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 122,131 complaints for HONDA
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Our Odyssey is equipped with idle stop. Sometimes when idle stop engages, the engine won't start again afterwards. We need to turn the car off completely, and then try again. Usually it turns on after doing so. We try to always turn off the idle stop when we start up the vehicle, but sometimes forget. This hasn't led to an accident yet, but has led to some angry vehicles when we can't move when a ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
My 2016 Acura MDX (purchased new January 2016) has a confirmed failure of the 9-speed automatic transmission warmer (ATF warmer), causing engine coolant and ATF fluid to cross-contaminate. The failed warmer is still in the vehicle and available for inspection. In the last week of March 2026, I noticed the engine cooling fan continuing to run after shutting off the vehicle — an abnormal symptom t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale from a towing company. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 163,428, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 167,126. The contact stated that the Carfax Report indicated that the mileage was 141,207... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
I own a 2019 Honda Odyssey Elite with 39,000 miles on it. In January 2026, suddenly I had multiple warning lights on in my minivan related to an ADAS system failure. I replaced the car battery and later determined that the ADAS camera had failed in the car. In reading online, this is a very common issue with Hondas as the cameras are known to overheat and require replacement. Warning lights: ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Vehicle: 2005 Nissan Altima | VIN: [XXX] To the Executive Team and Legal Counsel, I am writing this under extreme duress following a catastrophic, life-threatening vehicle failure on April 23, 2026, in Ripley, WV. While transporting my [XXX] son, my 2005 Nissan Altima suffered a sudden engine stall, followed by the engine bay becoming saturated with oil and emitting heavy smoke. This event is... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
We are experiencing “sticky steering” issue that has been recalled in 2023-2025 Honda CRV yet ours does not seem to have a recall at this time. Driving down the highway on curves car needs to be pulled back as it does not go back to neutral on it’s own This issue affects our safety as well as our passengers and other vehicles around us.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM was unexpectedly elevated. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed from the scene. After the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Date of Accident: April 13, 2026 I drove into our church parking lot and then parked next to my husband’s car and was totally stopped and in the parking space. I thought I had my foot on the brake. After a split second, it accelerated and jumped the curb of the parking space at a very fast speed. I had no control of the car. I sheared off a heavy metal sidewalk railing and was headed for the br... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The message that the "Vehicle Needed Attention" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to back to the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that while exiting the contact's residence and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that seconds later, the contact noticed fire coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact attempted to extinguish the fire with two residential f... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Ghost touch issues with infotainment system (as with many other Subaru models). Cannot use radio, Bluetooth or any screen functions.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
The vehicle’s forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control radar sensor is mounted directly behind a plastic front emblem that can be removed in seconds without tools. This design allows easy theft of the radar unit, which immediately disables Honda Sensing safety systems including collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane keeping assis... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the panoramic sunroof failed to properly close. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable motor and fractured cables. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been taken to the dealer for the same failure and was inspected for debris and damage. The debris was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (Electrical System), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the high voltage battery software update was performed. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a stop, the parking brake unexpectedly engaged on several occasions. The driver was able to disengage... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving 50-60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where the spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to Firestone, where it was diagnosed with trans... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Both my rear break lights are showing stress cracks from movement of the frame of the body. There are other references to this happening online from other owners and it's a manufacturer defect. I brought to the dealer and was told that they should be replaced for $3000 each as they are allowing water to intrude and will cause a shorting out of the brake lights. No brake lights would be a major ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
My family and I were returning from a trip, and the engine just died in the middle of the street at 2 AM. No noises from engine or anything, but it just stopped out of the blue.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
5th generation (2017-2022) Honda CRV displaying ALL driver assistance system errors (stability control, cruise control, emergency anti-collision etc), check engine light, tire pressure monitor malfunction, parking brake, and some other lights. *OBDII scan reads back P0303* Battery was replaced in 2025, and has never tested at low voltage. Recently tested battery 04/26/2026 at 14.51V (with engine... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
I purchased a new Mercedes Benz GLC300 2023. Last month, my friend and I were driving on I75 in Florida when we heard what sounded like a loud boom or gunshot. We quickly discovered that my sunroof had exploded. The sunroof was closed, and fortunately so was the sunshade, as large pieces of glass flew off the roof and smaller shards of glass collected on top of the sunshade. My friend and I were... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Shortly after purchasing in 2025 I began having occasional issues with the door locks. Eventually the issue would self resolve but now I have experienced at least 2 times in last month being locked inside the vehicle and unable to exit without climbing into the passenger seat. I have not taken it in for repairs yet due to cost concerns but I am worried about this dangerous situation.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Shortly after purchasing in 2025 I began having occasional issues with the door locks. Eventually the issue would self resolve but now I have experienced at least 2 times in last month being locked inside the vehicle and unable to exit without climbing into the passenger seat. I have not taken it in for repairs yet due to cost concerns but I am worried about this dangerous situation.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
ADAS camera malfunction causing all driver assist functions to not work
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
I received a notice onscreen (photo attached) that says "Front passenger safety restraint system issue, Service is required." I did some research online and a number of other owners of 2019 Tesla Model 3 vehicles have received this warning, which involves a malfunction that is a combination of the front passenger seat belt, air bag, and seat sensor for the air bag. A number of people with thi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
I received a notice onscreen (photo attached) that says "Front passenger safety restraint system issue, Service is required." I did some research online and a number of other owners of 2019 Tesla Model 3 vehicles have received this warning, which involves a malfunction that is a combination of the front passenger seat belt, air bag, and seat sensor for the air bag. A number of people with thi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
I am reporting a dangerous engine failure involving sudden loss of power and complete engine shutdown. While traveling uphill on I-90 in Massachusetts, my 2017 Kia Sportage suddenly lost engine power and rapidly became unable to maintain speed. I first moved into the right lane due to the power loss, but then had to cross traffic at approximately 20 mph to reach a small emergency shoulder area on ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The vehicle is experiencing a severe and dangerous transmission defect that manifests as intense shuddering and vibrations followed by instances of random, unintended acceleration. Specifically, while operating the vehicle at various speeds, the transmission fails to engage properly, causing a violent vibration/shudder. This is frequently followed by the vehicle surging or accelerating unexpectedl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
Claim #25921274 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally dispute Kia’s denial of warranty coverage for the engine failure in my 2013 Kia Sportage. Per communication with customer care, Kia denied my claim on the basis of “excessive mileage between oil changes.” However, this conclusion is not supported by sufficient evidence and does not meet the legal standard required under the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2025
Multiple recalls issued, we were informed by Cochran Nissan there were “no fixes for the these recalls.” Yet this vehicle left us stranded along highways and busy roadways on numerous occasions. Leaving us in unsafe places while waiting for the vehicle to be towed. Each time multiple warning lights were illuminated and the car lost power. The final repair involved engine replacement and other... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
Engine light repeatedly comes on. Coolant leaks out of engine, onto ground outside and onto the floor inside of the car. Warning lights for engine come on repeatedly. This is a constant battle with this 2014 Ford Escape. It is the Ford company that should have resolved this issue. I can’t provide approximate dates this happened because it is constant. The problem has been reproduced by our tr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
On numerous occasions, the multiple automatic collision braking systems have engaged in what I would describe as phantom breaking. For me personally, the automatic breaking has on multiple occasions caused a serious crash, both while backing out of parking, at intersections and most recently on Interstate 880. The AEB system engaged and slammed the breaks while changing a lane in traffic and the c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
My 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser has exhibited persistent brake squealing since the day it was purchased. The noise occurs during normal braking conditions and has been present from the very first use of the vehicle. This is not a break-in issue, as it has never resolved on its own. Despite initially denying the issue, Toyota and the dealership have since acknowledged the problem and confirmed the exis... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2026
I was pulling out of driveway, it is a steep driveway, I have kept vehicle in 4WD, I then backed up to turn around, the truck “lurched” and “jerked” forward abruptly. I thought I had hit the home in front of me or ran over something. It was not the AEB. The vehicle had changed from 4WD auto to 2WD on its own, creating a large “jump” in the gears. I took the vehicle to service and they ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
I purchased the Vehicle in April 2025 with 500 miles as NEW. Within 3k miles, I had the AEB and “BLIND Spot warning unavailable “ both service required messages come on the vehicle. The Hazards stay on the side mirrors while driving, which make it dangerous also believing you have vehicles in your blind spot creating a safe hazard and also beeps at times. This continued to happen constantly. I... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2023
2026 Ford E-350 Chassis / Thor Four Winds 25Z motor coach; which only had about 800 miles on it! While driving north on I-81, the low tire pressure warning came on. So, I switched to the tire pressure screen and the outside left tire was dramatically loosing pressure from recommended 65 psi - dropping to around 30 psi within a few mile. We pulled of onto the shoulder, with only 3-4’ clearance of... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
Opening car door and whole handle fell off.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
Timeline of issues: 04/11/2026 – Vehicle purchased 04/16/2026 – Brakes began grinding 04/18/2026 – Vehicle developed starting issues 04/19/2026 – Brake system parts (pads, rotors, calipers) ordered due to failure 04/23/2026 – Parts received; same day 4WD was tested and confirmed not functioning properly (dashboard indicates engagement but front wheels do not engage) 04/24/2026 – Compl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
My 2019 Ford EcoSport 1.0L EcoBoost engine began making loud noise consistent with oil pressure failure. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership. The dealership performed a teardown and confirmed the oil pump belt tensioner had failed — the exact defect described in Safety Recall 23S64. The dealer replaced the oil pump belt, tensioner, and oil pump under Recall 23S64. However, the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
The Eps light keeps randomly coming on. And goes off. The steering gets stiff and heavy randomly. When a mechanic looks at it everything is working fine like it should but once I get the truck back it will act up again randomly. Also Alpha warranty will not help fixing the issue.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2026
The passenger airbag system failed, specifically the occupant sensor and the pad beneath the passenger seat. These components are responsible for detecting whether a passenger is present and ensuring the airbag deploys correctly in a crash. I've also been told that I may be at risk of not having my airbag deploy in an accident. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I am a single mo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
Summary of the Safety Problem: A 2026 Ford Bronco rolled out of its parked position with no occupants, despite being left in Park, and collided with another vehicle. Full Description of the Incident: The Ford Bronco was placed in Park, was not running, and had no occupants. I exited the vehicle several times to reinstall the removable roof panels. The vehicle remained stationary during this proce... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
While passing a vehicle the engine failed and had to replace the engine. The cams and lifters went out.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I have 2003 registered as 2004.This vehicle that I has Manufactured November 2003 base on the sicker beside driver side door and it's been registered as 2004 .Now the problem that I have is slow moving to first gear suddenly jump to second gear (This is Automatic Trnasmission) I thought it was accelerator pedal issues but I replace the pedal and its the same not shifting properly.I cannot drive m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
Driving on [XXX] merging onto [XXX] heading north, the sun roof exploded at approximately 70 mph. There were not vehicles near us at the time nor any obvious shrapnel or ricochet marks indicating an object struck the glass causing the break. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
I am submitting a formal consumer complaint regarding a persistent brake issue—specifically a loud squeal when coming to a stop in a 2022 Ford Expedition Max Limited purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle through Ford’s Blue Advantage Program. At the time of sale, I was assured the vehicle met certification standards, had no unresolved safety concerns, and that any recalls had been addres... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The component or system that failed their malfunction is the evaporation system in the Honda vehicles especially after 2017 that regarding the R – 1234YF refrigerant - yes it has been confirmed by the dealership that the evaporator is leaking inside the car, but it is a known issue that warranty only covers the condenser in front of the car which also leaks. My problem is is since both equally r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2026
While driving at 30MPH, vehicle lost power without any notice/warnings. Had the vehicle towed to dealer who misdiagnosed as transmission problem (quoted $8000 to swap). Had a second opinion and indeed it was the dreaded coolant intrusion in the engine, catalytic convertor which cause the loss of acceleration and the transmission was completely fine. This is a ridiculously common issue with the 1.5... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2026
March 27th I went to have my focus recalled March 31st there was still one unopened recall. I did not go back to them to fix it the my documentation was falsified there's still an open recall on my Ford there's no documentation that I have it replaced. In fact it'd be easier to prove that they falsified information nths. It is a simple way to prove you need to remove the door handle and see if the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
There is no incident that lead to this part breaking. My sunroof broke when it was opened. A part fell out of the assembly into the car. The sunroof will now not open fully or close fully. It's a hazard because I'm not sure if the glass is properly attached to my car and can fly off. I took this to a dealership the other day and was told this was common and not covered under warranty, costing owne... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
I was driving my car home from work and many warning lights lit up on my car dashboard (brake problem, engine problem, uphill start, steering problem) etc.. I got off the freeway and my car dashboard lit up and notified me “to pull over to a safe location because my car needle (temperature) was on high. I pulled over to a safe location and opened the hood and noticed that the antifreeze coolant... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
I was driving my car home from work and many warning lights lit up on my car dashboard (brake problem, engine problem, uphill start, steering problem) etc.. I got off the freeway and my car dashboard lit up and notified me “to pull over to a safe location because my car needle (temperature) was on high. I pulled over to a safe location and opened the hood and noticed that the antifreeze coolant... Read more