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 29,895 complaints for MAZDA
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I rented this vehicle from Hertz Rental Car in December. It was a replacement for the Nissan Sentra I rented that had a passenger door that kept getting stuck due to the door panel being loose. On December 23, 2025, I called roadside and told them that the tire light was on,n and I had to put air in the car to fix a flat and get home. I was told by the roadside that because I didn't purchase roads... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
Approximately 3 months ago the transmission started shifting rough and slipping going into 4th gear.It also got stuck in 4th gear when I came to a complete stop.Took it to a ford dealer,they reprogrammed the transmission,drove it home and parked it.The next morning started it up to leave and 1st gear had no power and immediately jumped to 4th.They came and picked it up,reprogrammed the transmissio... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2026
2022 ZR2 Silverado with the L87 6.2L. Have been complaining of shuttering starting at 22,500 miles and a few times after that. Vehicle passed PICO recall test and engine failed within 2,000 miles with zero warning. I was merging into traffic accelerating.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2026
I am reporting what appears to be a serious, chronic safety issue with this vehicle (not just this particular car, but all M/Y 2020~2022 (and possibly 2012~2019 as well if they use the same brake components). Since new, my car has had chronic brake problems and these ongoing issues keep arising, pointing to defective brake caliper design. They have not caused an accident (for me anyway), but sho... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
I was driving an hour away from home and suddenly my muffler and exhaust started dragging— 49,000 miles, 5 years old AND just passed inspection A WEEK AGO. Luckily, it didn’t become completely unattached because that could have caused an accident as there were cars behind me. Complete safety hazard
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
I am experience coolant intrusion into cylinder 3 causing the check engine light to come on, when.checked on obd2 system shows a misfire on cylinder 3, multiple checks by service centers all diagnose the coolant intrusion defect on the 2.0 ecoboost engine requiring a long block replacement
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
2010 bmw 328i xdrive: Had in for recall PCV 1/08/2025. This vehicle has had a prior recall for same issue before i owned in 2014. Motorwerks BMW failed to complete recall, as parts and repair bulletin from BMW OF AMERICA has parts list. Motorwerks just CHOSE to put items, subtitled under other services/self pay. When I asked about this they responded that CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY ....as build da... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
While traveling at a high rate of speed, the power steering light came on, and the steering wheel locked up and became almost impossible to turn. After pulling over and turning the vehicle off, the problem went away. But only to have the problem happen again, twice more creating unsafe driving conditions.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the headlight failure message was displayed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the A/C compressor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure started occurring in 2023. The manufacturer was notified of ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The automatic start warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. Additionally, the error message indicated that the automatic start feature was disabled; however, the contact stated that the automatic start feature was enabled. The contact stated that while attempting to start... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
THE TRANSMISSION LEAD FRAME FAILED AND WAS REPLACED BY A REPAIR FACILITY. ONE MORNING WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, I NOTICED THE INFORMATION DISPLAY WOULD RANDOMLY LOSE THE 1,2,3,4,5,6 GEAR INDICATORS. WITHIN A FEW MILES THE TRANSMISSION SLAMMED DOWN FROM 6TH GEAR TO 3RD. THEN THE DISPLAY WOULD BECOME BLANK AGAIN. AFTER LEAVING WORK THE TRANS WOULDN'T SHIFT ABOVE 4TH AND THEN THE INFO DIPLA... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
While driving through west Los Angeles, the vehicle suddenly began emitting white smoke from the engine compartment. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem. The smoke quickly intensified and turned dark. Thick smoke filled the air, and the cockpit, with the smell of toxic fumes. I safely maneuvered to the shoulder and exited the vehicle with my passenger. Fl... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
While driving through west Los Angeles, the vehicle suddenly began emitting white smoke from the engine compartment. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem. The smoke quickly intensified and turned dark. Thick smoke filled the air, and the cockpit, with the smell of toxic fumes. I safely maneuvered to the shoulder and exited the vehicle with my passenger. Fl... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
While driving through west Los Angeles, the vehicle suddenly began emitting white smoke from the engine compartment. There were no prior warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem. The smoke quickly intensified and turned dark. Thick smoke filled the air, and the cockpit, with the smell of toxic fumes. I safely maneuvered to the shoulder and exited the vehicle with my passenger. Fl... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
Hello, I has problems driving my car like by brakes braking out of nowhere. There was even a couple times I felt like the car swerved, even though I did not do anything to the steering wheel. Then I found out I had a recall that said not to drive the car because it was dangerous so I parked it in my driveway and I have not driven it for many months as I’ve been getting rental cars. Eventually, I... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Recall R25C8 not resolved in a timely manner
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
When at proceeding from a stop or a "rolling stop", the vehicle has delayed throttle response or lag. Causes big problem when trying to get into traffic. This has been ever since I have owned this vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
When at proceeding from a stop or a "rolling stop", the vehicle has delayed throttle response or lag. Causes big problem when trying to get into traffic. This has been ever since I have owned this vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
Car developed a known recall issue problem, Recall 2818I. Even though Nebraska was not listed as a "salt state", it's obvious that Nebraska has similar conditions to Iowa. Attempts to contact Mazda USA corporate would not even fix the issue, citing cars age and other factors even though the damage is very specific to this particular recall.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Car developed a known recall issue problem, Recall 2818I. Even though Nebraska was not listed as a "salt state", it's obvious that Nebraska has similar conditions to Iowa. Attempts to contact Mazda USA corporate would not even fix the issue, citing cars age and other factors even though the damage is very specific to this particular recall.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
Some time while driving on empty roads Fuel Economy warning light beeping and automatically emergency brake . It happened on me more than 5 times.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I am submitting information regarding repair access and repair estimate concerns involving a Tesla vehicle after a collision. During an insurance claim handled by Tesla Insurance Company, a repair estimate from a Tesla-preferred repair facility was used to declare the vehicle a total loss. However, a manufacturer-owned repair facility estimate would be significantly lower and could make the vehic... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
I am submitting information regarding repair access and repair estimate concerns involving a Tesla vehicle after a collision. During an insurance claim handled by Tesla Insurance Company, a repair estimate from a Tesla-preferred repair facility was used to declare the vehicle a total loss. However, a manufacturer-owned repair facility estimate would be significantly lower and could make the vehic... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil after approximately 1,500 miles, 2 weeks after an oil change was performed. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle was sluggish while attempting to accelerate. The check engine warning light has been illuminated since purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
WHEN I PUSH ON THE GAS PEDAL SOME TIMES I GET NOTHING FOR A SHORT TIME WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
Puttering can be heard. Manifold has been replaced already. Reverberation through steering wheel and pedal can be felt when idling. Car has shuddered when driving 40+ in the past but dealership downplayed any possible issues. There is an issue with something in this vehicle whether it's the torque converter or another part up or downstream.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
While driving northbound on US-280 freeway, the vehicle experienced sudden deceleration with maximum speed limited to approximately 40 mph. The dashboard displayed a "Check Power Supply" warning. The vehicle required a tow to the dealership. Dealer diagnosis indicates likely ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failure. This is a known issue affecting multiple Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles, with num... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
While driving northbound on US-280 freeway, the vehicle experienced sudden deceleration with maximum speed limited to approximately 40 mph. The dashboard displayed a "Check Power Supply" warning. The vehicle required a tow to the dealership. Dealer diagnosis indicates likely ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failure. This is a known issue affecting multiple Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles, with num... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5. The contact stated that while charging the vehicle at the workplace, the vehicle started flashing a message "Charging was Unsuccessful". The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence; however, the door locks were making clicking sounds. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the driveway and the key fob failed to unlock or lock the d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while reversing from the driveway, the automatic emergency braking system erroneously engaged, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly. There was no warming light illuminated. The contact sustained middle back pains as a result; however, the contact had not received medical assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while driving at 56 MPH, the vehicle slowed down and failed to respond as intended. An oil change was performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the high-pressure fuel pump was leaking, causing the timing chain to fail. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the failure progressed, causing the vehicle t... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment screen failed to turn off. The contact became aware that the Bluetooth had failed to remain connected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the infotainment center had failed and needed to be replaced. The infotainment center was replaced. After having the repair completed, the contact bec... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the infotainment screen failed to turn off. The contact became aware that the Bluetooth had failed to remain connected. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the infotainment center had failed and needed to be replaced. The infotainment center was replaced. After having the repair completed, the contact bec... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
Transmission randomly stopped driving at highway speeds rpm spiked and no movement was in fast lane at 75 mph. Transmission is toast now in for 4-6 thousand dollars to replace also ford did the recall on the emissions reprogram a few months before this issue then tells me it needs a catalytic converter another costly repair car is unsafe. I’m thankful I was driving and not a family with kids.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
On a rainy day after driving on the interstate, I pulled into a drive thru. Once there and idling for a few minutes, I tried moving forward and the car rough idled, shows message on dash "Engine Stopped, Power Stering Low" and had reduced engine power and no power steering and then stalls out. I tried turning it back on and it stays on for less than 3 seconds and shuts off. I had it towed to the d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
On a rainy day after driving on the interstate, I pulled into a drive thru. Once there and idling for a few minutes, I tried moving forward and the car rough idled, shows message on dash "Engine Stopped, Power Stering Low" and had reduced engine power and no power steering and then stalls out. I tried turning it back on and it stays on for less than 3 seconds and shuts off. I had it towed to the d... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
RECALL OMISSION & SAFETY DISPUTE (Case #10683843): I am reporting two documented safety defects in my 2008 BMW 328i (N51 engine) that are identical to existing Federal Safety Recalls but have been omitted from the recall VIN list for this model year. 1. AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE (Recall 17V-428): The vehicle has a confirmed Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy Mat). This is the exact failure mo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
Transmission problems, loss of power. Put a reader on car and said it was a selinoid. Replaced that and now it has happened again
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Hesitates to start
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
While stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle failed to restart when the light turned green. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled during operation and would not start. The engine would crank but there was no ignition. This created a safety risk because the vehicle was disabled in traffic and unable to move out of the roadway, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or other crash. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
While stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle failed to restart when the light turned green. On another occasion, the vehicle stalled during operation and would not start. The engine would crank but there was no ignition. This created a safety risk because the vehicle was disabled in traffic and unable to move out of the roadway, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision or other crash. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
On 2/18/26 the vehicle electrical system stopped working. I unlocked teh vehicle with an emergincy key inside the keyfob. Once towed back to the dealer I was informed that the DC-to-DC converter failed causing the entire electical system to fail/immobilized the vehicle. The part will take 3-4 weeks to receive. Doing my own desk research I see that this is common issue and in many cases reoccurring... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Excessive oil consumption. Consumes more than 1 quart of oil every 5k miles
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
My car started smoking on the road, I parked it. It smoked, Then it caught on fire.
Fire
MAZDA
MX-5 MIATA
(2001) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 27, 2026
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
My car shut down and lost power while in motion, It said “electrical instability “ “service shifter” and cut off. Auto stop start keeps going in and out Seat belt comes undone while in motion
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
Vehicle: 2023 Tesla Model Y VIN: [XXX] Mileage: Approximately 40,531 miles Software Version: 2025.45.9 FSD (Supervised) Version: v14.2.2.4 While driving on [XXX] near the [XXX] entrance in Mission Viejo, California, the vehicle was operating under Full Self-Driving (Supervised) mode. As the freeway lane ended/merged, the vehicle unexpectedly performed a sudden full stop at freeway speed. There w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
While driving on the interstate at 70 mph the front part of the panoramic sunroof exploded. There was no debris or road hazards that caused it.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2026
Sudden loss of acceleration. This occurred while making a left turn across traffic from a stop. At approximately 7mph the car would not accelerate any further. I was luckily able to coast the vehicle into a center turn lane. Upon coming to a stop I was unable to get any acceleration. The vehicle was turned off and turned back on again and operated normally. There were no trouble codes displayed.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2026
On January 24, 2026, my wife was driving the vehicle we purchased in May 2025 from Ziegler GMC in Lincolnwood, Illinois. While traveling on the highway in WI the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. She was traveling with our [XXX] son at the time and was able to safely maneuver the vehicle off the highway onto an exit ramp. Despite multiple attempts, the vehicle would not restart. She c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
Steering Instability: The steering wheel would periodically veer to the right and left on its own without my input. This created an unsafe driving condition and required constant correction to maintain control of the vehicle. Blind Spot / Reverse Detection Malfunction: When shifting the vehicle into reverse, the dashboard display indicated that no vehicle was present. However, when visually checki... Read more