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 21,483 complaints for CADILLAC
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
-The ABS module failed, code reads internal electrical system failure. Vehicle is available for inspection. Component is not available as a replacement is not and has not been available from the manufacturer. -ABS and traction control are disabled as well as cruise control due to this failure. -The dealer is aware of the problem, it is widespread and they are not manufacturing replacement parts un... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
Driver's side mirror vibrates when driving at highway speeds on freeways; vibration is so bad that it makes the image blurry when using the mirror to change lanes
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
Vehicle would not start. Towed to repair shop. 350A fuse blown that controls ignition system. Pulled starter to inspect for damage. Transmission Flex Plate had 7 broken teeth with a tooth being lodged in the starter housing.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
After 30K miles the self-leveling rear suspension had become very hard causing the vehicle to jolt and not absorb bumps which causes a distraction to the driver causing an unsafe condition.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Fuel Tank expanded, was leaking gas from the gas tank opening. The expansion of the tank caused the metal plates/panel under the back seat to popup, where my child sits. Which caused a gap in the door. ir seepage from the back seat passenger door to where the fuel was leaking out the gas tank ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
Porsche dash material is separating from the substrate of the structure. This material is directly between the airbag and the now loose material on the surface of the dash (leather). Porsche will not repair this and recommends a replacement at an estimated $10,000 USD. There is a significant risk to safety as the now loose upper material will interfere with the deployment of the airbag on the p... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
CVT Transmission Judder
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Our KIA EV9, which HAS HAD the software update installed to address NHTSA Recall Number 24V757 (Kia safety recall SC326) has again had the driver's instrument panel screen come up blank when the car was started. This is identical to behavior we observed multiple times before taking the car to the dealership for the software update. To resolve the issue, the car was turned off and permitted to si... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
Reference Tracking # 11622306. I purchased my used F150 with 52,956 miles on 1/3/2020. Shortly after, I would occasionally notice an unusual gear downshift. Upon receiving Ford Recall 24S37 (NHTSA 24V444000) update for the powertrain control module, the check engine lite (CEL) came on. I called the Ford Recall ph#, and they told me to continue to work with the dealership that performed the update.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The collision light came on and everywhere online says it’s a recall but Nissan doesn’t show it as a recall in their system. It states the the car will stop suddenly when light comes on thinking cars are around but nobody is around. It’s not safe. I’m getting it fixed right now but I’m having to pay money because my car isn’t listed as a recall for this.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
I have a 2014 Dodge Ram with a 3 way heater valve causing check engine light concrens. I have read several Ram forum about this situation. people are replacing the valve and trucks run well after repair but the check engine light stays illuminated and will not reset. From what I'm understanding is there is a communication problem with the power control module. The 3 way valve issue is way too com... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
I have received notice 24T009 affecting my vehicle. As instructed, I contacted the dealer. They advise that Continental does not have tires to replace tires listed in the recall. The dealer could not provide a time frame for accomplishing replacement.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
My vehicle doesn't warn me about rear cross-traffic or it stops for emergency. I paid for this option. Delaer checked the system and reassured me that everything is working. I have to backup to a busy street a few times a day and this system is not protecting me and I am afraid that I will get into a crash. I had several close calls and I am afraid of a crash with this system.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
The dashboard leather has shrunk and the staples are beginning to pull out. I have read that this may keep the dashboard airbag from property deploying in the case of an accident. This is a common issue and the dealers are recommending replacement.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The active handling applies itself with normal non aggressive driving. When activated the brakes apply and lock up, this has happened in low speed turns at intersections and even when driving straight. I have had the vehicle to the dealership to resolve as this is a major safety concern leaving the car locked up in the middle of an intersection. They stated it was the sensor behind the steering wh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact heard a loud banging sound coming from the roof. The contact became aware that the headliner was fractured. The contract stated that the cause of the failure recurred while at the local car wash. The contact stated the headliner inadvertently popped back into place The dealer was contacted... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
I have had several issues happen where the battery will drain quickly if the doors are open for 40 minutes. One time recently happened last week when I was trying to take my wife to the hospital for a back pain issue. I tried to get her into the vehicle but the pain was too great so we called the paramedics to come and take her instead. Once they arrived and removed her from the vehicle, I went to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Engine overheated while driving on the highway. White smoke came out of tailpipe during engine running. Coolant reservoir was empty after I parked the car and turned off the engine. Had to get the car towed to the dealership the next day to get it checked out and was confirmed that coolant got leaked inside the engine.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2017) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Nov 20, 2024
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
We purchased the 2019 Jeep Cherokee new from a Jeep dealership. At 15,000 miles (approx.) the hood began to bounce up and down 1/2" to 3/4" while driving at highway speeds, driving into a wind or following a semi-truck. In addition to the obviously concern over the safety of the hood bouncing and potentially unlatching, this causes the auto start/stop function of the engine to malfunction. We ha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The emergency brake suddenly failed to function. Applied the brake but there was no tension on the lever & no brake function occuring. I understand there was a VIN specific recall on this vehicle and just wondering how my vehicle that falls under the year, make & model does not qualify for the recall but is suffering from the same exact issue?
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact discovered that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the flex plate and transmission clip needed to be r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission experienced hard shifting, the RPM became elevated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the transmission... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); 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 failure. Parts distrib... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
ENGINE STARTED MAKING LOUD SOUNDS AFTER OIL CHANGE AT 128, 000 MILES AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN WHILE DRIVING HAVING A HARD TIME ENGAGING TO NEXT GEAR. ENGINE LIGHT DID COME ONE And STOP AT CLOSES ATUO PARTS STORE TO HAVE IT CHECKED FOR ENGINE LIGHT TEST. SAFETY RISK TO DRIVE AND PASSAGERS IF CAR FALL TO MOVE ON HIGHWAY CAUSING ACCIDENT. PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO KIA AND WE WERE TOLD TO BRING IT IN AN... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
REAR DIFFERENTIAL- CAR IS SHUDDERING WHILE TURNING- SAFETY ISSUE
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
REAR DIFFERENTIAL- CAR IS SHUDDERING WHILE TURNING- SAFETY ISSUE
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
REAR DIFFERENTIAL- CAR IS SHUDDERING WHILE TURNING- SAFETY ISSUE
Incident date: Nov 17, 2024
Having repeat issues with the windshield cracking. My vehicle has around 32k miles, and I'm already on my 3rd windshield. I've never had this issue with any other vehicle. It's been extremely costly. Also the transmission failed and had to be replaced at 26,000 miles.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
My Audi E-tron has a consistant problem with the MMI (Multi Media Interface, the main computer for the car). When I am driving, all the screens will go blank, I cannot see my speed, I have no HVAC controls, I am basically driving blind. To fix the issue, I have to pull over, turn off the ignition, open the driver door, close the driver door, put my foot on the brake, start the car again. Sometim... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Screen continues to go out causing to be non functional
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Chrysler Model 300s Vehicle, 2018, repair service by an authorized Chrysler dealer in Puerto Rico, certified the replacement of original manufacturer parts of the power steering (Rack-Pinion) on three occasions, which does not accept the programming of technical support by the automotive specialists of the authorized Chrysler repair shop. It is evident that this vehicle faces a hidden problem from... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
I am the original owner of our 2021 Kia Telluride and we follow the manufacturers recommendations and ensure our oil is changed every ~10K miles. Our Kia was recently serviced at Nationwide Kia in Timonium Maryland in April 2024 and had the oil changed. As I was driving today, [XXX] the Oil Pressure Warning Light came on. When I pulled over, I checked the dipstick and it was below the low level. I... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The manifold bolts on the Ram 1500 pickups will break causing the manifolds to leak. This happens around 50-60k in mileage.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
When driving downhill, at highway speeds, the following warning comes on and the car loses power: "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon". A red turtle symbol also comes on. I had to pull aside, shut off the vehicle, wait a few moments then start again. I brought the vehicle to the dealership on Nov 10, 2024.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
I purchased a nuna rava car seat in 2021. When I buckle my child in, I always check to make sure that the harness is snug and secure. My issue with this car seat took place one day when I was on a trip away from home. I buckled my child in, and then I checked to make sure the harness was secure. When I did this, I accidentally pulled up on the chest clip, and the seatbelt loosened. I did this... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
I saw the recall about the backup camera malfunction however my car isn’t listed for the recall but for the last few months my backup camera has been saying malfunction and doesn’t beep. I’m trying to see if I could receive the recall to get this fixed.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2019
The transmission at less then 150,000 miles grinds and causes a vibration through the steering wheel. It is available for inspection if need be. There was no sign of this failure before it happened. It has made the truck unsafe to operate because of it were to fail it would cause a complete loss of power to the drive shaft, and currently is causing intermittent power loss to the drive shaft. It ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
My 21 VW atlas cross sport now will not remote start. As well, it CONTINUES with the sputter and stall at low speeds. In and out of parking spots, backing in and out of driveway, the most important scenario being complete stall out crossing a median and multiple lanes of oncoming traffic…
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
I was driving and the and the stop start error came on, smelled gasoline and the EPC and check engine lights came on. I kept driving because we were on the freeway and couldn’t quite stop there but my car automatically turned off. The lights stayed on. I was able to turn it off after a few tries and get it to the mechanic (with it turning off a couple times on the way there). After diagnosis, th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
Honda has sent me numerous mailers advertising a gift card and loaner vehicle as incentives for participating in their Takata recall. Honda also cites the promise of a loaner vehicle in every press release trumpeting their so-called commitment to this recall. My local Honda dealership refuses to provide a loaner vehicle. I reported this problem to Honda expecting them to intervene, but I receiv... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
I own a 2015 Ford Fusion with over 160,000 miles on it. I noticed a substantial loss of coolant inside the car and decided to take it to a Ford dealership in October. I was told that my coolant was internally leaking into the combustion chamber. I decided to research why this issue occurred only a few weeks after buying the vehicle. I discovered that the 2015 Ford Fusion's engine, the 1.5 Liter Ec... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Dutchman Kodiak. The contact stated that during a rainstorm, there was rainwater leaking into the RV from the walls of the RV onto the fuse box. The contact was concerned about it being a fire hazard. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Engine light came on and showed misfire in cylinder 4. Changed spark plug and engine coil. Still had engine light on and misfiring. Car drove in power safety mode. After much diagnosis and inspection, master mechanic found coolant leaking into the cylinder walls due to a faulty (poorly manufactured) head gasket. Coolant intrusion caused white exhaust smoke, damage to the engine block and risk of f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
Dashboard shows a message" Stop vehicle and check brake system", vehicle doesn't pass over the 10 mph. On the KIA access APP I have all this 6 Diagnostic Issues : FR_CMR C28B981, FR_CMR C164286, ADAS_DRV C28B086, ADAS_DRV 28B986, ADAS_DRV C28B881, ADAS_DRV C164286. Dealer was unable to fix the issue, they state that it fix by itself. Also I have a safety Recall SC326
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
Driving down the freeway at 65-70 mph today. Transmission was slipping in 10th gear, then dropped into 1st gear briefly with a loud clang and a brief screech of the tires. Fortunately did not loose control, but if it had locked up for more than just a split second, it could have been bad. Ford isn’t taking the issue seriously. Took it to Ford in March for erratic shifting behavior. Was told... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
Front window glass is of defective quality. My car has 3600 miles on it and my window has cracked for the second time. Both times a small pebble hit and the glass immediately spread 8” from passenger towards the middle. Overnight the crack spreads almost a foot. I’ve had 7 cars in my 20+ years of driving and have never experienced a window this fragile.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
Control arm failure and two bolts came unscrewed.