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 4, 2023
Service 4WD light came on due to bd power transfer unit
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
After about an hour of highway driving the steering becomes sticky or notchy feeling. This is both with lane keep assist on and off. It can be hard to keep the vehicle moving in a straight line at highway speeds.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
I took my car in for routine oil change and was told that my car had needed the PTU transfer case unit fixed. They told me it was leaking and it would soon stop my car from operating. I looked into this and found the same recall was done for other vehicles but not mine! I am sure my vehicle was missed during this recall because the exact same is happening to my car!!!! This is NHTSA Campaign ID 1... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Electrical system malfunction caused by a faulty generator which was confirmed by Audi Connection (servicing dealership) in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
11/14/2022: WHILE DRIVING at 75mph, a battery icon appeared in the hybrid info system on left of dash. Immediately after the engine icon appeared, a message that said "shift to P to Start" appeared in the the dash info. The letter "D" along with a red icon of a charging cord also appeared to the bottom left of the electric range readout. ALL POWER TO THE VEHICLE CUT OUT WHILE MOVING AT 75mph sim... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
11/14/2022: WHILE DRIVING at 75mph, a battery icon appeared in the hybrid info system on left of dash. Immediately after the engine icon appeared, a message that said "shift to P to Start" appeared in the the dash info. The letter "D" along with a red icon of a charging cord also appeared to the bottom left of the electric range readout. ALL POWER TO THE VEHICLE CUT OUT WHILE MOVING AT 75mph sim... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2022
2022 my wife's 2016 engine began making a noise. This was a known safety problem with the engines but a recall was never issued. Instead there was a lawsuit against Hyundai in 2020 and 2021 in which consumers were compensated for their cost, or received a new engine.However, her engine went out in 2022. She did not get that benefit. Hyundai paid for a portion and she had to pay a portion for a n... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the vehicle consumed an excessive amount of coolant, causing the vehicle to overheat. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The safety features were inadvertently disabled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the fuel injectors were repl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the key fob failed to open and unlock the doors as well as to deactivate the alarm system. The contact stated that the rear driver’s and passenger’s side windows failed to open fully, and the passenger’s side front door failed to close correctly as the chime and dome light remained on while driving. The contact stated to remedy the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
The car displayed a warning that the electrical system had a fault and to contact service. I then contacted service and they said to drive it to the dealer as it sounded like a known issue with the generator/starter and 48V system. On the way to the dealership, the warnings continued and then various systems began shutting down, including the steering and the transmission. I was going at a rela... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
12/09/2019, The ECU did not have adequate protection against certain electrical noise that occurred during the collision. Airbags did not deploy in the event of under ride collision, a freak accident involving wildlife crossing the street. Seat belt pretensioners did not engage. I called Allstate insurance that same day. Had I not worn my seat belt, I might have gone through the windshield. Safet... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
12/09/2019, The ECU did not have adequate protection against certain electrical noise that occurred during the collision. Airbags did not deploy in the event of under ride collision, a freak accident involving wildlife crossing the street. Seat belt pretensioners did not engage. I called Allstate insurance that same day. Had I not worn my seat belt, I might have gone through the windshield. Safet... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 30, 2018
While driving approx 65 mph on a freeway the vehicle placed itself into neutral and decelerrated as multiple warnings flashed across dashboard. . . “Emissions System Problem”, “Transmission System Problem”, “Electric Parking Brake Problem”. I was able to pull off to the side of an exit ramp but once I put the car in PARK I could not shift into Drive. I could not safely drive/manuever m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2022
My hand got burned getting a kids toy under the van. The muffler is unusually low and needs a vented shield to protect people from burns and cuts and to protect the muffler from debris and impacts from speed bumps, etc. This is dangerous for people, kids, and the engine.
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 22, 2022
The rear brake pads on my 2018 Mazda 3 have worn out prematurely, thinning to as little as 2MM in just 40,000 miles, while my front brakes are still 6MM. Brand new brakes are 10MM. I have heard the exact same complaint from the owner of a 2016 Mazda 3, which is the same generation. In the majority of cars, front brakes are supposed to wear our faster than the rear, so this is definitely a problem... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
When closing the driver's side door, the door will not latch close. I had to drive the vehicle with the door unlatched or with me holding the door closed and driving with one hand.Three days ago, 3 out of the 4 doors would not open after unlocking the vehicle. This is the same issue and recall on 2017 Ford F-150 and I don't like the fact of my door flying open at random. This is unsafe and ne... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
-Total electrical system failure (dealer confirmed starter generator). -After a short time of cautions followed by warnings, engine and all electrical components quit working. (no hazard lights). no way to warn other drivers on the road or highway to a malfunctioning vehicle -dealer confirmed starter generator needs replacement. waiting on part (60+ days and counting) -caution and warnings starte... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
I cannot find the complaint link on the website so I’m logging a complaint here. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Ram) is not repairing the 2021 recall fast enough. It is now 2023. This is a safety issue! Over 1 year and still no fix/part.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
While driving normal speed on the freeway, the passenger windshield molding flew off. Also, the driver side side window meeting has flown off. Both replaced at my cost. Both of these objects flying off the car could impact or hit other motorists causing damage or potential injusry.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
Multiple warnings indicating to contact dealer (Lane departure, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, electric system malfunction, steering malfunction) then a few minutes later transmission failure and engine failure imminent.... attempted to move out of traffic. Luckily, I made it to the right lane before the steering shut down, then the transmission failed (stepping on the gas caused t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
Failure of the flexible coupling in the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS). This is a known issue and Kia has extended the warranty on the Optima, Soul, and Cadenza that use the exact same defective part. For some unexplained reason the forte has been excluded from coverage. It should also be noted that Hyundai has included the Elantra (which is the sister model to the Forte) as well as the Sonata... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
Driving on a highway on 1/13/2023 and suddenly the sunroof exploded! It sounded just like a gunshot when it happened. Nothing at all hit the vehicle or sunroof, just a spontaneous explosion with glass going everywhere. Luckily there were no injuries to the driver from falling glass and we did not go into oncoming traffic on a two lane highway. It was extremely startling! This car only has abo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel became stiff and the vehicle momentarily lost power steering assist; the vehicle immediately regained power steering assist functionality. On another occasion, while driving 15 MPH and making a right turn, the failure recurred, and the steering wheel became stiff with an audible ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
The contact owned a 2014 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. No injuries were sustained. The EMT responded but no medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A police repor... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
Crankcase Ventilation Valve malfunction at under 50k. Check engine light is on and I took it into the shop after gas fumes were coming into the car through the ventilation system. I was informed that has been an ongoing issue with Mercedes and I was referred to fill out this document to try and kickstart a recall process. This is a problem that is very costly, and seemingly is happening to most... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
Rear view camera does not come on in reverse gear. It was looked at about 18 months ago and the dealership service manager said it was the camera that needed to be replaced. they also saw that the camera came on for a few seconds , then went off again. they tried it about five times ,on and off. they wanted to charge me $200.00 to diagnose the problem. so , here i am complaining to nhtsa about m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
Rear view camera does not come on in reverse gear. It was looked at about 18 months ago and the dealership service manager said it was the camera that needed to be replaced. they also saw that the camera came on for a few seconds , then went off again. they tried it about five times ,on and off. they wanted to charge me $200.00 to diagnose the problem. so , here i am complaining to nhtsa about m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
Rear liftgate did not latch on three occasions this winter when temperatures were below freezing down to -4 degrees. The liftgate would lower but not latch properly. Dash would indicate that lift gate was not latched. Attempts to latch manually were unable. During the drive home, the lift gate would moved freely. In order to not risk spilling cargo, we moved everything out of the trunk area.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
My high beams quit working for no reason. Dealer said I must replace the complete housing assembly at $680 a piece. I have 80 thousand miles in the car with zero accidents. $1360 for headlights?? This is not acceptable.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted to first gear. The service warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that after she drove home, she turned off and restarted the vehicle and the warning light disappeared. The contact stated that she researched online and noticed that the VIN was included in the N... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2023
I found the ac compressor clutch hub plate in my driveway detached from my vehicle somehow...
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
This is the second time since November 2022 that our clock spring has failed. While it's broken the driver has no airbag, horn, or usability of controls on steering wheel. This is a huge saftey concern especially driving in winter conditions.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
Upon swapping out the factory tires for winter tires of the same factory size, the blind spot detection system started showing something in my blind spot all the time. The light won’t go off. It is highly unsafe to have a feature like this that you should be able to trust that doesn’t work.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2022
After just 18 months and about 5,000 miles, the heater/defroster system stopped working. My local Hyundai dealer (Dick Hannah Volkswagen/Hyundai) confirmed the failure. Even after installing a new heater unit, the dealer reported the system is still not working. My car has been at the dealer since 1-17-23. Having no defroster is a serious safety issue in the winter here in Portland, Oregon, as... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
After putting car into park and leaving car upon returning and trying to start the gear shift knob will be in reverse position. My shifter is the turning knob on the console which cannot be accidentally turned on less your foot is on the brake. This has happened on more than one occasion. Thank god I don’t park on hills. Have not been to the dealership yet to ask them about this .
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
Tune up does not last for more than 1 year. It is completely destroyed even when everything is replaced brand new. It is a huge fire hazard. Everything is cooked like a furnace. Mechanics are not willing to put the effort in doing tune ups and repairs. I do a tune up on the Car once a year. I memorized every mechanical problem on that car, just so I can keep a sharp eye ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
My wife was travelling on the interstate at about 75 mph, when all of the dash lights flashed in red that there was an electrical system failure. At this time, while driving in the fast lane, it seemed like all systems including steering and power brakes failed. She managed to make it across four lanes of traffic before the car died completely. Once we got the car towed to the dealership, they... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-up camera image was distorted and unviewable. The vehicle had also experienced various electrical failures which included the headlights independently turning on while the vehicle was off. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the message "Key Not Detected" was displayed. The vehicle also experien... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-up camera image was distorted and unviewable. The vehicle had also experienced various electrical failures which included the headlights independently turning on while the vehicle was off. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the message "Key Not Detected" was displayed. The vehicle also experien... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
I was the first car stopped at a red light of an intersection coming off the freeway, in far right lane. When the light turned green, as I released my foot off the brake and not even stepping on the gas the RPM surged with full force accelerating without my foot on the gas. I stepped on the brake but it would not engage - it locked. The steering wheel locked and only had minimal movement, as much ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing at approximately 2 MPH and then attempting to shift into drive, there was an abnormal clicking sound heard. The contact that the "wrench" symbol illuminated, and the vehicle would not move forward. The contact stated that the RPM’s increased while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact shifted back to park(P) and ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side windows failed to defrost as needed. The contact also stated that the failure obstructed her vision while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V139000 (Visibility). The ma... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
Read passenger subframe bolt fell out while driving. The subframe of my vehicle and the mounting plate had a 3 inch gap between it. It made the rear end shake and loose control at speed. Tesla refused to give me torque specs twice. I was able to find service manual online and re-torque it. There was no locktite on the bolt. There was no warning, just a metal clanking noise and then the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
Water pump failed and leaked coolant into oil. Known issue by Mazda but they have failed to warn consumers. Repairs roughly 4000 dollars. Luckily I caught before engine failed due to lubricant dilution from coolant. Potentially a very dangerous flaw.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2020
all gauges shut off and turn back on while driving tire says it is flat and it is not car shuts off completely, resets, and turns back on while driving braking system not working code steering wheel jerks off to the side aggressively on its own while foot is on brake car hesitates to start up and hesitates to accelerate sometimes there are warning messages sometimes no warning steer assist turns o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
Received an electrical malfunction - please call service warning icon on dash display. In less than one mile, I received cascading sequential warnings - including transmission and steering warnings - please pull over now. I attempted to exit the freeway on the next ramp, on the I10 Freeway in Claremont, CA on the Monte Vista Exit - but the car completely lost all power and electric (dash and a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Spark. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V640000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) 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. The contact had... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under an unknown recall for a flex plate; however, the failure was experienced. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle would jerk while driving. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted and informed her to drive... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under an unknown recall for a flex plate; however, the failure was experienced. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle would jerk while driving. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted and informed her to drive... Read more