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: Apr 6, 2026
I am reporting a recurring and dangerous failure of the infotainment system and electrical control in my vehicle. The following issues occur intermittently but frequently: Safety Camera Failure: The center display screen often goes black, causing the backup camera and side-view cameras to fail completely. This occurs while the vehicle is in reverse, creating a significant blind-spot hazard and ri... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
My engine coolant temperature sensor failed. Replaced it and still not fixing the issue. This takes my steering assist away as they are all interlinked? I have seen on forms this is a common issue. This has the potential to blow up my engine, I’m not sure how this is not a recall with so many 2020-2026 blazer owners having the same issue.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
While driving, my vehicle released a loud pop and metal noise. After pulling over large bolts fell from the front of my car caused by a suspension issue. Tesla service later confirmed that the problem was due to improper torque in the suspension components, specifically the front lower links. This resulted in hardware failure, including bolts loosening or coming out of the suspension assembly. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The radiator fans in the Nissan Rogues are faulty. The AC stops working and then the car overheats causing loss of fluid and white smoke coming out from underneath the hood. The engine light didn't even come on to warn us that the car was overheating.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Vehicle started missing at around 2000 miles, also a check engine light came on. Took it to Rick Hendrick Jeep and they ended up replacing an oxygen sensor and telling me the Vehicle was not missing even though I have OBD reports showing the engine missing. At around 7000 miles I performed the second oil change on the vehicle, when inspecting the old oil filter I found larger particles of metal in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Srs error appeared on the dash. Now the dealership is opening steering column to fix the electrical issue. The car has less than 29,000miles on it.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
While driving in the left lane on a particularly bumpy section of Interstate 5 South in Seattle (just before the NE 50th Street overpass), I had to quickly hit my brakes as traffic abruptly slowed. The Audie "Pre-sense" sytem did trigger, but emergency autonomous braking did not. My car did not slow down as I hit the brake, and I had to swerve onto the shoulder and put it in "B" mode to trigger fu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
While driving in the left lane on a particularly bumpy section of Interstate 5 South in Seattle (just before the NE 50th Street overpass), I had to quickly hit my brakes as traffic abruptly slowed. The Audie "Pre-sense" sytem did trigger, but emergency autonomous braking did not. My car did not slow down as I hit the brake, and I had to swerve onto the shoulder and put it in "B" mode to trigger fu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
My 2025 Hyundai Palisade has multiple open safety recalls that have not been repaired and make the vehicle unsafe to operate. The dealership confirmed safety recalls effect my vehicle and my car is currently at the dealership since April 3rd. The first recall 283, involves the seat belts in the 1st and 2nd rows. Parts were ordered on January 20, 2026, but the repair has still not been completed ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
After more than two years with an open recall, Ford has not been able to repair my 2013 Ford Explorer due to an inability to source the replacement parts. On Sunday, April 12th the defective A-pillar trim on the driver’s side detached while driving at highway speeds on the interstate. My Ford dealer states that there is a backorder of over 80,000 A-pillar covers. It doesn’t seem that they are... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
A wining started on my 2019 Toyota highlander. I took to mechanic and they confirmed it was transmission. There was no warning.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Car went into limp mode
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
I am submitting this complaint to report a persistent safety-related defect in my 2023 Volvo XC40. Since the vehicle was purchased, the infotainment system has repeatedly crashed while the vehicle is in operation, at times as often as every 5 minutes. The condition has existed both before and after completion of the recall/software update, and it was not corrected after presentation to an authoriz... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
I am submitting this complaint to report a persistent safety-related defect in my 2023 Volvo XC40. Since the vehicle was purchased, the infotainment system has repeatedly crashed while the vehicle is in operation, at times as often as every 5 minutes. The condition has existed both before and after completion of the recall/software update, and it was not corrected after presentation to an authoriz... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
In December I submitted a complaint about the powertrain not knowing the extent of the problem. My 2025 Kia Sorento X-Line SX prestige with shy of 48000 miles had a catastrophic and potentially life threatening malfunction with the powertrain. The technicians revealed that the transmission housing actually exploded, launching shrapnel into the surrounding area. This had the potential to impact ot... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
In tow/haul mode on even a slight downgrade while towing a 9000lb fifth wheel camper even the slightest application of brakes causes an extreme downshift from 10th to 4th at highway speeds of 60+ mph revving the engine to over 5000rpms and causing slight rear wheel lockup on dry roads. This could be fatal on even slightly damp roads. This occurred multiple times
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V869000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
On April 1, 2026, while pulling into a parking space at our church, I was applying the brake when the vehicle suddenly and forcefully surged forward without warning. The unintended acceleration was intense and unexpected, occurring despite continuous braking input. This resulted in the vehicle striking the building and causing significant damage to both the vehicle and the structure. This incid... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
On April 1, 2026, while pulling into a parking space at our church, I was applying the brake when the vehicle suddenly and forcefully surged forward without warning. The unintended acceleration was intense and unexpected, occurring despite continuous braking input. This resulted in the vehicle striking the building and causing significant damage to both the vehicle and the structure. This incid... Read more
Crash
BUICK
RENDEZVOUS
(2007) - STRUCTURE
Apr 15, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Forest River R-Pod Towable. The contact stated that while the trailer was being inspected, the contact was informed that there were fractures in the frame of the underbody of the trailer. The fractures were primarily towards the rear end of the trailer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
BUICK
RENDEZVOUS
(2007) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 15, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
When I am driving my vehicle, I get an alert that the "Ignition switched off, please safely stop the video". All electrical power to the vehicle subsequently drops off. This is the same issue that the 2018-2019 VW Jetta's were recalled for in 2023.
BUICK
RENDEZVOUS
(2007) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 15, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
When I am driving my vehicle, I get an alert that the "Ignition switched off, please safely stop the video". All electrical power to the vehicle subsequently drops off. This is the same issue that the 2018-2019 VW Jetta's were recalled for in 2023.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
I am submitting a vehicle safety complaint regarding a vehicle purchased on March 5, 2026. Within days of purchase, the vehicle exhibited multiple safety-related issues despite reportedly passing a Virginia safety inspection on February 27, 2026. The safety concerns identified include: - Driver-side headlight partially inoperable, which resulted in a traffic stop on March 15, 2026 - Front hood not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
The right PTU has failed out of nowhere causing a very loud pop and then grinding when driven. The vehicle was inspected by the jeep dealership last week to find that that was the issue. There was no warning or symptoms prior to the problem. The safety risk is evident in that it could cause an accident, the vehicle to stop completely, not Transmitting power and or not going into park. All without ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Hello. Since I bought this car in 2015. Every now and again it will go into park when driving and tge car will stop suddenly. It has done it a few times over the years and it’s quite scary. Mercedes has put me off on you, without addressing the situation or looking at the car, unless I pay first it. I think there is a mechanical defect on this car and it is quite dangerous
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V080000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and Nissan ID: P4A47 (Turbo Hose). However, the dealer declined to perform the recall repairs because the turbocharger... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
Number 3 Lifter spun into housing & ruined camshaft, send metal throughout engine. On trip to another state pickup started ticking, service motor light, service parking brake light and service traction icons came on and also messages on them. Had to drive slow to get to next town. Decided to go back home six hours away, very slow the ticking became knocking. Pulled over multiple times. Contacted d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made awa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Idle and warning to not drive, 2025 very subtle cut off now full warning
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 187,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 227,000.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Lexus RX450H. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 116,000. It was later discovered that the mileage was 195,937 upon scanning the vehicle upon scanning the vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The instrument panel with the fuel and mileage on it would go black or keep going back and forth to the original car code while I am driving. Next, the screen for my radio would shut down on me and restart itself while I am on the highway. Lastly, when I turn on my exterior lights at night, my interior lights that come on for me to see all the buttons went out for some of the buttons. The safety o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
ABS module broken and wheels spin when accelarating. This is not safe to drive
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
In 2018 Honda Accord with the 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine that had a head gasket fail at 110k miles which has been diagnosed and confirmed by local Honda dealer with misfire codes/counts on cylinder 1 due to coolant leaking inside cylinder 1 and 2 due to this bad head gasket. Due to the bad head gasket and coolant leaking into cylinders, this caused the fuel injectors to clog and fail. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
In 2018 Honda Accord with the 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine that had a head gasket fail at 110k miles which has been diagnosed and confirmed by local Honda dealer with misfire codes/counts on cylinder 1 due to coolant leaking inside cylinder 1 and 2 due to this bad head gasket. Due to the bad head gasket and coolant leaking into cylinders, this caused the fuel injectors to clog and fail. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The 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 contact had not experienced a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
It’s the transmission failure, most owners have complained about the same issues and Toyota ain’t doing nothing about it
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that there was a feature in the vehicle that allowed the front driver’s seat to automatically adjust according to the saved driver's profile. The contact stated that the driver’s seat back and forth movement to adjust to each driver's profile might have caused loose wire connection, resulting in error code: RCM_a021 (Front Left Safety R... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
The transmission system failed. The vehicle had previously been serviced at a Hyundai dealership for a transmission-related issue and was returned to me as repaired; however, the problem persisted. Shortly after the repair, the transmission failed again, indicating that the issue was not properly resolved. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. The failure occurred while ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
My car caught on fire while I was driving in 3/30/26. The far started somewhere in/near the front driver’s side, initial observed flames were coming from just above the front driver’s side tire. There were no warning lights on at the time the fire started. The car was a total loss by the time firefighters arrived.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Headlight on the passenger side. Very common for this year and model Porsche. We took the car to a carwash. We entered with both headlights working. We went straight home and as we pulled into the garage we saw that the passenger side headlight wasn't working. There was no indication on the dashboard or warning that the headlight was out. I had to drive home in the dark in unsafe conditions wit... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
42,000 miles drive shaft failure. Dealer stated drive shaft is ready to fall off. Completely stock vehicle, 1 owner.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while in drive, the transmission slammed into fourth gear. The hill assist feature was activated during the failure. The contact believed that the failure was caused by an inoperable back over prevention camera. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and offered a buyba... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
Recall on the hydraulic control unit/anti-lock brake system A brake light incorrectly resulting other drivers not receiving proper indication to stop or slow down which can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. Call my local dealership and MOPAR and informed me that they still do not have the part to fix this recall. It has been more an an year and half without resolution. They have not i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2017
Check Engine light with Codes: PO300, and PO305. Misfire in Cylinder #5. Changed all spark plugs, and coils. Check engine still on, with same codes. Jeep dealer then said it was the cam shaft and needed new cam shaft head of a price tag of $8500. The car has been well maintained and has 75,200 miles on it. There is a known premature failure with the Pentastar Engine that is in this vehicle. Jeep ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
While traveling 350 miles from my home with my family of five, the vehicle experienced a sudden 'Loss of Motive Power' event. The dashboard displayed the message: 'Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon.' I lost the ability to accelerate and had to navigate to the shoulder in high-speed traffic. The vehicle is currently inoperable and the 12V battery has since died because the Power Inverter Mod... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
VIN: [XXX] 2021 Hyundai Kona experienced sudden engine failure at approximately 103,000 miles. The engine began knocking without any prior warning, and the check engine light came on at the same time the knocking started. The vehicle was not driven for an extended period after the issue began. There were no earlier warning indicators or drivability issues that would suggest neglect or lack of mai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Water intrusion occurred inside the vehicle, resulting in extensive mold contamination throughout the interior, including the seats, front and rear carpets, and a child’s car seat. The source of the water intrusion has not been identified. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Subaru retailer, which confirmed in writing that water was present inside the vehicle and that mold was covering inter... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
My engine has failed. This is the second car I’ve had from Kia that the rod barring has failed.