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: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V869000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
After a crash into a tree on the passenger side the airbags deployed and the truck immediately caught fire and the doors locked and would not open for any reason. The only way I was able to exit was busting through the front windshield. had I been severely injured or knocked unconscious the outcome of this would have been much different. The truck burned to the ground in 11 minutes. It has been in... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding an active fire‑risk recall on my Mercedes‑Benz EQB and MBUSA’s refusal to provide a safety remedy. My vehicle was previously placed under a no‑drive instruction due to the fire‑risk recall. MBUSA attempted a remedy, but that remedy failed, and the safety impairment remains. Despite this, MBUSA Customer Care has declined to confirm or deny a safet... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
There issue with bad smell or chemicals that causes an health issues. I tried resolving on several issues it's always more money. To resolve,there several Dealship that appraiser now it's at the lowest with the same deal.. There bleeding& spitting. Once come vehicle for and day. I've been there several times.
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
There issue with bad smell or chemicals that causes an health issues. I tried resolving on several issues it's always more money. To resolve,there several Dealship that appraiser now it's at the lowest with the same deal.. There bleeding& spitting. Once come vehicle for and day. I've been there several times.
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
I slowly put my foot on the brake and suddenly heard a noise under the vehicle. It sounded like loud grinding. As pulled forward I looked in the rear view mirror and didn't see anything in the road that may have fallen out from under my vehicle. When I pushed on the gas I was suddenly accelerating forward very quickly without my control. This was maybe one or two seconds after I heard the noise. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Stellantis cant get the part to fix my vehicle. its been over a year. they keep telling me no fix. This is crazy!!!
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I was pulling into a parking spot and the emergency braking system applied the brakes very forcefully as if a collision was imminent. I backed up and saw nothing in the parking spot and then proceeded to pull back into the same spot with no issue. There was a loud and rhythmic thumping sound that I perceived as the abs system engaging. This is a rental car so I am returning it to the company,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The following day the contact became aware that the A-pillar trim on the driver's side had blown off the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Venue. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle there was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was unsure if warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was at the dealer for a maintenance check, the contact was informed that rodents had chewed through the wiring coating an... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Venue. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle there was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the vehicle. The contact was unsure if warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was at the dealer for a maintenance check, the contact was informed that rodents had chewed through the wiring coating an... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wagoneer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a minor seated inside the vehicle pulled on the handle of the rear driver’s side door, and the door opened unexpectedly. On another occasion, while the vehicle was parked, the rear passenger’s side door failed to open after being unlocked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
The contact leased a 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an unknown warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The speed limit was displayed and was flashing. The contact turned off the feature, but the light continued to flash on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on two occasions, where an un... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transm... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
Roof and pillar paint peeling
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while traveling out of state. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of a NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
While backing up back up camera suddenly went to a blue screen unable to see anything.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2022 Infiniti QX55. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle hesitated, and the ECM fault code was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with VCT actuator failure. The contact was informed that the VCT actuator needed to be re... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was slipping into park unexpectedly. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, but no diagnostic trouble code was found, and there was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
This vehicle was delivered yesterday to my son through Autonation Sanford [XXX] . The CARFAX report stated a pre delivery inspection was done prior. On the way home he experienced loud screeching from the front wheels. Turns out $1650 later he needed new brakes and rotors. That is negligence, and fraud, especially with a commercial vehicle intended on towing a fishing boat. This was underhanded an... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
I was driving down [XXX] . I stopped at a stoplight. When the light turned green I pressed the gas to accelerate when suddenly mid intersection my transmission went out causing me to have no power. Approximately 5 minutes prior to this I did get a message about a transmission malfunction. Due to the transmission going out I was stuck in the intersection. I had it towed to a shop where they have co... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Mid December 2025 my forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and auto high beams all stopped working. I combined the repair request with my next oil change Dec 22, 2025. The Chevy dealer, Serra, advised me that Chevrolet had no way to correct these problems, one of which was a $950 option. I have returned to the dealer more times, still no fix. I have talked... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Mid December 2025 my forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and auto high beams all stopped working. I combined the repair request with my next oil change Dec 22, 2025. The Chevy dealer, Serra, advised me that Chevrolet had no way to correct these problems, one of which was a $950 option. I have returned to the dealer more times, still no fix. I have talked... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
The vehicle experiences intermittent power steering malfunction while driving. Warning messages including “Power Steering Malfunction” and “Low Voltage Abnormality” appear, and the steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn. This has occurred multiple times during normal driving conditions, including at low speeds and while turning. When the issue occurs, it requires increased eff... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
Office of Defects Investigation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: Safety Defect Complaint — Ram ProMaster (2018–2025) — Cowl Water Intrusion into Engine Compartment To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report what I believe to be a serious, systemic, and unresolved design defect in the Ram ProMaster van, affecting... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the dealer was only receiving one part for a recall repair every 90 days. The contact was placed on a waiting list. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the dealer was only receiving one part for a recall repair every 90 days. The contact was placed on a waiting list. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at 49 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal screeching sound and was leaning on the driver's side rear-end. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a rear-end inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at 49 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal screeching sound and was leaning on the driver's side rear-end. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a rear-end inspection was performed, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Vehicle displayed a “power brake loss” on the 2023 Corolla Cross Hybrid instrument cluster upon trying to start it. After not being able to turn the vehicle on, I exited the vehicle to ensure my key fob was in my pocket. All electronics worked. After roughly 4 minutes of being in the car all power was loss - battery drained. Towing company that my Toyota Dealership Provides had a number out of... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety incident involving a 2023 Tesla Model 3. On March 29 at approximately 5:00 PM, while driving on the freeway at about 65 mph, the right-side passenger door suddenly opened while the vehicle was in motion. The door had been fully closed and latched prior to driving. There was no impact, obstruction, or warning indicating that the door was not secure. The opening occur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
While driving under normal conditions, a front grille trim component detached from my vehicle without any impact or external cause. The piece became airborne and struck my windshield, creating an immediate safety hazard and risk of loss of control. There was no prior damage or warning. This represents a failure of a vehicle component under normal operation and indicates a defect in materials, des... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
Transmission will down shift randomly or not even engage when trying to accelerate. It shudders or harshly shifts.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
Engine was replaced couple of months ago due to a recall and today 3/30/2026 I'm pulling up to my driveway getting home from work in my car starts smoking it catches on fire
Fire
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
My vehicle has been saying engine will shut off soon, and loses power . Transmission is the issue as I have had it diagnosed 3 times with the code P0a43. Mazda dealership which I purchased the vehicle verified by running a diagnostic.engine light comes on after the vehicle shuts off. Me and my children’s safety is at risk due to it stopping multiple times on freeway also stopping at a stoplight ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
My vehicle is subject to recall number 24V-700 My Nissan case number is 56497817 I have received 4 recall notices (24V-700 beginning 18 months ago. All notices state that Nissan is working open a software fix for this problem, but state that the problem is the result of excessive lithium deposits within certain battery cells, hence level three charging my cause a battery fire. This has a signific... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
Even after regular oil changes car requires an additional 4 bottles of oil every 2 weeks. Now the car is jumping and having a misfire.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
On December 3, 2025, Volkswagen of XXX performed an intake manifold recall repair on our 2017 Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) while the vehicle was under factory warranty. Approximately six weeks later the low coolant warning light appeared and the vehicle began actively leaking coolant. No other work had been performed between the recall and the onset of the leak. Our independent mechanic discovered physica... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
Recently purchased the truck an warning light of low beam headlight out keeps coming on, but light is working fine, also horn and left controls on steering wheel dont work. Found There was a recall 15V459000 dealer said was completed in 2015 so is no longer warranty but the issue is happening now and it says it can cause a wire short that can cause airbag deployment
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
Incident 1: While driving my 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV at low-to-moderate speed, the vehicle suddenly and completely locked up without any driver input. There was no gradual slowing or normal braking behavior. Instead, the vehicle went immediately from moving to an abrupt, forceful stop, as if maximum braking was applied instantly. There were no warning lights, alerts, or audible signals before or dur... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
Incident 1: While driving my 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV at low-to-moderate speed, the vehicle suddenly and completely locked up without any driver input. There was no gradual slowing or normal braking behavior. Instead, the vehicle went immediately from moving to an abrupt, forceful stop, as if maximum braking was applied instantly. There were no warning lights, alerts, or audible signals before or dur... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Per Acura service bulletin 23-022, Dated June 9th 2023, Acura extended a warranty on the rear steering actuators that were admitted to be “manufacturer error” parts, to extend 10 years from purchase date. In my opinion any part that is known to have manufacturer defects that effect the primary Rear wheel drive system that effects almost all safety systems on the vehicle to include limp mode on... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
There's a recall on the knuckle. An independent shop verified the damaged and the vehicle is not safe to drive. The dealership said the parts haven't came yet. Confirmed cracked front suspension knuckle under recall D019. Manufacturer cannot provide parts for over 4 months. Vehicle may be unsafe to drive.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
I own a 2019 Ford F-150 equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle has developed a loud rattling noise during startup along with an illuminated check engine light. The vehicle was diagnosed by Family Ford of Enfield as having a failure in the timing system, including cam phasers, timing chain, tensioners, and guides. The estimated repair cost is approximately $5,000. This issue appears ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
Failing head gasket - cars stalls. Coolant reservoir goes empty. Check engine light go on.