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: Mar 18, 2025
The car started to accelerate on it's own. I had to use the brake to slow down and stop
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
The car started to accelerate on it's own. I had to use the brake to slow down and stop
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
Was driving home at highway speeds and my 2019 yukon denalis engine just shut off in traffic and had to come to a stop in the middle of traffic and it wouldn't restart, had to have it towed to dealer and they told me the engine was siezed.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Left/drivers side automatic door actuator failed, door would not open and actuator had to be replaced. Mechanic notes available upon request. Safety risk as door could not be accessed for evacuating the vehicle in the event of an emergency. Notification was issued from the manufacturer that this has been a concern in this model, but manufacturer did not replace it. The vehicle was independently in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Parts of the ABS system under the hood burned, while the vehicle was parked in my garage, affecting electrical and other parts. I found information online about a recall for this same problem. I have never received a notification of this recall before. I went that same day [XXX] to my local dealer. They gave me an appointment for service for the next day and left the vehicle with them on 04/03/20... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 27, 2025
Parts of the ABS system under the hood burned, while the vehicle was parked in my garage, affecting electrical and other parts. I found information online about a recall for this same problem. I have never received a notification of this recall before. I went that same day [XXX] to my local dealer. They gave me an appointment for service for the next day and left the vehicle with them on 04/03/20... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, the vehicle became hard to shift into gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact's daughter took the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the canister purge valve, valve cover, oil pan gasket, engine, and turbo needed to be replaced. The contact had receive... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
While driving my steering wheel keeps locking up to where i can not turn my wheel. I have had 3 close calls where i could have been in a serious accident..i have taken it to the Honda dealership 4 times (1st time was 25 days after buying it.waa told it was fixed. It happened 6 months later. Told it was fixed again, happened 6 months after that. Was told it was something different i took it to anot... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
TRANSMISSION SLOW TO ENGAGE FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE WHEN BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. SO SLOW THAT ONCOMMING VEHICLE HAD TO STOP QUICKLY. RIDING AT ABOUT 30MPH ON A DOWNHILL GRADE THE TRANSMISSION IS CONFUSED AND IT FEELS LIKE IT CAN'T FIND A GEAR TO STAY IN THUS CAUSING MUCH DISTRESS TO DRIVER IT FEELS LIKE CAR IS BREAKING AND SURGING FOWARD WITH DRIVER HAVING LITTLE CONTROLL OVER SITUATION. REPORT... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I am a single owner of a ‘87 Nissan Hardbody D21 pickup. Speedometer needle is made of plastic and curls from the heat.I live in Tucson AZ. The needle curls inward toward the faceplate of the speedometer. Other incidences relayed to me from other Nissan pickup owners are where the needle curls away or up from the original position. The problem is widespread here in the Southwest, even if unrepor... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
i have a 2023 Colorado and its only got 69,000 miles. my Crank shaft seal went out with no warnings. No dash lights or oil lights. ive read online where is this has happened to a few colorados. I had 0 oil on my dipstick and didn't have one check engine light on.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
BACK UP CAMERA GOES ON AND OFF. SOMETIME IT WORKS SOMETIMES IT DONT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I START THE VEHICAL. SOMETIME THE CAMERA IS THERE , SOMETIME ITS NOT WORKING
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Loss of steering, jerks the week right out of your hand and then you are unable to turn the wheel. Engine stalls and you have to try to coast to the side of the road, put in park and try to restart the vehicle. Service Stabilitrak warning appears on display, Alarm Sounds, Radio beeps and display goes blank, navigation compass does not work. There is a current Technical Service Bulletin for these i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Front headlights are fogging up and blocking headlights. Dealership has looked at the issue and waiting for KIA to approve the replacement. No action yet, but if this is happening to my SUV, I'm sure others are having the same issue.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
my wife was driving on [XXX] made a left turn on to [XXX] had enough time but because the Transmision slip on the car slowed down and the car coming from [XXX] have at a high speed was able to hit the caron the right back panel i had power train malfunctions alerts messages from the car. Ford could not find the problem now at 54000 miles I need a new transmission the model needs a recall for the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
I pulled out of my driveway and the truck rapidly downshifted from 5th to second gear upon coming to a stop sign and threw my wife and I up in our seats and me into the steering wheel. . Then upon accelerating to come into the highway the truck RPM went way up but the truck didn’t accelerate and then it slammed into gear and took off. This happened on multiple occasions before I could get it int... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
The engine went out while driving on the highway. Was driving around 60 mph. I almost gone to an accident. GM seemed like they knew of the problem but did not warn none of their customers of this problem. Car only had around 35,000 miles. GM however did swap out the engine. I want to sell and or trade it in, however the year and model lost its value due to the fact of the faulty engines.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
I took my car to Carman Dodge Chrylser Dealer located 196 s Dupont hwy , new castle de, 19720. My car was scheduled for a recall repair u90 and power train software update. I took my car in 4-10-25 and it stayed overnight until 4-11-25. When receiving my car I was presented with new issues that caused a no bus code and radio died. My car had no internal issues prior to taking my car to the dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The Air Bag warning light is one and won't go off.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was black smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the battery was faulty. The battery was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, there was black smoke coming from under the hood, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was black smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the battery was faulty. The battery was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, there was black smoke coming from under the hood, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2025
Product was recalled
Incident date: Apr 12, 2025
Product was recalled
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
I am submitting this complaint to report a significant safety system failure in my 2025 Cadillac XT4 during an accident that occurred on April 12, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. During the incident: •The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) did not activate, and I was unable to stop in time to avoid a collision. •Neither the driver nor passenger airbags deployed, despite sufficient impact that should have... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
While driving on the interstate, suddenly got 6 different ‘warning’ messages on the dashboard. Most of them involved the brakes. Emergency brake malfunction, brake hold malfunction, forward collision malfunction, adaptive cruise control malfunction, brake system malfunction (use of brakes may be reduced), and road departure mitigation malfunction.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The idle start stop feature constantly doesn’t work. When stopped at a light or stop sign the engine will turn off and when I release the break it is supposed to reengage the engine. Instead it stalls out causing me to have to put the car in park and restart the car. There have been several incidents where this is during rush hour traffic causing traffic jams. Sometimes I have to wait a few... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2025
I am getting the message “Camera temporarily unavailable” which means I can’t backup safely.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
My dash lights went crazy while driving. I couldn't get the vehicle into the correct gear ( automatic transmission) I shut off waited then restarted drove home. After having the codes scaned it shows C2200 code ( faulty brake ABS module) called dealer they had none to sell or buy and told me no time was given to them when or if it would be available. I asked them what's the solution to using my v... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
Camera/navigation randomly cycling, not dependable with alerts and crash detection. Has caused several close calls.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
Car began flashing multiple warnings including power steering, brakes, basically all warnings. Power steering and brakes both failed. Took to dealership. Found wires and wire harnesses burnt and melted. Delaliship says it was due to a pinched wire on an after market winch however the winch was installed in 2022 and never had any issue before. They cited damage underneath on the skid plate which is... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
Air bag light is on again. This car has had other recalls / complaints for airbags before. Airbags are safety , to protect drivers and passengers. This needs to be addressed.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Our vehicle has had zero accidents the airbag light showed up on dashboard stating check airbags. Then as far as electrical the headlights seem to turn on there own at times. We feel this perhaps is a recall not known yet.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Our vehicle has had zero accidents the airbag light showed up on dashboard stating check airbags. Then as far as electrical the headlights seem to turn on there own at times. We feel this perhaps is a recall not known yet.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The transmission stutters between shifts. When I apply a healthy amount of throttle input (say 50% or so), the shifts feel very clean and crisp. When I'm at minimal throttle (but I need to creep along) or when I come close to a stop (not quite full stop) and get back into throttle, there is a noticeable delay in power from 1st to 2nd gear. If there's a delay in acceleration, it can create a danger... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
The component that is failing is unknown. Unknown to mechanics because a code is not thrown. I can be driving in my neighborhood, on the highway or coasting and my Jeep stalls. Everything else is working, radio, heater just the rpm goes to zero. I have to quick turn on my hazards and prey I can coast to safety. Once out of traffics way and I am in park my car will restart no problem. my safet... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
My Toyota chr 2018 transmission died on me and left me and my family stranded as it’s our only car and can’t afford anything else. Toyota in Salinas California told me 4 months ago it was the transmission making weird noises they’ve quoted $13,000 with no warning lights popping up. There is a lot people complaining about the same issue on the cvt transmission for Toyota
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
My vehicle has been having issues for the past 2-3 years with its engine acceleration, the bcm and ecm are faulty and or my fuses continue to fail, my check engine comes on with a service esc, power steering depleted, shift to park, and a service security system warning.
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
My vehicle has been having issues for the past 2-3 years with its engine acceleration, the bcm and ecm are faulty and or my fuses continue to fail, my check engine comes on with a service esc, power steering depleted, shift to park, and a service security system warning.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
My daughter‘s car was in park and still running and she got out of the car and went to the back of the car opened up the hatch cleaned her window went to the side of the car passenger side went to go get out her lunchbox and the car ran over my daughter And crushed her left side and tore off part of her face. The car came out of park on its own in my driveway and I have a video of this from my c... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
I have helped my friend replace his headlight recently with a new purchase from Amazon website but he was stopped by a police over the weekend that cited him for having a clear reflector on the headlamp. After some digging it turned out this product is illegal and there are many recall from multiple different company for not having amber color reflector. The citation and recall all reference to Pa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
No abs light on but they don't work. But also there is hot wire running at all times I don't know where it coming from my o2 sensor keep coming on
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
I have had several incidents where I have been unable to start the vehicle. The vehicle does not recognize the keyless remote even though it is present and has a good battery. We have been stranded several times because the car would not start. I have taken it to the dealer and submitted a complaint with Acura which they have done nothing to solve the problem since they cannot replicate it. I hav... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
I was driving on Single Pedal Drive on a freeway with the 2024 BMW IX, there was a slow down ahead of me. I removed my foot from the pedal and waited for car to slow down, but car didn't slow down enough. Then I slammed the brakes hard, but the brake didn't engage. In fact, brakes were pushed back against my foot. I was slamming the brakes as hard as I could, but i couldn't feel the brakes letting... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
While driving at highway speed the vehicle flashed a vehicle and I’ll shut down sign. A red turtle flashed and the vehicle began to decelerate. Had to pull over to a less than safe sand shoulder. Had highway speed traffic directly behind me. Dealership pulled codes related to the transmission. No previous issues or sign thereof. 25k miles.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
Death wobble, while traveling down any road that has a bump or is not smooth as glass I get the front end wobble, the only way to stop it is to slow down, have had a couple near miss accidents because of this. This jeep is all original, second time in shop was told all original parts are fine no wear no loose parts. They are putting a steering damper on it. Was told by the dealership where it w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
Was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the car shut down in the highway lucky cars was not close by. Tried to crank it it would not crank would not take a boost it won’t say anything I had the battery checked at auto zone the battery is really good. The mileage on the Kia optima is 1,900 actual miles it will not crank or move it was very scary I called Kia customer service there wante... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Vehicle idles and dies, dashboard error shows manual restart necessary. This happens at red lights, in carpool, on the interstate if traffic has slowed, potentially a huge hazard for being rear ended. You have to put the car in park and manually restart the vehicle. VW is inspecting today but has not been able to recreate the issue. VW forum online has many car owners with the same issue and c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2025
I received the "Interim Notice" recall notification (not the first one about the same problem - "Certain Potential Vehicle Fire related to 12-volt battery") 1/2/24 but no parts were available until received the next notice on 3/28/25 for the "Remedy". That is not in a reasonable time frame to me, over a year and almost 4 months. I received a recall prior to 1/2/24 about a similar battery issue tha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was 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 not made aware of the i... Read more