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 23, 2024
Steering wheel gets sticky after driving over 50mph. There is already a recall on a certain 2017 Honda civic models but it doesn’t cover my car but the steering wheel issue is still there. This is a safety issue.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Premature rusting on brake and fuel lines which lead to further issues with driveability and saftey. This us caused by the same defects leading to the Premature rust on the subframe that can cause a serious wreck on the interstate.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Verified noise concern, found TSB 24-2185 This may be due to contamination of the rear drive unit (rdu) fluid through the rdu vent hose. To correct the condition, follow the service procedure to replace the rdu vent hose. SAFETY CONCERN IS THE POWERTRAIN. HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AT FORD DEALERSHIP.
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle seemed as if the engine was choking. In addition, the contact stated that white smoke was coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak into cylinder #3 and engine failu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his wife was pulling out of the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the temperature gauge quickly rose to hot(H). The vehicle was taken to the residence where coolant was added to the coolant reservoir. The failure reoccurred on several occasions and on one occasion the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Warped head / blown head gasket
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Oil consumption issues. Was informed when check engine light appeared. Oil light also appeared. Over 3qts consumed in 20 days. Car shut off while driving. Engine noisy and shaky.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while cold starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling roughly, and the entire vehicle was vibrating. The contact was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact st... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degraded and detached. Similar issue that was on recall for the 2013-2016 Ford Fusion.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 62 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with lead frame, solenoids B and E, and wiring packet failures. The contact was informed that the lead frame, solenoids B and E, and the wiring packet needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
ABS /Traction Control warning chimes and lamps providing erratic behavior and constant noise/distraction. In doing some basic research, this is a known issue for these trucks.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
Oil leaking from turbo charger into exhaust.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
Driving on the interstate @ 65mph the car cut off then caught on fire. Smoke came in the car we pulled over to emergency lane exited the car and then flames came up through the console. The car became completely engulfed in flames and totally destroyed. There were no injuries. I have a video of the event. I do not know the cause. All of the gauges were working properly and read normal.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Pulled up to a stop light my truck turned off had got towed back and turner the truck on and the engine had rod nock and is over heating and not running smooth
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Radiator cooling fan defect that causes safety hazards and costly repairs. There's even an active class action claim filed against Nissan in Tennessee federal court Case No.[XXX]. My vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center who agreed and acknowledged the shop has experienced multiple customers who've had the same issue and repairs needed, with 2016-2020 Nissans especially. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxim... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The reverse lights are not bright enough when backing up at night. When using the backup camera, the driver is unable to see anything behind the car, as the lights do not shine bright enough to illuminate the area of the camera. There is no way to adjust the brightness of the camera or the lights.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
Code 123_11 for bad ABS module. Lights that turn on within the dashboard are: Front Crash Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), TPMS, Traction Control, and Electronic Power steering. This issue is common within this generation of Accord and Honda needs to issue a recall.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
My car started over heating, took it to dealer, they said I had a blown head gasket. Since it isn't covered under warranty, they said I had to pre-approve a $2700 motor teardown in order to see if there were any other problems. Thank goodness there were, the head bolts separated. The engine was covered under dealership extended warranty since I bought it used from a Hyundai dealer.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
SHIFT TO PARK ISSUE - CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK AND MESSAGE KEPT COMING UP ON DASH DISPLAY. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY AND MORE OFTEN NOW. DONT KNOW IF VEHICLE IS IN PARK OR NOT. BATTERY WAS DRAINED AND REPLACED. GM CAR DEALER MIKE SAVIOE AND GM BOTH SAY BULLETIN 19-NA-206 WILL NOT BE HONORED BECAUSE 2019 MALIBU IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY. GM KNEW THIS ISSUE ON 5/21 AND WILL NOT HELP OUT ON COR... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Car is exhibiting symptoms of coolant intrusion into cylinder 3, but needs to be confirmed by Ford. Was getting a misfire on cylinder 3 and replaced the spark plugs and coil pack. Coolant consumption with no visible leaks has begun in the last 2 weeks. This is a known issue and Ford has not issued recalls to fix this. If Ford would like to inspect and troubleshoot the issue at no cost, I am ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it was discovered that the key fob lost power causing the key fob to become undetected inside the vehicle. The contact was not able to lock or start the vehicle due to the failure. In addition, there was a beeping sound coming from the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not di... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
july 2024 traction warning kept appearing on a daily basis. I have pushed Traction off button which both remain on then when car is off (for about 15min or so) then both disappear. However soon afterwards if I keep driving it will appear again - My fear, twice the Traction warning appeared and without putting on Traction off my Vehicle stalled - it was in a frozen state - couldn't move steering ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a clunking noise coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The steering rack was replaced the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer ... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - ENGINE
Aug 23, 2024
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
2022 VW Taos 18k miles leaking coolant - coolant light is coming on 1x per month with minimal driving and mild conditions. I have had it diagnosed 3x at the dealership and they find “no leaks” and their directive is keep an eye on the reservoir. VW forums are full of similar stories where the head gasket needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with excessive smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, resulting in a misfire in ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the vehicle started shaking and then stalled. The vehicle was restarted each time. Additionally, a quart of oil needed to be added weekly due to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced or repa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
My car has had problems with the fuel pump... I have made an appointment at the Acura dealership three times now and when I take the car in they tell me that they don't have the part that needs to be replaced...
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
Headlights frequently flickering. Flickering varies from 30 seconds to 5 minutes in between. Very random and unpredictable. Service department at the dealership was able to replicate the issue. They found a bulletin, PIT6203 that said to replace the headlights, so they ordered new ones. After three weeks I called the dealer and they said GM cancelled the order because replacing the headlights did ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
The car suddenly threw a C1391 code yesterday with no previous warning. The traction, parking brake, brake system, and ABS lights are all lit on the dashboard. As this vehicle is my daily commuting vehicle, I must have the costly repairs performed, which are estimated at roughly $2,400. I will ask to retain the parts for inspection. The brakes are softer, and the breaking distance required has inc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
Issue: Front End violent DEATH WOBBLE at interstate [XXX] speed of 75mph on [XXX] outside Benson AZ (unexpected and harsh). Hit rough patch in road and steering wheel and front end violently shook side to side for about 5 minutes until I slowed to below 50mph. Almost crashed into other cars but I regained control at a slower speed and had no accident. Vehicle purchased on [XXX] new. Slow 45mp... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50–60 MPH, the brake pedal was firm while depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact stated that the infotainment screen was blank. The contact made a right turn and coasted the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
Twice now we have gone to put my nephew in the car seat and the chest clip is melted. The first time was June 18 and we weren’t sure if something could have melted the clip since he hadn’t been in the car for a few days. I ordered a replacement part in June and now the replacement part has done the same thing. The second time he was in the car the night before and when we went to put him in th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
Backup Camera Intermittent, Yes, available for inspection. Unexpected blackout of the screen. Cannot see pedestrians behind when backing out and expecting to see from the camera instead of rear view mirror. Yes, reproduced by the Dealer. Yes, by the Dealer representing the manufacturer. No warning of any kind. First appeared 9/19/23 Unknown.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
I was driving to work with the heated seat on. I began to feel my lower back getting extremely hot. I leaned forward and when I did I could smell something burning and my back began to burn. I quickly pulled over and jumped out of the car as quickly as possibly to see that my seat had physical flame coming from it. I contacted Jeep about the situation and was ultimately told it was somehow not a m... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V464000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. 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 contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
The headlight/taillights control dial switches modes and settings when entering and existing vehicle, the dial for the auto lights it will change and turn off the lights so that while you drive at night the daytime driving lights come on but there will be no rear tail lights. Creating a very dangerous driving at night with no tail lights . I have not taken it in to the dealer as it is intermitten... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the engine surged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or rep... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2022
While driving the vehicle, with no warning, the engine failed. The second cylinder lost all pressure, with the remaining 3 cylinders at the lowest passable pressure. This was on the highway, and the car began jerking and shaking, not allowing to follow flow of traffic. There is supposedly a recall for this issue, however Kia is refusing to cover the car, as it has 120,000 miles and is past the po... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
I recently took my car in for a recall for the trunk wiring harness and have never had any major issues since I purchased it in 2018. Since replacing the recalled harness, I’m starting to receive several alerts from my driver assistance system (emergency brakes, camera failure). I called a service tech who mentioned there’s either a failed camera or a failed wiring harness. Looking online, I w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard without warning while attempting to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective brake booster. The mechanic discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V154000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which the mechanic ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2022
Oil pump issue, Ford refuses to repair. They will keep delaying it indefinitely. I want Ford to buy back my ecosport as I feel unsafe driving it.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The multicamera display unit is defective. It operates several systems and cause multiple warning issues. I believe the design is flawed. In addition to the warnings, both the display for driving information ( speed, rpm, temp, etc.) go blank and the AV unit (radio, entertainment, etc) shuts off too.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
1- Electrical components lost communication with all module I have diagnostic from dealer. 2- When happened car loose power putting my own safety and other at risk I don’t feel safety no more and all possible lights on dashboard come on. 3- I bring my car to dealer to do a diagnostic and said need change whole car harness, at time that dealer check 68 DYC was show, before happening to me twice a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
I was in an accident and the automatic braking sensor did not kick in even though there was a vehicle directly in front of me. As a result, my collision warning never sounded and the active braking feature of my vehicle never engaged.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
I was in an accident and the automatic braking sensor did not kick in even though there was a vehicle directly in front of me. As a result, my collision warning never sounded and the active braking feature of my vehicle never engaged.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
Unknown
Crash
1 injured