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: Apr 16, 2026
my car suddenly caught fire while driving on the freeway. i heard a boom, felt my car shake and saw flames out my back window, i pulled over immediately and got out of the car. going around the passenger side to inspect my tires and car. as in doing this i noticed that the entire car by then underneath was completely consumed in flames. i ran from the car in fear of my safety. my car burned to the... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
This vehicle has 110000 miles. Has coolant intrusion in cylinder 2. Has had an issue since 45000 miles with drivability. Coils and spark plugs were replaced even though coolant intrusion was a known issue at the time.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
I was on a road trip and halfway through my check engine light came on and notified me that engine power was reduced while on a 70mph highway. My car the slowed itself down to not exceed 45 then 25mph. I was in a remote area and very far away from a Chevy dealership. I was forced to drive for a long distance to make it to a Chevy dealership that was willing to work with me. Come to find out my fue... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
Vehicle shut off while driving. Luckily we were in right lane and we just drifted into breakdown lane with no power steering or power braking. These cars are unsafe 2500-4000 lb missiles going down the roadway and the government is continuing to allow them on the roadway with serious life jeopardizing known defects. The dealers point at Jeep, Jeep points to dealers, both point to Stelantis and it... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
I was pulling out of a parking space, and the car opposite me in the next row was pulling out at the same time. We backed into each other, damaging both cars. The ADAS failed to activate the rear camera, automatic emergency braking, parking collision warning, and rear cross traffic warning. There were no injuries, so we didn't call the police; we exchanged insurance info. The other driver was also... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
I was pulling out of a parking space, and the car opposite me in the next row was pulling out at the same time. We backed into each other, damaging both cars. The ADAS failed to activate the rear camera, automatic emergency braking, parking collision warning, and rear cross traffic warning. There were no injuries, so we didn't call the police; we exchanged insurance info. The other driver was also... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
I was pulling out of a parking space, and the car opposite me in the next row was pulling out at the same time. We backed into each other, damaging both cars. The ADAS failed to activate the rear camera, automatic emergency braking, parking collision warning, and rear cross traffic warning. There were no injuries, so we didn't call the police; we exchanged insurance info. The other driver was also... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
While Driving at 75mph there was sudden violent shake of Truck and it was not until I reduced the speed to 55 that it stopped. Then it happened again for the second time in the same day. After a week it is still doing the same sporadic but the truck feels jumping. Took it to the Toyota Dealer and they discarded any tire balance issue and they said they need to recreate the issue in order to be abl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
In August of 2025 I purchased a Chevy MD 5500 from Paul Masse, Inc., in RI. From the time of delivery the truck had a serious shake while operating. Paul Masse, Inc., told me that the tires had flat spots from sitting on the lot prior to purchase. As time went on the dealership placed two new sets of tires on the truck. Neither set fixed the shaking. Paul Masse, Inc., told me that this was how the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
In August of 2025 I purchased a Chevy MD 5500 from Paul Masse, Inc., in RI. From the time of delivery the truck had a serious shake while operating. Paul Masse, Inc., told me that the tires had flat spots from sitting on the lot prior to purchase. As time went on the dealership placed two new sets of tires on the truck. Neither set fixed the shaking. Paul Masse, Inc., told me that this was how the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
In August of 2025 I purchased a Chevy MD 5500 from Paul Masse, Inc., in RI. From the time of delivery the truck had a serious shake while operating. Paul Masse, Inc., told me that the tires had flat spots from sitting on the lot prior to purchase. As time went on the dealership placed two new sets of tires on the truck. Neither set fixed the shaking. Paul Masse, Inc., told me that this was how the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The Apple cellular device has a damaged back glass and it is bent midway down the back of the phone (due to accidentally shutting the device in between a car door in 2023). When the apple device is turned on for extended periods of time, the damaged back glass gets extremely hot and vapor/gas comes from inside the device itself. To the best of my knowledge, this is the result of damaged internal c... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
while traveling at approximately 80 mph with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged, my vehicle experienced a simultaneous failure of the Full Self-Driving computer and the Media Control Unit (MCU) touchscreen. Without any prior warning, the touchscreen went completely black, and the vehicle immediately executed an uncommanded, sharp steering maneuver into the right lane. It was very apparent that... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
Issue happens whenever I use adaptive Cruise control for any extended period of time. Typically occurs in less than an hour. The vehicle will be in active cruise mode and then the cruise control will suddenly shutoff and a few beeps are heard. I am unable to reactivate cruise control until I perform a key cycle at which point the cruise can be activated again.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Recall has been out almost a year and no remedy. Does not seem like a timely manner for back up lights.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Purchased this car straight out for 4000 from deans car lot in Winchester ky over a week ago. They didn't tell me I had missing fog lights. Keyfob to far was so beat up and bent I could barely get in my car or lock my car not to mention they sent me home in that car with all 4 different brand tires and 4 different sizes. A couple tires are even plugged !! And no wouldn't help me fix any of them. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a serious safety issue involving my 2021 Kia Forte. Approximately one year ago, I purchased this vehicle used with approximately 56,000 miles. I have owned the vehicle for nearly a year without prior incident until a recent and significant failure occurred. While driving on a highway after work, the vehicle suddenly lost engine ... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - ENGINE
Apr 17, 2026
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and potentially dangerous safety defect involving the internal water pump design in the 3.5L Duratec V6 engine used in my 2017 Ford Flex. The water pump in this engine is mounted internally behind the timing chain cover. When the pump fails, coolant is not externally visible but instead leaks directly into the engine oil. This design prevents ear... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - STEERING
Apr 17, 2026
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
Driving down the road and my steering wheel light comes on sporadically and then I lose control of the steering wheel like it locks up and is almost impossible to turn or rotate and then other dashboard lights come on and I lose headlights. When that happens traction control light on dashboard, the ABS light, battery light and steering wheel light that has an exclamation mark to right of it comes ... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - VISIBILITY/WIPER
Apr 17, 2026
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
On April 1st I had my windshield replaced due to a crack in the upper central portion of the windshield. When the glass place took the windshield off my car they found a burnt section in the headliner. The glass place reported it immediately to the Volkswagon dealership and asked the device person at the dealership to come look at the burnt headliner before they placed the glass back. The service ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
While operating the vehicle, the steering column became detached, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. Upon inspection, the column appeared to be improperly secured using hose clamps instead of proper manufacturer components.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
While operating the vehicle, the steering column became detached, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. Upon inspection, the column appeared to be improperly secured using hose clamps instead of proper manufacturer components.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Windshield wipers don’t have the same amount of travel each stroke. Sometimes the driver wiper will contact the A pillar and sometimes it will be several inches shy of the pillar. It seems it depends on how wet the windshield is. On several occasions, independent of wiper issue, the vehicle has significantly decreased speed or come to a complete stop for no apparent reason.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Windshield wipers don’t have the same amount of travel each stroke. Sometimes the driver wiper will contact the A pillar and sometimes it will be several inches shy of the pillar. It seems it depends on how wet the windshield is. On several occasions, independent of wiper issue, the vehicle has significantly decreased speed or come to a complete stop for no apparent reason.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
While the car was idled at a stop light, the warning "reduce engine powere appeared". I took the car to the vehicle and learned this was linked to code P125d71 for fuel pump valve control- a known recall
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The vehicle skips a beat when shifting and it jumps from 10-8 gear for no reason causing the vehicle to lag or shift rough and break
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
Repeated incidents
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
5 alerts came on the dash stating lane keeping assist problem , collision mitigation problem , auto high beam problem, forward collision problem and brake system warning. All safety features on my vehicle have failed. I
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The car starts and drives with other keys in ignition
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
The car starts and drives with other keys in ignition
Incident date: Sep 17, 2021
I was driving merging onto the freeway and my sunroof completely shattered, no car was in front of me so, nor was I driving under a bridge, it just completely shattered. Looking as if someone grabbed a hammer or punched it, I know a rock wouldn’t shatter it, maybe crack but no it shattered. The glass looks like it lifted too , not caved in , so almost as if there was too much pressure as well. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2021
I was driving merging onto the freeway and my sunroof completely shattered, no car was in front of me so, nor was I driving under a bridge, it just completely shattered. Looking as if someone grabbed a hammer or punched it, I know a rock wouldn’t shatter it, maybe crack but no it shattered. The glass looks like it lifted too , not caved in , so almost as if there was too much pressure as well. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2026
Steering wheel feels sticky, heavy and not always returns to center. Increased steering effort makes it harder to steer increasing the risk of a crash. Honda Dealer indicated my vehicle was not under recall and would cost approximately $3000 to fix the steering rack.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
- Vehicle: 2019 Audi Q8, VIN [XXX] - Recall: Campaign 25V900 (90TV), Rearview Camera Software - Dealer: Audi Marin, 700 Francisco Blvd W, San Rafael CA, BAR# XXX - What happened: Recall attempted April 1, 2026. Technician logged Error 005A — communication failure with front driver assistance — on RO #XXX. Vehicle returned with rearview camera non-functional and driver assistance systems unav... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
I own a 2019 Jaguar I-PACE that is currently subject to a battery-related safety recall issued by the manufacturer. The defect involves the high-voltage battery system, which poses a potential fire risk and renders the vehicle unsafe to operate. Due to this recall, I have been advised that the vehicle is not safe to drive and should not be used. As a result, the vehicle is effectively unusable. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
My 10R80 transmission on my 2018 Ford F-150 XLT failed. It started having delayed engagement from gears 1-5. The motor would increase in RPM with no transmission engagement then suddenly slam into gear. I had to have a full rebuild on the motor. This failure put me into danger when pulling out into an active road from a side street. The vehicle would start to move forward then have delayed enga... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
There is no incident, yet, just a recall that I have for this vehicle, coming up on a year here soon, for a fuel leak that could cause a fire under the hood while driving, and Ford doesn't seem to think that's urgent enough to get the parts to fix it. What's up with that? Safety recall notice, 25S76 NHTSA Recall, 25V467
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Vehicle experiences sudden, intermittent loss of motive power, severe engine hesitation, and stalling while operating at highway speeds. Diagnostic scans confirm fault codes P2015 and P0341, indicating a failure of the intake manifold position sensor and camshaft position correlation. These mechanical failures, combined with extreme carbon buildup on the valves, create a hazardous operating condit... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
Vehicle experiences sudden, intermittent loss of motive power, severe engine hesitation, and stalling while operating at highway speeds. Diagnostic scans confirm fault codes P2015 and P0341, indicating a failure of the intake manifold position sensor and camshaft position correlation. These mechanical failures, combined with extreme carbon buildup on the valves, create a hazardous operating condit... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (Electrical System). During the visit, the 12-Volt battery failed, even though there were no prior issues with the vehicle. The dealer stated that the vehicle was jump-started, but no additional repairs were performed. The contact was informed that a new battery wa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
Took vehicle to dealership and had it diagnosed for the electrical system faults cause all the dashboard warning lights came on. Shop said it could be bad vacuum pump.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The contact owned a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle rear-ended another Jeep vehicle stopped at the red light; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact mentioned that there was no brake pedal depressed in attempts to stop, therefore the vehicle was going at full speed. The windshield washer fluid warning light was flashing, and there... Read more
Crash
FORD
FUSION ENERGI
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Apr 17, 2026
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
Over the past 1-1/2 years I have experienced my transmission going into neutral and loss of power 4 times. The first time it happened I thought my hand hit the shifter and moved it into neutral. After a few more incidents and seeing the recall, I realized this was the cause of the issue. I noticed the NHTSA website has recall number 25V881000. Today I contacted Ford Motor Company regarding this... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
At 37008 miles my coolant started to leak and it overheated, when taking to a mechanic they replaced the coolant and tubes and advised that it was rubbing on the hose, so they replaced the hoses and put in new coolant fluid and said it was all addressed, not even a week later, it started to overheat again even though it has all new hoses and they wrapped the hoses so it doesn't wear and cause the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
At 37008 miles my coolant started to leak and it overheated, when taking to a mechanic they replaced the coolant and tubes and advised that it was rubbing on the hose, so they replaced the hoses and put in new coolant fluid and said it was all addressed, not even a week later, it started to overheat again even though it has all new hoses and they wrapped the hoses so it doesn't wear and cause the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Our Sportage has the panoramic roof. The back half of the roof chattered all of a sudden while nobody was in or around the vehicle. It exploded outwards.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Car began making noises and overheating. Had to pay $2200 for water pump coolant thermostat timing belt etc. with the uncertainty if the engine was “blown”. Drove two days began overheating again. Has been determined that head gaskets are blown due to coolant leaking into the engine.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V073000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive, even though the manufacturer had not instructed vehicle owners to stop driving the vehicle. The contact sta... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
Power steering went out, only had manual steering.