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: Sep 22, 2023
The recall that Ford has out on Focus’s between 2012-2018 is exactly the problems my 2017 ford focus is having, where it stalls constantly and won’t turn on after. I’ve tried filing with only premium gas, keeping my tank full and it is still happening. I’ve had my vehicle towed multiple times. I’ve had the canister purge valve replaced and am still having issues.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably in the front end, causing the steering wheel to vibrate uncontrollably. The contact also heard abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle into the dealer for service, she became aware that the lug nuts had swollen. As a result, the dealer had to break the lug nuts to complete the service and required the contact to cover the cost of the replacement lug nuts. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was open... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
The contact owned a 2013 Hyundai Santa FE. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost all motive power, but he was able to safely coast to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the engine was on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with fire extinguishers provided by bystanders. ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
Intermittent non-functional backup camera and brake assist after ford dealer applied a fix for backup camera failure. Backup camera blue/black screen error was not present before dealer applied “fix”
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
Intermittent non-functional backup camera and brake assist after ford dealer applied a fix for backup camera failure. Backup camera blue/black screen error was not present before dealer applied “fix”
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
Intermittent non-functional backup camera and brake assist after ford dealer applied a fix for backup camera failure. Backup camera blue/black screen error was not present before dealer applied “fix”
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - ENGINE
Oct 3, 2023
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
I have been getting a low oil level sign in my car after 5 months of doing an oil change. This is not the first time this has happened. It is suspected this may be a oil consumption issue and not an oil leak as there is no visible sign of oil leak. The oil consumption problem has been confirmed by an independent mechanic.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that the dashboard had started to crack, causing the dashboard to become sticky. Over time, there was a glare coming from the dashboard which obstruct the contact’s vision while driving. The contact stated that there was condensation in the headlight housings. In addition, there was a puddle of oil was discovered leaking from the vehicle wh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
We have started noticing a burning smell whenever the vehicle is plugged into a charging station. At first we thought it was due to the charger, but the issue continued after we replaced the charging unit. Further, we also tried charging the unit at another station and experienced the same issue. This can be a potential fire risk and we'd like to get the matter resolved at the earliest. We have no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The steering wheel sticks and causes overcorrection due to excessive force needed to steer vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by the dealership and repaired, but the after about 20,000 miles the problem is happening again. It is at its worst in a curve when trying to stay in the proper lane of travel.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The rear view camera on my 2020 Ford Edge works intermittently. I found recall "NHTSA ID21V011000" and called Ford, but they say this does not apply to my vehicle. The symptoms described in the recall are the same as I am experiencing. This is definitely a safety issue and I am asking that this recall be extended to include my vehicle.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed uphill, the vehicle lost motive power. Additionally, the display screen was black. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer; however, no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
My car has 76,000 miles on it fully maintained and recorded at hyundai dealerships. One day I’m driving and a check engine light pops up the same day I get it taken in to have it diagnosed, few hours go by I get a call they tell me that the Integrated thermal management module on my car has burnt out. I was surprised because my car is fairly new I asked them how could it prematurely fail they co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
I had and oil change refused because the dip stick showed no oil. I had to add an additional oil of 2.5 quarts to get the oil change done at another service center. there was no visible oil leeks. The 1.6L engine burned thru the oil in 3000 miles. my odometer reads 96361 miles.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
This car was flagged with a recall back in may and it still hasn't been addressed. The manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for my vehicle in a timely manner
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
While driving my ID.4 couple of months back, it hit something.on the road. Taken to the body shop, I was given the bill of $27K to replace the battery. Looking at the damage, the battery housing was damaged and it could not be replaced without replacing the entire battery. Battery housing being such an important & sensitive part of the vehicle should be protected better. Currently, the shield... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2019
The coolant is leaking into the engine block. This is a no problem with these engines. I may have to replace the engine.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Engine rod bearings loose torque and piston break make a hole into block, I fix the engine but my cat converter failed
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Safety Recall ZB8. had recall work done, which according to the instructions, does not address the latching of tailgate. tailgate had unintended opening yesterday, resulting in a $4000 tool falling out of vehicle. dealership said to call Ram, Ram says dealership issue since they did recall.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2022
Today the vehicle was hesitant to start but did. After two stops I turned car off, went into a business. When I came out the car would start but would not go forward or backwards but rev up. I nearly slammed into a curb in the process. I have a video of this.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
Approximately 6 months ago vehicle started to experience intermittent loss of power steering. Problem would come and go without warning, In the past 60 days problem is no longer intermittent and steering is difficult at all times while driving or parked. Problem seems consistent with that NHTSA Campaign ID Number 16V167000 / Manufactures campaign Number S19.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
I HAVE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE OVER A YEAR AGO AND NO DEALER HAS THE PART. NOW MY PARKING SENSOR KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF. THIS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Multiple components of our driver assistance software have failed, beyond what we can check in the fields above. Most recently, we have experienced two major failures. The first failure occurred when the car triggered the emergency parking brake on its own while we were driving in traffic at 30 mph. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
- There was a recall issued in Feb'23 related to the clutch on manual transmissions, however a remedy has yet to be announced as of 9/28/2023 - Started experiencing issues with clutch in May'23. Clutch would slip while switching gears, gears would grind while shifting, engine would rev while maintaining gear, as the clutch/gears would slip in & out. No warning lamps or messages alerted related t... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz S500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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, several unknown warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started overheating and then inadvertently lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a general engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2022
I bought the car in March 2023 and took the car for maintenance of 5k at Acura dealership at north Orlando and after that the car came never the same. The car is making so much noise skewing and clicking noise every time you turn the streering wheel. The dealership said the noise is from nuts and bolt and they did change it and noise became more loud 2nd time they said it is the front break and th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? In the past few months (My 23 to current Sept 23) the idle stop system would occasionally not restart when gas was applied. This mostly occurred when stopped for a traffic light and I would have to go through a complete restart procedure taking a good amount of time. and causing the folks behind me... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
While driving my wife’s vehicle it lost power steering and started hearing loud grinding noise coming from passenger side front. Was going at low speed so was able to get the vehicle off the road. Since losing power steering vehicle wants to pull to the right.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
I own a 2013 Hyundai Veloster in 2019 a recall was issued for engine management component recall number 182. In 2018 my engine was blown because of the engine management component how could I know this if the recall was an issue till 2019 the next year I took the car to Hyundai they said they're not responsible for the blown engine this car has 50,000 miles on it Hyundai is supposed to repair any ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
hi beam, low beam, both sides flicker, go off, then come on. Driver's side (low and hi beam) is now permanently off even after having a repair shop fix them.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
I was rear ended while stopped by another truck that was going 60+ mph. None of the airbags in my 2012 Chevy Tahoe deployed. The backside of the driver and passenger seats fell off - unsure if that is airbag related but nothing deployed. My car was totaled my insurance.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Engine died. Took it to a licensed mechanic and was told coolant leak caused total engine failure. Needs a new engine. Only 80000 miles.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Vehicle has 16,000 miles on the odometer. Fuel gauge on the right side of the panel often blanks out. Sometimes it comes back when tapped with a finger. Sometimes it flickers while driving. This appears to be a very common problem with this vehicle but has not yet been recalled.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
Out of no where I got codes for a AWD system fault, pre collision fault and hill start and traction assist fault.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
Out of no where I got codes for a AWD system fault, pre collision fault and hill start and traction assist fault.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
While driving in traffic, a warning box appeared indicating a problem with the 48volt charging system. The A/C system stopped working (in 115 degree heat) and engine power was reduced to crawl speeds. Another warning box indicated to turn the engine off to avoid damage. I did manage to pull off the roadway and then contacted Mercedes Roadside assistance. The danger here is a sudden shutdown of... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 23, 2023
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
While driving on Sept 22 2023 I hit a pothole and immediately felt a change in the pressure in the gas pedal, upon braking I noticed a loss of pressure in the brake system. Vehicle was slow to respond to applicsation of brake pedal to where I had to move my seaty forward so that I could depress the pedal to the floor ( im 4'10" and could not apply the brake to the degree needed to stop my vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2020
Oil pump pulley failure resulting in loss of oil pressure while driving and causing catastrophic engine failure
Incident date: Sep 3, 2023
Forward collision warning failed leading to accident. Automatic emergency braking didn’t engage leading to accident. I didn’t have ANY warning of impending collision. The car made no attempt to brake or alert. I heard a beeping sound on impact but nothing prior. No lights, no warnings, and all assistive safety features failed to activate prior to impact. My safety was put at risk when ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 10, 2023
Oil pump failure causing power loss and damage to engine and transmission, causing both to need to be replaced.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2019
Cabin smells strongly of gasoline. Gives us major headaches and sick feeling when inside car. Dealer has car now, says smell is strong and oil dipstick smells of gasoline. No warning of problem. Car is new, under 3000 miles.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
Electronic braking system and ABS lights intermittently come on and off an throws a code c0020-01 which many dealers say should replace the HCU and ABS modules and research has shown that this if a short-term fix on a fault component. Please hold ram to task.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
Electronic braking system and ABS lights intermittently come on and off an throws a code c0020-01 which many dealers say should replace the HCU and ABS modules and research has shown that this if a short-term fix on a fault component. Please hold ram to task.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2008
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware of an abnormal gasoline odor. The vehicle was parked at the residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2008
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that since owning the vehicle, the wheel studs on all four wheels had frequently fractured while driving at various speeds. The contact stated initially four studs fractured on the front passenger’s side wheel. On two separate instances, several studs had detached from the front driver’s side, and on the driver’s and passenger’s rear w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
Calipers and brake pads were replaced and still front brakes locking up. Unable to drive. Also, I had to replace a brand new brain on the van over $3000 electrical. The contact stated the vehicle is not working and needs help.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
Calipers and brake pads were replaced and still front brakes locking up. Unable to drive. Also, I had to replace a brand new brain on the van over $3000 electrical. The contact stated the vehicle is not working and needs help.