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 2, 2023
I have a 2018 Ram 2500 - 6.7 Cummins diesel, The service ABS system and service electronic brake system dash lights come on and go off constantly. Every time they come on there is an alarm that goes off, and it also kicks the cruise control out. This problem started had around 32,000 miles and has continued to now 71,000 miles. I have tried multiple times to have this, diagnosed with a system rea... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake pedal became firm, and the vehicle failed to start. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the buttons on the steering wheel and the display screen failed to function as needed. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
The system warning keeps coming on, I’ve tried to schedule appointments with Audi since 2022 and they have zero appointments available
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
As I was stepping on the accelerator, I heard two pops and somehow the car lost its torque/pull. Check engine light came on. Went to the dealership and they said the high pressure fuel pump is broken and it cracked. There seems to be a recall for 2015 to 2018 models, but not 2020 models. My car only has 13000 miles too. Safety wise, I felt endangered since the car couldn't accelerate properly.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
My transmission has failed multiple times. Luckily my car is under warranty, because I have been able to have it replaced twice, but both times, these malfunctions have put my life and countless others in danger, because the failure is sudden and not preceded by any warnings. This problem has reproduced twice and been confirmed and fixed both times by Sun’s Auto in Spring Texas. The vehicle has... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Power steering fault Twice so far I’ve been driving and get greeted with a warning that power steering has failed, followed immediately after with a fault in the power steering that turns that system off & Stabilitrak light comes on had loss of power steering unable to turn the steering wheel & becomes hard to steer.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Tesla has a Salvage Vehicle policy - when a vehicle has been branded as salvaged, regardless of future repairs, they will remotely disable the vehicle's ability to DC Fast Charge and require a DC System Inspection and DC Fast Charging Inspection at a cost of $870 that can only be performed by Tesla in order to service the vehicle and restore the DC Fast Charging feature. In my case Telsa has refu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My vehicle has excessive rust issues that I’m being told by the dealership will compromise my safety. There is currently an extension of warranty for only the subframe in rear, but the rust is extended beyond that and is applied to the components needed to be removed in order to replace the subframe. Such as the exhaust pipe and brake lines as well. All are corroded to a high degree up to and in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
I believe the power train is defaulting. It is available for someone to look at if they come to us, as it is not drivable. The safety of my family and other drivers on the road is at high risk, as the truck shuts off while driving at any given moment without warning. The problem has been ongoing ever since we had the transmission software recall issue, "fixed." We have taken the truck back to t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
I have replaced four turbos directly from board on the driver side only and now my transmission decided to lock up on me on the freeway at 75 mph and they're saying that it was a lead frame problem which Ford doesn't have any they're on backorder for months
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Aura. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights intermittently failed to illuminate. The brake lights occasionally illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electrical Stability ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired under Manufacturer Recall Number: 26A for the right rear axle shaft; and the dealer determined that the left rear axle shaft was leaking. The dealer diagnosed and determined that the left rear axle, the shaft seals, rear brake pads, and rotor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not b... Read more
MAZDA
B-SERIES TRUCK
(2007) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 14, 2023
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
Tesla Incident 9/8/2023 My Tesla Y started moving backwards suddenly while I was driving forward after I accidentally flicked the right drive lever, mistaking it rain wipers. I driving on Henry Hudson parkway in NYC. It was back to back traffic on HHP. The Tesla started racing backward despite my foot off the gas, and I barely had time to brake . Luckily, traffic was very slow due to rain and ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
Intermittently and without warning for the past few months the vehicle will at times fail to accelerate properly when pulling out in heavy traffic. The RPMs go past 5000 RPMs and the vehicle barely moves. When I let off the gas and reapply gas the vehicle will go. Vehicle also jerks and hesitates at speeds between 0 -. 30 mph. Disengaging the vehicles traction control helps to alleviate issue. Veh... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2023
2018 Ram 8.4 Uconnect infotainment screen is delaminating. The system places calls and changes settings frequently and randomly with out warning. The changes are more than an annoyance and cause the driver to be distracted. the volume must be muted to stop from allowing the radio to turn up the volume and be even more distracting, but an audible beep can be heard with every change and its distr... Read more
MAZDA
MX-5 MIATA
(1996) - POWER TRAIN
Sep 12, 2023
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound, and the gear shifter was difficult to operate. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to reach out to the NHTSA ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz E450. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at various speed, the engine revved up; however, the vehicle failed to respond upon depressing the accelerator pedal and the vehicle shuddered. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift into the intended gear. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that she continued driving; however, the fa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
As I was pulling slowly into a parking spot in a busy lot that serves a lot of small businesses, my Subaru suddenly accelerated forward, over the concrete parking bumper and raised sidewalk area, and into the side of the building. While I was uninjured and had no passengers in the vehicle, the car sustained damage to the apron and tire area on front passenger side of the car. The airbag did not in... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Vehicle was being driven at 38 mph on a road with no other vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians or other obstructions in sight when the "BRAKE" warning flashed on the dashboard and the brakes were immediately engaged, causing a hard stop. Had there been a vehicle following, it is likely that a rear end collision would have occurred.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the TPMS light indicated that the front driver’s side tire pressure was low. The contact pulled over into a service station re-inflated the front driver’s side tire, but the failure reoccurred. The contact became aware that the front driver’s side was flat, and the contact replaced the tire however, the failure r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
I had my HCU pump fail 3 times previously(68143491AB, HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT Anti-Lock Brake System), now the dealer is telling me that I need to buy another module (68347098AB Module, Anti-Lock Brake system Electronic Stability Controller) in addition to the failed part for them to repair my vehicle (Tech told me its on a service bulletin, although my unit is not bad). The dealer told me if I got... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
We purchased a used KIA and were told by the seller that there were recalls. I took the car to the local KIA and they said the recall was already taken care of. The recall was a tow hitch fuse that needed to be changed. The recall was taken supposedly was taken care of at Fremont Kia. I looked at the fuse myself and it did not have the proper fuse as required by the recall. I took the car back... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The passenger restraint system is malfunctioning and dealer not covering the cost. It’s a defect in the component and a clear safety issue.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
The antenna cover completely came off, nothing hit it, it just fell off. I know there is a technical bulletin SA272 for the 2016MY Optima for the exact same reason. My radio no longer works as it displays antenna error and I have lost all AM Radio usage and FM Radio is barely clear. I’m afraid this could cause an electrical issue now that the wiring and circuitry for the antenna is now exposed.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Key fob is undetected even though key is in the vehicle and near the start button
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
While driving the SUV and series of warning lights started going off all at the same time. I took the SUV to Honda dealership and they ran diagnostics and said that all SIX fuel injectors needed to be replaced. Said it was a common problem they we seeing in this make and model of SUV. The faulty fuel injectors was causing fuel pressure problems which sets off all the warning lights is how it wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
My car had a pool of brake fluid under the car and when I turned it on, it said the brake fluid was low. When I went to check the reservoir it was empty. The underpanels were removed and the brake lines were rotted out in several areas. I was shocked because my car is in mint condition and I have always avoided taking it out when the roads are salted in the winter. I am lucky this happened when th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2022
Vehicles harness leading to auto dimming rear view mirror was defective and a wire split rendering all my braking capability. The ABS system felt like it was reversing the brakes EVERYTIME I stepped on the pedal. I hit my garage door because of this: Honda wanted me to pay to fix the wire because "I had a handicap plate that probably broke the wire" yet I never put my handicap placard on my mir... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
HCU for ABS brake system has now failed for a second time. They can not even supply a part to repair. Now on back order hold til 02/2024. So I have to risk driving with no abs system until then and not certain if it will be extended again. This is a known issue for RAM. They should fix this and put out a recall and reimburse me for time and repairs. I hope no one gets killed for this. Alot of Rams... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
This will be my Second Review about this dealer's service department. I'm not reviewing the service technicians but I'm reviewing the customer service, porters and advisors. I had my vehicle towed there on the 23rd of August after waiting a full month for my appointment. I have called to check on any updates to see have my 2014 Kia has been looked at. 1st time they didn't even know my vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
My original ABS HCU pump has been replaced 2 times, and now 11 months later it needs a 3rd one. First one went at 60K, second one 93K, 3rd one at 120K and now I do not have ABS, Traction control or cruise control.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
The cameras used to display the repeater cameras (eg replace the mirrors) and displayed the image on the center console as a safety feature has a defect where light from the blinker leaks into the housing and partially or entirely blinds the camera when the blinker goes off. As this is a safety feature intended to look for cars in a blind spot and the camera gets entirely blinded while the turn si... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
UNKNOWN. Rear frame on both sides are extremely rusted. Car purchased in Ohio in 2009 and appears the salt as eroded the car.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
My 2014 Honda Accord 3.5-V6, 9 years old, it has almost 40,000 miles on it. Recently all warning lights show up on the dashboard (ABS, FCW, Traction control, LDW.....) Honda dealers said it take $3000 to fix it, they mentioned the Honda Accord 2014 is bad designed from Honda Company. I wish NHTSA look into this matter, investigate the quality of Honda Accord 2014. Honda must recall to fix the prob... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The car slowly goes forward after releasing the break
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
Radio functions are not working which includes GPS, general radio functions such as stations and volume, Bluetooth functions that interfere with basic safety and communications. Almost all functions of this car flow through the radio.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
JEEP SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING WHEN FOOT IS REMOVED FROM PETAL HAS TO COME TO COMPLETE STOP BEFORE IT CAN BE RESTARTED
Incident date: May 4, 2022
Since we bought the vehicle new in late 2018, in hot weather we sometimes see gas running down the side of the car below the filler pipe door, and a little puddle of gas on the rubber just inside the filler pipe door. We can't park the car in our garage because of the gas fumes, and we worry that in a collision, the underlying cause could make a fire more likely. We've had the car to the dealer se... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2022
While traveling down the highway at the speed limit, the truck hit a bump and started to shake violently. I slowed down and pulled over to resecure a freezer that was shook loose. We continued on and when I went to make the next right turn, one of the straps, which was sliced during the death wobble, snapped. The freezer slid and seesawed over a cooler. The corner of the freezer came through the r... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving 40–50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the engine coils were replaced, and a coolant flush was completed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant leaking ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
The spare tire, which is normally secured under the minivan, fell off while driving at approximately 40 mph. My son, who was driving the vehicle, heard a sudden loud noise from the underside of the vehicle. He looked in his rearview mirror and saw something in the middle of the road. He pulled over to inspect the vehicle, and noticed that the spare tire was gone, which he was able to retrieve. I... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
My 2016 Ford F-150 supercab is leaking transmission fluid. Noticed the gasket is leaking from the transfer case. Took it to the dealership and they said that it can not be repaired and needs to be replaced because it is coroded and it will take a couple of months to get the parts because the special bolts are on back order. The replacement will cost me $3900 and they said i should not be driving i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The vehicle had a very violent shift (perhaps it was turbo lag related?) at low speed (under 20 miles per hour - typically, this happens in a parking lot or the like as you slowly drive away). In the past, this had been mentioned to the dealer, numerous times, who claimed that the issue is not reproducible. However, during the visit on 12/06/2022, dealer mechanic(s) claimed that they did witness ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Awning was open to dry after rain. When we came home from lunch, the arms were as low as they can be with the awning completely out of its track. We brought it to RV dealership today. They confirmed the fact that there is a recall on the awning itself.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was a humming sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact pulled over, turned off the vehicle and waited for the vehicle to cool down. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to an independent mechanic. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Engine stopped while driving down a mountain road. Dash said put your foot on brake and push start button. Car emergency brake engaged. No check engine lights or codes. Truck has stopped again about a month later same thing. Took to dealer on July 19th 2023 they couldn’t have it happen while they drove it. No codes. Aug. 25 th 2023 while going through an automatic car wash the same thing happen... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Just started happening: on occasion, when trying to shut vehicle off, the accessory light kicks on and DIC says "SHIFT TO PARK". I have to restart the car many times and shift it from drive to park to finally get it to shut off. The issue is commonly discussed on youtube. It's the sensor/switch that tells the car it's in park. Please offer a fix.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2018
Car shut down and engine stalled while driving. I coasted to a stop in the middle of traffic. Car would not restart. Had to get towed home. There are two open recalls on this vehicle- one for fuel pump and one for tone wheel. The dealers say they can’t fix it because no parts are available. This is unacceptable. One recall has been issued over a year ago. This is my primary vehicle. I have alrea... Read more