 miles on the car. I drove the car for 150 miles (162 TOTAL miles on car) At 11:30PM on April 6th, it left me stranded in the middle of the road. I called VW 36 month/36,000 roadside assistance for help. They asked if I was in a safe place. I told them No, I am in the middle of the road, in ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel became firm without warning. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and turn off the vehicle. When the vehicle was restarted, the power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Camp... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
When I stop and try to turn key off it does not turn to off. Have to turn back on and try shifting neutral and back to park. Then try straightened wheel and eventually key will go to off position and take out key. Started few days ago intermittently and now more often. Mileage is 36317 so warranty if expired. I will not pay dealer for analysis since it should be covered under engine. Also have see... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
After a 170 mile trip in roughly 50F temperatures, I pulled into my destination and noticed 1 tire was rounded across the tread instead of flat. After closer inspection it is clear the tread is separating from the tire and the steel belt is visible. The tire was probably only minutes from completely blowing out. TPMS did not indicate any abnormal pressure or temperature for any tires, and the tir... Read more
AUDI
Q7
(2018) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Apr 24, 2023
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Lexus LS460. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and extended to the floorboard. The contact stated that the ABS, brake, and Traction Control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the local d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2023
This is a very common problem with GM vehicles produced from 2015 to 2019 and is occurring in 5.3L and 6.2L gas engines. The engine coolant temperature sensor is failing and defaulting to a fail safe that turns the electric cooling fans on to full speed because it thinks the vehicle is overheating. When this sensor fails, the engine temperature gauge will not work. When the vehicle is turned of... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
Within the last week, the tire on my camper exploded. It has been sitting winterized since last fall and hasn’t moved. I checked the other three tires and they were all right at 60 psi. I have pictures of the belts coming out of the tire I do not at all feel this is normal for a tire to blow out, sitting still. Upon looking online I also signed a petition for a recall. It seems these tires have ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
Within the last week, the tire on my camper exploded. It has been sitting winterized since last fall and hasn’t moved. I checked the other three tires and they were all right at 60 psi. I have pictures of the belts coming out of the tire I do not at all feel this is normal for a tire to blow out, sitting still. Upon looking online I also signed a petition for a recall. It seems these tires have ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle App displayed a Restraint Control System warning message. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V686000 (Exterior Lighting) and 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reaso... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
There were two incidents, one when my daughter was driving and one when I was driving. We were on a highway going 65 mph and had to brake as we came upon traffic. The car fishtailed/swerved back and forth out of control several times until we could bring the car to a stop. I had to pull onto the shoulder so I didn’t hit any of the cars near me. It was terrifying and I felt lucky that I didn’t ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
Engine lost power. The vehicle was brought in 3 times since 10/22 to Atlantic Hyundai in. The last time was 3/23. The motor was finally evaluated and results sent to Hyundai Corporate Headquarters and the told Atlantic to replace the motor. Service manager Tim Turnbull refused to do so and stated he was putting in a chip in, for us to drive it for 30 days and bring it back in for evaluation. The m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
Apparent engine seizure. Vehicle has been towed to Peak KIA dealership located in Littleton CO. Have been informed by dealership it will take approximately one week before they can diagnose/confirm the engine seizure. Vehicle has LESS than 50,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
I got the car oct 2022, car drove fine for months. Got oil changes regularly. On or about late Dec my car started getting this code "check active air flap" it didn't stay on it was quickly flashed on my dash and went away. So I thought it wasnt important, then it came on again really quick and disappeared again. So then I start to worry and start searching what exactly was a air flap. I found out ... Read more
Fire