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: Sep 11, 2023
Vehicle engine blew up stopped running. I was driving up Highway 17 leaving Santa Cruz heading towards Sacramento when Engine failed was able to pull off the side of the freeway without being sideswiped had to have CHP come and shut down the number one lane in order to get vehicle towed. Was pulling a travel trailer. Vehicle and trailer were towed to the closest hotel in Scotts Valley the followin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
While driving home from work at highway speeds in less than 1 minute I went from Total normal Driving Experience to feeling like I had a vibration likely a flat. Luckily it was the back tire so I was able to safely steer off the highway. Upon inspecting the tire it was completely gone! Only minimal sidewall attached to the rim on both inside and outside of the wheel. The sidewall failed approximat... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
While driving home from work at highway speeds in less than 1 minute I went from Total normal Driving Experience to feeling like I had a vibration likely a flat. Luckily it was the back tire so I was able to safely steer off the highway. Upon inspecting the tire it was completely gone! Only minimal sidewall attached to the rim on both inside and outside of the wheel. The sidewall failed approximat... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
My 2018 CRV will intermittently have malfunctioning in which all warning indicators will go on flashing. The car seems to drive ok when this happens. Once in a while when this occurs, the car will not start, then eventually it will start again. I have taken to the Honda dealer several times regarding this issue. It was recommended to first fix the Power unit, which I have done around March 2023. I... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Internal Cracks in Mazda Connect Center Display. There was a "Notification of Warranty Extension Program- Special Service Program (SSP)" dated May 6, 2020.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
I’ve owned this 2012 g37 for a few years and had no issues whatsoever. However within the last couple of months, my air bag light came on and has been flashing since. I’ve taken it to get inspected and had the system checked and was told my passenger seat occupant sensor malfunctioned and is throwing the code on. The sensor itself, very easily replaced, is unable to be bought by itself. Repair... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
My 2018 ford escape over heated while I was on the highway. I had almost no coolant. The temp gage never moved. It never indicated there was a problem. There was never evidence there was even a leak. I have a coworker who also began having issues with her 2015 ford escape. Her check engine light began to blink when she turned corners. Her vehicle is under warranty and the engine is being r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The timing chain has gone out. Other crankshaft sensor went out while driving the vehicle at about 30mph.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The timing chain has gone out. Other crankshaft sensor went out while driving the vehicle at about 30mph.
Incident date: Apr 23, 2023
I turned on Cruise Control at 60 mph and it immediately set itself to 20 mph, braking fast to slow down quickly. This caused the car behind me to slam on his brakes so he would not rear end me. I tried increasing cruise control speed to no avail. I had to turn it off. Once I did not have any cars behind me, I tried once again so I could take a video and of course, it worked as it should. Not ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Driving down the road transmission started shifting erratic people behind me had to slam on their brakes almost causing an accident as I had to pull over because it would not shift into the next gear. The vehicle only has 84,000 miles on it and I don’t know how this is going to be safe to drive with my kids in the vehicle. I called to see if there is any recalls and they Said no. When I look it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
On or about 8/21/23, we were driving from Vermont back to our home in New Jersey when the sound system started malfunctioning. First, we lost all sound (safety warnings, as well as radio). The sound returned and then cut out again repeatedly. Then, the speakers emitted loud (full volume) static and popping sounds despite the audio system being "off." At the time, we were driving at approximate... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
My ABS keeps locking up and Ive almost wrecked multiple times. I changed brakes and rotors and still the problem is on-going. Its dangerous and Ive read others saying the same thing online.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
This is in addition to safety report #11540112. While further inspecting the trailer, the right rear shackle bolt was also found to be broken in half. The spring was still on, but it was probably working its way out, which would have cause the same failure as the left side, in the original report.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
The passenger side pillar fell off while driving. This pillar is about four feet in length. This could have caused someone to have to swerve to avoid the pillar on the road like a motorcyclist. No warning lights or alerts in the car. I've not taken the car into the dealership yet.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
My car will intermittently lose power, such as in the middle of an intersection, or turning in front of another vehicle, which puts me and my children at risk. The transmission is throwing a code for overheating and malfunctioning, and there is an open customer satisfaction bulletin for the transmission control module, but Ford refuses to replace it because it’s not throwing “the correct code ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2022
After 4 days of ownership with less than 15,000 miles on it the truck died in intersection. No warning lights came on. Truck would not restart and is currently at the dealership.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Vehicle does not recognize that it's in park. Once parked a warning comes on telling you to shift to park. The vehicle does not completely shut off because it does not believe that it is in park.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the "Check High beam Assist System" and "Check Lane Departure System" messages were displayed. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was di... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
2016 Kia Sorento suddenly without any warning lights started losing power while driving on busy intersection. Vehicle dies, have towed, they say looks like there was no oil despite fairly recent oil change and without oil light popping up. Mechanic states it was ok for now but would need to start thinking about a new engine. Pick up vehicle and it didn’t even make it home before it lost power in... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
The front air bags did not deploy when I struck a Chevy SUV the front end of my truck. The whole front end is gone and air bags should have deployed
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
Power steering failed for unknown reason. Operating the vehicle without functional steering made turning through traffic dangerous. The vehicle is now at the Tesla service center for diagnosis.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
Uconnect system started to control the HVAC, Sound, Phone, any other buttons that are available in the system. 8/22/23 I was traveling to my destination with the windows up when I noticed my Uconnect screen starting to click buttons without my input, I attempted to turn it off, but was unable to do so. I pulled over and turned the vehicle off and made sure to open and close door. When I turned t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
Turbos blow prematurely, and the motor can end up with porus block at any mileage
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
As I was driving down the highway in the rain, my check engine light came on and I was unable to accelerate my vehicle over 30mph and the speedometer stopped working. I was turning onto the road I live on, so I was able to make it home. I then shut my car off and turned it back on about 5 minutes later, and that issue was no longer happening. I had an upcoming appointment for an oil change at a Ki... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
ABS module and HCU module are at fault. Have been driving it and lights and dings will come on and off at random. When lights are on I cannot use electric brakes for my trailers either. Dangerous when I’m hauling live horses and no trailer brakes. This is a common issue that Chrysler refuses to recall.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver's side door and window trim panels were detaching and deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 17N01 (Crankshaft Position System Variation Not Learned), however, the campaign had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after driving, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the fuel pump assembly and fuel line needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The man... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Says I have no recalls. I have terrible gas smell and steering light abs light traction light abs light and hard brake pedal. Seats and mirrors move by there selves. Steering wheel shakes. Overall this truck is worrying me so much I won't put my kids in it. Oh also airbag light on also.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
On multiple occasions driving at slow speeds and parallel parking, the steering wheel locked and I was unable to turn the car. This has occurred numerous times and I am very concerned about my safety as this is extremely hazardous. I am aware that this, power steering failure, is a known issue. Please advise.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
Complete steering rack failure out of the blue. No previous steering issues. No causal incident. I got in the car in the morning and all of the warning lights were on and there was no power steering. Repair cost me $2400 of which $1800 was parts. I've seen scores of people having the same problem and my shop said the Ford Dealership told them they were repairing this issue "Very frequently" ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat and smoke was present coming from under the hood. After stopping to inspect the vehicle the contact opened the hood and flames were present in the engine compartment. The contact immediately extinguished the flames using water. The vehicle was later towed to the local dea... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Engine began ticking and knocking and needs complete replacement confirmed by independent service center. No warning lights came on, regular maintenance has been performed, including oil changes at dealership.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
I took my car to to Firestone to have the brakes checked because I had a stiff brake pedal and could only use my emergency brake to stop. They did a basic and advanced diagnostic and said that the brake booster that I have has been recalled and also other equipments on my car has been recalled and I must bring it to a dealership. I searched my VIN and nothing popped up even though months ago I was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. No warning light was illuminated. The contact looked in the rear-view mirror and became aware that the spare tire had detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed due to a diagnostic fee being charged. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The sunroof of my 2021 Honda Pilot spontaneously shattered while driving down the highway with my family inside the car. There is a class action lawsuit against Honda for this issue at the moment as well.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Fuel tank rubber gasket failed How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Leaks large amount of fuel and can cause a fire or explosion Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
Bought a used 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport in December of 2022, as a second owner from a third party car dealer. No extended warranty was purchased. The vehicle currently has 122,750 miles. At the second oil change service done at Valvoline they told us it was not showing it had oil at the dipstick. I have driven it 337 miles thus far and it is already showing at the low mark. There is a recent set... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Land Rover. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Door Ajar" message was displayed. The contact stated that her daughter was seated in the rear seat when the rear driver's side door inadvertently opened while driving. The contact was able to close the rear driver's side door; however, the failure recurred, and the rear driver's side door failed... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Harley Davidson FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Motorcycle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V781000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
The steering wheel on my 2023 Tesla Model Y, brand new with only 800 miles on it, kept on locking up out of nowhere, in the middle of the drive, and even on the highway, posing a major safety concern for me and everyone driving around me. My safety was put at risk since I could not steer my vehicle off the road and into a safe area, posing a risk-prone of a severe accident through rear-ending. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
A clicking noise and jerking of steering wheel when making turns. Feel uncomfortable and unsure of safety with this happening. This occurs at low speeds like when parking or pulling into or out off the garage, as well as at highway speed. My long time mehanic/service hears and feels it but unsure of the cause and thought maybe there was a Honda recall. No warning lights displayed.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
Driving I noticed the power getting cut intermittently. This happened for a couple days. When I parked the car there was a smell of fuel. Looked at the rear of the car and there was a massive puddle of fuel on the ground at the rear passenger side. Left car outside house for safety reasons. Incredibly dangerous. No warning lights, just a very strong smell of fuel. Scheduled to take vehicle to dea... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle started shaking and vibrating before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2022
Transmission slippage in vehicle under load causing loss of acceleration and unsafe driving conditions. Vehicle was taken to dealership for diagnostic analysis. Dealer confirmed no codes present at any time during testing, but did confirm definite transmission issue. Dealer confirmed a WELL KNOWN internal transmission fault that is very common in these vehicles. Chevrolet and the dealership would ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The solar panels ceased to charge the batteries. I found a 40A Fuse holder behind the solar controller in the coach, that had melted and looked like it could have caught on fire.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer ... Read more