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: May 15, 2024
I have a 2023 f150 powerboost. I slowed down to a yielding sign to turn right onto the state highway. The engine was in electric mode, I went to push the acceleration pedal and nothing happened. The truck would not accelerate for 4-5 seconds. I then put the accelerator pedal to the floor and it finally engaged and the truck flew. I’ve had it happen once before but for only a second so I thought ... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 14, 2026
Incident date: May 13, 2026
On 5 separate occasions the vehicle locked up the brakes while at highway speeds. Nothing around to trigger any systems
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Honda CR-V. The stated that when driving the vehicle, it unexpectedly stalled. No warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 400.
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 TOYOTA Tacoma. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, the AC went out. The vehicle was driven to a dealer where it was diagnosed to have a rock damage at the AC condenser. The contact stated that it is located in front of the grill which has no protection or cover on the condenser, allowing the issue to occurred again. The vehicle was not repa... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
While driving, the vehicle displays a critical “Air pressure in tires very low — pull over safely” alert. When I pull over and inspect, the tire pressure is normal and there is no flat. The alert clears on its own after driving a few more miles. The vehicle has been serviced four times for this issue between February and May 2026 at Tesla service centers in Austin TX, Flower Mound TX, San Di... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
While driving, the vehicle displays a critical “Air pressure in tires very low — pull over safely” alert. When I pull over and inspect, the tire pressure is normal and there is no flat. The alert clears on its own after driving a few more miles. The vehicle has been serviced four times for this issue between February and May 2026 at Tesla service centers in Austin TX, Flower Mound TX, San Di... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed oil leaking from the vehicle with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the JB Weld and the driveshaft had failed, causing the transmission to fail and needed to be replaced. . The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2018
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that he received NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The local dealer was contact who confirmed there were metal shaving in the fuel injectors. The vehilce was not repaired. The manufacture was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
he contact owns a 2026 Audi E6. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, another driver abruptly cut in front of the contact’s vehicle in ongoing traffic, causing the contact to t-bone the other vehicle. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed in the contact’s vehicle; however, the other vehicle’s air bags did deploy. No warning lights were illuminated pri... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle's speed independently accelerated. In addition, the power train failure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately unknown.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
the first indication of an issue was oil consumption. It was using more oil than usual around the 70K mile mark. Then it started misfiring, and soon after a knocking noise coming from the engine. There are no check engine light on, after bringing it in for diagnostics, it read that it was a spark plug, once they got into the engine they discovered the cylinder had been stripped from the piston. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Both side curtain airbags deployed while driving down the street. The driver's seatbelt tightened then locked up. There was no obvious reason for the airbags to deploy. the vehicle was taken to a Chevy dealer to see if it was on recall list but they said it was not. Vehicle was referred to a body shop for estimate for repairs...$6,435.00....if you can find the parts. driver was shaken up by the de... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle's rear brakes rub significantly to the point of prematurely wearing out the brake pads. Additionally, the instrument panel is failing and displaying all warning lights, and the side mirrors flicker while driving. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed to be NHTSA ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Vehicle was parked and turned off in a residential driveway when a fire spontaneously ignited in the engine compartment. There were no warning lights, unusual sounds, or symptoms prior to the incident. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire using dry chemical suppressant and water. The vehicle was a total loss. The fire appears to have originated in the front engine compartment... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of fuel. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact received the recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure milea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of fuel. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact received the recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure milea... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
I purchased this vehicle from CarMax about 5 months ago. It had 74,XXX miles. CarMax showed no open recalls and a printed sheet from your site showing the same. Several weeks ago, while driving, the engine seized. I sent it to one of the local Hyundai dealers for repair. Hyundai said because recall Campaign #966 had not been performed, they would not replace the engine under the extended warr... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
I had recall 23S64 repaired on 04/39/26 and now my car check engine light is on and is running hot, and shaking causing a safety hazard due to recall not being completed correctly by authorized Ford dealership
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
I had recall 23S64 repaired on 04/39/26 and now my car check engine light is on and is running hot, and shaking causing a safety hazard due to recall not being completed correctly by authorized Ford dealership
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
When first started sometimes power steering does not work. Temporary fix is to restart the car. It's gone out while I was driving. This is very scary and hard to turn when it goes out.
Incident date: May 13, 2026
On April 20th, 2026 I called Genesis of Carmel (Address: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] ) to get a oil change. On the same day I called them I also explained that various warning lights started to appear in the dash (check high beam assist system, check driver attention system, check speed limit system). The next day on the 21st when I wen to t take the car in for service the car would not start. I had t... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
delayed response when accelerating from a stop
Incident date: May 12, 2026
The passenger door lock/latch actuator is failing. The passenger door will not open from the outside at all. The door has to be opened from the inside. The power lock button and key fob do not unlock the passenger door. I can hear the lock/actuator trying to operate, but the door does not unlock or release from the outside handle. This issue started shortly after we had a historic/unusual cold fr... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 FORD F-150. The contact stated while her husband was driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed, they witness the vehicle suddenly changing into different gears on it's own very abruptly. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: (26V237000 (POWER TRAIN) however, the vehicle VIN was not added to the recall repair.. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The contract owns a 2016 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 38 MPH, the vehicle began cranking. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road, where they called a relative. Once the relative arrived and inspected the vehicle, they noticed the drive shaft had detached. They drove back up the road the truck had just traveled and found the drive shaft. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle the engine was hesitant to start and while driving the flashing check engine light had illuminated and the vehicle did not accelerate past 40 MPH. The vehicle was slowly driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the both the engine head gasket and water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet r... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle the engine was hesitant to start and while driving the flashing check engine light had illuminated and the vehicle did not accelerate past 40 MPH. The vehicle was slowly driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the both the engine head gasket and water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
The vehicle was making a vibration in the center of the car. I took it to the dealership and they said it was the ptu but that it's not part of the recall.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2024) - ENGINE
May 14, 2026
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Driving to work on the highway and the Honda pilot suddenly slowed and stopped accelerating, started riding rough and making a loud whistling blowing noise. Check engine light was suddenly flashing. I was able to pull over into a lane split zone before being hit by all the traffic going around and bumping horns at me. I was terrified but thankful to be alive. I want in a good spot though, cars an... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 14, 2026
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Driver side headlamp low beam has burned out. They are supposed to be lifetime LED headlamps, not burn out after only 67,000 miles.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2024) - STRUCTURE:BODY
May 14, 2026
Incident date: May 10, 2026
On 2 seperate occassions I had a wheel on my 2019 Toyota Tacoma come off while driving. Both after Toyota signed off on work orders and bill of sales showing they accessed the wheels. On 4/11/26 the front left drivers side fell off. Upon picking it up after repairs on April 28, May 6th the left rear wheel fell off while driving again. My safety could have been fatal but luckily no injuries ... Read more
Crash
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - WHEELS
May 14, 2026
Incident date: May 13, 2026
On 2 seperate occassions I had a wheel on my 2019 Toyota Tacoma come off while driving. Both after Toyota signed off on work orders and bill of sales showing they accessed the wheels. On 4/11/26 the front left drivers side fell off. Upon picking it up after repairs on April 28, May 6th the left rear wheel fell off while driving again. My safety could have been fatal but luckily no injuries ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 10, 2026
catastrophic internal engine failure on my 6.2L engine. Several times vehicle was to Gm Gunn Buick GMC regarding power loss knocking noises. Received the run around that vehicle past all their initial inspection and test. They only replaced a VALVE LIFTER REPLACEMENTS BANK 2 without further assessment of the engine or components. I took my vehicle to another shop to conduct a thorough inspection a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Between 35 -45 mph transmission seems confused on shifting, sounds like sensor or fluid control issue, also mild periodic vibrations 1-2 sec at random times Also 12v to 120 v transformer constantly faults even when low amp device is connected. Both have been previously reported this to service dept but issue seems to be ignored...
Incident date: May 13, 2026
When I come to a stop and the auto stop/start disengages the car makes a grinding noise
Incident date: May 13, 2026
"On 04/09/26, I took my vehicle for regular maintenance and an oil change; no potential issues were reported. I operated the vehicle in good faith, trusting its safety. However, on Sunday, 05/03/2026, while driving at highway speeds, the clutch pedal failed and [stuck to the floor / slipped severely]. This caused an immediate loss of power to the wheels in high-speed traffic, creating a life-threa... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
My vehicle year and model are part of the PTU recall and is having the Service 4WD message, rolling when parked, and losing power. When I contacted FCA, they informed me that my VIN is not part of their recall, despite being the exact issue in the recall, and I would have to pay to replace my PTU myself. I just want it included so they will replace my PTU because the exact symptoms are what mine i... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Manufacturer failed to provide an adequate remedy for Safety Recall 17V-435 (T36). On 09/12/2018, the dealer "inspected" the 180-AMP alternator (Part 4801833AB) and cleared it as safe. On 09/25/2019, this exact component suffered a total fatigue failure, causing a "no-start" condition and electrical collapse. Safety Risk: This vehicle is equipped with Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS). The ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
The front grille and front bumper of my 2025 Nissan Pathfinder have melted twice on their own without any accident, impact, or unusual use. The vehicle is used exclusively for personal family transportation and is parked outdoors in Florida. Nissan opened a warranty case on April 1, 2026. However, their entire investigation was conducted based on photos only — no physical inspection of the vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
2022 Tesla Model S Plaid purchased CPO from Tesla Florida Inc. Jacksonville on 8/29/2025 for $75,533.19. Multiple unresolved safety defects. (1) Trunk closure obstacle-detection failure 10/15/2025: key fob fell in gap between liftgate and roof; powered liftgate continued upward opening cycle and compressed fob against fixed roof glass until rear glass shattered. $4,100 repair. Same cycle on a chil... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
1.unexpected downshift into second gear while driving - like the engine is falling - causes severe jerk and sometimes truck revs/ goes into neutral - just revs. 2. frozen tailgate latches and door latch defects 3. additionally the transmission harsh shifting when cold (safety/drivability defect): When the vehicle is cold, the 10‑speed transmission shifts harshly, hesitates, clunks, and delay... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 15, 2024
1.unexpected downshift into second gear while driving - like the engine is falling - causes severe jerk and sometimes truck revs/ goes into neutral - just revs. 2. frozen tailgate latches and door latch defects 3. additionally the transmission harsh shifting when cold (safety/drivability defect): When the vehicle is cold, the 10‑speed transmission shifts harshly, hesitates, clunks, and delay... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The vehicle is affected by an unrepaired safety recall involving the high-voltage battery during Level 3 quick charging. The recall states that affected vehicles may develop excessive lithium deposits in battery cells, increasing electrical resistance and potentially causing rapid battery heating while Level 3 quick charging. The recall also states that if quick charging continues, a battery fire ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
on the freeway after around 10 miles a vibration starts at 70mph and up to 80mph, it gets worse, its from the rear, you can feel it in the steering, through the floor, and seat, over 80 the whole car is one constant resonating vibration, tires have been replaced and conformed ok. Toyota are not doing anything to resolve the issue, and will not drive it as I request, and will not invite me to dr... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
My vehicle has a lifetime warranty that is currently not being honored. It is currently in limp mode and showing a code P1326 which is an engine failure and possible fire hazard. The dealership has had my car for three weeks and have made no attempts to repair my vehicle which they are required to do by law under the Theta II Settlement. I was lied to by both dealerships. One stated my vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The vehicle’s low-voltage battery system failed unexpectedly, causing a complete loss of electrical power and preventing normal vehicle access and operation. The failure resulted in my [XXX] child becoming trapped inside the vehicle. The malfunction appears related to the 12V/low-voltage battery and/or associated power management system. The vehicles inspection invoice is available upon request... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, on the highway. the contact notice an abnormal noise coming from the transmission. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure and they informed him this will n... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
Blown head gasket, coolant leak into engine tsb222229
Incident date: May 12, 2026
The rear backup camera has been intermittently failing for over one year on this 2020 RAM ProMaster 2500. The failure has now become more frequent and extended. When the fault occurs, the infotainment screen displays a permanent "Camera System Unavailable" message that blocks access to all other functions including radio, phone, and navigation. The failure occurs in all gear positions and persists... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
The rear backup camera has been intermittently failing for over one year on this 2020 RAM ProMaster 2500. The failure has now become more frequent and extended. When the fault occurs, the infotainment screen displays a permanent "Camera System Unavailable" message that blocks access to all other functions including radio, phone, and navigation. The failure occurs in all gear positions and persists... Read more