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 78,021 complaints for HYUNDAI
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
The power steering has stopped working. After starting the car it shows a "Steering Assist Fault" message and the steering doesn't work. Thankfully this happened when the car was stopped. My car battery is fine so this must be a failure in the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
I can't unscrew 4 lug nuts on my rear wheel. I was able to remove just one bought extra tool try to remove them all. Material is like butter, not steel. How engineering could let material like that to be used. I found on the web that a dealer wonna $400 to remove that lugs....
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
I purchased this vehicle in June 2024 as a demo vehicle with approximately 7,000 miles on it. Within one month of ownership, the vehicle began experiencing serious problems that have continued to worsen. The vehicle currently has approximately 34,000 miles, and the issues have been ongoing from the time of purchase through the present. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has been in the dealership mu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
I purchased this vehicle in June 2024 as a demo vehicle with approximately 7,000 miles on it. Within one month of ownership, the vehicle began experiencing serious problems that have continued to worsen. The vehicle currently has approximately 34,000 miles, and the issues have been ongoing from the time of purchase through the present. Since purchasing the vehicle, it has been in the dealership mu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2022
The SRS spiral cable assembly (clock spring), located directly behind the driver's instrument display in the steering column, is producing an intermittent crackling noise. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The clock spring is a safety-critical component responsible for airbag deployment, horn operation, and steering wheel controls. A malfunctioning clock spring ... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 26, 2026
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
car transmission issue not getting enough power while putting foot on gas pedal rpm goes upto 5k for getting speed not shifting gear properly
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Mar 26, 2026
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
car transmission issue not getting enough power while putting foot on gas pedal rpm goes upto 5k for getting speed not shifting gear properly
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Mar 26, 2026
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 65,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 99,000. The contact stated that the seller's father was a dealer an... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
The chrome overlay on the driver side interior door handle is chipping and caused an injury to my finger. The chipped chrome broke off and became wedged in my skin and also resulted in a 0.5in scratch. The injury was extremely painful and required medical attention to remove the broken chrome chip that was lodged in my finger.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
Traveling back home from our vehicle downhill the vehicle started aggressively started to downshift that caused disengaging it was scary and almost wrecked into a tree. The car was very hot and smoking . We were stranded and afraid to move the car as we sat for over an hour and had to walk two miles in the dark to home with two children . We could not get tow truck or ride as we had no service.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V789000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA
(2024) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
Mar 26, 2026
Incident date: Mar 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated while starting. Additionally, while stopped in traffic, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the camshaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The vehicle experienced significant vibration at highway speeds and during braking within the first 6 months of ownership. The issue was confirmed by a dealership, and the rotors were resurfaced as a corrective action. The problem has now returned, and the rear brakes have worn down to metal-on-metal at approximately 35,000 miles. The rear brake pads are also unevenly worn, while the front brake ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bags warning light illuminated on the instrument panel with the message "Air Bags Wiring Fault" displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the passenger’s side seat belt latch was defective and failed to latch properly. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not rep... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into park(P) to exit the vehicle, the vehicle started moving backwards down the slanted driveway. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle stopped. The contact then started the vehicle and shifted into park(P). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. On another occasion, while driving at... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake warning light flashed and illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated while depressing the brake pedal. Neither an independent mechanic nor a dealer was contacted. The failure had occurred four times. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
My 2018 Nissan Rogue Sport has been exhibiting intermittent CVT transmission hesitation for several months. The hesitation occurs regularly after stops and during longer drives, and the only way to temporarily resolve the issue is to turn the vehicle off and back on. The check engine light has also illuminated. My vehicle only has 67,000 miles on it. I brought the vehicle to a Nissan dealership wh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The car shakes when I turn the car on. I always thought it was normal until they told me it wasn't. Also ive smelled like a burn oil smell... Ive gotten stuck on intersection, guessing its the transmission.. i had to put the car it park and put it drive to see if it moved. When it did moved the whole front car shook while doing the turn. That happened like 2x. Both times I've parked afterwards and... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
The fuel pump system has failed. The vehicle will turn over but will not start, it tries to start but keeps dying out as it’s cranking over. My vehicle is the only means of transportation for myself and kids.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Prologue. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven, and the dealer confirmed that the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound while turning. The contact was informed that it was a common failure; however, no diagnostic information was provided. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Prologue. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was test-driven, and the dealer confirmed that the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound while turning. The contact was informed that it was a common failure; however, no diagnostic information was provided. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); 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 a 24-foot trailer was identified as a 48-foot trailer, which caused ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
The contact leased a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4Matic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V073000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact expressed safety concerns and stated that sev... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FEB 2026 FOR TURBO/WASTEGATE REPAIR (P0299). MARCH 22, 2026, VEHICLE STALLED AND SCREEN SAID TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND PUSH TO START AGAIN. CAR WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START (SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS NO COMPRESSION). HAD VEHICHLE TOWED TWO MILES TO RESIDENCE AND CONNECTED TO OBDII SCANNER, WHICH SHOWED 6 NEW CODES (P0006, P228C, P0089, P0340, P0365, P0299).
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
I own a 2020 Kia Sorento. There is currently a class action lawsuit settlement ongoing. I have been informed that my 2020 Kia Sorento is not eligible while the settlement clearly states the 2020 Kia Sorento is included as part of the settlement. My Kia’s engine did not fail until after the settlement was finalized because I don’t drive a lot anymore and my mileage was just over a 100,000 mi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
I honestly believe this has to do with me being discriminated by people even emergency dispatch and police from the city of Inglewood , this is not the first time my car gets tampered with, but to start I already had felt something was off with the vehicle because I was parked and it accelerated all of a sudden last night of 03/24/26 then today on 03/25/26 i was on the freeway on my way to work th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
My transmission failed at 95k miles and was available for inspection at a fee. My safety was at risk since my car was jerking on the highway and I had to quickly pull over while the car slowed down in a fast and high trafficked area. The problem has been an ongoing issue especially in 2020 models from social media and the dealership. The vehicle was inspected by the Kia dealership. The engine ligh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Our vehicle has been recalled since October of 2025 with no remedy in sight. Originally the remedy was set for December of 2025. It’s now almost April 2026 and we’re still unable to use our vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
Head gasket failure diagnosed by Wittmeier Honda in February of 2026 Chico Ca. Car was initially throwing misfire codes, battery, fuel pump, then fuel injectors were replaced. Took it back to the dealer because car would sputter, dash is blacking out and I'm unable to indicate the speed at which I'm traveling, white smoke from exhaust, misfire, poor gas mileage, car nearly stalling in intersection... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
SUV has ran hot and had it towed on 3 separate occasions when this happened. Had thermostat and water pump replaced. Not fixed. Coolant keeps running out if bottom of suv. It is at dealership and blown head gasket and probably much worse. Apparently these models have something wrong with cooling system. The engine cost will be about what I owe on it. Buick needs to pay for another engine for my S... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
SUV has ran hot and had it towed on 3 separate occasions when this happened. Had thermostat and water pump replaced. Not fixed. Coolant keeps running out if bottom of suv. It is at dealership and blown head gasket and probably much worse. Apparently these models have something wrong with cooling system. The engine cost will be about what I owe on it. Buick needs to pay for another engine for my S... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
When driving home on the evening of 3/24, I was on the interstate (70mph) when my 2021 Nissan Rogue started to decelerate and would not gain speed. I got off at the next frontage road exit and when at the stop sign my check engine light came on and shortly after my car started sputtering when stopped and would barely gain speed. There was no prior warning lights or signs to indicate an issue. The ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
I had a rear-end collision on [XXX}. The car was scheduled for repair on 3/19/2026. On [XXX] at ~70,000 miles, my 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35 (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a drivetrain malfunction with reduced speed. The dealership diagnosed an internally faulty A/C compressor with metal shavings contaminating the system and recommended replacement of the compressor, condenser, chiller, expansion valve, an... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2026
been having trouble with the climate control system and the radio screen will black out unexpectedly. this has been going on for years. last night, 3/24/2026, I came home and as I put the vehicle in park, all of a sudden the dashboard lights up with all sorts of faults. when I went to go to work on 3/25/2026, I still had all of the faults lit up on the dashboard, and when I went to put the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
The passenger doors fail to open from the outside. The only way to access them is through the driver's door and to use the inside door handles. The dealer is aware of the issue and it was caused by a software update and Audi/VW have no confirmed fix for it. The cruise control does not always operate and gives an erroneous error stating "door open." The dealer has confirmed this error and states t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
While driving, the vehicle stutters during acceleration, creating hesitation and inconsistent power delivery. This occurs during normal driving conditions and has not improved after being inspected by a dealership. The issue has been reproduced multiple times and remains unresolved. The vehicle was taken in for service, but no effective repair was provided, and the condition persists. There is a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
After a routine oil change, the check engine light came on and would not go off. Soon after the idling warning came on, blinking and indicating a system malfunction. The vehicle has been inspected by the Nissan dealership in my area and the piston has been damaged in the engine. This has put my family and myself at risk of having possible engine failure and possible car accident.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 135I. The contact stated that the A/C system and the blower motor were intermittently inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the blower motor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V579000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2026
My 2016 Subaru Outback CVT transmission has exhibited an intermittent jerking and grabbing sensation when accelerating from a stop, worse when cold, since at least February 2023. This is a known defect covered under Subaru warranty extension bulletin 16-115-18. February 2023 — An authorized Subaru dealer documented the complaint in writing. The technician stated the vehicle never warmed up durin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2022
The high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failed internally while I was driving at night, causing the vehicle to suddenly stall and shut off completely while my children were in the vehicle. This resulted in an immediate loss of power and created a dangerous situation in traffic. The failure caused metal debris to spread throughout the entire fuel system, and the dealership confirmed that the system req... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Fuel pump module failure, there’s a recall on this part for this year model but not my vin #
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The contact was informed that there was no estimated date for when parts would become available. The contact stated that the recall repair was unavailable for approximately one year. Addi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
While driving my family home on a hot 90+ degree day. My 2016 Chevy Colorado suddenly has a power loss engine died and i went from 75 to parked in less than 30 seconds. Luckily I was able to pull off the freeway to the median. We were almost hit by two vehicles pulling a trailer and the other pulling a RV. I had to have someone pick my kids up due to the hazards of being stranded on the side of th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
1) At D/S Stow and Go seat malfunctioned and was repaired by CarMax Service Center Jan 2023 - 2) Around 97,000 so - Engine started ticking on or about JUL/SEP 2023, enstate Lloyds Automotive in Spokane Valley replaced out engine due to manufacture defect in Oct 2023. 3) At 103,672mi - P/S stow and Go seat was repaired for same issues as D/S stow & Go Seat by Lloyds Automotive Oct 2023 when engine ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
1) At D/S Stow and Go seat malfunctioned and was repaired by CarMax Service Center Jan 2023 - 2) Around 97,000 so - Engine started ticking on or about JUL/SEP 2023, enstate Lloyds Automotive in Spokane Valley replaced out engine due to manufacture defect in Oct 2023. 3) At 103,672mi - P/S stow and Go seat was repaired for same issues as D/S stow & Go Seat by Lloyds Automotive Oct 2023 when engine ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
1) At D/S Stow and Go seat malfunctioned and was repaired by CarMax Service Center Jan 2023 - 2) Around 97,000 so - Engine started ticking on or about JUL/SEP 2023, enstate Lloyds Automotive in Spokane Valley replaced out engine due to manufacture defect in Oct 2023. 3) At 103,672mi - P/S stow and Go seat was repaired for same issues as D/S stow & Go Seat by Lloyds Automotive Oct 2023 when engine ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Rear camera fails unexpectedly when placing car in reverse
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
I am attempting to complete a manufacturer-issued safety recall involving my vehicle’s airbag system, which includes a “Do Not Drive” advisory due to the risk of airbag inflator failure. Despite multiple good-faith attempts, I have encountered repeated barriers at the dealership level that have prevented timely completion of the repair. I scheduled a service appointment with Culver City To... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
When turning the suspension does a clinking noise or sound. Very noticeable when fully turning to the right or left. Very concerning.