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 384,293 complaints for FORD
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The engine in my truck failed while driving down the interstate highway (I-10) on May 28, 2026. At the time of failure, a loud popping noise emitted from the engine. Power and speed were reduced as the result of the failure. The Check Engine Light and Service Engine lights illuminated as quickly as the failure occurred. As many vehicles were simultaneously traveling along the highway at speed, ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Rear convertible top window is separating from the convertible top from regular use and could detach and create a safety problem. This is a well known problem on these cars and Buick did not issue a recall and would not fix it. There was nothing in the owners manual about any preventative actions required.
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and turning the engine off, approximately 10 minutes later a burning rubber odor was present inside the cablin of the vehicle and smoke was present coming from under the hood. The contact opened the hood discovered flames coming from the engine. The fire and police departments were called to the scene and the fire wa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 31, 2026
When coming to a rolling or quick stop and then attempting to maneuver across traffic, my truck hesitates for about a full second before accelerating. This delay can create a dangerous situation for myself, other drivers, and pedestrians. I believe this is a safety issue that Toyota needs to address promptly.
Incident date: May 16, 2026
The rear service brake assembly—specifically the rear brake pads and rotors—suffered premature wear and catastrophic structural failure. The defective parts are not available for inspection, as they were discarded by Firestone during the emergency repair to restore the vehicle to a safe operating condition. The problem was first confirmed by an authorized manufacturer dealer, Larry H. Miller V... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
There is a recall for the HAVOC system foe the years 2021-2023, 25V649 recall. My car is a 2019 kia sorento and I m having the same issues, I have already replaced blower motor, resistor, air filter replaced, fuses, air compressor clutch relays, 3 times. Coolant is fine. After reading this recall my car same issues, please add my car to the recall list, I have spent over $600 in mechanic fees and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
I went out to start my car and the power steering assist fault came on and wouldn't let me turn the wheel easily. When I looked up the problem the code came back to one of the recalls Ford has on those escape. But now my car is not in the recall but it was made with in the years and the plant the they recalled for
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Hood flew open while driving on route 23 in Wise Va.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
10r80 Cdf drum issue Car doen shifts on own Cant drive on road will just slip out of gear
Incident date: May 24, 2026
I have been driving my Model S Tesla for 13 years. On 30 April as I was pulling into a parking space at my local grocery store, I applied the brakes to ease into the space and my car surged forward with unintended acceleration. I smashed into the concrete base of a light pole, the airbags deployed and my car ricocheted back about 8 feet. There were no warning messages. I was taken to the emergency... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Passenger front seat belt will not retract anymore and a passenger hit the windshield during a hard braking incident. I looked online and saw NHTSA 13V098000 about the seat belt retractor being recalled, but we were never notified.
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The Ford dealership completed repairs on my vehicle and returned it by parking it in front of my garage. I have a long driveway and additional parking and needed to park the vehicle somewhere else (maybe 20-30 feet away). I reversed the truck ~20 feet and when I tapped the gas lightly to turn the car left to pull into the parking space it accelerated rapidly. I pressed the brakes repeatedly and th... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The Ford dealership completed repairs on my vehicle and returned it by parking it in front of my garage. I have a long driveway and additional parking and needed to park the vehicle somewhere else (maybe 20-30 feet away). I reversed the truck ~20 feet and when I tapped the gas lightly to turn the car left to pull into the parking space it accelerated rapidly. I pressed the brakes repeatedly and th... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my Hyundai Sonata. While driving under normal conditions, my vehicle suddenly entered a low-power ("limp") mode without warning. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 30–35 mph, creating a potentially hazardous situation in traffic. At the same time, the check engine light began blinking. The sudden loss ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my Hyundai Sonata. While driving under normal conditions, my vehicle suddenly entered a low-power ("limp") mode without warning. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 30–35 mph, creating a potentially hazardous situation in traffic. At the same time, the check engine light began blinking. The sudden loss ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my Hyundai Sonata. While driving under normal conditions, my vehicle suddenly entered a low-power ("limp") mode without warning. The vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 30–35 mph, creating a potentially hazardous situation in traffic. At the same time, the check engine light began blinking. The sudden loss ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
Backing up recently , camera failed twice. Recall part has been unavailable for 8 months since notice issued.
Incident date: May 31, 2026
While parked, the headrest on the driver side exploded causing my head to be forced forward abruptly and painfully. There was no warning before this happened. Had I been driving, I may have crashed and caused injury to myself and others.
1 injured
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Left Side Airbag Deployment control circuit - B0020 Right Side Airbag Deployment control circuit - B0028 Driver Seat Belt Sensor - Circuit open B0050 Occupant Classification System- missing message - BOOAO Driver Seat Track Position - BOOB5 Passenger Seat Belt Sensor - B0052
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
Anytime I put it it in hands-free control on the highway. Even on the small highway normal strip the car swings left and right. And also when I'm getting off from the highway hello, Francis smells so close and there's a small bump the back of the car is sliding most of the time.
Incident date: May 31, 2026
Vehicle: 2015 Audi Q3 | Engine: 2.0L TFSI 4-Cylinder Turbo Component: Engine Complaint Description: While driving on the interstate at highway speed, the red oil pressure warning light illuminated suddenly and without prior warning. The standard low oil level warning light did NOT illuminate prior to the failure. Oil level was verified as correct and within specification at the time of failure.... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
On May 6, 2026, while operating the vehicle on a neighborhood street, the vehicle experienced a sudden, violent, and dangerous failure. After accelerating away from a stop sign, the vehicle was traveling at approximately 20-25 mph when, simultaneous with a warning message, it came to an immediate and abrupt stop. A number of error messages appeared in rapid succession on the vehicle’s MMI. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The issue started with the engine stalling while I’m driving, and one day the car failed to start. I towed it to the dealership who said there is nothing wrong with the fuel pump and advised me to replace the battery. I replaced the battery and drove it for a couple more months, while the engine continued to stall from time to time and eventually failed to start again yesterday. It’s very appa... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
2015 Hyundai Sonata 2.4L Theta II GDI engine experienced complete failure due to connecting rod bearing defect. Vehicle was taken to a Hyundai dealership prior to failure to report engine knock symptoms. Dealer confirmed KSDS (Service Campaign 953) was installed but performed no inspection and provided no repair order. Engine subsequently failed with no warning light activation despite KSDS being ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
I have a 2023 Chevy Bolt EUV, and I'm experiencing a steering issue. When making left or right turn, the steering wheel does not return to center automatically. This problem has been present since the beginning, and it has gradually been getting worse.
Incident date: May 30, 2026
The vehicle experienced a dangerous driving failure due to a hydraulic clutch actuator system issue and was towed to Kia Delray. The authorized dealership has officially diagnosed the issue as a "brake/clutch fluid leak" (attached diagnostic estimate), which is exactly the hazardous condition outlined under Safety Recall 23V534 (SC276). However, the dealer refuses to perform the free recall repair... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
The vehicle experienced a dangerous driving failure due to a hydraulic clutch actuator system issue and was towed to Kia Delray. The authorized dealership has officially diagnosed the issue as a "brake/clutch fluid leak" (attached diagnostic estimate), which is exactly the hazardous condition outlined under Safety Recall 23V534 (SC276). However, the dealer refuses to perform the free recall repair... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 30, 2026
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I was driving when I heard a loud boom, it almost sounded like a gunshot. Not noticing anything I continued driving. After a short distance I started hearing wind whistling. It was at this point I pulled over and saw my sunroof had shattered and there was a big hole. How was your safety or the saf... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
After my Ford dealer applied their recall "fix" on the rear shocks of my 2021 Bronco with Sasquatch package my passenger side rear shock reservoir came off while driving down the freeway. It didn't hit anyone but it was scary never the less.
Incident date: May 28, 2026
Check engine light came on and took to shop and determined that coolant intrusion in cylinder #2 this was a recall on other 2018 Ford Escape but not this VIN number.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Model: Sierra Denali Ultimate Engine: 6.2L V8 VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Most Recent Incident: Approximately 52,000 miles Safety Complaint Summary I am submitting this complaint to report a recurring loss-of-propulsion and engine power event involving my 2023 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. This vehicle has experienced two separate incidents in which it suddenly lost power... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2026
Model: Sierra Denali Ultimate Engine: 6.2L V8 VIN: [XXX] Mileage at Most Recent Incident: Approximately 52,000 miles Safety Complaint Summary I am submitting this complaint to report a recurring loss-of-propulsion and engine power event involving my 2023 GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine. This vehicle has experienced two separate incidents in which it suddenly lost power... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
I am writing regarding my BMW X5 xDrive40i, model year 2019. For this G05 model coded cars, repeated transfer case failures have been reported due to a known issue: on the factory they put a wrong oil in it and then published a Technical Bulletin about it as if they are not the ones responsible for that. The problem is, due to that mistake, transfer cases of cars manufactured between 2018-2020 ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
While attempting to accelerate at a traffic light. My motorcycle loss power due to a hand controls issue. Which resulted in me being involved in a hit and run. While engaging the clutch I began to twist the throttle and the bike immediately loss power. This was the second time I experienced this with the 1st left me thinking it was because of my hand position ans possibly hitting the switch. Aft... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
Car window was broken into while the car was locked and the alarm was on. the alarm did not go off!
Incident date: May 15, 2026
Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am filing this formal safety defect complaint regarding the complete failure of the airbag system to deploy during a serious motor vehicle collision on [XXX], involving a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Altitude (VIN: [XXX] ). This failure occurred in direct connection with a known manufacturer defect covered under NHTSA Recall #26V-328. The driver, [XXX] ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 29, 2026
This is my son's vehicle, purchased by me in January 2025. He attends a college 110 miles from home in PA. As the warmer/hot weather came along in 2025, he was experiencing random scary situations of the car just going into "limp mode" while driving 70 - 75 mph on [XXX]. No warning indicators, no dash lights. No acceleration, couldn't maintain speed, bogged down to 15 mph until he pulled over and ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
My wife was driving our jeep and it suddenly shifted into park while slamming the brakes on its own. She had to stay in the middle of the road shut it off & then start up and drive again but it keep happening the whole 20 mins stopping ride home.
Incident date: May 29, 2026
My wife was driving our jeep and it suddenly shifted into park while slamming the brakes on its own. She had to stay in the middle of the road shut it off & then start up and drive again but it keep happening the whole 20 mins stopping ride home.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
While driving to work, the rear driver-side window suddenly fell down into the door without warning. The power window/regulator system appears to have failed. The window would not stay up or operate normally afterward. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. This created a safety concern because the vehicle could not be secured, outside air/noise entered the vehicle while d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light is lit up on dashboard. Does not go away. Mentioned it to the dealership and I was told having items in the seat could trigger it or if there not enough weight. But even if there nothing or someone in my passenger seat the SRS aways come up.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
While driving in heavy traffic on Interstate 10 west bound, I made a right blinker lane change. Right after complete lane change, vehicle emergency brake applied putting me into a spin and steering was fighting me trying to correct thus causing 2 impacts to a vehicle on side of me. It was light drizzle and dash cam footage is available of vehicle taking control.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
While driving in heavy traffic on Interstate 10 west bound, I made a right blinker lane change. Right after complete lane change, vehicle emergency brake applied putting me into a spin and steering was fighting me trying to correct thus causing 2 impacts to a vehicle on side of me. It was light drizzle and dash cam footage is available of vehicle taking control.
Crash
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2025) - AIR BAGS
May 29, 2026
Incident date: May 29, 2026
25 to 30 MPH front end collision with no air bag deployment. During repair it showed airbags deployed although none were out.
Crash
2 injured
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
May 29, 2026
Incident date: May 29, 2026
My 2023 Lexus RX350 with 67,000 miles displayed a check engine light along with a Drive-Start Control Malfunction warning. The vehicle was brought to a Lexus dealership where it was diagnosed with fault code P25B372 — Turbocharger Wastegate A Actuator Stuck Open. The dealership confirmed the wastegate actuator has failed and requires replacement. The part is currently on backorder with over 800... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2025) - ENGINE
May 29, 2026
Incident date: May 29, 2026
My 2023 Lexus RX350 with 67,000 miles displayed a check engine light along with a Drive-Start Control Malfunction warning. The vehicle was brought to a Lexus dealership where it was diagnosed with fault code P25B372 — Turbocharger Wastegate A Actuator Stuck Open. The dealership confirmed the wastegate actuator has failed and requires replacement. The part is currently on backorder with over 800... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
On XXX, my vehicle unexpectedly activated its automatic braking system while driving, resulting in a rear-end collision. My infant daughter was in the vehicle at the time. While we were fortunate to avoid catastrophic injuries, the incident placed both of us in significant danger and could easily have resulted in a much more serious outcome. The other driver may also have sustained injuries as a r... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The Idle-Stop feature is malfunctioning, the vehicle is equipped with an "Auto Idle Stop" feature that has a dangerous defect. The engine frequently fail to restart after shutting off at stops, unexpectedly leaving the driver stranded or immobile, with the risk of being hit from behind by incoming traffic.
Incident date: May 23, 2026
RECALL 25V-315/25S49 has not been fixed on my truck. ive taken in multiple times since last year and programming doesnt fix the issue. final conclusion from the dealer is replace camera system. which they want me to pay $800 for. Since this is a recall Ford should take care of these charges. info. below [XXX] =aXXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2026
The backup camera glitches repeatedly. Have to put in park then reverse and repeat until it displays. When it is producing the error, the alerts are not received to assist with alerting the driver of any potential hazards and you are unable to see due to camera not working. Also, happened in our 2014 Ford Escape. Although I paid the dealership $600+ to replace it. Now receiving a notice for my 2... Read more