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: Jan 31, 2024
Meticulously maintained 2026 Honda Pilot with less than 90,000 miles experienced a catastrophic engine failure while driving on highway. Dealership diagnostic found code P0305 and commented, "the engine bearing failed resulting in a catastrophic failure. Cut open oil filter and found bearing material inside. Recommending a used or new engine." This same vehicle / year has a NHTSA Recall Numbe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Both the front distronic system,which controls adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, and the blind spot warning have failed. Failure of both systems is usually caused by water getting into the respective control units related to poor sealing allowing water to enter and causing the systems to fail. I believe that these systems are critical to vehicle safety. The pre safe braking is essenti... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Both the front distronic system,which controls adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, and the blind spot warning have failed. Failure of both systems is usually caused by water getting into the respective control units related to poor sealing allowing water to enter and causing the systems to fail. I believe that these systems are critical to vehicle safety. The pre safe braking is essenti... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
On March 14 2024 my fuel Injector failed. Took it to the dealer to get then fix. Currently getting a loss of mpg but car is running good
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
This incident occured on 4-2-2024, while driving to the doctor with my newborn daughter. Our 2023 Hyundai Palisade Limited did not respond/accelerate/move when pressing on the gas pedal. The engine/transmission seemed to malfunction when trying to pull off from a green traffic light. There was loss of power and the palisade would not move. This vehicle was purchased brand new and it is a serious s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The ignition switch shorted, a fuse shorted and these symptoms revealed a bigger problem. The holding area for the tire in the rear (does not hold a tire because of space issue) was repurposed by the manufacturer to mount the rear fuse box and amp. When the sunroof overflows or gasket allows moisture to build this area holds water. Unknown water source at this time but there is no drain for the wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The ignition switch shorted, a fuse shorted and these symptoms revealed a bigger problem. The holding area for the tire in the rear (does not hold a tire because of space issue) was repurposed by the manufacturer to mount the rear fuse box and amp. When the sunroof overflows or gasket allows moisture to build this area holds water. Unknown water source at this time but there is no drain for the wa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact was almost involved in a crash due to acceleration failure. The contact noticed that the vehicle shuddered before the failure in acceleration. Additionally, the contact noticed that the RPMs wer... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The wipers stopped working completely when some slush slid down my windshield and got piled up at the base of the windshield where the wipers sit. I had to pull over and scoop out the slush before they would resume working. This was super dangerous as not having the wipers work it was hard to see to safely operate my car.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The power steering goes out when making a slight turn, an alarm on the dash sounds
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Keep getting shift to park message after placing truck in park and shutting off the vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Keep getting shift to park message after placing truck in park and shutting off the vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Turn signal indicator has malfunctioned. When the left turn signal indicator is set, it will not reset after making a full left turn (90 degree). Also the left turn signal will not stop after putting the turn signal lever back into the middle position. The only way to disable to turn signal is to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
Was driving on the highway I hard a pop sound and I look in my mirror and saw a big white smoke fog and then hard tapping from the hood and pulled over and my car would not start had it towed and had 2 mechanic look at it told me my engine is blown and there is a hole in it that my engine is defective
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
The transmission abruptly failed while traveling down the interstate. With zero prior indications of an issue, drive train power was lost abruptly on all four tires. I was able to safely pull off to the shoulder with my hazards on and come to a stop. Two mechanics confirmed no other issues in the vehicle other than the transmission breaking for no known reason. They presume it is software related ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
My radio screen started delaminating.My radio keeps switching by itself without touching screen.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the check engine and oil warni... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a fail... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle became uncontrollable and crashed into a pole. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact sustained injuries to her face, back, and ribs. The driver was taken to the hospital for medical attention. The air bag on the steering wheel failed to deploy. The floor air bags were deployed. There we... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
On February 17, 2024 I was involved in a hit and run. I was T-boned on the passenger side and the front passenger door wouldn't open and no airbags deployed. Later on in February I received a Toyota Airbag Contol Unit Settlement. I haven't ever received an recall information on any recalls for my vehicle.
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
At 83,000 miles the transmission failed. We bought this car from a Chevy dealership with 35k miles in November of 2021. We have performed all required maintenance. If GM knows there is a transmission issue with these trucks why won’t they help their customers? It’s a 7k bill on a truck with many more payments and that has less than 100k miles.
FISKER
OCEAN
(2023) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Apr 3, 2024
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was utilizing the shifter knob, she cut her hand on the chrome shifting knob. The chrome edge was very sharp. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's spouse did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the chrome knob needed to be replaced. The vehic... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
The problem happens intermittently and not all the time. I will be driving on the highway or in the city and sometimes when I barely touch the gas pedal my car will accelerate at high speeds, and the RPM gauge will go all the way into the seven mark and it Turns red and it starts beeping and the only way to get that off is for me to let off the gas pedal and come to a stop and then shift it from d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
I will lose power sterring while driving but this should be a recall and I can't seem to get it fixed without costing $3700
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The check engine light came on .. for a day then went off. Took it they said they couldn’t find anything.. 2 days later a symbol triangle with exclamation point. Not sure what it means but the orange warning lights wouldn’t come on if nothing is wrong 24 thousand miles on it . All factory warranty service has been done
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
LED headlight has been collecting condensation, presumed by mechanic to be from improper venting of the headlight. Possibly related to Honda technical service bulletin regarding hood positioning keeping headlights from venting properly. The chronic moisture caused the headlight to fail and stop working while driving at night, without warning. This caused a sudden impairment to visibility, creating... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
My car was recalled months ago but Honda has not provided the parts for the repair. I don't know why they are telling me about the recall (it is serious...fuel pump) but not getting parts in a timely manner to fix it. They keep telling me to call the dealer; the dealer keeps telling me they don't have the parts and there is no ETA as to when they will be available. Can't Honda just replace the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Since purchasing our vehicle, we have been beset with several problems. The battery system to the vehicle has been malfunctioning consistently since at least June of 2022. The entire electrical system in the vehicle did not respond. We had to have the vehicle towed to the local Jaguar dealer. In June of 2023, we had another instance where the car was not coming on and we had been receiving notific... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Coolant entered the engine cylinders and the engine failed at 65000 miles. The vehicle is 5 years old. I am now underwater on the vehicle and I see forums where many people have experienced this.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Coolant entered the engine cylinders and the engine failed at 65000 miles. The vehicle is 5 years old. I am now underwater on the vehicle and I see forums where many people have experienced this.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the odor of diesel fuel entered the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the diesel fuel was misted onto the windshield. The contact merged to the side of the road inspected the vehicle and became aware that diesel fuel had leaked into the engine compartment. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Equus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, there was an unknown liquid leaking from under the hood. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Services Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufact... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
Our new CRV developed "sticky" steering within months of being new. Periodically, the steering wheel will momentarily catch when making minor steering adjustments, requiring additional force to make the wheel respond. In heavy traffic, especially at highway speeds, this creates a dangerous situation, preventing subtle steering changes and often causing oversteering when exerting the extra force... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
My transmission failed on 12-22-23 not the recall that is on it already i mean completly failed just stipped working all together with no warning of a problem until 2 days later when I got it to the transmission shop 2 weeks prior my thermostat failed with no warning the transmission shop made me aware they have alot of ford escapes with failed transmissions my vehicle only had 83,794 miles at the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
My 2016 Ford Fusion check engine light came on and started blowing white smoke out of the exhaust. I had it towed to the Ford dealership and they told me that my entire engine needs to be replaced because of a coolant link on the engine. They said my car overheated and had no coolant. I know my engine had coolant and there was no sign of a leak. There was no notification of the car overheating. A... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
While coming to red lights or exiting the freeway I notice the brakes not braking while I press on the pedal. I have to push the pedal with extreme force to get it to stop. I was luckily able to stop it in time. My x7 braking systems reaction timing is not consistent, I feel like I am putting my family at risk if my wife is driving, or if someone else is driving and they cant hit the brakes with t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
Loss of power steering
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
This Car has had non-stop coolant problems for years.Constantly looses coolant and low coolant light comes on and have to refill.I replaced coolant bypass valve 7/8/21,and again on 3/22/23.Its ok awhile then starts loosing coolant again.Few days ago low coolant light came on after refilling it just a week ago.This time the engine light came on code p1299,with a message to pull over because my car ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The exhaust pipe, gaskets and muffler. Yes, at times we do smell the exhaust inside the vehicle and a loud sound coming from the engine when the vehicle is in motion and on standby. Yes they were notified and are still waiting for parts to have it repaired. They advised to continue driving my car and refused to provide a rental to use during the downtime due to my ‘issue’ not covered by my war... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The exhaust pipe, gaskets and muffler. Yes, at times we do smell the exhaust inside the vehicle and a loud sound coming from the engine when the vehicle is in motion and on standby. Yes they were notified and are still waiting for parts to have it repaired. They advised to continue driving my car and refused to provide a rental to use during the downtime due to my ‘issue’ not covered by my war... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The exhaust pipe, gaskets and muffler. Yes, at times we do smell the exhaust inside the vehicle and a loud sound coming from the engine when the vehicle is in motion and on standby. Yes they were notified and are still waiting for parts to have it repaired. They advised to continue driving my car and refused to provide a rental to use during the downtime due to my ‘issue’ not covered by my war... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
When taking off initially with the truck sometimes within the first 30 seconds of moving there is two yellow lights that come on the dash, while the center text window displays service brake system. The stored MIL code is C0020-01. Also when going over bumps in the road the message will also return. Sometimes it stays on, and I do not have the ability to use cruise control. One time I was driving ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
When taking off initially with the truck sometimes within the first 30 seconds of moving there is two yellow lights that come on the dash, while the center text window displays service brake system. The stored MIL code is C0020-01. Also when going over bumps in the road the message will also return. Sometimes it stays on, and I do not have the ability to use cruise control. One time I was driving ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
When taking off initially with the truck sometimes within the first 30 seconds of moving there is two yellow lights that come on the dash, while the center text window displays service brake system. The stored MIL code is C0020-01. Also when going over bumps in the road the message will also return. Sometimes it stays on, and I do not have the ability to use cruise control. One time I was driving ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
On Sunday, [XXX] (at 78,793 miles), our MY17 Sienna XLE AWD suddenly displayed a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and a message advising "Check AWD System". The vehicle disabled its cruise control system and AWD system, and no longer displays the Eco indicator when traveling at constant speeds on flat terrain. There was no obvious change to vehicle shifting behavior; the shifting has always been s... Read more