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 5, 2026
The systems that failed included the shifter, which causes the car to lock so that it cannot shift out of park . This is most likely due to a shifter assembly and/or sensor malfunction. Several months prior to this event occurring (i.e., the car would not start, despite a new battery and consistent scheduled maintenance), this operator of the vehicle complained to the dealership that the car start... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2025
This first occurred on 3/10/2026 and then occurred again on 3/15/2026. When driving the coolant temp warning will randomly come on. This causes the car to lock up. After about 30-60 seconds it goes back to normal. This could very dangerous if I were on the interstate that I take every day to work. I am a mechanic, have hooked it up to a computer and there are no codes. I have tried to research it ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Complaint Description I am filing this complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding a safety issue with my new Mercedes Benz Sprinter 2500. I purchased this vehicle brand new from Mercedes Benz Manhattan. From the first day of ownership, I began experiencing multiple serious problems with the van. The main issue is that exhaust smoke and/or crankcase gases enter the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Traveling on I-10 doing approx 75 mph head a loud boom and saw sparks coming from the read drivers side of the truck. Truck was riding a bit low on that side. Pulled over and determined the tire had blown up. Currently doing the insurance claim and repair as there was substantial damage to the truck. No crash or involvement by other motorists. Did not hit anything.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
System failure for all of the safety-related assistants. Works intermittently, but mostly indicates failure.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
System failure for all of the safety-related assistants. Works intermittently, but mostly indicates failure.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Component that is unsafe: Moonroof Glass Taking in for inspection tomorrow. Safety risk: While driving on highway, Glass Spontaneously Popped and fully shattered. Glass fell down onto myself and into the car as I was driving. This put my driving at risk. Major distraction as well as potentially being a harm to my physical self. Problem reproduced? I know that there are other reports on moonroo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
I was driving to the store and suddenly the steering wheel got hard, and I almost hit another car, but fortunately nothing happened. And from then on, the power steering in my car stopped working.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Engine failure. Less than 150,000 miles and engine has gone bad. Burning oil, and loud noise when car starts. Had multiple mechanics look at the car whom said the motor went bad. I’ve been consistent with oil changes, tune ups, etc. maintained the car well so I don’t know why or how this happened.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
I brought my car in to get the recall fixed for the seat belts and the emissions issue. When it was returned to me, the passenger seat was not bolted down in the front (the bolts were rolling around on the floor) and the back bolts were loose. The vehicle was returned to me with the passenger seat completely unattached at the front. When I braked, the seat slammed into my [XXX] ’s car seat. This... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
Five days after getting back our car from the Honda dealership where they “fixed” the two recalls all warning lights came on and not turn off. Steering, breaking, accelerating all are difficult. There were no issues prior to the dealership “fixing” the recalls. The car was just at our mechanic for brakes and they check our engine, fluids etc every time. There were no prior issues.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The vehicle had safety and mechanical problems shortly after purchase, even with low mileage. The issues included warning lights, abnormal noises, repeated mechanical failures, and poor performance that affected the safe operation of the vehicle. These problems started early and continued over time despite repairs and maintenance. Before the incident, the vehicle showed signs of malfunction, incl... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
While driving down the road a vehicle in front of me braked to stop for a bus loading kids, as I stepped on the brakes nothing happened and the vehicle surged forward. After the accident I viewed the vehicles onboard system status and it had logged several errors including errors to the activsense driver assist control. I used the vehicle’s emergency assist button and contacted 911, and report... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
After turning my car on and the car running for several minutes, the engine shut off on its own and it said “engine stopped steering power low”. This is the second time this has happened. The vehicle is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk because I am concerned about this happening while driving, or being stranded somewhere. I have not taken my vehicle in yet, but many ot... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Throttle body?/ Accelerator pedal sensor?
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
When driving steering at a slight angle to the right it feels like it sticks when corrected with a slight turn to the left.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
While traveling from upstate New York, the vehicle displayed an engine overheating warning shortly after startup while the engine was still cold. Because I was away from home, I stayed overnight and the next morning took the vehicle to a Kia dealership for inspection. The dealership inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a problem with the exhaust heat recovery system pipe. According to the service ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
While traveling from upstate New York, the vehicle displayed an engine overheating warning shortly after startup while the engine was still cold. Because I was away from home, I stayed overnight and the next morning took the vehicle to a Kia dealership for inspection. The dealership inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a problem with the exhaust heat recovery system pipe. According to the service ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
While traveling from upstate New York, the vehicle displayed an engine overheating warning shortly after startup while the engine was still cold. Because I was away from home, I stayed overnight and the next morning took the vehicle to a Kia dealership for inspection. The dealership inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a problem with the exhaust heat recovery system pipe. According to the service ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The infotainment software is bricked. It happened when the battery died after purchasing it. The dealership told me to get a battery should be ok Now the infotainment system doesn't work and lane assist about put me into a guard rail the other day. I have no access to my cars functions and it is crazy scary
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
2023 1500 RST 6.2. Recall was done and performed last year. Truck passed so they changed the oil and sent me on my way. I have had zero issues up until last week. My gut tells me the replacement is going to be the same engine with the same failing parts that I already have so expect I may have issues in the future even after the new engine. -on interstate going 55MPH, went to accelerate to 70M... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
2023 1500 RST 6.2. Recall was done and performed last year. Truck passed so they changed the oil and sent me on my way. I have had zero issues up until last week. My gut tells me the replacement is going to be the same engine with the same failing parts that I already have so expect I may have issues in the future even after the new engine. -on interstate going 55MPH, went to accelerate to 70M... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Timeline of events: Day 1 – Delivery March 13, 2026 • Drove about 10 miles after delivery. • The driver-side window suddenly rolled fully down by itself while I was driving. • Returned immediately to the Tesla service center. They said they cleaned the window and recalibrated it. Later the same day • Drove another ~10 miles. • The window dropped fully again while driving. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
I purchased my vehicle from a certified used car dealership in Connecticut in 2020 with a little over 1800 miles. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has been very reluctant to down shift and had slight transmission whine. I was notified of a recall for I believe the TCM a few months after purchasing it, which i had remedied by the dealership. Over the years, my car has been maintained completely to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
I own a 2025 Audi Q7 and have experienced repeated malfunctions related to the vehicle’s driver assistance and safety systems. The vehicle frequently displays warnings such as “Driving Assist Not Available” and other safety system errors. These issues started while the vehicle was still relatively new and have continued intermittently. The warnings appear while driving and indicate that imp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
Panaramic glass roof exploded while traveling on highway sending glass all over the car and highway. Sounded like a gun shot right above my head. Fortunately the sunshade was closed at the time and I was able to safely exit the highway to clean up the mess and no one was injured but it could have been very dangerous!
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
The car would not shift causing me to pull over on the side of a highway to restart the car this happened 5 times in a row b4 the car would shift into proper gear
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
My 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (3.6L eTorque, automatic transmission) has had recurring drivetrain instability since about 2,000 miles while under factory warranty. It intermittently has high RPM flare during acceleration, delayed shifting, shuddering under load, and abrupt engagement. At low speeds (about 10–5 mph), it harshly downshifts, grabs suddenly, RPMs jump up and down, and it can feel li... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
On multiple occasions the car will suddenly brake or like throw on the parking brake and stop suddenly no warning
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
Car has stopped in middle of the road and engine just stalled. The battery light keeps flashing on and off even after alternator as been changed
Incident date: May 23, 2025
Even after recall repairs the vehicle continues to randomly display error messages with vehicle systems while driving. It has been cleared several times and battery changed but continues to return. This model has serious issues with the electrical components.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
I am the owner of a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine (VIN: [XXX] ), purchased new approximately three months ago. I am filing this complaint proactively. I have experienced no engine failure or symptoms to date. However, I am filing based on a documented pattern of L87 engine failures in 2025 and 2026 production vehicles, confirmed by multiple GM dealership... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
The illuminated dashboard, center control console, and headlights suddenly turned off while the vehicle was in motion during a dark night. The blackout lasted approximately 10 seconds and I was unable to see to keep the vehicle on the roadway. After running onto the unpaved shoulder, I was able to fully stop the vehicle without hitting anything. All of the lights came back on and the dashboard sho... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
The illuminated dashboard, center control console, and headlights suddenly turned off while the vehicle was in motion during a dark night. The blackout lasted approximately 10 seconds and I was unable to see to keep the vehicle on the roadway. After running onto the unpaved shoulder, I was able to fully stop the vehicle without hitting anything. All of the lights came back on and the dashboard sho... Read more
FORD
C-MAX HYBRID
(2013) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 13, 2026
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2018 Dodge Journey SE (VIN: [XXX] ) related to a failure in the vehicle’s emissions control system, specifically the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. On January 13, 2026, the vehicle began producing a strong sulfur or “rotten egg” odor while driving, and shortly afterward the check engine light illuminated. Diagnostic testing revealed troubl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2026
While driving to work in negative degree weather I got a message saying reduce engine power and before I could pull over it had lost all power. Having it towed and now needing a new engine I see im not the first one with this problem. I also still have a loan im paying for on a dead car. Idk why theres not a recall on this .
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
front upper grille trim violently ripped off while driving down the highway. hit windshield and flew up and over the car into traffic on the highway.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Mar 13, 2026
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
I am filing a complaint regarding a suspension defect on my new Tesla Model Y Juniper. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, I began hearing a distinct knocking / clunking noise coming from the suspension when driving over small road imperfections and at low speeds. The noise is clearly abnormal for a new vehicle and sounds like loose or defective suspension components. I brought the vehicle to ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
Mar 13, 2026
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving downhill in the mountains at approximately 50 MPH and pulling a 2024 Ember 190MSL Overland RV, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle decelerated as intended; however, the trailer brakes failed to engage, causing the RV to roll sideways and to crash into the rear of the vehicle. The RV's weight distribution was fractur... Read more
Crash
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Mar 13, 2026
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic where the DTC for a failure with the turbo charger was retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where no errors codes were retrieved; however, the check engine warning light returned two weeks la... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
Vehicle makes a whining noise like a siren when accelerating at 40mph or more when you let go of the accelerator the noise stops. I've been told by a mechanic its the transfer case or related transmission component. Toyota should declare a recall since it can cause an accident if the car stops in the middle of the highway.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 1991 N/A Toyota MR2. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 91V223000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who confirmed that the parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer provided a Lien letter. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
February 1st 2026, I done my oil change. My car was running fine. No check engine light was on or anything, my forward collision warning started disabling itself when I always kept it on. When I try to accelerate my vehicle it would take a while to accelerate. March 7th 2026, while I was driving, my car quit while it was still running. It also quit the same day again just in park. March 8th 2026, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
I found a lot of shaved metals when I did the oil change for the Gear Reduction. It made a lot of noises when driving or the wheel of fortune sounds whether the car is in Regenerative Braking. The sounds developed as time goes on but Hyundai failed to recall this issue. I found this has been an ongoing issue since 2019 when Hyundai make this Kona EV, but their engineers didn’t fix this type of ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The 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, but no assistance was p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
Wife was driving car and the steering locked up and she could not turn it for about 5 seconds. second issue was put it in reverse and it would not come out of reverse, she had to turn car off and on 3 times to get it to put it in park or drive. I ran this through my Claude AI and it says this is an ongoing problem with the Hyundai Tucson. Please make them fix this before selling anymore vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac Lyriq. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a cracking sound inside the vehicle. The contact looked up and saw that the moon roof glass was cracking. The contact stated that the crack had extended several feet. There was no impact on the moon roof glass to cause the glass to crack. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the fail... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
I was driving in highway and just engine lockout and vehicle shutdown
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that there would be another notification when the parts became available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 1999 N/A Chevrolet Suburban 1500. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that there was an open recall associated with the VIN. The contact was provided the information for NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V122000 (SEAT BELTS). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who refused to complete the recall repairs. The contact was informed that the part for the recall repair wa... Read more