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 948 complaints for CAN-AM
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
Hi - My driver's side door keeps unlocking and registering as if I am opening it as I am driving. I've attempted to have this fixed (stopped unlocking for about a year) but it has started back up within the last month. It's now come to my attention that upon searching for safety recalls on my car, that there was a recall back in 2012 (12V338000) on my car for what sounds exactly like the issue I'v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel locked up. The instrument panel also turned off inadvertently. The vehicle became unresponsive, causing the contact to drive off road. The contact was able to get the vehicle started after removing and replacing. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; ho... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the panoramic sunroof fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2023
My emergency brake is automatically engaging randomly. I was at a red light and it engaged and my vehicle would not move while in Drive. I had to shift to park and back to drive in the middle of traffic.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
I was maneuvering the car in my driveway and it seemed to accelerate suddenly. I drove off my driveway and impacted bushes and a low stone wall. I do not think I pushed the accelerator.
Crash
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
The auto stop start feature is causing the car to stall out and shut off during a complete stop. The car check engine, light and auto start lights turn on. Then the car starts shaking and vibrating. It’s very unsafe to drive vehicle!
Incident date: May 31, 2023
FUEL SPLASH BACK WHEN FILLING AND MULTIPLE EVAP CODES. IT IS THE FUEL CAP AND DRIVER NEEDS TO PUSH DOWN ON CAP TO SEAT IT, BUT IT CLICKS FOR BEING TIGHT BEFORE IT IS SEATED. IT WILL GIVE A FUEL SMELL ON THE BUS WHEN IT RUNS THE EVAP TEST THEN THE KIDS REPORT IT TO THE DRIVER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. WE HAVE MULTIPLE OTHERS THAT WILL SPLASH BACK FUEL WHEN FILLING. THESE ARE ALL GAS POWE... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
ABS/Trac lights ding constantly with the dash displaying "service electronic stability" or something along those lines. ABS system becomes inoperable as well as kicking your cruise control off. Very unsafe and parts are not available for repair as well as Ram not taking recall action up to this point.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
Drivers seat constantly sinks down as you are driving. It will not stay in place. It has a manual seat up and down lever. I have been having this problem every since purchased. I have look for solutions but found none. I am not the only one with this problem as I found out online. It is a seat manufacturer problem!
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The Front bumper came loose on the interstate, creating a loud noise as it slid under the tires. Once safely pulled over on the side of the road the car appeared to have spontaneously dropped the front bumper, we did not encounter any debris in the road, the weather is good and clear, there was no prior damage to the vehicle. The clips that hold the bumper in place seemed to be broken.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The display screen just starts adjusting the navigation volume on it’s on while I’m driving. Or it will change the radio station, change to the Bluetooth on my phone or change to a different screen all by itself.This started not long after purchasing the vehicle. August 2021.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2022
This is [XXX] . On September 14, 2023 had a very big crash with our 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My husband and Granddaughter were in the crash. Everyone is okay but the Jeep is totaled. At 7:00am, the Jeep accelerated out of control, my husband was trying applying the breaks, but the accelerator over powered the brake system. The car reached speeds of between 74-83 mph based on the Life 360 app ou... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
Windshield noise above 35mph. Seals are rotting. Couldn't upload photos.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
While going approximately 55 mph, the speedometer dropped out to zero. After a moment, the transmission dropped into first gear (it felt like) and the rear tires made loud screeching noises as if they locked up for about one second. The speedometer remained at zero and the whole thing happened again in a few seconds. I was barely able to maintain directional control and if this condition would ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
While going approximately 55 mph, the speedometer dropped out to zero. After a moment, the transmission dropped into first gear (it felt like) and the rear tires made loud screeching noises as if they locked up for about one second. The speedometer remained at zero and the whole thing happened again in a few seconds. I was barely able to maintain directional control and if this condition would ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Electrical problems from the start when purchaed November 2016. Ghost electrical problems, affecting radio, gas guage, lights, and traction, Also tail lights leaked water in.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
ABS and HCU modules are not operating properly. Resulting in no abs and no cruise control.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
ABS and HCU modules are not operating properly. Resulting in no abs and no cruise control.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
April 2022 My 2020 one, Honda Santa Fe started rolling backwards in rolling to a flagpole as I was walking away from the car. I tried to to catch up with the car. It had my family inside screaming. But I was unable to stop it from slimming into the fireplace. I let Hyundaiusa know. They recommended that I take the car to the dealer. They promised to reimburse me for rental car after the diagnosti... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The airbag (driver's side) was replaced in 2019 per a recall at a dealership in Columbia, MO. My wife and I have since moved to [XXX] . We took the car to a local mechanic (closer to our house) for basic work, such as an oil change/tire rotation. During the vehicle inspect, they said the airbag failed test (image attached). We got the work done (cost about $1,000). The dealership was not plea... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact noticed that the tachometer was elevated to 4,200 RPM. The contact had not depressed the accelerator; the contact removed her foot from the accelerator pedal and heard an abnormal sound like air rushing into the vehicle coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the instru... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
The low beam lighting has been dimmed even replacing with new light bulb doesn’t fix it it’s hard to drive at night
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
Car hesitation to accelerate and jerks when driving from a start . Took it to the dealer and they couldn’t get a code from issues. The issue happens sporadically but will be taking car back again to see if they can figure it out after next incident.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated at a high rate of speed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact desperately pressed on the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not slow down. The contact shifted the gear lever into neutral and the vehicle slowed down. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started driving rough with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a clutch judder. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the clutch had been replaced twice before the failure... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
On 2 occasions, 7/30/23 and 8/13/23, my 2021 Bronco suddenly stopped working with no warning whatsoever. I had no way to put on any Emergency Flashers because there was no power. The same day as the first incident, the car was brought to my local Ford Dealer and they couldn't find any problem. When they inspected it the next morning, it started right up.I had been driving the car for 2 weeks and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
The windshield has spontaneously cracked on 4 separate occasions. Subaru denies this is a defect and claims all have been caused by rock chips. This is not true. The cracked windshield has caused the vehicle on numerous occasions to slam on its breaks while traveling at 55 mph or greater as it “senses” a collision. This has nearly caused 3 accidents so far.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
The windshield has spontaneously cracked on 4 separate occasions. Subaru denies this is a defect and claims all have been caused by rock chips. This is not true. The cracked windshield has caused the vehicle on numerous occasions to slam on its breaks while traveling at 55 mph or greater as it “senses” a collision. This has nearly caused 3 accidents so far.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. 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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a f... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Rear camera keeps failing. Generic problem for many ford drivers. Bad grounding wire
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
I was driving down the road and my truck shutoff and coasted just enough for me to get out of the on coming traffic and then the emergency brake automatically turned on causing my truck to stop in the middle of the road and auto shift put it into park. Fortunately, I was able to get it started again and move out of the road. I very easy could have been killed.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
Was driving car on highway and car stopped no excelleration nothing just stopped. Pulled over with no visible signs of anything wrong. Car would not start. After a few moments car started drove down highway about 10 miles to my home car stopped again but this time would not start at all. Gave code for power train.
Incident date: May 20, 2023
1)The back hatch will randomly close. The first time it happened I didn’t know what was going on and it hit me in the head. Today my kids were there and it almost hit them but I pushed them out of the way because I knew what was happening as it makes a certain noise first. 2)It stalls out randomly at red lights. 3) the doors won’t open or close at times. 4) the dvd player gets so hot it alm... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
1)The back hatch will randomly close. The first time it happened I didn’t know what was going on and it hit me in the head. Today my kids were there and it almost hit them but I pushed them out of the way because I knew what was happening as it makes a certain noise first. 2)It stalls out randomly at red lights. 3) the doors won’t open or close at times. 4) the dvd player gets so hot it alm... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
Paint is peeling off of my Kia
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
My car has the red light blinking on and I can't turn on my car it said it has engines problems
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
My car has the red light blinking on and I can't turn on my car it said it has engines problems
Incident date: Feb 23, 2022
Summer of 2021 - Code that signaled a failure of the catalytic converter. Taken to Kia to determine the issue which was confirmed to be a faulty catalytic converter that needed repair. After repairing the catalytic converter, oil began being consumed rapidly. This led to the oil light appearing roughly every two weeks. Oil was added to appropriate level when required and changed every 3000 miles... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
Control arms failed within 55,000 miles, shaking and dangerous conditions for a vehicle less than 5 years of age. Leaking air condition and numerous electrical issues started ironically just after the standard 35,000 bumper to bumper warranty extended. Now my car smells like coolant and worried it’s going to overheat. All my tire sensor pressure gages burn out before 50,00 0 miles and needed rep... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Rock from road hit windshield and caused a circular crack, with visible outside shearing of glass on surface of windshield.
CAN-AM
RYKER
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
My car was stolen due to intentional & concealed absence of engine immobilizer.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
Burning oil in the engine drastically
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
On December 29, 2022 I stopped at the bank for 2 minute and when I got back to my truck I noticed smoke coming out from under the hood. I immediately called 911 and luckily some nice people were able to get my hood up safely and the bank provided a fire extinguisher before the fire trucks arrived. It was engulfed in flames. The fireman said it appeared the fire started in the wiring at the engine.... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
I own this Tesla model 3 for approximately 4 years. I was driving this car on US interstate highway 10 east, on July 8, 2023. Cruise control and Navigation on Auto pilot was on. A very serious Phantom breaking took place at around 10:52 am, about couple of miles before exit number 400 on I-10. It was clear a day, there was no car in front of me or on my left lane. I was on right lane. auto pilot ... Read more
CAN-AM
SPYDER F3-S
(2015) - STEERING
Jun 28, 2023
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Metris. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V595000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V595000 (Steering). The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
I continuously receive “service electronic brake system” and “service ABS” warnings. Every time this happens, the service lights on my dash come on and the trucks “dings” to notify me (very annoying when this happens multiple times in the same trip). These go off and come back on multiple times per driving session. Timing varies, sometimes on and off in seconds, sometimes the entire... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
My car displayed a low oil level light between oil changes and after checking the dipstick it was low. No sign of visible oil leak so upon further research I was made aware of a TSB about defective valve seals causing excessive oil consumption. My cars VIN is in the affected range outlined in the TSB. Now when I drive it's likely that slow but permanent damage could be occuring in my vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
My engine light is on. Second, I hear a noise when I turn my steering wheel.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
This car had transmission problems from the day I bought it. Then with less than 50,000 miles on it, it quit on the highway. I had it towed to the local Ford dealership where they charged me $150. to tell me the antifreeze had leaked into the engine and ruined the engine and it would cost me $9,000 to have it fixed.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
This car had transmission problems from the day I bought it. Then with less than 50,000 miles on it, it quit on the highway. I had it towed to the local Ford dealership where they charged me $150. to tell me the antifreeze had leaked into the engine and ruined the engine and it would cost me $9,000 to have it fixed.