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: Feb 21, 2025
Was driving and a tick was present then over heated sat on side of road until cooled down added coolant drove home . The next day car was drivable. Drove to school and car was sounding funny so took it to a repair shop and they told me the particular engine in the vehicle has a fuel efficient component where it shuts down the cylinders on the freeway, and the lifters are supposed to open, but our ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The middle section of lights in the instrument panel has been blinking on/off intermittently for about two weeks. This makes it difficult to see your speed while driving at night and it's distracting, which causes me to take my eyes off the road for longer than I consider safe. Also, intermittently the truck hesitates to start, today it had to be towed to the dealer. After the diagnosis, I was tol... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The middle section of lights in the instrument panel has been blinking on/off intermittently for about two weeks. This makes it difficult to see your speed while driving at night and it's distracting, which causes me to take my eyes off the road for longer than I consider safe. Also, intermittently the truck hesitates to start, today it had to be towed to the dealer. After the diagnosis, I was tol... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Engine has failed and is unrepairable. The car has been maintained well according to the manufacturer’s guidelines with regular oil changes. It has only 94,875 miles. The mechanic said that there is probably a piston gasket failure leading to oil leak into the engine. This appears to have been reported with this year/model vehicles. I would like Volvo to take ownership of poor manufacturing and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
After backing out of my driveway, I put the vehicle in drive and the dash illuminated with malfunction errors. "Hybrid system malfunction", "Hybrid system electrical leakage detected stop the vehicle" and " I-activ sense partially disabled". I pulled back into my driveway, shut off the car for about 5 minutes and tried restarting. The car was disabled. Lights were still illuminated and then I coul... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
When back seat is empty, car incorrectly detects a person sitting in the back and dings until the back seat belts are buckled. Toyota dealer claims this is a known issue and claims it will not affect which airbags deploy in a collision. This is a daily issue, and can only be addressed by buckling the back seat belts at this time, according to the Toyota service department.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
on 2/20/2025 I was getting off work. Proceeded to get in my car and close my door. The back window just shattered and broke out of no where. I didn't know or understand what had just happen since I was not hit nothing was thrown at my car. Call Abington Acura dealership was told they were aware of the problem. I would have to go through my insurance company for the 1100.00 repair don't understand ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
While driving spare tired became detached causing vehicle to have major damage to undercarriage. If speed was higher it would have caused a major accident with injury to passengers in vehicle and other vehicles.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
Tone wheel delaminating while driving. I was passing a vehicle in a passing zone and the truck lost power. Safety was definitely put at risk luckily there was no one in the on coming lane. Problem was confirmed by independent shop. Has an appt with manufacturer March 10th 2025. No prior warning lamps or other symptoms. I know there was recall about this certain issue, but the recall only changed ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
This happened on 2/18/2023. After I charged my car at a local supercharging station, I drove on the local roads for about 2 miles when the car started shutting down. I could barely steer, and the computer monitor stated that the brakes were turning off, and other parts, like cameras, were losing functionality. I pulled over into the local park. I was frightened that my car was no longer functi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
This happened on 2/18/2023. After I charged my car at a local supercharging station, I drove on the local roads for about 2 miles when the car started shutting down. I could barely steer, and the computer monitor stated that the brakes were turning off, and other parts, like cameras, were losing functionality. I pulled over into the local park. I was frightened that my car was no longer functi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
This happened on 2/18/2023. After I charged my car at a local supercharging station, I drove on the local roads for about 2 miles when the car started shutting down. I could barely steer, and the computer monitor stated that the brakes were turning off, and other parts, like cameras, were losing functionality. I pulled over into the local park. I was frightened that my car was no longer functi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
FAILING SYSTEM: Cruise control. Attempting to stop vehicle at stop sign, engine raced, vehicle surged ahead, and could not be stopped by braking. Mechanic (not Honda) said fault was in cruise control system--that "CRUISE" was turned on, and even though cruise speed control was not set, the car was attempting to "return" to some set speed. (Normally, braking (or pressing the accelerator) turns ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
We received the February 2024 notice but not the July 2025 recall notice stating the parts were available. We took our vehicle in for other work during August 2024 and Helena Motors took our A-pillar appliqué trim off without notifying us. They said it was loose but we hadn’t notice that. In fact, my spouse cleaned the windshield and pillars the day before are appointment and the A-pillar trim... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
ABS module is faulty. I was told at the local Pep Boys after running a diagnostic test that the ABS module has an error. There is a recall on the electronic systems with the ABS I am aware of and would like to have that fixed on a recall.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
ABS module is faulty. I was told at the local Pep Boys after running a diagnostic test that the ABS module has an error. There is a recall on the electronic systems with the ABS I am aware of and would like to have that fixed on a recall.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
I took my Hyundai Ionqi 5 Electric Set AWD in for two recalls. After picking up the car, I left the car dealership and merged onto the highway. Within 1-2 minutes after I left the dealership, the dashboard was flashing red circle with an exclamation point that said the electrical system was low. I could no longer accelerate. I proceeded to move to the right with traffic traveling 60-70 mph. I w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
I took my Hyundai Ionqi 5 Electric Set AWD in for two recalls. After picking up the car, I left the car dealership and merged onto the highway. Within 1-2 minutes after I left the dealership, the dashboard was flashing red circle with an exclamation point that said the electrical system was low. I could no longer accelerate. I proceeded to move to the right with traffic traveling 60-70 mph. I w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Premature wear on Bridgestone Ecopia Tires. We have had several instances in our company with these tires wearing prematurely, some as low as 12k miles but usually somewhere in the 20's & 30's thousand-wise, these tires exhibit numerous cracks especially on the inner side that is difficult to see unless you pull the tires off. A lot of WEB chatter indicates that they are especially vulnerable in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
While driving my van it will randomly shut off, it starts back up right away after I get to a safe location to do so but this is very dangerous. I've taken it to shops and they cannot replicate it and there are no codes on the reader to indicate any issues.
Incident date: May 5, 2024
Was driving my new car home and all of a sudden the vehicle comes to a stop, I almost get hit by other cars several times and my daughter panicking in the back seat, the entire dashboard lights up and car stays brake system error please contact dealer. After turning car on and off a few times, I can begin driving again but the brake error system message remains. Taking to dealership in the morning
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while pulling into a parking spot and depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal a second time, the vehicle jerked, unintendedly accelerated, drove up the curb, and crashed into the metal plastic pole of Wawa. The pole was fractured. The ai... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
There is a problem with my electrical system. I have brought it in to jeep several times, and they have brushed it off. In July 2024 I was driving and the car shut off in the middle of traffic. I was able to come to a stop in a turning lane, but it was a dangerous, scary situation. When I took it to the dealership, they said they could not replicate it and sent me on my way. In March 2024... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
There is a problem with my electrical system. I have brought it in to jeep several times, and they have brushed it off. In July 2024 I was driving and the car shut off in the middle of traffic. I was able to come to a stop in a turning lane, but it was a dangerous, scary situation. When I took it to the dealership, they said they could not replicate it and sent me on my way. In March 2024... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that the fuel tank was leaking after refueling. The fuel had leaked out to half tank. The Fire Department was called, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that there was a puddle of fuel in the driveway. Additionally, the passenger’s air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming 2 quarts of oil each 1,300 miles driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed, and the dealer confirmed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The dealer determined that ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the oil pressure warning light illuminated with an abnormal, k... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); 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 failure. VIN tool confirms parts n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura ILX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
The steering recently failed in my 2009 Chevrolet Malibu (VIN # [XXX] ) and I feel that my car should have been included in the October 2014 safety recall related to the Torque Sensor. I called General Motors/Chevrolet on [XXX] and they told me that my car would not be covered. However, my torque sensor needed to be replaced (see attached repair bill) and I would like the manufacturer to reimburse... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2024
The front passenger heat seat is automatically turned on whenever car is turned on from phone. This time when driving in the evening there was a burning smell for 1 hour which I thought was from the vents. Then the passenger seat started smoking and the fumes were so bad that I could not breathe. No one was in the passenger seat at that time thank goodness. It created a hole in the seat. Tesla wil... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
We were going south on [XXX] about 25 mph intending to make a left turn onto [XXX] My wife said “slow down or you won’t make the turn” to which I replied “I am trying but it won’t slow down” As I applied the brakes to slow down to turn, instead the car started to speed up and I could not make the left turn. I continued down the road trying to slow down enough to attempt a left turn o... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
2021 Ford Bronco® and 2022—2023 Ford Transit® Van — 360-Degree and Rearview Camera Recall (23S48). I have taken my Van in 4 times to fix this issue, and it is still not fixed but it is marked as fixed on your website. Randomly the back up cameras on all sides will stop working and go blue or green with no image.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle drove at a reduced speed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that meta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
I was mailed a recall notice from the manufacture a while back and was going to need to get the work completed in order to renew my CA registration. A smog cert was also needed for the renewal. I took my vehicle to McPeeks Dodge/Ram for the recall on 10/24/24. On 11/21/24 I went to get my vehicle smog checked. The smog station said that I had passed the emissions portion, but some of the monitors ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
I was mailed a recall notice from the manufacture a while back and was going to need to get the work completed in order to renew my CA registration. A smog cert was also needed for the renewal. I took my vehicle to McPeeks Dodge/Ram for the recall on 10/24/24. On 11/21/24 I went to get my vehicle smog checked. The smog station said that I had passed the emissions portion, but some of the monitors ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the starter. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owned a 2014 BMW 528i. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that a neighbor knocked on the door and informed the contact that the vehicle was on fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned to total loss. The fire caused damage to the asphalt where the v... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
Leak error messages that cannot be removed until recall issue with fluid leak is fixed. Leak is corroding engine fuel lines and can cause a fire Will driving. The remedy is taking to long to be deployed. Need assistance with this issue.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine oil change. While driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle began to make an abnormal knocking and squealing sound. The vehicle began to jerk. The driver turned off the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was like the failure listed i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owned a 2014 BMW 528i. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that a neighbor knocked on the door and informed the contact that the vehicle was on fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned to total loss. The fire caused damage to the asphalt where the v... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was under warranty and was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with clutch failure. The vehicle was repaired, and the clutch was replaced. On another occasion, the vehicle started to lose motive power and failed to reverse. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
While steering and turning, the wheel continuously feels sticky and there is a clicking and squeaking sound when I begin to turn the wheel. It is available to inspect. This vehicle does not feel safe. I have had to turn the wheel with more effort when changing lanes on the highway causing overcorrection and the brake also slipped when I was braking before turning to get onto a major street. I ha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Uconnect system/radio screen visually not working appropriately. Gets glitchy lines and will go black. Flip upside down. And blurr together. Screen will respond to touch even when not visually able to see anything. This will happen at random even when using back up cameras which is dangerous will go completely black when trying to use screen in any way. No damage to screen. Car is 2021 should not ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was dia... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was dia... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
Pedestrian Warning Sounds Gone 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. Following an attempted OTA software update for the safety recall, I have noticed that the pedestrian alert noises are missing, which poses a significant safety risk not only for those around the car but also for the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
Vehicle sporadically hesitates when accelerating from stop. Cause unknown. Dealer declined to address condition because they could not replicate it.