Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 1,278 complaints for GENESIS
Incident date: Apr 8, 2021
The paint on the body of the car is chipping, and peeling away. There are large patches of paint missing. While driving down the road paint falls off. The paint comes off randomly; allowing the environment to be affected. There is rust forming on the locations the paint, and primer have peeled away at. The vehicle has not been inspected at this time. No symptoms until the paint, and primer s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
This vehicle is owned by the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. We are submitting complaints for multiple Tahoe's that have stopped during operation causing extreme danger to our staff and other drivers in the city. The cause is always bad fuel pumps and our units have had to have the pumps replaced in some cases multiple times. 1-26-24 Unit broke down today started after several tries.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Engine has stalled and shut off on multiple occasions, once on the on ramp to a highway this posing extremely dangerous scenario. Dealership has been unable to determine the cause or replicate the issue
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an unknown speed and crossing an intersection, another vehicle ran the red traffic signal and crashed into the contact's vehicle on the front driver's side tire and wheel well. The contact stated that the vehicle's front end frame was bent to the right and that the front bumper and driver's side light had... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
Subject: Urgent ADAS Issue: UI_a114 Error in Teslas with EAP/FSD in East Oahu I'm reporting a critical, location-specific safety concern affecting Teslas with Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving in East Oahu, particularly when heading westbound. This widespread issue, known as error UI_a114, disables all Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) without warning. It impacts essential safety fe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
I leased a 2024 Jeep Wrangler since day 1 I have been having problems with the stereo system where it shuts off and on the whole drive. The screen goes black when I'm backing up the car and I find this dangerous because I almost hit a person while backing. I don't have control on the temperature because the screen is black so my windows would get foggy and the during the summer the Aircon doesn'... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
truck speedometer goes to 0. Slows down abruptly. Rpm goes way up. Was going from 45 to less than 10mph in a matter of seconds. Feels like the transmission automatically downshifts to a lower gear. Very dangerous. Seems to be quite a few of these incidents on you tube. Truck only has 11600 miles on it.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a transmission diagnostic test that was requested by the manufacturer; however, the contact felt that the dealer had not performed the diagnostic test because the dealer only identified general maintenance issues unrelated to the transmission. The contact was informed by the dealer that the lower dog bo... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
I purchased a new 2023 Genesis GV70 on [XXX] from the Genesis Janesville dealership. Within 3 months of driving the car, and less than 5,000 miles on the car, the breaks started to squeak. After approximately 8,000 miles, the all audio in the car malfunctioned and has not worked properly since. Additionally, I was driving on the interstate and the E brake engaged automatically (without engaging... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
The contact's mother owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonab... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the side door mirrors had degraded, impairing visibility while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown recall was performed; however, the side door mirrors were not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,200.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
The windshield washer pump failed due to the Sam unit. Failing I was in the mountains, started my car the windshield wiper malfunction light came on the wipers worked for a minute, so I turned them off, drove over the pass and tried to use my wipers, and they did not work. The back wipers did work. I took my car to my mechanic in Cheyenne, who discovered that’s the SAM unit Ruined the windshield... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
I have a 2018 honda accord. I have had issues with it breaking and nothing being there. It has cause me to almost get rear ended several times and I find it to be a huge safety hazard. I will be driving down an open road and nothing will be in front of me. My car will randomly slam on the breaks and it scares me terribly. This has happened quite a few times now. At first I thought it was a fluke ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The RPM was elevated. The contact stated that the transmission would inadvertently shift out of gear independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was cont... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I have a issue with my vehicle going into LIMP MODE due to a safety issue with the TCM loosing programming with the transmission. This is a BIG SAFETY as I'm on the Hi way. Car will go from 75 mph down to 20mph and can cause for severe car accident. I spike to your warranty department and they gave me the run around. I gave them Info in reguards to a Campaing ID# Which is a clear issue that these ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
Please it’s been almost a year with no resolution from Volkswagen. It’s insane!
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
Fire while driving - Electrical - No Warnings Reference NHTSA Recall 23V181000 Fire Extinguished once by fire extinguisher (civilian) then again by Union, MO fire department. Hyundai had the vehicle towed to their inspection facility. Inspection report being withheld. Claim has been denied. Hyundai now refusing to return vehicle.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 4, 2023
Rear passenger side door will not open from the inside or outside. This is apparently a widespread problem for Nissan Xterra rear doors. It creates a safety problem as passengers cannot leave the vehicle in case of an accident.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact received an unknown recall notice for piston rings and engine rod bearing failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
On Feb. 9th I was driving my 2020 Jeep Cherokee when the steering locked,I was unable to control the Jeep. Warning lights popped on the dash. Service power steering, four-wheel-drive system temporarily unavailable, Blindspot alert temporary unavailable, Service electric stability Control, stop start not ready. By the grace of God, somehow I was able to stop the car. I called AAA to have me towed t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
My husbands and my life were put in danger by the motor not being bolted correctly to the frame of the truck, only 2 bolts were holding it and it could have fallen out, the tire having a screw in it on the inside of the side wall of tire, radiator not bolted correctly to the truck and could have fallen out, Freon and antifreeze leaks into the cabin after we picked up the truck, transmission not be... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The vehicle show "low engine oil" warning every 3k-4k miles although I change engine oil and filter regularly.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
67,000 miles and broken rear right coil spring. Very serious issue as it can cause an accident while driving. No warnings or messages. Heard loud pop and rear right was sagging. Many other people with this model Q7 have had the same problem. A part like this should not be failing at 67,000 miles.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
ABS module, traction control, cruise control not working due to failed ABS module. Yes it can be inspected. RAM dealership saying to drive it. Puts myself, my family, and others at risk due to failed braking. ABS is a safety feature that is required in newer vehicles but isn’t working. Dealer confirmed and also by 3rd party mechanic. Yes. Abs and traction control lights on. Appeared to f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
ABS module, traction control, cruise control not working due to failed ABS module. Yes it can be inspected. RAM dealership saying to drive it. Puts myself, my family, and others at risk due to failed braking. ABS is a safety feature that is required in newer vehicles but isn’t working. Dealer confirmed and also by 3rd party mechanic. Yes. Abs and traction control lights on. Appeared to f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
The passenger airbag occupancy sensor in my car has stopped sensing a passenger has been stuck on "OFF" for the past 2-6 months (I believe) even when an adult is sitting in the seat. I don't know exactly when this problem began because there was never any warning light or error message which is a massive safety oversight since I could have been in accident with no knowledge that it wasn't working... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 20-25 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal to come to a stop at a STOP sign, the brake pedal was stiff and failed to depress as needed. The low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact engaged the electric parking brake and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that he drove to the nearby mechanic, wh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
Received a safety recall notice for my 2014 Acadia due to a faulty airbag in June 2023 and GMC still hasn't provided a fix. The noticed states- the front-driver airbag inflator may contain a supplier manufacturing defect that may result in inflator rupture during deployment. An inflator rupture may cause metal fragments to pass through the airbag and into the vehicle interior, which may result in ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
Instrument cluster lighting is too bright even on lowest setting. Combined with poor side visibility from headlamps it is easy to hit object or pedestrians when turning on unlit areas. Have run over a curb three times and damaged two wheels because they can't be seen from the overly bright instrument lighting at night.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
Power steering has completely quit working and no error codes are coming up when checked. This is putting my family and everyone on the road at risk as it is very hard to steer the vehicle and near impossible to drive defensively. This has been inspected by a repair shop. No codes are found. No warning before this happened. Power steering failed and a notice in the car came up on the screen at ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
I HAVE AN ISSUE WHEN MY AIRBAG LIGHT KEEP ON GOING IN AND OUT. I DID GET A LETTER FROM TOYOTA THAT SOME AIRBAGS IS RECALLED BUT WHEN I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THAT MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL AND THEY WONT TROUBLESHOOT IT WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY. NEED THIS LOOK AT THAT CAN CAUSE FATAL TO THERE CUSTOMERS.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
My 2009 Santa Fe's paint is peeling in large portions. It started on the driver's side door right below the window and has continued to crack and bubble all the way down the door. There has been no safety issues as of yet, but it will be a safety issue if I am driving and pieces or chunks of the paint fly off. If pieces or chunks fly off and land on my or another driver's windshield and blocks the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
I purchased this vehicle on February 27, 2023 from Genesis Johnson of Cary. When driving the vehicle away from the dealership (less than 200 miles) between 2/27/23 and 3/4/23, I started smelling a foul odor that smelled like fumes, burning, stale water. I contacted the dealership regarding these issues. I purchased an extended warranty. I was told that they could not help me. I read my contrac... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
My steering wheel seems to feel like it kind of locks up and is hard to release, causing me to yank slightly. It hasn't caused an incident yet, but I believe it will at some point if not checked. I'm going to get it checked out once I have some available time. I do see where 2022- 2023 have possible recalls for a similar issue that sounds exactly like what is happening on mine. This has been doing... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel began to shake violently, and the front end of the vehicle swayed from side to side. Upon slowing down, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
On my 2017 Doge Durango RT the “Racetrack” light has failed and created a safety issue for my vehicle. The LED light on the hatch has failed from poor manufacturing and has allowed water it get into the light shorting out the whole taillight. This has not only made a running light not work while I’m driving, but has caused the license plate light and the rear backup camera to fail. This is a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2024
(front) 245/40R20 (rear) 275/35R20 Rear passenger tire failed, sidewall failure. Instantly went to 0 PSI on dash notification. A cop helped us change it. Less than a mile layer going less than 50 MPH (max rating for spare) the front passenger tire exploded. The same cop caught up with us and could confirm that the front tire was there and was now gone.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 experienced a failure. The loc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was losing motive power. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, and the contact was informed that the timing belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Purchased car 9/30 and have driven less than 3600 miles. Engine slow to accelerate, also revving up while at a stop light, lurching forward, lagging, and recently on 1/3 not drive able and had to be towed. Engine light on with codes P2837 and P287B. Two different garages (1. Fritz Ford and McNairs Auto) have diagnosed this vehicle to have a defective TCM freezing up gears, causing transmission f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Hyundai is saying I can’t park or drive without concern of a fire hazard. Hyundai was called and they said a remedy would be available by the end of the month. That was said in November and now it is the middle of January. I need a vehicle for everyday life and this is getting costly for me. Usually a remedy is to be resolved within a reasonable time, two weeks on average, contractually speaking... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Hyundai is saying I can’t park or drive without concern of a fire hazard. Hyundai was called and they said a remedy would be available by the end of the month. That was said in November and now it is the middle of January. I need a vehicle for everyday life and this is getting costly for me. Usually a remedy is to be resolved within a reasonable time, two weeks on average, contractually speaking... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
Left LED Headlamps & intergral camera sensor assembly has failed due to moisture penetration behind the lenses. In addition to no left headlamps or left front turn signal, we have lost the emergency braking, forward collision warning, the lane departure warning and the lane keeping assistance features. Service advisor has advised on 01/08/24 that this is a common problem & parts are not readily av... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
The horn button is to difficult to use during an emergency. Tesla knows this that’s why there cybertruck has the horn in the center of the wheel.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
The electronic horn fitted to my steering wheel is dangerous and needs to be recalled. I was driving and a car was heading towards me from the side and was not slowing down. I went to use the horn to tell the driver I was there, but because it's not a mechanical horn (it's a slippery plastic, not even a button), I could not find it in time. The car nearly hit me and I had to swerve. A horn s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Ive brought my MDX to the dealership service department 6 times for this issue, my car has been with the service department this last time since Nov 28th consecutively. In September I brought it in because my car would shift to park when the auto start/stop engaged, I would have to hit the brakes, shift back in to drive before I could take off. I was told there were 2 recalls that we remedied at ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
In November 2021 I repaired both sliding doors due to them being automatically locked and not being able to open at all. I have five kids and this year 2024 same thing happened. that is a safety issue, and the fact that I have to keep paying out of pocket because the cause the sliding doors keep getting lock and not able to do anything or open it and I have to take it to get repaired every time th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Stopped car in a parking spot for a few minutes. Reversed and proceeded to put the car into drive. Immediately upon switching to Drive, the vehicle produced a loud pop from the rear and announced the check electrical system error. Recall Service 907G was performed on the vehicle in question 2 months prior and was reported as closed when checking by the VIN. However the ICCU and High Voltage Fus... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
There is a know defect with the chassis used for several Volvo car models. My car is a Volvo C70, year 2012. My car is affected by this defect. The defect wasn't disclosed to me at time of sale. I only learned about it literally 10 years later when Volvo of Gilbert (dealership) advised me to install a costly part on the rear suspension of my car because of "excessive negative camber". According... Read more