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 31 complaints for MCLAREN
Incident date: May 31, 2026
Built-in navigation application has on multiple occasions stopped working and stating "searching for GPS". This causes a distraction and increases the chance of a crash because I now have to try to figure out what is going on while I was relying on the navigation to understand where I was going.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2025
The fuel tank expanded after only 1 year of operation, 3600 miles. The fuel tank has expanded to the point of resting on the exhaust and stretching the rear fender plastics apart. I submitted it for warranty repair 6/2/2025 and KTM has approved the repair but not provided a new replacement and the vehicle and been disabled due to this issue for a year now and they has zero solutions or compensatio... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2025
I want to bring a widespread safety issue up that is not being resolved by the manufacturer. I have a 2017 Subaru Forester with a faulty ODS sensor. This is a known issue to Subaru and there are bulletins issued on this topic (WUM-98 and 17-19-24). I had the original ODS sensor replaced in 2021. Several months ago my passenger airbag lights started to turn off again. I took it to Subaru and they ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
Wear of Strut Bearing causing crunching sounds at low speed braking and turning. Dealer reports this is due to dirt and debris getting up there. Vehicle has 34,000 miles (out of warranty due to time) and has had only light use off-road on dirt roads (2 camping trips). Not repairing can cause further damage and failure of suspension components. Vehicle marketed as off-road capable but components no... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
I’m just reporting several known issues. First, with code P2138, which I got today at Oreilly after my car started throwing warnings. I used my parking brake briefly and afterwards got the following warnings on my car: “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with care”, “Engine power reduced” , “Propulsion Power is reduced” , “Service Parking Brake”. I’ve never even had one of the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
I’ve had problems with the headlights flickering for no reason and randomly (every day) With the green indicator on the dashboard turning on and off. It happens at different times of the day, in different weathers and for no reason. Seems to be worst on sunny and cloudy days and it happens at any speed, even parked. Already took to the dealership twice, first they did an update (it didn’t fix... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Coolant Low message was displayed. The contact needed to add coolant every other day; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to locate the coolant leak. The mechanic also determined that oil was leaking from the valve cover. The valve cover gasket w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Several random unwanted deployments of forward emergency braking system with no danger of other vehicles or pedestrians near by. All deployments have happened below 30 mph both in city driving and rural settings.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
UNKNOWN. HAD THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR FOR SUDDEN "SYSTEM FAULT" warning along with check engine, collision avaoidance and braking disabled, TCS OFF, ABS, and several other lights. I have been told the dealer could not find the problem, which is odd because nissan connected services logs data from my truck and emails me when there is a fault, like abs system failure... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
UNKNOWN. HAD THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR FOR SUDDEN "SYSTEM FAULT" warning along with check engine, collision avaoidance and braking disabled, TCS OFF, ABS, and several other lights. I have been told the dealer could not find the problem, which is odd because nissan connected services logs data from my truck and emails me when there is a fault, like abs system failure... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2018
Front window cracked all the way across after using the defrost selection on the heating control. Saw a couple articles about it happening to others. Dealership said they know nothing about the issue.?
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
The main headlights on the McLaren MP4-12C are susceptible to condensation, and mold that cannot be cleared as it is internal. This is caused by a faulty seal, or glue, holding the top clear glass, to the plastic molding which allows condensation to happen, causing the mold. Almost all McLaren MP4-12C's have the moldy headlights, reducing visibility and creating a hazard for the driver, as well a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2021
This is the cars main navigation, radio, and other configuration critical to the cars operability and safety. McLaren calls this the IRIS system, and they issued an upgrade after the first one had many documented problems throughout the world, with the IRIS II system. They replaced them while the cars were under warranty, but once the warranty expires on your car, you have to pay upwards of $10,... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
The baffle in the turbo inlet came loose casing the baffle to launch into the turbo chopping it up and shooting it into the engine. This is a common occurrence known by the dealer and manufacturer and could lead to engine failure and fire if the parts reach and melt into the catalytic converter.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2020
The car (2020 McLaren 600LT Spider ) self ignited while turned off in our driveway.
Fire
Incident date: Dec 23, 2020
The car (2020 McLaren 600LT Spider ) self ignited while turned off in our driveway.
Fire
Incident date: Dec 23, 2020
The car (2020 McLaren 600LT Spider ) self ignited while turned off in our driveway.
Fire
Incident date: Dec 23, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 MCLAREN 600LT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OFF AND PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SELF IGNITED AND CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE AUTHORITIES WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE OF THE FIRE AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AS A RESULT OF THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS TAKEN AS A RESULT OF FAILURE. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MCLAREN 650S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OVER TIME THE FRONT PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S HEADLIGHT LENSES HAD DEVELOPED VERY SMALL SPIDER WEB CRACKS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE CRACKS WERE LOCATED ON THE INTERIOR SECTION OF THE LENSES AND THE VISIBILITY HAD PROGRESSIVELY DIMINISHED OVER TIME DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER... Read more
MCLAREN
570
(2017) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
Jun 22, 2020
Incident date: Jun 4, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MCLAREN 570. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BECAME AWARE OF COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MOTORCARS OF ATLANTA (7865 ROSWELL RD NE, SANDY SPRINGS, GA 30350) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COOLANT LEAKED FROM A DEFECTIVE HOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT ... Read more
MCLAREN
MP4-12C SPIDER
(2013) - AIR BAGS
May 1, 2019
Incident date: Feb 5, 2019
I SENT MY 2013 MC LAREN IN FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG RECALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED IT WAS IN DEFAULT WITH A MESSAGE THAT SAID "AIR BAG" AND "TRANSMISSION" WAS IN DEFAULT. WHEN I SPOKE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG THAT WAS IN DEFAULT. THEY SAID IT WAS PROBABLY CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE CLOCK SPRING. THE CAR DID NOT HAVE THESE ISSUES WHEN I SENT IT TO THEM.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2019
I HAVE RECEIVED TWO RECALL LETTERS IN THE PAST TEN MONTHS TELLING ME THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IN MY CAR MAY EXPLODE WITH 'SHARDS OF SHRAPNEL INJURING OR KILLING THE PASSENGER'.WHEN I ASK MY DEALER TO FIX THIS RECALL I AM TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS.
MCLAREN
MP4-12C SPIDER
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 23, 2018
Incident date: May 13, 2017
ORIGINAL HEADLIGHTS DEVELOPED OPAQUE SPOTTING ON THE INTERIOR OF THE CLEAR HOUSING, WHICH IF LEFT UNCHECKED WOULD HAVE COMPROMISED THE LIGHT OUTPUT AND NIGHTTIME VISIBILITY. BOTH HEADLIGHTS WERE EVENTUALLY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. ONE OF THE REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHTS HAD A DEFECT IN THE OUTER LAMINATION WHICH WAS PEALING AS SOON AS IT WAS INSTALLED. BOTH INTERIOR SPOTTING/ MOLD FORMATION AND EXTERIO... Read more
MCLAREN
MP4-12C SPIDER
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 23, 2018
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
THE HEADLIGHT LENSES ON BOTH SIDES ARE GROWING A MOLD AND FOGGING. THE FOGGING IS GRADUALLY WORSENING, AND, AT SOME POINT, WILL COMPROMISE THE LIGHT EMITTED AND RESULT IN GLARE. IT IS A WELL-KNOWN ISSUE IN THESE CARS, AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT MCLAREN REFUSES TO REPLACE THE LENSES FOR ANYONE WHO HAS TRIED TO GET THIS DONE BY THEIR DEALERS, MYSELF INCLUDED. IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS I... Read more
MCLAREN
MP4-12C SPIDER
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 23, 2018
Incident date: Jun 6, 2015
HAZE,CONDENSATION AND VISIBLE IMPERFECTIONS INSIDE BOTH HEADLIGHT LENSES. MORE PRONOUNCED ON DRIVERS SIDE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AMONG MCLAREN OWNERS, PLEASE SEE PICTURES OTHER OWNERS HAVE SUBMITTED.
MCLAREN
MP4-12C SPIDER
(2013) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Apr 16, 2018
Incident date: Oct 21, 2016
THE FRONT HEADLAMPS HAVE DEVELOPED CONDENSATION AND MOLD INSIDE THE CLEAR HOUSING. A CLOUDY SUBSTANCE HAS FORMED INSIDE THE HEADLAMPS AND CAN NOT BE REMOVED. THE CONDENSATION HAS SPREAD AND BECOME WORSE OVER TIME PROBABLY DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE HEADLAMPS AND NOT BEING PROPERLY SEALED. THIS IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN WHICH MCLAREN IS WELL AWARE OF AND HAS BEEN REPORTED BY ALMOST ALL OF THE MP4-12C ... Read more
MCLAREN
MP4-12C SPIDER
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 26, 2018
Incident date: Jan 22, 2018
HEADLIGHTS ARE DEVELOPING FOGGING ON THE INNER SURFACE. I AM WORRIED THIS WILL LEAD TO POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AND IS SAFETY CONCERN. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS OF MCLAREN MP4-12CS AS WELL AND IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. THEY REFUSE TO REPLACE OR REPAIR THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY.
MCLAREN
MP4-12C SPIDER
(2014) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 26, 2018
Incident date: Sep 5, 2016
THE INTERIOR OF THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES IS BEING OVERTAKEN WITH MOLD AND THE EXTERIOR IS PEELING/DEGRADING. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AFFECTING THIS MODEL THAT USED TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT HAS NOT BEEN COVERED IN THE LAST YEAR OR TWO. THE MOLD AND EXTERIOR PEELING ARE GETTING THE THE POINT OF ENCROACHING UPON THE LIGHT BEAM ITSELF AND IF THE RATE OF MOLD GRO... Read more
MCLAREN
MP4-12C SPIDER
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Mar 14, 2018
Incident date: Feb 14, 2018
TAKATA RECALL - VEHICLE INVOLVED IN SERIOUS CRASH IN FEB 2018. THE VEHICLE'S AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AT ALL. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND, DRIVER LOST CONTROL IN WHICH VEHICLE WAS STRUCK SEVERAL TIMES WITH BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER DAMAGE ALONG WITH EXTENSIVE FRONT END NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS. VEHICLE WAS SERVICE IN SEPT 2017, FOR ISSUES RELATED TO COMPUTER AND POSSIBLE SENSOR ISSUES
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Oct 12, 2017
THE HEADLIGHT LENSES ON BOTH SIDES ARE GROWING A MOLD AND FOGGING. THE FOGGING IS GRADUALLY WORSENING, AND, AT SOME POINT, WILL COMPROMISE THE LIGHT EMITTED AND RESULT IN GLARE. IT IS A WELL-KNOWN ISSUE IN THESE CARS, AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT MCLAREN REFUSES TO REPLACE THE LENSES FOR ANYONE WHO HAS TRIED TO GET THIS DONE BY THEIR DEALERS, MYSELF INCLUDED. IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2017
2017 MCLAREN 570 GT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A MECHANICAL AND SOFTWARE DEFECT. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED AS SOON AS HE DROVE OFF THE LOT, AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, AN ESC FAULT RENDERED THE VEHICLE INCAPACITATED ON A MAJOR STREET. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED FIVE TIMES, SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE. *JB