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 1,421 complaints for GENESIS
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); 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 not experience... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
Rear Camera not working all black out
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
My wife who was driving had stopped at a pedestrian crosswalk behind another car that had stopped to allow people to cross. While we were stopped a GMC truck plowed into the rear of our car at a high rate of speed. Police, fire, and an ambulance were called to the seen. The occupant driving the truck was ticked for driving to close and taking his eyes off the road. My wife and I suffered injuries ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
This is the 5th time my cat suddenly brakes in the middle of traffic with no obstruction. I keep taking it to the dealership and they drive it for 1 mile and give it back. I am fed up and I have my family in the car. Last time I took it, they said something the car doesn’t recognize a driver This is a electric car.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
Timing Chain Failure/Cam Shaft Failure/Bank 2 Failure/drastic loss of engine oil. Got home before engine seized, could have crashed if engine failed on freeway. Codes confirmed techs suspicion. No warning lights or notifications appeared on dashboard.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
I was at a stop light, car was stopped, the electronics on the vehicle looked like it went through a reboot, A/C blower fluctuated (turned off then back on), all displays went out and restarted like it does when you start the car. When the traffic light turned green, and I stepped on the gas, the car shuddered and hesitated, like the transmission, ABS and traction control were all going haywire. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
“System fault” see owners manual. Forward emergency brake assist not working , reverse emergency brake assist not working. As well as the traction control was not working. Forward/Reverse Safety is a concern because if a vehicle cuts me off or person jumps in front or walks behind of my vehicle it will cause accident. The dealership confirmed the problem. As well as many people state they have... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
Front passenger active headrest deployed for no reason. No accident or damage. It deployed all by itself for no reason.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2025
The obd reader on my 2003 Durango brings up code for central timing module and eeprm checksum error were the safety recall is in order but the vin number is not in the list of recall. It has all the specification of recall but vin number isn't in the list of recalls. I'm driving around in a unsafe vehicle due to manufacturing error that my vin number is the only thing why they won't fix it. Why do... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
We bought our 2009 Murano new back when we were expecting our baby cause it was rated one of the safest suv on the market. For the most part besides some brake issues and the steering linkage that I had scheduled to have replaced last month its treated us well. Last month with our now [XXX] old daughter I took it to go to a concert an hr from our house. On the highway I felt it swaying which I fo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
I’m not exactly sure what is wrong but can only assume it would be engine or transmission related. While driving whether it’s city streets going 5 to 35 miles an hour or on the freeway with a speed limit of 75 at any moment while driving RPMs will shoot high and stay high until I am able to safely pull over Put the vehicle in park and then proceed back into drive. This has happened several tim... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Even with latest software update (3.6.4) I continue to get rear backup camera unavailable errors
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning light started to flash. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle shook violently. The contact pulled off the highway and the vehicle stalled. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the check engin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
UNKNOWN There is a issue with paint on the car. The paint is white and is chipping on hood, top of car and back of car. The car looks terrible with a cheap paint job.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
UNKNOWN There is a issue with paint on the car. The paint is white and is chipping on hood, top of car and back of car. The car looks terrible with a cheap paint job.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
There is an active recall on my truck and it is affecting my ability to use my truck for work purposes. I am not allowed to used a vehicle with an open, active recall, therefore I cannot use my truck. This recall has been active for more than six months and a remedy has not yet been identified. I am posting a complaint to try and speed up the recall process, which if I understand correctly is a s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Subject: Urgent Safety Concern: Driver Side middle Seat Belt Malfunction I am writing to report a serious and distressing incident involving the driver-side middle seat belt in our Honda Odyssey van. While parked, the seat belt became stuck and tightly wrapped around my [XXX] son. Despite trying all possible options, including turning off the engine and shifting to park, we were unable to release... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the front grill deflector detached and became airborne and struck the windshield, causing a crack. The grill deflector also struck the vehicle behind the contact; however, no damage was caused. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
Airbag failure 6/27/2025 auto accident Driver hit my vehicle right at the start of passenger side door. My vehicles rear went counter clockwise nearly tipping over before being hit again passenger side front Damages extensive. Zero airbags deployed Car not drivable. Place were notified report was made insurance companies. Notified car was taking to a tow lot as it was not drivable.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
Had in deals hop several times was told it was on record I was there with the issue but no light on, light came on during travel on interstate and car lost all power Long block blew . Was extremely lucky I didn’t get ran over by the tractor trailers . Loaded car with kids included . Kia should be reasonable for everything and they are saying no .
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
I took my vehicle to the dealer after receiving the first recall notice. They inspected it and informed me that my car was not part of the recall, so they returned it to me. However, I continued to receive recall letters and communications from attorneys regarding the issue. According to the dealer, my car was in good condition. Despite this, I recently noticed unusual movement in the steering whe... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
The interior lights do not come on. We can manually turn on the light switch but it won’t come on when the doors open. We have to wiggle the front switch (middle, ceiling, between the driver and passenger) nor the rear interior light.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
I Was backing into my designated parking spot in front of our store and a estranged driver cut me off and parked in two parking spots including the designated parking spot in front of the store and a handicapped parking spot next to the designated parking spot causing me to back into another car illegally parked in a third handicap in front of the store. The passenger side view mirror was clipped ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2025
In May while driving on the highway my car suddenly wouldnt accelerate and started jerking. It would go past 60-65 and the engine light was on. Took it to get repaired and they stated the whole engine needed to be replaced. Never once had an issue with my car until then. Of course we got the runaround went it came to the warranty. After repairs I notice my car does not run the same and that its ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
In May while driving on the highway my car suddenly wouldnt accelerate and started jerking. It would go past 60-65 and the engine light was on. Took it to get repaired and they stated the whole engine needed to be replaced. Never once had an issue with my car until then. Of course we got the runaround went it came to the warranty. After repairs I notice my car does not run the same and that its ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Seems like cv joint issue. Every turn you make with the prologue there is a clicking sound. It happens on a left and right turn and sounds like clicking or tapping noise.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
The contact owned a 1998 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked inside the parking lot of her local HEB, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact was inside the store, and when she came out, the police and fire departments were near her vehicle. The contact stated that before the incident the vehicle was emitting a burning odor. No warning lights illuminated. No property ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
My passenger side headrest popped open while my car was in park today. Randomly deployed. This is beyond unacceptable that something could just happen like a safety feature deploying when not impact provoked.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
At approximately 67,000 miles I noticed upon starting and putting it in gear the motor would rev/clunk while going into gear. Shifting from one gear to another the truck would shutter. Did not feel safe driving any distance because the truck would lock up when trying to put it in gear. I had the truck looked at after reading numerous complaints about this 8 speed transmission and wanted to make... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
The issue is two fold, first the seal on the rear spoiler is defective and causing water to leak into the cab. Second, the seal around the rear power sliding window is defective and is also leaking into the cab. My safety concern is the amount of black mold that could be trapped between the headliner and roof putting myself and family at grave risk.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
Sticky steering with mild clicking noise. Started within past few weeks. While turning the wheel there is a slight resistance and the a release, which could get worse and potentially cause steering issue. Reported to local Honda Dealer and quoted replacement of rack and pinion for over $4,000. Repetitive issues but not consistent. Noted other Honda models and years with same issue already un... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The entire infotainment screen spontaneously crashes leaving the screen completely black for 30 seconds to a minute while it resets. This happens randomly and quite frequently, on average every 5-10 minutes that the car is on. The whole infotainment system becomes unavailable including audio and, most dangerously, the backup camera. I have had incidents where I am reverse parking and I check my ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and hauling a trailer, the trailer brakes failed to activate while depressing the brake pedal. During the failure, there were no warning lights or messages displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was pro... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
The HVAC controller failure causes risk of burn to passengers. When operating the HVAC system on Air Conditioning, the system will direct heat from the engine bay without any temperature management resulting in hot engine air being sent through the HVAC system and out to the vents. In some circumstances the hot air is only sent through the rear vents and other times the system sends hot air to al... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
- My transmission is malfunctioning. It is available for inspection. - My car is not allowing me to shift from reverse to drive. When I try to put it in drive, it gets stuck in neutral. My safety is at risk as I was trying to do a quick 3-point turn and got stuck in the lane. - Yes, the problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. There was a recall by Mercedes Benz for the same ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Complaint Summary: I purchased a brand-new 2025 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R ABS for approximately $15,000, and within one week of purchase, the bike was affected by a safety recall involving a potential engine seizure or rear wheel lockup. I was told by the dealership that the bike should not be ridden due to the severity of the issue. Since then, I have contacted the dealership three times. They have ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the message "Fuel Filter Needed to be Replaced" followed by the "Engine Power Reduced" were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact then stated that fuel started leaking from the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. The contact was left stranded in the middle of the road; a tow truck was called, and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the message "Fuel Filter Needed to be Replaced" followed by the "Engine Power Reduced" were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact then stated that fuel started leaking from the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. The contact was left stranded in the middle of the road; a tow truck was called, and... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
This car is equipped with four wheel steering. The actuators that control the real wheels activate when the steering wheel has not turned. This occurs when the car has completed a turn and is moving in a straight line.
Incident date: May 27, 2025
The primary safety restraint system, specifically the driver's side airbag, failed to deploy during a significant frontal impact collision. This severely compromised my personal safety, as my head struck the steering wheel with force, leading to injury and pain. Had the impact been more severe, the lack of airbag deployment could have led to much more serious, potentially life-threatening, injurie... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 31, 2025
Found out the my car has a recall last december 2024. I drove to my dealership and told them about it. they said they dont have available parts for the recall in my car and the service advisor I talked to was told me that they have the parts for the recall but they prioritize the newer car so that they can sell it. then I called the manufacturer and let them know what the dealership was told me. ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
On May 15th, I was involved in a serious accident caused by a malfunction in a rental vehicle provided by Enterprise a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. After reversing into a parking spot, I placed the vehicle in “Park” and exited the car to retrieve belongings from the trunk. My young son remained in the back seat. To my shock, the vehicle suddenly began to move on its own despite being in “Park.”... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2025
On May 15th, I was involved in a serious accident caused by a malfunction in a rental vehicle provided by Enterprise a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. After reversing into a parking spot, I placed the vehicle in “Park” and exited the car to retrieve belongings from the trunk. My young son remained in the back seat. To my shock, the vehicle suddenly began to move on its own despite being in “Park.”... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2025
On May 15th, I was involved in a serious accident caused by a malfunction in a rental vehicle provided by Enterprise a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. After reversing into a parking spot, I placed the vehicle in “Park” and exited the car to retrieve belongings from the trunk. My young son remained in the back seat. To my shock, the vehicle suddenly began to move on its own despite being in “Park.”... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
The instrument panel goes blank while driving.
Incident date: May 14, 2025
I have a new issue with my Bronco. While it drives well most of the time, I now regularly encounter a problem where multiple error messages pop up on the screen (sequentially) while I am driving, causing the vehicle to effectively, stop responding. The engine remains on, and I don't lose power to the brakes or steering, but the car won't react when I press the gas pedal. It seems like it's some cr... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2025
Horn failure, confirmed by Hyundai dealership. No warning or indication of failure. Went to use horn in a safety situation when I needed it, and it was non-functional. A huge safety risk for myself and other drivers on the road. In doing research, this is a known manufacturer defect, with most owners having to replace low and high horns multiple times due to failure. The horn units apparently due ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
This specific vehicle has an issue with the starter and flywheel breaking up for no reason. After being replaced twice, they were broken again in three months. The suspension has also been broken many times, and even after replacing the entire four sides, it still did not fix the problem. It also produces a rubber smell when driven over than 1 hour non stop
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Jaguar XE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed an abnormally strong fuel odor. The contact parked the vehicle. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a large amount of diesel on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a hole in th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
Rear view camera visibility failure from Infotainment system reboots. Car undergoes frequent infotainment center reboots, which causes a loss of rearview camera video feed and loss of several assistance systems, such as the rear pedestrian cross walk warning system until the reboot finishes. Has occurred multiple times while backing up, Reboots have been documented from 3 times and up to 37 times ... Read more