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 28,307 complaints for BUICK
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
Make: Hyundai • Model: Santa Cruz • Year: 2025 • Trim: Limited • Mileage: 2600 miles • Date of Purchase: July 2025 Description of the Problem: I am reporting a safety issue with the Forward Attention Warning (FAW) system on my 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz Limited, which unexpectedly disables Smart Cruise Control (SCC) during highway driving. The FAW system, which uses an in-cabin camera ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and was unable to accelerate. The contact's wife arrived at the destination where the failure persisted, prompting her to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
The hood latch and cabling mechanism continues to be a problem for Bronco Sport owners. I have dealt with the cabling detaching from the housing unit four times. This causes safety concerns because the hood cannot be opened when this issue presents. Many owners have this issue.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
All auxiliary safety system warning lights came on at once, with ABS, TPMS, collision avoidance and adaptive cruise all rendered inoperable. Dealer says faulty fuel injectors are to blame. This is a known issue, documented since at least 2022 [XXX] ) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had decelerated and was jerking abnormally. There was an abnormal flickering sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who retrieved codes related to computer failure. The local dealer was not conta... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
This is the fourth incident, the following week. I already made an appointment for diagnostic without lights on dash for 10am due to a morning doctor's appt. So I could drop it then. Approaching Dr's lot it happens again! I call the dealer to report it after I almost took the curb cuz steering went hard. Found an open area to park. I explained same reason I'm coming in has just happened. Now it wo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
Summary of Problem: Steering issue with 2018 Honda CR-V – unsafe wandering and direction changes at highway speeds. Detailed Description: Approximately four months ago, the steering on my 2018 Honda CR-V began to feel unstable. Over time, the condition has progressively worsened. At highway speeds, the steering will unpredictably shift direction and “wander” within the lane without driver i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2025
The contact owned a 2011 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked outside, unoccupied on the driveway, the front hood caught on fire. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he was not home, and the neighbors had called 911. The local fire department arrived on scene to extinguish the flame. A police report was filed. The vehicle was left at the contac... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 12, 2025
I have 2 issues with this vehicle issue#1 the tire pressure sensor acts up on the front driver side tire pressure goes down to the low 20s then when driving it goes up to 43 and then back down to the 20s , the other is that I was driving from Pennsylvania to New York and the car stalled in New Jersey with no warning I was at the far left side of the highway and came close to getting rear ended twi... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2020
My car is only 4 years old and is now in need of a brand new transmission. The power train lights are on, the emissions lights stay on, it shuts off after getting gas and won’t restart. I’ve been to the Ford dealer to fix “recalls” and was told there was no fix for it yet and that the noises I was hearing and the problems I was having was all fine and that there should be no long term issu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2025
The vehicle went in for repair at the dealership early July for a check engine light and DTC error code. It was revving high after being driven for more than 20 min or so and wouldn’t get to above 60 mph. Jerky, dangerous acceleration and deceleration seemingly out of nowhere. The dealership replaced the fuel pump which is what they said was causing the error. Today on August 10th, check engin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
I am reaching out regarding a structural issue I’ve experienced with my 2019 Toyota RAV4, specifically with the rear power liftgate. Recently, I noticed that the liftgate hinges are beginning to crack and pull away from the body of the vehicle. The alignment of the trunk has shifted slightly, and there is visible damage around the hinge area. This appears to be worsening over time and is beginn... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
Shortly after purchasing my vehicle on [XXX], specifically on [XXX] a significant malfunction was encountered, indicated by the 'Front Camera Fault Service Required' and 'Pre-Collision Assist Not Available' warnings. Returning to the dealership on May 5th, the manager misinformed, stating the issue was a recall and required service at a Ford dealership. However, upon contacting Ford Lincoln with t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
The contact's sister owns a 2013 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed an unattended trailer hitch on the road and the vehicle drove over the trailer hitch, which rolled under the vehicle and bumped into the exhaust of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger's side curtain air bags and seats airbags deployed. There was no warn... Read more
3 injured
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the instrument panel was blank. While driving during the day, the instrument cluster screen was not visible. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V576000 (Electrical System) and 23V058000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
While driving my 2024 Kia Sportage PHEV X-Line AWD the instrument panel went black for 3-5 seconds and appeared to be "re-booting/resetting". The first time this occurred was approximately March 2025 (odometer reading approximately 6000 miles) and the issue has re-occurred numerous times (30+) since then (current odometer reading is 12,410). There was no warning prior to this happening and there w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
While driving my 2025 Kia Sorento SX Hybrid on a normal hot day, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of power. I had briefly exited the freeway to pick up my children and left the vehicle running. After re-entering the freeway, the car failed to accelerate despite pressing the gas pedal to the floor. It felt stuck in first gear, with the engine revving but no response. The hybrid battery sho... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
My 2007 mazda5 power steering stopped worked abruptly while turning on a major highway. The sudden change in steering nearly caused an accident. I checked the ODB reader for codes but none were present. Then it happened again the next day in a similar situation, the power steering shut off but this time we were able to see the dash light for the power steering failure come on. It kicked back in a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn at 20 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed with the "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that her left arm had been fractured before the failure and that the loss of power steering assist almost caused a crash. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes Benz S550. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware of oil spots on the driveway after parking the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where an inspection indicated that the oil filter housing was defective and needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
ABS control module malfunction. Replacement part not available from dealership or 3rd party supplier, with item on continuous backorder. ABS and Traction control lights permanently on whilst engine running. Potential safety concern across model nationwide?
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
ABS control module malfunction. Replacement part not available from dealership or 3rd party supplier, with item on continuous backorder. ABS and Traction control lights permanently on whilst engine running. Potential safety concern across model nationwide?
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop on several occasions, the vehicle sputtered and stalled. The message "Engine Fault - Service Now" was displayed. The contact related the failure to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 21N12. The vehicle was taken to th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
1. OBC failure. Stranded unable to charge. Situational could be dangerous. 2. Rt side mirror defaults to extreme angle after locking car evert time. Dealership could not troubleshoot solution.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
Steering wheel is making a sticking noise. This could become very dangerous. My dealer says my rack and pinion needs to be replaced at a cost of $4,000 The vehicle component has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were and are no signs or warnings of the issue.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
Took vehicle in for state safety inspection. Found heavy rust on subframe nearly all the way through. Was told if it gets any worse it will not pass inspection next time. Apparently there are plastic rock shields on subframe that trap water causing it to rust. Took it to dealer and they want to charge close to $4000 to replace. This seems like an engineering defect. The vehicle is kept in a gar... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fluid leaking from the driver’s side rear door. An unknown dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000(Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 not made aware of the issue. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
You cannot wear dark sunglasses while driving this car, as the safety systems are turned off because the car fails to recognize your eyes, as it can't see them through the sunglasses. How does the research and development side of making this ioniq 5 not see this? This ultimately forces you to drive without sunglasses, causing an unsafe environment while driving. This is a bad design for the car.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
You cannot wear dark sunglasses while driving this car, as the safety systems are turned off because the car fails to recognize your eyes, as it can't see them through the sunglasses. How does the research and development side of making this ioniq 5 not see this? This ultimately forces you to drive without sunglasses, causing an unsafe environment while driving. This is a bad design for the car.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
Loose steering and sometimes steering wheel wants to return to center When this happens I loose all electrical - dash goes blank engine dies etc. the hot battery cable is very hot to the touch. I disconnected the ground cable and wait a few minutes and power returns This is going to cause a wreck if it is not corrected Local dealer says could be bad battery I had already changed it there is a plac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
My rear backup camera has been malfunctioning for several months now. When it decides to work at all, it flips the image from left to right and vice versa. Other times the backup camera doesn’t even work. And sometimes it has yellowish lines going through the images which distorts other cars behind me even more. Ford needs to fix this at no cost to me. There’s a recall on their other backup ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM FAILURE While driving and using navigation the system aborts,the screen either blanks out or message "system loading". The radio freezes as well or plays music from a different radio station that driver has chosen. This causes driver to take eyes off from road - which is a safety issue while in traffic. The manufacturer contends that this does not pose a safety related situati... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
Vehicle losses a lot of power after being in a stop sign and trying to accelerate, there is also a ticking sound in the engine. With my fuel my car shows that there’s a full tank but in reality there is half a tank.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
Vehicle losses a lot of power after being in a stop sign and trying to accelerate, there is also a ticking sound in the engine. With my fuel my car shows that there’s a full tank but in reality there is half a tank.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
02/15/2025 I received a letter for oil consumption recall that was dated on 02/03/2023. Appointment was made same day I received the letter on 02/15/2023 and appointment couldnt be set sooner then 02/23/2023 which is the date the Oil consumption was done at Volvo of Bellevue. They changed the oil and sealed it and had me drive it 1000 miles, they said I didn't have an oil consumption problem and I... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
02/15/2025 I received a letter for oil consumption recall that was dated on 02/03/2023. Appointment was made same day I received the letter on 02/15/2023 and appointment couldnt be set sooner then 02/23/2023 which is the date the Oil consumption was done at Volvo of Bellevue. They changed the oil and sealed it and had me drive it 1000 miles, they said I didn't have an oil consumption problem and I... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
The HVAC blower motor and related electrical components (including the fuse box, wiring harness, or control module) have malfunctioned. The system either fails to operate entirely or works only on low, with unpredictable surging airflow. These components are still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. For the past five days, my family has been driving without a functi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
2024 Car smoking making a noise. Ford dealer told warranty company it needed a new engine. Warranty company was going to buy a new engine but Ford said the engine was under their warranty and they would replace it. They only replaced the short block. 2025 Ford said no longer under warranty - engine pouring out oil. Now they say it needs a long block cost $14,000. They will not pay for it.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Driving on highway leaving Virginia going around 70 all of a sudden truck starts making clicking and clacking sound all warning signals came on dash truck slows down to 20-25 miles pulled off highway checked fluid levels returned back to highway could only drive 45-50 an hour to Augusta Ga upon inspection at dealership was told either the lifters and camshaft were bad no prior problems
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
It first started when the engine needed to be replaced, I spent thousands trying to get it repaired, soon after they fixed the engine everything started going wrong ( I truly think they put in a faulty or wrong engine @ Hyundai) the car was overheating, I would take it in they would say it’s one thing pay thousands and it wasn’t it, changed the coolant that goes into the cabin, there’s alway... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
It first started when the engine needed to be replaced, I spent thousands trying to get it repaired, soon after they fixed the engine everything started going wrong ( I truly think they put in a faulty or wrong engine @ Hyundai) the car was overheating, I would take it in they would say it’s one thing pay thousands and it wasn’t it, changed the coolant that goes into the cabin, there’s alway... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
When Driving I started noticing that my steering wheel what getting harder to turn and it felt like it was lagging control. I could still turn and maneuver the steering wheel but the control overall was defiantly not safe. I stopped in at our mechanic and they test drove it. He stated that yes something was definably wrong with the steering system and he said it was hopefully the u-joint for contr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
Back up camera is failing, working sometimes and not others
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
Oil pressure sensor and leaking oil. Also paint peeling off badly. Snow pearl white. I purchased extended warranty and dealer never fixed anything.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
Excessive Oil Consumption: I purchased this Tiguan 2022 back on [XXX] in Florida and since I purchased it I have issues with this matter. I have reported my Tiguans consuming oil at a rate significantly higher than what's expected between oil changes and I was informed that is normal, yet I still did not get any resolution on this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a blown engine and the vehicle lost automotive power. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagno... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
Transmission randomly at the blue stopped. The car has a CVT engine and I see that there’s a recall on it. I also received a letter in the mail stating that there was a recall.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted hard and shifted into neutral unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred two weeks later. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was it... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Brake booster went bad on the vehicle after 8 years. Brake pedal had to be pressed to the floor. The fuel line had a leak so anytime gas was put into the vehicle it would leak down the frame to the ground. Wiring for the back up camera goes in & out. I’m afraid of the brakes not working & a fire being caused by the leaking fuel or faulty electrical lines connecting the rear camera to the display... Read more