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 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the low coolant warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred approximately ten ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, her grandson was exiting the vehicle from the second row of seats on the driver's side, he accidentally activated the fold-down feature of the seat. The seat folded over and trapped the child's head between the seat and a TV screen located on the back of the driver's seat. The contact stated that the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Intermittent and brief increases in steering effort (described as “sticky steering”) while driving. I could also describe as "grabby" steering that causes me to have to grab the steering wheel tightly with both hands to prevent loss of control.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The starter on my BMW failed, and it overheated and damaged my alternator to the point that I needed to replace it. The dealer and independent service center confirmed that this was the cause, but BMW is refusing to reimburse the cost of the alternator replacement. I was at the exit of a highway and could not even put the car in neutral, so my safety was significantly at risk.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
no power for trailer park lights tried to attach a trailer and no power. same issue as current recall for a year newer vehicle. the recall should be expanded. I have power to fuse but none going back to the plug. I searched internet for fixes and found the recall
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed shifter cable bushing. The contact was informed that the shifter cable bushing ne... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
Started having issues immediately after purchase with turbo issues. Which force the car into am RPM limited limp mode. Made 3 trips to dealer with no resolution. The car has very limited power and is unsafe to drive. We have been asking for a loaner for a couple weeks and are finally being granted one. There seems to be no time for a resolution. The vehicle has basically not functioned correct... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
Started having issues immediately after purchase with turbo issues. Which force the car into am RPM limited limp mode. Made 3 trips to dealer with no resolution. The car has very limited power and is unsafe to drive. We have been asking for a loaner for a couple weeks and are finally being granted one. There seems to be no time for a resolution. The vehicle has basically not functioned correct... Read more
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2014) - ENGINE
Apr 10, 2026
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
ENGINE LOCK UP WITH 5018 MILES ON, IT IS A THE 6.2 MOTOR ROD AND CRANK BAD
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 10, 2026
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
The rear glass in my 2020 Acura RDX Aspec randomly shattered when I closed my rear driver side door. My car was not running and hadn’t been running for over a hour and there were no signs of impact to the glass. There is a TSB from Honda about this being an issue already. I bought the car used and have owned it for a year. My extended warranty doesn’t cover the rear glass. It was going to cost... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V080000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), the vehicle experienced stalling and shuddering failures during acceleration. The contact believed that the recall repair failed to correct the safety issue. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not not... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
Most mornings when I shift the vehicle from Park to Drive the transmission slams into gear and it feels like the vehicle just hit a wall. Also when shifting from 4th through 8th gear the transmission shudders through the shift sequence and sometimes it completely cuts out, total loss of power and have to coast to a stop on the side of the highway. This happens all the time.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
Hello, I am reaching out regarding a serious safety issue involving my 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe under an active recall (78C), which Stellantis has acknowledged can cause an engine fire or sudden loss of vehicle function. Despite the severity of this recall, there is currently no remedy available. I have contacted Stellantis corporate multiple times and have been met with consistently poor cu... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Apr 10, 2026
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
Hello, I am reaching out regarding a serious safety issue involving my 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe under an active recall (78C), which Stellantis has acknowledged can cause an engine fire or sudden loss of vehicle function. Despite the severity of this recall, there is currently no remedy available. I have contacted Stellantis corporate multiple times and have been met with consistently poor cu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Hello, I am reaching out regarding a serious safety issue involving my 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe under an active recall (78C), which Stellantis has acknowledged can cause an engine fire or sudden loss of vehicle function. Despite the severity of this recall, there is currently no remedy available. I have contacted Stellantis corporate multiple times and have been met with consistently poor cu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The Anti-Collision System / Automatic Braking System engages, even when turned off. This is a major safety hazard and nearly got me into an accident. With the ACS disengaged, poking the front end of the vehicle out into oncoming traffic while trying to merge, the vehicle locks up completely, disabling the vehicle, rendering it a sitting duck in oncoming traffic.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The air conditioning system fails to cool. My vehicle only has 47,000 miles on it currently and is well-kept. A professional garage inspected and advised that there was a leak in the refrigerant system. I contacted my local Chevrolet dealer Jeff Gordan Chevrolet where I purchased the vehicle new and they said the issue was not under warranty and that my warranties had expired. They would not repai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Transmission failure. Way to common with these transmissions and touqure converters
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The front passenger side door is unable to open from inside or outside the vehicle. The door actuator failed, and this has been confirmed by the dealer. This is an obvious safety issue as it prevents egress in an emergency. According to Internet forums, this seems to be a known issue across BMW platforms.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
After several decades of producing the JK model Wrangler, Jeep transitioned to a JL model midyear 2018. There are essentially two distinct 2018 Jeep Wrangler models. Jeep (Stellantis) has accepted responsibility for a safety defect for the JL model years 2019 through current. This recognized defect affects heavy corrosion on the hinges for the doors which creates an extreme safety concern. My... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
I bought a 2022 KIA K5 gt-line new and the horn stopped working less than a year later at 64,000 miles Gary Rome KIA assessed the repair and said KIA would not cover. I paid $169.00. In January 2026 my horn stopped working again. Ron Bouchard KIA assessed and said KIA would not cover repairs, I paid $819.98 myself. I have contacted KIA myself and with the assistance of the Ma Atty Gen'l office. I ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving very slowly into a parking space, the brake pedal was pressed to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration and suddenly accelerated forward at a very high rate of speed and crashed into a furniture store showroom window. During the incident, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged,... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
I currently have 2 recall notices. One dated 8/25 - Parts are not available and another one dated 4/26 - software not available. When can I expect these to be resolved?
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Fluid weeping/leaking/staining on differential housing
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
The vehicle experienced a transmission failure at approximately 62,000 miles, which required a transmission replacement. Toyota replaced the transmission with a rebuilt transmission. Immediately after the repair, the vehicle began experiencing multiple issues that were not present prior to the repair. The vehicle initially would not reverse, and the battery was drained shortly after the repair wa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Dealership stated they fixed recall ref# N252494000 on 9/24/25. But on 4/9/26 noticed engine noise (knocking), then a lose of power and then vehicle stalled on the highway.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
While driving, Sirius XM pushes advertisements to my infotainment display. These notifications are distracting to driving and they WILL cause an accident. This practice should be banned outright and a monetary fine placed on Sirius XM for impairing driving. Completely unacceptable placement of advertisements and it is going to get someone seriously injured or worse.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The engine suddenly seized and now needs to be replaced. Regular oil changes, no leaks, and the engine just seized up and won't run. 5.3L V8.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
On XXXXX, while parked at a campsite approximately two hours from my home, the vehicle displayed an “electrical failure” warning on the dashboard. The vehicle had been parked for less than 20 minutes when this issue occurred. I contacted Hyundai customer support that same evening to report the problem (Case #XXXXXX). On April 4, 2026, the vehicle was towed via Hyundai roadside assistance to Wi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
My vehicle loses power on the highway intermittently. I had my car set on cruise control at 55 and with no other vehicle in front of me the speed decreased to 45. It frequently sputters going up hills. My car has had 4 oil leaks.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The component involved is the Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system. It intermittently fails and returns unexpectedly, causing sudden changes in steering effort and jerking of the steering wheel. This creates a serious safety risk because vehicle control can change without warning, especially at highway speeds. The steering system (rack and pinion/EPAS assembly) has been replaced twice,... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
The 2020 Nissan rogue as I was driving, started smoking, then stalled. I immediately got out and popped the hood and there was flames everywhere. Entire engine bay burned. I saved the car from burning completely by dumping water. As I was in a national forest, that is very acceptable to wildfires. Fire department and fire investigator came out. Fire investigator said it was of his opinion that it ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Metal tether connecting the seat to the roaring platform on the base has broke. Allowing the seat to come completely off the base.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Metal tether connecting the seat to the roaring platform on the base has broke. Allowing the seat to come completely off the base.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
Connecting rod bearing failure, stated a recall was active but it hadn't been assigned to my vehicle. Vehicle went into engine failiure and does not have appropriate measures to prevent engine failiure. No warning messages prior to engine failiure.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the back over prevention camera malfunctioned. Additionally, the contact reported that the check engine warning light illuminated; however, the fault light was cleared by the dealer during a service visit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), 25V72100... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2007 Lexus ES350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that the mileage on the title was 0 at the time of the purchase; however, the mileage was 114,536. The Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 172,523.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
My car was involved with an accident regarding a pothole and had an immediate loss of electronic power steering upon impact. Upon inspection by multiple certified technicians and adjusters, they noticed corrosion around the same bolts related to a recall for the same vehicle, but a different model/lot production: 15S14/19S26. This was a known corrosion defect, which is allegedly now causing the sa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
Check engine light on. code = P0303. Safety issue for overheating with potential engine fire. Local dealership service has diagnosed as coolant intrusion into cylinder #3 and coolant loss. vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representative or other. Vehicle was serviced on January 29th of 2020 for customer satisfaction program 19B37. Vehicle has failed at 88000 mile... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
On January 6, 2026., I was backing out of my son's driveway when I heard a loud pop, it sounded like a rock hitting the back window of my Silverado. I then discovered the driver's side of the back window shattered. Prior to backing out, I used the auto start to warm up my vehicle. I did some research and found there was a recall for this issue that was supposedly completed by Lithia Chevy of Helen... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Electrical components failed car shut down while driving and put me and my daughters at risk I had to have a part with the lightning bolt that come on the dash replaced but that's all the inspection there was no warning only flashing engine light and it shut down it first happened June 2025 and has happened 3 times since. Also the cruise control when set will accelerate on its own and I have to hi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
I have been working with Subaru of America and Capital Subaru service in San Jose, CA for a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek XV 2.0 CVT automatic engine shortly after we bought it used for multiple faulty known engine problems with this specific make and model. Since we have owned the vehicle, we have not been able to drive it for more than 2 months short distance at a time due to engine, Valve body, major l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
I noticed the vehicle was making a noise while driving which was diagnosed by an independent Honda service center. They said this noise was because of a rod bearing breaking. This issue creates a situation where the vehicle could break down anytime, and is therefore not drivable. The Honda diagnosis confirmed this as well, and they said the vehicle needs a new engine. No warning lights or mess... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
On December 10, 2025, at approximately 7:30 PM, I experienced a complete and sudden power loss while driving home. Without any warning, my vehicle shut down entirely in the middle of the road. I was unable to move the vehicle to safety, shift it into park or neutral, or regain any control of the vehicle. This left me stranded in an extremely dangerous situation, exposed to oncoming traffic and at ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
While driving the entire car goes black kind of like you just turned it off. It has only happened at night time. The dash screen completely turns off and the headlights will go off. When it comes back on the dash has several lights on it such as the seatbelt is unbuckled (when I’m buckled), and other warning lights. This has been happening since September 2025. I take it to the dealership and th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
While driving the entire car goes black kind of like you just turned it off. It has only happened at night time. The dash screen completely turns off and the headlights will go off. When it comes back on the dash has several lights on it such as the seatbelt is unbuckled (when I’m buckled), and other warning lights. This has been happening since September 2025. I take it to the dealership and th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
I took delivery Dec 9 2025. Since that date it is evident that the backup (rear-view) camera was never properly calibrated - nor were the othe backup parking assist collision avoidance systems. The system and camera indicate 25-30 inches clearance at the point that the rear bumper makes contact with fixed objects behind the car! Had this been a child instead of a wall - injuries would certainly ha... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
The contact owned a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V123000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION), 26V117000 (VISIBILITY) and ( 25V829000 (STRUCTURE); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - BACK OVER PREVENTION
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
The contact owned a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V123000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION), 26V117000 (VISIBILITY) and ( 25V829000 (STRUCTURE); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Apr 9, 2026
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while at a stoplight, the driver’s side front air bag deployed without warning or impact. There were no injuries reported. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags). The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnos... Read more