Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 9,743 complaints for INFINITI
Incident date: May 25, 2024
- Monocular Camera failure. It is available for inspection upon request. - Multiple Dash warning lights are on and several safety features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking fail to work. Dealer states that the monocular camera cannot be disabled because it is a safety feature. - The proble... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
2017 Ford Escape SE 4WD with a 4 CLYINDER D 1.5 DI TURBO engine. We purchased this vehicle used, in 2019 with 42,384 miles. We have kept up with all scheduled maintenance through the dealership. Until April of this year, we have had ZERO issues with this vehicle! First, the check engine light came on Upon starting, another warning "Engine Fault Service Now" would appear. Aside from the lights, th... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
A plastic clip ("Brake Pedal Bumper") broke and fell out of place, causing the brake pedal to no longer reach the brake light switch. The brake lights now remain illuminated permanently, even with the brakes released. This also caused the engine and transmission to go into "limp mode", the engine no longer revving over 2,000 RPM, the transmission not shifting, and hill-start assist and traction ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
I currently have 119500 miles on my 2019 Kia Optima. I am losing oil somewhere between oil changes, and the car is beginning to hesitate while driving. I don't see oil on the ground but I have had to put in 2-3 1/2 quarts of oil way too often. For this to happen on some many vehicles, it must be a manufacturer defect. The hesitation just started and I'm taking it do get a diagnostic test. 11
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The rear hatch door closed with me standing under it and I injured my arm trying to stop the door from closing on me. The door will not stop closing even with a person there. This is very dangerous! The mechanic said that we need to replace the rear struts- this car is only 3 years old!
1 injured
Incident date: May 7, 2024
Driver was approaching the end of [XXX] and attempted to turn left onto the ramp to [XXX] but without prior warning the brakes and the steering wheel failed and he couldn’t turn or stop the car which resulted in the vehicle hitting the guardrail. The driver endured injuries on his hand, and overall emotional trauma. My insurance company refused to check the cars computer to prove that the car ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 7, 2024
Overnight, the vehicle's power completely died, and there was no mechanical way to open the doors from the outside. My child's car seat is stuck in the car. At my expense, I'm having to get it towed to Tesla so they can "figure out a way" to open the door and retrieve the car seat. If something like medicine were trapped in the car, this would be a life-or-death situation. I cannot believe the ca... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the malfunction indicator lamp warning light illuminated and the contact heard a loud sound. The contact stated that the sound was like something had fallen from underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed white smoke that exited the rear exhaust and white smoke that exited from unde... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while having maintenance performed on the vehicle, it was diagnosed and determined that the tie rod was a dent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceed... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
roof front panel coating peeling off - there has been a recall for this issue on most mercedes benz of my year - not just my model- seems to consistently be an issue for the front panel between windshield and sunroof- https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCMN-21V197-6244.pdf my specific VIN wasnt included in the recall but i am having the exact same issue- Mercedes told me to reach out to NHTSA ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
I am writing about a recall notice that was issued last fall (2023) and has not yet been repaired by KIA, this vehicle's manufacturer. The HECU unit has a bad fuse that can cause a fire while driving or when parked. The relevant data is: Manufacturer Recall NumberSC284SL NHTSA Recall Number23V652 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available This waiting period has been excessive. KIA ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Energy Saver A/S, Tire Size: P265/65/R18, DOT Number: M3KA. The contact stated the tires contain a tire identification number (TIN) that is missing the 4-digit week and year code mark. As such, these tires fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 574, "Tire Identificat... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Cadillac Escalade EXT equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Energy Saver A/S, Tire Size: P265/65/R18, DOT Number: M3KA. The contact stated the tires contain a tire identification number (TIN) that is missing the 4-digit week and year code mark. As such, these tires fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 574, "Tire Identificat... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
ABS lit stayed lit and AWD error lit also on.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine stalls intermittently while driving as listed in a recall for 2011 VW Jettas. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was at risk of an accident when the car stalls while driving on the road and on the highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer o... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The vehicle's speedometer shows an inaccurate reading, up to 7MPH less than the actual speed. This has been verified multiple times, measured against WAZE and a speedometer app. At lower speeds, i.e., less than 30MPH, the divergence between the speedometer and the true speed is 1-3MPH. At medium speeds, between 40-60MPH, the divergence is 5-7MPH. At highway speeds, the speedometer initially shows ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
UNKNOWN, found excessive rust on undercarriage
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The engine is at 157,000 miles. I have taken it to 2 mechanics in the last few weeks that have diagnosed it with a blown head gasket. They have said this type of engine cannot be repaired and has to be replaced.
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Loss of engine power, car shuts abruptly off while driving. increases the risk of a crash and death. Less than a year after I purchased my car from the dealer. My check engine light would turn on and off frequently. Secondary mechanics couldn’t diagnosis problem engine check would show unnecessary/ different codes. Car burns oil at a very fast rate. Shut of three times while driving yesterday o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Torque converter slip requiring a new transmission confirmed by an independent service center and third party warranty company. There were no warning lights. It's a 2019 Ford Edge with 45,000 miles. This is a KNOWN issue with these year/make/models and Ford should be required to do something about it.
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Received and error message, Lane Departure Avoidance features unavailable and steering assist reduced simultaneously while driving between 65-75 mph. Steering will required extreme effort to turn. I was about 5 minutes from home exited the highway and took the backroads. Steering did require extreme effort. The following morning, car worked fine.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2016
Uconnect screen is delaminated. Vehicle features change by themselves. Advanced electronic systems are connected through the system. Horn, lights on off by themselves
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V705000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light ill... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
On February 27 2024 I had spend 2300 dollars on car repairs see enclosed then on April 11 2024 while backing out of my driveway, I experienced a sudden acceleration of my vehicle which led to body damage to my car yet Toyota after inspection says that now the car system works perfectly. Prior to this incident I experienced warning light and windshield wiper malfunction .
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
ABS module quit working in May 2023. I can’t get a replacement as Ram claims they are coming but they are not. I pull a travel trailer and it’s a safety concern with no solution in the works
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
When I turned on the engine for me 2017 Honda Pilot, check engine light and every system in the car had a problem. "AWD system problem", "Emissions system problem", "Steering problem" and many more. Went to the local honda dealer and they diagnosed it as a high pressure fuel pump problem. There is a recall for this fuel pump for te 2017-2020 Honda Pilot, but for the VIN # for my Pilot, there is no... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
Power steering failed while driving in parking lot looking for parking spot. Unable to turn wheel without hitting parked car. I was able to drive to end of the lot where there were less cars. Noticed that I was able to turn wheel so long as didn’t step on brakes. The steering wheel was also off alignment. This happed on a Saturday evening, next day car was fine all the warning were off. Spoke to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The vehicle engine block has a weak spot in which it has allowed coolant to leak into the number 3 cylinder and thus ruining the engine as my local ford dealer (Greiner Ford. Casper, Wyoming) confirmed. Apparently it's a known issue with ford and they won't do anything to fix it. A check engine light came on and the car started having a bunch of hesitation which led me to the dealership. The i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
Knock Sensor Code came up when having my car checked P1326
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side and rear driver's side exterior door handles had dislodged from the doors, making it difficult to open the doors from outside the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
The Car hesitates when I press on the gas to go forward, making turns, and pull off from stop signs, or traffic lights.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
The brakes automatically engage without cause. The problem occurs at both city and highway speeds, from 20-75 mph. It is particularly bad when passing underneath a bridge. The car will abruptly stop. This has been ongoing for monthes. Sometimes, the vehicle will act inappropriately when the brake is applied by the driver. The car will attempt to accelerate. Other times the car will hard brake as ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
I received an error message “Engine stopped, steering power low” after driving an hour in the rain, sat in my car for about 20 mins with wipers on, engine began to jerk aggressively then shut off. I could not gas it or move the car. I let the car sit after being towed, it ran fine as if nothing happened. I got a battery test and it was at 100% charge according to Autozone. The check engine lig... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
I received an error message “Engine stopped, steering power low” after driving an hour in the rain, sat in my car for about 20 mins with wipers on, engine began to jerk aggressively then shut off. I could not gas it or move the car. I let the car sit after being towed, it ran fine as if nothing happened. I got a battery test and it was at 100% charge according to Autozone. The check engine lig... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light had been illuminated. The contact stated that while pulling on the seat belt, the warning light was deactivated; however, the warning light activated shortly after. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. 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 con... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light intermittently appeared on the instrument panel while starting the vehicle. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 161,645.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, a heavy, blueish-colored smoke would emit from the exhaust pipe as the check engine light would intermittently appear on the instrument panel. In addition, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
Slowed down to make a right turn at approximately 10 mph then heard a loud pop in the rear drivers side wheel. Noticed that wheel no longer had traction. Drove another 1/4 mile to my home where the vehicle was then inspected and noticed the rear tire was not aligned with the vehicle. After further inspection, I noticed the control arm was broken in half. Brought vehicle into a Tesla Service Cente... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
I’m not 100% sure but it seems like something to do with the power steering . When turning the steering wheel sometimes it feels stuck in place and needs a little force to free it . If making a turn you can let go and it will maintain the turn. I have tried it with lane assist on and off and it doesn’t seem to make a difference . Sometimes it drives normal without sticking. I’m taking it b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
Positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve failing and code P052E comes up. Mercedes Benz said this is a problem with all 2015 c300 and should be recalled
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
Door Locks/Hatch Lock won’t unlock 95% off the time, using fob OR interior switch. Also won’t unlock automatically when vehicle is put into park. Mechanic looked it and after research, determined there’s a probable faulty/stuck Relay on the BCM. Not replaceable without removing the BCM and desoldering components or replacing the whole BCM. It’s unsafe as I’m unable to unlock the doors... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
Recall 23V651000 has been in place for over six months and a remedy is still not available. I have suffered hundreds of dollars in damages due to having to continue to park my vehicle outside, including having to replace the fuel sending unit after a failed siphoning attempt as well as exterior body and paint damages due to weather conditions. Please press Hyundai to release a remedy as soon as po... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the vehicle was first started, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact continued to drive the vehicle however, the rattling sound recurred whenever the vehicle was first started up. The contact was notified of Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N03 (3.5L GTDI Engine Cam Phaser Replacement). The dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2024
Vehicle loses power steering at times, turn vehicle off, it works for a bit, then loses power again making if very difficult to steer, on going problem and every time take to mechanic, it is working fine, and told to bring when it is malfunctioning, hard to do that, for never know when it will, on going issue with other 07 malibus
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
While driving through heavy rain on the interstate Friday night the CEL came on and the vehicle immediately lost power and went I to a limo mode causing my car to rapidly lose speed while on the interstate. Restarting the vehicle did nothing. I called the closest Hyundai dealer and they said " oh yeah the N models do that a lot in the rain or through carwashes, it triggers false knock sensor codes... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
While driving through heavy rain on the interstate Friday night the CEL came on and the vehicle immediately lost power and went I to a limo mode causing my car to rapidly lose speed while on the interstate. Restarting the vehicle did nothing. I called the closest Hyundai dealer and they said " oh yeah the N models do that a lot in the rain or through carwashes, it triggers false knock sensor codes... Read more