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 1,850 complaints for FISKER
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The component that malfunctioned was my transmission according to the mechanic. I was driving and all the sudden my car stopped and wouldn't go, then the accelerator started going to the max but nothing happened. My first thought was a flat tire and after I checked my tires it wasn't flat. I started my car back up and it did the same thing eventually stalling and not moving at all. The wheel locke... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
I went off the road after my check engine light came on and my vehicle decided to jerk and wouldn’t go over 66 miles. It happened randomly
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that both the driver’s side and passenger’s side windows opened independently without the driver or occupant input, and the windows failed to roll up while depressing the window switches. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
Turned car on to go to work and cluster infotainment screen with speedometer and gas gage was blank.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
Turned car on to go to work and cluster infotainment screen with speedometer and gas gage was blank.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
While parking my car in my driveway as I turned the car off I heard a loud explosion in the car. There was some smoke coming out of the passenger side seatbelt area of the frame. I could smile gunpowder. The interior trim piece around the seat belt had come loose. There was a warning sign that had come on that day and I was going to check it out this weekend. I had the dealership come and get th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? TAILGATE STOPPED OPENING AND THEN OPENED UNEXPECTANTLY; VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? TAILGATE OPENED WHILE DRIVING Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO Has the vehicle or component be... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
All the windows in the car do not go up and down, I can hear the motor moving but no movement with the windows. Started with the rear passenger window, then front passenger, followed by rear driver and ultimately driver window.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Driving on the highway I eased to the left to change lanes and the steering wheel felt stuck. Once I turned a little farther it freed making the car oversteer to the left lane. There were no lights or warnings, and it has been doin the same thing since. The Honda dealer said my rack and pinion needed to be changed, but the problem is widespread and there are no parts available. This to me is a saf... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
My 2018 Hyundai sonata with only 20,821 had to have the starter replaced on [XXX] because the car would not start. I had 3 different people including AAA road service to verify why it would not start and what the problem was. I end up having my car towed with AAA to a local mechanic shop, Mike Hepler auto repair St. Cloud Florida 34769 407-593-0152, and Mike did the diagnosis saying the starte... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated while adding washer fluid to the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was oil leaking from the upper timing chain covers down onto the alternator. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the upper timing chain covers needed to be removed and resealed. Additionally, the mechanic informed t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicles fo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
My Fisker Ocean has recalls and although they continue to mail me the recall letters and state that someone will call me to help me find a repair shop that will fix the recall, and they provide a number for me to call, no one has ever answered that phone number and they will not answer any emails. When I bought the car the GPS system never worked and they scheduled several appointments to fix it b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
My Fisker Ocean has recalls and although they continue to mail me the recall letters and state that someone will call me to help me find a repair shop that will fix the recall, and they provide a number for me to call, no one has ever answered that phone number and they will not answer any emails. When I bought the car the GPS system never worked and they scheduled several appointments to fix it b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Delamination of white pearl paint on my car hood and roof.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The brakes failed to operate properly when braking from at a slow speed and driving over a bumpy road. The entire car started shaking and the brakes took longer to respond than normal. Had someone been in front of me I would have crashed. There are currently two palisades at my dealer right now with the same complaint / issue. The car is currently with the dealer but they have stated that they do ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound and failed to exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
On several instances of breaking, my 2013 Mercedes Benz C300 pulls hard to the right and becomes very unstable. I assumed it was a brake problem by the way the car drove. I took it to my mechanic, who immediately identified the rear subframe had rusted so much that a control arm had broken loose from the subframe. The rear subframe acts as a foundation for the rear suspension and holds the back... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
On several instances of breaking, my 2013 Mercedes Benz C300 pulls hard to the right and becomes very unstable. I assumed it was a brake problem by the way the car drove. I took it to my mechanic, who immediately identified the rear subframe had rusted so much that a control arm had broken loose from the subframe. The rear subframe acts as a foundation for the rear suspension and holds the back... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
1) The valve body-electrical 2) my car stopped in the middle of the road the while driving with my kids. When I placed car in park it would not go back in drive, but the dash kept blinking that the car was in drive. The issue prevented me from turning the car off so i had to unplug the battery to ensure the battery wouldnt die. 3)The problem has been confirmed by a dealer 4) Vehicle hasnt been ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
Initially I witnessed a large volume of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe when pulling up to fuel pump. A passer-by informed me that there were flames underneath the truck on the passenger side. I then got out of truck, stooped down to look underneath, and observed a hose leading from the exhaust system on fire and multiple exhaust components glowing red hot. After getting my passenger out of the... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
First is the automatic 10 speed transmission. Started with hard shifting then skipped gears then the whole transmission had to be replaced. Next is the cam phasers, loud knocking, engine runs rough, poor acceleration, gets hot fast. Local Ford dealer has confirmed the problems. Have replaced transmission but have not had the money to replace cam phasers. Both known by Ford but not taking responsib... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
CAMSHAFT and CRANKSHAFT position sensors keep failing. I have gotten these replaced at a local auto shop 4 times in the 3 years I've had the vehicle. Each time they're replaced the PCM is flashed but issue comes back a couple days to a week later either when coming to a stop at an intersection or when driving up to 50 miles per hour, the acceleration doesn't work properly and RPMS shoot down to ze... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
I am writing to express my frustration regarding the unresolved issue related to recall 24V368 concerning the rearview camera image. This has been an ongoing problem for several years, and despite receiving multiple safety recall notices and scheduling appointments with your service department, the issue remains unaddressed.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Purchased 2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance in January 2024. On [XXX] at approximately 2 pm, I got a flat tire drivers side front on a remote highway outside of Reno Nv. At that time, I found out that I didn't have a spare tire or jack supplied by Tesla. I called Tesla Roadside Service and was told before they would send out assistance, I had to agree to purchase a new tire at 540.00 per tire, the to... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
ABS needs service. Was quoted 2k from Dodge for repairs. As well as electric brake system not working Chrysler told me it is safe to tow my 10000 lbs rv with the errors and no ABS.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, please contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at: 1-888-327-4236 or TTY: 1-800-424-9153 or file an online complaint with NHTSA.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Concerns: Electrical is slow to respond the screen. The turn knob is a HUGE safety concern. The turn know sometime doesn’t not click or stay in park. The vehicle will lunge. The knob is easy hot accidentally hit and move out of the gear causing the auto brake to jerk the car to a stop. The getting the brake release to get car back in gear is slow to unlock. Sometimes I have to turn the car co... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
ABS and Traction control warning lights are on display. Cruise control and 4x4 will not engage due to this issue. Also causing malfunction while towing a trailer.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
ABS and Traction control warning lights are on display. Cruise control and 4x4 will not engage due to this issue. Also causing malfunction while towing a trailer.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
ABS and Traction control warning lights are on display. Cruise control and 4x4 will not engage due to this issue. Also causing malfunction while towing a trailer.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
In June of 2024, my Hyundai Palisade started shuddering every time I shifted from 20mph to 30mph. Twice the car shuddered and stopped at intersections and had to be shut off and restarted. I then received an engine light on my dashboard. I dropped off at Safford Hyundai in June and after evaluation by mechanic was told several components should be changed. 1)Replace three ignition coils 2)Repl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Drivers side DRL goes out very quickly. This is a VERY common issue on 21 Dodge vehicles.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
I was driving on a street at the speed limit there were no cars in front of me and behind me thankfully the car just braked very hard suddenly for no reason and I lost complete control over the vehicle after the car came to a complete stop I was able to continue driving. Thankfully there were no cars behind me because if there were I don’t even want to imagine the accident I could’ve caused as... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
Defective coolant bypass valves on my 2019 Toyota RAV 4 have caused coolant to leak out of my vehicle’s closed-loop coolant system, harming its ability to properly regulate engine temperature. Eventually the message “Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer” appeared on my dashboard indicating an issue with the engine. An internet search of this error message on the 2019-2023 Toyota R... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
Defective coolant bypass valves on my 2019 Toyota RAV 4 have caused coolant to leak out of my vehicle’s closed-loop coolant system, harming its ability to properly regulate engine temperature. Eventually the message “Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer” appeared on my dashboard indicating an issue with the engine. An internet search of this error message on the 2019-2023 Toyota R... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
No matter what speed you’re going it puts itself in false neutral. Abs , traction control comes on battery light flashes. No power steering and will not accelerate. Have almost been ran into and ran over. There is no warning when this happens and not yet find a service department or garage that can fix the problem. Very dangerous especially for a new driver, I bought this car for my daughter. T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
Safety recall issued in February and still no fix to the problem. I’m having to push down hard on my breaks to stop from collision daily.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
Fuel pump Leak. Strong order of gasoline has been coming from the car. I had a check and the fuel pump is leaking. Other vehicles have been recalled due to this, but the Passat has not been included. This problem has been reported out in several cars including a fire….
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
2019 Doge ram 1500 quad cab- the engine completely and immediately froze up and locked all tires in the middle of a busy 2 lane street- sounded like only 2 of the 8 pistons were barely firing, was told my engine was "toast-it sucked a valve"! I am an old school mechanic so I take care of every aspect of my truck regularly by professional mechanics- how can a truck not even 5 yrs old with payments ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
There has been a recall on my mini Cooper for sometime now. Over a year and a half at least. We have been patiently waiting for the remedy and still, do not have one. Our car, at times has become inoperable due to this recall. We took it to an auto shop, they ran a test and confirmed that the issues we are receiving are from the recall. I feel like this issue is taking a very long time for mini to... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
There has been a recall on my mini Cooper for sometime now. Over a year and a half at least. We have been patiently waiting for the remedy and still, do not have one. Our car, at times has become inoperable due to this recall. We took it to an auto shop, they ran a test and confirmed that the issues we are receiving are from the recall. I feel like this issue is taking a very long time for mini to... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
2013 Ram 1500 four wheel drive,crew cab .Basically my steering locked up on me while driving,I turned right on to my mothers road and as I completed the turn it wouldn’t let me turn the wheel after that.i had it towed to a garage thats well known nationally and they diagnosed the electronic power steering needs to be replaced,I’m grateful that I wasn’t going at a high speed in traffic on a h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
My Edge has 41,000 miles on it and the engine light came on. I took it to my local dealership and they found that it has coolent intrusion and therefore I need a new engine. The dealership told me there is a TSB# 22-2133 (2.0L EcoBooser - Coolant in Cylinders) for this issue but Ford never issued a recall. I did my own research to find out that there is a class action lawsuit in the Eastern Dis... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
Factory recall 24V-107: On [XXX] took car to Haselwood Hyundai of Bremerton WA. for MANF. recall Genesis Starter Solenoid water contamination. Recall was completed in 2 hours when driving home car went into emergency mode and shut down on freeway with completely dead battery. Was told by dealership they would not pay 1200 tow bill. Applied for AAA membership and was approved. Car was towed back to... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 not aware of the issue. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
I was driving on a highway around 70 mph on cruise control, without warning a “propulsion power reduced” message came up with the check engine light turning on and the car stopped accelerating/let off of cruise control. Very dangerous when driving at speeds above 70mph. I took the Car to Chevy and they said it’s a EGR valve issue and that it would cost roughly $3,800 and the part is on massi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
I was driving on a highway around 70 mph on cruise control, without warning a “propulsion power reduced” message came up with the check engine light turning on and the car stopped accelerating/let off of cruise control. Very dangerous when driving at speeds above 70mph. I took the Car to Chevy and they said it’s a EGR valve issue and that it would cost roughly $3,800 and the part is on massi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
After picking up my car from Autonation Chevrolet for the same issue I am reporting, I was driving, and the car dashboard lights all came on. The AC stopped working, too.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
After picking up my car from Autonation Chevrolet for the same issue I am reporting, I was driving, and the car dashboard lights all came on. The AC stopped working, too.