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 125,830 complaints for HONDA
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly lunged forward. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle kept rolling forward, and the contact was forced to use the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control); however, th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
Abs light flashing on and off,
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear, causing the powertrain warning light to illuminate. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train), and the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the PCM software update was completed; however, the failure recurre... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
My 2020 Audi A4 has an open safety recall campaign. Audi Corporate and my local dealership are formally refusing to perform the recall remedy unless I pay over $2,000 out-of-pocket to replace a broken J949 SOS Telematics Module. The manufacturer claims the module is separate from the recall, but its total failure physically blocks their diagnostic tools from applying the mandatory safety update. C... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
There are exhaust fumes in the Cabin. This has been going on since May of 2026. Multiple different repairs have been made. I still smell exhaust fumes on my clothing after driving the vehicle with the windows up and the air conditioning on. I do not know if there are air quality safety issues including carbon monoxide coming into the vehicle when in it.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
My vehicle, 2023 Tahoe, previously had the GM Recall 25V-274 / N252494001 remedy performed (0W-40 oil swap) in October of 2025. Despite completing the manufacturer's official recall remedy, the engine suffered a sudden, dangerous loss of motive power at highway speeds when I was making an out of state move and traveling alone; it was terrifying. I had to have it towed to the nearest dealership an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Date of Incident: [XXX] On [XXX], my sister and I traveled from Maryland to Newport News, Virginia, to celebrate with family. Upon returning home to Maryland, my sister attempted to fasten her front passenger seat belt but was unable to do so. I went around to the passenger side of the vehicle to assist her, but I was also unable to properly secure the seat belt. Because I have a strict safe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started and the doors were unlocked and the contact walked over to the front passenger’s side door to put her purse inside the vehicle; however, after the contact walked over to the rear driver’s side door to place a child into the car seat, the doors inadvertently locked and the child ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
The car is owned by AVIS Car Rental. I happened to be driving this vehicle in the downtown Chicago area with only 11,820 miles on it the airbag light turned on and the passenger active status light for the airbag just completely turned off not indicating if the passenger airbag was enabled or disabled. As soon as I turned off the vehicle and turn it back on the airbag light didn't turn on anymore ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
Recently leased a 2026 Mercedes GLB250 in May 2026. Driving home on highway the tire popped and completely shredded rendering vehicle undriveable. No warning only to smell some smoke and then the warning light came on to say the tire was at 14psi and declining. I immediately pulled off highway and was shocked to see a completely shredded tired that exploded. I towed car to a dealership and then ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
The contact's son owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while her son was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with an unknown message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact's son pulled off to the shoulder of the road and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and went into LIMP Mode and drove slowly back to the residence. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the Headlight System Malfunction, Pre-collision System Malfunction, Road Sign Assist (RSA), and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the vehicle. The contact stated that the remedy for Special Service Campaign: 26TC03, which addressed an incorrect MAF S... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, with a loud screeching sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the power transfer unit was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
vehicle shifting erratically and shows fuel mileage low and loss of speedometer
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
Check engine light was electrical failure truck has been in the shop for a week now .
Incident date: May 11, 2026
Going thru a parking lot to a drive thru at a fast food place, rounding a small curve at a very low speed then trying go to 1 st lane out of 2 lanes the car suddenly went out of control and accelerated to center pole. The pole was a barrier protecting the support pole for the canopy. The car front center hit the pole so hard that the front collapsed. The hood buckled in the center and the pole wen... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Going thru a parking lot to a drive thru at a fast food place, rounding a small curve at a very low speed then trying go to 1 st lane out of 2 lanes the car suddenly went out of control and accelerated to center pole. The pole was a barrier protecting the support pole for the canopy. The car front center hit the pole so hard that the front collapsed. The hood buckled in the center and the pole wen... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Going thru a parking lot to a drive thru at a fast food place, rounding a small curve at a very low speed then trying go to 1 st lane out of 2 lanes the car suddenly went out of control and accelerated to center pole. The pole was a barrier protecting the support pole for the canopy. The car front center hit the pole so hard that the front collapsed. The hood buckled in the center and the pole wen... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 5, 2026
Was going down some s curves when the car started trying to turn me to the left when I needed to go right. I started trying to correct it but I had no control of the steering wheel. The car then immediately accelerated which in turn made me flip end over end 3 times . My air bag didn't deploy and my seat belt let me fly out the seat and bounce around the car
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
I am reporting a recurring catastrophic high-pressure fuel-pump/fuel-system failure in my 2018 BMW X5 after BMW previously repaired the same type of failure, and subsequently performed the NHTSA HPFP recall on my vehicle. I am a 71 year old driver. This was a repeat catastrophic failure after Recall 21V-586 was performed and the loss of propulsion on the freeway was terrifying, and I almost crash... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
I am reporting a recurring catastrophic high-pressure fuel-pump/fuel-system failure in my 2018 BMW X5 after BMW previously repaired the same type of failure, and subsequently performed the NHTSA HPFP recall on my vehicle. I am a 71 year old driver. This was a repeat catastrophic failure after Recall 21V-586 was performed and the loss of propulsion on the freeway was terrifying, and I almost crash... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that two months later, while the contact's wife was drivin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that two months later, while the contact's wife was drivin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that two months later, while the contact's wife was drivin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon hooking up a trailer to the vehicle, a severe amount of rust and corrosion was noticed along the entire bottom of the vehicle. The contact emphasized a concern for safety with all the corrosion uncovered underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted and the vehicle was not diagn... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
Truck failed to find gear shuddered lost speed in traffic while going up a hill. Limp mode was initiated. This is a known manufacturers defect with a tsb applied against the known issue. Issue is widespread when researched but not made known by the manufacturer of the truck. Dealership refusing repair under goodwill due to truck being out of mileage by 5000miles. Symptoms started prior to exiting ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
While driving, the dashboard lit up with warnings about forward collision, lane departure, lane keeping assistance, breaks, speed etc. that keep cycling through with alarm sounds on the dashboard. I have brought my car to the dealership few times and they reprogram the car but the issue keeps coming back randomly. Seems like a loose connection somewhere. I am afraid of driving when it happens.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration August 11, 2026. Dear Sir, Madame, I am writing regarding a safety issue with my 2020 Honda CR-V, purchased about one year ago. There is a serious issue with the steering column, and American Honda has declined assistance with repairs. I am seeking expedited assistance from NHTSA. This issue was first noted on the day I drove the vehicle to th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transfer case fluid needed to be replaced three separate times. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persiste... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Experiencing the CV joint clicking issue. Can hear a clicking issue when turning left or right at slower speeds. I am aware that this is an ongoing issue with Honda Prologues and would like to force a recall to repair the issue. See [XXX] for details INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
At 70,000 miles I was just told my transmission id failing. After much research I am finding that this is a common issue with the Toyota CHR and CVT transmissions. Apparently Toyota is aware of this issue but has not issued a recall. I waited to buy this car for years and thought it would be my last car ever. I'm [XXX] and thought a Toyota would last. I just paid it off. You know and I know a tra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2020
While driving on the highway, the check engine light illuminated. Approximately 5 to 10 minutes later, the battery warning light came on. Upon exiting the highway and coming to a stop at an intersection, the automatic engine Start/Stop system engaged and shut down the engine. When attempting to safely proceed, the vehicle suffered a complete electrical failure due to the 48V mild-hybrid eTorque sy... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2020
While driving on the highway, the check engine light illuminated. Approximately 5 to 10 minutes later, the battery warning light came on. Upon exiting the highway and coming to a stop at an intersection, the automatic engine Start/Stop system engaged and shut down the engine. When attempting to safely proceed, the vehicle suffered a complete electrical failure due to the 48V mild-hybrid eTorque sy... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
I believe my car should be in the ac recall for faulty ac motor/wire harness due to my ac is only cooling on passenger side. Blowing hot on driver. I’m afraid it may catch fire as I read this can happen.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
Transmission developed severe Shuddering in and out of Lockup. Was told Ford was aware of problem. Check engine light came on intermittently. Took car to dealership. Was diagnosed with Shuddering in and out of lockup. Estimated repair bill totaled $11,321.25.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the steering wheel was making a clicking sound. The failure was recurring. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Unknown which system failed. While driving on the freeway, truck lost power for a few seconds. Dash lights turned off and back on. Our safety and the safety of others on the freeway were at risk as we had no control of the vehicle. Have not had the truck checked for the problem. Scared to drive it. No warnings appeared.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The dealer made... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
I am writing to formally report a serious, recurring safety defect involving the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system in my vehicle. The system intermittently shuts off completely without warning and suffers from a malfunctioning airflow diverter. This directly impacts driver visibility due to immediate windshield fogging or the inability to de-ice during cold weather condition... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
I am writing to formally report a serious, recurring safety defect involving the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system in my vehicle. The system intermittently shuts off completely without warning and suffers from a malfunctioning airflow diverter. This directly impacts driver visibility due to immediate windshield fogging or the inability to de-ice during cold weather condition... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
Seatbelt intermittently would latch since purchasing vehicle, and then completely failed and will no longer latch/clip in. This is 3rd row passenger side.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into park(P), and the gear shifter could not be shifted out of park(P). The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact shifted the gear shifter into neutral. The vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced NHTS... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact shifted the gear shifter into neutral. The vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced NHTS... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
Numerous times since purchasing my van it has failed to start. At first it was just random at a stop light when I would forget to turn off the idle stop. Leaving me stuck at stop lights with a vehicle that won't turn on without multiple attempts. More recently it struggles to start after stopping to run errands or get gas or in drive thru lines. Having to depress the break pedal to the floor (much... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 45 minutes after each failure. The vehicle was towed to the neighbor's house approximately seven times and was taken once to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after approximately 45 minutes after each failure. The vehicle was towed to the neighbor's house approximately seven times and was taken once to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
I was driving on a somewhat bumpy road (due to construction works in that location), when suddenly several warning lights came on. Driver assist was disabled, power steering and electrical braking were disabled as well. I was driving at 10mph (this was at a roundabout) so was able to control the vehicle and safely navigate it to a place where I could park. I turned off the vehicle and waited a few... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the front driver's side door independently unlatched and swung open. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that the door latches were being replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,440.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, an alarm sounded, and the steering wheel locked up. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact was able to drive to the residence nearby. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was p... Read more