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 19, 2022
I HAVE 2015 KIA OPTIMA GREY OR PLATINUM GRAPHITE EXTERIOR COLOR SINCE AUG 2019 I HAD AN TBONE ACCIDENT LAST DEC 26 2021 WHICH IAM NOT AT FAULT FOR NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF COMFORT CARE CLAIM IT WAS DURING COVID PANDEMIC I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF GRIEVIANCE BEING HATE LEFT IN DESPAIR ALSO JOB LOSS WITH NO INCOME UNSTABLE LIVING SITUATION WHICH I WAS LIVING ON MY PERSONAL VEHICLE BEEN GOING THROUGH ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 19, 2022
I HAVE 2015 KIA OPTIMA GREY OR PLATINUM GRAPHITE EXTERIOR COLOR SINCE AUG 2019 I HAD AN TBONE ACCIDENT LAST DEC 26 2021 WHICH IAM NOT AT FAULT FOR NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF COMFORT CARE CLAIM IT WAS DURING COVID PANDEMIC I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF GRIEVIANCE BEING HATE LEFT IN DESPAIR ALSO JOB LOSS WITH NO INCOME UNSTABLE LIVING SITUATION WHICH I WAS LIVING ON MY PERSONAL VEHICLE BEEN GOING THROUGH ... Read more
Crash
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.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2018
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN to... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was mad... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined there was coolant intrusion into the engine, causing engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
We had to replace the brake booster. Doing research online I saw that other Lincoln models in the same manufacturing year. A lot had recalls for the brake booster. Our mechanic suggested that we file a complaint with you because the recall should have covered all the Lincoln’s. Thank you
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
When having to press hard on brakes my vehicle does not stop right away. I have to pump them to get my van to stop. When at a light with vehicle stopped by pressing on break the brake pedal will push back up with force and start moving forward.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
I was driving the car and when applied the breaks noticed that they weren’t working. It was close to be an accident with the car in front of mine, but I was able to maneuver the car. When I stopped noticed that the break fluid container was almost empty and the fluid was leaking under the car. I brought the car to the Mercedes Benz dealership and they said that it was “normal corrosion” tha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
[XXX] I WAS GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AND THE STABILITRAK, TRACTION CONTROL, CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ALL CAME ON. ENGINE REDUCED POWER LIGHT CAME ON I LOST ALL POWER OF THE VEHICLE, I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND FORCED OFF OF THE ROAD BECAUSE MY ENGINE DIED. I WENT FROM DOING 70 MPH DOWN TO 10 MPH AND CAME VERY CLOSE TO GETTING REAR ENDED. This would have caused a chain reaction rear end crash with mult... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
You Need to Reopen the Case. Due to the FACT that GM or who made the Cobalt's, Failed to tell you that THEY PUT HEAT COIL TAPE AROUND THE GAS LINES RIGHT WHERE IT RUSTED AND GAS LEAKS. WHEN THERE COIL TAPE GETS WET WITH SALT WATER FROM THE SNOW, ITS THERE HEAT COIL WRAP THAT TRAPS AND KEEPS THE SALT WATER IN SIDE THE COIL WRAP THATS TRAPED TO THE GAS LINE.I CAN PROVE IT.I HAVE THE HEAT COIL WRAP F... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
On Sept.3, 2023 I went to my car and opened the driver's door, there was a creaking sound I never heard before, I thought someone had hit it in the parking lot but there was zero damage to the outside of the door. As I opened and closed it a few times, the sound got worse and after a few times, it hardly closed. When I went to shut it, I had to almost force it to close. This is a problem, and it c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
I am having a serious issue with my car that mechanics are unable to figure out. On multiple occasions, while driving at low speed in preparation for making a turn, my car has completely shut off, making it impossible for me to steer, brake or accelerate. I lost all control of my vehicle. I noticed the ‘check engine’ and ‘battery’ lights illuminated each time, but this information, alon... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2023
I am having a serious issue with my car that mechanics are unable to figure out. On multiple occasions, while driving at low speed in preparation for making a turn, my car has completely shut off, making it impossible for me to steer, brake or accelerate. I lost all control of my vehicle. I noticed the ‘check engine’ and ‘battery’ lights illuminated each time, but this information, alon... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2017) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 2, 2023
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
While driving on the interstate, the passenger side front door glass shattered unexpectedly causing an eye injury. There was no noise of a rock hitting the glass or anything. Previous to the incident, the glass had no cracks or chips in it.
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side window would not roll down and while exiting the front driver's side door the door would immediately close back. The contact indicated that the door had erroneously sprung back causing a contusion to the left leg upon contact. The same failure had occurred causing a contusion to the left arm of the son. No medica... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
Most of the welds on the driver door bracket that holds the door latch mechanism have failed.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
Lug nut has a two piece design a nut with a chrome cover that swells making it impossible to remove the lugs with the tool provided by the manufacturer. The safety issue is it leaves people stranded without any tool to replace a tire in the event of a flat.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2020
Engine coolant leak 3 months after 5-year warranty expired. 53,000 miles on the car. Apparently this is a known issue with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Ford has issues a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 22-2229 ) on this know manufacturing defect, but customer who is out of warranty is still with $7000-8,000 repair bill.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
This car was previously recalled for issues with the clutch. After “repairing” the clutch the issue has returned. Dealer refuses to pay for repairs as the repair warranty has “expired”
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - ENGINE
Aug 28, 2023
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
The jeep will suddenly lose power while driving at highway speed and will lose all speed without any check engine lights or system notifications noted . The vehicle will not maintain speed and will suddenly accelerate after a minute of losing powe . This happens multiple times .The vehicle has been at the dealership and they are unsure of what the problem is .
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a ratting sound coming from under the hood. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic converter... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
I was coming to a stop due to a train passing by. As I got closer to the other vehicles that were waiting for the train, I let go of the acceleration and then the vehicle on its own launched forward rear ending the car in front of me.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Truck is a diesel. Fuel pump blew up and died in the middle of the street. Now I'm being told the Fuel system needs completely re done and will cost me 10g. I also found a lawsuit for this issue as well.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
My A/C didn't work, then I noticed that none of the interior lights worked either when I took it to the repair shop. After many tests, they sent my car to a KIA dealership where they diagnosed the problem as the main wiring assembly needed to be replaced.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
After starting vehicle and putting it into drive, I received a Parking Brake Malfunction error message. The electronic parking brake was engaged and it could not be release allowing the vehicle to move. I attempted to reset the electronic parking brake following the dealerships recommendations. 1) remove and replace the fuses for the parking system (3 fuses) and 2) disconnecting the battery for ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
I have under 13,000 miles on my car. When i had barely 11k miles, my whole computer system and power steering system shut down 8 hours from my home while on a road trip with my three children and our dog. It left me in the middle of busy traffic and easily a target for oncoming traffic and was very dangerous. The steering g could barely be turned at all. We had this fixed and it’s happened ag... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
I have under 13,000 miles on my car. When i had barely 11k miles, my whole computer system and power steering system shut down 8 hours from my home while on a road trip with my three children and our dog. It left me in the middle of busy traffic and easily a target for oncoming traffic and was very dangerous. The steering g could barely be turned at all. We had this fixed and it’s happened ag... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
UNKNOWN I was backing out of a parking space using the back up camera when I bumped a vehicle behind me. Also, when driving on the highway, the cruise control doesn't always respond properly I just want to know if my car has the latest safety updates available for insurance purposes
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
As I was driving down the highway in the rain, my check engine light came on and I was unable to accelerate my vehicle over 30mph and the speedometer stopped working. I was turning onto the road I live on, so I was able to make it home. I then shut my car off and turned it back on about 5 minutes later, and that issue was no longer happening. I had an upcoming appointment for an oil change at a Ki... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while making a right turn into the driveway, the power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NH... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The DARCARS Toyota dealership in Rckville, MD has refused to repair an outstanding safety recall issue for my 2003 Toyota PreRunner truck. I had received a recall notice from Toyota for my 2003 Toyota PreRunner. On July 21, 2023, I arrived for my 7:30 a.m. appt at DARCARS to get the spare tire lift carrier repaired. Although it was still within the eligible recall period, a very annoyed service ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
From the Last 1 months, I can see sometimes when I accelerate my car it's not accelerating properly but the RPM is increasing, and sometimes after I stop in traffic when I accelerate my car it's not accelerating immediately and when I press the gas paddle hard suddenly it accelerates. It's a safety concern for me.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
From the Last 1 months, I can see sometimes when I accelerate my car it's not accelerating properly but the RPM is increasing, and sometimes after I stop in traffic when I accelerate my car it's not accelerating immediately and when I press the gas paddle hard suddenly it accelerates. It's a safety concern for me.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
From the Last 1 months, I can see sometimes when I accelerate my car it's not accelerating properly but the RPM is increasing, and sometimes after I stop in traffic when I accelerate my car it's not accelerating immediately and when I press the gas paddle hard suddenly it accelerates. It's a safety concern for me.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The contact's finance owns a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that the brake pedal would hardened when depressed without warning. While driving at 15 MPH, the contact crashed into another vehicle due to the hardened brake pedal. The driver side air bag failed to deploy as needed; the air bag slightly popped out of place but did not deploy. A police report was filed; no injuries were repor... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power, and went into LIMP Mode. The windshield wipers also disengaged. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2016
The expedition started skipping gears and shifting hard, the shop had it for several weeks trying to determine issue. Their conclusion was the transmission so they just rebuilt it. That was in 2022. We returned it to the shop for the same issues only worse in July 2023 where it is still at now. They’ve said the technician has looked at it and knows it’s a transmission problem but has several w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The vehicle's A/C system was not working as intended, noticing air is blowing very weak. The vehicle was took to tesla service center and was told that rodents had gotten into the vehicle (not sure how) and chewed wire systems and air filters. Tesla reports the damages affected a/c systems and electrical control for the vehicle including auto pilot assistant. Cost of repair was $2020.17, not co... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The vehicle's A/C system was not working as intended, noticing air is blowing very weak. The vehicle was took to tesla service center and was told that rodents had gotten into the vehicle (not sure how) and chewed wire systems and air filters. Tesla reports the damages affected a/c systems and electrical control for the vehicle including auto pilot assistant. Cost of repair was $2020.17, not co... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
MY 2017 HONDA RIDGELINE's backup camera is not working. Screen its totally BLACK. I can not see to the rear in the camera.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
MY 2017 HONDA RIDGELINE's backup camera is not working. Screen its totally BLACK. I can not see to the rear in the camera.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
Vehicle is at 106,000 miles. Coming to a stoplight the vehicle completely shut down. Upon inspection seeing the drive belt was missing. Vehicle will not turn over, battery is fully charged no other issues. Check engine light is now flashing AFTER it shut down NOT before like NHTSA recommends..
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while his sister was driving the vehicle, while at a stop light, the engine continued to rev with the RPMs increasing. The brake pedal was being pressed during the failure. The vehicle then experienced unintended acceleration and drove into the intersection. The contact stated that the failure had occurred later the same day for a secon... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Tire pressure monitoring system is not working although the air pressure is kept as requested. The light is always ON which makes identification of loss of air pressure difficult to dictate, and can cause loss of vehicle control and serious damage in highways.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Tire pressure monitoring system is not working although the air pressure is kept as requested. The light is always ON which makes identification of loss of air pressure difficult to dictate, and can cause loss of vehicle control and serious damage in highways.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
AEB/ABS braking system lights came on. I've had prior electrical problems with this car so I assumed it was an electrical malfunction. When I took it to the Nissan dealership they told me there was a brake fluid leak in the ABS actuator. The warning lights started Friday August 4th 2023. I took it in to get diagnosed Thursday August 10th 2023. I bought my 2021 Rogue in Jan. 2023 from Carvana with ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
The steering wheel has a loud clicking sound when I drive on the highway as well as when I turn the wheel left or right. It is so loud that I have to turn my radio volume high to somewhat drown it out. The flex coupler is the issue. Apparently this was a recall in the past. Since mine just started acting up, I just found out there was even a recall on this part. Tried to get Kia to replace the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
Oil drain plug fell out while driving down the highway and oil drained from engine causing internal engine damage. Low oil light came on and engine stalled within seconds. No warnings or lights were on before this happened. Stuck on the side of road for an hour with my family. Had it towed to Hyundai. Tech said drain plug was laying in the skid plate. No oil left in engine. They replaced filter an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
I was driving around 10mph when I noticed that the transmission would not shift at all. The RPM would only increase but the car does not accelerate. Kia dealership confirmed that the transmission is dead.