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: Mar 11, 2021
I filed a complaint when the first engine seized. It's a miracle we got off the road safely that day. While it was at the dealership, the engine was replaced with a used engine and covered by my extended warranty from Vroom. I believe the cost was approximately $14,000. I was told the engine had around 30,000 miles on it. I've put around 20,000 miles on this engine and the same thing happened agai... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
This recall has been unresolved for approximately two years. Recently, while traveling at highway speeds, the A-pillar trim detached from my vehicle and flew off, striking a vehicle behind me. Fortunately, no accident occurred, but the situation was extremely dangerous and could have resulted in serious injuries or property damage. This is precisely the type of incident the recall was intended to ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
Check engine light, electronic throttle control warning, and auto start/stop warning lights illuminate intermittently. OBD scan revealed codes P018B and P018D (Fuel Pressure Sensor B Circuit). Freeze frame data shows fuel rail pressure at 20,030 kPa under full throttle load, significantly below expected range. Engine running lean with short term fuel trim at +11.7%. Dealer and FCA confirmed awaren... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
Check engine light, electronic throttle control warning, and auto start/stop warning lights illuminate intermittently. OBD scan revealed codes P018B and P018D (Fuel Pressure Sensor B Circuit). Freeze frame data shows fuel rail pressure at 20,030 kPa under full throttle load, significantly below expected range. Engine running lean with short term fuel trim at +11.7%. Dealer and FCA confirmed awaren... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX]; [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: XXX To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) Subject: Formal Safety Defect Complaint – 2017 Hyundai Sonata Theta II Engine Failure, Excessive Oil Consumption, Intake/Engine Component Failure and Safety Hazard Dear Sir or Madam: I am submitting this formal complaint and request for immediate investigat... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
While driving my 2019 Honda Accord Hybrid at highway speed, the engine suddenly suffered catastrophic failure. The engine block ruptured, leaving a large visible hole with internal engine components exposed. Oil was expelled into the engine bay and ignited/burned briefly. This occurred without prior warning at highway speed and created a sudden loss-of-propulsion hazard. The vehicle has approxima... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 28, 2026
I heard knocking as I was leaving gas station. I was scared about what was going wrong and if it was safe to drive home. I was alone and it was after dark. I took the next day off and took the car to my mechanic. He said it sounded like rod knock but didn’t want to do the engine replacement so he sent me to another mechanic who also said it sounded like the engine needed to be replaced. I di... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
CRUISE CONTROL SURGES BEYOND NORMAL LIMITS, HAS TRIED TO TAKE CURVES ON EXITS SO FAST THE TIRES SLIDE AND I HAVE TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES. ALSO, WHEN PULLING OUT FROM BEHIND A CAR, THE CRUISE CONTROL KICKS IN TOO FAST AND IS FLYING TOWARD STOPPED CARS, AND I HAVE TO USE THE BRAKE TO STOP IT OR REAR-END THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. ALSO, THE FUEL SYSTEM WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO FILL UP THE GAS TANK, AND I W... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
CRUISE CONTROL SURGES BEYOND NORMAL LIMITS, HAS TRIED TO TAKE CURVES ON EXITS SO FAST THE TIRES SLIDE AND I HAVE TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES. ALSO, WHEN PULLING OUT FROM BEHIND A CAR, THE CRUISE CONTROL KICKS IN TOO FAST AND IS FLYING TOWARD STOPPED CARS, AND I HAVE TO USE THE BRAKE TO STOP IT OR REAR-END THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. ALSO, THE FUEL SYSTEM WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO FILL UP THE GAS TANK, AND I W... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
On XXX, while at a residential complex in [XXX], I got into my 2025 Porsche Cayenne and gently closed the door. Upon closing the door, the rear window spontaneously shattered completely. The conditions at the time were as follows: • Outdoor temperature: approximately 85°F — well within normal operating range • No prior chips, cracks, or visible damage to the glass before the incident • N... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
2022 Silverado 1500 LTZ w/6.2L 38082 total miles. First engine replacement due to seizure at approx. 17,782 miles around June/2025, The vehicle lost all propulsion and stopped running while sitting at a stop sign at a four way intersection during a really bad thunderstorm, Luckily the intersection was on a declining hill and i was able to coast it into nearby parking lot .I'm a senior citizen wi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
My car has following issues recently. 1. Tire pressure monitoring system failed for all four tires. 2. Electrical door lock systems failed. All these symptoms match the BCM recall for the model and year of my car. But my VIN is not included with the recall. I believe Ford did not include all impacted car in this recall.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2025
My car has following issues recently. 1. Tire pressure monitoring system failed for all four tires. 2. Electrical door lock systems failed. All these symptoms match the BCM recall for the model and year of my car. But my VIN is not included with the recall. I believe Ford did not include all impacted car in this recall.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2026
I took my vehicle in due to a recall on the coaxial cable that was causing the electronic to malfunction and make a constant electrical popping sound. Shortly after that was replaced, the multipurpose camera started to malfunction and eventually gave out completely. I have warning lights constantly and cannot use any safety features in the vehicle, not even the cruise control. After much research ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
My 2016 GMC Terrain 2.4L Ecotec first stalled while idling at a red light in Raleigh, NC. I restarted it and it sounded different, so I drove it home. The next morning it would not start. The failure occurred at approximately 69,939 miles with no meaningful warning. The dealer’s diagnostic report states there were no current relevant codes and no relevant codes in history. The dealer documented... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
While driving today I came to a stop sign, stopped. Proceeded to go and the Forward collision camera and surround camera kicked on and played a tone with nothing in front of me. Then as I proceeded to get up to speed the cameras and surround would not shut off. Or allow me to exit the screen. The camera finally shut off after about 10-15 minutes of driving at highway speeds. This is not the first ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
While driving today I came to a stop sign, stopped. Proceeded to go and the Forward collision camera and surround camera kicked on and played a tone with nothing in front of me. Then as I proceeded to get up to speed the cameras and surround would not shut off. Or allow me to exit the screen. The camera finally shut off after about 10-15 minutes of driving at highway speeds. This is not the first ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
On XXX, at approximately 8:01:49 AM Eastern Time, my 2024 Tesla Model Y (VIN: [XXX]) was operating under Full Self-Driving (FSD) software version 14.3.3 when the system directed the vehicle into the outer wall of my residential garage without driver input. FSD was actively engaged at the time of the incident. The vehicle sustained significant damage to the front bumper fascia and wheel well trim. ... Read more
Crash
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2024) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: May 22, 2026
Engine temp gauge bottoms out because the thermostat is stuck open, causing the air to stop working. Also a warning that the steering assist is reduced. Eng check light comes on with a code P0208. This a known problem with an extended service # (N242484760) but only if your vin is listed. All vehicles with this problem should be covered
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this complaint to report ongoing safety concerns involving my 2013 Hyundai Sonata. I purchased this vehicle in 2022 through financing and paid it off in 2025. Since acquiring the vehicle, I have experienced persistent mechanical issues that I believe may pose a safety risk to myself, my child, and others on the road. The most concerning issue involves the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact ha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
On Multiple occasions, the vehicle has spun out of control as though it's reacting to something that is not present. On May 10, 2026, headed north on the highway the car again lost control first veering right and then left into the highway median where it collided, spun out and hit again. I had injuries and a mild concussion.
1 injured
Incident date: May 25, 2026
When driving in the rain, the vehicle flashed a collision warning indicator and applied the brakes as if there was an imminent collision with an object ahead, but the street ahead was completely empty - no vehicles or other objects that would warrant deploying the pre-collision braking system were present. If there were a vehicle behind me at the time, it is likely that their safety would have be... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound and shut off on several occasions. The contact turned the ignition key, and the vehicle restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was determined that the oil level was low. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera intermittently displayed a blank image. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer due to the front axle fracturing after the vehicle struck a curb while driving in inclement weather. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The steering system made clicking noises and while turning would lock up. I took this to Honda, and they replaced the steering rack. This was extremely unsafe, especially at higher speeds. I did not feel safe driving this vehicle with the steering system failing. This VIN was not included in a Honda recall for the steering system and the steering system failed. The cost of repair was $3400.00. Hon... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The v... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The v... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
I am writing to report a severe, escalating safety defect regarding the "ghost touching" / phantom input malfunction of the infotainment head unit on my Subaru Outback. This electronic defect has escalated from a minor distraction into a severe hazard that directly compromises the operational safety features of the vehicle, putting myself and my children at imminent risk of a crash. When this prob... Read more
HONDA
CIVIC HATCHBACK
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
While driving, the power steering stopped and basically locked up the steering wheel almost causing an accident. At the same time, multiple warnings flashed on the dash. After restarting, the vehicle operated as should until the following day when it occurred again and we had to have it towed to the dealership. Water intrusion and corrosion damaged a wiring harness and rack and pinion. The cost to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The auto idle stop (AIS) system is not working. When it stops the car at a red light, it fails to restart the car. I have to shift back into park and restart the car. That is a potentially dangerous situation.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Problem - throttle lag/hesitation/lurch. Truck won't go when throttle is pressed for a couple seconds cold or hot. Mentioned the problem on my 5000 mile service. Service tech said he could not reproduce the problem but happens with my drives 95% of the time. No warning lights have appeared.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The steering assist malfunctions. It almost always fails around curves. It also does it sometimes on a straightaway, but it is not as frequent as with curves. It gets too close to the line and overcompensates. It literally will drive you off of the road. I have been driving across country and if I had not been diligent, I would have crashed dozens of times. According to Grok, this is a common comp... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Oil Change and Check Engine Light continuously appear. Have gotten oil changes during the prescribed timings and still after being within the timeframe of the oil change the sensor appears. The car has stalled while driving due to this and have on multiple occasions have had to buy oil to add to the vehicle even after getting a oil change at a dealership.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle pulled to the right, with a creaking sound while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The contact replaced the brake pads and rotors every year, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure persisted after the wheels were rotated. The vehicle was taken to the de... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle pulled to the right, with a creaking sound while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right. The contact replaced the brake pads and rotors every year, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure persisted after the wheels were rotated. The vehicle was taken to the de... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH and hauling a trailer, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact drove the vehicle into a ditch to stop it. The message "Low Brake Fluid" was displayed, and the brake warning light was illuminated. The front driver's side tire was damaged from the dit... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 10, 2020
I had the car for just 2 years and it's giving me a lot of problems the car smells like gas it has a gas leak the breaks don't work and the electrical system don't work properly
Incident date: Oct 10, 2020
I had the car for just 2 years and it's giving me a lot of problems the car smells like gas it has a gas leak the breaks don't work and the electrical system don't work properly
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
2005 Chrysler Pacifica was purchased from a friend’s grandfather who kept the car garaged the car is literally like new inside and out the under carriage looks like new no rust I was impressed but had a rattling in the front end I figured it was a strut took it in to have struts and all front end parts replaced to my surprise I get a call from the shop engine cradle and it bushings rusted out tr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
2005 Chrysler Pacifica was purchased from a friend’s grandfather who kept the car garaged the car is literally like new inside and out the under carriage looks like new no rust I was impressed but had a rattling in the front end I figured it was a strut took it in to have struts and all front end parts replaced to my surprise I get a call from the shop engine cradle and it bushings rusted out tr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
I was using Full self driving (FSD), but I notice the autopilot gets "impatient" when (correctly) stopped for a "long" period of time (~2 minutes), but will then try to proceed in dangerous conditions. 1. I had FSD engaged while waiting to make an uncontrolled left turn. The street I'm turning onto is busy, so both lanes are going at a steady pace. After about 2 minutes of waiting, the autopilot ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
My 2016 Ford F-150 is currently subject to Recall 26S28 / NHTSA Recall 26V237. Prior to the recall remedy becoming available, the vehicle began experiencing erratic transmission shifting and illuminated the check engine light, wrench symbol, and codes P0720 and P0722 were present. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership for diagnosis. The dealership documented that the vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a clanging sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle then started to work as intended before coming to a complete stop at the second traffic light. The contact stated that once the traffic light turned green, the accelerator pedal was depressed... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
Since 2024/2025 car has been malfunctioning, I’ve had it checked out but it just got worse and nothing was fixed l, it is I driveable and very unsafe. When driving it abruptly stops like it’s crashing Messages that pop up (Multiple ones at one time flashing as well) - service “ESC” -“service power steering drive with care” -“shift to park” -“low fuel” (but car has gas in ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The inspection sticker mechanic inspected the car and found the rear brake hoses rubbing against the sway bar indicating that there should be a clip somewhere to prevent rubbing. See picture attached. See if a possible safety recall can be done on all Toyota RAV4 vehicles.
Incident date: May 24, 2026
I am writing to formally request reconsideration of Hyundai’s denial of assistance for the transmission failure in my 2021 Hyundai Palisade. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that Hyundai vehicles are built to provide dependable transportation and that major components such as the transmission would last well beyond the current mileage and age of the vehicle. Unfortunately, I have e... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2026
I am writing to formally request reconsideration of Hyundai’s denial of assistance for the transmission failure in my 2021 Hyundai Palisade. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that Hyundai vehicles are built to provide dependable transportation and that major components such as the transmission would last well beyond the current mileage and age of the vehicle. Unfortunately, I have e... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2026
I am writing to formally request reconsideration of Hyundai’s denial of assistance for the transmission failure in my 2021 Hyundai Palisade. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that Hyundai vehicles are built to provide dependable transportation and that major components such as the transmission would last well beyond the current mileage and age of the vehicle. Unfortunately, I have e... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000(BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made... Read more