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: May 9, 2026
There is corrosion and rust that is underneith my car! This is a very poor constuction of Chevy! This should never happen as long as the car is driving. When this corrosion happened there are a brake cable that is dangling under my car which is going on because of the rust and corrision underneith my car! I want answers and Chevy to do something about fixing the hanging brake cable under my car! I... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The vehicle has been taken to Tesla multiple times due to ongoing controllability and safety concerns. The Autopilot system will occasionally brake unexpectedly at green lights or when another vehicle is passing on the right side. The vehicle has also experienced repeated drivetrain issues, including the half shafts failing at least four times within a short period. During acceleration, the vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was hard to steer and the steering wheel jerked. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed steering gear box. The contact... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKX. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts were not available for the recall repair. The contact then stated while driving at at speeds, the brake pedal had become soft and spongy upon depression without warning. In addition, the contact stated that a puddle of brake fluid would accu... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
Brand new 2024 Honda Accord touring purchased on Oct.3, 2023. Started having issues with the braking system around June 18, 2024. I contacted Sons Honda where the car was purchased. Sons told me to contact American Honda. I contacted American Honda and we were in a back and forth conversation for 18 months. until they offered me $3000, which was not enough to start to fix the several other issues ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
ABS MODULE / HCU SHORTED INTERNALLY. BOTH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THESE ARE ON RECALL FOR MANY 2020 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND THE DEALER HAS REPLACED SEVERAL FOR THIS RECALL. MY JEEP SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR $2954.79 OUT OF POCKET
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
My 2022 Honda Pilot failed to engage Drive after reversing, despite the Drive button being pressed. This resulted in an unintended backward motion & a collision with another vehicle. 1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned…? The Electronic Transmission Shift-by-Wire system (push-button shifter) failed to respond to a gear change request. Additionally, related electrical systems includ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH under a local under path the vehicles the braking system suddenly activated causing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. Previously the while driving at the same location the vehicle suddenly reduced speeds. The contact indicated that each time the failure had occurred the cruise control featur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH under a local under path the vehicles the braking system suddenly activated causing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. Previously the while driving at the same location the vehicle suddenly reduced speeds. The contact indicated that each time the failure had occurred the cruise control featur... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, Please see attached formal notice regarding recurring defects, safety-related recall issues, Certified Pre-Owned representations, and financing concerns associated with my 2020 Lincoln Aviator Reserve VIN [XXX] . This matter involves: • recurring suspension and electrical concerns; • safety-related rearview camera/SYNC recall issues; • repeated dealership repair act... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
To Whom It May Concern, Please see attached formal notice regarding recurring defects, safety-related recall issues, Certified Pre-Owned representations, and financing concerns associated with my 2020 Lincoln Aviator Reserve VIN [XXX] . This matter involves: • recurring suspension and electrical concerns; • safety-related rearview camera/SYNC recall issues; • repeated dealership repair act... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
Brand new OEM ford clutch slave cylinder failed while in traffic. Part number DG9Z-7A564-B fell apart during test drive after it was newly installed. Lost ability to use the clutch pedal and could not pull the car out of gear while in traffic. Component was not inspected by manufacturer yet, there were no warning lights on the dash when it occurred. Was able to get the car back home and noticed br... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
I contacted ford about my molded lead frame because my truck has a issue with the transmission and they denied my coverage to repair the problem and it’s is expired so the won’t fix the issue.
Incident date: May 10, 2026
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, I was driving home from a neurology appointment with my two daughters, including my child with special needs. I intentionally chose not to take the expressway and instead drove a lower-speed route home for safety reasons. While traveling approximately 35 mph, the vehicle suddenly displayed an “Engine Power is Reduced” warning. As I attempted to safely maneuver thr... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
I have had this vehicle since about August 2025, the brakes and wheel bearings have failed twice, the strut failed, the power steering system has messed up repeatedly, the coolant came FLYING out of the car (while parked) FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON! There have been multiple warning lights on since I got the vehicle and I have been told they are just sensors from multiple mechanics and that they don'... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
I have had this vehicle since about August 2025, the brakes and wheel bearings have failed twice, the strut failed, the power steering system has messed up repeatedly, the coolant came FLYING out of the car (while parked) FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON! There have been multiple warning lights on since I got the vehicle and I have been told they are just sensors from multiple mechanics and that they don'... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Was driving down the highway when Check: electric vehicle system warning came on and car slowed suddenly and wouldnt go past 41MPH. Within a min, the car slowed down further and just as I was pulling on the shoulder. Car didnt have power to move after.
Incident date: May 10, 2026
Was driving down the highway when Check: electric vehicle system warning came on and car slowed suddenly and wouldnt go past 41MPH. Within a min, the car slowed down further and just as I was pulling on the shoulder. Car didnt have power to move after.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
My Nissan Rogue Platinum 2021 not want to start I call a AAA they check the batery but the batery was new 3 months I have to call a tow truck and bring it to Nissan dealer on university dr in hunstville Alabama they keep the car for 3 days the call me and said that was the starter and also that the coolant get in to the motor that the car need a new motor that cost 9,000 dollars plus the starter 1... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
My Nissan Rogue Platinum 2021 not want to start I call a AAA they check the batery but the batery was new 3 months I have to call a tow truck and bring it to Nissan dealer on university dr in hunstville Alabama they keep the car for 3 days the call me and said that was the starter and also that the coolant get in to the motor that the car need a new motor that cost 9,000 dollars plus the starter 1... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
While i was closing the trunk Did press area below my license plate to close the trunk, and got a dent below the license playe. Looks like very poor quality of steel being used
Incident date: May 10, 2026
2023 September BMW issued me a "Stop Drive" letter in the mail. I parked the vehicle and haven't drove it since. Since then ive called the number in letter and visited website. At one time the individual handling and scheduling my "repair" had asked me if I could drive the car to nearest dealership to get repaired? I said absolutely not; i have recieved a letter stating to stop driving? Im not gon... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
03/17/26: Kia Soul 2022 was brought into the dealership to have the safety recall (NHTSA: 25V099; Kia: SC336) addressed. There is a description of the service that says, “Piston Oil Ring.” Dealership stated everything was "good to go" upon completion of this service. Per dealership document, causal part says “Ring Set-Piston”, Issue number SC336. Issue Type: Safety Recall; Description: Pi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
I have had issues with the 10 speed transmission on my Expedition. I looked up my year model and type of transmission and there is a NHTSA recall on select model year transmissions within my year range. My vehicle is doing the same thing that is stated in the recall. I spoke to a transmission shop and they are the ones that informed me of the transmission issues and recalls. I reached out to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
Thermostat housing and oil cooler bracket leaking coolant with only 56k miles on the car
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The apparent failure involves the engine lubrication and/or cooling system. After approximately 30 minutes of driving, I noticed a strong burning oil/fluid/exhaust-type odor. Initially, I believed it was coming from other vehicles because my vehicle had passed inspection about two weeks earlier. Once parked and away from traffic, it became clear the odor was coming from my vehicle. About one hour ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2025
STRONG SMELL OF GAS WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE. ALSO STRONG SMELL OF GAS WHILE PARKED. GETTING WORSE!!! LOOKED UP THIS ISSUE ON YOU TUBE. FOUND THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN AUDI Q7 YEARS 2007-2012. I OWN AN AUDI 2007 Q7. CALLED NEAREST DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE WITH REPAIR DEPARTMENT. THEY STATED THIS WAS AN ISSUE NOT ON A RECALL LIST FOR MY VEHICLE. VIN# [XXX] PURCHASED USED 2018 FROM PRIVATE DEALERSHIP IN ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
There has been an active recall on this vehicle for around a year for fuel injectors leaking on the top of the engine and potentially causing a fire. Since this is a turbocharged engine, that risk of fire is significant if fuel does leak.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2026
2025 Toyota RAV4 XLE 4 door utility 2.5L 4 Cyl Gas A AWD unexpected sudden acceleration My safety as well as other vehicles and occupants as could have been at risk. National Transportation Safety Boaed has confirmed 57 cpmplaints of same issue. Vehicle determined total loss by insurance inspector, Va State Police. No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms proir to the problem.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
The car had been parked for 30 minutes in the driveway and spontaneously caught on fire. Our lives and home were at risk of serious injury due to the fire. Firefighters and police were called to the scene and the fire was put out. There were no mechanical issues prior to this happening.
Fire
Incident date: May 2, 2026
I’m still driving a time bomb waiting for vehicle fire or accident. Was told first quarter of the year. Now, still no remedy. I purchase car brand new and weeks later received notice. Then I was told Toyota was informed not to sell and I just bought mine. All I’m told is to wait. If engine line comes on pull over and tow. That’s great while I’m driving my family.
Incident date: May 9, 2026
This vehicle has major suspension issues containing the complete strut assembly, lower control arms, and strut yokes/forks, which can not be replaced due to the discontinuance of the vehicle and parts itself. Because of this the car cannot receive an alignment which cause the tires to be eaten up at a rapid rate. When going over a bump in the highway the steering column goes one way while the car ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
I bought this used with 113,000 miles on it. Within the first year, I had to fix AC,oil leak and alternator. I also had to replace the transmission which gave out completely. Then about 14 months into owning this vehicle, the engine light came on, and I suddenly could not maintain speed. I was lucky I was not on the main highway where I would have been hit from cars behind me. KIA refuses to fix/r... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
I bought this used with 113,000 miles on it. Within the first year, I had to fix AC,oil leak and alternator. I also had to replace the transmission which gave out completely. Then about 14 months into owning this vehicle, the engine light came on, and I suddenly could not maintain speed. I was lucky I was not on the main highway where I would have been hit from cars behind me. KIA refuses to fix/r... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
Coming to a stop sign or red light the car won’t accelerate or will go in traction control making it difficult to move or not accelerate. Had 2-3 fuel leaks this year also having problems to keep the car going sometimes the max speed it will go is 20-40 miles n won’t go up unless u keep letting it slow down slowly n then accelerating n even after that it won’t make it above 60-70 miles it us... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The transmission on my 2020 Ford Escape has an internal fault code and is not shifting into 6th gear. It is an unsafe issue due to it cannot be driven on highways because it throws the vehicle into limp mode. It was diagnosed at a Ford dealership and Ford is refusing to cover the cost to repair their issue since the vehicle is out of warranty. There is a class action suit against Ford for this iss... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
Took my 2017 Ford F-150 in for a diagnostic on May 8 2026 for wrench symbol check engine light and issues down shifting and sliding tires shop manager and technician claimed the vehicle is unsafe to drive and talked to the Service manager deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive wanted it grounded do to the safety concerns related to Recall 26S28 (PCM/TRS) stated the down shifting is cause catastrop... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
Took my 2017 Ford F-150 in for a diagnostic on May 8 2026 for wrench symbol check engine light and issues down shifting and sliding tires shop manager and technician claimed the vehicle is unsafe to drive and talked to the Service manager deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive wanted it grounded do to the safety concerns related to Recall 26S28 (PCM/TRS) stated the down shifting is cause catastrop... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The truck often shifts from 6th gear down to 1st or second gear, sometimes at highway speeds and all warning light come on. It sometimes resolved itself upon starting it again, but seems to affect the throttle body. When the electrical system resets, you can hear a click from the throttle body indicating that the valve reset when the computer reset. We also have been affected by intense suffering ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
The truck often shifts from 6th gear down to 1st or second gear, sometimes at highway speeds and all warning light come on. It sometimes resolved itself upon starting it again, but seems to affect the throttle body. When the electrical system resets, you can hear a click from the throttle body indicating that the valve reset when the computer reset. We also have been affected by intense suffering ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
2011 Prius. 80k miles. Brake booster buzz coming on every 15 seconds now. ABs, traction and brake lights on. I’ve heard of many Prius owners with the same issue. I also have another Prius with the same issue at 120k miles. Brake booster accumulator codes popping up with 80k miles. It is a safety concern as the abs brakes don’t work. Almost every Prius is effected by this.
Incident date: May 8, 2026
sudden reduced acceleration / limp mode while driving P1326 knock code potential engine failure / loss of power
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Hi my name Is [XXX] . JD Byrider financed me this car knowing that it had open recalls putting me and my family's lives in danger. The car has had electrical problems since Ive had it. Every other day different lights appear on the dashboard Service Airbags ,Service ABS and traction ESC off are some of the few. The car has been to their service department 14 times since Ive owned it each time they... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The third brake light is not working on my 2022 Gladiator. It was working, but shortly after purchase it stopped working. This seems to be quite the issue as I have seen many Gladiators of all years with the third brake lights not working. This is a safety issue and will not pass inspection if not working. Since there are so many years of Gladiators with inoperable third brake lights it shows that... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
My engine needed oil I checked the dip stick added the oil the next day my engine started leaking and over heating come to find out there’s a pcv issue the valve cover gasket along with multiple other seals need replaced I was unaware of anything wrong no indication of over heating I just smelled the heat and was able to see after popping the hood the radiator fan is now not working and gas is c... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
My engine needed oil I checked the dip stick added the oil the next day my engine started leaking and over heating come to find out there’s a pcv issue the valve cover gasket along with multiple other seals need replaced I was unaware of anything wrong no indication of over heating I just smelled the heat and was able to see after popping the hood the radiator fan is now not working and gas is c... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2025
On May 8, 2026 at approximately 1:15 PM in [XXX] , my 2023 Tesla Model Y unexpectedly locked with my [XXX] infant inside during approximately 100°F weather. I briefly exited the vehicle while charging to disconnect the charging cable. My authenticated phone key remained inside the cabin. Immediately after unplugging the charger, the vehicle activated Walk-Away Door Lock and locked all doors des... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Car reduced speed and the smell of gas filled the car. Car shut off. Check engine light came on with reduced speed. This is the second time this has happened. Gas leaked onto ground from car. Car stalls immediately while driving and does not allow you to press the gas to keep moving. Almost hit from behind on Main Street.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Car reduced speed and smells of gas. Will not crank and will stall immediately and just stops immediately. Car has only 30,000 miles and it has stalled out for the second time with the same issue. The first time the car stalled on the freeway and I was almost hit from the back. This second time reduced speed and quickly shut off on a Main Street and was almost hit again. Car does not allow you to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Shudder when automatic transmission shifts. Long lag time when vehicle accelerates after throttle is engaged. Can feel and hear knock every time throttle is engaged and disengaged.