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: Jul 1, 2021
Steady Check Engine light came on April 25, 2023. Just had oil change/filter done day before. Had tune-up done May 25, 2023. Had mechanic who replaced my catalytic converter and (2) O2 sensors a year ago check my car. Found that the inside of the catalytic converter was melted. They checked for a fuel leak in engine, none found. Replaced catalytic converter and front O2 sensor. As of today, no Ste... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
The airbag light will. Not go off
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
Headed home from camping and my tire blew on my 5th wheel trailer. Tires were inspected before leaving, tire pressure was 80psi per manufacturers recommendation. We were able to pull over, but the damage done to my camper includes damage to the fascia and fender skirting. We were going approximately 35 mph at the time the tire blew.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
While driving on a highway the car went from drive into neutral all by itself and I could not put it into drive. Managed to get to a break down lane and turned car off and on. It started normally in drive, but that only lasted for 30 seconds when it went back into neutral. I was close to my exit and this happened multiple times - was in drive and it went into neutral on its own! Very dangerous... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
Car’s check engine and oil light came in and flickered. Went to get an oil change and have them check the car. I turned the car off when I got there. When I went to start the car to wind the windows down, the mechanic saw sparks, I saw smoke coming out of the engine and he yelled for me to stop trying to start it. We opened the hood, tried again and the same thing happened - almost caught on fir... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
Manifold bolts regularly break on Dodge Durango V8 vehicles. Mine are broken, which results in exhaust leak and interferes with the exhaust system, leading to engine check lights and potentially other performance or emissions issues. Symptoms include a loud ticking sound that comes from the engine bay at startup. FCA issued a service bulletin on this known problem and many customers have reported... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
Driving on the highway and the car stalled. Was told to pull over due to loss of power with a red turtle on the screen. This has been happening to allot of people. Barely had time to get over. There was a recall software update to provide warning, but that just gives warning but does not fix the issue as its a transmission problem. Now check engine light is on and has to go to dealer
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
I was driving and slowing down to 45 mph going through Corrigan, TX on 59. The truck all the sudden accelerated pulling to the left, then all of a sudden slammed to the right and went over a curb. I had no steering control and my foot was all the way down on the brakes to try and stop. I'm lucky it didn't happen 20 min before when 75mph was speed limit. The a frame broke, Ball joints, broke rack a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
I was driving the freeway and suddenly I lost control of the steering wheel for a few seconds. My car suddenly went left & right by itself & I could not control it. I didn't turn on the lane assistance mode. It was terrifying since I drove the freeway all the time & had never happened. This could be very dangerous when the freeway is busy. I would have been hitting another cars. I heard many pe... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Before this drivers headrest exploded on me striking my neck I was already totally disabled with known cervical issues from congenital spinal stenosis. I've had 3 disk diaections and cage pedicle screws fixation of L4 L5 S1. Previous to this exploding headrest injury I was attempting to get off social security obtaining online Google certifications. Friday the 7th of July not long after dark my ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Before this drivers headrest exploded on me striking my neck I was already totally disabled with known cervical issues from congenital spinal stenosis. I've had 3 disk diaections and cage pedicle screws fixation of L4 L5 S1. Previous to this exploding headrest injury I was attempting to get off social security obtaining online Google certifications. Friday the 7th of July not long after dark my ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
I turned my car on July, 14, 2023 , I put my foot on the break to put in reverse, and when I put it in reverse it would not reverse and my brakes locked up and my car would start to roll forward while I was in reverse gear . My car drives forward but will not go in reverse and my engine light is not own. I took it two different shops , both with the same diagnois's , said it is my transmission a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
The rear brake switch has failed 3 times on the motorcycle. It is a hydraulic switch and has been replaced under warranty 2 times. After the second replacement it has failed again. My safety is put at risk if I use the brakes and the brake light does not come on, this could cause a vehicle to impact the rear of the motorcycle when the brake light does not illuminate due to braking. When the compon... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2022
Driving 65mph on 3 lane highway in l=far left lane in light snow with anti-collision on. Then instantly car auto braked, car slowed dramatically very fast and despite me stepping on gas pedal, car continued at a crawl on major highway. Fortunately no car was close behind or it would have hot me with such rapid decent. I moved to the right shoulder across 3 lanes and car continued to be unresponsiv... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
BMW of North America is hiding problems with brand new vehicles. Their German website returns at least 2 recall codes for my car and the US website states there are none, yet my car has been in the service department just days after taking delivery until now which is a month later with no repair or solution in sight.. German Website: https://www.bmw.at/de/footer/quick-link/technische-aktionen.htm... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2023
My brake vacuum pump seized while driving in the far left lane on the freeway. My car began to lose power and my rpms dropped and rose back up quickly making my car lunge forward and back quickly multiple times. My check engine light came on and a warning saying my engine was losing power flashed across the dash.I exited the freeway and pulled over to a safe location, when attempting to stop my ca... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2016 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. 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 made... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
We have experienced several episodes of the car suddenly breaking for no reason when using cruise control. The speed is very quickly reduced a good 15 mph without warning.this is not only very alarming as drivers/passengers but it is incredibly dangerous. If there was a car following closely behind us, they would have hit us.
Incident date: May 3, 2023
I was driving and car started to lose power,the service engine light came on less than a minute before the boom.l tried to speed up and then there was a big boom and it was loud, so I went to the shoulder of the road and the car stalled ,I tried to restart the car and it just engulfed into flames. The car is a total loss. That's all that was left was a metal shell.
Fire
Incident date: May 3, 2023
When I make a forward sharp right or left turn, the tires "shudder". It feels like they are skipping or I'm hitting little bumps in the road. Crown Subaru in Chattanooga, TN, told me the center differential was bad, so I would need to replace the transmission for $11,000. I took it to a mechanic for a second opinion who specializes in Subaru repair. They scoped it, fully checked the transmission, ... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2023
On July 4th, my vehicle lost engine power and flashed a quick prompt of "engine warning" before turning off completely, smoke from under the hood which resulted in a fire. I was able to extinguish it fortunately. I have since discovered there are three open recalls, which I received no notification about. I frequently check for recalls and all sites say there are none.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Takata recall. 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. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. No information on parts availability was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V358000 (Seat Belts) 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 m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) 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 not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2021
When the vehicle was started the SRS light remained illuminated and when driving the vehicle over 40 MPH the abs, traction control, collision avoidance, and start-stop lights on the instrument cluster come on and remained on. The adaptive cruise control, nor the button for the start-stop deactivation work. The vehicle has just over 500 miles on the vehicle and is less than a week old.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Front dash is cracking by air bag compartment and vents.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
The 2013 Ford F-150 had an issue with the transmission randomly shifting while driving. Ford issues a Customer Satisfaction Program, 19B05 to attempt to address through reprogramming. It was later followed up by a Safety Recall 19S19 and supplemental 19S07 to expand the recall. It appears the issue was never resolved and later Ford issue another supplement #3 in their customer satisfaction prog... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but went down to the floorboard, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. The message "Low Brake Fluid" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to a Chevrolet dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder was leaking ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
2019 Toyota Avalon XSE with 41,400 miles. Complete failure of the Climate Control Panel. No buttons or lights would work, resulting in lack of any fan, heat, air conditioning, window defroster, mirror defroster or seat heat. Found no fuses blown. On one occasion since then both seat heat lights came on indicating full heat but did not produce any heat. Two days later Panel began to work normally f... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
The VSA ABS modulator failed, and it will be available for inspection upon request. The failure of this causes the ABS system to not work along with traction control. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic that pulled the codes and then taken for an estimate to the Honda dealer who confirmed the issue with the modulator. There are 4 warning lights in addition to the "FCW System Failed" message on ... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
2021- Reporting a clicking sound coming from the passenger's rear. Reported several time unable to find reported clicking noise. Service Manager and Serice Tech rode with me to try to locate noise - on two occasion noise was heard and services were done (brake and tires) only to have the noise return the next day. Ownership of vehicle is now into the 3nd year and noise is still heard. I suggeste... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
The contact owned a 2011 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55- 65 mph when the vehicle in front suddenly applied its brakes. The contact attempted to apply the brake pedal however they were unable to stop fast enough and rear-ended the vehicle in front. The air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was damaged and considered a total loss. The vehicle was towed and tot... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle jerked and stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact then smelled a burning odor throughout the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown sensor had failed and... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
My cluster display has been on dark night mode since January 2023. I purchased the vehicle in April 2022. During the day, I cannot see the cluster display, and have missed gas warning lights, low tire lights, and other emergency lights due to the dimness of the screen. It is a hazard to drive as daylight is longer-- and the navigation screen is also impossible to see during daylight hours. There i... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
I had to avoid an oncoming driver who lost control in a flash storm and ended up colliding with a telephone pole head on going 60mph. No safety devices activated at all, and Toyota refuses to admit it’s a problem.
Crash
Incident date: May 26, 2023
RECALLED. GMC NOT OFFERING ANY SOLUTIONS. I have two jobs, and two children. Got a notice saying recall "An Infaltor rupture may cause metal fragments to pass through the airbag and into the vehicle interior, which may result in injury or death to vehicle occupants." I noticed there have been TWO recalls on this. The first one was in 2022, and I was never informed. I need a solution. A refund for ... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
The sunroof shade glue or fasteners have released and fallen down hanging from the headliner causing obstructed view through rear window.
Incident date: May 30, 2022
I'm having problems with my 2019 Honda civic.fuel pump problems and my car has only 48000 miles on it.i read the recalls on Honda civics and different sites state different things.1 site says it has a recall on the fuel system and Honda says no.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2023
Dealership said no remedy won't fix car but has recall. But when purchased nothing wrong wug car.. everything changed and the whole world is talking in my head saying weird stuff and stealing all my money and the devil acting weird and life just I go through so much and I list nand confused wtf us gong on
Crash
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
I have had engine problems with this car since I purchased in 2017. These issues range from transmission overheating, water pump replacement, and most recently, the car's engine failed while driving. The vehicle is now with the Hyundai dealer, who confirmed that a new engine replacement is required. My wife, toddler and 6-year old son where in the car when it failed while stopped in traffic. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
The rear window of my 2023 Honda HRV blew out and hit me in the arm as I was walking around the rear of the vehicle. I was parked in an open parking lot with nothing around to strike the glass in any way. Both seals on either side of the window blew out as well. I immediately took it to my local Honda dealer and they informed me I was the 2nd HRV who had come in for a blown out rear window in just... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
Dealers claim pistons are bad and engine is stalking eating through 2 quart every thousand miles or less. Properly maintained and everything not sure why the pistons would be bad already, also replaced a pcv sensor to fix problem but did not change anything.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of coolant. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be serviced. The vehicle was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
Front control arms caused extremely difficult steering. No warning of failure displayed in vehicle. Suddenly noticed difficulty steering with squeaking and clunking noises. Tesla service replaced upper and lower control arms June 2023 and claim it’s a common repair in their vehicles with low miles. This vehicle has 37,100 miles. Sway bar links also repaired May 2022.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V024000 (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 expe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2021
The Infotainment System in my 2019 Honda Pilot Touring has had problems with its display since September 2020 when it went dim/dark all by itself while driving. The unit would come back on at some point by itself. The unit would not acknowledge the controls being accessed by me. This unit includes the rear camera-a vital safety item of the vehicle. The below is the sequence of events to date. The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2021
When driving the Tesla model 3 in cruise control, It will without warning apply the brakes. I have to then accelerate and then take it out of cruise control. The issue has happened about a dozen times and only happens while in cruise control. It happened most recently today but has happened in previous days.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
I was driving and all of a sudden my car quit sounded like a belt broke so I coasted to Thackers Repair and he told me a rod went right through the side of the engine so I would need a new engine. I had my oil changed every 3000 miles there was no reason for this, and I did not receive any recalls.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The START/STOP system unavailability warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of t... Read more