Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 379,511 complaints for FORD
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
On three different occasions this car’s engine shuts off on me sometimes at highway speeds. It is terrifying being in the left lane and losing all propulsion and power steering. I have to quickly put the car in park (in the middle of the highway) and then restart the car to go again. When it starts failing it keeps shutting off when we come to a stop in stop and go traffic. It’s like the auto ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 9, 2026
Incident date: May 4, 2026
On three different occasions this car’s engine shuts off on me sometimes at highway speeds. It is terrifying being in the left lane and losing all propulsion and power steering. I have to quickly put the car in park (in the middle of the highway) and then restart the car to go again. When it starts failing it keeps shutting off when we come to a stop in stop and go traffic. It’s like the auto ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) — ENGINE
May 9, 2026
Incident date: May 4, 2026
On three different occasions this car’s engine shuts off on me sometimes at highway speeds. It is terrifying being in the left lane and losing all propulsion and power steering. I have to quickly put the car in park (in the middle of the highway) and then restart the car to go again. When it starts failing it keeps shutting off when we come to a stop in stop and go traffic. It’s like the auto ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
The suspension module failed due to water accumulation on floorboards. Suspect other electronics may be at risk. Water ingress cause by a combination of what dealer said was a worn out sunroof gasket and two of four drains that became plugged. Further examination from dealer found the plugged drains were crimped from when the vehicle was manufactured. The dealer blamed the excessive water ingress ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
I was involved in a rear end collision earlier today. My vehicle sustained significant front end damage and the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle had to be flat bedded to a Massachusetts State Police Barracks, pending further action by my insurance company. There were no injuries.
Crash
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The forward emergency braking system on this vehicle is a hazard not a safety feature. I have almost been rear ended 3 times because of it and have had my neck and back hurt from the quick sudden stop! I was not even at risk of getting into an accident! This feature needs to be permanently disabled! I still owe 30 payments on this car but will be getting rid of it if i can't disable this perma... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Car battery can't be charged more than 80 ℅ , fire risk
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Car battery can't be charged more than 80 ℅ , fire risk
Incident date: Oct 1, 2014
Took my 2017 Ford F-150 in for a diagnostic on May 8 2026 for wrench symbol check engine light and issues down shifting and sliding tires shop manager and technician claimed the vehicle is unsafe to drive and talked to the Service manager deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive wanted it grounded do to the safety concerns related to Recall 26S28 (PCM/TRS) stated the down shifting is cause catastrop... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The truck often shifts from 6th gear down to 1st or second gear, sometimes at highway speeds and all warning light come on. It sometimes resolved itself upon starting it again, but seems to affect the throttle body. When the electrical system resets, you can hear a click from the throttle body indicating that the valve reset when the computer reset. We also have been affected by intense suffering ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
Power steering went out and I'm told it's a sensor that is in the steering column. Very expensive to have fixed due to location of the sensor. I seen a recall for this problem however it is only good for 150,000 miles or 10 years. I just purchased this car 2 years ago with 172,000 miles. This recall should still be valid if it hasn't been repaired. I almost wrecked the car not realizing this happe... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
All 4 tail lights are filled with water, therefore they stopped working due to corrosion. I had to replace all 4 or I couldn't get my car to pass inspection. No warnings or anything telling me my brake lights have failed. This is a huge problem in the 2017 Ford Escape SE!
Incident date: May 8, 2026
I had my most recent oil change on 2/20/26, and on 5/2/26 , the check engine light came on and I heard a knocking sound. I checked the dipstick and it was below the “low” mark. I hadn’t driven 3k miles yet!! I had to purchase 2 quarts of SAE 5w 30 oil to put into it. My vehicle is consuming more than 1 quart per 1000 miles.
Incident date: May 8, 2026
I had my most recent oil change on 2/20/26, and on 5/2/26 , the check engine light came on and I heard a knocking sound. I checked the dipstick and it was below the “low” mark. I hadn’t driven 3k miles yet!! I had to purchase 2 quarts of SAE 5w 30 oil to put into it. My vehicle is consuming more than 1 quart per 1000 miles.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
The steering seems to stick when turning wide turns. Seems to happen both directions. It feels like it’s being held or assisted in place, but the steering control is disabled.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
Engine shuts off while driving. Speeds can be low or high. 20-65 mph. While driving, engine will cut off. Sometimes the electrics remain on and I can use power steering to pull to the side of the road, other times everything shuts down. It can happen while turning or regular straight driving. Sometimes it will restart right after, other times, it won't start for many minutes. We have gotten stuck ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
Engine shuts off while driving. Speeds can be low or high. 20-65 mph. While driving, engine will cut off. Sometimes the electrics remain on and I can use power steering to pull to the side of the road, other times everything shuts down. It can happen while turning or regular straight driving. Sometimes it will restart right after, other times, it won't start for many minutes. We have gotten stuck ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
My 2019 Honda CR-V experienced a malfunction involving multiple dashboard warning lights illuminating at the same time, including warning messages related to vehicle systems and safety features. There is concern about the vehicle entering limp mode and being unable to accelerate normally. This creates a safety concern because the vehicle may not respond properly in traffic or during highway drivin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
2011 Prius. 80k miles. Brake booster buzz coming on every 15 seconds now. ABs, traction and brake lights on. I’ve heard of many Prius owners with the same issue. I also have another Prius with the same issue at 120k miles. Brake booster accumulator codes popping up with 80k miles. It is a safety concern as the abs brakes don’t work. Almost every Prius is effected by this.
Incident date: May 5, 2020
Hi my name Is [XXX] . JD Byrider financed me this car knowing that it had open recalls putting me and my family's lives in danger. The car has had electrical problems since Ive had it. Every other day different lights appear on the dashboard Service Airbags ,Service ABS and traction ESC off are some of the few. The car has been to their service department 14 times since Ive owned it each time they... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 9, 2026
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
As I was wiring underneath the chassis to install a new electric black tank valve, I noticed that the wires in the RV and waterlines were lying across the cross-members of the chassis, chafing and almost exposing wires. The water lines were almost chafed through and were not secured on the chassis at all, with no wire looms. In this photo, I put protective sleeves on where the water lines and wiri... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
My durango been having issues starting after seating over night also there has been a couple times when the durango loses power and is very sluggish it has to be a fuel pump issues
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
While driving the vehicle on the freeway, the driver noticed the car was handling unusually at highway speeds. After exiting the freeway at approximately 45 mph, the accelerator pedal failed to decelerate properly when the foot was lifted from the pedal. A warning message appeared on the display screen indicating the vehicle was shutting down while the vehicle was still in motion. The vehicle subs... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
While driving the vehicle on the freeway, the driver noticed the car was handling unusually at highway speeds. After exiting the freeway at approximately 45 mph, the accelerator pedal failed to decelerate properly when the foot was lifted from the pedal. A warning message appeared on the display screen indicating the vehicle was shutting down while the vehicle was still in motion. The vehicle subs... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
The vehicle has experienced recurring suspension, drivability, and pulling issues associated with the 4-corner air ride leveling suspension system since early ownership. The first major incident occurred at approximately 4,600 miles when the vehicle displayed suspension warnings and would not accelerate properly past highway speeds. Since that time, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced pulling d... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The car started sticking when driving then a knocking in the engine. Upon investigation/ diagnostics we found that the engine is blown and needs replacing. I have owned this car for 3 years to date and have keep up on all maintenance which you can find on carfax there is no reason at 136,000 an engine should blow. I would like this fixed asap
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 8, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
My vehicle's dashboard was melting. I thought it was some kind of condensation. When trying to wope it, sticky gook came off on my papertowel explosing the bottom level.of the dashboard. I went through all the levels all.the way to Corporate Lexus legal in TX as the fumes were making me sick. I am a senior citizens who was not planning on buying another vehicle as I drive very little. After 4... Read more
1 injured
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2018) — AIR BAGS
May 8, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I was involved in a car accident where the driver lost control of the vehicle during this disaster we were struck by an 18 wheeler. Then hit numerous of trees and bushes totaling out the vehicle i was in
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and did not accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the coolant control valve needed to be replaced... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The vehicle's transmission control module is not working. The Ford Focus vehicle put my family and I at risk because we would be driving along in the Ford vehicle then all of a sudden it would slow down abruptly in traffic as it loses power. We've only had the vehicle 7 years and it is one of the most expensive problems to have with the car. Many reports online state that transmission control modu... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
The control arms on all make and models of tesla have a horrible design that all water off of the car flows down the sides of the front hood and down onto the control arm bushing. This could be a simple fix for tesla to out a boot on it to cover the bushing. The control arms start to fail at any given time. This is costing owners thousands of dollars. I have had to had them replace once under warr... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2026
The control arms on all make and models of tesla have a horrible design that all water off of the car flows down the sides of the front hood and down onto the control arm bushing. This could be a simple fix for tesla to out a boot on it to cover the bushing. The control arms start to fail at any given time. This is costing owners thousands of dollars. I have had to had them replace once under warr... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and did not accelerate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that her husband hooked the vehicle up to a handheld diagnostic machine where codes: P003A, P006a, P0046 populated. The manufacturer was notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and did not accelerate as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that her husband hooked the vehicle up to a handheld diagnostic machine where codes: P003A, P006a, P0046 populated. The manufacturer was notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
The linkage on the passenger side windshield wiper is known to seize from rust. Canada has a recall on this particular issue, but not America. I have had failing blades in heavy rain as a result.
Incident date: May 31, 2025
I have messages on my instrument panel stating I have airbag malfunction going on I also have tail lights that are not working and after trying to replace the bulbs it still don't work so obviously it's the light bulb panel so I went and looked at recalls and says that these are all recalls on my car but that they were fixed. so I don't know why I have them all bad again so I need to know what to... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2025
In Feb 2025, I was involved in an accident where a driver damaged my driver's side door. I brought my car to the Fix Auto Downtown LA location for repairs. Cosmetically the door was repaired, but over the next year my latch would temporarily lock, preventing access and requiring me to enter through my passenger side door/climb over the center console. In Feb 2026, the latch permanently closed. In... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
In Feb 2025, I was involved in an accident where a driver damaged my driver's side door. I brought my car to the Fix Auto Downtown LA location for repairs. Cosmetically the door was repaired, but over the next year my latch would temporarily lock, preventing access and requiring me to enter through my passenger side door/climb over the center console. In Feb 2026, the latch permanently closed. In... Read more
Crash
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2021) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
The vehicle cannot be shifted into neutral if the vehicle runs out of gas. There is no way to shift to neutral and roll it to the side of the road. The vehicle ran out of gas on the interstate, automatically braked and could not be moved out of the middle of the interstate. To make matters worse, this was in a construction zone.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The original low pressure fuel pump failed at 114,700 miles. The symptoms of the failure were loss of power on the freeway, quickly followed by the engine stumbling, then shutting off completely forcing me to change lanes without power. The vehicles has had to be towed on 2 occasions because of this. The pump was replaced at 114,700 miles by a Toyota dealer at my own cost (no warranty, no recall).... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
My 2020 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote V8 had its engine replaced under factory warranty on 4/30/25 by an authorized Ford dealer. The replacement engine was installed with my original 50,000 mile fuel injectors reinstalled by Ford's technician — I was not informed new injectors were not included. The vehicle is now diagnosed with a failed direct fuel injector causing a cylinder 3 misfire at approximatel... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
205/60R16 Noticed that all 4 of my tires the rubber is peeling went to tire place they said they were chunking and they should not be having 23500 miles on my 2023 Kia soul tires have been rotated every 5000 or so miles
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Rear brake is sinking to the exhaust pipe and not stopping the motorcycle. The previous year motorcycle I currently own has been recalled for the rear brake hoses, but I am having the same problem with my 2019 Ducati Monster 1200. This is a safety hazard and I want to have my dealership fix this without charge.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 JEEP Wagoneer. The contact stated that while towing, the vehicle experienced a serious and recurring safety failure where the trailer lights would function for approximately five minutes before a portion of them would blackout. This failure renders towing unsafe and illegal, as it compromises visibility and traffic law compliance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Numbe... Read more
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2014) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Dec 1, 2014
Weeks before the vehicle completely shut down, my car began stalling and shutting off in traffic without warning while driving. I was usually able to turn the vehicle off and restart it, and it would come back on temporarily. At red lights and stop signs, the vehicle would power down, stall, jerk forward, and then begin moving again when I pressed the accelerator. On 05/01/2026, while stopped at ... Read more
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2014) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 8, 2026
Incident date: Dec 1, 2014
Weeks before the vehicle completely shut down, my car began stalling and shutting off in traffic without warning while driving. I was usually able to turn the vehicle off and restart it, and it would come back on temporarily. At red lights and stop signs, the vehicle would power down, stall, jerk forward, and then begin moving again when I pressed the accelerator. On 05/01/2026, while stopped at ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 8, 2026
Incident date: May 2, 2026
OVER THE LAST 4 WEEKS (NOTICED APRIL 15 AROUND 6PM GOING TO CHURCH) THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR OPENS AUTOMATIOCALLY WITHOUT ANYONE OPENING IT. THE DOOR IS LITTERALLY LOCKED AND SFERT DRIVEING THE DOOR JUST OPENS. FROM 4/15/26 UNITL 5/7/2026 THIS HAS HAPPENDED 5 TIMES.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The Hood latch is broke and I am unable to get into the hood without tremendous effort.
Incident date: May 8, 2026
My 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 has experienced multiple serious safety-related malfunctions involving several vehicle systems. In August, after picking up the vehicle from service, I placed my [XXX] grandson in his car seat, set my purse with the key inside the vehicle, and closed the rear door. The vehicle immediately locked all doors on its own, trapping my grandson inside in approximately 88-d... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
Hello: I own a 2007 Lexus IS250. My vehicle has had an ongoing engine misfire issue and has run extremely rough. In addition, my SRS light and there is an issue with the driver's side knee air bag inflator connector. Finally, my dashboard, front and rear door panels have been sticky and melted over time when it is hot and there is no reason why this is occurring. The dashboard and door panels be... Read more
Crash