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: Oct 5, 2025
COMPONENT/SYSTEM: High-voltage battery system (traction battery). The vehicle is subject to a manufacturer recall for risk of internal short circuit and potential thermal event. The vehicle and battery are available for inspection upon request. SAFETY RISK: According to the manufacturer and dealer, the defect presents a risk of battery fire, including while the vehicle is parked and not in operat... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2025
This same incident has happened twice, June of 2025 and more recently March of 2026. My vehicle will essentially have no oil left causing my car to shake while breaking and eventually the car stalls out. The first time this occurred, my vehicle stalled out in the highway and again at a 4 way stop sign. I took it to the Hyundai dealership where an oil change, oil plug and oil filter was replaced. I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering with a knocking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the dealer declined to repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer stated t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 75,000. At the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 252,000.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Apr 21, 2026
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving on four occasions, the front driver's side seat belt unintendedly unbuckled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions, cold condensation dripped onto the right leg and the floorboard smelled like rotting fish. The contact added that the condensation line should have leaked outside of the vehicle, not inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
Infotainmeny system receives multiple fals touches and switches to other screens and functions with no direct input from me the driver. This is very distracting and also dangerous as the issue also interfears with navigation, it will turn is off and switch destinations without any input. This issue has occured since i have had the car in 2022, it only keeps getting worse. This is a very distractin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
A door lock malfunction occurred involving the front driver-side door. The vehicle would not unlock or open using the key fob. Multiple attempts were made to unlock the vehicle, but the driver door remained locked and unresponsive. At the time of the incident, a child was secured inside the vehicle in a child safety seat. Access to the vehicle through the driver-side door was not possible. Acce... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
Vehicle: 2023 Kia Sportage Issue: Service Brakes / Premature Rotor Failure / Grinding Within approximately six months of purchasing my vehicle new, I experienced brake grinding and premature rotor failure. This condition has reoccurred multiple times despite repair attempts at authorized Kia dealerships, including rotor replacement under a Technical Service Bulletin. Multiple dealerships acknowled... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Infiniti QX30. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The vehicle steadily moved forward even after releasing the steering wheel and the accelerator pedal. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was info... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Blown Head gasket due to known faulty Engine. Coolant leaking into cylinders. Known design defect.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
4/16/2026 at 1:35pm I was traveling north on Hwy 69 traveling +-45mph. Vehicle on my right in his lane and one vehicle in from of me about 50yrds. My vehicle auto applied the brakes and alarm indicating emergency collision to happen. A new minutes later (5 minutes) traveling in same direction same speed but NO cars on either side but one care approximately 100 yds in from and again the emergency ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the ABS, BRAKE, and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that approximately one year later, while driving approximately 5 MPH in the rain, the steering wheel jerked left and right continuously, and the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle stopped facing on-coming traffic. The vehicle was driven to the residence... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
My 2018 Pacifica Hybrid suffered a catastrophic suspension separation while driving—the exact failure described in Safety Recall V15. The driver fortunately arrived at home safely only seeing smoke coming out form the tire rubbing against the wheel hood. Although my VIN isn't showing as 'active,' this is clearly a safety defect. I would like to open a case for a Goodwill Repair or a 'Special Pol... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Repeated concerns involving the reliable response to pressing the gas pedal. Directly after purchase notified dealership the vehicle felt unsafe to drive. That pressing the gas pedal did not guarantee the vehicle would predictably move forward. Response ranges from high rpm with no forward propulsion, delayed response with eventual slow or regular movement, high rpm with no forward movement when t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Have replaced every part in the fuel system. Pumps, modules, etc. and it continues to have issues. Now a fuel smell issue. These cars have constant issues and need a full recall. Still has issues and have had multiple times it stopped running due to the fuel system issues. Attached is most recent receipt
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
On March 22, 2026, I was returning home from a trip to visit my mother in Colorado. The wind in Kansas was horrible on that day. While in the middle of the state, one of the panels around the sunroof on my 2015 Ford Edge CAME OFF of my car and shattered in the road behind me. Moments later, 3 other panels blew off and shattered on the road. I was in shock! Someone could have been killed or se... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
Transmission hard shifting then when shifting to 8th gear stops pulling causes engine to rev. When stopped the Transmission won't down shifting to 1st gear. Sticking in 7th gear . Truck won't move. While traveling it suddenly will shift from 10th gear back to 7th . Stops pulling at that point. Then goes into 8th.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
dash board displays trailer not connected when it is then lights and brakes goes out and will not come back on. this happens every time I haul. I have to pull over on the side and disconnect and reconnect tailer and shut off the engine and restart to reset. sometimes this works most times not. Last time it happened at 12am doing 70mph on I 95 and almost caused a severe accident. I have called deal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
dash board displays trailer not connected when it is then lights and brakes goes out and will not come back on. this happens every time I haul. I have to pull over on the side and disconnect and reconnect tailer and shut off the engine and restart to reset. sometimes this works most times not. Last time it happened at 12am doing 70mph on I 95 and almost caused a severe accident. I have called deal... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
My 2010 Ford Fusion has been having issues with the ABS system/module showing the fault code, Service Advance Track System. After checking the recalls on this issue, I learned that Ford did have a recall for this make/model, recall # 19S54, BUT only from cars out of a certain plant during a certain time. I was told by the local Ford dealer as well as Ford Motor Co. that my vehicle was not includ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
Hello I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2022 Honda Odyssey EX-L that was involved in an accident and declared a total loss. During the incident, I was driving in snowy conditions at approximately 50 mph while entering a split lane. The vehicle began to skid, and shortly afterward I observed warning indicators activating. It appeared that vehicle safety systems, including stability or b... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The vehicle (2020 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2.0T, ~88,500 miles) experienced a sudden engine failure with no warning signs—no oil light, knocking, or overheating. After sitting overnight, the vehicle would not start and was later diagnosed by an independent repair facility as having a seized engine requiring replacement. The failure was unexpected and creates a potential safety risk, as it could have r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
While operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions, the engine experienced a significant loss of power and reduced acceleration. The issue is believed to be related to turbocharger failure within the engine system. The loss of power created a safety concern, particularly when attempting to merge into traffic and maintain highway speeds. The vehicle did not respond as expected when accele... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The first time this happened I was pulling into a parking lot and all service lights started flickering and it said to turn turn off car immediately as I was driving, I pulled into the nearest parking lot and it just stopped driving. The second time, which was Friday, April 17, 2026 I was driving down a busy road and all lights started flashing, the big NO ASB brakes flashing and I had no brakes. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The first time this happened I was pulling into a parking lot and all service lights started flickering and it said to turn turn off car immediately as I was driving, I pulled into the nearest parking lot and it just stopped driving. The second time, which was Friday, April 17, 2026 I was driving down a busy road and all lights started flashing, the big NO ASB brakes flashing and I had no brakes. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2013
Randomly, and without warning, the instruments, gauges, and displays will switch into a language I do not speak or understand (Italian). Coinciding with the switch to Italian language, cluster and radio display settings revert back to default settings, auto door locks and paddle shifter becomes inoperative (with no menu to enable), pedestrian emergency brake (peb) lamp or forward collision warning... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
I recently pressed the button to open the sunroof, and it only retracted a few inches before I heard a loud noise. The sunroof stopped, and simply would not go any further. Thankfully, the vehicle is garaged at home (I was stationary and heading out when this occurred), but with Kia topping the list of most stolen vehicles, along with unpredictable weather, I'm sure you can understand why I was co... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2026
Faulty Molded Leadframe To my knowledge I was never notified of the known safety issues with this part and its recall/warranty (Customer Satisfaction Program 19N01). This is still an ongoing issue and just had to have my vehicle in for service that could of been avoided.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
During a recent dealership visit for recall work and an oil change, a potential issue was identified involving improper fluid presence. On April 16, 2026, I brought my 2015 Dodge Dart to Ewald Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for recall work and an oil change. Upon pickup, I immediately noticed a strong burning smell. Service representative Austin told me this was normal due to the recall work performed. O... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Coolant control valve failing. Warranty not covering this part. Seems to be a manufactured issue. Happening on a lot of 2021 GMNC Sierras with the 3.0l Duramax.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Coolant control valve failing. Warranty not covering this part. Seems to be a manufactured issue. Happening on a lot of 2021 GMNC Sierras with the 3.0l Duramax.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control was inoperative, and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, a... Read more
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 20, 2026
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Vehicle drove normally in the morning commute. In the afternoon commute it started normally and as i approached highway speeds the alarms started showing up. the Brake, hill descent system, abs, critical failure. the vehicle started losing speed and could not accelerate. Losing speed at highway speed was alarming and finally all dashboard went red with alert to stop driving and engine heating warm... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
Rough downshifting and upshifting in low gears. Will slam into gears 2-3 often seems as though at slower speeds and cause driver and passengers to lurch forward. Will cause very rough acceleration at times and causes a danger in traffic given the speed becomes unpredictable. Transmission does not know what gear to be in. The ATF type 2.0 fluid change following dealer procedure after complaint has... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
1st Incident: Merging on to the freeway car started to stall but was able to safely make it off the freeway at next exit. Less than 2 miles was unable to accelerate to properly merge on freeway. A slow merge & slow driving on to a freeway is extremely dangerous. 2nd Incident: 6 months later, Nov. 2023. Driving about 65-70 MPH on the freeway with my son, the car started to stall again. I was able t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
I purchased a new 2025 Honda Odyssey XLE in February 2025 and soon noticed a clunking noise coming from the front suspension whenever I hit bumps. I contacted the dealership, and they scheduled an appointment. After inspecting the vehicle, they told me they could not find anything wrong. However, when I left the dealership, the noise was still there. The issue has since gotten worse. The clunking... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that seconds later, the vehicle was surrounded by smoke. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that nearby drivers contacted the Police and the Fire Dep... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
This situation is occurring more and more often with this vehicle. The vehicle will be in drive, moving, and in the middle of a road or highway just shutdown completely. It happened 4 times 2 weeks ago. Brought to a auto mechanic and nothing could be discovered to be malfunctioning.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
I have a 2019 Chevrolet trialboss with a 5.3 L engine and the lifters went out on this vehicle! Now it’s needs a new engine! And there seems to be a huge trend with this.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
During their recall repair work on my cpv/ecm recall Rowe Auburn Ford allowed my car to leave their custody with the airbag light on and have refused to take responsibility or offer resolution to fix this issue without costing me more money.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine at startup. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil caused by a gasket failure inside a piston in the engine. Due to the failure, the co... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned? The engine (piston rings) and catalytic converter failed. The catalytic converter is available for inspection upon request. How was safety put at risk? The engine ran low on oil without any external leak, causing warning lights and engine rattling. Low oil pressure can lead to sudden engine seizure or fire. The failed catalytic converter can clo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
Had powertrain engine light come on in Jan 2026 and transmission would hesitate and had problems with downshifting on interstate. Fiord said no recalls on the vehicle.. I, had transmission service done and still had problems with it downshifting while on freeway. On March 29,2026 truck would not start. Message came on stating it was in drive when it was actually parked. Had to tow it in. Diagnosti... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel delivery system – specifically the low-pressure fuel pump failed, causing poor engine performance and ultimately requiring replacement. The repair was completed by an authorized Alfa Romeo dealer. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle began running rough... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The vehicle became inoperable at high speeds on the interstate, I-65. My husband was able to safely merge to the right shoulder to avoid any crashes. The car made some loud clunking sounds before all power was lost. The car was then towed to the nearest Nissan dealership. It took 3 business days for the dealer to look at the car. The entire engine needed to be replaced. The dealership was able... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
There are .recalls.on the Vehicle I had been unaware of and I dropped off my vehicle for exterior buffing while person Buffing vehicle he heard a loud explosion and when he looked the vehicle was up in flames the vehicle burned. There was a Risk of someone getting Harm , Killed and Damages to other vehicles on the property in same lot vehicle was being buffed . Police and Fireman were dispatch to... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
I own a 2017 Kia Sportage 2.4L (VIN: [XXX] ). In October of 2024 , the vehicle began making a loud engine knocking noise consistent with a known rod bearing failure. I immediately stopped driving and it has been in my garage to prevent further damage or safety risk. I contacted KIA America corporate twice 4/17/26 and was denied engine replacement twice. Kia stated I was not eligible for coverage ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
2025 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN HIGH COUNTRY. Vehicle is parked in my garage. Went out in the AM and the engine only cranks, will not start. Called On Star for roadside assistance. Sent a tow truck, the vehicle could not be towed due to the electronic transmission. There is no way for an owner to place the transmission in neutral. Vehicle is stuck in my garage. GM customer service referred me back t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
Third Brake light (pulse brake light) causes interior leaks causing damage to electrical, interior rust on seats, water damage, headliner staining. This is a common issue. Larson Dodge in Puyallup stated they see approximately three Rams in weekly for this issue including my vehicle 1500. Dodge should do a recall to replace light and repair all damage caused by water damage.
Crash