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 8, 2024
Went to got a normal free oil change. They told us they could not do a tire rotation because the lug nuts were swollen. On a 2018 car the cheap 2 piece lug nut swollen so a normal 19mm socket could not fit over to took off the tire. No recall and no free fix at the Anderson SC Ford Dealer.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that while the vehicle was approaching a building ahead, she veered to the right and... Read more
Crash
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Mar 19, 2024
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
Steering losses power while driving. 2/24/24 Ford replaced steering gear, same problem reoccured 300 miles later on 3/14/24 If this had of happen while on the freeway it would of resulted in a horrific accident. Steering loss is a very serious problem.
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - ENGINE
Mar 19, 2024
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
I changed my oil on Saturday and it now has no oil. The engine light started flashing and my engine seized up. Now it does not run at all. It turns on halfway where the dashboard turns on but the motor/engine does not turn. It appears to be white smoke coming out of the car after trying to turn it back on.
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 18, 2024
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
Driving on a two lane highway at 70 mph, the vehicle has applied the breaks extremely abruptly without reason, three times in the past week. Slamming on the breaks suddenly reduced our speed from 70 to 45 mph before I could return to the speed limit. I came very close to being rear-ended last time. The drivers behind me were angry as well, assuming that I was “break-checking” them. I am extrem... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Mar 18, 2024
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
Driving on a two lane highway at 70 mph, the vehicle has applied the breaks extremely abruptly without reason, three times in the past week. Slamming on the breaks suddenly reduced our speed from 70 to 45 mph before I could return to the speed limit. I came very close to being rear-ended last time. The drivers behind me were angry as well, assuming that I was “break-checking” them. I am extrem... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - VISIBILITY/WIPER
Mar 18, 2024
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
hello i am a mechanic and have noticed on many of the f150s wiper transmission failure on the passenger side the due to water build up on the cowl the drivers side where the cowl meets the arm has two lower drain holes and 6 drain holes on the right side and a rubber seal around the wiper arm the passenger side only has two drain holes leading to water sitting and rotting the rubber seal allowing ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
THE HARNESS ADJUSTMENT STRAP IS FRAYING. THE STRAP HAS EVEN BECOME STUCK ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE SEAT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. PREVIOUS RECALLS OF THIS CARSEAT MODEL STATE THAT FRAYING OF THE HARNESS STRAP CAN DECREASE THE STRENGTH OF RESTRAINT AND CAUSE INJURY. THE RECALL HOWEVER, DOES NOT APPLY TO OUR MANUFACTURER DATE (RECALL DATES ARE FROM 2017-2020 AND OUR SEAT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 202... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
On 03/16/2024; while driving on I-90 the vehicle at approx 60-65 miles per hr, suddenly stopped, and had to be towed to Matthews Hyundai of Schenectady.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The Thermo control valve is faulty and my friends is too. There is a class action lawsuit concerning this part. I replacement part was designed in 2021 and Subaru is aware of this issue, but refuses to do a recall. So far 2019, 2020 and 2021 models are affected.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and low oil p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
My ABS and Traction Control lights go on and off while driving. It happens at different times and all different speeds.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
Clock spring I drive a 2019 Volkswagen Audi Q5. My vehicle was serviced on [XXX]. After the service I received a video message saying “overall my vehicle appeared to be in excellent condition”. The following day I was out running errands and the airbag light came on. I thought it may be a glitch due to something that happened during the service. Based on my driving, my signal and the control ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
Myself and all Grand Highlander owners of the new version that just came out in 2024, we have the same fuel issue. The car is only registering half a tank of gas. If you go to the grand Highlander forum every driver is reporting the exact same issue over the last three months that the car has been out Toyota has put out a statement but has no solution, it is a hybrid and it’s supposed to get 400... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
The front right lower control arm, sub frame, and bolt(s) failed causing unsafe driving conditions while myself and my kids were in the car. There is a recall on this part for many of the exact same year, make, and model as my car: NHTSA campaign ID: 23V235000. Tesla recall SB-23-31-001 (info pulled from NTSB site). My VIN wasn’t on the recall, but there is clearly an issue, so I was forced to p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
My 2011 Mazda 6 rear suspension broke while my wife was driving our car on the highway. It could have killed my wife and son. The frame is rusted so bad that the lower control arm broke away from the frame, the rear wheel is barely hanging on it by one bolt on the front control arm. It is very much a safety issue and Mazda needs to take charge of the problem before someone dies in their vehicle. O... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
The brake lights keep going off, they have been replaced several times. The passenger airbag deployed on a stop sign and cracked the entire windshield. The steering wheel feels like it’s going to come off. Please help
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
The brake lights keep going off, they have been replaced several times. The passenger airbag deployed on a stop sign and cracked the entire windshield. The steering wheel feels like it’s going to come off. Please help
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
We are not able to get a recall completed with a problem known to cause death or injury if left unrepaired - the recall was listed publicly last May 2023 and no remedy is available to dealers to repair yet
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
The seatbelt is failing as it does not retract back into its holder and I am uncertain as to how safe and effective it is. Note that I have not done anything to cause this damage to it, it is through use and time. Volkswagen Group should approve fixes to it without additional cost to the customer.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
The electronic brake actuator failed while driving causing the loss of brakes. Didn't cause accident but still very dangerous situation. Mechanic pulled odb code c1256 from vehicle and says not to drive until it is repaired.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
The backup camera is not working consistently. An Internet search reveals that this is a common problem and previous model years were subject to a recall. I understand that there is a NHTSA investigation on going regarding this issue.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Tire Size 245/70R 17E 3 out of the 4 tires showing thread chunking and thread being pulled tires where torn but not cut. Truck was vibrating took to a tire shop and tires where inspected and they called it a manufacturer defect. Firestone locations did not want to take responsibility neither did RAM.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Side marker light in the passenger side (PS) headlight assembly IS NOT working. Headlight (high beam and low beam) and combination turn signal/parking light ARE working. First noticed Feb 2024. Malfunctioning marker light will cause vehicle to fail annual state safety inspection. Problem is not intermittent. Car hasn't been inspected by dealer or other shop, dealer wants $169 to inspect/trouble... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The coolant control valve stays open.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "Passenger’s Sliding Door Failure" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the rear passenger’s side sliding door failed to fully open upon entering or exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to two dealers, Honda of Fort Myers (3550 Colonial Blvd, Fort Mye... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
Dealer install illuminated sill plates GM Part No.: 84667517 causing dangerous distracted driving since they do now turn off when the doors are shut and driving as advertised. Dealer double checked installation, but I feel GM installation need to be revised. See product description below from GM website: Product Information Help give your vehicle a customized appearance Water, UV and chemical resi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
Steering was sticky and almost caused an accident. It has been evaluated by Honda dealership and was diagnosed with the steering rack needed to be replaced. This vehicle has been in no accidents, nor driven recklessly and is not driven on inappropriate roads. The issue started around the middle of February and car was evaluated around the 22nd of February. No warning lights or messages were presen... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
Safety Recall 23S12/NHTSA Recall 23V162 - Brake Fluid Leak Took my car in for recall fix. Was told they could not perform the fix for the following reasons: 1) First said it was because I had aftermarket winter tires and rims on it. Told them that once I change to my all-season tires and original rims in 2 weeks can I bring it back, they told me no. 2) Then said it was because the car has 133k mi... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Mar 12, 2024
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
I have taken my vehicle back into the dealership because my car will sometimes unlock itself, I am constantly having to check the doors to make sure they are still locked and most of the time it has unlocked itself. Most of the time I hear it unlocking as I am walking away. It is very disturbing. It also beeps as if another vehicle is going to crash into me and most of the time there aren't any v... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 12, 2024
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
The rear 'race track' tail lights fail to light or are dim in lower sections of the assembly installed on the rear tailgate. Water enters the assembly over time and collects in the lower sections of the assembly causing the installed LED's and circuitry in those sections to fail. This repair is not covered by the extended warranty and would cost drivers approx 800 to install a replacement which wo... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
The automatic emergency braking system has flashed across my dash on multiple occasions while actually braked on a handful of times. The system seems to work correctly when its needed, but the concern is it will brake while nothing has been infront of me. I have come to dead stop while going 15 through a empty parking lot. The vehicle is open for inspection at any time. The safety of myself and ot... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
Just had a recall completed related to software programming in the past 3 weeks. Since then this has occured twice. While driving at highway speeds the vehicle quickly lost/reduced power and slowed down to 20 mph and produced a message that stated " Powertrain malfunction/Reduced power, engine service soon, and precollision assistance not available". This caused me to almost be rear ended and ge... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
3/11/24 The first thing I noticed was that my cruise control shut off with a couple of jerks to my vehicle. Then a few minutes later, I lost all steering, put in it park. There was smoke coming from under the hood, but not fire. It is sitting at my house still. A couple of months or so ago, when I received the letter of the recall, I called the dealership I bought my vehicle from and inquired ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
The car no longer starts. When towing it to a BMW dealership, they informed me that there is a problem with the VANOS bolts and that "they snap easily"; however after some research into it I realized that these engines have a recall for this specific issue only that my vehicle isn't listed under the recall. I believe this is a mistake and that it should be.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
Hybrid System, Air Suspension System, Engine, Power Train Car acceleration power cut out while driving 50 mph suddenly while driving down the road. Held up traffic when came to complete stop, vehicle would not restart immediately. Needed to restart vehicle multiple times before it started moving again. Problem has not been able to be reproduced by the dealer. They reset codes and took on a test ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
While driving vehicle on highway at 70mph, vehicle went completely out of control shaking violently and would not stop violently shaking until a complete stop on a highway. My wife thought she was going to die. Apparently this is known in the Jeep community as the "Death Wobble." There needs to be a recall immediately before someone dies. This is completely un expectable.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
While driving vehicle on highway at 70mph, vehicle went completely out of control shaking violently and would not stop violently shaking until a complete stop on a highway. My wife thought she was going to die. Apparently this is known in the Jeep community as the "Death Wobble." There needs to be a recall immediately before someone dies. This is completely un expectable.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
Code C1391 - Abnormal Leak in Accumulator. Accumulator for the brake pump is not holding pressure so the pump has to keep turning on to refill. Brake pump and ABS unit have to be replaced. In emergency situations, a malfunctioning ABS module leads to increased stopping distances and loss of steering control during hard braking. Lastly, tires can be worn more easily, which could lead to tire blowo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
On entering the highway and accelerating quickly, engine lost power and car entered limp mode, refusing to exceed 60 MPH. Also, check engine light began flashing. Very dangerous situation in heavy traffic all going over 70 MPH. Exited at next exit, shut down car, then restarted with no further issues.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The paint just started chipping off slowly
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Multiple incidents of car not starting or stalling in rain. 1. After a rainstorm while parked, noticed water on the driver side floor and dripping from the driver door side under dashboard, water coming from defective design of sunroof water drains/tubing which are clogged because the tube is too thin which traps common dirt and dust from rain and road water. A wider diameter tubing or requiring... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
Fue un día martes q venía de traer a mis hijas de la escuela ya para la casa cuand de repente se de tuvo el carro y se apagó el solo de una sola me asusté orrible mis hijas se pusieron a llorar y nerviosa me puse entre en choo me dolía el cuello me asusté mucho después q me calme lo apague el carro lo prendi de nuevo iba manejando con miedo se me apagó de nuevo de un solo gracias adiós q... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
Right front camera is blocked by plastic since manufacture. The adaptive cruise control and forward emergency braking do not work reliably unless the object is the left visual field. My car will accelerate into a car in front with no emergency braking. No accident. so far, because I have been able to avoid accidents by braking myself. The problem was diagnosed by Diablo Subaru of Walnut Creek.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
On February 5, 2024, the engine of a Bronco Sport shut off while driving and the dashboard lights began flashing with multiple warnings and notifications. The car would not restart and the gear shift was locked, preventing the driver from moving the vehicle out of the road during rush hour traffic. A tow truck was called, but after 30 minutes, the driver was able to restart the car and canceled th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
My problem is I have a 2022 Nissan Sentra sv and it has a recall on it for tie rod inner and the dealership won’t fix it or sell me the parts for it and the car been sitting on home for more then a month so please help me out
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
Vehicle “surges” at idle. 300-500 RPMS at a time. Sometimes the brakes hold and sometimes not. Have nearly been in 3 collisions the last 2 days because of this issue. The ECM codes indicate throttle body or TPS issue, both of which have been unfounded. Vehicle has 63,000 miles. Researching this topic online found that many others have had this issue with no associated safety recalls noted. I a... Read more