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: Oct 17, 2023
3 times, either merging on the highway or full throttle, vehicle screams overheat warning with wrench light for a couple of seconds and disappears. No limp mode or smoke at all. And coolant level is at MAX. No clue is this some sort of glitch or engine failure? Vehicles drives amazing and power is great. Maybe it’s a software glitch?
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Engine light with code P052E
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-450 SD. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the electronic brake control became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Ray's Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 385 Bypass Rd., Brandenburg, KY 40108, and was informed ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-450 SD. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the electronic brake control became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Ray's Ford Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 385 Bypass Rd., Brandenburg, KY 40108, and was informed ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Regal. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, he became aware that the electrical system was not functioning properly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the body control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related it t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Electrical system keeps failing. Ecm emitts erroneous commands and changing it doesn’t solve the problem. Dealer won’t work on it and Chrysler doesn’t know. Research says that this is happening by the thousands.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
Power sliding door makes buzzing sound when unlocking.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
Power sliding door makes buzzing sound when unlocking.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
While driving at 60 mph pulling 5th wheel RV death wobble occurred. Steering was very difficult. Immediately started slowing speed until steering became possible.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the engine was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the oil was changed. The contact's son noticed that there was white smoke coming from the exhaust and no... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while his niece was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle briefly shifted into neutral before shifting back into drive independently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact rel... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service Safety Restraint System” message was displayed. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle became hesitant while downshifting. The vehicle independently jerked. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty transmission that needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 50 MPH, the overheating warning light was illuminated. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant reservoir was extremely low and boiling. Upon refilling the reservoir, the vehicle briefly returned to normal functionality, but the failure reoccurred. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. 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 was no... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
Both of my passenger sliding doors failed, resulting in both of them opening while driving with my children in the back seats. In August 2022, my driver side passenger door swung wide open while I was driving the car, with the error on the dashboard showing door open. Took the car to Honda Dealership, who stated that the door latch failed and replaced the door latch. Now, a year later, in Octob... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
Issue: 2018 Ford Escape, damaged engine short block due to coolant intrusion. Inspection: Inspected by Ford dealership mechanic. Outcome: needs an engine replacement due to damage from coolant intrusion. Was told there is no preventive maintenance or alerts for this issue and I was told there was nothing I could have done to prevent this from happening. Opinion: Sounds like FACTORY DEFECT that s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
Driving down the highway last night and passenger side windshield pillar cover flew off. Don't know what effect it may have had on any vehicles behind us.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
On September 22, 2023, I was parking the car in a parking garage and I had my foot on the brake. I was about to shift to reverse when my car suddenly accelerated on its own into a cement wall. My foot had remained on the brake the entire time. There have been other similar incidents with Audi Q4 eTrons as reported on this page: [XXX] - Unknown what component or system failed or malfunctioned a... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
At 23,596 total vehicle mileage, the electric drive motor failed while driving. This occurred two days and less than 50 miles after having an annual service performed at an authorized Mercedes Benz dealership. Failure resulted in sudden loss of power alternating with full torque power at any throttle position making the car uncontrollable and hazardous to the occupants and other cars/occupants o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Backseat 60 split / seat was folded down and is locked in position-unable to return to usable seat position . This has happened several times . To fix - you have to take out seat and use special tool to UNLOCK seat belt from base.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
air bag light stays on error code B0020-13 they repaired occupancy sensor drivers side at a cost of $310.00 light went off came back on next day took it back to nissan they reset it again they said they would reach out to nissan so the light next day come back on
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the trunk door locking mechanism had failed and the door would not remain securely closed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V594000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
I was driving down the highway on 9/21/23. I had my rear defrost on and it was about 50 degrees outside. My back windshield had no cracks in it. Nothing hit the back windshield. I suddenly heard a loud popping noise and my entire back windshield shattered. There was glass falling into my trunk. Luckily my infant daughter was not in the car in her rear facing carseat. Honda would not replace the re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Attempting to pull out of my parking lot, I was suddenly unable to steer my car. Immediately warning lights went on in the dashboard the car would not move. Luckily, I was not in the middle of the street or driving down the highway as I would have lost control of the vehicle. I had the car towed to Meineke and they reported that the power steering assist motor had failed. Prior to the incident, ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2015 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated the tires deflating abnormally. The contact stated that the tires needed to be inflated on a weekly basis. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rims were improperly fitted to suit multiple tires, causing the tires to deflate. The vehicle had not been repaired. The tires had been replaced... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2019
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to shake violently with white smoke coming from the exhaust. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the head gasket was blown, causing coolant to leak into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine n... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
We live in AZ and the backup camera will not work when it's hot outside. The picture is a snowy screen until it cools down.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound and became aware that when the brake was depressed, the brakes failed to operate as needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
A Chevy Suburban is a vehicle made to transport large families. You would assume these are made with true utmost safety precautions in mind to protect families. At just over 47K miles on my vehicle, our transmission went out, even though we have regular maintenance completed on our vehicle. The check engine light came on while driving on the highway. Was able to make it to a shop who verified it w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
Dear NHTSA, I would like to report a safety issue while driving this vehicle on Interstate 35E North of downtown St Paul, MN. While driving in traffic I went to move into a lane to the right allowing us to move in a less congested lane of traffic. During the move I pushed the pedal to full and the engine just shut off/cut out and stalled while in the middle of moving lanes in fast moving traffic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
Dear NHTSA, I would like to report a safety issue while driving this vehicle on Interstate 35E North of downtown St Paul, MN. While driving in traffic I went to move into a lane to the right allowing us to move in a less congested lane of traffic. During the move I pushed the pedal to full and the engine just shut off/cut out and stalled while in the middle of moving lanes in fast moving traffic... Read more
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: 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: Sep 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the door latch made an abnormal screeching sound. The contact attempted to resolve the failure with WD40, but the screeching persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the door check arm attachment and advised that the entire door needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
Engine dying after stop start function at random times.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Vehicle was being driven at 38 mph on a road with no other vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians or other obstructions in sight when the "BRAKE" warning flashed on the dashboard and the brakes were immediately engaged, causing a hard stop. Had there been a vehicle following, it is likely that a rear end collision would have occurred.
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
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: Apr 19, 2023
Vehicle has known steering/suspension issue knows as the Jeep "death wobble". It has now been in the shop for this twice with no fix. The first attempt took place approximately June 17, 2023. The car is now back in the service center addressing the same issue and had to be towed to the dealership. Owner does not feel safe driving the vehicle. I am attaching service report from first visit.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I was driving the auto and parked in my garage without any indication of a fault. I attempted to start the car about 30 minutes later and the car would not start and gave an error message that said "change driver" I tried both keys and neither would allow the car to be started. There was no starter noise indicating a weak battery. I had to have the car towed to the dealer after the tow company... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Thermo Control Valve malfuncitoned, causing check engine light to come on. Car only has 72k miles on it, so dealership (McDaniels Subaru, Columbia. SC) said they couldn't repair under warranty. Even though car has 100K powertrain. To get to this part you have to remove intake manifold, so I don't see how it's not considered part of the powertrain. While Check Engine light is on, NONE of the safet... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TSX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to complete a turn, an abnormal amount of effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the power steering fluid was abnormally low. Upon refilling the power steering fluid reservoir, the contact observed a le... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard while depressed, and the braking distance was extended. Brake fluid was added to the brake reservoir however, after driving a short distance brake fluid had leaked out of the brake fluid reservoir but no visible fluid leak was present. The vehicle was later t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2023
The GLE350 windows trim bar flew out from the rear window frame . Driving Speed Range (75-82mph). Fortunately no accident or damages occurred. This so so dangerous . If the trim bar flew into vehicle or pedestrian resulting injury or death.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
When putting my vehicle in reverse, the backup camera cuts out and completely doesn’t work, or the image is staticky and unclear. This problem is currently covered under a recall on the backup camera, but after taking my vehicle to a dealer, I was notified that the recall only impacts vehicle’s manufactured during a few months of the year. Because my car was manufactured later in the year, i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Received safety recall notice in June 2023. Signed up 6/30/2023 Ref # 85688012 to be notified of when defect for power liftgate module would be fixed. May lead to vehicle fire with the ignition on or off. Still shows remedy is not currently available. Thought it would be corrected by the end of July. This problem has not been addressed in a timely matter.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Driving home one night, August 8th, 2023 (thank goodness it was night) took a turn and got a service traction control light with a ding ding ding noise (I assume to alert me that something is wrong) and then it said engine power reduced which I assume happens because if your traction control is bad, it doesn’t want you slipping. Immediately called my father and he said to just drive it home and ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2022
Back windshield randomly exploded, nothing was thrown at the vehicle, car was parked and not running when the incident happened. Glass appears to be blown out from the inside.