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 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 equipped with Prinx Tires, Tire Line: High Country, Tire Size: 245/75/R16, DOT Number: 04N18HTPC1323. The contact had the tires rotated by an independent mechanic. Upon inspection of the tires, the contact discovered cracks along the base of the tire treads on all four tires. The contact notified the mechanic about the defect and was given a credit ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 equipped with Prinx Tires, Tire Line: High Country, Tire Size: 245/75/R16, DOT Number: 04N18HTPC1323. The contact had the tires rotated by an independent mechanic. Upon inspection of the tires, the contact discovered cracks along the base of the tire treads on all four tires. The contact notified the mechanic about the defect and was given a credit ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2004
The abs control module and HCU are faulty . No parts have been available for a fix. I have now been driving a truck in the north with no ABS , 4 wheel drive, cruise control or traction control. This truck is a hazard to everyone on the road but with no parts it’s hard to fix it. I only have one vehicle. Tons of people have the same issue and nothing is being done. Ram won’t do anything, stalla... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2004
In the timeframe of 1 oil change had to add 3-4 qts of oil to my car and still have 1000 miles left before i have to have an oil change. It is a 2020 2L kia soul. The car has no leaks and has been properly maintained. I have taken it to a shop that told me that it is probably going to blow a motor in the next few thousand miles. The car only has 78,414 miles on it. They explained that if it blows ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The screen to the radio and the navigation is delaminating. This is a safety concern as the screen is uncontrollable and can not be used. This was confirmed by a Jeep dealership. Jeep will not acknowledge the problem or repair the issue.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Shift to park issues. Car not reading that it’s in park.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering assist also failed to operate as needed. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence and turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the power steering was no longer functioning. The contact stated that prior... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
The paint on my 2016 Hyundai continues to peel. I have gone to get the vehicle repainted to no avail. The roof paint came off again and even bigger than the original peel. This is absolutely ridiculous, I see my extract same car on the road with the extract same problems. Not to mention the oil consumption. Across the board these vehicles have all the same issues. No one should have to keep paying... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
Car often sputters then shows front collision warning light then stalls. Mass airflow sensor has been changed and problem persists. Radio volume changes on its own. Software is up-to-date.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I was driving and I went to roll the sunroof down and it ejected itself and came off the whole glass and frame and broke in many pieces on the bridge if there would of been a car or person walking it would of hit them and caused a major accident its going to cosy over$2000.00 to get it replaced whicj I cant afford to do I feel like the manufacturer should replace the part it wasnt my fault
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 manu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
While driving, a warning message came on: "Engine unavailable." I was able to drive a few more blocks but then the car stopped on its own. This happened despite the fact that the car had almost a full tank of gas. If this had happened on the highway, it would have been very dangerous. Luckily, I was on a fairly empty city street and I simply pulled to the curb. This is a known problem with the Ch... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
12 volt battery dies after 2 years. Car is not starting and could stop working if it dies while being driven. The dealer replaced it But does not know why it died. I called the manufacturer but they were no help either.
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
Fuel pressure pump system RECALL, the dealership refuses to put the RECALL part on due to my vehicle not running. There has been more problems with my JEEP as well with the amount of recalls and malfunctions I have been in and out of the garage. Currently is being held at Roger Williams Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram- Weatherford TX. I just want to get my recalls done first to go from there and then will... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The transmission fails to shift from first to second and also is shuttering in reverse. It revs the engine and suddenly lurches forward or reverse. It becomes unsafe trying to get to traffic speed from a light or when turning. Yes the by independent service company. No it has need been inspected by a dealer or manufacturer. Warning lights came on after the first time it happened. This is a kno... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
replaced spark plugs and ignition coil, keep getting misfire on cyclnder 2. Having to replace coolant every few days. Lots of research this is a known issue with 2.0 eco boost motor. How has nothing been done yet?
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
We own a 2016 Toyota Corolla Sport model. 4 door sedan. We first started to notice a loud sound that was seemingly coming from the front of the car. It was a whining, rattling sound. The car's mileage is 87k. We took it into the shop, we were first told that it sounded like a bearing going out in the wheel. Then we took it to a licensed Toyota dealership. The dealership then tells us that it is a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
I am a [XXX] physician who has been driving for about 30 years. Purchased this vehicle as a CPO with VIN as identified above. It is a 2024 BMW 530i X-drive from Faulkner BMW in Lancaster, PA. It was delivered on July 25, 2024. I have only put approximately 200 miles on in it since delivery. On Thursday, [XXX] there was catastrophic failure of the vehicle. At around [XXX] I was driving North on... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
I am a [XXX] physician who has been driving for about 30 years. Purchased this vehicle as a CPO with VIN as identified above. It is a 2024 BMW 530i X-drive from Faulkner BMW in Lancaster, PA. It was delivered on July 25, 2024. I have only put approximately 200 miles on in it since delivery. On Thursday, [XXX] there was catastrophic failure of the vehicle. At around [XXX] I was driving North on... Read more
Crash
MAZDA
MAZDA6
(2011) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Aug 12, 2024
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH after refueling, the check engine warning light illuminated. There was exhaust smoke coming from near the driver's side door and a burning odor started entering the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the burning odor and exhaust smoke w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
Car won't start, stranded in parking lots, on road. Have seen hundreds of complaints about the same thing ,saying it's either a brake switch or ignition switch.Very scary to be stranded somewhere.Nissan is aware and said it's common problem? Hard to believe Nissan or the nhtsa does not believe this to be a safety issue.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
I've had the vehicle for 7 years and after inspection performed by the dealer, there is so much subframe rot that my car will not pass the next inspection due in April. I've contacted Mitsubishi and they said there is nothing they can do as there isn't any recall. This model of Mitsubishi has had recalls on many different previous years, such as 2005, 2010 and many online reports of 2014 with th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Vehicle was sold without airbags.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
I purchased this car a few year ago and the low beam lights were weak but seemed to work minimally. They have progressively worsened to the point that it is difficult to discern they are functioning at all unless you get out and view them from the front at night. I literally can read better by candle light than I can with my low beams on. Super dangerous at night and I have to use high beams conti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, power steering, and brake functionality. The vehicle began to shake, and the brakes and steering wheel became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Climate Control Housing is broken. Air will not come out of the face vents. This caused me to overheat because the AC could not cool me off while driving. Even with AC coming out of the feet and defrost vents, it was not able to cool my car off enough to be a comfortable temperature. A dealer and an auto shop both said this is a known issue.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The contact works for a trucking company that owns a 2004 Ford F-650 SD 3-Ton Commercial Vehicle. The contact stated that the gear shifter rubber boot was not securely mounted onto the floorboard, resulting in a gap that allowed the driver to see underneath the vehicle. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a strong engine oil odor and carbon monoxide odor entering the cabi... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
On Wednesday [XXX]. The front brake hose rubbed against the right front tire, causing it to bust and me to lose brakes very dangerous, difficult to stop my vehicle. This needs to be addressed. All the brake safety features failed and all the brake related dash lights came on. The truck is at Bob Bell Ford in Maryland. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
Consistent error messages when trailering that lead to vehicle having a failure of trailer brakes
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
Consistent error messages when trailering that lead to vehicle having a failure of trailer brakes
Incident date: Aug 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle had decelerated to 5 MPH and failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was driven to the residence and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
prior complaint # 11588279 steering wheel "sticks" while driving, Honda replaced part # 53620-TLA-A30 power steering rack on 5/22/24 mileage 33,781. 7/28/24 same issue, nearly caused a collision when vehicle was "directed into oncoming lane" during a low speed left hand turn in a residential area. Vehicle taken back to local dealership, same part they replaced on 5/22/24 is being replaced aga... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and was not able to exceed 50 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated for over 3 years. t uThe vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed the engine needed to be replaced due to the rear turbo causing... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2018
Safety recall By honda for contamination of fuel system bought used as in motorcycle from powersports dealership, knowing of the recall asked if dealership completed recall, dealer said yes could not provide documentation of completing said recall. With that there was an all stop-No sale of the model with contamination of fuel system recall, dealer chose to ignore warning and all stop no sale my N... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
The 2021 jeep wrangler wheels wobble at moderate speeds. the dealer informed me that jeeps up til 2020 had this problem and it was covered under a extended warranty. I just had to spend over $300 to get the steering damper replaced and I cannot get anyone at jeep to talk to me about this problem, even though it IS a known problem.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
The automatic windshield wipers will not turn on during rain and mist. Also the wipers will not turn on when there is water and visibility is very poor. For unknow reason the car jammed the brake almost bringing the car to a stop on the freeway on cruise control and nearly caused a pile up.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
Steering wheel doesn't return to center after a turn, it must be turned back manually. If left unfixed this can cause the steering to lock up entirely when the steering gear fails.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
On a number of occasions the automatic braking system has engaged when no vehicles or objects were present in the vicinity of the vehicle. This is incredibly dangerous. When I get in the car now I have to remember to disengage that feature before operating the vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The rear driver door will not open. It seems the door handle does not open the door from the exterior of the vehicle. The door will also not open from the interior of the vehicle. It feels like the handle has come lose from the door latch mechanism to open the door of the vehicle. This is a big safety concern if there is a passenger sitting behind the driver and they cannot exit the vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Rav4 equipped with four Continental Tires, Tire Line: Cross Contact LX; Tire Size: 225/65/R17, DOT Number: A32YHOOB0224. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unattended, the passenger’s side front tire exploded. The hub cap detached and flew off the rim. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called AAA and was informed that the t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
As the driver was making a right hand turn, the dash lights came on and the vehicle lost power. The driver was able to get the vehicle to roll to a stop in the middle of the road after making the turn. As the driver exited the vehicle to check the engine, the passenger stated smoke could be smelled coming into the cabin. Before the hood could be disengaged, flames engulfed the engine compartmen... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
Rear camera and cross traffic warning system malfunctions randomly, working less than half the time. When the vehicle is put in reverse the system and camera often do not work and issue a notice that it needs serviced. On several occasions it did not warn me of a person behind my vehicle or another vehicle behind me. I have avoided accidents but the system is not working. I have been reading a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
Rear camera and cross traffic warning system malfunctions randomly, working less than half the time. When the vehicle is put in reverse the system and camera often do not work and issue a notice that it needs serviced. On several occasions it did not warn me of a person behind my vehicle or another vehicle behind me. I have avoided accidents but the system is not working. I have been reading a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Coolant intrusion into cylinder causing spark plug corrosion and warping of head. Confirmed by dealer that this is a known common issue with the engine and requires the engine to be replaced. Only warning sign on my car was an occasional misfiring that I brought the car in for within a week of noticing. Told that there was a recall on the model but not my specific car and it has expired so nothing... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Julio 30, 2024 Volkswagen Customer Care Volkswagen Group of America 3800 Hamlin Road Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Dear Volkswagen Customer Care, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent recall notice I received for my Volkswagen vehicle, VIN [XXX] 2023 VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 Due to the severe safety issues outlined in the recall, I have been unable to use t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
The Advancetrac error light comes on and then the ABS system error lights and the cruse control stops functioning
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Low Engine Coolant" message was displayed. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders, and it was determ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
Intermittent Power steering failure first occurred ~March 2024. Truck is not safe to operate and is currently at the dealership awaiting parts for repair and is available for inspection. Power steering failure occurred multiple times without warning and required enormous physical effort to maintain control through the turn. No warning signals or symptoms occurred before, during, or after any of th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact attempted to depress the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle revved but failed to respond. The contact was able to pull to the side of the emergency lane. The contact had called the dealer at that point who advised the contact to turn of... Read more