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: Mar 2, 2026
The backup camera consistently fails and displays a "Backup Camera is Temporarily Unavailable" message. Polestar is only issuing a software fix for this on model year 2026 Polestar 2s and a solution has not been offered for over 8 months now.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
On March 26, 2026 my 2019 Infiniti QX50 (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced complete loss of motive power while exiting the freeway. My blind mother and [XXX] autistic son were both passengers creating a serious safety emergency for two disabled individuals. On March 28, 2026 Les Schwab Tires (Store [XXX] ) professionally documented metal shavings in the oil pan on official invoice stating ‘SHAVING IN OI... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
I am reporting multiple safety-related issues involving my 2016 Chrysler 200 S. On 02/06/2024, after an oil change at a dealership, the underbody skid plate bolts were not reinstalled. While driving, the skid plate fell and I lost control of the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. No warning indicators were present prior to this failure. The issue was identified immediately after leaving th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
I am reporting multiple safety-related issues involving my 2016 Chrysler 200 S. On 02/06/2024, after an oil change at a dealership, the underbody skid plate bolts were not reinstalled. While driving, the skid plate fell and I lost control of the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. No warning indicators were present prior to this failure. The issue was identified immediately after leaving th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
Exhaust small in cabin. Exhaust manifolds leaking pulling exhaust into the cabin through the climate system. When the recirculation is turned on, then the smell is not present. When the recirculation is off then the exhaust smell is strong inside the cabin. The exhaust in the cabin is causing causing respiratory problems, fatigue, eye irritation and I am concerned of passing out when driving. I fr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
During on driving, engine stopped 3 or 4times since Jan/2025 Last time engine stopped yesterday around 6:30pm on 3/30/2026 at [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX] in Los Angeles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
On March 4, 2026, at approximately 7:30 AM EST, while driving my 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited on [XXX] , the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at approximately 70 mph (posted speed limit). The vehicle would not accelerate or maintain speed and would not move forward when placed in drive, indicating a failure within the powertrain/transmission system. The vehicle is c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
My shifter doesn't recognize that its in park and won't let me remove my keys. It gets stuck on ACC and I can't turn my key/ignition to the off position. And for the 3rd time it's like popped outta gear. I bought it used. This started 2 months ago but for the 10 days its continually gotten worse. 8 outta 10 times I go to put it in park and I can't get key out. I haven't had it inspected or look... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The 2nd panel of the panoramic sunroof literally exploded. Was sitting, stationary after a brief highway drive when it exploded cacophonously. Toyota won't cover under warranty because they're saying that it had to be resultant from an incident. But, literally, it just blew up 100% unprovoked.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that several dealers were contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealers confirmed that parts were unavailable. The dealer informed the contact that the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Hyundai has opened an internal case, number 42429100 Their only resolution is to leave the vehicle at a dealership and rent a car at my own expense. They have offered to give me a slight discount on a trade, but all comparable vehicles are under safety recalls as well. They have offered no effective solution and I have no manner to safely transport my family. The vehicle is subject to an activ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated the vehicle was unable to be charged and had become inoperable. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exce... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The vehicle (2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid) has suffered from a systemic parasitic 12V battery drain since the first month of ownership. The first occurrence was July 20, 2025, requiring a jump-start from Kia Roadside Assistance. On 02/26/2026, the vehicle was presented at Moritz Kia Alliance for the same issue. The dealer diagnosed the 12V battery as defective (Code R04) and replaced it under warrant... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Engine died because oil wasn't changed, even though the car wasn't due for an oil change and no indicator flashed on the dashboard warning us that maintenance was needed.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-65 MPH, there was a misfire coming from the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine caused by a crack in the engine block. The mechanic informed the c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for repair; however, the mechanic found a fuel leak and an abnormal gasoline odor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,311.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
Please see attachment
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
While driving under normal conditions, without any prior impact, collision, or road hazard, the control arm on my vehicle suddenly detached. This occurred during active driving and caused an immediate loss of vehicle stability and control. The failure happened without warning and posed a serious safety risk. At the time of the incident, my children were in the vehicle, which significantly increa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
I have a Honda Accord Sport. My vehicle does not appear on the recall website. I am having so many issues with my vehicle lately. The following lights stay on continuously on my dashboard. The tire pressure light, ABS, tired skid traction, brake and steering wheel lights are on. I have tried everything to get these issues resolved and nothing seems to be working. I am thinking now that this could ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
My emergency breaking will come on and almost stop my vehicle driving down the road with no one near me. It’s very scary and it happens frequently. I will put my most recent incident below
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a **2017 Kia Sorento SXL** equipped with a **3.3L Lambda V6 engine**, which experienced **sudden and catastrophic engine failure** at approximately **137,000 miles**. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited **progressively worsening engine knocking and vibration**, indicating internal engine damage. Despite these warning signs, the failure occurred **a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
When going over bumps such as speed bumps or bumps in the road there has been a clunking noise and sometimes a grind, for a few seconds.With this the ABS light also comes on. Then goes off. This has went on for the past 6-7months. Its not every time,it is very random. It will do it and not again for a while. On 3/16/26 the SVC FWD warning light came on while driving. After restarting it it take... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
On two separate occasions, my 2023 Nissan Rogue has experienced major loss of power while driving 80 mph. The first time, all of the dash lights were blinking and there was an awful noise coming from the engine. I could not drive over 10 mph. The vehicle had to be towed 200 miles to the nearest Nissan dealer in Billings, MT. They cleared the codes, test drove it and said everything was fine. The s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
A lot of times when I park even on flat surfaces my parking brake engages and It’s hell being able to leave because I have to turn the car off open the door close door start the again put in drive while my foot is on the brake and pull and push the parking brake button 4 times. Then I’m able to drive. This has been happening more frequently and there is an open recall for the parking brakes ca... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after filling the fuel tank and driving approximately 70 MPH, they noticed a... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
I was driving at approximately 75 to 80MPH on the highway when my engine shutoff and the vehicle died while driving it. I was able to coast to the side of the road but had to cross two lanes to the left to do so while weaving in traffic to get to the shoulder of the road. There was no warning of any kind that would have made me aware of an issue prior to this happening. I was unable to get the veh... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2023) - VISIBILITY/WIPER
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Around the 1st of February 2026 the weather had turned cold around 6 degrees Fahrenheit and I had just had my vehicle inspected in January so I know everything was fine then. My wife and I had driven to her office about 2 miles from our home and I of course had the heat on and defrost on. We went into the office to clean because that a weekly job for us usually under an hour. When we came out my w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving 35-40 MPH, the message "Vehicle Not in Park" was displayed intermittently, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts and was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no fail... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
While driving on the 60 East highway (approximately 65-68 mph), the vehicle did not accelarate and became completely non-responsive. Each time I pressed on the gas pedal, the RPM needle started trembling between 600-1100, which is much lower than where it should be while the vehicle was in Drive and traveling at this speed. This was an extremely dangerous situation as I had my wife and 5 month old... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding Hyundai Motor America's failure to complete a vehicle repair in a timely manner on my 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 (VIN: [XXX] ), which has been at Hyundai of Leander, an authorized Hyundai service center in Leander, Texas, since September 2025 — more than six months — awaiting a replacement high-voltage battery. (Case No. XXX) I purchased this vehicle in Septembe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding Hyundai Motor America's failure to complete a vehicle repair in a timely manner on my 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 (VIN: [XXX] ), which has been at Hyundai of Leander, an authorized Hyundai service center in Leander, Texas, since September 2025 — more than six months — awaiting a replacement high-voltage battery. (Case No. XXX) I purchased this vehicle in Septembe... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The driver seat has preset settings for seat adjustments but they do not have Obstruction Detection. We have a rear facing car seat that was placed behind the drivers seat that had to be replaced (by us) as the seat auto adjusted and did not detect the back of the car seat and snapped the car seat out of its base. We contact Rivian over phone and they did not have a remedy (over a year ago, cannot... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
Driving at highway speed (65-70mph) on curve with slight road surface deviation experienced the infamous "Death Wobble". Slowed to 45-50 mph before vehicle steering returned to normal. The steering dampener was previously replaced to fix the first time this happened. Apparently this is not a fox.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Rav4 Prime. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the instrument panel occasionally failed to operate as intended. The failure persis... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The manufacturer is failing to fix the associated recall RN5 NHTSA# 25V-859
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with the Push-To-Start feature, the vehicle failed to start as intended, and the battery was drained. In addition, AAA Roadside Assistance arrived at the residence to recharge the battery. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that the On-Star module was draining the... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - AIR BAGS
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
i was in a motor vehicle accident on a highway, with speeds greater than 50mph. A car struck my driver side door. My car, spun, with my head hitting the driver side door top trim. Air bags did not deploy.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle but was unable to shift to drive(D). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that prior to the failure the vehicle was taken to a dealer for se... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a red light, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and the transmission unexpectedly shifted from drive(D) to park(P) and the vehicle shut off. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the failure occurred once a week. The contact also stated that ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that upon shifting to reverse(R), the rear-view camera image was delayed and briefly distorted while displayed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and traction control warni... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4Matic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V073000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted regarding the fire risk, and the contact was informed that parts would be available approximately in December 2026. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
Coolant control valve replacement after 5 years of purchasing the vehicle. Put at risk of over heating while driving, fan stays on after vehicle is turned off. Problem confirmed by 2 dealerships. Check engine light on for a long time, fan over working, staying on after the vehicle is off. The only warnings were the engine light coming on to get inspected and fan over running. 1st came up in Decemb... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the braking distance was extended. The vehicle was towed ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
The car will not or is slow to shift into gear. The transmission will not shift into gear..
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
Car leaks. Cargo Bay fills with water. Possible mold issues. I am told this leaking causes damage to the control module for the tailgate. Our tailgate will close on us and has almost closed on our children. We have to be very careful when the children are around the tailgate because it will begin to close without warning.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Car leaks. Cargo Bay fills with water. Possible mold issues. I am told this leaking causes damage to the control module for the tailgate. Our tailgate will close on us and has almost closed on our children. We have to be very careful when the children are around the tailgate because it will begin to close without warning.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
An unknown coolant leak with my 2017 2.7 engine causing sufficient damage due to a manufacturer error and needing a new engine. I had several people tell me this is a common issue with 2.7 engines.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
First I would get a check engine light and infotainment screen would go black and odometer started blinking. Restart required. Occasionally the key fob is not detected. Reset the check engine light twice. Once at Huntington Beach RAM and once at Sunnyvale Chrysler. Both times the technician was unable to determine cause of fault. Slowly the failures became worse. The vehicle infotainment sys... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2026
While driving, I accelerated to merge onto the highway. The check engine light flashed a few times and the engine started wobbling like it was misfiring. I have also been having a parasitic drain on my auxiliary batter that makes the car not open to my key fob that I know works. The dealership told me it was bad fuel, but they “tested the fuel” with no diagnostic report/proof/records, saying t... Read more