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 1,850 complaints for FISKER
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
The following were sent to JLR for comment - this is a documented safety issue and the fact that they have not made this a recall in the US is appalling - please force their hand. To whom it may concern: Please pass this email to the appropriate person and have them contact me so we can have an intelligent conversation regarding why the exact issue my vehicle is experiencing is recalled in the U... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
Brand new vehicle and already having issues with steering. The steering wheel takes a lot of strength to steer, at first I thought it was an issue of me getting used to the car but a few days into having the car the recall notification came. I also compare it to multiple civic car my co workers own, it was not the same steering. The vehicle I test drove (hybrid civic - sport touring) was not the o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
While driving, the seat came off the base and something was loose, the seat basically will fall back if you just lean back, while stop and go the seat will also move back, something is loose or broken, this is a defect from Honda. Yes this can be inspected upon request this is dangerous because the seat can break off and just fall back anytime not only impact the driver safety while it can also h... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
coolant leaks at the cylinder head around the exhaust manifold. Caused crack in the head. The Mazda 2.5t engine has this common issue that Mazda knows about. Mazda has a bulletin out but has not issued a recall. Car over heated and I was left stranded. Took car to mechanic who says I need to replace my entire engine.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
These are some of the recall issues with the Fisker Ocean. These problems can be fixed with an OTA software update, however, this update is being blocked/suspended by company that is controlling Fisker. I cannot safely drive my vehicle until the recalls are resolved
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Air suspension failure on front drivers side 2019 Ram Rebel. When it was below freezing outside, a warning message flashed across the screen saying service air suspension immediately. Went home and got up later to drive again and the warning message was gone, never to be seen again. Fast forward and it was extremely hot out. Noticed the truck was leaning to one side. Jumped in, started it, and the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
What happened? While driving my 2014 Honda Accord, both the brake and steering warning lights suddenly illuminated. The steering became difficult, indicating a loss of power steering assist. I pulled over safely and discovered that the ABS light remained on. After towing the vehicle to a service center, the technician confirmed that the ABS pump/module had failed, which triggered both warning lig... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
PASSENGER SIDE REAR AXLE BOLT BROKE. Ford says the broken bolt could result in loss of drive power putting drivers or others at risk. Local Ford dealer confirmed axle failure and asked me to not drive the vehicle until they could get a replacement axle assembly installed which could take 1-4 weeks. There were no warning lamps or messages. I thought I could hear an unusual sound from the rear of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was driving rough. In addition, the contact noticed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of coolant. The failure progressed, and the engine started overheating. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a crack... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
In line with NHTSA recall notice 21V301000, affecting 2019 Hyundai Kona's for piston oil ring defects, I believe the Date of Manufacture (DoM) range should be extended. Currently, the recall notice indicates vehicles manufactured between 11/2/2018 and 9/1/2020 are impacted, however my vehicle, with the indicated VIN, was manufactured 10/31/2018, two days before the indicated start date on this re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
2018 Ford Escape engine coolant leaking into engine oil. 88,000 miles. Car well taken care of. White smoke coming from exhaust. Ford knows of this defect. I am a poor student and owe 8k on this vehicle. This defect should be a required recall.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
In some of the affected vehicles the 1.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or may run in a rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator light (MIL) with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301-P0304, P0316, P0217, P1285 and/or P1299 stored in powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to coolant intrusion into a cylind... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Seat belt locking mechanism won’t keep belt locked in. Tesla says it is working properly.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired, and the contact became aware of smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was co... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 fail... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 fail... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Everyday the vehicles struggles to pick up on speed and stalls out. I am often holding up traffic because I’m driving to slow. I have to very very very slowly accelerate so that the car doesn’t stall. When the trying to accelerate it often skips and jerks while driving. I often wonder if this will affect me while driving on the interstate. I fear that a bad accident is on the horizon with thes... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Couple days ago I notice both my tailights weren’t working also my license plates lights and parking lights weren’t working and also my headlights parking light don’t work anymore they all went bad at the same time. At night time nobody can’t barely see me besides my reflectors so nobody can’t see my at night time. The only thing tht works is mine brake light turn signal and brake light.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Couple days ago I notice both my tailights weren’t working also my license plates lights and parking lights weren’t working and also my headlights parking light don’t work anymore they all went bad at the same time. At night time nobody can’t barely see me besides my reflectors so nobody can’t see my at night time. The only thing tht works is mine brake light turn signal and brake light.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
A sudden loss of drive power. When the car start to drive the engine show a loss of power in a stop light, stop sign or during the day when I press the gasoline pedal.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
A sudden loss of drive power. When the car start to drive the engine show a loss of power in a stop light, stop sign or during the day when I press the gasoline pedal.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
I have received recall notices in July of this year (Campaign Number: 24V405) and in September of this year (Campaign Number: 24V623) promising to fix everything from braking to warning lights. NOTHING has been fixed yet! How can the NHTSA be placated by a car company that sends out official recall notices and does nothing to fix the problems! Please hold Fisker accountable!!!!
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
UNKNOWN, ECM/PCM randomly stopped working after battery replacement it threw a million codes leading to the computer
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Oct 21 2014 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE West Building Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Urgent Safety Concern and Financial Loss Related to 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4xe – VIN: [XXX] ] Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a significant safety concern and financial hardship I have experienced as a result of ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
I see in today's news that the NHTSA is investigating Tesla's FSD due to accidents in poor visibility, but the articles I've read are not discussing another visibility issue that may actually be more widespread. I already reported concerns with Telsa's FSD in incident 11618812, but I forgot to mention another issue I believe is crucial to the success or failure of Tesla's FSD, and I am surprised t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
A few times when I drive to a stop light/sign, the SUV engages the parking brake without my input, unlocks the door and prevents the vehicle from being driven, unless I reengage the gear back to drive. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it does not work right away and takes a few times to shift the gear. Seems to be getting worst. One time on 10/17/2024 at my work parking lot, I forced the SUV to drive... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the vehicle did not start as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel module. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel module. The contact was informed that the fuel module needed to be replaced. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
I was driving for work and got into a pretty bad accident and the airbags did not deploy. I am not sure if it was because the airbag recall I got fixed back in 2020 or it was because the damages weren’t enough to deploy the airbags.
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The dashboard panel does not light up. It just went out one day and never came back on. I cannot see my mileage, my fuel level or warning lights. I took it to dealership and they did a software update with no changes in dash panel. The dealership stated I needed a dash cluster replaced.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
This vehicle has a Driver Attention Alert System which track driver's eye and head movement to determine driver attention levels. This system can be disabled outside of using Cruise Control through the setup menu. However, when in Cruise Control, this system CANNOT be disabled. Unfortunately, if you're wearing sun glasses the system declares the driver is inattentive and produces a distracting ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Main screen not on. Charging very slow or not charging on 6.5KW charge port. Over heat at charge station alarm went off Vehicle had older version software. Vehicle had a lot of mechanical problems Safety recall NHTSA Campaign # 24V623 Subject Safety recall TSB10062408 Safety recall NHTSA Campaign #: 24V499 Subject Safety recall TSB30032401 The Vehicle doesn't safe to drive warning and alerts so... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Windshield cracks spontaneously
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The child lock is on the back left door and I can't get the door open from the inside or from the outside of my car it's been this way for two years first the dealer said they would fix it for free because it was a recall on it but they had to order the part then he never called back then a year later they said the part came in but they wanted to charge me alot of money to get my door with the chi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
Couple of recalls are out. Requested service but have yet to hear from company
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The contact owned a 2015 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at 70 MPH during nighttime, an animal jumped on the roadway and veered to the side attempting to avoid the animal. The steering wheel failed to turn in the desired direction and crashed into a guard rail. During the crash, the contact's head was hurt by the steering wheel, and no air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed by the... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
Hight Pressure Steering line failed causing steering failure and oil spraying over the engine and manifold, causing extreme smoke under the hood and possible fire in the engine compartment.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
My daughter had her car towed to the Hyundai dealership because of engine failure. Upon inspection we learned that there was a recall on the engine. We had to wait a few weeks so that the dealership could get approval and authorization to replace the engine. Finally after 3 or so weeks we got a courtesy car to drive. After about 4 weeks our car was finally ready to pick up so we took the courtesy ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Rear camera only turns on 30% of the time. The camera is in the rear view mirror and when it doesn’t work it puts a black screen in the rear view mirror putting many lives in danger.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Drivers side door mirror vibrates while driving. Causes issues when looking at it when checking for traffic etc. This has been reported and verified by dealer. This is a known issue by Honda and has been reported by other Honda owners. Dealer told me that Hona is aware but mirrors are back ordered and no time table for repair. This is a safety item.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
While on a red light and foot on the break, the car turned off completely and would not turn back on after many tries. Truck was towed but mechanic did not find any issues with vehicle as he turned it on with no issues. All lights flashed and indicated battery was low but was not warned prior. The previous week, the truck shut off completely as well but it turned on quickly.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte EX. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 55 MPH, she noticed smoke emerging from the vehicle. The driver pulled over and called roadside assistance. All the warning lights illuminated. Upon arrival, roadside assistance informed the driver the engine had caught fire and had seized. It was unknown how the fire was extinguished. The contact stated t... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte EX. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 55 MPH, she noticed smoke emerging from the vehicle. The driver pulled over and called roadside assistance. All the warning lights illuminated. Upon arrival, roadside assistance informed the driver the engine had caught fire and had seized. It was unknown how the fire was extinguished. The contact stated t... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Brakes going to floor and very little stopping power. HCU failure caused by DOT3 brake fluid causing dump valve in block to stay stuck open. 2nd replacement valve from Ford and again it happened almost causing an accident. This issue is becoming to common across these HCU ford uses. This should be recalled and consumers should be advised. Ford advised that we maybe try DOT4 brake fluid and pu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while his wife was driving 60 MPH, the wrench symbol became displayed. The power train fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle started to shake with the check engine warning light illuminated. The power steering was inoperable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not con... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while accelerating from a stop, there was a screeching noise coming from the transmission and the vehicle experienced hard shifting. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was transmission fluid leaking from the transmission oil cooler. The contact was advised that the transmission oil ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the rear end of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who observed excessive corrosion on the rear subframe of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not safe to dri... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Center overhead console had a catastrophic failure of the brackets holding it in place on the ceiling of the car. This resulted in the full console dangling from the ceiling of the car by wires only. This blocks driver view, the rear view mirror, and swings into driver and passenger headspace. Contacted the dealership and was told this is a common problem. There was no warning before this occu... Read more