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 250,088 complaints for CHEVROLET
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
I have a 1.5L ecoboost engine in my 2017 Ford escape. Known now for it's design flaw allowing coolant to enter the engine and cause catastrophic damage. This has happened to my vehicle and it is not covered under any recall.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
Cannot use any driver assistance features while wearing sunglasses (even the lightest lens). I have macular degenation and this affects my future vision. I either can't wear sunglasses (which my eye doctor says are a MUST) or cannot use cruise control or driver assistance features with them. This was not disclosed prior to car purchase and Hyundai claims it is to guard against drivers falling asl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
Cannot use any driver assistance features while wearing sunglasses (even the lightest lens). I have macular degenation and this affects my future vision. I either can't wear sunglasses (which my eye doctor says are a MUST) or cannot use cruise control or driver assistance features with them. This was not disclosed prior to car purchase and Hyundai claims it is to guard against drivers falling asl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
The Forward Attention Monitor (or Driver Attention Monitor/Warning...or something similarly named) that monitors the driver's eyes to insure he/she is looking forward at all times) is overly sensitive and shuts off the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems. While it does this, there is a beeping, and a text display on the dash that requires reading, it is probably a sentence long, furth... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
The Forward Attention Monitor (or Driver Attention Monitor/Warning...or something similarly named) that monitors the driver's eyes to insure he/she is looking forward at all times) is overly sensitive and shuts off the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems. While it does this, there is a beeping, and a text display on the dash that requires reading, it is probably a sentence long, furth... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
2 nights ago, my engine light came on. I purchased a code reader today so see what may be wrong, and code P0299, popped up. I’ve reviewed and saw there’s no known recall on the issue but there’s a known Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). In a Facebook group I saw, it says that some people have replaced and code P0299 is still populating. I’m buying this vehicle and I have barely had 2 years... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
Purchased a car for financing from Barret Motors and 2300 Lakeview PKWY, Rowlett, TX and as soon as I drove it off the lot on [XXX] the engine light popped on. I immediately called and was told to just take it to Chevy/GMC for servicing but was not told why, but just because the engine light was on I was told to go. I couldn’t take an appointment asap because I just started a new job which they ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Myself, my husband and our son were driving on the freeway going 70 mph and all of a sudden with no warning and our engine lost all power we almost got killed by a semi my husband had to put the car in neutral to restart it and then it would only go about 40 mph, the RPM were between 4 and 5 going 30 mph, I took my car to valley Ford of Columbus and they told me it was some kind of valve and it wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Myself, my husband and our son were driving on the freeway going 70 mph and all of a sudden with no warning and our engine lost all power we almost got killed by a semi my husband had to put the car in neutral to restart it and then it would only go about 40 mph, the RPM were between 4 and 5 going 30 mph, I took my car to valley Ford of Columbus and they told me it was some kind of valve and it wa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
My head lights stopped working except the day time running lights. The high beams don’t work nor the actual head lights. They just went out.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
On [XXX, I was driving on the interstate when my engine seized and the car lost all power, leaving me stranded on the side of the road on a busy exit at night. This was very dangerous to myself and others. I purchased this car in July of 2023 with 69,000 miles in good condition. I immediately made an appointment to take care of the recalls and updates to this car, which were performed February 202... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Today while merging into the high way the car suddenly slowed down to 40 miles per hour and would not accelerate . We took the car to Toyota however they said they could not find any thing or replicate the problem
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Ford Dealer found Coolant Intrusion into cylinder 4 with 2.0L Ecoboost engine at 82,000 miles for 2017 Ford Escape. This is a well known issue that had recall issued in 2022. Ford offered no resolution or support for repair estimated at $8,000 to a well know engine flaw.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
While driving my 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, the electrical system intermittently fails: the radio shuts off, the instrument cluster goes blank (gauges drop to zero, fuel/temperature show empty), headlights flicker off then on, and turn-signal indicators disappear. Warning messages such as “Service Theft” and “No Key Detected” appear, power steering becomes difficult, and the vehicle shakes, st... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
My daughter was injured when the third row, far right side seat belt malfunctioned, and she became entrapped. My daughter had fallen asleep in the seat and lay a little sideways resting on a sibling buckled in the center seat. When she arrived home the belt was very tight, and would not undo. She tried to get out and the seat belt auto retractor mechanism was working making it harder to move and t... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
My vehicle has an open Takata airbag recall with recall number 69E6. I have been placed on a waiting list at nearby dealerships for over 6 months. Each time I contact the dealerships, I am told to wait and call back in another month. No proactive communication has been provided and no remedy has been scheduled despite repeated follow-ups. The vehicle continues to display an airbag error light indi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed an upside-down image while shifted in reverse(R). The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had ex... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — ENGINE
Oct 3, 2025
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
I own a 2014 Honda Accord with the 2.4L engine, which has a well-documented oil consumption defect. Recently, I discovered that my engine was nearly dry and required approximately 60 ounces of oil just to bring the dipstick reading to the midpoint between the “low” and “full” marks. The car had been idling roughly at cold start, and the check engine light flickered briefly, which I now und... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 3, 2025
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, there was an abnormal sound and odor coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that pistons needed to be replaced and that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
MY CAR HAS 15 RECALLS AND 3 different FORD dealerships REFUSES TO do recall work This has gone on for more than 2 years. They claim to have done recall work that has not been done. It has a defective transmission. It took off while in park and hit a tow truck.
Crash
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
Was driving out of a parking lot. I was in a full stop and had the car in drive. When staring to move from a full stop the car started to go in reverse. I was on a decline. I tried reassuring the car was in drive and when pressing the peddle it went backward. The d light was on but going in reverse when the pedal was pressed. Had to put the car in park and again in drive to get out of this bug.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) — SUSPENSION
Oct 3, 2025
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
Unstable control when driving over uneven roads. Are you sure that recall was done on my truck?
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) — STEERING
Oct 3, 2025
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
Unstable control when driving over uneven roads. Are you sure that recall was done on my truck?
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2016) — POWER TRAIN
Oct 3, 2025
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
There is a safety recall on this year and model for software reprograming of transmission controller where the vehicles shuts off in traffic causing a stop and restart. This VIN does not make the recall but has the exact problem described.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2016) — ENGINE
Oct 3, 2025
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that occasionally while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power before jolting forward. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had progressed over time. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The l... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
My 2022 Volkswagen Taos is less than 4 years old, has 23,500 miles and I have had to replace the rear brake pads twice. After 14 months in service, the rear brake pads were prematurely worn and replaced under warranty extension at 8,900 miles. This is a known issue--see this bulletin from VW: [XXX] . But the root cause issue has not been solved. At 23,500 miles, the rear brake pads were at 2mm... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
I am reporting a serious safety issue with my vehicle related to the steering system. The steering cable reel is binding up, causing difficulty or resistance when turning the steering wheel. This issue affects steering at any speed, making driving unpredictable and unsafe. I am very concerned for my safety, as this could lead to a sudden loss of steering control, putting myself and others at risk... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2023
electrical codes saying power steering failure which could cause loss of control of vehicle catalytic converter failure - leading to oxygen sensor failure and burnt spark plugs. engine sputters. If you look online its non-stop reports of this same year having the same issues of catalytic converter failures. health concern, emissions concern, safety concern. GM needs to recall and replace these
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2015) — POWER TRAIN
Oct 3, 2025
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
April 2025, Vacuum Pump went out meaning lost breaks going 60 miles per hour down the road after engine light came on. Left me and two children stranded 2 hours from home with no way to get back except a tow. Now September 2025 Cam Shafts are out as well as Vacuum Pump. Stranded boyfriend and I two hours away again. Now metal in oil and warranty is not willing to cover it due to the vacuum pump go... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2015) — ENGINE
Oct 3, 2025
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
April 2025, Vacuum Pump went out meaning lost breaks going 60 miles per hour down the road after engine light came on. Left me and two children stranded 2 hours from home with no way to get back except a tow. Now September 2025 Cam Shafts are out as well as Vacuum Pump. Stranded boyfriend and I two hours away again. Now metal in oil and warranty is not willing to cover it due to the vacuum pump go... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
I had the coolant gasket problem that resulted in having to get the engine replaced. It was a 202 mustang ecoboost premium.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V197000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal firecracker-like sound coming from the vehicle. The contact later noticed that the front driver's side seat belt had retracted ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
The audio system in my car blares When car is cold and after 5 minutes it turned off, and once it turned off a loud static noise that makes my vehicle unsafe to drive. The only way to get the noise to turn off is to pull over and completely turn off the car, and sometimes that does not even work. This is a driving hazard and could also be damaging long-term to my hearing. I have contacted Honda wh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V408000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while his daughter-in-law was driving approximately 60-70 MPH down the interstate, there was an abnormally loud, unidentifiable sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the brakes were inoperable. The vehicle rolled to th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
Everytime it rains water leaks in under drivers side dash filling my floorboard and my window and radio malfunction, probably from water in dashboard
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
On [XXX] ,I was driving in my car heading home with my [XXX] son in the backseat when my steering wheel just locked up on me and didn't want to turn and it was just stiff. I turn off my car immediately and waited about ten minutes to turn on. The car started up and the steering wheel became un loosen but this situation is off and on and it's scary . It's the third time now it happened. Next im e... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
On [XXX] ,I was driving in my car heading home with my [XXX] son in the backseat when my steering wheel just locked up on me and didn't want to turn and it was just stiff. I turn off my car immediately and waited about ten minutes to turn on. The car started up and the steering wheel became un loosen but this situation is off and on and it's scary . It's the third time now it happened. Next im e... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 2, 2025
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
On May 1, 2025, my 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid displayed an SRS Airbag malfunction warning (Recall 23TA15). The passenger airbag was disabled, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Toyota had announced this recall in December 2023, but I never received any notification. When I contacted Toyota on May 9, 2025, I was told there were no parts available and was even offered a $200 paid inspection instead of... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) — AIR BAGS
Oct 2, 2025
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
On May 1, 2025, my 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid displayed an SRS Airbag malfunction warning (Recall 23TA15). The passenger airbag was disabled, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. Toyota had announced this recall in December 2023, but I never received any notification. When I contacted Toyota on May 9, 2025, I was told there were no parts available and was even offered a $200 paid inspection instead of... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) — POWER TRAIN
Oct 2, 2025
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country has experienced multiple powertrain and transmission failures beginning shortly after purchase. The issues include violent shifting, hesitation, and stalling, particularly while accelerating or decelerating. These malfunctions create serious safety risks—especially when merging, turning left across traffic, or entering intersections. The truck has ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
Gas tank mounting are rusting and are not the correctly plated
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
I was driving to work when my steering wheel started to jerk when making a left turn, all of the sudden it became real hard to steer and became difficult to drive.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) — POWER TRAIN
Oct 2, 2025
Incident date: Oct 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact stated that while making a right turn, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact was able to coast into the turning lane. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (STEERING). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. As per the dealer, the recall repair was completed. The contact never received a receipt or any documentation regarding the recall repair and doubted that the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that on a sep... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The vehicle has been alerting error codes 16352 for failing to communicate with ABS module causing warning lights for ABS, brake and the ESC systems to illuminate. The brake system related vehicle stabilizing functions (ABS/ESC) is not be available, increasing the risk of a loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Please reference Safety Recall Code... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Engine has cylinders flooding with coolant due to the design of the EcoBoost engine
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Engine has cylinders flooding with coolant due to the design of the EcoBoost engine
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS:BULBS
Oct 2, 2025
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact exited the vehicle and became aware that the daytime running light was out on the driver’s and passenger’s side. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2014) — POWER TRAIN
Oct 2, 2025
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
My 2021 Honda Pilot AWD (40,200 miles) shifting from Drive to Neutral at intersections by itself, then Engine dies. It happened multiple times. If you need more information, pls contact me at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)