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 9,875 complaints for INFINITI
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The front brakes on my 2017 Triumph Thruxton r have developed a need to pull twice in order to get a bite. The first pull on the lever comes back very easy with little stopping power. The second pull engages and stopping power is restored. This seems dangerous when a panic situation occurs. This issue was first noticed 2 years ago and I have had the brakes bled twice, had the calipers and pistons ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
During highway driving and city driving, my 2023 Honda CRV Hybrid steering system requires momentary extra force to overcome a sticky steering problem. This happens when turning both left and right. It is available for inspection if needed. Before overcoming the sticky steering, the car tracks in the direction where the steering is “stuck”, which can lead to undesired direction of travel for ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
Around the 8,000 mile mark, a problem with “sticky/jerky” steering appeared. The problem is much more noticeable at speeds over 50 mph, but it can also be felt at lower speeds. The steering wheel does not rotate smoothly. Instead, it constantly gets stuck at various spots, and it requires additional driver force to angle it to the desired position. This constant adjustment causes the car to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
This car has a blown head gasket at 123,000 miles. It seems this is a VERY common problem with this car and something that is clearly a factory defect. I have heard of this problem with many of these cars and a lot of them occur at less than 100,000 miles.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The contact owned a 2021 Ford F-350 Diesel. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the contact's residential yard, the contact noticed the vehicle was on fire. The contact had just parked the vehicle and walked around to the back of the residence. The contact stated that the fire came from under the center area of the hood. The contact attempted to extinguish the fire, howeve... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
I purchased this 2019 Subaru Outback new. In less than three months, the windshield cracked at the edge on the driver's side. I had the window replaced and two years later it cracked again in exactly the same place. I have not had the vehicle inspected since then and there were no warning lights or other symptoms prior to the crack appearing.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The problem I am experiencing is with the steering on my 2023 Civic. I have seen it referred to online as "sticky steering". Basically, the steering wheel/system initially resists attempts to turn the wheel from its present position. Once this initial resistance is overcome, required turning effort is smooth until the turn or correction is complete. Then the steering seems to take another set ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
I bought my car on August 28, 2023 (2023 Kia Telluride EX AWD) with 8 miles on it. I took it in in November for an oil change. That was around 7500 miles. Then i started hearing a ticking noise and immediately went to the dealership to report it on or around December 1, 2023. The initial testing of my engine was an entire week. I had to pay for a rental out of my pocket until Kia approved for a re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
began receiving fault alert 'RCM_a021 - Front Left Safet Restraint System Fault' in December 2023. Web query indicates this has become a common problem, with the source being a loose connection of the seat wiring harness under the front driver's seat. No other observed malfunction of the vehicle. alert occurs whenever car is entered and powered on (seat adjusts for specified driver). Alert see... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
My engine threw a check engine light for code P0302, Misfire on Cylinder 2. Took it to two mechanics and had work done (Coilpack, Plugs, Wires, then Camshaft and Crankshaft sensors) before it was noted that there was coolant intrusion. Was alerted to Technical Service Bulletin 22-2134/Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 for "Certain 2017 - 2019 Model Year Fusion and Escape Vehicles Equipped with... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
Battery wil not charge or stay charged. Battery have been replaced twice the issue presist.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Loses power steering. Recall had been fixed way before I bought it.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The vehicle has been losing oil, the dealership checked with no issues along eleith a coolant leak in the rear of the vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
Function goes off intermittently sometimes for a week at a time Also signals brake problems on dash
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
Function goes off intermittently sometimes for a week at a time Also signals brake problems on dash
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that on one occasion, 3 quarts of oil were added to the vehicle after less than 1,000 miles of driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who initiated an oil consumption test. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer twice after 1,000 miles; however, upon returni... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz AMG ML63. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel with the "Low Hydraulic Fluid" message displayed. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed hydraulic fluid covering the engine. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
My engine shuts off while idling, shifts into neutral automatically, and stalls when sitting at a light. This is a huge safety concern for me. My fuel pressure light and battery comes on when it shuts off.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Mercedes AMG wheels crack under normal driving conditions.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Car Randomly started giving a failed warning sign that the LKAS system has an error. Took it to dealer and they say that the radar and the camera need to be replaced for 4000$. This is so completely random. It just broke on its own. There are also others who are complaining of the same issue with 2018 and 2019 odyssey [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOI... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
My friend was leaving church and cranked my vehicle engine. My friend proceeded to exit the church parking lot onto a main road. Prior to exiting the parking lot, she heard the engine "rev", where my vehicle began moving forward without her control. She was consistently pressing the brake pedal; to no avail. where my vehicle was only stopped by careening into a nearby yard. She could hear my vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2004
I am writing to emphasize and provide details regarding the critical safety issue affecting both Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X. My personal experience highlights the severity of this problem which included a tire blow out at highway speeds on a tire that had only approx 10k miles on it. This specific wear pattern is a direct result of improper camber alignment, an issue that Tesla has continuous... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2004
I am writing to emphasize and provide details regarding the critical safety issue affecting both Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X. My personal experience highlights the severity of this problem which included a tire blow out at highway speeds on a tire that had only approx 10k miles on it. This specific wear pattern is a direct result of improper camber alignment, an issue that Tesla has continuous... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2004
Hyundai is taking too long to fix the Campaign 251 recall for the fire hazard associated with the ABS system. What can you do to speed up the solution and repairs?
Incident date: Jul 5, 2021
I had problems with my 2024 Chevrolet Blazer RS EV since the first week I purchased it a few months ago. The display would go blank while driving. I was unable to turn the vehicle off due to the controls not being accessible on the display. There is a grinding noise inside my dash and the service vehicle soon light on. The climate controls are unavailable resulting in high heat on defrost. There i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2021
I own a 2016 hyundai santa fe and today the car just slowed down and then shut off, with no warning on a bridge, it was so scary being on that bridge and the car just stopped. I get it towed to hyundai dealership and they informed me my engine possibly seized but need a diagnostic test and it will be 4 to 6 weeks due to ALL THE ENGINE PROBLEMS ON THERE SANTA FES. So I have been reading on this si... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2021
My 2022 Jeep Renegade VIN TAG: [XXX] has had another issue pop up, I’m still having the vehicle shutdown and other issues. But recently I lost my headlights on now 3 different occasions starting on [XXX]. Now about a week ago I lost both front Daytime Running Lights both Front Marker Lights and both Front Signal Lights ALL AT THE SAME TIME. I was told by BAY Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Panama Ci... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
Please allow submission of additional information regarding issues with my 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor. As stated on the previous complaint filed on 1/9/2024, I got my car service at AutoNation Ford Service Center on 12/16/2023, and I brought it back to the service center on Saturday, 12/23/2023 because of the car’s poor performance and engine had laminated on 12/17/2023. I went to pick... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
Please allow submission of additional information regarding issues with my 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor. As stated on the previous complaint filed on 1/9/2024, I got my car service at AutoNation Ford Service Center on 12/16/2023, and I brought it back to the service center on Saturday, 12/23/2023 because of the car’s poor performance and engine had laminated on 12/17/2023. I went to pick... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
Please allow submission of additional information regarding issues with my 2013 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor. As stated on the previous complaint filed on 1/9/2024, I got my car service at AutoNation Ford Service Center on 12/16/2023, and I brought it back to the service center on Saturday, 12/23/2023 because of the car’s poor performance and engine had laminated on 12/17/2023. Issues such as:... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
I want to know if there is a recall on GM cars with standard transmissions that have the shared master cylinder. That is when the clutch master cylinder and the brake master cylinder are the same part. When the clutch release cylinder leaks, you also lose brake fluid, and when the leak is bad enough, you lose your clutch and brakes.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the messages "Emission System Problem", "Brake System Problem”, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Problem", "Brake Hose System Problem" and "Power Steering EPS Fault" were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle had not experienced a mechanical failure. The contact stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the messages "Emission System Problem", "Brake System Problem”, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Problem", "Brake Hose System Problem" and "Power Steering EPS Fault" were displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle had not experienced a mechanical failure. The contact stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service stabili-trak warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle filed accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be dupl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
When I was driving my new 2023 Honda Civic Touring’s the engine started running rough and the check light indicators came on with the following items to “See your dealer” despite this car being less than 3 months old and with just over 1,000 miles on the odometer: - Brake System Problem… - Electric Power Steering System Problem… - Electric Parking Brake System Problem… - Tire Pressur... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
When I was driving my new 2023 Honda Civic Touring’s the engine started running rough and the check light indicators came on with the following items to “See your dealer” despite this car being less than 3 months old and with just over 1,000 miles on the odometer: - Brake System Problem… - Electric Power Steering System Problem… - Electric Parking Brake System Problem… - Tire Pressur... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
2017 Mazda6 Infotainment System also found in Mazda CX-5. Known as "Ghost Touch," it is a known issue acknowledged by the company and dealerships. Available for inspection upon request. The Infotainment system controls navigation, ADAS heads up navigation, illumination of instruments and other driver instrumentation and safety warning systems. Above a set speed the screen is NOT a touch screen... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System) 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 had not ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
Driving down the high way at about 55-60 miles an hour went to overtake a vehicle and brake system light, and flashing parking brake late came on all systems such as cruise control, lane mitigation, lane keep assist, brake assist and reduced braking performance messages came up on the dash about the foruth time this happens, had gone to the dealer before for the same issue.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission downshifted to first gear with the check engine warning light illuminated. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was corrected. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions where it was later repaired. Recently, the failure recurred, and the vehicle was towed to Holmes Tuttle... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Refuse a loaner car while the recall gets done
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
Sudden braking while driving, with no reason or cause. No objects or vehicles in front to cause it to happen. It has occurred multiple times without warnings, putting my family and I in jeopardy.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The car has slip transmission issue, that can’t be fixed, the front of the car makes loud grinding noise from the front wheel area when riding on front wheel drive, with low RPM, this has been brought up multiple times with ford and linclon while they and car service provider represented by ford and Lincoln keeps denying.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The car has slip transmission issue, that can’t be fixed, the front of the car makes loud grinding noise from the front wheel area when riding on front wheel drive, with low RPM, this has been brought up multiple times with ford and linclon while they and car service provider represented by ford and Lincoln keeps denying.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
The following warning came up on my car: secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center. The problem is a gear selector replacement. This small faulty spring costs only $10 but because of where it is located in the car will cost close to $4,000 to fix; it’s a well-known problem in X1s. This should be recalled.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
Unintended Aceleration Veheicle experienced normal stop with no anomaly. Upon release of brakes, experienced reported Wide Open Throttle" Brakes were ineffective. Vehicle accelerate thru intersection striking guardrail with significant damage. WOT stopped by shutting of engine. Vehicle currently in repair. Reported event to local dealer service dept, Insurance Rep and Ford referencing 2010 Class A... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
Hello NHTSA, I hope this message finds you well. I would like to provide specific details regarding the issues with my car as per your guidelines: 1. **Failed Component or System:** The charging system has malfunctioned, leading to extreme range decrease, constant charging failures, inconsistent charging speeds, and signs of overheating. The charging system warning light is on. 2. **Availability... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
My steering wheel is sticking consistently. When driving I am unable to make minor, gentle course corrections because the wheel gets "stuck" and I have to use more force than normal to get it to move which then causes the car to jerk to the side slightly when it does release. While it is not a large amount of force needed, nor does the car veer wildly around the road it is significant enough that ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
My steering wheel is sticking consistently. When driving I am unable to make minor, gentle course corrections because the wheel gets "stuck" and I have to use more force than normal to get it to move which then causes the car to jerk to the side slightly when it does release. While it is not a large amount of force needed, nor does the car veer wildly around the road it is significant enough that ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
As I was approaching an intersection near the railroad track my vehicle just stopped on its own, the gear switch to Park on its own and I was unable to switch the gear back to Drive or Neutral. Messages on the screen popped up saying “Park Brake Auto Engaged Press Brake + Push Switch to Release” but that didn't worked then received another message saying "Service transmission". So basically I ... Read more