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
While driving on the highway, my Jeep completely shut off and I lost control of everything the staring and I have no clue why it just shut off. I’m worried if I drive it I could do this while I’m on the highway and the third lane and I may end up in a collision.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 4 MPH into a parking lot, the “Service 4WD” light illuminated and turned on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and a code for the PTU was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The “Service 4WD” light was illuminated. Additionally, while driving, accelerati... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon arriving to the DMV parking lot to register the vehicle, the contact compared the VIN the dealer had initially provided prior to the purchase, to the VIN listed on the title and on the vehicle. The contact discovered that there was a VIN discrepancy. The contact contacted an independent mechanic ret... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that the taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, all failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the rear lights had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact decided not to have the dealer repair the vehicle because the dealer stated that the repair was not covered by the vehicle manufacturer. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
My vehicle is currently suffering a failed head gasket. I was alerted about this issue from local mechanics and friends way before it actually happened. I took it to services and regular maintenance even more frequently after that. However, it still failed no matter what. I took it to the dealership, they even admitted that this is a known problem for this generation of vehicle. They still proceed... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The brakes pushed down to the floor before the collision and wouldn’t stop the car my passenger was injured no warning system on the collision prevention and nothing engaged my foot was on the floor and there was about a 10 second delay before the brakes kicked in it’s all on dash cam
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
The head on the 2.4L engine of the 2019 Mazda CX5 has shown a manufacturing defect that Mazda has addressed in certain models, but not all of the models with this engine. This leaves a large amount of vehicle owners with the financial liability to pay out of pocket for Mazda's engineering and manufacturing defect that they know about. The oil leaks onto the exhaust manifold creating a fire hazard.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The transfer case leaked out all the fluid while driving over a period of time and damaged internal parts before the first oil change. This has happened 2 times now, and is currently leaking again with less than 10k miles.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
The transfer case on my 2020 BMW X7 failed and had to be replaced. Turning the vehicle became unstable as the vehicle shuttered badly. BMW confirmed the shuttering and first changed the transfer case fluid. However, it only slightly helped at first but the shuttering came fully back shortly thereafter. The vehicle was inspected by BMW twice. I don’t remember any warning lights on the dash. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
Car was acting normally. Suddenly, the car would not accelerate. I was on a small road with no place to pull over. Vehicle said to pull over check electrical system. At great risk to my life and the safety of my children, we managed to get to a safe spot before the entire vehicle shut down. We expect that this was a failed ICCU.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Car is under a recall-no level 3 charging due to risk of fire since October of 2025 with no remedy in place. The car is not able to be used as advertized-cannot travel outside of 200 miles from my home as level 3 charging is not possible and level 2 charging not feasible for travelling. Of note-the battery in my car is a NEW battery -it was replaced in December of 2025 due to repeated prior fail... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Vehicle WITHOUT WARNING will start to jerk then go into “limp” mode. Pressing on gas pedal makes the revving noise but with not physical movement made. This has happened on MULTIPLE occasions (13 times in 4 months) including in the snow and on the interstate while driving at 70mph where no shoulder is available to pull over. Car was taken to dealership 3 different times with no actual diagnosi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Engine oil light doesn’t work. Oil light flashed a couple of times in separate instances. Checking oil dip stick which smells like burning oil and dip stick hardly showed any oil left.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2025
Engine light came on, along with 'Service ESC' and 'Service Parking Brake' I drove it to my local GMC and it continued smoking and they told me that if I drove it like that it could blow up the engine. They mentioned a recall on these types of trucks but they said the warranty on my vehicle had expired at 60000 miles. Yes, I took it to Rogers GMC in Hermiston and the diagnostic is, "Mechanical: ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
I was driving with traffic in a 35 mph zone on a moderately busy street. I got the alert to brake and did so immediately. I collided with the Jeep in front of me. The airbags did not deploy. The front hood of the car tented and a fire immediately broke out under the hood. When a policeman arrived he attempted unsuccessfully to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher. The fire was eventually... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Torque shudder , involuntary downshifts , gets stuck in 2nd ,
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
The rear light bar/tail light assembly fills with water and causing turn signals and light bar to intermittently not work. This occurred the first time that the vehicle was left out in the rain at approximately 65k. It is always parked covered and I do not drive in the rain. Many other Atlas have this issue much sooner if they are left in the inclement weather.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “Service Air Bag” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The air bag warning light remained illuminated while driving. Additionally, the horn was inoperable while depressed, and the controls on the left side of the steering wheel failed to operate as intended; however, the right side of the steeri... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the “Service Air Bag” message was displayed on the instrument panel. The air bag warning light remained illuminated while driving. Additionally, the horn was inoperable while depressed, and the controls on the left side of the steering wheel failed to operate as intended; however, the right side of the steeri... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Cruise control suddenly stopped working along with 5 warnings on dash which indicated to take vehicle to Dealer. This occured out of the blue, at 80,000 miles, with no prior indication of a problem and after a steering recall about months ago in August. Dealer says the power steering rack motor and plugs have melted. They claimed they had no idea how. Dealer wants approx. $10K to fix, wants ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the vehicle was parke... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
Vehicle paint(white) is peeling off 2016 Kia Soul
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
I rented this car from Fox Rental Cars at Seatac Airpot between 2/18/26 and returned 2/23/26. While in the AUTO setting for headlights, the high beams suddenly shut off and quick working. Then the tail lights quit working. I did not know the tail lights were inoperable until I was pulled over. When I shut off the vehicle and turned it back on, the tail lights came back on and I was released wi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an unknown recall repair. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The reverse and drive gears were inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the rear-view camera had stopped showing an image for over a year. The contact called the local dealer several times about the rear-view camera and the rear brake lines, but was advised that the recall re... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. In addition, the contact stated that the rear-view camera independently turned off and on. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechan... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Driving on the interstate merging from a ramp to go into the highway , heard a loud bang and the car drivetrain started to wobble . Next noticed more torque in front wheels . Transfer case failed internally , all services done at the right mileage by dealer , transmission spline end got wiped out 66,000 miles on vehicle never was abused just going from point A to B.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - STRUCTURE
Mar 3, 2026
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be registered due to the incomplete recall of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V659000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall repair could not be completed because the part for the repair had been ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that there was an unknown failure with the front and rear cameras. The driver's and passengers' side mirror indicators remained illuminated but occasionally failed to operate. There was a glare that was shining into the vehicle while it was raining and driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed tha... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
No Owners Manual came with my Truck. I was made aware of Safety Recall 25V815 (Manufacturer Recall N252532020) which addressed 2025-2026 cars and trucks. Currently my 2024 is not included. I can confirm my dealer did not receive any owners manuals for most cars and trucks in 2024. I notified Chevrolet Customer Service and they did not assist. They Dealer was unable to assist and would not reimburs... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
I have owned the car for not even a full year yet. It has 19,000 miles and I have already had to repair 2 bent rims. I have NEVER had this issue with any other vehicle I have driven nor does any other vehicle in my household have this issue. I just find it weird that I've had to spend $1000 in less than a year.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
Since the truck was updated under the recal N242435631, the camera system guidelines no longer work, which is a feature that was sold as part of the the vehicle. This system no longer works and I fear there are other safety systems that may no longer work. GM is refusing to fix the software issues that were caused by this recall update.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2026
Complete and sudden failure of the L87 V8 engine at 70 mph on the highway. Had to maneuver to the right shoulder and coast to a stop. Engine was seized and would not restart. Waited 4 hours on a dangerous highway for a tow truck which took the Chevy Suburban 200 miles to my home Chevrolet dealership. They have ordered a new engine but it is on backorder so no ETA. Vehicle was built 06-26-2024 and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
when entering traffic vehicle wheels locked up and engine stopped, when restarted vehicle was in limp or reduced power mode, check engine light is on, message on screen and in app identifies transmission and electrical problem. anti slip was engaged automatically upon restart.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. In addition, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Investig... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Automatic transmission slips and shutters/shakes when accelerating and going from a complete stop. Vehicle is not drivable long distances as the issue gets worse as the car heats up. No codes or sensors are indicating a problem. This is an ongoing problem despite having the transmission rebuilt. Issues first started a year ago and have been progressively getting worse.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, with the gear shift indicator light in neutral(N), and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with ignition software failure. The mechanic replaced the ignition switch. Additionally, the contact stated that while driv... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving 45-50 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, with the gear shift indicator light in neutral(N), and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with ignition software failure. The mechanic replaced the ignition switch. Additionally, the contact stated that while driv... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the rear parking sensor became inoperable, and a message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that no audible alert was heard while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the rear parking sensor wiring harness had failed and needed to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
Low fuel pressure alert came on the truck. It went away and then came on again a few days later. We took the truck to Joe Meyers Ford in Houston, TX. They verified the code/alert and replaced the fuel filter, then re-tested. The alert returned and once they continued their diagnosis, it was determined that the fuel pressure control valve had failed, allowing fuel, DEF, and water into the fuel ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
While driving on a highway the RPMS in my 2018 Ford Escape with 88,600 miles went up high without me touching the gas because I was coasting downhill & then once I pushed the gas pedal to resume normal speed it shifted real hard into gear but would not move, it just kept coasting as cars were speeding up behind me going at least 55 MPH! I was finally able to pull over and once I put the car into p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle was started, and the low brake fluid warning illuminated. The contact observed brake fluid under the rear of the vehicle and became aware that the rear left brake line was leaking. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that parts for the recall repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydrauli... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V586000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started shaking and th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
When putting the vehicle in park the “shift to park” indicator comes on the dash. The vehicle has already been placed in park and will not move. This has happened multiple times over the last 3-4 years.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
Vehicle will come up with a collision warning and tell you to refer to the owners manual. And then tells you to pull over and shuts off the vehicle. After 10 seconds vehicle starts up again and drives. My wife it have been seriously injured or worse had others in the road not been paying attention. No check engine light. Researched multiple people online with the same issue. Vehicle needs to be re... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The radiator had a leak that required replacement in my 2020 Cadillac XT5. The car only had 30,000 miles. Because of that GM replaced the radiator for $600 instead of the standard cost of $2,000. This is the 3rd Cadillac of my relatives of similar age that had a radiator leak. The service manager admitted they are replacing at least 7 of these every week. In my opinion this is a manufacturing... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the interim repair was performed because the final remedy was not yet available. However, upon following up with the dealer, the dealer informed the contact that the recall was marked as completed. The manufacturer was contac... Read more