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 3, 2023
Windshield cracks from a very small pebble. The whole driver side. Windshield is defective. Has not been inspected yet.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
2020 ford escape only 41k miles Broken spot welds in left front door check arm attachment points .. started making popping noise when opening door and know have trouble with opening g and closing door and ford won't fix it đ
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Engine light came on Feb 26th car started shaking got it towed to the dealership morning of Feb 27th Was told: Foiled oil returning ring caused oil consumption, burning oil overheated valves and caused cylinder wall damage and 4 valves to burn holes in them leading to low engine compression and loss of power. Engine needs to be replaced to fully correct the issue. Hyundai is refusing to cover ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
Hello, My 2015 Grom has a recall and it was never done according to the Vin number. What can I do?
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
On two separate occasions when driving, my vehicle slammed on the brakes by itself with no obstructions or vehicles in front of me. When it happens the instrument cluster says brake. Luckily no one was behind me or I would have been rear-ended.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
power locks have failed in all 4 doors, must be manually unlocked from inside or key used in door. you can hear internal components trying to unlock latches but do not catch properly. especially dangerous with children in the backseat there is no quick way to unlock doors and get them out in an emergency
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
They EyeSight continuously disables. Dealership cannot find any codes or issues with it. They say it is the weather, dirty windshield, clouds. It has been happening since week 3 of ownership. I clean the windshield all the time, there is no clouds. I have another Subaru with EyeSight and it doesnât disable like this one. 90% of the time the system disables itself as soon as I turn it on.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
They EyeSight continuously disables. Dealership cannot find any codes or issues with it. They say it is the weather, dirty windshield, clouds. It has been happening since week 3 of ownership. I clean the windshield all the time, there is no clouds. I have another Subaru with EyeSight and it doesnât disable like this one. 90% of the time the system disables itself as soon as I turn it on.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
They EyeSight continuously disables. Dealership cannot find any codes or issues with it. They say it is the weather, dirty windshield, clouds. It has been happening since week 3 of ownership. I clean the windshield all the time, there is no clouds. I have another Subaru with EyeSight and it doesnât disable like this one. 90% of the time the system disables itself as soon as I turn it on.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
The front windshield spontaneously cracked, beginning from the bottom of the windshield at the de-icer on the passenger side and propagated up and across the windshield toward the driver's side. No evidence of a strike or outside damage which caused the crack is evident. The obstruction to my view is hazardous on the roadway as the crack continues to spread. This issue has been well documented in ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
Component failure- Water Pump , causing extensive repairs. Car shut down while driving . I have estimate from independent service center. No inspection by manufacture on my particular vehicle, but a class action lawsuit was filed in February 2022 for another individual. Warnings didnât appear until vehicle started to shut down.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2021
The high beams quite working
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
Front end will start shaking very hard and can't steer until almost come to stop.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
Steering assist reduced, drive with caution message displayed. Steering wheel sticks when turning. Apparently caused by a faulty thermostat and/or temperature sensor. Had both replaced several months ago. however, both the message and symptoms have returned.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost steering gear functionality. The contact was able to pull the steering wheel and regain control. There was an unknown steering message displayed. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was ill... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle eventually operated as designed. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on eight different occasion and each time the vehicle was either driven or towed to the local dealer. Each time the service cen... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
While driving on the street, my carâs brakes were suddenly inoperative. The parking brake light and a brake system warning light were illuminated on my dash just as I went to use the pedal. (âCheck brake systemâ). Despite pressing the pedal to the floor, I was unable to get the car to slow down at all. I was approaching a red light and had to shift the car into neutral, then use my parking b... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2022
I get "phantom braking" on average about every 2-3 hours of highway driving with cruise control enabled. All of a sudden without any road obstructions or vehicles ahead, the car will suddenly break hard even at highway speeds. Sometimes it happens when I approach an underpass or get to a section where the pavement is darker than before.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
1. I had an issue with my new Hyundai: rear driver side window just shattered with no reason. 2. It's happened what car was in parking spot and glass does not hurt anyone, but it could happen on a highway with worst consequences. 3. I believe it was kind of factory defect or so, but local dealership doesn't agree with me, they didn't even inspect it. 4. There were no signs that this going to ha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
While driving on the freeway at 60-70 mph, in 20 degree weather at night, the engine suddenly, and without warning, stopped. A dash error message showed instructions to put the car in park and push the start / run button. The van was still traveling at a high rate of speed while the message stayed up and the van had to be carefully maneuvered through traffic, across multiple lanes to the next exit... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
My sun visor came off when I went to put it down while I was driving which almost led to a car accident on the highway. The one in my passenger side is doing the same thing.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
My sun visor came off when I went to put it down while I was driving which almost led to a car accident on the highway. The one in my passenger side is doing the same thing.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
Car stops when turning a corner. When turning it back on, it moves slow and it might have power to move but then it goes slow. The battery will drain quickly and the it stops all together. It's like the engine just goes out.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The glass windshield of my 2020 Hyundai Venue SEL began cracking in two different locations obstructing my view while driving. I was not able to locate any chips from road debris in the cracks. They both start from the frame of the vehicle. Iâve seen other reports of 2020 models with the same windshield issue that appears to be a quality issue of the windshield.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
I have been keeping up with regular repairs and oil changes on my vehicle; so I was surprised when the oil light flashed once or twice in the past week, specifically when I took a turn tightly. The oil was low when I checked it so I added a quart and didn't think much of it except "I should get into a shop soon and have that checked out." Two days later, my RPMs red-lined past 6-7k and the car w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the rearview camera screen was blue and inoperable. The contact stated the âCamera not Availableâ warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rearview camera to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The fa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ABS module software needed to be updated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
The car was being driven on a normal day and while in gear and driven the car stalled and would no longer shift automatic. The car will not come out of 3rd gear. Took the car to repair shop and was told is a known issue with this model and even the transmission or transmission valve body needs replacement. Infinite will not issue recall and I have reach out to corporate on the issue the repair wan... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, another vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained whiplash and neck pain. The contact had not sought medical attention. The contact stated that upon attempting to open the front driver's door, the door failed to... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a right turn, another vehicle crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained whiplash and neck pain. The contact had not sought medical attention. The contact stated that upon attempting to open the front driver's door, the door failed to... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
At the top 2 wiper speeds, the windshield wipers will slow down to speeds where I am unable to see. Itâs extremely dangerous, especially at faster driving speeds.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
ABS SERVICE BRAKE MESSAGE APPEARS AND CLEARS. THIS LAST 20 MILE TRIP IT WENT OFF OVER 20 TIMES.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I was driving on the interstate at 75 miles per hour. The back window literally exploded. There was a very loud boom. Upon pulling over, I discovered that the window had shattered. Part of the glass fell down inside the car. We were not going under an overpass and did not hit anything that would have caused the glass to suddenly shatter. Acura has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2023
My 2015 Kia soul engine light won't stay off so I'm trying to see if it's under warranty or recall so I can get it fixed or trade it in. Please somebody contact as soon as possible. [XXX] [XXX] is my name INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ON NEW VEHICLES ARE BLINDING AND DANGEROUS.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The contact owned a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for the repair of three previously unknown recalls. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while parked, the front of the vehicle caught on fire. The fire department extinguished the flames and determined the origin of the fire came from the engine compartment. A fire departmen... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 29, 2022
Rear main seal failed when car sat outside for several hours at work at cold temperatures. Possible frozen or clogged PVC valve. Blew oil all over Highway. Before found and causing hazardous road conditions.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Electronic steering locks are failing in these cars at an alarming rate. When it fails, the car will be stranded or if driving the car will completely lock the steering and take away control from the driver. This is a safety issue that Mercedes should be recalling and fixing because it will take people's lives away. Mercedes is aware of this issue but is failing to recall it and considering it as ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
The alternator went out for the third time The car just died going down the highway The problem was confirmed by the dealership no warning lights at all We had the recall done once then I had to repair it and now it's out again
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The contact called on behalf of a client who owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to operate as designed and the vehicle was pulling either to the left or the right. The vehicle was diagnosed that the rear passengerâs side cross member was rusted and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised that the rear cros... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
Knocking sounds started happening when turning steering wheel. Confirmed by independent mechanic and Rodman Ford dealership to need power steering rack/electric motor. Recall for this problem on other 2015 Ford fusions but my VIN is not included. I have been told this is a serious safety issue and it should be covered.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Windstar. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V385000 (Suspension) and 11V030000 (Structure) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 issu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The backup camera flashes intermittently. Sometimes the backup camera will work, sometimes the Ford Sync screen goes black and a message pops up stating "Backup camera not available, please contact the Ford dealership" and sometimes the Ford Sync screen will remain as it looks when driving forward. It is currently a recall for 2020 and 2021 models. The problem has been reported to Ford and a case... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
Car just stalls or cuts out and loses power. Dealership says itâs not pulling any codes.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
Question #1: Power Window Circuit. No voltage found in circuit. The rubber protective cover to the electrical connector of the power window circuit was not fully on. Because of that large amounts of corrosion was discovered on both the body and door harness sides of connector. Extended warranty WILL NOT cover corrosion. Therefore, the consumer is forced to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that on various occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics; however, the mechanics were unable to duplicate the failure. The tires were and balanced. The contact stated that the failure was reoccurred. The contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking space, the Back Over Prevention camera failed to display an image, causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The other vehicle was damaged. There was no injury sustained. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not und... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
My car has been at the first dealership (Brewbaker Dodge, Montgomery, Ala.) on November 11, 2020. I got the car back March of 2021. The problem of misfires on cylinder 1 side, hesitation when proceeding from a red light, and stalling out. The problem continued so; I took it to another dealership (Stiver Dodge, Prattville, Ala.) in August 2021. I was given the car back in February 2022 stating to m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2022
Muffler and exhaust pipes have gotten rusted. I only have 37k miles on it. Is this a defect from manufacturer? I have many other cars but not rust over 100k miles.