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: Apr 13, 2023
Traveling on 2 lane road with no cars around, bright day, 2:30pm about 40mph. Emergency braking beeped twice and immediately slammed on the brakes. Not sure what it thought it saw- tree shadows? The feature was set to medium. If another car was behind us it would have slammed into us. 5th time in 2 years. The dealer just shrugs and says to not set it to high responsiveness. This is a bad defect.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
I had a fuel line recall on my vehicle a few years ago but didn't get the notice until my car almost caught fire. The recall melted some coolant components that were replaced free of charge when they replaced the "entire fuel line". Now my car has constant coolant problems, heat and air problems, and suddenly (just started yesterday) it smells of raw gasoline in the cabin of the car and some on th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2023
I was pulling into a parking place and the had a sudden unintended acceleration. I was not applying pressure to the gas pedal and was easing into the parking spot. When I applied pressure to the brakes, they were extremely hard to push like they were locked up. The car jumped the concrete barrier, took out a pole fence and jumped a sidewalk the fence stopped it short of hitting thee building.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
Vehicle would not start after turning off the motor! This has happened 3 times until it would not start at all, which left myself and young girls stranded for 2 hrs until AAA arrived! The battery is good but something is draining the battery!!! Will take to Subaru dealership to diagnose the problem!
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
Vehicle would not start after turning off the motor! This has happened 3 times until it would not start at all, which left myself and young girls stranded for 2 hrs until AAA arrived! The battery is good but something is draining the battery!!! Will take to Subaru dealership to diagnose the problem!
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
This car is currently stolen out of bishopville south Carolina.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
I bought the vehicle used and I was told that it ran fine and there were no issues with the automobile. And then it started having warning issue lights and then I started having problems with steering and holding in the road and it begain popping when I turn the vehicle to the left . And then the recall with the fuel tank I am scared of the vehicle and I do carry children in it. The used car lot I... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
The contact owned a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, she lost control of the steering wheel, the vehicle suddenly jerked to the left, and she crashed into a cement light pole. The Chassis Stabilization warning light was illuminated intermittently. The driver's side air bag had deployed. The contact stated that she hit her head on the steering wheel but ha... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
The contact owned a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, she lost control of the steering wheel, the vehicle suddenly jerked to the left, and she crashed into a cement light pole. The Chassis Stabilization warning light was illuminated intermittently. The driver's side air bag had deployed. The contact stated that she hit her head on the steering wheel but ha... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
Please cancel case #115123365, which I reported earlier today. This does not appear to be a Suburu manufacturing and/or safety defect. My report was regarding what appeared to be a problem with sudden braking without either the cruise control or the brake pedal being engaged. The tow truck driver experienced the same problem while trying to drive the car onto the tow truck platform to take it to ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Power steering stopped working while driving on open road. A box in the display opened and said that there was a problem and see dealer. The vehicle was stopped and inspected under hood. No reservoir or pump, so suspect it is an electrical issue. Turned vehicle off for a few moment and restarted, made a phone call to home and all of a sudden, the power steering started working again. Returned home... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
I will be driving and next thing you know it will do a hard jerk down shift then may do it one more time then its ok. Happens least once a day almost going on 2wks. I see there is/was recall on this happening but no letter or anything was sent to me!! How can i get this fixed?
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
Electric power steering goes out without any warning. I took my car to the dealership to get rotors and tire rods put on.Go pick up my car, soon as I pull off the lot get down the road my car is pulling to the pulling to the right. I keep driving, it's pulling to the left. I took the car back and told them my car is doing something weird. The tech gets in the driver seat and I get in the passenger... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
The NHTSA has filed a Consent Order (RQ17-004) for a Engine Replacement due to safety concerns while driving the vehicle on the road, Vehicle may stall and cause / be involved in a accident. Please make this recall public so the affected vehicles can be properly repaired as the Consent Order states I have reviewed the Consent Order and I will not continue to drive this vehicle, I will not ris... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
While driving down major highway the engine failed and the electrical system started blinking and I lost all power. No warning, dashboard just lit all up and engine seized up.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
A warning light comes on that there is a failure with the anti lock brakes and electronic braking system. The cruise control will also fail to work. When the roads where wet the other day, i was sliding to avoid hitting deer that began crossing the road. It took longer to stop than it should have. I'm concerned that living in Michigan with the inclement weather, it may cause a accident that coul... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
The dashboard on the car has melted and caused reflection on the windshield impacting the visibility. I was unable to see the road due to the reflection caused by the melting and sticky dashboard on the windshield. My safety is at risk while driving due to the reflection and glare on the windshield. The smell from melting dashboard is also a concern for myself and family including the infant. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
The windshield pillar trim flew off the vehicle traveling 60mph down a highway. It was sudden and loud which was extremely distracting. The windshield pillar trim caused the vehicle behind to swerve. Part of the weather stripping which was attached to windshield pillar trim remained halfway on the vehicle flapping in the wind, scratching the vehicle. Driver had to pull over and remove the flapping... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
Rear tailgate lights red and white fill up with water and stop working. Cruise control jumps up 10mph when passing signs, very scary!
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
The instrument panel is flashing all alerts when the car is off. I am able to drive the car. It is unknown which component has malfunctioned. Several Honda owners on Google say to check the fuel injectors. I am hoping you all can assist me with that. My safety was put at risk as the alarm goes off randomly when the car is off. It is bothersome at my workplace. I am afraid to drive the vehicle. One... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the vehicle would not start, and the vehicle had to be jumped. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would stall without warning. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the battery was faulty and needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, immediately after ret... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
Engine light came on, code it was showing was P0302. Took it to the mechanic the next morning. The shop said there is coolant leaking into the engine and the only repair to be had is to get an entire new engine. We purchased the edge used with about 72,000 miles within the last month. Upon further research, it seems that coolant leaking into the edge in the 2015-2018 models is very common, yet the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the rear driver's side brake light failed. No warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she previously replaced the rear driver’s side brake light three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear driver’s side tai... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2022
Car won’t shift gears just stuck on park. Battery reduced.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
My tie rod broke on me 3 days ago
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
My tie rod broke on me 3 days ago
Incident date: Jan 28, 2023
The vehicle was acting weird and not providing power in the way that I would expect it when accelerating. If the vehicle cannot accelerate, I am at risk because I may be merging into traffic and a car could hit me. I tried calling the dealer but they don't have a solution to the problem yet. It is a safety recall but they don't have a way to fix it. There's also a lawsuit that I'm not related to... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
Same problem that many others have reported. Took car dealer for a battery. Was told subframe is rusted and about $5000 to fix and that if not fixed could lead to car failure. 1) Why has Mercedes not informed the many thousand 2010-2014 C-Class and E-Class drivers affected by this dangerous defect. Many do not take their cars to the dealership for service anymore and could miss the problem until... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2022
the buckle for the front passenger and back driver do not work properly. The buckles will not latch. It has not been confirm by a dealer because when i called to ask about repairing it and cost for parts I was told the part is discontinued and there is not another option for a replacement. 2 of the 5 have stopped working in the last 3 months. It puts my life and other passengers life's in danger e... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2022
ALL the warning lights came on, including brakes, power steering, lane keeping assistance, lane departure warning, and others, indicating the car should be stopped immediately regardless of traffic or conditions. I do not know if the functions were also impaired or if was simply false alarms. I understand this is typical of this auromobile.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2023
2015 DODGE DART. THE CONSUMER STATED UPON PURCHASE THERE WAS ONLY ONE KEY FOB PROVIDED, PROBLEMS WITH THE WIPER MOTOR, AND FRONT STRUTS WENT OUT AFTER 2 WEEKS OF PURCHASE.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The issue started 1/24/2022 9:30pm when the car steering wheel buttons features where off and 2 warning lights on. All self driving mode assistance where off. I took the car to Nashua Hyundai 140 Daniel Webster Hwy, Nashua, NH 03060 tel 603- 888- 8080, i believe was the week of the 31, and they ordered the 3 parts. They told me it was safe to drive the car. During Saturday 1/21 I drove to NYC to m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The underbelly material blew off the RV, along with other insulation material, while driving on the Interstate. I was driving under the speed limit and in the far right lane. The material blew across the other lanes of traffic and, luckily, did not cause an accident. The same issue occurred less than a year ago and I had just got the RV back from the repair facility at Camping World in Albuquer... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11504269*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 3, 2022
The contact owned a 2004 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that his daughter was involved in a head-on collision; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact's daughter sustained injuries to her knee and received medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 3, 2022
On January 25, 2023 there was snowfall in my area. While driving as snow was falling, while the wipers were engaged, the wipers suddenly stopped moving. I tried my best to safely pull over to the side of the road and sat for hours until the weather conditions improved and I could see through the windshield before I could drive off. My child was in the vehicle after being picked up from school. I c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
Driver door swung open while driving and then would not stay latched. Door frequently will not latch.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Code: B1018, OCS Sensor failure in passenger seat which controls the passenger airbags. Passenger side airbag light kicks on thinking there is a "child" or something light in the front seat which disables the airbag. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Passenger side airbag l... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic "lift gate ajar" warning was activated; however, the liftgate was not open. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who adjusted the liftgate striker, and the failure was remedied; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, while driving at speeds between 5 - 20 MPH, the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
While driving the vehicle out of the garage the brakes locked up. The vehicle would travel only a couple feet in forward or reverse before it came to a halt. The vehicle needed to be towed to the dealership. Had this vehicle been on a highway the failure of the braking system causing it to come to halt could have caused a catastrophic accident.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
Took my car in for oil change and tire rotation. I was called that all 20 of my lug nuts have to be replaced due to swelling. For $180, which I’ve never in my life had to replace the lug nuts on any other vehicle I’ve owned. Not just one but all 20 need to be replaced.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2022
The infotainment system on my GV80 works for 5 minutes and shuts down. The lane change warning light and front collision warning goes on and off while driving. the back-up camera and warning stopped working. When you park the vehicle, it takes at least it takes 10 minutes to completely shut down
Incident date: Dec 26, 2022
The infotainment system on my GV80 works for 5 minutes and shuts down. The lane change warning light and front collision warning goes on and off while driving. the back-up camera and warning stopped working. When you park the vehicle, it takes at least it takes 10 minutes to completely shut down
Incident date: Dec 26, 2022
The infotainment system on my GV80 works for 5 minutes and shuts down. The lane change warning light and front collision warning goes on and off while driving. the back-up camera and warning stopped working. When you park the vehicle, it takes at least it takes 10 minutes to completely shut down
GENESIS
G90
(2018) - LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH:EMERGENCY MECHANICAL RELEASE
Jan 4, 2023
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
The internal trunk release latch will not open the trunk. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury. - The trunk latch failed. It is available for inspection, upon request. - A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury. - The problem has been confirmed by the dealer (Courtesy Hyundai in Tampa, FL) - Th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
Steering becomes unresponsive after highway speed for an hour or more. Feels like sticking or binding (loss of power assist?) and considerable effort needed to adjust vehicle direction. Most notable on exit ramps. Several times I came close to going off an exit ramp onto the shoulder. Even driving along a straight highway the steering is no longer smooth or consistent. Thus, steering is very unpre... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
The location of the sensors for the forward collision, adaptive cruise control and lane departure are located too low in the front grill. During snow conditions ice and snow cover the sensors and they do not operated properly. I purchased my vehicle in August 2021 and last winter as well as today (December 16, 2022 while driving near Chicago I encountered several instances where the above system... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
The location of the sensors for the forward collision, adaptive cruise control and lane departure are located too low in the front grill. During snow conditions ice and snow cover the sensors and they do not operated properly. I purchased my vehicle in August 2021 and last winter as well as today (December 16, 2022 while driving near Chicago I encountered several instances where the above system... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
The location of the sensors for the forward collision, adaptive cruise control and lane departure are located too low in the front grill. During snow conditions ice and snow cover the sensors and they do not operated properly. I purchased my vehicle in August 2021 and last winter as well as today (December 16, 2022 while driving near Chicago I encountered several instances where the above system... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2022
Upon pressing the gas pedal to start the car moving after a light turned green, vehicle shuddered, all dash lights came on and vehicle was unable to do anything but coast at a dangerously slow speed. Check engine light remained lit. I pulled over and turned off the engine and called the Genesis connected service with offered a repair slot. I waited awhile and restarted the car which turned on bu... Read more