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 1, 2024
Low beam light is extremely dim. Dealership replaced the bulb but there is no improvement. I was explained that reflector is defective- burned out due to original Acura design using halogen bulb which caused reflector oxidation. It is a major safety issue as driving at night within required light is hazardous
MAZDA
CX-9
(2016) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Mar 4, 2024
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the ABS and Traction Control warning lights continuously flashed off and on or remained illuminated. Also, during the failure the cruise control became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the Hydraulic Control Unit was faulty and needed to be replaced but the parts were on back o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, and later at various speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance failed to operate properly. The contact was unable to turn off the system. The contact stated that under certain driving conditions, while driving and following a curve in the roadway, the system would activate and start braking the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
When traveling at highway speeds the steering is starting to feel "sticky". Making small adjustments to keep the car driving straight are starting to require more force leading to slight oversteering.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
This recall applies to 2013-2019 Ram 1500 trucks equipped with electronic power steering (EPS). Some EPS gear assemblies may have been built with a contaminated circuit card assembly that may short circuit. "Fiat Chrysler has issued a recall for nearly 165,000 Ram trucks due to a potential issue with the steering column control module. According to Ram's estimates, about 142,150 trucks are lik... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
Ascent randomly hesitates when pulling out into traffic.. both at slow speeds and when attempting to pass on interstate.. has been at dealer service numerous times regarding this , it periodically 'walking' when parked and ranfom inability to get hatch to work. Is currently at a different dealer service as previous dealer was unable to replicate and unwilling to keep vehicle for more than the hour... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
Cooling system malfunction. Coolant Intrusion. Car is not drivable. White smoke emitting from exhaust. Service Engine Soon light came on approximately 4 weeks ago. Took it into a mechanic who advised that the Turbo Charge needed replacing.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
AFTER USING CRUISE CONTROL THEN BRAKING -CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGES AS NORMAL. THEN PROCEEDING TO PARK AT LOW SPEED AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO PARK-IT SEEMS LIKE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGES AND CAR ACCELERATES. IT ONLY HAPPEN A FEW TIMES -5 SO FAR- ONLY HAS ABOUT 9000 MILES. APPLYING BRAKE DISENGAGES THE PROBLEM. NO INCIDENTS OCCURRED, BUT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEM.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
I've had my 2023 Tahoe for 15 months, purchased Dec. 2023 Issue #1. Dash message on start up " Restraint System Needs Service". I noticed small lights overhead (buttons for tail gate, sun roof, reading lamps) were off. I pressed some of them, and dash message went away, and lights came on. Everything worked fine. I've narrowed it down to the passenger side reading light. When dash warning comes o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
It started year and a half ago involving my tailgate. The buttons to operate by upper and lower tailgate failed to operate on the rear of the truck, but cab button and remote button would open the full tailgate. Returned truck to dealer and they replaced the rear control. It worked for approximate 4 or 5 months the the total tailgate button failed, half tailgate button worked no problem. About... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
Brakes feel softer, rear brake burnt smell, replaced brakes one month ago. Headlight and taillight bulbs replaced several times in last 3 months due to blinking blowing replaced and starts over again. Screen will not turn on until car has run for 45 minutes. Cannot use back until screen turns on. Leaving car parked until I can get brake system fixed. Noticed brake light on dash and car with swerve... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
Brakes feel softer, rear brake burnt smell, replaced brakes one month ago. Headlight and taillight bulbs replaced several times in last 3 months due to blinking blowing replaced and starts over again. Screen will not turn on until car has run for 45 minutes. Cannot use back until screen turns on. Leaving car parked until I can get brake system fixed. Noticed brake light on dash and car with swerve... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2022
Was driving car to dealership for check signal that was appearing on my dashboard when suddenly the car stopped in the middle of the road with a knocking sound from the back and smoke filled the car and the trunk. At that point I exited the car in fear of getting caught in fire or getting struck by another vehicle. Had the car towed to a Ford dealership in Watsonville California.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
Two weeks ago I received a recall for an airbag emblem issue for my vehicle. I set an appointment and in the time leading up to my appointment the airbag warning sensor came on. When I went in for the recall they repaired the recall but the warning light did not go off. They stated that there are two issues with my airbag the emblem was not the cause of the sensor going off. They claim it is the a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
The front seat belt retractors do not lock as intended to prevent increased risk of injury in the event of a car crash Jeep wobbles when hit a bump on highway going 50+ mph (no customization or modifications)
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
Complete computer failure leaving cars safety systems not working. Had to pay 3000$ for a new computer for a new car. Did not have car for three weeks. No systems would work.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
Propulsion error, steering wheel locked up today, last week shut off to dead stop while idling, trouble restarting. Speed and sudden battery drop issues. 14 miles without any power steering. Unsafe.
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
Propulsion error, steering wheel locked up today, last week shut off to dead stop while idling, trouble restarting. Speed and sudden battery drop issues. 14 miles without any power steering. Unsafe.
MAZDA
B-SERIES TRUCK
(2004) - ENGINE
Feb 26, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
vehicle stalled going around a corner and shut off. After 5-10 minutes restarted and works now.
MAZDA
B-SERIES TRUCK
(2004) - AIR BAGS
Feb 26, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
On [XXX], I was driving on the left lane of freeway [XXX] All of a sudden curtain airbags (both sides) deployed for no reason. The force/impact of the airbags felt like something extremely heavy or big landed on top of the roof. My vehicle slowed down automatically and then went into crash mode and was unable to start/drive. I stepped outside to look at my vehicle and not a scratch or dent was on... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
I’ve had problems with the headlights flickering for no reason and randomly (every day) With the green indicator on the dashboard turning on and off. It happens at different times of the day, in different weathers and for no reason. Seems to be worst on sunny and cloudy days and it happens at any speed, even parked. Already took to the dealership twice, first they did an update (it didn’t fix... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Engine stalled in the middle of the high way, possible problem with timing chain
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
HVAC flap motors (2 of them) failed for the second time impairing visibility during inclement weather. The first time was under warranty. This second time is costing me $1550 plus tax. When these flap motors fail, they remain closed and do not allow the heating or AC to blow into the vehicle which results in windows fogging up completely. It is impossible to drive without windows open which i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
The abs/traction control message goes off intermittently. The truck dings and beeps from the dash with a message that says “service abs”. This is a known issue with this yr/make truck.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Oil light continues to come on only after 1 month of a 5 quart oil change. Only driving about 300 miles a month. Have taken it to a kia dealership where they said there was no oil leak. Took it to a private mechanic for a second opinion where I monitored my miles after an oil change and they found that it is an engine problem and the engine is burning my oil. This has been happening for the past 6... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Sunroof faulty. I've had car less than 3 years. I work from home and keep car under a carport. After a downpour of rain when I was out of town the interior front sides and floor were soaked. I wash the car myself with hose because drive thru washes will have water come in thru side of front n back sides of the interior. Whe n I got the car th flooring was already lifted on driver n passenger front... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 24, 2024
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Fuel Guage will not move until there is about 200 miles after filling up. When filling up at the 320 miles the pump will shut off at 10 gals. The miles to empty will show that I can go anywhere from 400 to 500 miles. (This is impossible) this also does not match with the fuel gauge reads. Have taken this to the chevy dealer and they could not find anything wrong. It passed the sweep test and... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Feb 24, 2024
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Fuel Guage will not move until there is about 200 miles after filling up. When filling up at the 320 miles the pump will shut off at 10 gals. The miles to empty will show that I can go anywhere from 400 to 500 miles. (This is impossible) this also does not match with the fuel gauge reads. Have taken this to the chevy dealer and they could not find anything wrong. It passed the sweep test and... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Feb 24, 2024
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
The rear hatch liftgate hinges are not adequately structured to withhold pressure under normal use. Over varied short durations of time from the vehicle being new, the rear liftgate hinge's structure fails. The hinges split and crack. This damage occurs despite factory liftgate struts being in plate to assist in the opening of the liftgate. In my case this issue first appeared during and afte... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
This engine is consuming oil in excess of 1.5 quarts per 1000 miles. This could leave to engine failure, resulting in loss of control and propulsion leading to a possible collision.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
Hampton Hyundai in Fort Walton Beach, FL is refusing to do an inspection for Recall Campaign 162 (NHTSA #17V226000). Per the safety recall campaign, if the engine is experiencing issues as described by the campaign, the dealership must perform an inspection and do repairs as necessary under the safety recall. Hampton Hyundai is refusing to do such an inspection. Instead they are quoting $16.9k for... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
Sticky steering wheel. Took to dealership and rack and pinion needs to be replaced already. This has been on backorder for months.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
Rear window is held in place with a piece of trim, which is held in place by double-sided tape. It is a safety issue as the window can become dislodged and injured occupants. Ford is aware of this as the Ford company Refuses to fix this on many of the forum websites.. this has been going on since 2015. It is also a safety issue as anyone can easily push the window open with their hand, and could a... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Feb 22, 2024
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
When vehicle is exposed to consistent sunlight and heat during the spring/summer months, the driver's side power sliding door will not latch properly, causing the door to repeatedly try to latch itself shut. This occurs when opening/closing the door, and also while the vehicle is in motion. For example, if the door is shut properly, and the vehicle goes over a bump or something disrupts the ride, ... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 22, 2024
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
When vehicle is exposed to consistent sunlight and heat during the spring/summer months, the driver's side power sliding door will not latch properly, causing the door to repeatedly try to latch itself shut. This occurs when opening/closing the door, and also while the vehicle is in motion. For example, if the door is shut properly, and the vehicle goes over a bump or something disrupts the ride, ... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 22, 2024
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
Brake control lost with no warning. Friend whom bought same car 2 days after me experienced same scenario around October 2023. I just dropped off my kid and I was coming off the highway! I could have killed others and if happened 20 mins prior my children! I'm a single mom and my kids only have me. There's no way this is coincidence on the same make, model, year! There has to be a faulty brake sys... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
In a collision where there was front end damage, no airbag deployed
Crash
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated without warning. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle operated normally once restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the failure occurred while... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated without warning. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated the vehicle operated normally once restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the failure occurred while... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Steering wheel sticks at speeds over 20 mph. On the freeway, you have to overcome the resistance the steering wheel provides and has resulted in slight over correcting of the steering to remain on intended course. The car is available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others are at risk if I make a poor over correction, which could cause me to lose control and/or crash in to other ve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
P052E71 Engine Separator and actuator malfunctioning. Was told this fails several times on Mercedes vehicles. I will not pass emissions with this issue. Over $2K to repair and engine light along with code appears. I have videos of the engine light coming off and on. Car has been inspected by Firestone and Mercedes Service Center.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
Purchased brand new 2023 Sorento on 12/30/23. On Jan 14th, with less than 300 miles on it, had 1st incident. All lights on dash came on said Engine control system, lost all ability to accelerate. Had to get out of traffic, as safely as I could. Turned car off and waited 5 min. Turn car back on, check engine light stayed on but could give gas. Took to dealership and a code was stored in history,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
The contact 2014 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a garage, he observed an abnormal fuel odor. The vehicle was moved to the street. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 12,450.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
I have been waiting for a recall to be fixed and Jeep has no known date of delivery for the recall part BUT Jeep has new ones on the lot for sale. My entire vehicle is acting up, one day my reverse sensors malfunction then they don't, my defrost is not working, I can't remote start at all and I live in Buffalo so I need a warm vehicle, the Jeep 4xe will jump forward when coming to a stop, the heat... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
This was unintentional acceleration case: When I got into the parking space, the car was almost stopped and I was about to press the park button (gear) and the car suddenly accelerated and in a fraction of a second, climbed the curb, crashed into the fence, broke the fence and crushed on a tree. I was still applying brake to stop it and I could not do anything else. The following facts show tha... Read more
Crash
1 injured
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - VISIBILITY/WIPER
Feb 18, 2024
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
on my new car my backup camera has gone out in less than 7000 miles, and from what i have seen is a known defect that the Hyundai line of vehicles have and i want to make it more know of the defunct camera they are selling.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
Air duct tube was broken when driving on interstate 94 east. stepping on gas pedal there was a buuuuuuzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz noise. Also, the check engine light is always on, a mechanic said that the PCM programming is mis-communicating.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
While driving the traction control, stabilitrac, all wheel drive, and abs systems will turn off and says to survive them. We have had the vehicle in to 3 different mechanic shops and the issue still persists. Each time a different "fix". This time the wheel speed sensor in the rear was replaced. We have had the other rear wheel speed senor replaced previously as well as the rear wheel bearing hub ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Spot welds on drivers side front door attaching the check arm has broken loose causing a loud popping sounds and causing difficulty opening and closing the door. Ford is aware of the problem and refuses to fix it, even though they have been made aware of the issue by Ford through service bulletin numbers SSM 51553 and SSM 50150.