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: Nov 11, 2024
Rear camera malfunction
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The cam phaser broke down and would have destroyed the engine if left unattended. This could have led to the car breaking down in the middle of the road. Problem has been reproduce by Ford, this has happened with countless other trucks as well. The item has been fixed by Ford but costed $4000. there were no alarms, letting me know that this was happening, but there was a distinct sound when starti... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the heating system, the heating system failed to activate. There was an abnormal coolant odor entering the vehicle through the vents. 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. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. In addition, the contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that during rainy weather, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact scanned the vehi... Read more
FISKER
OCEAN
(2023) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Mar 4, 2025
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while starting. In addition, the contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that during rainy weather, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact scanned the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
While driving the car on highway the oil plug fell and eventually seized the engine. There has been multiple complaints for the same for other Hyundai vehicles as well. The car is in dealership right now with engine failure. While driving the car on I-81, suddenly smoke started coming out of hood. Stopped to check and then while starting the car again, saw oil check and engine check light come ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
Transmission light came on and downshifted to first gear
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
The transmission is experiencing delayed engagement, harsh shifting, and slipping out of gear. It is at the dealership and available for inspection at this time. The dealer has inspected the transmission and reported that it failed and needs to be replaced. Ford company has been notified and will be conducting their own inspection soon. There were no warning lamps, but this has happened before. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
Performance Pack with Ohlins Suspension. Front strut bearing is loose and rattles when going over bumps at lower speed. The rattling is harder to hear at higher speeds. Issue was fixed by Polestar under warranty by replacing the strut bearing at 49,xxx miles. At 52,xxx, the rattling has come back indicating that the front strut bearing is loose again. I've contacted Polestar of America to repor... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
am concerned the 6r80 transmission has had problems with the lead frame.it has been acting up where causes not to go in traffic. Seen that my truck has numerous tsb & recalls for this trans.made at the Dearborn plant for f150 oct.11 2011 through feb 27 2012.see the multiple technical service bulletins for 6r80 16n02,19s07, nhsta 16v248000 & safety recall 16s19 powertrain control module programmin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
PARASITIC BATTERY DRAIN. I JUST BOUGHT THIS USED SUBARU OUTBACK IN JULY 2024. SINCE THEN, (WITHIN 8 MONTHS) THE CAR HAS HAD A DEAD BATTERY TWICE, IN 11/24 AND 2/25. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR JUMPED STARTED BY AAA SERVICES. THIS IS MORE THAN AN INCONVENIENCE NOW. IT HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE IF MY CAR WON'T START IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. I HAVE TAKEN THIS TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND THEY DIA... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
I was driving with family on the highway when the rear wheels locked up causing seatbelts to lock up and abruptly stop violently.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Wipers from the dealer are on back order in some cases and in the cases that they do have they they are trash wipers streaks and smears that just block visibility in snow and heavy rain additionally the arm attachment is completely different than any wiper attachment so you cannot get wipers from any auto part stores
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler 300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (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 m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Engine died on the highway. All of the warning light lit up before the car stalled and eventually died.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Engine died on the highway. All of the warning light lit up before the car stalled and eventually died.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Three times, while driving, the car went into limp mode and would not accelerate. Had to pull over, turn car off, and back on to fix the issue. Have had it looked at and they have mentioned engine coils and a new control module. Had it at the dealership in January and they did their full inspection and to fix fuel pump recall and didn’t mention any issues regarding this.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
I had a very pricey service performed on my vehicle and during that service they said there was a service bulletin or recall that required a software upgrade for the transmission (Audi of El Paso, TX). Once that occurred, my transmission would shift very hard especially going from 1st to 2nd gear or downshifting from 2nd to 1st gear. My service advisor told me that my vehicle had to learn again a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The truck has had ~6 occurrences since purchased where the engine briefly loses power in highway cruising speeds between ~50 and 75mph At first we thought it was a safety feature or governor on the truck – or a malfunctioning of the Auto-idle. I mentioned the incidents to the dealer service techs where we bought it but there was no awareness or acknowledgement of issues or a safety feature that ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The truck has had ~6 occurrences since purchased where the engine briefly loses power in highway cruising speeds between ~50 and 75mph At first we thought it was a safety feature or governor on the truck – or a malfunctioning of the Auto-idle. I mentioned the incidents to the dealer service techs where we bought it but there was no awareness or acknowledgement of issues or a safety feature that ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the gear shifter, the gear shifter failed to move to the intended gear. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the gear shifter was stuck in reverse(R). The contact stated that a tow truck arrived on the scene and was able to move the gear shifter to park(P). An appointment was scheduled with the dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, he became aware that the vehicle was not responding to operator inputs—acceleration, braking, or steering. As a result, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, only coming to a complete stop after, running a stop sign, leaving the roadway, and colliding with a tree and ravine where it cam... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, he became aware that the vehicle was not responding to operator inputs—acceleration, braking, or steering. As a result, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, only coming to a complete stop after, running a stop sign, leaving the roadway, and colliding with a tree and ravine where it cam... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, he became aware that the vehicle was not responding to operator inputs—acceleration, braking, or steering. As a result, the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle, only coming to a complete stop after, running a stop sign, leaving the roadway, and colliding with a tree and ravine where it cam... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Lack of Access, Inability to Use Vehicle, Out of Pocket I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the ongoing issues that are being seen with the NHTSA recall campaign numbers 24V865000 and 24V623000 and the OTA (Over-the-Air) update process for my vehicle. The current OTA process left me needing to replace my 12-V and forced me to pay out of pocket to get a manual update installed, which... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
Lack of Access, Inability to Use Vehicle, Out of Pocket I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the ongoing issues that are being seen with the NHTSA recall campaign numbers 24V865000 and 24V623000 and the OTA (Over-the-Air) update process for my vehicle. The current OTA process left me needing to replace my 12-V and forced me to pay out of pocket to get a manual update installed, which... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
While FSD was engaged. It made a sudden aggressive, swerving maneuver with no warning towards the cars next to us, sounded alarms, and then forcefully disengaged nearly causing an accident
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
While FSD was engaged. It made a sudden aggressive, swerving maneuver with no warning towards the cars next to us, sounded alarms, and then forcefully disengaged nearly causing an accident
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The Infotainment will not work; nor will the USB plug-in operate. Driver unable to operate any devices in vehicle, including any plugs to utilize directions or music. The volume control on infotainment will not work; but the buttons on steering wheel will. Dealership advised filing a complaint.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
The fuel filter housing cracked and started pouring diesel out the top and back of the engine. No warning lights going to dealer for replacement. This can be very dangerous for vehicle occupants and another motorist.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2025
In an accident I was struck by another vehicle that swerved into my lane at a very high rate of speed. His vehicle struck my car on the drivers side front quater panel just after the head light and continued past the drivers door. Air bags failed to deploy causing injuries to my head and body. In a separate accident, head on collision the airbags failed in the front and side causing bodily injuri... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The Fisker Inc has went for Chapter 7. The two recalls regarding the safety of the calls (recall #TSB10062408 and #TSB55062401) have not been properly deployed into my car, which were supposed adminstrated by the money given by Fisker Chapter 7 trustee to American Lease. American Lease has the duty to deployment the necessary tool and software update to my car. 6 months it has passed, my car on... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
The Fisker Inc has went for Chapter 7. The two recalls regarding the safety of the calls (recall #TSB10062408 and #TSB55062401) have not been properly deployed into my car, which were supposed adminstrated by the money given by Fisker Chapter 7 trustee to American Lease. American Lease has the duty to deployment the necessary tool and software update to my car. 6 months it has passed, my car on... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
Since February 20th, I have begun keeping a log of these occurrences. Below is a summary: [XXX]: 2-3 occurrences on [XXX] (from Estes Park to Fort Collins, CO) and 2 occurrences on [XXX] northbound. [XXX]: 2-3 occurrences on [XXX] southbound. [XXX]: 1 occurrence on [XXX] southbound and 1 near the [XXX] exit in Colorado. [XXX]: 2-3 occurrences on [XXX] southbound. [XXX]: 2 occurrences on [XXX]... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
Since February 20th, I have begun keeping a log of these occurrences. Below is a summary: [XXX]: 2-3 occurrences on [XXX] (from Estes Park to Fort Collins, CO) and 2 occurrences on [XXX] northbound. [XXX]: 2-3 occurrences on [XXX] southbound. [XXX]: 1 occurrence on [XXX] southbound and 1 near the [XXX] exit in Colorado. [XXX]: 2-3 occurrences on [XXX] southbound. [XXX]: 2 occurrences on [XXX]... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
Transmission belt broke while driving resulting in a catastrophic failure.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
I have reached out to Nuna 3 times now for the replacement kit for the known recall on the chest harness system. I continue to receive letters stating my car seat has been recalled, but no replacement kit. The harness system will not tighten appropriately, and I feel Nuna has taken far too long (>3 months) to send me the replacement kit in spite of several requests for one.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2025
2019 Grand Design Momentum 397ms (VIN: [XXX] ) I am having to file this NHTSA (potential frame failure) complaint with assistance from Pete West, who is acting as my RV consumer advocate due to the fact that my husband, who was unarmed snd violently shot and killed on [XXX], by an off-duty Ft. Lauderdale police officer, right in front of me in our RV park over an RV park management dispute. I have... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
Rear camera does not work consistently. Obviously, backing up is a safety issue. The rear-view camera image sometimes is distorted, inverted, or completely blank when the vehicle is in reverse. This has been occurring for several months. I have not had vehicle inspected at a dealer or service center at present. The message I receive on screen states "Camera is Unavailable"
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Battery Energy Control Module failed and left my daughter stranded.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
I have experienced this issue a few times, and so have several acquaintances who drive the same make and model of truck as I do. Whenever it rains or I go through a truck wash, the starter shifter blocked comes on the screen while driving, causing the RPMs to fluctuate and resulting in a complete loss of power to the vehicle. One dealership informed me that this is a common problem, attributed to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
ABS Contol Module Failed in December 2023. Jeep did not have the part at the time, I was told it was on engineering hold. Fast forward to March 2025 and the part is still not available from any dealer and they cant tell me when it will be available. I am forced to drive the vehicle with no antilock brake feature and Jeep will not repair, provide part, or provide a loaner vehicle after over a year... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
While driving at speeds between 3-70 MPH, the vehicle will intermittently display multiple warning lamps along with having an immediate loss of motive power (go into LIMP mode). When this occurs, the car must be coasted over to the side of the road & restarted typically twice to clear all of the dash alerts. Having a car go into LIMP mode while driving on city streets, highways or interstates put... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Was just driving down the highway at normal speed and my car lost all power, every like came up on the dash and disabled my power steering causing me to almost crash. Took it to the shop mechanic tells me the turbos failed due to oil screen and it will cost me $8,000 Not sure why they failed I have amazing service records on my car. This needs to be a recall.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Was just driving down the highway at normal speed and my car lost all power, every like came up on the dash and disabled my power steering causing me to almost crash. Took it to the shop mechanic tells me the turbos failed due to oil screen and it will cost me $8,000 Not sure why they failed I have amazing service records on my car. This needs to be a recall.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Speed offset is set to 10% but it keeps setting the max speed 40% higher, and then furthermore exceeds this max speed
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Car suddenly wouldnt start and gave drivetrain malfunction. Had to get towed to dealer. Car is a 2025 X3 that is less than a month old and 600 miles driven so practically brand new.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Car has stalled several times recently on the interstate at least 5 times. Randomly just shuts down. Once stopped the dash says shift in to park to start. Then it will start.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with air bag light row #2 inflatable found on higher wire circuit installed, and the was fuse replaced. Ad... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Considering the open recall and lack of repair after 12 months for the braking system we want to give the vehicle back to the manufacturer. It's a major safety concern and we have small children.