Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 21,107 complaints for CADILLAC
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) — SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 26, 2026
Incident date: May 8, 2024
On 5/8/2024, at approximately 18,969 miles, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of engine power while driving on the highway in the rain with my family inside. The engine died, the vehicle lost all propulsion creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. Dealer diagnosis revealed a catastrophic crankshaft main bearing failure, requiring a full engine replacement. Since the engine rep... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
The rearview backup camera system malfunctioned. The camera was replaced under a safety recall on my 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. Within four days of the recall repair, the camera continued to fail intermittently, displaying a blank/black screen and not providing a rearview image when the vehicle was placed in reverse. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I also have video documentation... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
At approximately 29,000 miles, my 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 experienced a transmission failure. The transmission began slipping, shifting improperly, and operating unpredictably during normal driving conditions. This occurred without warning and well below the expected lifespan of a transmission, indicating a serious defect rather than normal wear or maintenance-related issues. The vehicle became unre... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
1. The engine starter motor (specifically the pinion starter) has failed, and the auxiliary battery is also showing reduced capacity (only a portion of its 660 cold cranking amps). The vehicle is currently at a service center where the technician has diagnosed these issues. The components should be available for inspection upon request, as they have not yet been replaced. 2. The failure of t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
Faulty thermostat. Check engine light comes on due to thermostat getting stuck open and needing to be replaced. This is terrible for the engine and the environment.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
While making a left turn at approximately 10 mph in light snow conditions, braking became severely impaired with pedal pressure present but vehicle failing to decelerate, and steering became significantly resistant and insufficient to redirect the vehicle away from the obstacle. Vehicle continued toward a tree despite brake pedal input and steering input away from the tree. Slippery road warning l... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
The AC compressor failed in traffic causing the engine to lock up and not restart.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front headlights were extremely dim. The contact stated that the dim headlights made the vehicle unsafe at night because of inadequate illumination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
I purchased this used car in the end of July 2025. Within the last month the service transmission light came on. Within a 24-hour period, the message changed to, "service transmission unable to shift Soon". Also alarm bells go off when I first start the car and sometimes during driving. The car feels like it drives correctly and smoothly with no shifting issues. Sometimes when that second message ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
Lug studs keep breaking i have had honda and other dealers change the studs over 8 times new studs new lugs and 60-90 days one-two are broken again
Crash
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
Window switch failed and I was unable to roll down the window. Dealer confirmed and performed repairs. Problem occurred on a dry day with no previous issues and the dealer stated it was manufacturing defect with the switch.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Feb 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Acura MDX. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 82,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 167,000.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2019) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
My vehicles passenger seat is laid back and the button to bring seat back up is not functioning. The passenger side window will not roll up or down, the sensor on the side view mirror is not working. The automatic power running board is not working on passenger side. The tire monitor is not working.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2019) — SEATS
Feb 23, 2026
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
My vehicles passenger seat is laid back and the button to bring seat back up is not functioning. The passenger side window will not roll up or down, the sensor on the side view mirror is not working. The automatic power running board is not working on passenger side. The tire monitor is not working.
Incident date: May 31, 2025
The airbag was stolen from my 2025 Honda Accord SE without breaking the window. The door lock was broken easily and the airbag removed quickly. This is a serious safety and security concern. A person can steal a critical safety component without major damage. I am financially stressed because the vehicle is financed and I depend on it for work. I am concerned about the vehicle’s design security ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
My 2025 Honda Odyssey features a standard Auto Idle Stop system designed to improve fuel efficiency by shutting off the engine when braking to a stop. While intended to restart upon releasing the brake, my 2025 models have reported issues with failing to restart or stalling.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Check engine light appeared and fans kicked on loudly. Stayed on even after shutting the vehicle off. Vehicle is a 2024 with only 28,639 miles on it. Upper radiator hose was leaking and would not seal. Took to dealership for repair and replacement. Was informed it was the 3rd Chevy Colorado this week with this issue! Was stunned. Further internet research found a staggering number of forum posts w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
When I start the car and place it into reverse (from its parking spot) and let it idle backwards about 12-18 ft, it abruptly comes to a halt and makes a hard thump noise. If I then shift it into drive and allow it to idle forward, it will barely idle upto about 6-8 feet. I am hearing a plethora of different things and have not been able to drive it since October, 2025. I need help, please.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
When I start the car and place it into reverse (from its parking spot) and let it idle backwards about 12-18 ft, it abruptly comes to a halt and makes a hard thump noise. If I then shift it into drive and allow it to idle forward, it will barely idle upto about 6-8 feet. I am hearing a plethora of different things and have not been able to drive it since October, 2025. I need help, please.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) — SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 21, 2026
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
My 2025 Toyota 4Runners brakes have a very high pitched squeal. This is most noticeable when backing up but sometimes when applying the brakes going forward, especially in wet conditions. I feel the brakes may fail at some point causing an accident. Twice I’ve had other vehicles slam their brakes on or attempt evasive action thinking I was going to hit them because the noise was so loud they hea... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2022) — VISIBILITY/WIPER
Feb 20, 2026
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
I periodically receive warnings for adaptive light malfunctions, headlight assistant malfunctions, active lane assist malfunctions, traffic sign recognition malfunctions, adaptive cruise assist malfunctions, and high beam assist malfunctions. The Audi dealer confirmed these issues and stated a solution is being worked on but currently not available since it appears to be a software issue. These ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The engine is burning oil despite all maintenance being up to date and having fewer than 80k miles. Kia of Duluth Service Center checked the oil and said levels were good on 12/31/25. Fewer than 30 miles were driven and it was brought back to the dealership service center on 1/2/26 and diagnosed with total engine loss due to oil starvation. The extended warranty company (JM&A) are denying coverage... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
ON FEBRUARY 16, 2026, AROUND 4:30 P.M. WE WERE DRIVING OUR NEW CADILLAC ESCALADE SPORT V-SERIES WITH ONLY 900 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AT AROUND 50 MILES PER HOUR ON HIGHWAY T IN FRANKLIN COUNTY TO OUR HOME FROM THE DOG GROOMER WITH OUR 2 LARGE BREED NEWFOUNDLAND DOGS WHO WEIGH 130 POUNDS EACH NAMED [XXX] AND SQUIGGY WHO WERE LAYING DOWN IN THE REAR CARGO AREA WITH THE 3RD ROW SEAT FOLDED DOWN WHEN ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
This submission is an additional report related to NHTSA complaint #11714381. At approximately 55,000 miles, my 2021 Chevrolet Blazer experienced a sudden throttle body failure while driving. The vehicle entered reduced engine power/limp mode without warning and acceleration was significantly limited. This created a safety concern while driving in traffic, particularly when merging and crossing i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
One of the original OEM tires (Pirelli Scorpion MS KS NCS XL - 245/45R21) had the acoustic dampening foam on the inside of the tire fall apart. Dealership indicated that there was 'no impact damage or modifications found with the tire during inspection; meaning this was likely a manufacturing defect due to adhesion issue. Despite the problem and the fact that this tire has less than 12K miles on... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
Engine needs to be replaced or rebuilt Also the fuel pump power control nodule failed
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
This complaint is about other cars affecting me while I’m driving at night. Around 50% of oncoming traffic is using dangerously bright headlights. It is so bright that it’s physically painful to my eyes and leaves a blind spot in my field of vision that lasts for several minutes after each encounter. The head lights are so bright that when highbeams are switched off manually, there is barely a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
Traveling on interstate preparing to exit on ramp. Press start button displayed, car immediately sounded like it geared down hard and then lost power, unable to control well, all I could do to come to a safe stop, while praying that the car behind me didn’t hit me. The car basically locked up while preparing to exit the interstate. So scary, terrifying and dangerous.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the driver seat lumbar support mechanism found in multiple vehicle models across the industry. The lumbar support feature applies excessive, uneven, or unstable pressure to the driver’s lower back during normal driving conditions. This occurs even when the feature is set to its lowest or neutral position. The defect presents in the following way... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2004 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the power steering and power brakes were inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall related to the failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was ... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2021) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 18, 2026
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
This has happened twice. They “fixed” it and returned it to me and it did it again. I was about to pull out into traffic, once on the interstate and another time on a 2 lane highway… right as I hit the gas to pull out the car lurches forward and dies. Comes to a complete stop. It won’t crank back up, it won’t go into neutral or drive or reverse. The electoral system goes crazy and all... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) — ENGINE
Feb 18, 2026
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
This car overheated and a head gasket blew. I am on a Facebook forum, and it seems like all of these cars have these problems. The Chevy Sonic ltz turbo 1.4 2016 is known for coolant issues and head gasket failures. My car only had 104,000 miles on it. It should last a lot longer than that, but this is a common issue. For some reason there was a recall but they stopped fixing cars with 1.4 engines... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The radio system failed two years ago Many drivers with the same car have similar problem.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
On 3 different times while towing the trailer I was getting beeped at and flashed by other trucks cars etc. I learned that for hours I did not have rear brake lights or turn signals, I had to trouble shoot all the trailer wires and found broken connectors that fed the signal, brakes and running lights. first time the right side rear of the trailer lost all lighting, 2nd time the rear left signal a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
I was traveling on the freeway at approximately 70 mph, at about 5:15 pm. I was not using cruise control. There was no one in front of me for maybe a quarter mile. Suddenly and without warning, the car slammed on the brakes. A yellow alert came up on the dash telling me the Forward Collision system had been activated. The red warning lights at the front of the dashboard (the heads-up display) als... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
I was traveling on the freeway at approximately 70 mph, at about 5:15 pm. I was not using cruise control. There was no one in front of me for maybe a quarter mile. Suddenly and without warning, the car slammed on the brakes. A yellow alert came up on the dash telling me the Forward Collision system had been activated. The red warning lights at the front of the dashboard (the heads-up display) als... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
The camera failed on the car rendering all the safety features inoperable. The camera cost almost $2000 making it an expensive repair.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
Catastrophic engine failure within 700 miles Requires full engine replacement Problems began around 150 miles on odometer Message: Reduced accelerated speed Check engine light Service transmission system Service variable valve timing system
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
Catastrophic engine failure within 700 miles Requires full engine replacement Problems began around 150 miles on odometer Message: Reduced accelerated speed Check engine light Service transmission system Service variable valve timing system
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Cadillac XT5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 - 15 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. There was an abnormal vibrating sound coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not re... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon XL. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly went into LIMP Mode, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission valve body had failed and needed to be replaced.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Escalade. While driving 55 MPH on the highway, the vehicle experienced sudden and catastrophic engine failure. The contact was able to pull over safely onto the service road. The oil pressure and temperature messages were displayed at the time of the failure. Upon research, the failure was linked to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
My 2023 Yukon AT4 was taken to certified GMC dealer in November 2025 for the engine recall. The dealership gave my vehicle a clean bill of health at that time and the recall repair was cleared. On Friday, 2/13/26, myself and 5 other family members were en route to my godfather's veteran funeral service in Newtown, PA. We were going 75mph in the middle lane of the PA Turnpike when the motor seized ... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2022) — SEATS
Feb 13, 2026
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V668000 (SEATS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2026) — ENGINE
Feb 13, 2026
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
The oil pressure switch on my 2019 KIA Sorento comes on when coming to a stop. This has occurred even after an oil change and checking the oil the dip stick showed full. I understand that Kia had a recall on these sensors for Kia Sorentos up to year models 2018 but evidently the problem with this sensor has not been resolved and presents a major possibility of fire occurring due to oil leakage. I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) and High Voltage Fuse failed twice within 100 miles, causing a total loss of motive power while driving. The first failure occurred on Jan 24, 2026 (13,954 miles), and the second on Feb 2, 2026 (approx. 14,000 miles), immediately after the first repair attempt. In both instances, the 12V charging system failed, severing connection to the high-voltage bat... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
While driving on a very busy highway going downhill when suddenly the vehicle started feeling abnormal like it was going to turn off automatically, heard an abnormal grinding noise coming from the engine the vehicle dropped speed drastically and the check engine light turned on , luckily we were on a part of the road where I merged quickly to the side of the road followed by a sudden engine shut ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
While driving on a very busy highway going downhill when suddenly the vehicle started feeling abnormal like it was going to turn off automatically, heard an abnormal grinding noise coming from the engine the vehicle dropped speed drastically and the check engine light turned on , luckily we were on a part of the road where I merged quickly to the side of the road followed by a sudden engine shut ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
While driving on a very busy highway going downhill when suddenly the vehicle started feeling abnormal like it was going to turn off automatically, heard an abnormal grinding noise coming from the engine the vehicle dropped speed drastically and the check engine light turned on , luckily we were on a part of the road where I merged quickly to the side of the road followed by a sudden engine shut ... Read more