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: May 16, 2022
I was on a self driving mode enabled but it’s been raining for a while and I believe it showed the poor weather condition so FSD is not enabled but autopilot was engaged (but not 100% sure about which mode it was) It was around 2am in the morning and was on 580 southbound from Dublin to SFO. I was on the second to the left lane. It suddenly tried to go diagonally to the first lane. (Not like no... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
In July of 2021 the Toyota dealership replaced the inverter on my 2012 Prius V. At the time, it also was exhibiting signs of the brake booster and pump failure as outlined in CSP 20TE07 (see https://www.toyoheadquarters.com/threads/2012-2014-toyota-prius-v-2015-toyota-prius-v-coverage-for-brake-booster-and-brake-booster-pump-assemblies-csp-20te07.2116/). It was inside the extended warranty period... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
The speaker volume will turn up to max constantly while driving randomly without user touching the screen. The display screen will constantly flash random map and zooming in and out of random places. The screen also flash the auto control constantly. It like a ghost in the screen.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Rear window exploded while parked
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Its a defective torque converter
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
This week was the SECOND time our van lost both low beam headlights at the same time while driving at night. Both times the dealership wanted over $500 to replace them. Our drive train will catch while driving. We took our van in for this problem and were told by the dealership that "its just the way the transmission is made" When we bought the vehicle it was two years old and had rust spots on... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
This week was the SECOND time our van lost both low beam headlights at the same time while driving at night. Both times the dealership wanted over $500 to replace them. Our drive train will catch while driving. We took our van in for this problem and were told by the dealership that "its just the way the transmission is made" When we bought the vehicle it was two years old and had rust spots on... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2022) - BACK OVER PREVENTION
Aug 3, 2023
Incident date: May 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera was not operable and displayed a blue image. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an internal electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired as the parts were back ordered. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assi... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 3, 2023
Incident date: May 27, 2023
The front windshield just started a crack on the drivers side near the wiper blade. No rock or chips and I hear the glass crack while driving. I hear this is a problem with the factory glass from Toyota on the RAV4.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2022) - STEERING
Aug 3, 2023
Incident date: May 27, 2023
MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING has failed. We hear a clunking sound whenever we turn the steering wheel. The wheel heavily vibrates while driving when hitting a slight bump, pothole, or when turning. Worried that this will affect the steering and won't be able to control the vehicle now that the coupling has failed. Dealership and a separate car repair place has confirmed and reproduced the issue. No warn... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
This vehicle is programmed to shut off, if the driver leaves the vehicle with the key fob, after 15 minutes. This is very dangerous. I left my pet in the car, in the Florida sun, with the air conditioner running, while I stepped into a store briefly. When I got back to the car, I was surprised to discover my car had shut off. My pet was in a black SUV, in the Florida sun, without air. I resea... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Like the 2011,2012 rams, the front support strap for the gas tank failed. (The tank is being held on by a ratchet strap) Going to call a dealer for repair but heard the recall was extended to 2018:
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Chevrolet declared a recall on the battery in 2020/2021 and reset the caR BATTERY so that it will no longer take a full charge. The original charge was 240 miles. Now the full charge varies from about 190 to 220 miles.It has been almost 3 years, no new battery. With restricted mileage and summer air conditioning needs, the car has reduced value. It seems about time to get the new battery.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2019
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the engine had been replaced six times since ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
I was in a motor vehicle accident this morning and it was an impactful accident yet my air bags failed to go off which was a surprise to me and the police officers given the force of the accident. The police officers even commented on it several times since it’s a new car and recommended I address it. The other drivers air bags went off and she got hit from the side whereas I collided with the c... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jaguar I-Pace. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer because the vehicle failed to charge as needed. The contact then received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V369000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the recall was completed; however, the contact stated that while charging the vehicle, the garage and the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Brand new car purchased on July 12, 2023, with 84 miles. In 19 days the car has been in service for 3 days to date, left stranded with all the listed issues. 1.Navigation screen randomly goes blank/black while driving 2.Audio Bluetooth connection randomly not allowing me to hear or be heard by caller 3.Rear AC system is not blowing air, even when front AC is set to lowest setting 4.Cell wireles... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
My 2017 Kia Forte was stalling during driving with no warning. Engine light would come on periodically and then go off again. It stalled numerous times on busy roads and at busy intersections. I'm blessed I was never rear ended. It finally died after parking it one day and wouldn't start again. It is at the Kia dealership where they tell me... for lack of mechanical terms, it has jumped time and t... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2023
Windshield spontaneously cracked at top. I came outside in the morning after a temperature fluctuation and there was a crack at the top with one piece of the glass sitting lower… it has since grown. I have been forced to drive with the crack as Subaru will do anything to not honor a warranty, ever. The eyesight I am learning is necessary for the vehicle to avoid front end collisions and to pro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
While on my way to an appointment it was raining and I noticed my car wasn't handling the water on the road like it usually did. It was pulling to one side or jumping around when it hit shallow water. I turned the traction control off and then back on and that seemed to make a difference. That night I got on NHTSA and searched for recalls with my VIN number. While other 2018 Durango's had recalls ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
While on my way to an appointment it was raining and I noticed my car wasn't handling the water on the road like it usually did. It was pulling to one side or jumping around when it hit shallow water. I turned the traction control off and then back on and that seemed to make a difference. That night I got on NHTSA and searched for recalls with my VIN number. While other 2018 Durango's had recalls ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
Passenger front door is inoperative from the exterior. It can only be opened from the inside, which is a safety issue if someone is being followed and needs to quickly enter the vehicle. It is the same issue as NHTSA ID Number: 11286381 that was reported 2.5 years ago, but this is now happening to me and there are several reports of this on Hyundai forums.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
Service safety restraint message displays. Sunroof, all parts will not function when attempted. Nothing happens. Airbag light indicates "off" Safety is critical in a vehicle and must be reliable and function properly. Vehicle servicer has confirmed the safety restraint issue, but sun roof issue is pending servicers confirmation.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
Service safety restraint message displays. Sunroof, all parts will not function when attempted. Nothing happens. Airbag light indicates "off" Safety is critical in a vehicle and must be reliable and function properly. Vehicle servicer has confirmed the safety restraint issue, but sun roof issue is pending servicers confirmation.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
(Please check the attached full complaint letter) I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter regarding my experience with the American Honda Motor Company. As a loyal consumer and a law-abiding citizen, I believe it is crucial to address issues that impact consumers and the general public. Since 2013, I have been trying to resolve a critical is... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
(Please check the attached full complaint letter) I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter regarding my experience with the American Honda Motor Company. As a loyal consumer and a law-abiding citizen, I believe it is crucial to address issues that impact consumers and the general public. Since 2013, I have been trying to resolve a critical is... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
I have a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid that has approximately 90k miles. The car started randomly shutting off while driving. No combustion engine, no electric motor propelling the car. Suddenly shutting off while driving is incredibly unsafe. I took it to a Ford dealer and after much communication with Ford HQ, it was determined that the transmission control module was bad. This component is burie... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
I have a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid that has approximately 90k miles. The car started randomly shutting off while driving. No combustion engine, no electric motor propelling the car. Suddenly shutting off while driving is incredibly unsafe. I took it to a Ford dealer and after much communication with Ford HQ, it was determined that the transmission control module was bad. This component is burie... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
ABS module and pump failed at 65k miles. Lost braking performance and stability control. Confirmed by ram dealership. Parts are on nationwide back order.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while his sister was driving 55 MPH at night, the headlights became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact who is an independent mechanic, stated that he diagnosed that the Light Control Module (LCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
While I was driving check engine light, service wrench light came on also. The vehicle began to idle surge at stop light and when parked. Throttle response was reduced to minimal operation .Ran the codes code came up P2119 throttle body fault. Once vehicle cools down the light may shut off but does come back on while driving.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
My car was parked for 2hrs 30 min. And I came to my car to it being burnt from under the passenger seat. Door panel is damaged and window is shattered and burnt. Roof is burnt.I think it was due to the electrical wiring from under the passenger seat.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
This has occurred four (4) times already, when driving around 70mph, the truck starts to shake violently making it very difficult to control the steering and avoid other vehicles driving alongside the road. There are no warning lights or any other symptoms of the problem.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
This has occurred four (4) times already, when driving around 70mph, the truck starts to shake violently making it very difficult to control the steering and avoid other vehicles driving alongside the road. There are no warning lights or any other symptoms of the problem.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
The sunroof track assembly broke when the sunroof was opened. Causing the sunroof to be stuck in the open position
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while seated in the parked vehicle in the garage with the vehicle turned off, the contact watched as the passenger’s side windshield cracked without impact. The contact stated that the crack extended approximately two feet. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistan... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2021
Engine is froze ! Car is disabled!
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The power steering light came on and we lost our power steering afterwards.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
This is a Legitimately Serious Concern regarding GM Vehicles (including Chevrolet) and Dealer Service Compliance with "Safety Warnings" and Reliability Warnings as in Factory Service Manuals. Specifically "Single Use Fasteners" and "Do Not Use Air-Impact on Brake System Fasteners" and "TTY Fastener Dual Pass Torque-to-Yield Specifications" . . . 1.) Widespread Non Compliance with Single Use ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
This is a Legitimately Serious Concern regarding GM Vehicles (including Chevrolet) and Dealer Service Compliance with "Safety Warnings" and Reliability Warnings as in Factory Service Manuals. Specifically "Single Use Fasteners" and "Do Not Use Air-Impact on Brake System Fasteners" and "TTY Fastener Dual Pass Torque-to-Yield Specifications" . . . 1.) Widespread Non Compliance with Single Use ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when he closed the front driver's side door, the outside door handle fractured and detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the fractured door handle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
EPS (Power Steering Rack and Pinion) Driving on the interstate when my whole EPS (Power Steering System) failed at 75MPH. Never had had prior issues, No warning lights until after the system failed
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle downshifted, and the powertrain malfunction warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several minutes later the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the transmission control module was reprogramed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the deal... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The motor sputtered and died. Is there an engine recall on this vehicle?
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jul 11, 2023
Incident date: May 24, 2023
Solo prendieron la luz
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 11, 2023
Incident date: May 24, 2023
There is a design defect in the Tesla Model 3 which causes moisture to accumulate in the air filters. The filters then sit wet and develop mold and mildew. The first replacement was needed within the first 2 months of vehicle ownership. When the heat / air is turned into the on position, this fowl air is distributed to passengers in an enclosed environment and it becomes a health hazard, especi... Read more