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 27, 2026
While driving at normal speeds. Car completely stopped working. Dashboard flashed to get to safe area. I could not shift the car neutral. Steering became stiff. The lights and infotainment was still on but the car had no power to accelerate. Had this been on the highway I would have been in a collision since my car went to the right very quick. Once car was stopped could not shift to neutral.
1 injured
Incident date: May 24, 2026
The DCM on our 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is causing a parasitic drain on the battery. It left us stranded several times. We replaced the battery twice in the past 15 months. There is a class action lawsuit against Subaru for this exact problem, but they won't replace it on our vehicle because it has over 45,000 miles. A defective DCM is a widely known problem with many Subaru models. We never received... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: May 16, 2026
I believe this is a major (and known) software issue, but the car has on several occasions, when stationary, entered a state where all of its controls are unresponsive and the engine cannot be turned off. *Nothing* related to the operation of the car works, including the electronic handbrake, gear selector OR the stop/start button. This is an exceptionally dangerous fault, as the car engine cannot... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
I purchased a 2021 Ram 1500 North Edition (VIN: [XXX]) on XXX. As of last week, I noticed fluid leaking from under the engine compartment of the truck. I crawled under the truck and found that this five-year old truck has an oil pan that has rusted and rotted on the bottom and side leading to a leak of motor oil. I searched this online and found that this is a common issue amongst this model in... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2026
Vehicle: 2024 Tesla Model Y Date of Incident: XXX Location: Southbound XXX Express Lanes near the [XXX]/[XXX] exit split in [XXX]. At the time of the incident, Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) Supervised was engaged. I was traveling in the Express Lanes and intended to remain in the Express Lanes. I was not attempting to take any exit. As the roadway approached a lane split/gore area, the vehicle... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
8 speed transmission faulty
Incident date: May 11, 2026
Driving a Honda 2024 crv hybrid ,I was pulling into a front row parking spot and braking and as the car just about was going to stop it surged forward turning in the direction I had just pulled in from and accelerated instead of continuing to brake . I kept my foot on the brake hoping it was stopping , but continued to accelerate running over a sign, then a light post and then through the plate ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 25, 2026
SUBJECT: Formal Safety Defect Complaint: 2016 Subaru Outback – Manufacturing Nondisclosure of Latent "Day 1" Design Flaw Causing Ignition Key Entrapment, Uncommanded Steering Column Lockout, and Severe Family Safety Risk I am writing to formally report a severe, unaddressed safety defect and a deceptive corporate practice by Subaru of America, Inc. affecting my 2016 Subaru Outback. This vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2026
My husband and I got the oil changed at Walmart, one week later we took a trip to Cincinnati zoo with my children. On the way home we were driving on the interstate, car jolted and caught fire. something went through the oil pan and the oil dumped on the exhaust and caught flame. The car had to be towed to my parents and has been sitting since. We are paying on a car just for it to sit. No one wil... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 20, 2025
I am filing a safety complaint for my 2020 BMW X4, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle recently began making a noticeable noise while turning. I reported this to an authorized BMW dealer before/during service and requested review for possible front-end, steering, suspension, axle, swivel bearing, tie rod, thrust rod, or vehicle-control safety issues. The dealer stated it did not find a swivel bearing issue, bu... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
On June 3, 2026, my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss, which has a 6.2L L87 V8 engine, stalled and shut off unexpectedly while I was stopped at a traffic light on a public highway. The engine died without warning, leaving me stranded in traffic and creating a serious safety risk for me and other drivers because of the chance of a collision. I had to call the police to come and sit behind... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2026
57,400 miles transmission shudder
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
On 03/11/26 Volkswagen pushed an over the air update related for an infotainment System Software Update. Immediately upon completion of the updated the Central caution light (exclamation mark inside of a triangle) was illuminated along with the SOS warning light. This has caused by SOS safety system to not function properly. The dealer charged me $200 to diagnosis a problem VW created and stat... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact previously owned a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. The contact stated the vehicle was sold to a private buyer with an odometer reading of 205,000 miles. Subsequently, the contact discovered the vehicle was listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace with a rolled-back odometer reading of 158,000 miles. When the contact’s daughter inquired about the discrepancy, the seller ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2026
Since purchasing this unit on 06/14/2025, I have taken this car in for many issues, including the digital dashboard going out multiple times and the AC unit stopping working. I have attached the service history ticket for your records. This unit is deemed to fall apart here shortly. Not even a year old, and the AC has already gone out 3-4 times. Most important is the dashboard that shows speed and... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the side view mirror's blind-spot system generated phantom alerts while there was no object nearby. Additionally, the headlights inadvertently fluctuated between dim (low beam) and extremely bright (high beam) settings. The instrument cluster displayed that the vehicle unintendedly switc... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the side view mirror's blind-spot system generated phantom alerts while there was no object nearby. Additionally, the headlights inadvertently fluctuated between dim (low beam) and extremely bright (high beam) settings. The instrument cluster displayed that the vehicle unintendedly switc... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
My 2023 Ioniq 6 is not charging as it has for 3 years. When charging to 100% my app States 347 and 382 miles. It should be 361 as stated by Hyundai. What happens if I drive under 45 mph after 5 miles the miles goes down to 303. It is not working as stated. It is not holding miles properly.
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Since i've had my truck the passenger seat vibrates excessively while driving; the oil alert comes on even when there is oil, current oil change; seems to not have power, shifts hard. What's interesting is that these items come up when I searched on recalls. this truck is not driven hard... mehanic cant figure out what is causing the oil alert, the passenger seat shaking excessively.. and there... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Since i've had my truck the passenger seat vibrates excessively while driving; the oil alert comes on even when there is oil, current oil change; seems to not have power, shifts hard. What's interesting is that these items come up when I searched on recalls. this truck is not driven hard... mehanic cant figure out what is causing the oil alert, the passenger seat shaking excessively.. and there... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Driving I15 and went to take my exit and the power steering went out and I almost rolled the truck now the eps won’t even come on. There needs to be a recall for my vin like there is for all other trucks that year. There was no warning just shut off immediately if my wife was driving she would’ve rolled the truck. It hasn’t been looked at but there is a ton of recalls for the same issue with... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
My car has following issues recently. 1. Tire pressure monitoring system failed for all four tires. 2. Electrical door lock systems failed. All these symptoms match the BCM recall for the model and year of my car. But my VIN is not included with the recall. I believe Ford did not include all impacted car in this recall.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
2016 Ford F-150 affected by Ford recall 26S28 / NHTSA 26V237. Vehicle experienced a sudden unintended downshift while driving on the freeway. The event caused abrupt deceleration and rear tire squeal, consistent with rear wheel speed reduction. A transmission-related diagnostic trouble code is currently stored and has not been cleared. Ford recall lookup shows no remedy currently available. I am c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
I took my vehicle in due to a recall on the coaxial cable that was causing the electronic to malfunction and make a constant electrical popping sound. Shortly after that was replaced, the multipurpose camera started to malfunction and eventually gave out completely. I have warning lights constantly and cannot use any safety features in the vehicle, not even the cruise control. After much research ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
I took my vehicle in due to a recall on the coaxial cable that was causing the electronic to malfunction and make a constant electrical popping sound. Shortly after that was replaced, the multipurpose camera started to malfunction and eventually gave out completely. I have warning lights constantly and cannot use any safety features in the vehicle, not even the cruise control. After much research ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2026
"While driving up an incline, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system suddenly failed completely, causing the steering wheel to go violently stiff and dangerous to turn. The power steering warning light illuminated on the dashboard. After pulling over, turning the vehicle off, and restarting it, the system performed a soft reset and function temporarily returned. This matches the exact failure pr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
I returned home from shopping at local store 15 miles away. Arrived home around 11:30pm on June 3. Unloaded groceries and sat down. Around 11:45pm-11:50pm heard yelling from outside that our car was on fire. My husband ran out and and seen flames coming from under hood of car. I called 911 and within a couple mins middle of hood was completely starting to melt and components were spraying fluid an... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V720000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); 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 not made aware of the issue. The c... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2026
I have recently become aware of a website ([XXX]) that is selling multiple illuminated puddle lights and illuminated center wheel caps that project red and blue lights. The center caps are particularly alarming to me, as they can project red and blue light while the vehicle is in motion. I believe that passenger vehicles are not allowed to project red and blue light while the vehicle is in motion,... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V808000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) and 26V218000 (SEAT BELTS). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, but no ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
My passenger interior door panel structure on my 2020 Dodge Charger Scat Pack is expanding and separating. The warping plastic lip is shifting into the window channel and could impede the proper deployment path of the side-impact curtain or door airbags. This is a known issue with these vehicles and something needs to be done
Incident date: May 30, 2026
At low speeds 20-40 car shifts with a shudder. TSB 21-2389 was issued by Ford which describes problem I am experiencing. Took car to Ford and paid them to complete procedure per TSB. This did not correct problem and after reviewing other Ford Owners it appears or I expect my Torque Converter and/or transmission has gone bad.
Incident date: May 30, 2026
Manufacturer Recall Number: 23S65
Incident date: May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the horn button on the right side of the steering wheel was not easily accessible. The contact was concerned that the issue could prevent the driver from beeping the horn during emergencies, increasing the risk of a crash. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to purchase the improved steering wheel desig... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2026
Engine coolant keeps getting severely low. Coolant intrusion into cylinder 3 is occuring causing severe misfire, low compression, coolant consumption, power loss, white smoke, that causes minor throat and eye irritation, and catalytic converter damage. Constant low coolant level increases risk of fire hazard of vehicle.
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The horn will honk sporadically and will not start at times then wipers will malfunction. Had tipm looked at was told it is normal for this to go out, bad design.
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The horn will honk sporadically and will not start at times then wipers will malfunction. Had tipm looked at was told it is normal for this to go out, bad design.
Incident date: May 15, 2026
I bought this car February 2026 when I drove it on the freeway they car felt wiggly not the axle is broke and the wheel bearings stop the car from going
Incident date: May 26, 2026
My eps is going out. When driving and turning my wheel the wheel catches and is hard to turn. It is significantly harder to turn when driving compared to being parked. Also it seems to not do this during the evening and early morning when it’s cool out.
Incident date: May 26, 2026
For the last year or so when driving my Equus the signal lights left or right side has been working intermittently. I can go months without any issues but lately it seems to be worsening. I transport my Mom that has dementia around and its scary because it seems never know when the lights may not work at all. People drive so crazy and if its dark or light they dont see my arm out the window. Pleas... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2026
The only door that will lock or unlock using the fab key or the master lock button on the drivers armrest is the drivers side rear door. My vehicle is not able to be locked unless I do it manually and can not be unlocked unless i use the rear drivers side door. This has been reproduced by the dealership. There were no warning lamps or messages and no other symptoms. This has been going on for a mo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Within a week of buying my vehicle in May of 2021 I went to Clearwater Toyota where I bought the vehicle from and complaining about the three seat belts in the back malfunctioning. When nobody is sitting in the backseat they sound off as if somebody is sitting there. I know that there is a recall on the front seat belt sensor doing this same issue for the Toyota Corollas but everyone I have spoken... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The front subframe and transmission crossmember on my 2015 Ford Transit have experienced severe, premature structural corrosion, resulting in the metal rotting completely through. The subframe is structurally compromised, brittle, and actively cracking.Safety Risk and Imminent Hazard:The subframe is the load-bearing structural skeleton holding the vehicle's engine, steering assembly, transmission,... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The front subframe and transmission crossmember on my 2015 Ford Transit have experienced severe, premature structural corrosion, resulting in the metal rotting completely through. The subframe is structurally compromised, brittle, and actively cracking.Safety Risk and Imminent Hazard:The subframe is the load-bearing structural skeleton holding the vehicle's engine, steering assembly, transmission,... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, Panel on the driver side door, keyless pad became completely detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed as not being fully secured and was replaced. The panel blew the fuses and affected the liftgate on the vehicle and additional repairs, latch replacement on the liftgate had to be completed. ... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle it was discovered that the locking mechanism for both the 3 row driver side and passenger side seat belts locking mechanisms was not present. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 217,400.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
I have had 2 different instances where my vehicle stops in the middle of a busy intersection or traffic and have no warning what so ever. Vehicle just shuts off and I am not able to turn back on to move out of the way. First time I got it repaired it was related to the fuel pump and now I am waiting to hear back from my mechanic to see what the issue is but so far it is an indication of the fuel p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
The vehicle is new Porsche Certified pre-owned 2025 Porsche Panamera turbo with Porsche active suspension management. Vehicle has 2000 miles on the odometer. The car was at the dealer for an issue related to its online connectivity. As this was worked upon, I was allowed to pick up the car. At that time, I noticed a Chassis error(Image attached). The car's suspension. was inactive and the ride was... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2026
The vehicle is new Porsche Certified pre-owned 2025 Porsche Panamera turbo with Porsche active suspension management. Vehicle has 2000 miles on the odometer. The car was at the dealer for an issue related to its online connectivity. As this was worked upon, I was allowed to pick up the car. At that time, I noticed a Chassis error(Image attached). The car's suspension. was inactive and the ride was... Read more