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: Oct 8, 2025
It has happened on multiple occasions where I’m driving at 70mph, and my engine cuts out and I can no longer accelerate on the highway. My rpm’s drop to 0. I have to pull over until it comes back on again. It’s putting my safety, my children’s safety at risk, other drivers on the road at risk when all of the sudden my car will not accelerate.. has not been inspected by manufacturer. No ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle sputtered and stalled after refueling. There was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact waited for 30 minutes to restart the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to res... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Intermittent power steering issues with steering wheel becoming “stuck” in one position. Also steering wheel gives resistance while turning at slow speeds, becoming jerky at times.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2025 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, leased in April 2025. Since early in my lease, the vehicle has had ongoing drivability issues that have worsened over time and now present a serious safety concern.From the beginning, the vehicle exhibited jerking and hesitation while driving. Initially minor, this has become more frequent and now includes stalling behavior during ... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Mar 26, 2026
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
The engine. I’m told my engine is not part of the recall but makes an extremely loud sound on start up. Been to dealer just for them to say the vehicle is not part of the recall. Recently called roadside assistance because the vehicle shut off in the middle of traffic. Took it back to dealer, Nothing they can do, just keep bringing it back! Now warranty has expired & sound is getting worse
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The engine. I’m told my engine is not part of the recall but makes an extremely loud sound on start up. Been to dealer just for them to say the vehicle is not part of the recall. Recently called roadside assistance because the vehicle shut off in the middle of traffic. Took it back to dealer, Nothing they can do, just keep bringing it back! Now warranty has expired & sound is getting worse
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
When I had accelerated to pass a vehicle, the car acted as though it had been flooded with fuel, but then wasn’t getting enough fuel. It was shuttering/shaking and then eventually it completely shut down in the middle of traffic. I was in the left lane. The car would not start. I could not get it out of park to be able to get it off the road, causing a traffic delay and safety hazard to me and ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The roof leaks in the LH rear of the van under the roof strip thru a bolt or bad seam rfom a bad build causing the Power Unit Liftgate Module PN - 74970-THR-A11 to get wet and sit in water causing a short to the battery, The sliding doors to fail and the rear liftgate to fail which is a safety hazard if someone cannot exit the vehicle in an emergency. It is also a fire potential. This should be a ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2026
The roof leaks in the LH rear of the van under the roof strip thru a bolt or bad seam rfom a bad build causing the Power Unit Liftgate Module PN - 74970-THR-A11 to get wet and sit in water causing a short to the battery, The sliding doors to fail and the rear liftgate to fail which is a safety hazard if someone cannot exit the vehicle in an emergency. It is also a fire potential. This should be a ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
Subject: Safety Complaint – Loss of Drive Power Prior to Recall Resulting in Crash (2025 Honda Accord Hybrid) I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a 2025 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid (VIN: [XXX]) involved in a crash on [XXX], which we believe is related to a recall issued later in January 2026. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was being driven under normal conditions, below the sp... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
I was driving at 25 mph when I heard a loud pop come from the rear of the car and subsequent warning message came up on the dashboard - "STOP VEHICLE AND CHECK POWER SUPPLY". In an electric vehicle this is a very alarming message to see. I was fortunate to be close to home so I was able to drive home and call roadside assistance for my car to be towed to the dealer. The vehicle has since been diag... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
I was driving about 10mph around a turn and the motor turned off and I had to park to start the motor again. When I came to a complete stop the car engaged it's parking break and suddenly jerked forward. This has happened several times in the last year and this time I was the driver of the vehicle. It's a extreme safety issue and my wife has had it happen to her at a busy intersection more than on... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
I was driving about 10mph around a turn and the motor turned off and I had to park to start the motor again. When I came to a complete stop the car engaged it's parking break and suddenly jerked forward. This has happened several times in the last year and this time I was the driver of the vehicle. It's a extreme safety issue and my wife has had it happen to her at a busy intersection more than on... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
My 2019 ford edge has a powertrain malfunction and it states to seek the dealership immediately! The suv is swaying badly and the auto start/stop components scares me whenever restarts and there is a burning smell- its nearly causing me to lose control once it restarts.. please help im affraid to drive it. This is my only means of transportation and i am dissabled.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
My light came on it said engine malfunction reduced speed service now I checked online for recalls found one and “got it fixed” I left the dealership and had to turn back as the light came back on got it “fixed again” I left later that day my transmission light came on and reduced speed I brought it back to dealership they then kept my car for almost two weeks “fixed the problem again”... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
Vehicle: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Summary of Issue: The rear tailgate cannot be opened if the rear window is even slightly lowered. This appears to be an intentional design feature; however, it creates a real-world safety concern. Description of Safety Concern: In normal daily use, I needed to quickly access the rear cargo area (to retrieve my child’s belongings) while parked with the vehicle turne... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
My complaint is that I was sold a dangerously defective vehicle with a known, unrepaired “stop driving” airbag safety recall, was not warned about the deadly risk, and am now being told to move and tow the car in direct contradiction to official safety instructions. ### Factual background - The vehicle I purchased has a Takata‑type airbag safety recall that carries a formal “do not drive... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Unexplained complete engine failure. Engine seized, no warnings, on gauges or lights. Dealership repair shop indicates engine has seized up.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
-Vehicle would not start several times, this occurred just after purchasing, then battery was replaced and it occurred again over the course of 8 months. -A few days ago after getting the jeep to start, the RPM would not go >2 and the speed would not increase >20 MPH. This happened on PA220 with speed limit of 40MPH causing a near-wreck when pulling out onto the road and not being able to accelera... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
After a long winter in northern ILLINOIS, we had a 70’ afternoon and I tried to open my sunroof and it stopped working. I heard a crunching sound and tried to reverse it and that may have made it worse. It had been working fine in the fall months September and October when I last used it. It did not cause a safety issue. No one was at risk. I’ve taken the car to the closest KIA dealer to m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
After a long winter in northern ILLINOIS, we had a 70’ afternoon and I tried to open my sunroof and it stopped working. I heard a crunching sound and tried to reverse it and that may have made it worse. It had been working fine in the fall months September and October when I last used it. It did not cause a safety issue. No one was at risk. I’ve taken the car to the closest KIA dealer to m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle lost automotive power. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption. An oil consumption test and combustion cleaning were performed; however, t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
I can't unscrew 4 lug nuts on my rear wheel. I was able to remove just one bought extra tool try to remove them all. Material is like butter, not steel. How engineering could let material like that to be used. I found on the web that a dealer wonna $400 to remove that lugs....
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
In January 2026 I received a recall notice (NHSTA # 25V900) from Audi USA regarding a potential malfunction in the rear-view camera system of my 2019 Audi A7. The notice stated this would be corrected by a dealer of my choice making a software update, and that the work would take a maximum of one-half day. On February 25, 2026, I delivered my vehicle to Audi Richmond, Richmond, VA, where I had p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
NOTE: This is an RV built by Thor Motorhomes on a Ford Transit chassis. I believe the issue is caused by Thor. There is a sticker on the window of the side sliding door that gives instructions for unlocking the door (from the inside) in case of an emergency. The sticker states: "WARNING IN AN EMERGENCY, PULL THE LATCH TWICE TO UNLOCK THE DOOR". The instructions do not work. The sticker should o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
car transmission issue not getting enough power while putting foot on gas pedal rpm goes upto 5k for getting speed not shifting gear properly
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
"The 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission and engine (Cylinder 4) failed on my 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL Premium AWD with 37,780 miles. Both components are available for inspection upon request. While merging onto the highway in Sport Mode, the vehicle experienced violent shuddering and noise so severe I believed I had multiple flat tires simultaneously — specifically both front and rear passenger... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The Multipurpose Camera failed. Searches online and discussion with the dealers show this is a common problem. Result is shutdown of collision mitigation systems, blind spot indicators, lane divergence system, auto high beam, etc.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
My horn started to honk on its own the front windshield wipers will not stop and the turn signals does not work anymore I was told the clock spring needs replaced there is a recall on google but now showing with my vehicle
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
Car has been asleep after parking and will not wake up leaving all electrical components dead. GM has not been able to repair and unfortunately this has occurred 5 times including twice the month of March, 2026. Having a car parked in an unsafe location and not being able to move it very unsettling. After 30-60 minutes the car will start back up and operate normally.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
I have a 2019 Escape with only 33k miles. The check engine light came on for P0304cyl 4 misfire and on/off again rough idle. Ford service had technician pulled plug on cylinder four and used a borescope and found coolant leaking into engine. Ford has a known TSB for coolant intrusion on this particular model and vin and manufacturing date. Ford refuses to help me with cost to replace the long bloc... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer advised the contact that the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
my son is rear facing and puts his arm in the forward facing belt path then can not get his arm back out. he starts screaming and crying and i have to pull the car over to the side of the road to help him get his arm out and even i struggle getting his arm free. no sooner than i start driving again, he puts his arm back through and it’s the same cycle. i have contacted britax and have unfortunat... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
My instrument cluster lite up all kind of problems like road departures mitigation systems problems,transmission problems,brakes system problems,collision mitigation systems problems,auto high beams problems,lane keeping assist problems and adaptive cruise control problems.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
My instrument cluster lite up all kind of problems like road departures mitigation systems problems,transmission problems,brakes system problems,collision mitigation systems problems,auto high beams problems,lane keeping assist problems and adaptive cruise control problems.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet HHR. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the contact was informed that the vehicle was leaking gasoline. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that fuel was leaking from the driver’s side rear wheel well area, near the muffler. While at the residence, the contact observed that fuel was still leaking from the veh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2026
When driving on the highway going 65mph the car slipped in neutral and error showed on dashboard "transmission malfunction stop." I could steer and break, but not accelerate. Pulling over on side of highway, I was able to put in park and then drive. I pulled off the exit and the car did the same thing within 10 mins. Car was towed to Mercedes dealership in Warwick, RI. I was made aware after ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
When driving on the highway going 65mph the car slipped in neutral and error showed on dashboard "transmission malfunction stop." I could steer and break, but not accelerate. Pulling over on side of highway, I was able to put in park and then drive. I pulled off the exit and the car did the same thing within 10 mins. Car was towed to Mercedes dealership in Warwick, RI. I was made aware after ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, there was a strong vibration coming from the vehicle while decelerating from 30 MPH to 20 MPH. The contact stated that the failure was previously repaired but reoccurred and became worsened. The vehicle remained at the dealer for two weeks, and the contact was informed that the part was unavailable. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
The vehicle experienced significant vibration at highway speeds and during braking within the first 6 months of ownership. The issue was confirmed by a dealership, and the rotors were resurfaced as a corrective action. The problem has now returned, and the rear brakes have worn down to metal-on-metal at approximately 35,000 miles. The rear brake pads are also unevenly worn, while the front brake ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
1. Transmission shudder at highway speeds between 64 and 83 miles per hour. 2. Pour fuel economy; 12.5 mpg @ 65 mph, 11.8 mpg @ 70 mph, 8-9 mpg @80 mph towing a 2025 utility trailer wiith motorcycle approximately 1800 pounds.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
My vehicles power doors have become exponentially more difficult to open since new in manual mode. I am now not able to open the rear door manually without throwing my weight into it, and my children cannot do it in assisted. I have confirmed with my dealer and a floor unit that the door is infact more difficult to open in manual mode vs power assist. This concerns me because in the event of an ac... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Brakes are extremely noisy at low speeds. Dealer advice that this is normal When driving at low speeds brakes squeak extremely loud This is clearly a defect that GM needs to address They keep using the excuse that is the the high quality pads that they are using
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side air bag unexpectedly deployed without the vehicle being in a crash. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the passenger’s seat became inoperable and could not be adjusted or properly positioned. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V668000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experie... Read more
FORD
EXPLORER
(2014) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:UREA INJECTION SYSTEM (DEF)
Mar 26, 2026
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the message "Service DEF System" was displayed and the check engine warning was illuminated. The message speed would reduce by increments of 10 to 15 MPH until the vehicle could not accelerate 5 MPH after driving 75 miles. The contact stated that a handheld scanner was used to retrieve DTC... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Started to work first thing in the morning, the truck felt sluggish-like a lack of power. I drove about a mile to turn around and head back home, something was obviously wrong. When I got out of the truck there was a smell like something was hot and the wheels were extremely hot. I realized the lack of power was due to the brakes being locked. The parking brake was not engaged. After calling the l... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
Digital Dash went Black when I started my vehicle, remained black even when I turned off the vehicle and restarted.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop sign, the vehicle accelerated to approximately 15 MPH and then unexpectedly decelerated. The contact attempted to depress the accelerator; however, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was t... Read more