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: Jul 1, 2025
The transmission system on my 2025 Chevrolet Traverse began showing signs of failure approximately 2–3 months after purchase. Symptoms include erratic shifting, gear hesitation, and sporadic power loss while driving. Although the issue was promptly reported to Chevrolet headquarters, I was unable to bring the vehicle to the dealer earlier due to the lack of available loaner vehicles. The car is ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The transmission system on my 2025 Chevrolet Traverse began showing signs of failure approximately 2–3 months after purchase. Symptoms include erratic shifting, gear hesitation, and sporadic power loss while driving. Although the issue was promptly reported to Chevrolet headquarters, I was unable to bring the vehicle to the dealer earlier due to the lack of available loaner vehicles. The car is ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The transmission system on my 2025 Chevrolet Traverse began showing signs of failure approximately 2–3 months after purchase. Symptoms include erratic shifting, gear hesitation, and sporadic power loss while driving. Although the issue was promptly reported to Chevrolet headquarters, I was unable to bring the vehicle to the dealer earlier due to the lack of available loaner vehicles. The car is ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
My 2019 Volkswagen Jetta cannot be refueled — gas nozzle clicks off instantly or overflows. The check engine light came on, and VW Corporate confirmed code P00FE, indicating a failure of the EVAP system vent valve. This is a sealed emissions component integrated with the fuel tank. Dealership initially claimed there were “no codes,” but a video shows their technician confirming the EVAP cod... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
My 2019 Volkswagen Jetta cannot be refueled — gas nozzle clicks off instantly or overflows. The check engine light came on, and VW Corporate confirmed code P00FE, indicating a failure of the EVAP system vent valve. This is a sealed emissions component integrated with the fuel tank. Dealership initially claimed there were “no codes,” but a video shows their technician confirming the EVAP cod... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
I hit an elk at 65 mph while pulling a flatbed trailer loaded with 4000 lbs of hay. The crash warning light did not come on nor did the air bags deploy. The whole front end of the truck is badly damaged. I contacted my local Ford dealer with this information and was told by the service agent that the body shop will handle this. As my concern is how hard do you have to hit something to get the airb... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the infotainment center screen blacked out intermittently. A message indicating t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
I continue getting a message Supplemental Restraint System Problem. See Your Dealer. Also, many times not all my doors lock and I have replaced the battery for key fob numerous times and no luck still while driving I hear a noise as if the doors are locking or unlocking on its own.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
The ESL has failed and it has happened in a lot of these cars.i was unable to move my steering wheel.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
Paint is peeling off in patches
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Since the day I picked up the car from the dealership lot, I have had consistent issues with this vehicle simply operating safely and normally. In Arizona, you're legally responsible for a vehicle the moment you sign — even before you drive it off the property — so I was essentially stuck with it. From that point forward, I have been at my dealership nearly every month due to various mechanica... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
The check engine light appeared on my 2018 Volvo s60. After taking the car to 2 Independent mechanics and the dealer, it was diagnosed as an Engine Control Module (ECM) failure. My 2018 Volvo s60 has ONLY 44,200 miles. The dealer stated that they "haven't seen this failure in cars with such low mileage. Usually, cars have 125,000+ miles if/when the ECM fails". The dealer and an Independent mechani... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2025
Airbag readiness lamp does not turn off, steady illumination
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - STEERING
Jul 2, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Electronic power steering failure at around 40k miles driven. Was able to replace completely understand warranty.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
engine light turned and, scanned it and code is P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire detected. Coolant is leaking into the engine. I have looked online and multiple people have had this issue, majority of them taking their vehicles to Ford dealers and being told they need an engine replacement. I have taken my vehicle to a mechanic shop and was told the same thing. my safety was at risk because this issue ca... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
While driving at no more than 5 mph, looking for a parking space, the car suddenly accelerated dramatically. I vigorously applied pressure to the brake but the car continued to go forward, sideswiping a parked pickup truck and crashing through a metal fence and coming up against a rock wall. Fortunately, there were no pedestrians walking through the parking lot and no one was injured. I don’t kn... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 10, 2025
While driving at no more than 5 mph, looking for a parking space, the car suddenly accelerated dramatically. I vigorously applied pressure to the brake but the car continued to go forward, sideswiping a parked pickup truck and crashing through a metal fence and coming up against a rock wall. Fortunately, there were no pedestrians walking through the parking lot and no one was injured. I don’t kn... Read more
Crash
MAZDA
CX-50 HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 30, 2025
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
This vehicle was purchased used with 10,000 miles. Since purchase we have been experience with the battery and electrical system not functioning properly. The car is not driven much, but is started daily and run for 10 minutes when it is functioning. The car shuts down and it is necessary for us to have USAA or AAA start it, they have told us there is an electrical system problem. The car was ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
After OTA update 3.6.4, I am still seeing a "camera not available" error when putting my car into reverse. The backup camera does not appear, so I only have my mirrors and windows available to see behind me. Update 3.6.4 was supposed to fix this issue, but I still occasionally get the error when I put my car into reverse. The error was not confirmed by a dealer, manufacturer, police, or insurance ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
Sometime after performing the B9A recall (NHTSA 23V-787) repair (my vehicle passed), my check engine light came on. Dealer felt there was faulty Airbag ORC sensor and this was replaced. Despite replacement the vehicle continues to throw check engine list with error DTC B273C. We opened a STAR case 6/16/25 and my local dealership kept the Jeep for a week. They stated Stellantis said there was no... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
Had to replace motor. Had to replace the vibrater in the seat. Had to replace transmission. Electric shorted
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
Had to replace motor. Had to replace the vibrater in the seat. Had to replace transmission. Electric shorted
Incident date: May 7, 2025
While moving 60 mph, my curious toddler (fortunately from the safety of a 5 point harness car seat) decided to try to open the rear passenger door & was alarmingly successful in doing so. We pulled over & engaged the child safety lock on that door so it wouldn't happen again but made a point to test the feature as we accelerated to 60 mph again. While all the locks engaged right after we started m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
An error code (RCM_a056) will intermittently come up and say there is a fault with the front passenger safety restraint system. It will turn on for a car ride and stay off for a few days and come back randomly. When I researched this code, I found that this is a known issue with 2018 Tesla Model 3's. Apparently there was a flaw in the airbag system which causes this safety concern. I contacted a T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
An error code (RCM_a056) will intermittently come up and say there is a fault with the front passenger safety restraint system. It will turn on for a car ride and stay off for a few days and come back randomly. When I researched this code, I found that this is a known issue with 2018 Tesla Model 3's. Apparently there was a flaw in the airbag system which causes this safety concern. I contacted a T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
There are so many issues with this vehicle that started right from the beggining when I purchased it back 2023): •The sensors in the car beep frequently even when nothing is in the way. •When using the brakes, the car will sometimes abruptly brake aggressively •Middle console of the inside of the car makes random noises constantly. •Wheels have no traction! Spin when going uphill. •Most... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
2015 5.3 with afm related failure / lifter collapse still within warranty by mileage (5 yrs, 100,000 miles I think), out by years in service, was diagnosed by a GM authorized dealership by a GM Master Certified Technician and under the supervision of service manager. Issue Description On 6/18/2025, the dealership diagnosed a failure in the #7 lifter due to afm / afm related failure / lifter coll... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
2015 5.3 with afm related failure / lifter collapse still within warranty by mileage (5 yrs, 100,000 miles I think), out by years in service, was diagnosed by a GM authorized dealership by a GM Master Certified Technician and under the supervision of service manager. Issue Description On 6/18/2025, the dealership diagnosed a failure in the #7 lifter due to afm / afm related failure / lifter coll... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
2015 5.3 with afm related failure / lifter collapse still within warranty by mileage (5 yrs, 100,000 miles I think), out by years in service, was diagnosed by a GM authorized dealership by a GM Master Certified Technician and under the supervision of service manager. Issue Description On 6/18/2025, the dealership diagnosed a failure in the #7 lifter due to afm / afm related failure / lifter coll... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
2023 Kia Niro electronic dash went blank, no speed indication, no adaptive cruise, no lane departure warning, no forward collision warning capabilities.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
2023 Kia Niro electronic dash went blank, no speed indication, no adaptive cruise, no lane departure warning, no forward collision warning capabilities.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
2023 Kia Niro electronic dash went blank, no speed indication, no adaptive cruise, no lane departure warning, no forward collision warning capabilities.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Bosch CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump failed in transit cost $10,713 to repair only 155k miles on new engine. Diesel fuel spilled from engine on highway, lucky no fire. Ford no help.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Bosch CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump failed in transit cost $10,713 to repair only 155k miles on new engine. Diesel fuel spilled from engine on highway, lucky no fire. Ford no help.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V025000 (SUSPENSION); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
Due to GMC not having a fix for the safety recall to repair the potential engine failure, we are unsafe driving our car. This has been in effect since April and still no fix is available. We feel extremely unsafe driving this car due to this issue.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
I'm writing to formally report a serious and potentially dangerous issue with my 2019 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ), which is experiencing excessive engine oil consumption. This problem began around 55,000 miles and has progressively worsened to the point where I must either frequently top off oil between scheduled changes or get oil changes well ahead of schedule. Despite having two documented deale... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, unofficially the failure was diagnosed as a failed cam phaser. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
While driving I received random warnings on the dashboard: airbag failure, power steering failure, shift control failure, ABS failure. After the flashing of all those warning, I lost the power steering and the ability to shift from Drive to Neutral. My inability to steer the car and loss of speed put my passengers and myself at risk and the safety of cars driving on the opposite lane at risk as I ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
While driving I received random warnings on the dashboard: airbag failure, power steering failure, shift control failure, ABS failure. After the flashing of all those warning, I lost the power steering and the ability to shift from Drive to Neutral. My inability to steer the car and loss of speed put my passengers and myself at risk and the safety of cars driving on the opposite lane at risk as I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer for a routine oil change and after the vehicle was serviced, the contact was provided a multi-point vehicle inspection sheet which showed that the brake pads had received a green check mark and that the brake pads were 7-millimeters or greater on both the driver’s and passenger’s side. The next day upon... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The radio changes stations by itself, speakers/music goes in and out. The screen freezes and cannot change stations. And also the car lags on taking off sometimes. Often smells like fuel when you turn on the car, Assuming a fuel pump issue, not sure. I spoke to the salesman who sold me the car (adam) within less than 30 days of having the vehicle and told me the electrical issue with radio would ... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2024
My 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid has experienced three identical and dangerous incidents over a one month period beginning around 60,000 miles. Each time, while driving at highway speeds (60-70 mph) climbing hills or grades, the vehicle suddenly loses all acceleration power accompanied by a rapidly flashing check engine light. This creates an extremely hazardous situation as the vehicle cannot maintain h... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2024
Brakes became spongy and went to the floor. Vehicle could not stop short and was extremely dangerous to drive. Was at a high risk of slamming into the car in front of me and also could not stop before the line of a red light. Braking was delayed by more than 60%. The dealer confirmed the failure was the HCU of the ABS module. This is extremely similar to a recall on other Fords. 19S54 and 20S13
Incident date: May 20, 2024
On June 17, 2025, I went with my mechanic to inspect a car I was considering purchasing. The vehicle is a 2015 Honda Accord Sport, showing approximately 60,000 miles on the odometer. My mechanic performed a diagnostic scan, and everything appeared to be in good working order at the time. However, on June 23, 2025, I went to the DMV to register the vehicle, and I was informed that the car has a fr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
I am reporting serious and recurring electrical and system failures in my leased 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack EV, leased March 18, 2025. The vehicle has consistently experienced critical malfunctions that pose a threat to driver and public safety. The most dangerous issue is intermittent complete power failure. On at least four occasions, the vehicle failed to start or respond to keyless ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
I am reporting serious and recurring electrical and system failures in my leased 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack EV, leased March 18, 2025. The vehicle has consistently experienced critical malfunctions that pose a threat to driver and public safety. The most dangerous issue is intermittent complete power failure. On at least four occasions, the vehicle failed to start or respond to keyless ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2025
Parking assist camera often does not turn on when car is placed in reverse. The "camera temporarily unavailable" message appears. This car has been updated with the V3.6.4 software "fix" for this problem. It has gotten worse since the installation of this new version. Failure of this system puts me and others outside of the vehicle in danger of collision and/or injury. User interface tablet a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #2. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be taken to a Ford dealer for assistance. After investigating the failure, the contact related the ... Read more