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: Aug 3, 2026
My 2023 Kia Sportage EX Hybrid has experienced repeated engine-related failures since October 2022, requiring multiple dealer repairs. The safety issue escalated in 2026 when the vehicle experienced sudden loss of acceleration while driving on highways. In April/May 2026, the vehicle lost acceleration twice within approximately 10–15 minutes. Warning messages appeared, including Check Engine Lig... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
I'm losing power than normal all of a sudden. When I step on the gas after light hits green in sport and sport plus mode my car losses traction even when traction control is on, and I hear a loud clunck sound. After the the loud clunck sound the car losses RPM while driving I step off the gas and step back on it and the RPM goes back to normal again.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The power liftgate (automatic trunk) system on my 2019 Infiniti QX50 malfunctioned. After fully opening, the liftgate unexpectedly closed on its own without any warning beeps or resistance detection. This poses a severe safety risk. The heavy door struck my head, causing a physical injury (a severe bump/contusion). The vehicle and the affected components are available for inspection upon request. ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
Car just shut off while I was driving. There was no power. It would not start. At first it sounded like it wanted to start and then it just made no sound at all. The brake was hard as well. I put the hazards on but was in the fast lane on Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. I believe there are traffic cameras that will show the car sitting while cars were trying to get through the traffic light. The c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
Car just shut off while I was driving. There was no power. It would not start. At first it sounded like it wanted to start and then it just made no sound at all. The brake was hard as well. I put the hazards on but was in the fast lane on Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. I believe there are traffic cameras that will show the car sitting while cars were trying to get through the traffic light. The c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
I have received warning lights associated with safety features controlled by front facing windshield camera indicating that the ACC, auto braking, lane departure and front collision avoidance features were not working. This has happened once before just over a year ago and I was told by the dealer that the camera needed to be replaced. I did so, at a cost of over $2K. All features worked again aft... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
I was driving on the NYS thru way with my family and my rear suspension coil came out while we were driving. The part was not rusted or looked defected. When I took it to the dealership they said a recall for this issue had been repaired in June of 2023 prior to me owning it. I purchased the vehicle on October of 2024. I called corporate and they said there is nothing they will do for me. I paid $... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
I was driving on the NYS thru way with my family and my rear suspension coil came out while we were driving. The part was not rusted or looked defected. When I took it to the dealership they said a recall for this issue had been repaired in June of 2023 prior to me owning it. I purchased the vehicle on October of 2024. I called corporate and they said there is nothing they will do for me. I paid $... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the cylinder #6 rod bearing was damaged, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Land Rover Defender. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V248000 (Electrical System); 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
I was driving approximately 70 MPH, on a freeway in rain; I moved to the passing lane to go around a semi-truck. Spray from the semi was heavy but I could still see the road. Suddenly, the car brakes engaged very strongly. We were jolted forward in our seats. Had a car been following me, that driver may not have had time to brake himself. I believe the dash flashed a large braking sign. It only ha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
I was driving approximately 70 MPH, on a freeway in rain; I moved to the passing lane to go around a semi-truck. Spray from the semi was heavy but I could still see the road. Suddenly, the car brakes engaged very strongly. We were jolted forward in our seats. Had a car been following me, that driver may not have had time to brake himself. I believe the dash flashed a large braking sign. It only ha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2019
The contact owned a 2026 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 16 MPH with the self-driving feature activated the vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign. Seconds later the contact's daughter attempted to disengage the self-driving feature and then depressed the brake pedal to stop from entering a right-turn-only minor road stop-controlled intersection. However, the f... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 2, 2026
It seems that once the vehicle has been driven for a bit and things heat up, the steering will become 'sticky' when trying to turn, even small turns of the steering wheel. This is accompanied by a creaking sound when turning. At high speeds this is especially concerning due to the steering sticking, which then requires a big of additional force, which abruptly yanks the direction of the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V011000 (Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated while driving. Upon inspection, the contact's husband became aware that the coolant level was abnormally low. Additionally, a diagnostic scan re... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Our 2018 Volkswagen had a light that came on so we took to dealership. The part that needs replaced is the cylinder head assembly which will be over $6000 plus $3k for timing. It will take over 28 weeks to get the part. So the car is not able to be driven. After looking into this, this is a known issue and there is a class action lawsuits going on right now. There are 4,600 back order parts nation... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
Issue: that the sunroof shade got, detach from the rig that slide it forward. This looks like it’s caused by the guard plate between the sunroof and the moonroof falling off, landing on top of the shade. This integral piece that keeps the mechanism functioning kept together by double sided adhesive, so virtually scotch tape. That’s ridiculous. This is a safety risk, because with the shade sag... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2026
Rodent damage to plant based wiring to Engine Harness A and valve vacuum hose. Cost $1700 and 2 repairs.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
During a mandatory Virginia State Safety Inspection, the vehicle failed due to severe structural corrosion and perforation of the rear subframe. Because these components notoriously corrode from the inside out, the fact that the rust is externally visible and structurally failing indicates an advanced, catastrophic material breakdown.The rear subframe serves as the foundational load-bearing anchor... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message that the radio was shutting off was displayed. Additionally, the speakers made a crackling sound before the radio shut off, and the main screen became inoperable. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V431000 (Back Over Prevention); as a possible cause for the failure. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V869000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); 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 conta... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
The back up camera complete blacks out eliminating visibility at the rear of the car.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2003 Audi S6. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle in the driveway, gasoline was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was then repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V267000 (Fuel System, Other); however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with fuel tank failure. The contact was informed that the part was discontinued.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
On June 18, 2026, while my nearly new 2026 Cadillac Escalade ESV was being driven on the Ohio Turnpike, the vehicle unexpectedly entered reduced-power or limp mode, lost propulsion, shut off, and would not restart. The vehicle had approximately 2,234 miles. The sudden loss of propulsion and engine shutdown occurred in active highway traffic and created a serious risk of a collision. The vehicle h... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 4, 2026
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
My transmission started to have a noticeable whine at 53k miles. It became noticeably louder during acceleration. It was diagnosed at the Toyota dealership as a failing transmission. My vehicle was a few months out of warranty. I was told to contact Toyota corporate to ask for assistance. I was told since I did not have a service record at the dealership, they would deny my claim. I advised t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
This is not a new issue and has happened multiple times since the purchase of this vehicle. Multiple times while driving my 2024 Buick Encore GX, the entire instrument panel intermittently goes completely blank/black. All critical information disappears, including the speedometer, fuel gauge, warning lights, and other indicators. The display does not recover on its own and only returns after I... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Vehicle stalled losing power at highway speeds a total 7 times. Engine light finally came on stating that it is a P025A fuel pump modulator issue. This is a know issue with the year and model I have, yet my VIN was not covered under the recall. Car is a 2022 Chevy Equinox with 26.2k miles. Has been confirmed with dealer. Power loss at such speeds put my family in dangerous situations each time. Sc... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming engine oil. The contact stated that 2–3 quarts of oil needed to be added in between scheduled oil ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming engine oil. The contact stated that 2–3 quarts of oil needed to be added in between scheduled oil ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle went into the death wobble. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle before driving to the residence. The failure had occurred three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
Electronic Throttle Control warning light comes on upon starting vehicle while extended crank occurs. When starting car, the push to start feature will not turn over and continuously cranks multiple times. Issue is intermittent- never know when it will happen which makes it difficult to replicate at service center. Took car into 2 mechanics on separate occasions and finally to the Jeep dealership... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was not duplica... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - STEERING
Aug 4, 2026
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V152000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel was firm, the brake pedal was firm, and the vehicle was violently vibrating. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message “Pull Over – Do Not Drive” was displayed before t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Doors lock actuators problem the break so fast , Fuel injector problem head gasket, Break warning sistem problems
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Doors lock actuators problem the break so fast , Fuel injector problem head gasket, Break warning sistem problems
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle, causing the contact’s six children to become dizzy from the odor. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V232000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the remedy failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
There is a safety recall on GM’s 6.2L V8 L87 engine model years 2021-2024. My vehicle is a 2020 Suburban with a 6.2L V8 L87 engine. My engine recently experienced the same failure as cited in the recall, but because it is outside the 2021-2024 window it is not covered by this recall. I ask that the recall be expanded to additional years where these engines are experiencing the same failure as is... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
Backup camera only works sometimes which is a safety risk when backing up. Other year models have had a recall for this same reason. It has been doing it for at least 6 months now.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
Backup camera only works sometimes which is a safety risk when backing up. Other year models have had a recall for this same reason. It has been doing it for at least 6 months now.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle was jerking erratically. The contact stated that the transmission was shifting hard, and the vehicle dr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the message “Heat Management Module Malfunction” was displayed and the warning light was illuminated. The drive-train warning light was illuminated. Upon research, the contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The vehicle was previously taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The vehicle is have issues every time I get and oil change the vehicle loses about 2 qt of oil there are no leaks that are notice but the lost of engine oil still happens this oil could cause the engine to turn on fire it is nerve reacting to every often to check the oil level dealership are brushing this problem as they don't seem to know what is causing this issue if customer don't check
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The vehicle has the dash lifting started to happen a month after I bought the vehicle that a bubble formed and now it’s peeling off it’s a common issue on all Corvette 3Lt’s and Chevy is aware of it and charge customers $3,000 to replace it and don’t think it’s right to do that and should own up to mistake but forums of Corvette owners show how common of a issue it is on the 3Lt trim sin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
BACK UP CAMERA GLITCHES OFF AND ON - WILL WORK AND THEN CUTS OFF WHILE BACKING UP REPEATLY - BLUE SCREEN
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
On March 25, 2026, an authorized Ford dealership in Florida performed a safety recall involving the rear suspension toe links. The recall addressed a condition that Ford states can result in loss of steering control and increased crash risk. After the recall was completed, I drove approximately 1,200 miles home believing the safety defect had been corrected. After returning home, I began experien... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
Abs, brake, and traction control lights on. A jeep dealership was able to discern that the abs module is the cause and that part is on back order for months. In the meantime my vehicle is unfixable even if I were to find a used part from a donor vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
Abs, brake, and traction control lights on. A jeep dealership was able to discern that the abs module is the cause and that part is on back order for months. In the meantime my vehicle is unfixable even if I were to find a used part from a donor vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V789000 (Electrical System); 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 contacted via an online chat. The contact had not exper... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
The FCIM failed in the 98 degree heat. No warnings or indication that it failed other than the fans just started blowing full blast and full heat on a hot summer day. This alone distracted me and pulled my attention from the road as I started to feel sick with how hot it was getting and was frantically trying to turn the temperature down on the screen to no avail, because when the FCIM goes out yo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
While driving at highway speeds, with my family in the truck, the 10-speed automatic transmission suddenly and violently executed an uncommanded, unrequested downshift from 9th gear down to 2nd gear. This caused severe, abrupt vehicle deceleration and immediate safety hazard on a public roadway. I was fortunate that no other cars were near me and I was not turning at the time, otherwise it could h... Read more