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: Oct 8, 2023
ABS and Traction control light come on intermittently causing cruise control to kick out and not work. Also causes an alarm to ding over and over. This is a known problem with the Ram HD for this year.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2005) - ENGINE
Oct 6, 2023
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
For that pass 6 months my vehicle has had a check engine light on. Warning light will flash steering assist fault the the wheel locks up and vehicle comes to a holt. This problem has been happening on and off some days it’s fine some days this accurs. Recall #14S06
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
My driver seat headrest had deployed somehow without getting into an thankfully I wasn't driving but I noticed it when I got into my car. The headrest also doesn't go back into place it seemed to have broke the clamps that hold the silver pole and the clamps that hold the silver pole is also locked.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
While pulling out of a stop light, my 2022 Ram 1500 stalled, and the parking brake engaged while I was in the middle of the intersection. After getting the truck restarted and safely getting through the intersection, the battery indicator warning light came on and the voltage gage dropped dramatically. When I took the truck to the dealer I was told they could not replicate therefore it was in sa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
While pulling out of a stop light, my 2022 Ram 1500 stalled, and the parking brake engaged while I was in the middle of the intersection. After getting the truck restarted and safely getting through the intersection, the battery indicator warning light came on and the voltage gage dropped dramatically. When I took the truck to the dealer I was told they could not replicate therefore it was in sa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
As I was driving home with about 5 minutes to go, in my brand new (2 week old)2023 Ford Escape, I smelled something burning. I pulled over and saw smoke so I turned off the car and got out. As I got out of the car I looked under and saw fire. I got away from the car and as I did, the fire kept growing and growing from under the hood. The fire went high enough to hit the trees on the side of the ro... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
As I was driving home with about 5 minutes to go, in my brand new (2 week old)2023 Ford Escape, I smelled something burning. I pulled over and saw smoke so I turned off the car and got out. As I got out of the car I looked under and saw fire. I got away from the car and as I did, the fire kept growing and growing from under the hood. The fire went high enough to hit the trees on the side of the ro... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that after driving to a local store and turning off the vehicle, the contact then returned to the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the fuel level sensor circuit and cam shaft position sensor had faile... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2019
BRAKE PEDAL KICKS BACK ON OUR FOOT WHEN STOPPED BRAKES DONT WORK GOOD LOST BRAKE FLUID MUST PUMP BRAKES TO COME TO A STOP OR SLOW DOWN ON GOING FOR A YEAR NOW DEALER DROVE FOR ONLY NINE MILES THEY SAID ITS OK STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM - ENGINE HAS LOST POWER WHEN HOT - WHEN IT IS COLD ON START UP THE MOTOR RUNS ROUGH AND LACKS POWER DEALER HAS NOT LOOKED AT THE ENGINE PROBLEM YET -TURN SIGNALS WILL T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2019
BRAKE PEDAL KICKS BACK ON OUR FOOT WHEN STOPPED BRAKES DONT WORK GOOD LOST BRAKE FLUID MUST PUMP BRAKES TO COME TO A STOP OR SLOW DOWN ON GOING FOR A YEAR NOW DEALER DROVE FOR ONLY NINE MILES THEY SAID ITS OK STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM - ENGINE HAS LOST POWER WHEN HOT - WHEN IT IS COLD ON START UP THE MOTOR RUNS ROUGH AND LACKS POWER DEALER HAS NOT LOOKED AT THE ENGINE PROBLEM YET -TURN SIGNALS WILL T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2019
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while shifting the transmission into park (P), the vehicle failed to park. The "Shift to Park" message was displayed. Additionally, the vehicle inadvertently and aggressively lunged backward while stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission was replaced and repairs were performed on the exhaust system; how... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
The driver's side exterior windshield moulding detached from the vehicle traveling at interstate speed (75 mph) and struck the driver's door above the window. The apparent cause of detachment was failure of the retaining clips and adhesive that holds the external piece to the internal rubber moulding.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
In May 2022, I purchased four Cooper Discoverer A/T All-Season 117T 275/55/R20 tires from Walmart.com for my 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT. In May 2023 my vehicle developed a vibration when driving at certain speeds, so I took it to a GMC dealer for a tire rotation and balance. The mechanic discovered that one of the tires had a large bubble on the inner sidewall. He considered it such a safety risk... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
In May 2022, I purchased four Cooper Discoverer A/T All-Season 117T 275/55/R20 tires from Walmart.com for my 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT. In May 2023 my vehicle developed a vibration when driving at certain speeds, so I took it to a GMC dealer for a tire rotation and balance. The mechanic discovered that one of the tires had a large bubble on the inner sidewall. He considered it such a safety risk... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
My truck is randomly down shifting on its own at highway speeds sometimes even shifting to reverse and causing the speedometer to not work the truck has around 78000 miles on it and I see there were a lot of trucks recalled for this dangerous problem. When I contacted ford they say mine was not recalled even though it is doing the same thing the other vehicles with the 6r80 transmission is doing.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
At the traffic light my car made noises headed back home as I parked again I got shift to park message I read on goggle that there been a recall my car was not on that recall list and I keep getting shift to park message GM shut them down NHTSA what are you here for no one has called me on these complaints I've been doing NHTSA to should shut down well you ever help me or help us all hello help u... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
On 32600miles abs and traction control start glitching. Happened to me on the highway pulling a rv and using cruise control, all of the sudden I lost cruise control on 70 mph and ABS with traction lights came on and off several times and end up go away, I stopped in the safe area and check all related parts on the vehicle that related brakes and abs, fluid was up to level all parts, brakes, wiring... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
The brake vacuum pump is failing. When in a parking lot the brakes get very hard al.ist causing an accident. There is no vacuum when trying to park in parking lot. The 2015 GMC Sierra had a recall for this but my VIN did not. Not sure why as it's failing too. I need my truck so will have it fixed today, but want a recall.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
I was driving and all of the sudden the vehicle slowly started losing power. A bunch of lights popped up on the dash and it turns out it was the camshaft and the sensor. The camshaft had been rubbing on the sensor for quite some time causing the engine to malfunction.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
I was driving and all of the sudden the vehicle slowly started losing power. A bunch of lights popped up on the dash and it turns out it was the camshaft and the sensor. The camshaft had been rubbing on the sensor for quite some time causing the engine to malfunction.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to maneuver. The steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact veered off the roadway. The contact notified a tow truck company, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack had failed and needed to be ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
The oil is leaking into the engine. My catalytic converter has failed as a result of the oil consumption issue.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
The low beam headlights degraded very quickly and doesn't throw much light. The problem seems to be with the projector headlight housing
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
P285/45R22 tires have defect on bubbles. No damage to tires but bubbles appear. Tires are only 6,000 miles driven.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
P052E system replacement needed at 52880 miles
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
While towing my equinox behind my motorhome, with properly installed equipment, I experience tire screeching when taking off ramps from the highway. From extensive research, I've found that many 2023 Equinox owners are having the same issue and many have started GM case numbers. This issue is happening with many different tow systems installed and the only constant denominator is the 2023 Equinox.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
While towing my equinox behind my motorhome, with properly installed equipment, I experience tire screeching when taking off ramps from the highway. From extensive research, I've found that many 2023 Equinox owners are having the same issue and many have started GM case numbers. This issue is happening with many different tow systems installed and the only constant denominator is the 2023 Equinox.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
My oil pump and check engine light came on, experienced loss of power, and rough riding. I took to ford dealership in dover Delaware and they told me the oil pump failed and I need a new engine.. my car only has 103000 miles on it. I just bought this car 1 year ago and still owe on it. Also they report that I need a new catalytic converter and the flex pipe. My car is available for inspection ho... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
Repeat issue from dealer repair. When sometimes car slams on breaks at 1 mph with nothing behind it. Can happen once or several times during this one time backing up. I pull forward and then back up again no issue. Also get a service parking brake error for no reason and goes away. Rear braking happen clear days sunny day and rainy days randomly
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
Repeat issue from dealer repair. When sometimes car slams on breaks at 1 mph with nothing behind it. Can happen once or several times during this one time backing up. I pull forward and then back up again no issue. Also get a service parking brake error for no reason and goes away. Rear braking happen clear days sunny day and rainy days randomly
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - ENGINE
Sep 22, 2023
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
While driving on a major highway at approximately 65 mph, my car completely shut off. The steering wheel froze, all the lights on the dashboard started blinking and the car's engine completely shut down. The wheel locked as I was able to steer to the median. I got out of the car and another car behind me immediately crashed into my stopped car, totaling it.
Crash
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 22, 2023
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
While driving on a major highway at approximately 65 mph, my car completely shut off. The steering wheel froze, all the lights on the dashboard started blinking and the car's engine completely shut down. The wheel locked as I was able to steer to the median. I got out of the car and another car behind me immediately crashed into my stopped car, totaling it.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Audi Q7. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, the fuel gauge failed to properly indicate that the fuel tank was full. The contact continued refueling the vehicle, and fuel started spilling from the filler neck. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump flange. The vehicle was not repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. Check engine light reading code P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire). Mechanic replaced spark plugs and coils, but car is still throwing same code. This is appears to also be an issue with a recall on other year models of Dodge Grand Caravans. Mechanics unsure what to do as components have already been replaced and engine light comes back on after clearing code repeatedly.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
The automatic door locks are malfunctioning (starting early September 2023). When the vehicle accelerates, the automatic door locks continuously engage, repeatedly, causing audible distractions while driving. This is a safety issue because with three kids in the rear, the doors are not locked while driving. Typically, once you accelerate from park above a certain speed, the door locks automaticall... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that while exiting or entering the vehicle, the doors failed to remain open. The contact stated that the doors closed independently if there was a slight wind or if the vehicle was parked on a slight incline with front of the vehicle pointed toward the incline. The contact stated that the doors had closed on his legs on several occasions w... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2017) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 17, 2023
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Stalling in the middle of highway twice
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
The timing belt are known to go out on the Volkswagen CC even though Volkswagen says they should last the entire life of the engine. Also the camshaft, cam bridge, and spool valve will need replacing when it goes out. The Volkswagen dealer also said that is a common issue.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
ABS and traction control. Is available for inspection. Loss of these functions increases the risk for loss of control. Has been inspected by the dealer. Parts to fix are in high demand and are not available until March of 2024. Warning lamps ABS and the traction control laps are on. First appeared in August 2023.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
Tesla Incident 9/8/2023 My Tesla Y started moving backwards suddenly while I was driving forward after I accidentally flicked the right drive lever, mistaking it rain wipers. I driving on Henry Hudson parkway in NYC. It was back to back traffic on HHP. The Tesla started racing backward despite my foot off the gas, and I barely had time to brake . Luckily, traffic was very slow due to rain and ... Read more
Crash
CADILLAC
ESCALADE EXT
(2008) - POWER TRAIN
Sep 14, 2023
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The transmission would shift into neutral while driving down the road, loosing power to the drive train. This happened multiple times on the interstate at higher speeds in the left lane. Cars following came close to hitting me because of the sudden loss of power and speed. Talking with multiple transmission shops and a dealership they stated it was a common problem in the Nissan Altimas. Broug... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE
(2016) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Sep 12, 2023
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to shift gear as designed. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module (TCM), resulting in damage to the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but refe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The transmission disengaged at highway speed causing no power to be transmitted to the wheels. It rolled to a stop in a traveling lane causing an unsafe condition. There was no warning that this was about to happen. I have found that other vehicles of the same year, make, model, and build date range have been recalled for this same problem but mine failed without warning and was not covered by thi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that after activating the front windshield wipers, the instrument cluster light brightness was reduced, making it very difficult for the driver to read the speedometer, and additional information on the instrument panel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
While piloting the vehicle at speeds between approximately 27 and 37 mile per hour, the steering becomes loose and darty, creating an unstable and potentially unsafe driving experience. The problem was reproduced by a dealer as detailed in the provided repair order. The dealer contacted the manufacturer for technical assistance. There were no warnings or messages. The issue appeared in July 202... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Sep 11, 2023
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while crossing an intersection at 35 MPH, another driver crashed on the driver's side of the vehicle resulting in a T-bone collision. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Both driver-side doors failed to open after the accident and special equipment was used by the authorities to extract the contact from the vehicle. The contact wa... Read more
Crash
2 injured
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - ENGINE
Sep 11, 2023
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
Engine Oil Cooler Line detached from Crip fitting. Vehicle: 2019 Sierra 1500 powered with 6.2L L87. GM has a published policy for a specific 530 vehicles, GM Claims my VIN was not covered hence no recall police "Customer Satisfaction Program N212326940" letter was released for subject VIN. It's clear, this issue exists beyond the scope of 530 vehicles. No know warnings existed prior to ... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Sep 11, 2023
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
Forward Collision Warning ("FCW") shuts down during vehicle operation, FCW Off dash warning light comes on, dash message system indicates FCW system restarting a couple of times, and then messages FCW unable to start, take unit to the dealer for servicing. This happens about every other time vehicle is started. Vehicle taken into local dealer twice, the last being on May 22, 2023, where dealer c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
Back windshield shattered while parked.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
The rear camera intermittently goes black and there is nothing on the screen except an error warning. We have experienced this problem for a couple years however it is becoming more frequent.