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: Jul 23, 2026
About 1 year ago when the car was only 6 yeas old a series of warning lights lit up on the dashboard of our 2019 Honda Passport. The warning lights showed failures in several of the Honda sensing suite safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, vehicle stability assist, and auto high beam problem. The Hond... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
About 1 year ago when the car was only 6 yeas old a series of warning lights lit up on the dashboard of our 2019 Honda Passport. The warning lights showed failures in several of the Honda sensing suite safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, vehicle stability assist, and auto high beam problem. The Hond... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
while driving, vehicle issued alerts for inoperative active brake assist, inoperative distance control, inoperative blind spot assist, and inoperative active stop and go assist. with all those alerts it was very concerning and I felt apprehensive to operate the vehicle further, as it may crash. Mercedes Benz dealer technician confirmed that the Distronic and Cruise control unit was defective/fau... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
while driving, vehicle issued alerts for inoperative active brake assist, inoperative distance control, inoperative blind spot assist, and inoperative active stop and go assist. with all those alerts it was very concerning and I felt apprehensive to operate the vehicle further, as it may crash. Mercedes Benz dealer technician confirmed that the Distronic and Cruise control unit was defective/fau... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
After backing up out of a parking space, the side mirror on the drivers side moves to an unpredictable position and does not return to its original position. This is potentially dangerous because the driver is not aware of this change in position, and when changing lanes may rely on mirror that is in a faulty position. This appears to be some sort of flaw in the logic that tilts the mirror down ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
The sound proofing insulation on the firewall caught fire. There was a recall for sagging insulation catching fire on the EGR heat exchanger for this problem, and mine caught fire anyway. I called 911 and the Corbin KY fire department responded to the seen to confirm the fire was out.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
We noticed the paint bubbling on one of her doors on the car and took it to the dealership who took no accountability. Now the car is peeling in the back and we’ve also noticed the same car, same model and make on the road with the same paint peeling issues that there’s no formal recall as of yet and we are not getting any resolution with GM.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
On XXX at approximately 5:00 PM, my 2025 Audi Q5 (VIN: [XXX]) initiated an unprovoked forward collision warning and emergency braking intervention while I was traveling at approximately 57–58 mph on [XXX]. Road conditions were clear and dry. Weather was sunny. Adaptive Cruise Control was not activated. I was the sole occupant of the vehicle. A vehicle was making a lawful turn onto the roadway ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
On XXX at approximately 5:00 PM, my 2025 Audi Q5 (VIN: [XXX]) initiated an unprovoked forward collision warning and emergency braking intervention while I was traveling at approximately 57–58 mph on [XXX]. Road conditions were clear and dry. Weather was sunny. Adaptive Cruise Control was not activated. I was the sole occupant of the vehicle. A vehicle was making a lawful turn onto the roadway ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Our onstar module has stopped working since last November after a software update and now issues are starting to cascade causing many other electrical issues to the point that I expect the car to leave my wife and 15 month old daughter stranded. Ours and many other vehicles are having this issue and when any question is asked to gm no response is given or we’re just told to keep waiting.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
While driving a few days ago, power steering abruptly stopped working and a service power steering message appeared. It was very difficult to steer the vehicle back home. I've tried replacing the battery and resetting the steering sensor to no avail.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I purchased the vehicle about 4 months ago and I've only driven it maybe 1 month out of 4 due to being in the shop for multiple egr and throttle issues. I am currently sitting with it broke down once again for the same issues for the 3rd time. The engine loses power out of no where while driven and gives a warning that says engine malfunction power reduced and all safety features are then shut dow... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Everytime I break and accelerate there’s a popping noise coming from the middle back part of the driver seat. I took it to a Toyota dealerships and they drove it and it did the same thing. And all they could do was tell me wait until there’s a recall.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
While driving a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport on a city street, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and shut off while idling at a red light. The vehicle completely failed to restart. No dashboard warning lights, check engine lights, or fault messages illuminated prior to or during the stalling event. Immediately following the engine shutdown, a fire erupted under the engine hood. The fire rapidly esca... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
I have begun noticing symptoms of the adhesive failing, such as excessive wind noise coming from the front roof area and visible gaps/separation between the panel and the vehicle body. This poses a severe safety risk, as the panel could completely detach while driving and become a high-speed road hazard. No warning lights have appeared. The vehicle and component are available for inspection upon r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
I have begun noticing symptoms of the adhesive failing, such as excessive wind noise coming from the front roof area and visible gaps/separation between the panel and the vehicle body. This poses a severe safety risk, as the panel could completely detach while driving and become a high-speed road hazard. No warning lights have appeared. The vehicle and component are available for inspection upon r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
My tesla model Y was driving on FSD (full self driving) and just did hard full stop brake at a traffic light and brought the car to a complete stop even when the light was green. Both of toddler kids in the back got pulled jolted forward where the seat belt hurt them. This stopping was random was unnecessary as no threat of other cars or the light was present. Luckily no one was behind us or they ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
Evaporator failure in Honda Civic 2018, causing upwards of $2,000 for repair. This is a major safety issue that in extreme heat (such as california weather) can cause driver fatigue, and electrical failure from overheating as well. I personally was not covered under the Honda extended warranty for the condenser seal replacement because my evaporator was also not working. Especially as someone who ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
My 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid has experienced multiple issues that I believe should be documented. The vehicle previously displayed an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning. It was taken to an authorized Kia dealership for diagnosis and repair. Although repairs were performed for the EPB-related issue, I am submitting this report so the condition is documented if similar reports are being received fro... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
My 2024 Kia Niro Hybrid has experienced multiple issues that I believe should be documented. The vehicle previously displayed an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) warning. It was taken to an authorized Kia dealership for diagnosis and repair. Although repairs were performed for the EPB-related issue, I am submitting this report so the condition is documented if similar reports are being received fro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that on March 13, 2026, the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (Engine); however; the spark plugs were not replaced when the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a misfire in the engine associated with the spark plug. The dealer stated that the failure was not associate... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electric parking brake module warning light was illuminated and the "Brake failure. Vehicle unsafe to drive," message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The contact expressed concern that the brakes c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
My 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has experienced intermittent electrical failures while driving, including at highway speeds. The infotainment system first began shutting off intermittently around April 2026. At times, I had to pull over, place the vehicle in Park, turn it off, and restart it multiple times before the system would function again. On approximately XXX while traveling from [XX... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
error : service 4wd , I have had it to 2 mechanic shops and said ptu is causing error, parts r not available. there are recalls for this problem, but I put in my vin in and it says no recalls. please seen nhtsa recall no 26v290 or manufacturer number 40d
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I haven’t even owned my truck for2years
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine seized. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that upon in... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
My 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is subject to Hyundai Recall 162 / NHTSA Recall 17V-226, concerning premature connecting-rod-bearing wear that can cause engine knocking, engine failure, and loss of motive power. My vehicle developed engine knocking and a flashing check-engine light while I was driving. The vehicle is now at an authorized Hyundai dealership. Hyundai initially denied an engine repl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
Car was taken to dealership for inspection. Upon inspection, it was determined that the fuel tank had expanded and pushed towards the heat shield, and expanded upward pushing up the back seats of vehicle. It was determined to not safe to drive. Manufacturer contacted me and offered a buyback. Upon their offer of a buyback, it was determined that I would owe the manufacturer approximately $2,000. I... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2026
Purchased and took possession of car, a brand new 2026 Subaru Uncharted electric, on May 22, 2026. On July 2, 2026 the car was completely inoperable as the 12 volt battery had died for no reason - the car had not been driven for 3 days. Took to the dealership they ran tests and said the battery was "fine". Reported to Subaru of America. On July 16, 2026 the car was inoperable as the 12 volt ba... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
HVAC water tubing has leaked on to the airbag control module causing airbag errors and many other electrical faults. This is a known safety problem under recall 87H4, NHTSA campaign 21V892. However, Volkswagen stated my VIN is not eligible for this recall. Note: this diagnostic was not performed at a dealership but at an independent German car repair shop.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious water intrusion issue with my 2023 Nissan Rogue. My vehicle developed a severe water leak that allowed water to enter both sides of the vehicle. The amount of water intrusion is significant and has caused concern about possible hidden damage, including mold growth, mildew, and damage to electrical components. I brought my vehicle to Hallmark Nissan... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
I am submitting a complaint regarding a serious water intrusion issue with my 2023 Nissan Rogue. My vehicle developed a severe water leak that allowed water to enter both sides of the vehicle. The amount of water intrusion is significant and has caused concern about possible hidden damage, including mold growth, mildew, and damage to electrical components. I brought my vehicle to Hallmark Nissan... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Car screen showing airbags light on .
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Vehicle: 2024 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]) Incident Date: [Insert Date] Current Mileage: 4,094 Description: "While operating the vehicle at low speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden, uncommanded acceleration event. Despite immediate and sustained application of the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to decelerate as intended, indicating a critical failure of the braking-override system and/or the dri... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
This is the third Dextero DTR1 that has exhibited defects described in their 2016 recall (large cracks at the sidewall/tread area). This is a fatally serious defect: I would not drive at highway speed with these tires. My first complaint resulted in my tire being replaced. my second and third complaints are thus: there are no tires in stock to replace my defective tires and I was informed that a b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
This is the third Dextero DTR1 that has exhibited defects described in their 2016 recall (large cracks at the sidewall/tread area). This is a fatally serious defect: I would not drive at highway speed with these tires. My first complaint resulted in my tire being replaced. my second and third complaints are thus: there are no tires in stock to replace my defective tires and I was informed that a b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
On XXX at approximately 4:30pm, while driving through a parking lot (between 5-10mph), I tapped my brakes and then the parking brake activated and caused several errors on my dash, such as the ABS light, a brake failure error, a service Advance-Trac error, and others. The brakes became incredibly stiff and would not work when I pressed them. The car would continue to roll and stop randomly. I was ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
On XXX at approximately 4:30pm, while driving through a parking lot (between 5-10mph), I tapped my brakes and then the parking brake activated and caused several errors on my dash, such as the ABS light, a brake failure error, a service Advance-Trac error, and others. The brakes became incredibly stiff and would not work when I pressed them. The car would continue to roll and stop randomly. I was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
2025 Jetta Sport completely loses acceleration on straightaways and during turns, creating an intersection collision hazard. Severe drivability and safety hazard. It drops power during turns, which exposes me to oncoming traffic. Also when I press the gas, the car does not want to go.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
The Car Transmission Shift Lever Panel dust cover breaks down and causes issues with the vehicle staying in gear while driving.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2026
Failure of the forward-looking multipurpose camera after a simple battery change. Many safety features are now inoperative including emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, among others. Ultimately, a routine maintenance item (battery replacement) is causing the failure of vehicle safety systems.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the “Service Engine” warning light was intermittently illuminated. The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Engine lifter failure and bent push rod
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The engine fails to restart on its own from a complete stop at traffic light, following the release the brake pedal (Auto Start - Stop). The vehicle will turn off in Drive while idling at the traffic intersection stopped for traffic light. This is a safety concern, that the safety sensor allowing for the vehicle to turn off while vehicle is in drive, could this also happen while driving.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2007 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while his son was in the driveway about to drive off, the vehicle started smoking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V088000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact would replace the parts. The contact stated that the manufacturer was delaying the... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Driving on the interstate at high speed, when check engine light comes on, warning message - Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off - and red turtle warning indicator (limp mode). After a short time, vehicle will no longer accelerate. I pulled over to the shoulder, stopped and shut off engine. Restarted after a few minutes and everything appeared to work fine, with check engine light on. About 15 m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Driving on the interstate at high speed, when check engine light comes on, warning message - Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off - and red turtle warning indicator (limp mode). After a short time, vehicle will no longer accelerate. I pulled over to the shoulder, stopped and shut off engine. Restarted after a few minutes and everything appeared to work fine, with check engine light on. About 15 m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
The vehicle experienced transmission drive issues accompanied by a Check Engine Light. An independent repair facility scanned the vehicle and confirmed diagnostic trouble code P0717 for a transmission speed sensor open circuit. The failure causes unexpected loss of acceleration and erratic power delivery while driving, redlining at 45 mph, malfunctioning of the gear selection display, and creating... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, COOLANT TEMP SENSORS, HEATER CORE VEHICLE OVER HEATS CAUSING VEHICLE TO SMOKE AND MAKE LOUD NOISE. AFTER FIXING, VEHICLE STILL CAUSE CHECK ENGINE TO COME AND VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH NOT WANTING TO SHIFT GEARS. INDEPENT SERVICE CENTER. CHECK ENGINE NO PREVIOUS WARNING.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the seat belt, ABS, check engine, and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the messages “Service Transmission – Continue in D – Do Not Shift or Turn off Engine until You Reach a Desired Location”, "Service Power Steering", "Service Parking Brake", "Pa... Read more