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: May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH down a hill, the engine and powertrain were resistant when the brakes were applied. No warning lights illuminated. A mobile mechanic was sent by a local dealer to inspect the vehicle. The mechanic determined that the failure was due to the transfer case but was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number:... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Steering assist code pops up and then the temperature gauge goes down and the air stops working and the screen in the cars starts going all crazy. Shift to park code keeps coming up and keeps all electronics on in car
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Steering assist code pops up and then the temperature gauge goes down and the air stops working and the screen in the cars starts going all crazy. Shift to park code keeps coming up and keeps all electronics on in car
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. Approximately six months later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine, ABS, stability control, and brake warning lights illuminated, and the "Auto Park Disabled," "Service Antilock Brake System," and "Service ABS System" warning messages were display... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wagoneer. The contact stated that while driving on a busy highway at an undisclosed speed with the contact's two minor children seated in the rear seat, the "Shift To Park" warning message was displayed on the instrument panel, and the engine stalled. In addition, the contact stated that the gear selector was stuck. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted and was... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on an incline with the engine turned off, the contact's toddler was able to shift into drive(D), and the vehicle rolled backwards, hit a light pole and a basketball stand, causing damage to the front driver-side door. No police report was filed, and no injuries were reported. The contact was unable to shift ba... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was directed downward towards the bumper and the ground. The rearview camera image was not displaying within a normal viewing range, making it difficult to park. No warning lights illuminated. A local dealer was contacted, but was unable to determine a related fault code. The manufacturer was contacted, but no as... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2027 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with oil in the coolant line. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
When in drive , going in to park, as soon as you turn dial, it jumps to park, so no neutral or reverse capability. And pops a code of Shift system fault.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon attempting to drive the vehicle in the morning, the power steering failed, rendering the vehicle undrivable. No warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence, and a friend of the contact, who was an independent mechanic, diagnosed an internal electronic power steering unit fault. No furt... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank or inverted while reversing. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to perform the recall repair. Additi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank or inverted while reversing. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to perform the recall repair. Additi... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while her husband was reversing, the rearview camera image was blank or inverted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH with cruise control activated, the vehicle shuddered and multiple warning lights illuminated, including the check engine, check oil, fasten seatbelt, traction control, and brake warning lights. The vehicle experienced steering overcorrection and lost power. The vehicle was steered to the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH with cruise control activated, the vehicle shuddered and multiple warning lights illuminated, including the check engine, check oil, fasten seatbelt, traction control, and brake warning lights. The vehicle experienced steering overcorrection and lost power. The vehicle was steered to the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH with cruise control activated, the vehicle shuddered and multiple warning lights illuminated, including the check engine, check oil, fasten seatbelt, traction control, and brake warning lights. The vehicle experienced steering overcorrection and lost power. The vehicle was steered to the... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - SEAT BELTS
Jul 9, 2026
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the seatbelt pretensioners for all seats failed, and the frontal airbags for the driver seat and front passenger seat were inoperable. The seatbelt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with faulty seatbelt pretensioners. A dealer was contacted and informed that parts were unav... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 GMC Yukon. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was an independent dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,000; however, a diagnostic report at O'Reilly's listed mileage as 172,000.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
Several times now, the car's engine will shut off while driving at low speed. When it shuts off, there is a relatively loud electrical noise coming from the engine compartment, and the instrument panel has multiple lights and sounds. There have been times when this issue has nearly caused a major accident.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving through a conveyor car wash with child occupants in the rear seats, the vehicle was placed in neutral (N). The vehicle was then shifted into drive (D) as instructed but accelerated independently. The contact added that the vehicle barely made a left turn exiting the car wash bay, nearly colliding with a wall and a car... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving through a conveyor car wash with child occupants in the rear seats, the vehicle was placed in neutral (N). The vehicle was then shifted into drive (D) as instructed but accelerated independently. The contact added that the vehicle barely made a left turn exiting the car wash bay, nearly colliding with a wall and a car... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
My 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee suffered a total intake manifold failure directly resulting from a secondary breakdown of Safety Recall W79 (NHTSA Campaign 20V-699). Physical teardown at an independent facility exposed a 70% engine runner restriction and seized glow plugs due to volatile exhaust sulfur, creating an active fire risk. On July 9, 2026, LaFontaine Fenton was presented with clear mechanica... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jaguar F-Pace. The contact stated that while parked or while driving on several occasions, the rear passenger-side seat belt strap became loose and failed to retract as needed, requiring the contact to fiddle with the seat belt until it retracted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and to the dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently upshift or downshift while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The message "See manual" was displayed. In addition, the co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
While driving at highway speeds, the a low coolant caution light came on. We immediately pulled over before the engine overheated and added coolant and brought the vehicle in for repairs. This Taos currently has 43,000 miles and needs its head gasket replaced for the SECOND time. The first head gasket was replaced on 12/23 with 16,000 miles under a technical bulletin by VW. This is a know issue fo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while parked on two occasions, the driver's seatbelt failed to retract and was inoperable. The contact stated that after a few attempts to pull the seatbelt, the seatbelt retracted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be replicated. The contact stated that the seatbelt was kept latched when exiting the vehicle. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
The electric power steering (EPS) is the affected system. While driving around curves in the road, the steering wheel intermittently sticks. This puts the safety of those in the vehicle as well as others on the roadway at risk. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a dealer to be an electric steering rack failure. There have not been any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
2016 Honda Pilot EXL. At 100,100 miles, an engine rod bearing went bad. Honda told me my VIN was not covered and it would be $8000 to replace the engine with a used engine. I sold them my car
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
There are major software issues. The vehicle brakes unexpectedly. It is completely random and extremely dangerous. The satellite radio content is altered with the use of A.I. . It is similar to Deepfake scam. I can scan the network and send logs if needed.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The steering "sticks" on either right or left hand curves (more left than right) under normal driving circumstances on paved roads. This causes a "jerk" when returning the wheel to center, after or as the vehicle is coming out of the curve. Definitely concerning. Noticed shortly after we purchased the van with 100,000 miles on the odometer.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
driving on highway XXX -vehicle check engine light came on and started flashing, car started to shake. pulled off at closest rest area, shut it off and and called roadside assistance as i did not feel safe driving it. towed to dealership/[XXX]. awaiting inspection by dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
2018 CRV owned since 2020 has had air bag and fuel filter recalls completed but now has another known defect that requires recall/repair: steering gear box. Two months ago, the steering wheel started to "stick" requiring driver to exert additional force to the steering wheel to direct the vehicle in the desired direction. There is an audible "tick or click" when the steering "catches" and pulls ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
Moon roof has been malfunctioning since 2019. I’ve had it repaired several times while under warranty. The track does not work properly and the roof does not open.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
2012 ACURA MDX burns extreme amounts of oil between oil changes. Typically a warning indicator comes on about 1,000 miles before oil change is due. I continue to refill oil between oil changes.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2019
blackout on the radio cluster, and dashboard instrument cluster intermittently goes completely black while I am driving and sometimes it just keep blinking off and on. front driver side tire when I turn it feels like theirs something wrong with the front and while turning the driver side rear tire sounds like it’s dragging or constantly on gravel. while driving, the vehicle intermittently displa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
While driving at about the speed of 45 miles/hr. the car abruptly braked in the middle of the road without any vehicle or object in front of me. It was a scary situation because if there had been a car behind me, my car would have been rear-ended. This problem has neither been reproduced nor investigated by anyone. I have, in the past, noticed that occasionally the brake light on the dashboard wou... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2010
I am reporting a severe safety failure on my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport that perfectly matches the safety defect described in Recall 21V-303 / Campaign 205. This happened even though I had the dealer perform the official recall fuse fix back in 2024. The problem started after I left the car parked for about 3 to 4 hours. When I came back, I heard a motor (not the motor) loudly running under the h... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2010
I am reporting a severe safety failure on my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport that perfectly matches the safety defect described in Recall 21V-303 / Campaign 205. This happened even though I had the dealer perform the official recall fuse fix back in 2024. The problem started after I left the car parked for about 3 to 4 hours. When I came back, I heard a motor (not the motor) loudly running under the h... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2010
I am reporting a severe safety failure on my 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport that perfectly matches the safety defect described in Recall 21V-303 / Campaign 205. This happened even though I had the dealer perform the official recall fuse fix back in 2024. The problem started after I left the car parked for about 3 to 4 hours. When I came back, I heard a motor (not the motor) loudly running under the h... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
After braking to a stop, the default setting of the start stop system randomly fails at intersections and requires a complete restart of the vehicle. Has happened multiple times over the past two months. Dealer has checked all systems and can find no problems with battery or the system itself. Very hazardous when at a ramp end or a turn lane. The dealer recommended that the driver switch off the s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
2.0 Ecoboost coolant intrusion in cylinder #4 issue with block defect. Ford Motor Company wont cover issue.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2026
I bought the car in 2017 with 7800 miles within the first few months. The rear camera began to freeze sometimes I once went to the dealer but they said they can’t find it because at that point in time it wasn’t freezing so they couldn’t do anything about it now at least 95% of the time the rear camera does not work either is upside down or it doesn’t work at all I see there has been a reca... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - ENGINE
Jul 8, 2026
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
The engine block and cylinder head assembly failed due to a manufacturing design flaw that causes engine coolant to intrude into the cylinder bores. This defect was officially reproduced, tested, and confirmed by factory-certified technicians at AutoNation Ford Katy in Katy, Texas. The vehicle is currently parked at my residence and is fully available for inspection upon request. Prior to the fail... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Ram. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 16V352000 (Air Bags); 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 not experien... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 1983
Stopped in heavy traffic in a four lane highway. Auto start/stop shut the engine down as expected. Traffic ahead cleared. I took my foot off of the brake to step on the gas. The engine didn't start up, and the radio and all lights inside went blank. Traffic behind me approached at about 45 mph. and were swerving around to avoid hitting my dead vehicle from the rear. I pushed the start button. N... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Recall has been issued on my fuel pump for one year now and there is still no remedy. I do not feel safe traveling far from home knowing this is still an issue.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
My EPS Gearbox failed and resulted in swelling of the worm wheel when heated. This led to a steering rack assembly failure. All parts can be inspected upon request. At any point, I could've lost control of the steering of my vehicle and hurt myself or others. Honda inspected my vehicle. This problem has been confirmed to me by my Honda dealership. I started having my wheel "stick" or increase resi... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 RAM 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, traction control, and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the failure was persistent. Additionally, while attempting to shift into drive(D), the gear shifter failed to shift into drive(D) as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure,... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Front passenger tire was losing air, on the way to bring it to tire shop dashboard displayed tire pressure sensor, power steering system, TCM notification, Electronic brake control. Got it to the tire shop bought a new tire and they did a diagnostic test it showed TCM passed and failed, lost communication with power steering passed and failed, lost communication with inflatable restraint passed an... Read more