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 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Niro. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently entered limp mode and loss automotive power while the vehicle was still at full battery. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to get a diagnosis however, the dealer stated that the failure was no... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
Saturday April 4th While driving the trailer (fully loaded with equipment, no horses) back to [XXX] from [XXX] , the trailer's brakes completely failed. There was no indication of the failure until I was unable to stop at a traffic light and was pushed all the way through the intersection. Thankfully, there were no other vehicles in the other direction, so there was no accident. I was able to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
Vehicle experienced ongoing safety-related driver assistance system failures beginning at delivery. The vehicle initially could not be delivered due to unresolved windshield and sensor concerns affecting driver assistance features. After delivery, the vehicle continued experiencing intermittent failures involving adaptive cruise control, lane assist, cameras, and related driver assistance systems... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
Took my 2020 kia telluride for emission software update after being notified by the the dealership. Two days later my check engine light keeps coming on and off. I called the dealership and the said to bring it in only if the light is on. The next day my engine light once again keeps going on and off but now also my battery light keeps flickering on and off as well. My car is also slow to idle a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
The vehicle experienced failure of the air conditioning system caused by an A/C compressor shaft seal leak on my 2021 Honda Pilot. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by both an independent mechanic and an authorized Honda dealership. The dealership confirmed that the recommended repair is replacement/repair of the compressor shaft seal consistent with Honda Service Bulletin (TSB) 23-050. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
ABS control module has failed causing the ABS system and the traction control to fail. I have no antilock brakes now. I have had issues with braking multiple times, especially in loose traction. Manufacture stated there’s no available replacement parts to fix my condition. Traction control, ABS, and Brake lights stay illuminated on my dash. This also creates a distraction while driving.
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a service appointment. The contact was informed that the recall would be completed while the vehicle was at the dealer. The contact was informed that the software update rendered the vehicle to be undriveable.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
Mazda and NHTSA have sent out multiple notices calling owner to go to dealers to have the recall remediated. If one schedules to go to a dealership they are informed that Mazda does not yet have a tool available to remedy the issue. I've been on a waiting list for over 4 months and no tool is available yet. Since this appears to be a software issue it's very concerning that it's taking this long t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
7/2024- Harsh transmission shifts- Lost power on very busy highway on 4th of July weekend- spent 12 weeks in the shop for transmission repair 64,000 miles 3/2025- Harsh transmission shifts again- Vehicle slammed into gear very hard- 3 weeks in the shop for another transmission repair 71,000 miles 3/2026- Harsh transmission shifts again- 1 week in the shop- told it needed an adaptive relearn 88,000... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, "low coolant" and "overheating" messages and the check engine warning light illuminated. On the first two occasions, the low coolant message appeared. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and inspected, and she observed a leak under the engine compartment. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Re: Demand for repurchase or replacement under warranty — VIN [XXX] Vehicle: 2022 Volvo XC60 (pre‑certified) Purchase date: 08/19/2024 Dealer: [Dealer name, [XXX] ] Dear Volvo Cars USA Customer Care: I am the owner of the above-referenced vehicle. Since the date of purchase (08/19/2024) the vehicle’s infotainment system has repeatedly failed: it shuts down and reboots frequently (as often a... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at 25 MPH, the transmission independently downshifted. The engine and the power train warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact later received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train) however the parts were unavailable. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
My 2018 Nissan Armada has had SO MANY issues (probably 15-20) with not starting when cranked. Something is draining its battery. We have had to change the battery so many times (usually 2-3 times every year or two.) This happens without any notice! We have been stranded in other cities, stores, &/or at work. We have tried having it checked out by different repair shops, replacing batteries in key ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
After emissions campaign 9c9, downshifting using paddle shifters on downhill grades, engine failing to maintain speed. Does not slow car down like it did before, seems like no compression. Fuel efficiency / emissions over traditional transmission braking, forcing drivers to use brakes more often to avoid high RPMs. Safety Risk: The lack of engine braking can lead to brake overheating or fade on lo... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, on the freeway while depressing the accelerator pedal the gear shifts shifted independently. No warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed however the diagnoses was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified on the failure... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
I am submitting this on behalf of my daughter, [XXX] . On Friday, May 8, 2026, [XXX] was traveling southbound on Highway 89A approaching [XXX] . Highway 89A is a narrow, winding two-lane canyon road with limited shoulder and significant elevation changes. While still on the canyon road, her 2020 Chevrolet Equinox suddenly lost all power, including power assist to both steering and brakes. A sudd... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
Tesla just sold me a car with defective front half shafts axles. The car makes a reproducible and very concerning accelerator pedal shudder that makes the entire vehicle front vibrate, including the steering wheel and brake pedals while the car is accelerating between 30-60mph. This interferes with safety features like, lane departure assistance and blind spot steering wheel feedback, Confusing th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Tesla just sold me a car with defective front half shafts axles. The car makes a reproducible and very concerning accelerator pedal shudder that makes the entire vehicle front vibrate, including the steering wheel and brake pedals while the car is accelerating between 30-60mph. This interferes with safety features like, lane departure assistance and blind spot steering wheel feedback, Confusing th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2020
Intermittent trailer disconnect and loss of electric trailer brake output while towing Airstream. The truck is connected to the trailer through the seven Way plug. There are no modifications to the truck. This is a safety hazard as I pull a 9000+ lb trailer. Trailer connection drops momentarily and integrated trailer brake controller loses communication with trailer brakes. I went on a 5000 mile... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Vehicle would not start/drive. Vehicle was parked in garage at time of failure. Kia dealership said the ICCU needed to be replaced along with the 12V battery. Prior to the failure, audio was not working in the car for several weeks. Kia stated that was due to the ICCU issues and that the 12V was most likely also failing due to the ICCU. ICCU was covered by KIA, but owner of the vehicle had to... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Had a vehicle update for my 2023 Chevrolet Silverado and now my Onstar Module is toast and no longer under warranty bc I have 37,000 miles. Many reports of this happening to 2023 models but no recalls for this. Why should I have to pay $1000.00 for a part that is failing in many vehicles of the same year.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Please see attached complaint letter. Overall, this is related to the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid electronic hybrid system. This issue related to campaign 25TD01. The issue can cause the car to not start at any time because of the vehicle's start/stop hybrid system. If this happens in traffic, you could cause a safety issue that could lead to an accident and possibly fatalities.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Vehicle stalled approximately 15 times between April 17 and May 4, 2026, including once on Interstate XXX at approximately 50mph with minor children ages [XXX] and [XXX] in the vehicle. The oil and battery lights illuminated simultaneously at each stall. Diagnosed as ABS module failure first, then left front wheel speed sensor failure on the 2nd occasion, both confirmed by a Hyundai dealership. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and failed to accelerate with the low oil warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the contact’s spouse had added oil to the vehicle. The vehicle was able to restart, and additional oil had to be delivered to the contact to refill the vehicle. ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was released, the auto start feature failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed engine starter. The contact was informed that the engine starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced a recall, N... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The vehicle overheated and caught fire.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Driving on straight road going speed limit. Heard a pop behind me like a tire pop. Car fish tailed uncontrollably and ended up crashing into a Ranch Fence on the right side of the road. 2 of my kids and myself had injuries. When we got off the vehicle witnesses and I saw A rear link broken which keeps the tires straight.
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: May 12, 2026
Please update recall repair status to repaired for this VIN (dealer repair invoice attached)
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Vehicle primarily failed while parked at owner residence [XXX] and remained inoperable for approximately three weeks prior to tow to Cadillac dealership. The ignition key became trapped and could not be removed. A manual override release beneath the driver-side steering column was required to free the key — confirming the lock was held electronically, not mechanically jammed. Fault confirmed by... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2025
2025 Lexus TX350, approximately 27,000 miles. Vehicle exhibits rotational clicking/vibration from front drivetrain during acceleration while turning. Dealer is attributing issue to brake pad and rotor wear. Lexus TSB L-SB-0033-24 Rev1 documents a known front drive shaft assembly defect on this platform. TSB applicability check has not been performed. Requesting investigation into whether this defe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2026
On May 2, 2026, while the vehicle was in operation, the engine suddenly shut off without warning. At the time of failure, the instrument panel remained illuminated; however, the vehicle would not restart. In an effort to resolve the issue, the battery was replaced, but this did not correct the problem. The vehicle was then towed to a local Chevrolet dealership for further inspection and diagnosis... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION FOR THIS ISSUE WHICH IS THE DRL'S/DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS FOR THE VW 2021 (2021-2023 ACTUALLY) GIVE OUT/FAIL, AND THEY CANNOT BE FIXED WITHOUT REPLACING THE $1200 ENTIRE HEADLIGHT PART. CRAZY FOR A LIGHT THAT NEW TO GIVE OUT FOR SO MANY. I REFUSE TO PAY FOR THESE IT IS OBVIOUYSLY A DESIGN FLAW ON THEIR END. IN OUR CASE, BOTH DRL'S GAVE OUT. REGULAR NIGHT LIGHTS WORK BUT T... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
This truck has a recall on it but by specific VIN numbers mine doesn’t fall into the VIN number but had the same catastrophic oil cooler line failure, which is in the recall which caused the engine tool expire with 40,000 miles on it. Truck is like brand new General Motors will not honor the warranty even though it’s the failure that’s in the warranty makes no sense.
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The complaint was filed on behalf of the contact's mother. The contact's mother owns a 2026 CR-V. The contact stated while the contact's mother was driving, the vehicle's speed independently accelerated. The brake pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to stop as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's mother's vehicle crashed into three parked vehicles. The contact st... Read more
Crash
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 12, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact replaced the battery. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechan... Read more
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2019) - POWER TRAIN
May 12, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
This vehicle burns oil excessively. From everything I've seen says this should be under recall but the Kia dealership tells me it's not because it's over 60,000 miles and I'm the second owner. They offered to do a oil consumption test for $900. I've already read complaints about this engine locking up and people being seriously injured. I have to put oil in it every thousand miles or so. For a new... Read more
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2019) - ENGINE
May 12, 2026
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
This vehicle burns oil excessively. From everything I've seen says this should be under recall but the Kia dealership tells me it's not because it's over 60,000 miles and I'm the second owner. They offered to do a oil consumption test for $900. I've already read complaints about this engine locking up and people being seriously injured. I have to put oil in it every thousand miles or so. For a new... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) - STEERING
May 12, 2026
Incident date: May 12, 2026
Car aggressively shakes and steering wheel shakes / jerks itself side to side when accelerating. Getting worse with time. GMC has it as a known issue but has been for months. Problem is getting worse the more it is driven. GMC says it is “safe”.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Right after i bought the car I had a very bad misfire on cylinder 1, the car would shake at idle. Took to dealership and they said they replaced all the spark plugs and replaced cylinder 1 coil. about a week later the misfire and shaking started again but this time it would come and go. the check engine light would be on then it would go away for a bit and then come back on over and over again. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
My 2025 Tesla Cybertruck AWD (VIN: [XXX] ) has a recurring failure of the right rear seat occupant detection system, which governs airbag deployment and is certified by Tesla to meet FMVSS 208. The same alert (internal code RCM2_a698) persisted through two official repairs at Tesla Palo Alto: 1st repair (Invoice XXX, 8/22/2025): seat belt buckle replaced. Alert recurred 2 days later, August... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
While driving my Ineos Grenadier in the middle of the Arizona desert, the steering suddenly became difficult to control due to a tie rod nut coming loose. The vehicle began wandering and required constant correction to maintain control, creating a serious safety concern in a remote area far from immediate assistance. There were no warning lamps, messages, or alerts displayed inside the vehicle bef... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
While driving on the interstate, while using cruise control, my vehicle braked and decelerated, uncontrollably. The collision alert alarm went off. I forced the vehicle to accelerate and it stopped the braking and the collision alarm ceased. I took the car to the dealer and they spend the day checking it over. They said they couldn’t get the same reaction I reported, but reset the cruise contro... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
While driving on the interstate, while using cruise control, my vehicle braked and decelerated, uncontrollably. The collision alert alarm went off. I forced the vehicle to accelerate and it stopped the braking and the collision alarm ceased. I took the car to the dealer and they spend the day checking it over. They said they couldn’t get the same reaction I reported, but reset the cruise contro... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
While driving 2020 Crosstrek Hybrid, the dashboard lights suddenly flashed and then engine stalled, leaving me with no brakes and no steering. I rolled through straight through an intersection with four stop signs and I could not stop. Luckily no one was driving or walking at the time. I couldn't start car, even with a jump start. I bought a new Interstate battery with higher specs. Three days... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
While driving my 2016 RAM 1500 Eco diesel, the vehicle suddenly lost power and would not accelerate beyond 40 mph. The malfunction occurred while driving under normal road conditions and created a safety concern because the truck was unable to maintain normal traffic speed. Prior to failure, a warning light appeared on the dashboard related to emissions/exhaust system. The truck entered into a ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
I have encountered several instances where the vehicle goes idle at a spot light as expected. However the vehicle fails to restart when letting off the brake. Instead, the vehicle shifts into park. Once the vehicle shifts into park, I am unable to shift into drive. I must restart the vehicle and try en shift into drive. This is extremely dangerous and has happened multiple times. This vehicle is o... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
I have encountered several instances where the vehicle goes idle at a spot light as expected. However the vehicle fails to restart when letting off the brake. Instead, the vehicle shifts into park. Once the vehicle shifts into park, I am unable to shift into drive. I must restart the vehicle and try en shift into drive. This is extremely dangerous and has happened multiple times. This vehicle is o... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - ENGINE
May 11, 2026
Incident date: May 11, 2026
Driving home on [XXX] , coming back from [XXX] the car started to tick, then a loss of motive power happened then knocking really bad. The rest of the trip home was in the slow lane with hazards, tops 35 miles an hour. I also have videos sent by Honda. That confirms rod, knock and the sound of the engine INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: May 7, 2026
The contact purchased a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 71,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage on the title 43,655 and the DMV informed her after their research was tempe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Instrument cluster anti-glare film or delamination on center and left instrument cluster. The film is wearing away in certain irregular sport and shapes. The overall wear is impacting the visibility to the center cluster under certain conditions leading to obscure visibility to important information, including vehicle speed or other warning light. It has been raised to the dealer, then to Porsch... Read more