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: Oct 13, 2025
own a 2015 Ford Focus that has experienced repeated transmission-related problems over several years. The symptoms have included harsh shifting, hesitation, failure to shift properly, and at one point the vehicle would not shift into reverse. These transmission issues have caused ongoing concerns about the vehicle's safety and reliability. I have brought the vehicle to Ford dealerships on multiple... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
My spare key fab caught on fire in my house while I was at work. The fire had the opportunity to spread soot throughout the kitchen as well as ruin my overhead microwave with the smoke getting in the vents. Luckily my grandmother and a friend went to my house to let my dog out at just the right moment and was able to remove the dish the key was in and take it outside before it spread to the house.... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
Odometer fraud: On [XXX], I purchased 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN [XXX] from Clay Cooley Dallas Dodge as "new." Federal Odometer Disclosure Statement and Retail Installment Contract stated 10 miles. Actual odometer at delivery: 124 miles after dealer disclosed dead battery replacement delayed delivery. No corrected Federal Odometer Disclosure Statement was provided as required by 49 USC 32705. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while slowly driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly stopped and then suddenly jolted forward and crashed into a guard rail and steel fence in front of the local Post Office. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged, but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported. A Police report was taken at... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while slowly driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly stopped and then suddenly jolted forward and crashed into a guard rail and steel fence in front of the local Post Office. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged, but no air bags deployed. No injuries were reported. A Police report was taken at... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
I was driving my 2014 hyundai sonata that I only had for 3 months when it just quit on me. I pulled over and seen when white smoke was coming from the wires.
Incident date: May 29, 2026
I was driving my 2014 hyundai sonata that I only had for 3 months when it just quit on me. I pulled over and seen when white smoke was coming from the wires.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
Failed Component & Availability: Ford 10R80 10-speed transmission (Power Train). Available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: My family is put at extreme risk in two ways. 1) Sudden loss of motive power, slipping, and violent engagements at highway speeds create an imminent rear-end collision risk. 2) This exact vehicle is now under Safety Recall 26S48 (NHTSA 26V402) for unintended vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
Check Engine light code P2482 EGT Sensor 5 Bank 1. Harness was shredded by the metal brackets that hold the wire in place running from the EGT probe to the plug. The metal brackets allow the wire to rub against it shredding the insulation and causing the wires inside to be destroyed. This has happened twice on the above vehicle. March 2026 and June 2026.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: May 27, 2026
While driving on the expressway my car hit a bump and all the power from the vehicle was lost. I’ve been having issues with my car and have taking it to Hyundai dealership. Everytime I take it they are saying my car is fixed. But it’s not. Now they are saying they didn’t fix it because I didn’t explain the problem to them. I lost control driving high speeds. Thankfully the power returned. ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - ENGINE
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: May 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact used a portable diagnostic machine to diagn... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
Infotainment system broke, black screen, no ability to use back up or other cameras, or see navigation etc.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
Driving at 50 mph car applies brakes for no reason
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Driving at 50 mph car applies brakes for no reason
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
Recalls without notification; 1) Engine- recurring problem piston seal leak - continual replacement of coils & spark plugs. Engine light on VTM-4, traction bar symbol on, engine missing. [XXX] 2025: [XXX] ][XXX] Oil change 7 days later wrench & engine light gone [XXX] * 2 days later it came on again. I let it sit for a 1½ days, and the sway light went off. 5-29-25. Glendale Service Center Chase... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
While parked my back windshield shattered.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2024) - SEAT BELTS
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 26V344000 (Seat Belts), 26V368000 (Structure), 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the tra... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to respond normally while depressing the brake pedal. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The failure caused the steering wheel to lock up, the brake pedal became extremely firm, and the accelerator pedal became inoperable. Additionally, the exterio... Read more
FORD
FUSION HYBRID
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Jun 29, 2026
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light with the precise pressure on the brake pedal, the RPM became elevated, the brake pedal was released, and as a result, the vehicle increased in speed and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact's entire front side impacted the rear of another vehicle. No property damage was reported. The cont... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
At approximately 22,000 miles, all four original-equipment Pirelli P Zero All Season tires on my 2025 Kia K5 are showing rapid and uneven tread wear that is far beyond normal for the mileage. Last week I discovered that the front driver-side tire has also developed a visible bulge/bubble in the sidewall, which indicates internal structural failure and an imminent risk of sudden blowout. There were... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
On the afternoon of June 24, 2026, at approximately 5:40 PM, I experienced a severe, sudden braking system failure that directly caused a rear-end collision. I was driving my 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid on the highway, traveling to a concert scheduled for 7:00 PM. The highway traffic was heavy and slow-moving (stop-and-go). I was cruising at a moderate speed of approximately 40 to 50 mph. Th... Read more
Crash
FORD
THUNDERBIRD
(2003) - STEERING
Jun 28, 2026
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
2018 Ford Escape. I have had the car since 12/2024. Less then 22000 miles in it. In this time I have had 4 alignment done. First one was 2 day after getting car. I pulls to the left. Second was 2 weeks after the first one. Then drove my car with a trailer on it to [XXX]. I made it [XXX] and dropped my load in a storage because I could not control the car. I was so scared. What should have taken ma... Read more
FORD
THUNDERBIRD
(2003) - WHEELS
Jun 28, 2026
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
2018 Ford Escape. I have had the car since 12/2024. Less then 22000 miles in it. In this time I have had 4 alignment done. First one was 2 day after getting car. I pulls to the left. Second was 2 weeks after the first one. Then drove my car with a trailer on it to [XXX]. I made it [XXX] and dropped my load in a storage because I could not control the car. I was so scared. What should have taken ma... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
On Saturday, [XXX] at around [XXX] going west on [XXX] toward [XXX] stopped at the intersection of [XXX]. While driving my 2022 Tesla Model Y, Performance, I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green and I began accelerating normally through the intersection, both passenger-side doors unexpectedly unlatched at the same time. The windows on both passenger doors lowered slightly, and t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
On Saturday, [XXX] at around [XXX] going west on [XXX] toward [XXX] stopped at the intersection of [XXX]. While driving my 2022 Tesla Model Y, Performance, I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green and I began accelerating normally through the intersection, both passenger-side doors unexpectedly unlatched at the same time. The windows on both passenger doors lowered slightly, and t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
On Saturday, [XXX] at around [XXX] going west on [XXX] toward [XXX] stopped at the intersection of [XXX]. While driving my 2022 Tesla Model Y, Performance, I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green and I began accelerating normally through the intersection, both passenger-side doors unexpectedly unlatched at the same time. The windows on both passenger doors lowered slightly, and t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Vehicle on numerous occasions has had a complete electrical failure during an auto stop that has caused the engine to turn off and needed manual reboot several times for the car to restart.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo (EA825 4.0L V8, VIN [XXX]). Vacuum-actuated water pump seal failure caused coolant infiltration of the vacuum system on two separate occasions during the CPO warranty period. The vacuum system on this engine supplies the brake servo (brake booster) — a safety-critical connection documented in Porsche and Audi's own engineering literature for this engine (NHTSA document... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
2019 Porsche Cayenne Turbo (EA825 4.0L V8, VIN [XXX]). Vacuum-actuated water pump seal failure caused coolant infiltration of the vacuum system on two separate occasions during the CPO warranty period. The vacuum system on this engine supplies the brake servo (brake booster) — a safety-critical connection documented in Porsche and Audi's own engineering literature for this engine (NHTSA document... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
While operating with the Auto Shut Off enabled, vehicle stalled. Warning lights came on directing the driver to put into Park. Vehicle would not turn off/on, could not take out of park. At the time, vehicle was in bumper to bumper traffic in a construction zone causing a very dangerous situation for the driver. Vehicle was towed and 10 minutes after the incident, the vehicle could be restarted.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
While operating with the Auto Shut Off enabled, vehicle stalled. Warning lights came on directing the driver to put into Park. Vehicle would not turn off/on, could not take out of park. At the time, vehicle was in bumper to bumper traffic in a construction zone causing a very dangerous situation for the driver. Vehicle was towed and 10 minutes after the incident, the vehicle could be restarted.... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
Toyota has not provided solutions to two of three recalls. This has been nearly a year and no solution.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
The radio is experiencing "ghost taps" as though someone invisible finger is pushing buttons on the radio, rifling through stations, making calls, or deleting navigation functions. It's very distracting as a driver.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
Updated NHTSA Complaint DraftVehicle Information: 2014 Hyundai SonataVIN: [XXX] Incident Date: XXX Description of Safety Defect:While driving on XXX, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure and completely shut off without warning, causing an immediate loss of motive power. This sudden engine stall created an extreme, hazardous traffic safety risk.A subsequent professiona... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
Break Booster Break fell to the floor, slow to stop, spongy. I was able to put on my hazards and roll to safety stop. Huge risk if I was going faster or turning a curve. Dangerous to me and others to not being able to stop The problem hasn’t been taken to the shop yet as it was closed and I had the same problem in 2025 and 2023 which were confirmed and fixed with ford parts. I am suspecting ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
2025 Odyssey with 19k miles; Starter failure; After running/ driving vehicle continuously for 45 minutes in 80(f) degree weather, stopped and turned off vehicle completely. Tried restarting after 5 minutes, engine turned over twice, but did not start, and auxiliary features stayed on as if vehicle was running. Attempted again, heard click, as if engine attempted to turn, but no start. Checked engi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
2025 Odyssey with 19k miles; Starter failure; After running/ driving vehicle continuously for 45 minutes in 80(f) degree weather, stopped and turned off vehicle completely. Tried restarting after 5 minutes, engine turned over twice, but did not start, and auxiliary features stayed on as if vehicle was running. Attempted again, heard click, as if engine attempted to turn, but no start. Checked engi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
The center screen (infotainment), which shows controls for cabin climate (A/C, heat) and many more functions of the vehicle fails to turn on at random times. It is available for inspection. The external air temperature is in the upper 90s; temperature inside the car’s cabin is easily 115 or higher. This makes safe operation of the car not possible. Additionally passengers cannot occupy the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
The engine coolant is leaking and the cylinder head gasket is leaking at the back of the engine. This requires full replacement. This is a known issue with Technical Service Bulletin 15-23-01 from Volkswagen back in 2023, and both VW and our Dealership are refusing to cover the costs of replacement.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
While driving out of a turn or curve, the steering does not return to center. Which may cause veering into other lanes or off the road.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
I own a 2022 4xe, ater the 68c recall the power of the electric drive is limited. Frequent power loss occurs on highway driving during acceleration (merging onto highway or passing other cars). Despite the battery being charged up to 50% there is only 25% power available. The car is a plug in hybrid vehicle. The internal combustion engine starts in these cases with several seconds delay. During th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
My 2020 Porsche Cayenne has experienced leather dashboard delamination, with the leather separating, shrinking, and lifting from the dashboard substrate on both the driver and passenger sides. The delamination extends across the upper dashboard, including areas adjacent to the passenger airbag deployment zone. I am concerned that loose or detached dashboard material could interfere with, delay, or... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
This is not a safety issue, it is a XM radio that does not work because KIA decided to put a glass antenna that is weak and every time a tree exists the signal drops. They are minimizing the issue as it only occurs in certain spot, but I can tell you that if a tree exists and you go by close enough the signal will drop. I loose my signal 9 times around my neighborhood which is less than 1/4 mile. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
unknown. just bought this car
Incident date: Jun 18, 2026
What's malfunctioning: coolant monitoring system shows low coolant warning when coolant level is observably fine. Problem has been ongoing for over a year. Available for inspection: yes. Safety problem: coolant monitoring is inaccurate, causing alarm when coolant levels are fine and possibly causing no alarm when coolant levels are too low. Problem reproduced: yes, by both dealer and independen... Read more
FORD
FUSION ENERGI
(2016) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Jun 28, 2026
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
I bought the car in May of 2021 with roughly 40,000 miles. It is now June of 2026 and I have roughly 111,000. Regularly maintenanced. My front sensor system went out last year, so I cannot use cruise control, auto brights, lane assist, emergency braking system, etc. It is a pretty penny to replace that. My transmission is now going out and I am faced with replacing the transmission or replacing... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
I bought the car in May of 2021 with roughly 40,000 miles. It is now June of 2026 and I have roughly 111,000. Regularly maintenanced. My front sensor system went out last year, so I cannot use cruise control, auto brights, lane assist, emergency braking system, etc. It is a pretty penny to replace that. My transmission is now going out and I am faced with replacing the transmission or replacing... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
UNKNOWN. I’ve had an issue with all of the lights on my dash coming on for a few days to a week & going off for a couple days then coming back on. I’ve seen numerous of people with the same issue, spend thousands of dollars after a diagnostic text at a Honda dealership and still experiencing the same issue with no solution.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2020
2021 Chevy Tahoe with 6.2 engine (VIN: [XXX]) has been experiencing severe oil consumption, and making odd noises during operation. All while NOTshowing ANY recalls for the issue. Although there's an active recall/investigation into the 6.2 L87 engine, which my vehicle has. I've been having Valvoline document the severe oil consumption during oil changes per manufacturer specs. INFORMATION REDA... Read more