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: Feb 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle eventually stalled on the side of the road. The key, battery, oil, and engine warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
My 2017 Subaru Forester Touring (VIN: [XXX] , 118,200 mi) has a recurring EyeSight failure where the system becomes disabled and will not complete camera registration or calibration. Subaru of Sterling (VA) diagnosed active code B28A0 “Vehicle Model Judgment” and noted that the EyeSight stereo camera would not accept vehicle model registration. The technician documented: “Error for camera ad... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety concern with my Lexus IS 250. The dashboard in my vehicle is melting and has become extremely sticky, shiny, and reflective. As the material deteriorates, it creates significant glare on the windshield when sunlight hits the dashboard. This glare interferes with my visibility while driving and creates a potentially dangerous situation for myself, m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
On road trip from mi to ny. No lights or warnings but transmission failed.we were able to get safely off highway into parking lot.Tried to have towed to chevy dealer but could not look at for days. Able to take to aamco & need to install new transmission in ohio!
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, engine oil sprayed all over the engine. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced the engine under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure recurred two days later, resulting in a loss of drive power while driving. The vehicle was towed back to the ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire Line: Alenza Sport, Tire Size: 255/50/R20, DOT Number: 276100C2R. The contact stated the vehicle was inspected by the dealer, where it was discovered that all four tires were prematurely worn quickly and showed defects. The tires were replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V452000 (Tires). The dealer informed the cont... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
-shift lever in transmutation stopped working so car would go into auto shut off and then would not drive once I took my foot off the break. Would not switch gears or drive. Had to shut car off then turn back on to get it to switch gears. -safety was put at risk majorly. Car did that in 5 lanes of traffic with me and kids in car and couldn’t drive. We almost got hit. -dealership said no issues... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard and was spongy. Additionally, the navigation system shut off unexpectedly, and the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light illuminated, causing the seat belt to tighten while the vehicle was in park. The contact also received OnStar alerts that th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard and was spongy. Additionally, the navigation system shut off unexpectedly, and the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light illuminated, causing the seat belt to tighten while the vehicle was in park. The contact also received OnStar alerts that th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH on the Interstate, the vehicle started shaking and there was a knocking sound coming from the engine with smoke and a burning oil odor. The engine, ABS, and traction control warning lights simultaneously illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road to cool down. The vehicle was able to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel displayed a black screen. After several minutes, the instrument panel started operating as intended. The failure had ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
"We were notified by Toyota that it was unsafe to transport our children in the second row seats in November 2025 and the vehicle was under a recall. This puts our children at risk. A letter from NHTSA stated Toyota would have a remedy by 12/6. The manufacturer (Toyota) confirmed this recall. Given that Toyota has not indicated a solution date for this and the problem was discovered in October 202... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact was pulled over by the Local Police and was informed that the taillights were dark. The contact turned on the exterior lights using the automatic function on the light switch. The contact stated that there was no warning illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the brake lights operated as needed. The c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Engine with leas than 40,000 miles is consuming one (1) quat of oil every 2,000 miles. GM dealership showed me the internal GM service update stating the accepted rate of oil consumption for engines uses in the vehicles referenced is 1qt per 2,000 miles. That may seem acceptable because GM put it in a notice to dealerships but I assure you the end consumer would never buy this engine if this was... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
The front trunk (frunk) actuator failed due to an under voltage condition. During repair, Tesla technicians also found corrosion in the wiring harness connectors. The vehicle has been garaged its entire life and has never been exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Tesla's own service documentation specifies that underwood and underbody connectors should be protected with anti-corrosion gre... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-350. The contact stated that a certified mechanic had installed a disaster kit on the vehicle to prevent a fuel system failure. The independent mechanic later found metal shavings inside the filter going into the manifold. The independent mechanic recommended that the fuel pump be replaced. The contact was concerned that the replacement of the fuel pump with the same... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
I am writing to file a complaint on the service that was provided at Vann York Honda. On February 17, 2026, I was returning home from work and my car had a hard idle at start up. I was able to drive it home without issue. The next day, February 18, I got in my car and I had another hard idle start with many check engine codes appearing on the dashboard. I drove it to Vann York Honda in High Po... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
I am writing to file a complaint on the service that was provided at Vann York Honda. On February 17, 2026, I was returning home from work and my car had a hard idle at start up. I was able to drive it home without issue. The next day, February 18, I got in my car and I had another hard idle start with many check engine codes appearing on the dashboard. I drove it to Vann York Honda in High Po... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
I am writing to file a complaint on the service that was provided at Vann York Honda. On February 17, 2026, I was returning home from work and my car had a hard idle at start up. I was able to drive it home without issue. The next day, February 18, I got in my car and I had another hard idle start with many check engine codes appearing on the dashboard. I drove it to Vann York Honda in High Po... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
I was driving down the highway with heater on and defrost. All of a sudden I hear a pop and my car started bogging down. I exited the highway to get out of danger, it then had a wrench light ( transmission) pop up and when I parked the car on the access road it started smoking a lot. I turned the vehicle off immediately and when I seen smoke coming from under the hood and into the cab of the car. ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
I was driving down the highway with heater on and defrost. All of a sudden I hear a pop and my car started bogging down. I exited the highway to get out of danger, it then had a wrench light ( transmission) pop up and when I parked the car on the access road it started smoking a lot. I turned the vehicle off immediately and when I seen smoke coming from under the hood and into the cab of the car. ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
See attached document for complaint. The safety recall repair has been pending for over five months due to repeated parts unavailability at the authorized Ford dealership. Despite ongoing communication with the dealer and Ford Motor Company, no repair timeline or resolution has been provided. This prolonged delay involves a safety-related defect and creates an ongoing risk. I respectfully reques... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
My Toyota hybrid AWD vehicle experienced corrosion of the rear traction motor cable, which Toyota has acknowledged in Service Campaign 25TD01. This corrosion affects the electrical connection to the rear drive motor and can result in loss of AWD propulsion capability. Loss of rear-wheel propulsion significantly reduces traction and stability, particularly in snow, ice, and wet conditions. Drivers ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
My Toyota hybrid AWD vehicle experienced corrosion of the rear traction motor cable, which Toyota has acknowledged in Service Campaign 25TD01. This corrosion affects the electrical connection to the rear drive motor and can result in loss of AWD propulsion capability. Loss of rear-wheel propulsion significantly reduces traction and stability, particularly in snow, ice, and wet conditions. Drivers ... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2025) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 12, 2026
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
I own a 2021 Tesla Model Y with approximately 46,500 miles. The vehicle is currently displaying battery error code BMS_a079, and the battery will only charge to approximately 30%, which severely limits the driving range and makes the vehicle unreliable for normal use. I reported this issue to Tesla on March 6, but the earliest service appointment available to me is March 17 at the Tesla service c... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
Mar 12, 2026
Incident date: Nov 4, 2025
My car was just fine, then I noticed white smoke coming from the exahust pipe. It started to smell like antifreeze. Then the next day my antifreeze level got really low fast and over heated. I put antifreeze in it, to get it to a mechanic right away. I was then told it has an internal leak and the head gasket is blown or it may need a whole new engine to fix. Estimated from $6,000 to fix for head ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
While driving on the highway at 65 miles per hour, my Atlas shut itself off. I had to put it into park and restart the ignition. It turned on after 2 attempts but just barely. It turned on and gave enough power to move forward very slowly but virtually no propulsion. It turned on briefly, I pressed the gas and then it shut off but had enough to cruise to get to the shoulder across the highway. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Vehicle began shifting really hard and the rpm meter started going way up and down really fast. The check engine light also came on. It caused difficulties with control of the vehicle. Vehicle was parked and taken to a mechanic so said the issue was the torque converter and that it needs a new transmission.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
Vehicle: 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Incident Description: While driving at highway speed, the transmission fluid line failed and transmission fluid rapidly leaked from the vehicle. There were no warning lights, alerts, or messages before the failure occurred. As the fluid was lost, the vehicle began shutting down while still moving in traffic and stopped in the middle of the highway with vehic... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that for several years, the headlight bulbs were replaced several times. The contact used several different brands of headlight bulbs, but the bulbs failed prematurely. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were dim while using the low beam or the high beam headlights. Additionally, the turn signals failed to properly operate while engag... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that for several years, the headlight bulbs were replaced several times. The contact used several different brands of headlight bulbs, but the bulbs failed prematurely. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were dim while using the low beam or the high beam headlights. Additionally, the turn signals failed to properly operate while engag... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
ICS malfunction error light and check engine light came on. I received a recall notice that this was being looked into but now the water pump has went out. The car is overheating.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
Driving and randomly truck gets confused on what gear its in, wrench light goes on and codes read transmission speed range sensor.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The sunroof failed to totally open or close after an initial engagement. Further inspection revealed the sunroof wind deflector frame slides and shoes were broken, and cables were loose and out of position. Keep in mind, the sunroof has been used only a handful of times. After doing some research and learning Palisades had a history of exploding sunroofs, I worried that continuing to drive the ca... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The sunroof failed to totally open or close after an initial engagement. Further inspection revealed the sunroof wind deflector frame slides and shoes were broken, and cables were loose and out of position. Keep in mind, the sunroof has been used only a handful of times. After doing some research and learning Palisades had a history of exploding sunroofs, I worried that continuing to drive the ca... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The vehicle has major electrical issues. The ABS and all over driver safety options would shut off for days at a time. I had purchased this cx30 as new on January 02, 2026. It totally died and wouldn't start on February 03, 2026. It had to ve towed by mazda roadside assistance to Towne Mazda dealer in Orchard Park NY. It is now March 12, 2026 and the dealer has had my vehicle for over a month. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
This vehicle does not recognize that the gear is on park. Due to the issue, it has left me stranded twice. The first time it was at a very remote area up in the mountains. I was stuck for hours due to battery dying. The second time being a very dangerous situation Because it was a very dangerous area late at night.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
This vehicle does not recognize that the gear is on park. Due to the issue, it has left me stranded twice. The first time it was at a very remote area up in the mountains. I was stuck for hours due to battery dying. The second time being a very dangerous situation Because it was a very dangerous area late at night.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
This vehicle does not recognize that the gear is on park. Due to the issue, it has left me stranded twice. The first time it was at a very remote area up in the mountains. I was stuck for hours due to battery dying. The second time being a very dangerous situation Because it was a very dangerous area late at night.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
2018 eco sport , 1 L engine . Bought this car 2 years ago(April 2024) used (58xxx) miles from Corwin Honda in Fargo nd and test drove and asked about the car . Asked if safe for my family , recalls ,history ..they said no issues ,recalls or crashes . All were untrue we are just finding out . I was driving imin the dark and suddenly,no warning etc my car says low engine oil pressure . I had kids... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
2018 eco sport , 1 L engine . Bought this car 2 years ago(April 2024) used (58xxx) miles from Corwin Honda in Fargo nd and test drove and asked about the car . Asked if safe for my family , recalls ,history ..they said no issues ,recalls or crashes . All were untrue we are just finding out . I was driving imin the dark and suddenly,no warning etc my car says low engine oil pressure . I had kids... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
2019 Kia with approximately 64,000 miles. Engine failed without warning. Prior to failure, vehicle had been experiencing intermittent stalling on multiple prior occasions and had been brought to a mechanic for inspection before the final failure occurred. Vehicle stalled while being driven on a highway at night on [XXX] between mile markers 67-71 in Maryland, creating a dangerous situation for th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2026
The upper radiator hose on some huge percentage of these trucks fail (mine has failed at just over 20K miles). You can check the Colorado Chevy forum, youtube, etc., et al, and find plenty of instances where this has failed. As this is the cooling system, it can cause the engine to overheat and potentially ruin the engine. The flaw seems to be an engineering issue with the rubber seal they use (in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding my 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 involving a leaking fuel rail that caused the vehicle to shut down and become unsafe to operate. The failure of the fuel rail resulted in a fuel leak and engine shutdown. A failure within the fuel delivery system presents a serious safety concern, as it can cause sudden loss of power whi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
Traveling at about 10-15 mph through a parking lot looking for a place to park. When 3 pedestrians crossed in front of my Jeep causing the Jeep to violently and abruptly stop. This violent and unexpected stop caused me to be thrown forward and then back which immediately caused a bruise and swelling in my chest and the left side of my neck and shoulder immediately hurting which got and continues t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
Traveling at about 10-15 mph through a parking lot looking for a place to park. When 3 pedestrians crossed in front of my Jeep causing the Jeep to violently and abruptly stop. This violent and unexpected stop caused me to be thrown forward and then back which immediately caused a bruise and swelling in my chest and the left side of my neck and shoulder immediately hurting which got and continues t... Read more