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: Nov 1, 2024
My SUV pulls hard to the right when braking at speeds above 50 mph and much more on the interstates at 65 mph and above. I first experienced this after three weeks of ownership on a drive up I-95 on a trip to NC. It has happened numerous times while traveling on the interstates and has almost caused loss of control when having to brake hard when cut off by another driver or traffic suddenly coming... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
My SUV pulls hard to the right when braking at speeds above 50 mph and much more on the interstates at 65 mph and above. I first experienced this after three weeks of ownership on a drive up I-95 on a trip to NC. It has happened numerous times while traveling on the interstates and has almost caused loss of control when having to brake hard when cut off by another driver or traffic suddenly coming... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
after coming to a complete stop to make a turn, throttle became unresponsive and then engaged. no warning lamps or noises.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was previously illuminated. Additionally, the seat belt warning light was activated for the passenger’s seat while the seat was unoccupied. The contact was concerned that the safety restraint system (SRS) might not function correctly in a crash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the iss... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
My engine has failed. This is the second car I’ve had from Kia that the rod barring has failed.
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
I own a 2023 Ram 1500 Limited 4x4 with approximately 53,000 miles. The truck has had no issues for the first 40,000 miles and then developed a noise and vibration coming from the front end that is present at all speeds. I took it to Jerry Ulm Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Tampa, FL. They kept my truck for 14 days and replaced the axle, stub shaft, wheel hub and bearing assembly. The truck was return... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen Premium, Tire Size: 215/85/R16, DOT Number: 1H23PLDV9. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH with his wife and dog inside the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the front passenger’s side wheel. The contact slowed down and parked the RV at a local gas station. A de... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 3500 equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line: Crugen Premium, Tire Size: 215/85/R16, DOT Number: 1H23PLDV9. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH with his wife and dog inside the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the front passenger’s side wheel. The contact slowed down and parked the RV at a local gas station. A de... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
The car recently received a 5.05 update of the infotainment system. Since then, the infotainment system would be shut off and auto-restarts itself during driving every 10 or 15 minutes. The car would lose all the functions related to the infotainment system, such as the camera, navigation, sound and air conditioning for a few minutes during driving. It is dangerous that this would happen randomly ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
A little scary, it just got released from my hospital.From having cancer just wanna have my recalls repaired
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
A little scary, it just got released from my hospital.From having cancer just wanna have my recalls repaired
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
While attempting to park my vehicle, it suddenly accelerated on its own, causing the car to move quickly toward a tree and a nearby building. I immediately attempted to stop the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal, but the car continued to accelerate. The engine was roaring, and I even tried using both feet on the brake pedal in an effort to stop the vehicle, but it did not respond. The only way ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The rear-view camera image failed to display properly, and the screen was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention) and 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The check engine light repeatedly comes on in my vehicle and despite expensive repairs and multiple trips to the mechanic, the problem is recurring. It has now been determined that there is a coolant intrusion into the engine block and the only resolution is to replace the engine block in its entirety which will cost thousands of dollars. This is a known issue with the Ford Ecoboost engine and a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights were too small and were difficult for other drivers to see. Due to the failure, several other vehicles crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated the crashes had occurred because of the size of the brake lights. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Got in a serious accident due to the crosswind assist malfunctioning totalled car and got tickets for bad driving when it wasnt my fault the car took control and I couldn't halo what happended - they arrested me thinking i was drunk (dont drink) it was a nighmare help!!!! I have court 4/29 - this is very time senansative!
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Got in a serious accident due to the crosswind assist malfunctioning totalled car and got tickets for bad driving when it wasnt my fault the car took control and I couldn't halo what happended - they arrested me thinking i was drunk (dont drink) it was a nighmare help!!!! I have court 4/29 - this is very time senansative!
Crash
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
On March 12 warning message came on saying emergency drive system not available and then numerous warning lights came on and the car started to shake violently and went into limp mode. I pulled into a parking lot and called roadside assistance. It was towed to the dealership and has been there since. I was told it showed a misfire on cylinder 4 and has a faulty injector.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into the engine. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Automatic start/stop fails to turn car on - intermittent. Taken it to Subaru detailer miltiple times and paid for services to correct the issue, but the issue persists. Fist time - replaced the battery in July 2025. 2nd time, went on a ride along for 1 hour, issue did not happen, replaced spark plugs, issue persists. 3rd time, updated TCM software, issue still persists. Subaru of America is aware ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Complete transmission failure.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the accel... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
I would like to file a complaint against Jeep. I drive a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE with 16,000 miles. While driving to the Store, the electronic parking brake engaged while driving. This caused braking system damage. Jeep / Manufacturer are refusing to reimburse me. The total cost was: $9,129.26. This effected the Actuators, Brake Calipers, Rear Rotors, and Brake Pads. This is not norma... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
While I was driving, the transmission seemingly stopped working. I was able to coax the car into a parking lot and had it towed to the dealership. I was told the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. I was quoted approximately $7000.00 for this repair. All of its prior service, except for occasional oil changes, had been done at the dealership.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2025) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
On 3/29/26 my Kona caught fire while parked in the front left side of the engine and burned completely within eight minutes. This is not an electric car. Prior to that I drove the car all day with no incident. It was later in the evening around 5:40 PM. I had driven from my house to a restaurant which is about 6.8 miles from my house. I parked my car and then my son-in-law noticed that my engine w... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The contact’s father owns a 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the rear sliding doors unexpectedly opened while the vehicle was parked and idling, or while driving at various speeds. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and manually closed the door. The contact researched online and became aware of an extended warranty for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2026) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Apr 1, 2026
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
Driving and tried to pass a truck loss of power (dash lit up and no top-end) went to limp mode, Hard start upon starting and limp mode continues, code P0336 (crank sensor/reluctor wheel), on dash codes = service electric throttle control & service electronic stability control. Mileage = 110,000, Required service and maintenance completed at recommended intervals, regarding current codes cleaned al... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Vehicle: 2019 Acura RDX (Technology Package) I am reporting a serious safety issue involving sudden loss of engine power while driving. On March 14, 2026, I filled my gas tank before traveling approximately 1.5 hours out of town. The vehicle operated normally that day. The following morning, during snowy and icy conditions, while accelerating in traffic, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stall... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The car wouldn't start or even turn over. The vehicle is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk as the car broke down in the middle of nowhere, on a curve and a hill, smack dab in the middle of the road, cellphone, internet service and 911 was spotty at best, it was around midnight. I finally got through to call my Mother's insurance company for a tow truck, waited 3 hours, tow tru... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
Battery drains between starts and has to be jumped in order to start. Takes several attempts before vehicle will start when jumping after battery dies. Often have to reset dash display or media hub as screens go blank after jumping. Has fairly new batteries. Certified mechanics confirmed parasitic drain. Possbly connected to media hub system.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
Rapid loss of oil from the transfer case, Oil was everywhere. Now I have vibration, wooing sound and hard down shifts from a failing transfer case.. The dealership refuse to replace it because they cleaned the area and it did not leak oil again. Probably, because there's no more oil left in it to leak.This is unacceptable.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
While driving on the highway with the panoramic sunroof open, the glass suddenly shattered, sounding like a gunshot or an explosion. Shards of glass flew into the vehicle and rained down on me, creating a very hazardous driving situation. I did not observe any foreign object that could have caused the sunroof to break.
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
While driving on the highway with the panoramic sunroof open, the glass suddenly shattered, sounding like a gunshot or an explosion. Shards of glass flew into the vehicle and rained down on me, creating a very hazardous driving situation. I did not observe any foreign object that could have caused the sunroof to break.
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
The vehicle stopped accelerating while driving and after stopping, would not exceed 5-10 mph. Vehicle was towed to a mechanic who advised that the transmission had failed.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
I purchased a certified preowned vehicle from Fowler Toyota in [XXX] , and after complaining multiple times about my engine being too loud, a musty smell in my trunk, the attempting to clean my trunk and me pointing out rust spots in the trunk and the smell returning multiple times, and a sulfur smell that continued to get worse month after month, they finally listened to me the 3rd week of Novemb... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
I purchased a certified preowned vehicle from Fowler Toyota in [XXX] , and after complaining multiple times about my engine being too loud, a musty smell in my trunk, the attempting to clean my trunk and me pointing out rust spots in the trunk and the smell returning multiple times, and a sulfur smell that continued to get worse month after month, they finally listened to me the 3rd week of Novemb... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Since buying the car new we have had a constant problem of the "emergency call system malfunction" on the dashboard. We've been to the dealer several times for this and each time they say they've fixed it. Last time they told us they had replaced the TCU module, but in the last month the warning has re-appeared. It seems to have affected the GPS now. While driving on the freeway the map was showin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
Vehicle experienced loss of power while in travel down a mountain. After inspection by a mechanic, CP4 pump had a catastrophic failure sending metal shards throughout the fuel system. This was less than a month after Fords SAFETY RECALL 24S78 that failed to remedy the problem, but before recall Number26V158 was issued.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
My 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 experienced an unexpected vehicle fire on Feb 13th 2026. The vehicle was just parked when I noticed smoke from the engine. The vehicle caught fire within a short period of time, and 911 was called. There was no known external cause for the fire. The incident appeared to originate from the engine compartment. This created a serious safety hazard and posed a risk of in... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
My 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 experienced an unexpected vehicle fire on Feb 13th 2026. The vehicle was just parked when I noticed smoke from the engine. The vehicle caught fire within a short period of time, and 911 was called. There was no known external cause for the fire. The incident appeared to originate from the engine compartment. This created a serious safety hazard and posed a risk of in... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated. While stopped at a traffic light, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was idling rough. No... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Vehicle traveling at highway speeds 70 mph, will suddenly slam on brakes. While there is nothing in front of the vehicle and or sensor. weather type was clear not a sight of rain or snow.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the engine overheated while parked, with the message "Engine Temperature too High - Do not Drive - Allow Engine to Cool Down" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where the spark plugs and battery were replaced, however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer, where it was diag... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
My 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor has been suddenly losing power or stumbling upon initial acceleration. This has been occurring intermittently since it was nearly new. My truck now has approximately 10,500 miles. The problem has become increasingly frequent. It seems to occur most often when accelerating from a complete stop. The loss of power can last for several seconds, then afterwards, normal power ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
On the interstate from [XXX] to [XXX] the Nissan Versa's License Plate reflected light so bright that it blinded my ride and we had to slow down and wait for them to get farther away from us. This is not random, they have a spray fixative on their license plate designed to block cameras from clocking their license plate or their numbers being recorded. This was easy to see whenever a light is sh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driver’s side door unexpectedly opened while a minor was seated inside the vehicle. The message that the rear door was unlocked was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear driver’s side door unexpectedly opened while a minor was seated inside the vehicle. The message that the rear door was unlocked was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related t... Read more