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: May 28, 2023
We have had our car for under 3 months and have had repeated episodes (easily 2 to 3 dozen) of extremely rapid braking when the car is in cruise control on the open interstate road when there are no cars ahead of us or any other obstacles that might have triggered the camera sensor. Tried turning off the forward collision avoidance option and the events still happen. Have kept the windshield over ... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
The drivers headlight has developed significant condensation on its interior caused by a failed seal which in turn damaged or short-circuited the modules disabling my daytime running light, low beam, high beam, and turn signal
Incident date: Aug 3, 2022
Chevy Blazer has low milage. However, it still has several electrical issues radio at engine start goes to loudest point and car seats move backwards at awkward times which can cause an accident. Suspension very off guard, truck drifts to the sides while driving and makes an awkward sound when turning steering wheel. The complete break / steering system is off and may cause an accident if not prop... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2020
3.6L Pentastar engine is defective. In October 2020 (55,000 miles), there was a ticking noise coming from engine and reduced engine power. Fields Jeep Dodge Ram Chrysler replaced right intake camshaft and 6 lifters, rockers, and related gaskets. In April 2021, I noticed same ticking noise; brought back to dealership; dealership found "nothing wrong." In March 2022 (70,000 miles) I heard same ticki... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the message "Engine Failure, No Power, Service Immediately" was displayed and the vehicle stalled. Moments later, the vehicle restarted, and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the forward distance sensor had failed which caused the vehicle to st... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the message "Engine Failure, No Power, Service Immediately" was displayed and the vehicle stalled. Moments later, the vehicle restarted, and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the forward distance sensor had failed which caused the vehicle to st... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
April 17th 2023 my cars decelerate, wouldn't accelerate above 60 mph and would randomly decelerate as low as 15mph. The check engine lightvwas constantly flashing and the rmp wouldn't go above 2. I called motorworld and Hyundai. Motorworld said I needed a knock sensor replacement. They replaced the knock sensor. I called Hyundai again to see if I could be reimbursed. They said no. Hyundai then... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2023
When using the most aggressive braking energy recovery mode in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (i-Pedal), the brake lights do not illuminate despite the aggressive nature of the braking provided by this mode. This mode brings the car to a full and complete stop and is very similar to commanded braking via the brake pedal. When using the L1-L3 braking energy recovery modes, the deceleration experienced by the... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2023
The paint from a lot of Hyundai Elantra’s are chipping really bad. The paint is no good!
Incident date: May 23, 2023
Steering wheel randomly gets tight and difficult to turn. Eventually gets to a point where it won't turn. This doesn't occur all the time but randomly. No warning lights go on. Took to mechanic. Didn't happen to them when tested. But they flushed steering fluid and refilled. Taking the car back home. Again steering wheel got tight and difficult to turn. Got to a point where you couldn't t... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2023
I was driving about to merge onto the highway and a warning low brake power light started beeping and appeared on the dashboard.
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Vehicle at interstate speeds would periodically “phantom brake” on I-90 one a clear day with no other cars around. Experienced about 10 different phantom brake incidents betweeen Sioux Falls and rapid city
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Trip to California and back from AZ. Had several instances of severe braking. If I did not press the accelerator immediately, the car would slow down under what seemed like nearly maximal braking. No reason was apparent for this behavior. Some braking instances were on long straight stretches of I-40 with no other cars visible. This issue was only occurring if I had the cruise control engaged. Und... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
Upon starting my vehicle today the center screen did not power on. The vehicle displayed several messages indicating various safety features were unavailable, including blind spot assist, lane keeping assist, parking assist, etc. Additionally, the exterior cameras (e.g., reverse camera) were inoperable as well. Since the center screen controls the sound system and climate control system, those... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2021
P235/40 R19 Pirelli P-Zero driver and passenger front tires and rear driver. Purchased Hyundai Kona N on Oct 25, 2023 new (<50miles). Vehicle sold new with these tires already installed. Pressure always maintained per recommendations. Noticed tire cracking and stability issues several months ago. Vehicle has 4000 miles on it now. Front driver and passenger tires are heavily cracked and throwing o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Transmission Malfunction, Service Now" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact then ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
As I was pulling off from a stop sign, passenger and driver airbags deployed unexpectedly with no reason causing the front windshield to shatter and leaving the steering wheel busted open along side passenger dash. Also leaving me with burns, scratches on my chin and small shards of glass in my face and forearms.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
I purchased the vehicle on 2/17/22 and shortly afterwards started noticing problems starting with acceleration car wouldn’t go past 45 mph or lower. The car radio system has static can’t get reception; the battery died requiring a jump. On 9/21/22 and January 10, 2023 I took car to dealer about these problems and other concerns and they said couldn’t verify my concerns. On 5/9/23 I set out f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2021
2008 Chevrolet Express van stalled while driving. I was able to coast over to the highway's shoulder. Van restarted after a few attempts and I resumed driving towards a small town ahead. Van re-stalled in the town. Attendant at small garage said the van had diagnostic codes for the fuel system. I was able to idle the van to a Chevrolet dealership for servicing. The dealership diagnosed and r... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Backed out of my driveway yesterday morning on way to work, 5/17/23. Driving down my street approx 15 mph to stop sign. As i approached stop sign I pressed on my brakes to stop and my car would not stop, it immediately accelerated and proceeded toward my neighbors house which was directly in front of me. I kept hitting the brakes and it would not stop. I was able to steer away from the home, went ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 8, 2023
Front subframe rusted out due to salt corrosion and as Kentucky is not listed as a Salt belt state the recall notice went unsent and the consumer was not advised nor were service locations.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The collision mitigation brake system continues to come off, and today it made my car spin, and I almost crash into the media.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
Engine consumes oil significantly. After 3 month of oil change, most no oil is shown on the dip stick. I noticed that there is a recall for 4 cylinder engines but no recall for V6 engines. However, same issue is happening to my V6 engine. I am refilling oils every month.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
Ascending Tehachapi Pass CA Hwy 58 Eastbound in the left lane grossing 45,000lbs and traveling at 55mph with cruise control ON. I was passing another slower moving truck(~35-40mph). Before I came along the other vehicle the highway curved to the left. The Collision Aviodance System(CAS) didn't alarm, however the cruise control cut power and Automatic Emergency Braking(AEB) hardbraked my truck red... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
Ascending Tehachapi Pass CA Hwy 58 Eastbound in the left lane grossing 45,000lbs and traveling at 55mph with cruise control ON. I was passing another slower moving truck(~35-40mph). Before I came along the other vehicle the highway curved to the left. The Collision Aviodance System(CAS) didn't alarm, however the cruise control cut power and Automatic Emergency Braking(AEB) hardbraked my truck red... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on several occasions when the brake pedal was depressed, there was a delay in responding, with the vehicle jerking. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
Misfires, overheating, Coolant leaking into cylinders
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
"Air Bag Malfunction light is on. There is a NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V507000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) which I am associating with the failure and it tends to happen at the 80,000 mile mark which this car is almost at. Why isn't this VIN included in the recall? It's a 2009 Chevy Impala. Shouldn't this recall capture all of the 2009 Chevy Impalas?
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that he noticed fluid on the ground of his driveway. The contact then stated that upon inspecting under the hood of the vehicle, he noticed a drip located on the brake line. A... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Fit. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to slow as needed. The check engine and power steering assist warning lights were illuminated. On other occasions, while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle veered into another lane. The contact pulled over to the side ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Fit. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to slow as needed. The check engine and power steering assist warning lights were illuminated. On other occasions, while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle veered into another lane. The contact pulled over to the side ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2023
I had to replace the left brake light 4 times already. I see other Kia Sedonas that have the same brake light out all the time.
Incident date: May 13, 2023
automatic stop start that activates when you are at a stop light either gives you and error that it won't work about 1/3 of my driving trips. on 2 occasions it has totally shut off the vehicle leading to all sorts of dash error lights coming on, and requiring the vehicle to be put in park to restart the engine. dealer service says faulty hood open sensor.
Incident date: May 14, 2023
I bought the car from my mom, at 30k miles they had to have a new transmission, on my way home to Wisconsin right in the middle of the interstate the transmission went out again thank god I'm alive, this is less than 20k miles after the dealership put the new one in, now it needs another transmission. I'm scared for my life to drive it again, please do something so no one gets hurt or killed
Incident date: May 14, 2023
I bought the car from my mom, at 30k miles they had to have a new transmission, on my way home to Wisconsin right in the middle of the interstate the transmission went out again thank god I'm alive, this is less than 20k miles after the dealership put the new one in, now it needs another transmission. I'm scared for my life to drive it again, please do something so no one gets hurt or killed
Incident date: May 14, 2023
Brake lamps and park light issues. Wiring harness seems to be overheating causing lamps to keep blowing. No park lights working at all so it seems to be a electrical issue.
Incident date: May 14, 2023
Brake lamps and park light issues. Wiring harness seems to be overheating causing lamps to keep blowing. No park lights working at all so it seems to be a electrical issue.
Incident date: May 14, 2023
Water leaking from the rear windshield into the vehicle. Large amounts of water into the housing for the rear seatbelts, which is concerning for damage to the seatbelts. There are concerns for mold and electrical issues as well. This is a known issue from Chevrolet and needs to be addressed.
Incident date: May 12, 2022
When backing out of my garage, and reverse my car often times stops violently on its own
MAZDA
CX-9
(2019) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
May 12, 2023
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he received an alert indicating that the engine was overheating and to pull over. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact then veered to the side of the road and waited approximately 15 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where the vehicle remai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
All dashboard lights up. The brake fluid is full and the pads are in proper shape. When braking the car slips a few feets and I was about to make accedents several times with my school children.
Incident date: May 12, 2023
My DEF sensor failed which required towing on Interstate 80 in a highly congested area. This same failure has happened to many other motorhomes and trucks. It creates a very unsafe situation which needs to be corrected. Please require the manufacturer to correct the flaw and recall all in use. Thank you.
Incident date: May 12, 2023
My DEF sensor failed which required towing on Interstate 80 in a highly congested area. This same failure has happened to many other motorhomes and trucks. It creates a very unsafe situation which needs to be corrected. Please require the manufacturer to correct the flaw and recall all in use. Thank you.
Incident date: May 12, 2023
So the car will come to a dead stop. Then when I give gas, it will not go for 1-2 sec, then all of a sudden it go at high speed by itself. Even when I brake, it will feel like as if I have stepped onto gas. Very dangerous
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
There was no accident but I would like to prevent one. I believe there should be a recall on my vehicle regarding the service shifter. This defect could potentially result in power loss to the front wheels and the transmission being impossible to put into park. My vehicle service shifter light is on and my car jerks while driving. Is this not a problem with many Jeeps?
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening the front driver’s side door, there was a loud cracking sound was present. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the door welding had fractured and needed to be rewelded. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileag... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY OF THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SWITCHED AT LEAST 3 TIMES. PURCHASED NEW AND ALL, YET THE CAR KEEPS GETTING DRAINED AND LEFT POWERLESS. SOMETHING IS DRAINING THE ENERGY OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ROOT TO THE PROBLEM IS NOT KNOWN.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY OF THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SWITCHED AT LEAST 3 TIMES. PURCHASED NEW AND ALL, YET THE CAR KEEPS GETTING DRAINED AND LEFT POWERLESS. SOMETHING IS DRAINING THE ENERGY OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ROOT TO THE PROBLEM IS NOT KNOWN.