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: Jun 1, 2026
This week, I was driving my Tesla at approximately 65 mph in the middle lane of a six-lane freeway. Autopilot was engaged. Traffic was moving normally, and I was not aware of any obstacle or hazard that would have required emergency braking. Without any warning, the vehicle suddenly applied the brakes and rapidly decelerated until it came to a complete stop in the middle travel lane of the freeway... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
This week, I was driving my Tesla at approximately 65 mph in the middle lane of a six-lane freeway. Autopilot was engaged. Traffic was moving normally, and I was not aware of any obstacle or hazard that would have required emergency braking. Without any warning, the vehicle suddenly applied the brakes and rapidly decelerated until it came to a complete stop in the middle travel lane of the freeway... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
The wiring in my trunk harness was severed due to the repeated opening and closing of my trunk. This caused my reverse lights to fail and my trunk latch to stop working. This issue is part of a known recall: Campaign 21V-00D. Tesla attempted to fix the issue in 2023 but the poor repair did not work. I took my Tesla to the dealer and they refused to remedy the issue unless I would pay $1300. I pers... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Vehicle: 2018 Ford F-150 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel I am submitting this complaint because my vehicle's transmission exhibits repeated and potentially dangerous operating behavior that has not been corrected despite service by a service shop. The transmission unexpectedly downshifts while driving at highway speeds without driver input. It is also consistently slow to shift into appropriate gears d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
Oil burns too fast causing oil changes to be required by every 3000 miles
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Our 2018 Pacifica has had problems similar to what many others have described in the ongoing NHTSA Investigation (PE25009), but recently while driving highway speeds around a curve the steering failed to respond briefly which caused us to drift towards the oncoming lane before the steering started to respond. We stopped at a Pep Boys repair shop and had them to inspect the steering components but ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
I HAVE NOTICED ALOT OF THE HONDA PILOTS FRONT FACING CAMERA GETS SO HOT THAT IT FRIES THE INTERNAL AND DOED NOT WORK I HAVE FULL COVERAGE ON MY CAR AND THE GLASS COMPANY WILL NOT REPLACE IT
Incident date: Nov 13, 2025
I HAVE NOTICED ALOT OF THE HONDA PILOTS FRONT FACING CAMERA GETS SO HOT THAT IT FRIES THE INTERNAL AND DOED NOT WORK I HAVE FULL COVERAGE ON MY CAR AND THE GLASS COMPANY WILL NOT REPLACE IT
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
The backup camera works periodically. Over a year ago, I went to Fiesta Ford to complain but it would cost me over $1000 to repair the camera. Many rimes it will start to work and during my back up, the screen would go black. There were several times when this occurred where I almost backed into another car backing up at the same time. The message on the screen says camera currently not availa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
WHEN PARKING THE CAR INTO A PARKING SPOT THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHEN PUT IN REVERSE TO LEAVE PARKING SPOT
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
We purchased a Rhino USA Adjustable Trailer Hitch with locking hitch pins on Amazon. On its very first use, while towing our empty 1,600-pound Forester camper, the steel pin fractured where it enters the locking head. We heard the pin snap while making a slow turn about a quarter mile from our home. The locking head detached and was later found on the roadway. Fortunately, the pin remained in the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
I am the owner of a 2017 Ford Fusion with 61,000 miles on the odometer. Please note that I have always taken good care of my car, having it serviced promptly when required. In recent weeks, I have had to replace my complete steering rack (cost $4,500) and two weeks later, my 1.7-liter Ecoboost engine due to a coolant leak into the number two cylinder at a cost of $6,700. Ford has known about both ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2026
I am the owner of a 2017 Ford Fusion with 61,000 miles on the odometer. Please note that I have always taken good care of my car, having it serviced promptly when required. In recent weeks, I have had to replace my complete steering rack (cost $4,500) and two weeks later, my 1.7-liter Ecoboost engine due to a coolant leak into the number two cylinder at a cost of $6,700. Ford has known about both ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
The vehicle's rear structural Giga Casting sustained severe structural failure, exhibiting two distinct cracks following an impact. The vehicle and the damaged casting are fully available for inspection upon request at my current location/service center. The safety risk is extreme. The Giga Casting is a core load-bearing structural component of the vehicle. Cracking in this area severely compromis... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
One week ago (6/19) while driving the main screen went black. I pulled over and restarted engine 3x with no luck so drove to dealership. Another startup there it was still black. I was told by service manager “I cannot have you drive it like that” and I was offered a rental which I accepted. Just prior to claiming the rental I again started my Murano and the screen was normal again. I took... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 27, 2026
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
the instrument panel cluster flickered and flashed for months consistently after the recall repair was complete then failed just outside of bumper to bumper warranty. yes its available for inspection. When failure occurred the turn signals wipers and collision safety systems all stopped working simultaneously. The vehicle is at the dealer and has been confirmed. The component is still in the ve... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
While driving, the red "BRAKE" light remains illuminated on the dashboard, and a "service brakes" warning message appears on the screen. This can be dismissed and the vehicle drives normally, except under sudden/heavy braking conditions. Under these conditions, the brakes make a grinding, thumping noise and the vehicle does not brake adequately. I suspect power braking was lost. I had to stop sudd... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
Water entered rear panel causing tailgate control module to get wet and stop working. This caused my tailgate to have no power and unable to close due to the latch being stuck in a closed position. Door was open unable to latch closed while I had to drive the vehicle to a mechanic.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
My independent repair shop has just diagnosed a coolant leak weeping from the vacuum line connection at the water pump; they referred to this problem as “coolant migration”. As documented extensively by Audi in Technical Service Bulletin 19-23-45 (2070349/2), this indicates an internal seal failure of the water pump, causing pressurized engine coolant to migrate directly into the vehicle’s v... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 27, 2026
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
My independent repair shop has just diagnosed a coolant leak weeping from the vacuum line connection at the water pump; they referred to this problem as “coolant migration”. As documented extensively by Audi in Technical Service Bulletin 19-23-45 (2070349/2), this indicates an internal seal failure of the water pump, causing pressurized engine coolant to migrate directly into the vehicle’s v... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
UNKNOWN. There’s been chatter going around with the L and LE trim line of the Corolla Cross having bad lighting at night. I’ve been told by multiple people to “turn on my lights” meaning my tail end of the car has only two small red LED lights and license plate lights. the 3rd break light only comes on to break then off. there are no other lights in the back. In the rain a few weeks ago I... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Today while driving my car steeling wheel was super hard to turn and all my warning signals came on and it did an emergency brake on the highway … which was super dangerous.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
Today while driving my car steeling wheel was super hard to turn and all my warning signals came on and it did an emergency brake on the highway … which was super dangerous.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
Today while driving my car steeling wheel was super hard to turn and all my warning signals came on and it did an emergency brake on the highway … which was super dangerous.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
The diver side fuse box started a fire in the vehicle. The tracking control system light was flashing on and the vehicle lost power. Filed claim with insurance company. Insurance company issued a total loss and took possession of the vehicle.
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Following a recent oil change, I started the vehicle back up to drive approximately an hour to another city and the engine was making a horrible “knocking” sound. Took the vehicle back to the dealership and it was confirmed catastrophic engine failure which fell under GM’s known 6.2L engine issues. My safety and my children’s safety were put at risk because had I not drove directly to the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Nothing has happen as of yet. However, over the past two years I have replaced the passenger vent window twice, because the chrome piece has started to separate from the window. The chrome piece and vent window are one piece. If I have not noticed it, this metal piece could have fallen off on the roadway caused an accident or even worse. This is the same recall that was placed on the Ford Expl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
We were getting in our car to drive home from a restaurant. We attempted to start our car like any other day, and the car started. However, our car was stuck in gear, it was in parking but also not in parking. The car was not moving, the gear was in “park”, the dot light for park was not showing, and then we had several warnings appear on our dashboard. At first it was three, then it went to s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
I was driving today in California, to TopGolf. I had to cross a railway crossing around [XXX] I think, or [XXX] - one of those 2, between [XXX] and [XXX] pm.. I was using Tesla's FSD driving to go on a local road. I was not distracted or occupied - the vehicle was going at a fairly high speed like maybe 35 or so, and in a couple of seconds, it broke the red and white safety gate at a railway cross... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
I was driving today in California, to TopGolf. I had to cross a railway crossing around [XXX] I think, or [XXX] - one of those 2, between [XXX] and [XXX] pm.. I was using Tesla's FSD driving to go on a local road. I was not distracted or occupied - the vehicle was going at a fairly high speed like maybe 35 or so, and in a couple of seconds, it broke the red and white safety gate at a railway cross... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
Regarding: Reimbursement Request for Warranty Extension Service (Service Bulletin 25-061) I am formally requesting a reimbursement of $1,859.90 for repairs performed on my 2016 Honda Odyssey (VIN: [XXX]). On XXX, I visited Phil Hughes Honda in Athens, GA, due to engine misfire symptoms, specifically P0301. The dealership performed repairs in accordance with Service Bulletin 25-061, which inc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Water pool in passenger side of vehicle all into carpet and glovebox area
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to formally submit a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Kia Seltos, which exhibits a recurring, dangerous defect involving the engine stalling without warning. This defect results in a total loss of power while the vehicle is in operation or attempting to accelerate, posing a critical safety risk. The failure manifests in... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
One day after driving the vehicle around town and after we parked it in the garage, we noticed a large pool of oil on the garage floor. After taking it to a service station, for inspection, we were told that the oil leak was caused by a cracked plastic oil cooler. We were told if we had not noticed the oil leak, the engine could have locked up and caused a serious accident. The next day we were ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
I have been trying to get this recall done for many years and with no luck. Most recently June 26th 2026 I was informed my recall was not fixable again and I hope for the last time. Enough is enough! Van Bortel Chevrolet in Macedon Ny tried again today which is there 2nd attempt. I had to buy a software card to give them the tool they didn’t have to fit in there tech 2 scanner and even with the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
I have been trying to get this recall done for many years and with no luck. Most recently June 26th 2026 I was informed my recall was not fixable again and I hope for the last time. Enough is enough! Van Bortel Chevrolet in Macedon Ny tried again today which is there 2nd attempt. I had to buy a software card to give them the tool they didn’t have to fit in there tech 2 scanner and even with the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
AWD coupler assembly failed twice and company will not repair. Rear shocks thumping and noisy, company repaired twice but still inop.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
I was driving and the rear tire and suspension broke looked it's completely rotted out
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
I was driving and the rear tire and suspension broke looked it's completely rotted out
FORD
ESCAPE PHEV
(2025) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 26, 2026
Incident date: Jun 26, 2026
when applying the brakes and come to a complete stop and when you try to apply the brakes you have no power assist and when backing up if you apply the brakes more then once you have no power assist.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 26, 2026
Incident date: Jul 16, 2025
The rear view camera has a recall. I took the vehicle into a Ford dealership on 6/23/26 for this recall. This is a risk to myself and others because backup cameras are a federally required safety feature. This is my 2nd attempt for Ford to fix this recall at two separate dealerships. Ford does not care about their recalls and the safety of Ford customers! I almost hit another car that was co... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2023) - ENGINE
Jun 26, 2026
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
wHILE PARKING TOUCHED THROTTLE, CAR RAPIDLY ACCILERATED AND PLUNGED TRHOUGH REAR WALL OF GARAGED
Incident date: May 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH and attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power, the contact attempted to start the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnos... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE PHEV
(2022) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Jun 26, 2026
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
On 6/22/2026 we were driving on the highway that had no objects in the road and one oncoming car about 200 to 300 yards away when our brakes locked up and a crash indicator popped up on the drivers screen. My wife and I were thrown violently forward into our seat belts it felt like we had been in a crash. I feel that if someone had been following us we would have been hit from behind. We immediate... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE PHEV
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 26, 2026
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
On 6/22/2026 we were driving on the highway that had no objects in the road and one oncoming car about 200 to 300 yards away when our brakes locked up and a crash indicator popped up on the drivers screen. My wife and I were thrown violently forward into our seat belts it felt like we had been in a crash. I feel that if someone had been following us we would have been hit from behind. We immediate... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The ABS/HCU module failed. There is recall but no fix. There are no aftermarket parts available. This has been 2 years . I cannot use 4 wheel drive or cruise control. I cannot trade the truck in. Help I am stuck with no recourse. This is a safety Issue!
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
When I am driving I will lose power and not be able to drive while I am in the middle of a road driving. And I have to turn my car completely off to let it start back up. The dealership doesn’t not seem to have any more suggestions or recommendations. I feel unsafe driving this vehicle. This keeps happening
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
Year/Make/Model: 2025 Cadillac XT6 AWD Sport Mileage at time of incident: ~12,233 COMPONENT: Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Brake Booster Vacuum Sensor DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM: While driving on a main road 1 mile away from the dealership, the brakes failed without warning. The vehicle was driven directly to the dealership (Les Stanford Cadillac, Dearborn, MI) for emergency inspection. This is the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
My vehicle has suffered catastrophic electrical failure due to water intrusion directly into the rear cargo compartment. This water ingress has destroyed vital electronic control modules that were designed and placed in low-lying, unsealed body cavities—an engineering layout heavily documented as a design vulnerability in the E70 chassis. My safety was put at risk as this happened on the highw... Read more