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: Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
On [XXX] I was at a stoplight with my children and when it turned green I went to proceed and then I was moving slowly and it wasn't letting me go any specific speed and died in the middle of the road on a busy intersection at that leaving my children and I at risk of being potentially hit by another car, and it was in the evening time something could have happened to us Ladies as I have a [XXX] ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission experienced hard downshifts, causing the vehicle to jerk and abruptly decelerate. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving in different gears, and while driving at highway speeds or slower speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who reprogrammed the transm... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
I have own this car for 1 year and already placed the front windshield two both times a small crack/chip occurred on the passenger side with no known cause. The chip grew because of heat and resulting in me having to replace it. Additionally Safelite technicians also informed me that the glass is so thin they are unable to repair it and always results in a complete replacement. I also own a 2014 T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
Power relay has been replaced several times, air bags did not deploy with either wreck and loss control of steering causing a crash which bent the frame. Hyundai never once contacted me regarding this defective car they replaced motor in because of knock sensor and im lucky to be alive. On one of the accidents in February there was an error message that popped up right before I had the wreck and i... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 27, 2025
the 10r80 transmission still jerks when putting in drive or reverse as well as hard shifting causing the vehicle to shake and not grab a gear. No smooth shifting.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the instrument panel remained blank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated, and no fault was found with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the f... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there were several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument cluster. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was coasted over to the side of the road; however, while attempting to shift into park(P), the transmission was unable to be shifted into park(P). The contact stated that the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
CVT problem stopped on highway with kids in car put our life at risk called you all about the extended warranty or help fixing transmission. I was told it’s nothing you all can do because the warranty was expired but there’s a class action lawsuit saying thousands of people are having the same specific problem
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle stalled. The message "Transmission Overheating - Stop Vehicle" was displayed. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact waited for 20 minutes to restart the vehicle. After se... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then decelerated to 64 MPH, and the transmission sputtered. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly’s Auto Parts and was diagno... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
The backup camera is no longer working on my vehicle. There was no recall when there was one for other Honda vehicles with the same issue.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
The tailgate on my truck is electrically opened & closed. I've been having trouble with the tailgate opening randomly, even while driving. This has happened multiple times and can create a very dangerous situation, especially if i'm hauling something in the bed of the truck and it could possibly fall out if the tailgate were to open. Once i was hauling a bunk bed and the tailgate opened without me... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
For several months the 2006 Rav4 with only 118k miles had been experiencing intermittent failure of power steering while driving at speeds between 5-20mph. These failures resulted in the steering wheel to become extremely difficult if not impossible to turn while the car is driving. In each incident, this resulted in stopping the car and putting on emergency lights until we can safely turn off the... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
Front steering knuckle was cracked, Land Rover hadn’t notified me of any issues. I found the recall online, nearest dealer is 4-5 hours away. Was afraid to drive with cracked part. I replaced steering knuckle on my own out of pocket to keep vehicle safe. Vehicle was not in any accident or injuries. Defect found and fixed before anything could happen. Called Land Rover and they said no resolutio... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
Front steering knuckle was cracked, Land Rover hadn’t notified me of any issues. I found the recall online, nearest dealer is 4-5 hours away. Was afraid to drive with cracked part. I replaced steering knuckle on my own out of pocket to keep vehicle safe. Vehicle was not in any accident or injuries. Defect found and fixed before anything could happen. Called Land Rover and they said no resolutio... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
Transmission keeps shifting hard and stud stuttering at low speeds
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The center touchscreen in my Tesla Model S developed a yellow discoloration and later began leaking a sticky fluid from the edges of the display. This fluid appears to be seeping from inside the screen and emits a noticeable odor. The touchscreen is the primary interface for controlling most of the vehicle’s safety-critical systems, including the backup camera, gear selection, climate control, l... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
The center touchscreen in my Tesla Model S developed a yellow discoloration and later began leaking a sticky fluid from the edges of the display. This fluid appears to be seeping from inside the screen and emits a noticeable odor. The touchscreen is the primary interface for controlling most of the vehicle’s safety-critical systems, including the backup camera, gear selection, climate control, l... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
On Sunday, [XXX], I was driving on a state highway in my 21 Ford F150 FX4 with my family. 67mph, 73 degrees sunny outside. The front portion of my moonroof/sunroof exploded, shooting glass shards internally all over my truck/passengers and externally into the bed of my truck, and into the boat I was towing. Multiple people had glass shards embedded in their skin. There were no other vehicles nea... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
Computer screen goes black. Sometimes this happen right when I start the truck, sometimes when put it in reverse and sometimes just while driving down the road. This started shortly after i purchased the truck in Feb 2025 and seems to be getting worse.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
While driving on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly lost all power and control. The “Service Hybrid System” warning began flashing, and I experienced a complete powertrain failure. As the vehicle coasted down to under 5 mph, it abruptly slammed into the electronic parking brake and came to a hard stop. This created a serious safety hazard not only for me but for other drivers on the road. The v... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
While driving on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly lost all power and control. The “Service Hybrid System” warning began flashing, and I experienced a complete powertrain failure. As the vehicle coasted down to under 5 mph, it abruptly slammed into the electronic parking brake and came to a hard stop. This created a serious safety hazard not only for me but for other drivers on the road. The v... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
Lose of power at the pedal again not even 15 mins later. Still no code. Just extremely frustrating
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts not being available for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle there was an abnormal sputtering sound coming from the engine. Additionally, several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The local dealer was c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2025
Vehicle Safety Complaint Report: 2017 Jeep Renegade Latitude The sunroof assembly failed. The entire unit appears to be permanently bonded to the roof, rather than designed for modular replacement. This design flaw makes the issue unserviceable without replacing the entire roof structure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The sunroof will not close, which: -Makes the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was ta... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Tailgate going up and down on its own when in park. Now it will not open at all. There is a recall #N232426400 but dealership says it is not listed for my truck.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Shop has had the truck over two months and cannot figure out the problem will not go stuck in limp mode.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
Shop has had the truck over two months and cannot figure out the problem will not go stuck in limp mode.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
Vehicle stalls and loses all power while driving. Vehicle comes to an abrupt halt.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. While attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact connected a portable di... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a Safety 1st safety seat, Model type: Grow and Go All-In-One-Convertible, Model number: CC31-GYY, Manufacturer Date: August 01, 2023. The contact stated that the cloth part that covers the headpiece does not fit. In addition, the insulation part inside the cloth will detach. Most recently, the contact stated that the harness that goes across would become difficult to buckle. It wo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
On July 30, 2025, as I was pulling onto the highway, my audio system started blaring noise from all the speakers in the vehicle. This noise was unbearably loud to the point I had to pull off the road. The noise coming from the speaker system was so loud that it was visibly shaking the door panels in the vehicle. I tried to turn down the volume, but it didn't help. After this, I tried turning o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
When going through Auburn, AL with speed limit of 70 mph my car engine started blinking on and off then my car dropped down only allowing me to go 60 Mph.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Coachmen Sportscoach built on a 2021 Freightliner XC-S Chassis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable and turned blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Viper module had failed and needed to be replaced. The RV was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
When making a turn from a stop, the truck will kill the engine then engage the parking brake. I thought this may have been tied to Ram Safety Recall 37A, which I had fixed at the dealership, but the truck continues to have this issue even after the recall was fixed. This is not my video, but it shows what happens [XXX] Also, complaints about this issue can be found in this thread from a Ram fo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Lifter failure and camshaft failure. Found metal in engine oil that has caused bearing failure and engine damage. While driving the Tahoe on [XXX] I experience a jolt on the front right side. Then warning messages regarding the Traction Control and to Service the ESC appeared. As I cleared those messages my engine light was blinking and several other dash lights were lit up. There was a kno... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The failure occurred in the sidewalls of the two factory‑supplied all‑season tires on the passenger‑side (front and rear) of my 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. Both tires exhibit pronounced bulges on the outer sidewall of the front passenger tire. Tire size is 255/45 R20 105V M+S The rear OEM tire was replaced on February 10, 2025 and front OEM tire (with DOT codes visible) remain mounted on the v... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
When someone is sitting in passenger seat the light for their airbag blinks, is on or off. So we are unsure if the airbag would in fact deploy if we were to be in a collision.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Forest River Coachman Apex. The contact stated that while hauling the RV, the contact became aware that the black trim was detached from the front window of the RV. The RV was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was the fourth time that the failure had occurred. The contact stated that the prev... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
2015 Toyota Prius ABS warning light came on . Went to car mechanic . Brake Actuator & Pump code leaking. It happen on 7/27/25 under 100,000 miles. Currently Anti Sway and ABS braking disable.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2025
Engine light continues to turn on after taking it to shop multiple times and no one can find the problem. Code shows P0299. Everything has been checked and there’s nothing to correspond with this code. This has been going on for a year now with multiple fees paid to diagnose and repair.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
Car makes loud clicking noise while making turns. Steering doesn’t come back to center after making sharper turns. Suspect bad CV joint, common when searching online for this problem.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
The frame is completely rusted My mechanic said it is paper thin and is in danger of falling GM is not offering to fix this even though it is a TSB It is very dangerous to drive
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
Engine started making strange noises and i had to pull over due to it not driving correctly. I was stranded two hours from home. There were no warning lights. I have a video of the noise it was making. Upon getting it towed back to a local mechanic I was told I have the 6.2 GM engine that has been recalled on other vehicles. I found out that the lifters and cam shaft were bad along with the be... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and flat towing an RV, the Flat-Tow mode inadvertently disengaged and the contact smelled a burning odor permeating the interior of the vehicle with the message "Stop vehicle immediately, excessive temperature detected" displayed. The transmission temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
The automatic braking that is meant to assist is actually very dangerous. There are many situations in which GROWN ADULTS, who should know how to control a vehicle (and thus do not need a vehicle to make decisions by itself) can be jolted by this braking. Numerous times, I have been backing out of my garage, and the safety system notices something (nothing is actually in my path- perhaps a dandeli... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the brakes. A dealer and independent mechanic were contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake pads wear was uneven on ... Read more