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: Apr 8, 2023
Within the last two weeks I have noticed that when I reach cruising speeds of above 45-50mph my steering wheel will lock up when going in a straight line. It requires extra effort to get the steering wheel to respond. It sort of pops back into being able to steer. This is particularly unnerving when trying to make subtle adjustments when driving at cruising speeds. The component has not been c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Driving in Bumper-to-Bumper traffice on interstate 10. It was raining and the wipers were on. The problem occurred on December 20th during frequent starts and stops to maintain traffic flow with other vehicles. During one of the stops, the engine turned off as it normally does at a traffic light or when stuck in traffic. Upon lifting my foot off the brake, the car emiited loud sounds and various l... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
The panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving under normal conditions. It sounded like a loud gunshot and then shards of the glass fell into the car - luckily the liner caught the majority of the shattered glass. The vehicle is currently at a dealership to fix the damage. I am fortunate that no other cars were around me when the spontaneous shattering happened. The loud noise cause... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MHP, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed and the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH. The contact stated that the speed would no longer exceed 30 MPH. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
- Received a low voltage warning light on vehicle and a day later as I was driving the vehicle, the steering wheel seemed to be moving around on its on at times kind of locking up. As I was leaving a car wash exit, the power steering completely locked out and then eventually I was able to move steer the vehicle but the power assist was no longer in there. This was on 12/14/2023 - As I was drivin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
As I was parked about to take off I put the rear defroster because it was raining in LA and as I was about to take off I heard a loud popping noise and I looked to the back and all I could see was my back windshield shattered… when I opened the door to go check it just fell apart there was no one around me and there was no trees or branches or rocks that could’ve hit it. Very scary!!!
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
Brand new vehicle, at about 5k miles the backup camera went out in April 2023. It is now December of 2023 and I have not had any sort of resolution. I have 3 children ages 2, 4 and 5 and it is very concerning for me and my wife to not have a backup camera especially at night.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The rear window was leaking a substantial amount of water soaking the back seat. Had the service bulletin done, which did not work. Then under further inspection found cracks in the rear power window track. Dealer told me GM would not cover replacement because it was out of the 3 year warranty. Then was told it would cost me 1200 dollars to replace. GM should cover this because it will lead t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The rear window was leaking a substantial amount of water soaking the back seat. Had the service bulletin done, which did not work. Then under further inspection found cracks in the rear power window track. Dealer told me GM would not cover replacement because it was out of the 3 year warranty. Then was told it would cost me 1200 dollars to replace. GM should cover this because it will lead t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
Valve cover is cracked, loosing coolant and oil, ruining alternator, smoking, smells like it’s burning. Runs rough, dash lights up. Dies while driving
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
Every time I fill the gas tank, the fuel spills out of the fill tube when it gets full. I have tried putting it in slow but before the nozzle can shut off it blows the fuel back out of the fill tube. This is a substantial amount of fuel which I believe is a serious hazard.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop the following day, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
The power steering went out on us several times, but this last time, I was almost in a accident. Also, it has a rubbing/ grinding sound in the front with a shimmy and no matter what,it won't quit.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the steering wheel pulled to the left. The EPS, ABS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the EPS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
A well-known failure of the Thermal Control Valve (TCV) occurred, which disabled many or most of the safety features on the car in addition to crippling the heat output in the cabin. Additionally, depending on which way the valve sticks, it could overheat the car and ruin the engine, or worse. Car is under 4 years old and repair estimate is nearly $1900. There is a technical safety bulletin [XXX] ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
A well-known failure of the Thermal Control Valve (TCV) occurred, which disabled many or most of the safety features on the car in addition to crippling the heat output in the cabin. Additionally, depending on which way the valve sticks, it could overheat the car and ruin the engine, or worse. Car is under 4 years old and repair estimate is nearly $1900. There is a technical safety bulletin [XXX] ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
A well-known failure of the Thermal Control Valve (TCV) occurred, which disabled many or most of the safety features on the car in addition to crippling the heat output in the cabin. Additionally, depending on which way the valve sticks, it could overheat the car and ruin the engine, or worse. Car is under 4 years old and repair estimate is nearly $1900. There is a technical safety bulletin [XXX] ... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2017) - STEERING
Dec 13, 2023
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at about 35 MPH, The steering wheel was seized on a winding road; the steering warning light had also appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle began to veer to the right direction as the contact forcefully steered the vehicle back to the left direction to avoid hitting a fence. The vehicle then spun into the oppo... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
Fuel pump or injector has malfunctioned. It is has already been inspected by a Honda dealer. Safety at risk because there was a recall on the fuel system of Hondas in 2020. I purchased this vehicle in 2021 and was not made aware. The vehicle could stall and cause an accident. No other problem currently reported on the vehicle. I was just sitting in a parking space when the engine light came on.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
Fuel pump or injector has malfunctioned. It is has already been inspected by a Honda dealer. Safety at risk because there was a recall on the fuel system of Hondas in 2020. I purchased this vehicle in 2021 and was not made aware. The vehicle could stall and cause an accident. No other problem currently reported on the vehicle. I was just sitting in a parking space when the engine light came on.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
La guagua a tenido problemas con el tren delantero. Comenzó con un sonido en el Guía. La Hyundai le reparo esa pieza y luego continuó con el mismo ruido. Ahora tienen que cambiarle el Rack and Piñogn. Mi guagua tiene solo 19,750 millas creo que vino mala de fábrica.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
My hyaundai is burning through oil every 500-1000 miles it will be completely empty
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
Car died while driving down road. Has engine codes to service high voltage system although It showed a full battery it only had 1 mile range and the gas motor wouldn't run.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
the vehicle will lose power without warning on a regular basis. the vehicle will also accelerate unexpectedly when switching from battery to engine power at speeds under 50 mph. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer and have been informed there is nothing they can do for me, the vehicle does not have any faulty components.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
the vehicle will lose power without warning on a regular basis. the vehicle will also accelerate unexpectedly when switching from battery to engine power at speeds under 50 mph. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer and have been informed there is nothing they can do for me, the vehicle does not have any faulty components.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
the vehicle will lose power without warning on a regular basis. the vehicle will also accelerate unexpectedly when switching from battery to engine power at speeds under 50 mph. I have taken the vehicle to the dealer and have been informed there is nothing they can do for me, the vehicle does not have any faulty components.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
In the 5mph stop and go traffic of leaving a sloped parking garage, the brakes did not respond to repeated attempts to stop the Rogue. The brakes did not work with pumping them, hard pressure or light pressure. No collision warning alerts activated. (No beeping, lights or camera occurred as it usually does when an object is close to the vehicle.) No emergency braking activated. The only thing th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2003 Mercedes-Benz AMG E55. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled an abnormal gasoline odor inside of the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the rear seats, the contact observed gasoline pooling underneath the rear seats. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the mechanic informed the contact that the 12-volt battery needed to be replaced. After the battery was replaced, the contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the Propulsion Power reduced message was displayed. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the mechanic informed the contact that the 12-volt battery needed to be replaced. After the battery was replaced, the contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the Propulsion Power reduced message was displayed. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
I started my vehicle, as usual, and when driving at a very slow speed (neighborhood speed limits) I approached a very busy intersection and the car just stopped. Not only did it stop, it would not steer and a bunch of warning lights came on the dashboard. Tav I believe, oil, check engine light. Even with the key in the acc mode, the power steering was not functioning. Everything just stopped funct... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
I started my vehicle, as usual, and when driving at a very slow speed (neighborhood speed limits) I approached a very busy intersection and the car just stopped. Not only did it stop, it would not steer and a bunch of warning lights came on the dashboard. Tav I believe, oil, check engine light. Even with the key in the acc mode, the power steering was not functioning. Everything just stopped funct... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
Steering feels sticky, and wheel vibrates when turning it slowly in either direction. Vibration goes away when turning wheel in faster, sweeping motions - it's only noticeable when making small adjustments to steering. Started happening suddenly roughly after 12k miles.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made abnormally loud cracking sounds. The contact stated that the failure mostly occurred while turning, driving over a bump in the roadway, and while driving on a steep roadway. An independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined that the abnormal sound was coming from the sunroof.... Read more
CADILLAC
CT4
(2023) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Dec 1, 2023
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while in a parking lot, the contact attempted to shift the vehicle into drive however, the transmission failed to shift into gear. The contact stated that the gear shifter cable had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brakes were squeaking. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The SVC4WD light has been turning on. Took it to get a diagnosis and the was told PTU is failing and needs to be replaced. Estimated repair costs are $1320
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
My CRV's door lock has been broken on and off for years now. I assumed it was a problem with the battery in the key or the key itself. I really became a problem a few months ago when the door would not open even with the key inserted into the lock. I would have to use the automatic lock and unlock buttons several times and then insert and turn the key before it would open. I did not know if or whe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
Transmission, radio, and automatic braking system. Transmission lags when going slow. From a stop on a hill, the car did not accelerate when the gas pedal was pushed, almost causing a crash as I merged into oncoming traffic. It felt like it did not go into gear properly or was not recognizing the gears. Dealership advised it was the design of the transmission and not something they can fix. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
left door hinges breaking
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
I was going to leave my work parking lot. After I started the car, a warning light came on stating power assist failure and I was in drive and tried to steer to the right ending up in space in front of mine, barely across the parking line with my front wheels. I thought by pressing the "ok" that it would make the car steer and it wouldn't. With my blue tooth, I called my husband stating he'd hav... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
My father was driving home from golf. He was driving for about 5 minutes. He was at a red light and smoke started coming out of the car. He turned car off, then on. Smoke started getting worse. He put on the emergency blinkers, got on the sidewalk, and looked underneath the car. Within a few minutes the car blew up. There were no warning lights and the car was driving normally. Car was bra... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
My horn stopped working. When I press the lock button three times the horn still sounds the problem is the clockspring on the steering wheel it is broken and this is a safety issue. It controls multiple things on the steering wheel including the Airbag. One evening on my way home a car was trying to enter my lane I tried to sound a warning and my horn didn't work, to avoid being hit I had to mov... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon her son starting the vehicle, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the fai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
Frost INSIDE windshield on 2023 Maverick. No frost on the outside of windshield. Frost not in the 2 other vehicles parked in the same location. Available for inspection, must be cold enough weather. Cannot see to drive, never had a vehicle needing only the inside of the windsheild scrapped. Experienced here 2nd day in a row, as the weather conditions have become cold enough. Not inspected by othe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2023
In May, the engine completely failed as I was driving on the freeway, without cause. It had to be towed to the dealership where luckily the engine was replaced under warranty. Less than 6 months later, the HEV and CEL warning lights came on as I was commuting to work via highway. The car was very low powered, hard to accelerate, and immediately decelerated whenever I started to let off the gas ped... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
I have experienced this issue 4 or 5 separate times. The issue seems to occur while driving over rough, uneven/bumpy roads. While driving over a bumpy road either with foot off of both pedals and regenerative braking engaged OR with foot on the brake pedal and actively/physically braking, suddenly and without warning the brake disengages and the car lurches forward with such force as to snap m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Upon braking hard and suddenly due to being cutoff on the interstate, it felt as if the antilock brakes did not properly engage but rather grabbed/grinded/scraped. Only when I let off the brake did they disengage. This happened the first time within 2 months of owning the car and with less than 2k miles on it, at highway speeds (65-70 MPH) and this sensation has happened probably 4 times in the 7... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Upon braking hard and suddenly due to being cutoff on the interstate, it felt as if the antilock brakes did not properly engage but rather grabbed/grinded/scraped. Only when I let off the brake did they disengage. This happened the first time within 2 months of owning the car and with less than 2k miles on it, at highway speeds (65-70 MPH) and this sensation has happened probably 4 times in the 7... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
My UConnect system periodically goes berserk and the radio changes from FM to AM, flashing on the screen between the radio and navigation system. Bluetooth won't work. My heat control settings do what they want. My backup camera sometimes stays on. The whole system sometimes shuts down than comes back on. The back up camera issue started about a year ago and is sporadic. The radio/navigation... Read more