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: Dec 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with failures of 4 of the 6 fuel injectors. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2026
On start up (date 6/10/26) the dash warned "Check Driver Assistance System," but the car started. Turned off the car, restarted, and this warning was replaced by a yellow "check engine" light, and a remark that the hybrid controller had a fault; the Kia app on my phone indicated the trouble as well. Called for roadside assistance; just before the tow truck operator arrived the faults cleared. Deal... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
I am reporting a critical safety issue regarding the auto-start-stop system on my 2025 Honda Odyssey. On June 15, 2026, the vehicle's engine shut off at an intersection as designed but failed to restart, stranding the driver in active traffic and presenting a severe safety hazard. I previously brought the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealership approximately two weeks prior to this incident afte... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
My F150 lost all power while driving as my wife was approaching a stop sign on XXX. Everything in the truck failed to work. When the power went out all safety devices: 4-way hazards, parking brake, brakes, airbags, steering etc... were inoperable. The truck was towed to a Ford Dealer Garage in Manteno, Illinois about 150 miles from my home. The ford garage replaced the RL3Z-14A068-G Ford Panel... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
Issue is with the transmission as it harshly shifts into a low gear when on an incline. This causes me to lock up my breaks as it feels like the truck was rear ended by another vehicle. I’m concerned that this is going to cause an accident. This problem has not been reproduced by the dealer. I’ve taken it to the dealership several times. No warning lamps or messages.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an ABS module failure. The contact was informed that the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Regal. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing, the vehicle failed to shift out of gear. The gear shifter was in drive(D); however, the vehicle failed to move as intended. After several attempts to shift into gear, the transmission was engaged shifted into gear, and the vehicle operated normally. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact believed th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact discovered that while driving at various speeds, the key could be removed from the ignition while the engine was still running. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for service, and the vehicle was returned in less than 30 minutes. The contact was su... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
See attached letter for complaint for potential Defect Petition DP26005
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The factory-installed remote start system on this 2025 Volkswagen Atlas operates intermittently, failing to activate approximately 50% of the time. The issue has been reported to an authorized VW dealer. The intermittent nature of the failure has made it difficult to reproduce consistently during service visits. When remote start fails in cold or hot weather conditions, occupants may be forced to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The factory-installed remote start system on this 2025 Volkswagen Atlas operates intermittently, failing to activate approximately 50% of the time. The issue has been reported to an authorized VW dealer. The intermittent nature of the failure has made it difficult to reproduce consistently during service visits. When remote start fails in cold or hot weather conditions, occupants may be forced to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2026
Over the past year and a half I’ve had to deal with unknown reasons for at least 13 tire problems. And one of those problems was a complete blow out on the highway. When I went to get my spare tire and change it there wasn’t anything in the trunks spare compartment. I called the dealership and they said they don’t do that (meaning they don’t provide the car with a spare). I was very confus... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
This vehicle has the auto stop start feature. The engine has shut off 3 times while driving and had to be restarted with the ignition since purchasing this vehicle. Twice at a red light and once while braking in a parking lot. This has created an extremely dangerous situation in traffic. When the light turned green the vehicle would not move. The vehicle had to be shifted to park and then started ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2026
On June 6, 2026, while driving home, the vehicle suddenly began smelling strongly of gasoline and burnt rubber. Within seconds, thick black smoke became visible in the side mirrors, followed immediately by white smoke pouring from the front hood and into the passenger cabin through the air vents. As I attempted to pull over to safety, the vehicle completely stopped responding. The brakes failed... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Upon starting my car, the check engine light illuminated. Took my car to my mechanic and they confirmed an engine issue. Also stated the Ford 2.0 Liter engine has a high failure rate. My 2017 Ford Fusion SE (2.0 L Turbo Engine – VIN # [XXX]) with only 82,300 miles, which was purchased new, that has developed a water intrusion issue as identified in the Ford TSB 19-2346. After two separate... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
While driving on Interstate Highway 95, the electronic displays on the dashboard went completely blank for approximately 10 minutes.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2021
I have replaced my whole engine and the cars fuel system.. my gas was backing into my oil along with the engine failing .. has happened again. This car has been a nightmare and just keeps failing. Strong gas and oil burning smell then car starts smoking. Had to shut it off in the middle of the road.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my concern regarding the windshield quality on my Honda CR-V. I recently purchased this vehicle and have already experienced three separate chips in the windshield caused by small rocks during normal driving conditions. I have owned several vehicles over the years including Honda SUV, and have encountered similar road conditions without experiencin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
Had to replace engine around 136000 and pay for it out of pocket. I am finding other people with the same model and year having this same issue This is what they said "verified cel was on. vehicle was running really bad, there was no coolant in the reservoir, i pulled spark plugs and inspected all the cylinders, cylinders 3 & 4 spark plugs were covered in fluid and were black. i used combustion c... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
The 8-speed automatic transmission (Aisin UB80, the 4-cylinder variant of the UA80 family) failed at approximately 53,000 miles. Symptoms prior to failure: harsh shifting, RPM flare to 4,000 between gears before hard engagement ("thud"), loss of power in Reverse, and a metal-on-metal noise from inside the transmission when power was applied. No dashboard warning lights illuminated at any point. S... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Right and left strut mounts struts are making noise popping noise when turning the wheel also transmission is very hot in cabin. Back up camera blanks out on hot says
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
Right and left strut mounts struts are making noise popping noise when turning the wheel also transmission is very hot in cabin. Back up camera blanks out on hot says
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
Shortly after purchasing my 2022 Ford Escape, I began experiencing hesitation during acceleration, loss of power, RPM fluctuations, loud howling and whining noises, grinding noises, exhaust-related rattling, coolant bubbling, and a strong sulfur/rotten egg odor. The problems were reported repeatedly to the selling dealer and Ford service departments. Despite multiple complaints, I was repeatedly t... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Fuel tank may fail or charcoal canister within. Causing you not to be able to fill up the car and if it overflows it’ll spill. Coolant will also miraculously evaporate, even while car is sitting due to [XXX] water pump. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: May 1, 2026
My 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Premier is covered under GM recall 25V-274 for the 6.2L L87 engine defect (loss of propulsion from connecting rod and crankshaft failure). In XXX, the dealer notified me my vehicle required a full engine replacement under this recall. Wareing Sheridan Chevrolet in [XXX] replaced the engine, and the vehicle was out of service approximately 12 to 14 days. Approximately 6,0... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
I have a misfire and all the warning lights came on. This is due to Honda having the fuel pump recalled that has damaged all the fuel injectors. It took them almost a year to get the recall parts and now myself and a ton of others are now having to pay for these fuel injectors to have a car that doesn't stall and die on the road. Honda should have taken care of this knowing it damaged the fuel inj... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
There are several lights that come on and say there is a problem. Upon looking online for information on how to fix it there are numerous people with the same issue and there should be a recall.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Left rear seat belt buckle or system failed causing a fault in the Airbag/Restraint system. The fault initially happened in June of 2025 with about 50k miles on the vehicle. I took it to a dealer who told me the buckle was not available and the whole system needed to be replaced for over $1500. Vehicle seldom has anyone in the back seat but that is where my children sit. Looking at posts on th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
Left rear seat belt buckle or system failed causing a fault in the Airbag/Restraint system. The fault initially happened in June of 2025 with about 50k miles on the vehicle. I took it to a dealer who told me the buckle was not available and the whole system needed to be replaced for over $1500. Vehicle seldom has anyone in the back seat but that is where my children sit. Looking at posts on th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Left rear seat belt buckle or system failed causing a fault in the Airbag/Restraint system. The fault initially happened in June of 2025 with about 50k miles on the vehicle. I took it to a dealer who told me the buckle was not available and the whole system needed to be replaced for over $1500. Vehicle seldom has anyone in the back seat but that is where my children sit. Looking at posts on th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Disgusted & deeply disappointed in my first (& last) experience owning a Toyota is an understatement. I confidently purchased a brand new Camry in 2019, based on their reputation for reliability. But, as soon as the warranty expired, the problems began. First, the electronic water pump failed, costing me $1200. The thermostat failed while I was on vacation last year, costing $300ish. Multiple ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Yes, as I was driving down the highway doing the current speed limit my hood had a complete failure where the adhesive for the hood separated completely in the top layer flew off, obstructed my driving for more than 10 seconds then flew off and almost hit multiple cars behind me. Thank goodness this caused me to pull over off the road, but the safety of others and I were at very harms way due to a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2026
Potential fire even when vehicle is off.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
XXX, the emergency mode kept coming on, on the dash of my daughters 2019 Tiguan. I Took the tiguan to VW and they recommended replacement of gear selector unit. This is the car my daughter drives. She recently graduated and is now going to the military, leaving for bootcamp on 6/15. The part has been on backorder for 6 months (since Dec 2025), so she has only been able to drive on short trips and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
Backup camera is completely black when it is dark outside, making it worthless. It is fine during daylight hours. The local Honda dealer acknowledged that there is a problem, but stated that Honda has no solution for it at this time.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
Backup camera is completely black when it is dark outside, making it worthless. It is fine during daylight hours. The local Honda dealer acknowledged that there is a problem, but stated that Honda has no solution for it at this time.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
I purchase this car on XXX Clinton Ford Dealership and engine need replacement Jan 2020 . I at that time did many replacement until the final diagnostic said engine replacement confirm by dealership Ford Dealership Fayetteville NC . The purge valve canister went out in 2022 and was replaced by Ed’sTire in Hope Mills Rd 11/19–11/22/2022 and now mechanic said it is in need of replacement again .... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
Consumer haveing coolant intrusion into cylinder 3 due to a defect on a 2017 ford escape titanium eco boost 2.0
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
My insurance company notified me about Recall Campaign D019, and according to official NHTSA guidelines, where cracks are found, the front suspension knuckle must be replaced immediately at no charge. The dealership's local staff professionally inspected my vehicle and confirmed that the component is actively cracking. However, Land Rover Corporate has failed to provide a timely remedy for this sp... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2026
There have been multiple times when I’m driving on the highway, at highway speeds, and the expedition will stall when shifting gears. There will be a moment when it sounds like the vehicle is in neutral, a loud clunking sound will be heard, and then it jerks into the gear it should be in. This has happened to me on numerous occasions, even happening at lower rates of speed, like when I’m in to... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
OnXXX I was sold an “As is” vehicle under a Christmas special that was deemed unsafe to drive by a licensed mechanic a week later because of the rear subframe is bent from premature corrosion the dealer denied knowing anything about it but i submitted a case with FLHSMV because under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA): For consumer sales, even in "as-is" transaction... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
Cowl vent grille openings allowed normal environmental debris to accumulate, plug drainage and divert water onto electrical components and potentially result in a fire if not addressed. Some of the debris passes through into the hvac system and cannot be cleaned without dealer removal/repair of the hvac motor, which costs the customer more than $500 in repairs and disincentivizes mitigation. Fu... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
Cowl vent grille openings allowed normal environmental debris to accumulate, plug drainage and divert water onto electrical components and potentially result in a fire if not addressed. Some of the debris passes through into the hvac system and cannot be cleaned without dealer removal/repair of the hvac motor, which costs the customer more than $500 in repairs and disincentivizes mitigation. Fu... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
My 2022 Hyundai Tucson Experience, a sudden transmission failure at approximately 92,520 miles. The vehicle develop shifting issues and abnormal noises before losing propulsión. While driving. Hyundai diagnosed and internal Transmission failure and approved transmission replacement. I’m concerned about the sudden loss of proportion and the safety risk this creates. Hyundai proposed repair is to... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
My 2022 Hyundai Tucson Experience, a sudden transmission failure at approximately 92,520 miles. The vehicle develop shifting issues and abnormal noises before losing propulsión. While driving. Hyundai diagnosed and internal Transmission failure and approved transmission replacement. I’m concerned about the sudden loss of proportion and the safety risk this creates. Hyundai proposed repair is to... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The braking system failed, preventing the vehicle from stopping properly. The vehicle is currently at a tow yard and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Because the brakes failed, I was unable to stop at a traffic light. The vehicle en... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
Water leaks into and pools in the tail lights causing the tail light to go out. Other drivers can't see the back of the car at night thus increasing risk of rear end collision. The problem was confirmed by the dealer and I was told that it is a very common problem on this model and that the manufacturer refuses to cover the $1600.00 repair cost. There were no warnings that the light had gone out, ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The Tesla Autosteer (equivalent of adaptive cruise control) failed to brake on seeing the car ahead braking. In the 5 seconds before impact, the car ahead had started braking. The autosteer did not brake for the first 3 seconds and then It asked me to take over 2 seconds before collision. It did not apply automatic emergency braking causing me to rear end the car ahead of me on the freeway at arou... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The Tesla Autosteer (equivalent of adaptive cruise control) failed to brake on seeing the car ahead braking. In the 5 seconds before impact, the car ahead had started braking. The autosteer did not brake for the first 3 seconds and then It asked me to take over 2 seconds before collision. It did not apply automatic emergency braking causing me to rear end the car ahead of me on the freeway at arou... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: May 14, 2026
Driving towards direct light/sunlight is damn near impossible with this vehicle die to the extreme amount of glare from the dashboard. It makes me worried especially now that summer is approaching, feels like it can be catastrophic. Rear brake assist is horrible on more than one occasion the car will stop as if it has just been hit by a semi. Leaving the vehicle unable to proceed in reverse(one... Read more