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: Apr 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated and started flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
BELIEVED TO BE FRONT POWER TRANSFER UNIT WAS LOOKED AT BY ANOTHER DEALER NOT KIA. FOUND PTU LEAKING FLUID AND HOWLING DURING TESTING. NOT SURE IF IN FUTURE THE UNIT WILL LOCK UP CAUSING UNSAFE VEHICLE CONDITION. . HAS HAD BRAND NEW MICHELIN TIRES INSTALLED AT THE REQUEST OF KIA DEALER. VEHICLE STILL HAS A VIBRATION AT 67-72MPH DEALER FOLLOWED TRA099 TSB, DIDN'T FIX ISSUE/DIDN'T WANT TO SPEND THE T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
Steering wheel is sticking when moving steering wheel/driving. Steering wheel locks while driving.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
I was traveling on I 95 at around 55 to 60 mph when all of a sudden, the plastic trim on the side of the windshield the passenger side flew off cracked and started dangling over my passenger side window and mirror. The piece blocked my view of my mirror while I was traveling in the left lane approaching a left exit. I had to pull to the left shoulder because I was blinded by the piece on my right ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
The infotainment display camera combination is the worst system in any vehicle I’ve seen that has these installed. If it is daylight the screen is nearly impossible to see anything plainly. Someone is going to back into other vehicles or people. This occurs every day the car is used and backed up while the sun is up.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
The infotainment display camera combination is the worst system in any vehicle I’ve seen that has these installed. If it is daylight the screen is nearly impossible to see anything plainly. Someone is going to back into other vehicles or people. This occurs every day the car is used and backed up while the sun is up.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
I had my brakes repaired and since having my brakes repaired, I continued to have issues with the suspension, vehicle handling and imbalance (vehicle not stopping properly). I was dropping my friend girl's grandsons off at school and my brakes went out...almost causing me to have a head on collision with the vehicle in front of me. I was overwhelmed and hysterical! I had taken my vehicle back to t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
I had my brakes repaired and since having my brakes repaired, I continued to have issues with the suspension, vehicle handling and imbalance (vehicle not stopping properly). I was dropping my friend girl's grandsons off at school and my brakes went out...almost causing me to have a head on collision with the vehicle in front of me. I was overwhelmed and hysterical! I had taken my vehicle back to t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
I own a 2023 Tundra, 4601 miles at the time of incident. While driving at 55mph, the driver's rear tire experienced a blowout. Upon examination, an approximately 100mm vertical split in the sidewall of the tire was evident. Photographs at the time of the incident show no impact to the tire from road debris, nor had I noticed any impacts that would have caused the failure. I had driven all 4601 mil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
The rear brake lines are corroded where the lines come into contact with the plastic hangers that keep the lines in place under the car. Due to this issue I lost brake pressure while driving the car. This happened in a parking lot, but my safety and the safety of many others would have been at risk had this happened on the highway while driving at speed and if I needed to brake suddenly to slow do... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2022
Fuel pump control module diagnosed by the Chevrolet dealer in Iowa City, IA (Billion Chevy). We were on the interstate when the vehicle decelerated rapidly while passing a semi tractor trailer. I was able to control the vehicle and move to the right lane after the semi trailer went by and other cars moved back quickly. No warning light until the incident.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2023
When traveling on the highway going 65 mph hit an uneven spot on highway and the truck started shaking vigorously and had to hold on tight and slow down in the middle of the highway. No safety lights came on. I have an appointment at a dealer to look at it. A goggle search on the problem names it as DEATH WOBBLE
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
I parked at a house where I was doing a service call for a plumbing issue. The house has a 45 degree driveway. I killed the truck and I exited the vehicle and started my work inside. I needed my headlamp from the visor of the truck. I came out to the truck to get my headlamp. I put my right knee onto the driver seat and grabbed my headlamp. My elbow hit my shifter and my truck took off rolling bac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Safety issue for Continental Cross Contact LX Sport tires that were OEM tires on 2020 Acura MDX. I've had to have 3 nails removed from tires in just over 2 years of owning this car. So I've had tires inspected quite a bit. Also, every time I had oil changed (at Acura), they would rotate the tires and also inspected them. Every trip to Discount Tire, I was asked if I was rotating the tires beca... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
when fueling the pump handle gets stuck in the tank and also cuts the pump handle off several times during the fueling process. This problem has not been checked out. The exhaust manifolds are tapping. This will not pass our state inspection. This was found after my state inspection by an independent service center. No warning lights, but can smell a bit of exhaust fumes when starting. The ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2016
The car just shuts off while I am driving. I can tell now when it is about to shut off. I have had this problem since I purchased the car in 2016. I have taken the car to the dealership and called Mercedes Benz several times and they will not do anything. I will die because the car is getting worse and shuts off more frequently now. Can you get Mercedes Benz to help me? They told me that they don'... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
The central locking system frequently goes out and I'd have to replace the three doors actuators that don't work consistently. many times I'm locked in the car with the only way of getting out is by lowering the window and climbing out. according to my service advisor at BMW, this is a known problem with different models of BMW in this time frame. I really wish it would be considered a recall so a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the electronic brakes and ABS warning lights illuminated, causing the cruise control to deactivate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the replacement part was on backorder. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the headlights became inoperable, without warning. The contact pulled over on the side of the road, after turning off and turning on the headlight switch, the headlights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the lighting control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and slowing for a traffic light she depressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow and she crashed into the rear end of the vehicle in front of her. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The damage was mild and both vehicles were able to drive away, there were no injuries. The police were... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became very firm, with the vehicle independently jerking to the right. The contact had to use excessive force to return the vehicle to center lane. The contact pulled off the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after noticing that the seat heaters were inoperable, he saw that the heated seat module connector had melted. The contact also stated that the front passenger’s side seat controls were inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Loss of power steering, electric steering assist is making noise when turning steering wheel. My mechanic said that i need new Gear Assembly, he also said that there is a recall for this for a Ford Explorer years 2011-2013 and 2015-2017 but for some reason there is no recall for 2014 even that its the same part
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Engine stalled multiple times even though it has been serviced multiple times at multiple dealers.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
After running multiple errands the car will fail to start. Usually after 5-10 minutes it will start again. Every time it will crank but not fully. Lights and blinkers are operational still as well. I have taken it to the Volkswagen three times for repair each time was unsuccessful. The first time the speedometer cluster was repaired, then the wires were worked on, then the whole battery was replac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2023
Takata recall. 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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact h... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that the vehicle displayed that a software update had been completed; however, the software update showed that the software was outdated. The update confirmation was displayed even though a software update was not performed. The contact stated that the screen displayed distorted images of the lines on the road and the vehicles nearby. The i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
Rear passenger suspension arm broke while driving from what looks to be corrosion. Was able to make it safely due to 1 bolt holding in place the car is not drivable. Had I kept driving the whole wheel would have came off causing an accident .
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
Rear passenger suspension arm broke while driving from what looks to be corrosion. Was able to make it safely due to 1 bolt holding in place the car is not drivable. Had I kept driving the whole wheel would have came off causing an accident .
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
When parked, the transmission warning light is on saying "Secure vehicle with parking break when stopped. Consult service center" This appears to be a very common issue in X1, but the BMW dealership does not recognize the common safety issue as a recall.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
While it was raining, and I was at a stop light in the middle of traffic, my car stopped and made a loud warning sound and my dashboard lit up with warning signs about my engine and steering wheel. It stated "Engine Stopped, steering power low". I had to shift my car to park and turn my car off and on for it it start again. Its a brand new 2023 Corolla Cross and I've only had it for 3 months. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
I don't know which system failed or malfunctioned. It is available for inspection. While parking at the community parking lot the car accelerated. I wan't able to stop it. It jumped a bumper stop than a curb and drove up a berm and crashed into a tree. (The incident is on film at the clubhouse). I was the only one injured. My knee broke the underside of dashboard (see phpto). I did have othe... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
I don't know which system failed or malfunctioned. It is available for inspection. While parking at the community parking lot the car accelerated. I wan't able to stop it. It jumped a bumper stop than a curb and drove up a berm and crashed into a tree. (The incident is on film at the clubhouse). I was the only one injured. My knee broke the underside of dashboard (see phpto). I did have othe... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and was driving sluggishly. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam phasers needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
There is an open recall on BMW X5D and other BMW diesel models due to a fire hazard, the recall warns of an EGR code warning on the vehicle. My 2013 BMW X5D 3.5 has that warning code, however BMW claims that there isn’t a recall on it. My VIN is [XXX], and for the last 5 or 6 years I was told by the guy who was my rep at the dealership there was a possible recall, but BMW was having issues keepi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
Transmission failure while towing a travel trailer on a busy street on a slight incline. While traveling about 45 mph felt a jolt and truck lost power and would not accelerate. Felt like truck was in neutral. Truck would not engage Drive and was completely disabled in the number one lane. Tried to re engage the transmission and had success at engaging a higher gear with slow speed and high RPMs ca... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
My car will turn on the lights in the middle of the night, without anybody in it. Battery is continuously dead, even after replacing with a new battery. The alternator and starter have been checked and are good. The passenger door ajar is always on. When I lock the car with my key fob it honks twice and the lights inside the car remain on. The car will die while driving it, when I am at a stop li... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
Flashing airbag light appeared. Vehicle taken to dealership and diagnostic charge and service performed. No clear resolution during diagnostic but recommendation to replace passenger side impact airbag. If that doesn’t solve issue, more replacement options will ensue. Concern/issue: The first step in solving the problem is a $2500 price without guarantee. Expense could reach $11,000 if al... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2023
vehicle has problems awd off service advance trac precollision assist not available hill star assist not available and the powertrain mall function reduces power and i have a problem with the rear subwoofer which was obtained by the does and the problem continues. The vehicle has been in the ford for two weeks and they have not been able to solve it. I just bought it with 14,000 miles and it has ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated. Additionally, on several occasions while depressing the brake pedal, the ABS system failed to activate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the ABS Hydraulic system and ABS sensor were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
Smoke from exhaust, randomly losing power, randomly struggling to start and accelerate
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
Hello, the car has this issue since i got it nrand new. Every time i drive in the rain or while its snowing, all lights on the dash board comes up and at least 50% of the options gets disabled. Like back up camera, windshield vipers, horn beeps non stop until you disconnect the battery and more. I see there is lots of people reporting same issue but honda dont want to help me with this issue. Went... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
Car just stopped running while driving in the morning. After lunch it wouldn't start up, nor turn over. Shop says engine is Seized. which sounds just like the other Sonata's issues, but my car says it doesn't have a engine recall on it
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Forest River Cedar Creek. The contact stated that while the oven was in use, the glass exploded, and shards of glass struck her on the legs. The RV had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 800. The VIN was not available.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
Traveling at low speed in driveway. When the side airbags deployed for seemingly no reason. There was no collision, did not run over anything etc.
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 14, 2021
Recently had brake sytem replaced and it was done incorrectly. Almost had a wreck and issue has drained my battery and cauing issues to alternator too. Constantly having issues with heat and now my AC. Have to constantly pay diagnostic charges. Request drive belt be replaced.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
I have been contacted by Ford that parts to fix the Safety Recall Notice 22S73/NHTSA 22V859 are available at Ford dealers since the letter, dated February 2023. I have called several times to a few Ford dealers and they state that they have not received parts from Ford for that recall. I want to alert the NHTSA that Ford is NOT following through on their responsibility to repair my affected vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
When I am driving my steering wheel is sticky, wonders left and right and I keep having to correct the steering it feels like the steering where clicks back and forth with no sound it does not drive safe and it is hard to turn the steering wheel. Yesterday I was driving on the freeway and out of no where the brake light on the dash popped up 3 times and the car started to pull. When I turn on the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
2019 Kia Sorento Snow White Peal peeling paint on hood and roof of car. Per body shop this "delamination"
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
Thermostat/coolant sensor malfunctioning causing engine fan to constantly run as if the engine is over heating. Some engine exhaust door/flap is stuck open or closed causing check engine light to come on. And or the actuators doors are broken causing windows to fog and obstruct view. Not sure what would cause this issue but I have had to have work done on my vehicle twice for this issue within 3 y... Read more