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 97,402 complaints for NISSAN
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while at a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated significantly. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on the highway. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); howeve... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while at a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated significantly. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on the highway. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); howeve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
Without warning or being given an option to reject the update, my vehicle was updated to settings that no longer offer paddle shifting or the ability to enable or disable the Pedestrian Emergency Braking (PEB) system. The latter results in being unable to turn off the Forward Collision Off light on the dashboard. The update also wiped out most of my settings and changed units of measure to the met... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the SRS Malfunction message was displayed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 156,094.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Coolant leak into cylinder resulting in a misfiring cylinder and engine overheating. This is a known issue that FoMoCo has a service bulletin for. [XXX] My vehicle falls within the parameters of this, however, there are no active recalls for this problem. Doing some Google searches, it appears this issue is wide-ranging and is affecting a lot of Escape owners whose vehicles fall within the ser... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle in the morning, there was white smoke coming from exhaust pipes. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The dealer observed a crack in the cylinder head gasket. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Safety Issue of a Company Fleet Vehicle. Error Message on the DASHBOARD Cluster: "Engine Malfunction Power Reduced Service Now" And will suddenly stop in the middle of the road or Freeway.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Frame failure 2 inches of deflection Doors popped open on hwy walls cracked lag bolts falling out water leaks and floor rotting out from flex
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Frame failure 2 inches of deflection Doors popped open on hwy walls cracked lag bolts falling out water leaks and floor rotting out from flex
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Car engine is loosing/burning oil at a high rate. This could be best described as an oil ring problem that is included in other kona models but not my specific vin series
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Car had a low oil light and started a knocking noise on 6/6. Stopped vehicle and had it towed to dealership on 6/7 report came back with a connecting rod problem. No further inspection after that. Was made aware that there is a current recall on my vehicle specs but not my specific vin number.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (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 mad... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Seatbelts both front stopped tightening upon braking.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
I was driving around my neighborhood one day with my panoramic sunroof open and at the red light i wanted to close the sunroof (california summer sun is no joke) and it made this really big 'THUMP' noise, thought the sunroof glass cracked. After the big THUMP noise, the sunroof wouldnt close and this is after the light turned green so i am driving slowly because there was rattling noise coming fro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
The contact's wife owns a 2010 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 80 MPH. The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where DTC: C1440 (Pressure Transducer Main/Primary Signal Faulted) was retrieved. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact provided the DTC: C1... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
For several months, there has been a noticeable smell of gas fumes coming from my 2017 Kia Sorrento EX. Recently, smell has been getting much stronger and cause for concern. I have discovered a visible gas leak dripping from the gas tank area. This could likely or possibly be related to a recall engine replacement last year. The website mentions issues with the fuel pump, which is a The website me... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
when coming to a stop, the truck idols high before slowly going down. Seems unsafe as if is not wanting to stop. I am also hearing a chirping coming from under the hood.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
While driving at highway speeds, the jeep suddenly downshifted, revved up a ton, and threw overheat and low oil warnings. The head gasket likely almost blew, we were very close to losing control of the vehicle. After googling, I discovered that this is a problem that Jeep is aware of: dozens of reports online over the last two years, and the dealerships have been buying them back and claiming it's... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2013) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 7, 2025
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed and the contact was unable to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jolted abnormally while accelerating. The local dealer was contacted; however, the v... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2013) - VISIBILITY/WIPER
Jul 7, 2025
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
Back up camera not working Glitch and black screen
NISSAN
LEAF
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)
Jul 7, 2025
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while operating vehicle the "Propulsion Error” was displayed, and the message "Shift to Park" was displayed while driving. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally failed to immediately start. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) was faulty and... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
Vehicle in question has a dual-clutch automatic transmission with 103,000 miles on the odometer. Transmission failed without warning while turning left onto a major highway from a standing stop -- stuck in 1st gear, it was dangerously slow to get out of other drivers' way, creating a serious road hazard concern. Vehicle had been maintained since new with fluid changes as required but still faile... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
The ICCU in the car failed. It immediately limited the speed of the vehicle to 25mph. There were no warnings, it happened all at once. I had to drive on the shoulder of the interstate to the next exit. Obviously, driving 25 on the shoulder while cars passed me at 65+ was not a safe situation.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
The horn does not work properly when it gets wet. It will either not make noise at all, or it is extremely muffled. This is a major safety risk. Also, horn is required to work for Massachusetts state inspections. If I bring the car to be inspected on a rainy day, or after a car wash, it will fail because it does not work. I brought the vehicle to the dealer twice. The first time 5/28/25, the tec... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The vehicle inconsistently delays when accelerating from a stopped position. This is more frequently noticed shortly after starting the vehicle. This was first noticed around 10K miles, and my vehicle is currently at 25,235 miles. This has happened approximately 4-5 times. While at a stop sign, judging traffic to enter into the intersection I have pushed the gas with no response for 2-3 seco... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no reservoir cap to check for power steering fluid. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
Rivian R1T was brought to independent tire center for tire rotation on same day before 1,000 mile trip. Technician documented: "Drivers side front CV axle bolt almost completely backed out". Bolt took less than one rotation by hand to come off. Documented by tire shop technician. - Possible safety impact by possible failure of half-shaft and loss of steering control and/or wheel loss - The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2025
Randomly, and without warning, the instruments, gauges, and displays will switch into a language I do not speak or understand (Italian). Coinciding with the switch to Italian language, cluster and radio display settings revert back to default settings, auto door locks and paddle shifter becomes inoperative (with no menu to enable), pedestrian emergency brake (peb) lamp or forward collision warning... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
I purchased a brand-new 2025 Honda Pilot Elite, and within the first 1,000 miles of driving, I began noticing multiple concerning noises and performance issues: Steering Noise: At low speeds, particularly while turning, the steering system emits a subtle but persistent creaking noise/noises from the steering wheel area. The creaking is especially noticeable when making slow turns in parking lots ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
On [XXX], while driving from Orlando, FL to Atlanta, GA, I experienced one of the most terrifying moments of my life. I was traveling on the freeway at approximately 80 MPH, in lane 3 or 4, when my vehicle suddenly began to hesitate and lose power without any warning. In that moment, fear and panic took over. Cars were flying past me, and I could feel my truck rapidly decelerating. I immediately ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
In many near hit collisions where I need to honk the horn, memory reflexes goes to press down the center of the steering wheel to alert but the horn button isn’t there on this vehicle. It’s put as a button on the right side but after 25,000 Miles and at least 4 times, I could not locate it quick enough. This is a serious safety issue.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2013) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 6, 2025
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
Transmission shudders at low speeds changing gears. Less than 79,000 miles and changed or flushed transmission 3 times at dealership. Vehicle has been at dealership over a month with no fix in sight.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2025
There is a safety recall but it has not yet been resolved, risking lives.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) - ENGINE
Jul 5, 2025
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
Dashboard lit up with a lot of lights and stuff
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 5, 2025
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
While diving at highway speeds (first at 55mph in may 2025 and then again in July 2025 at 65mph) I got a warning on screen about power loss and a critical failure and that power will be reduced and to stop at the side of the road. Within 30 seconds or a minute of the warning the car power cut out significantly impacting the speed and both times almost causing traffic behind me to hit me from behin... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) - ENGINE
Jul 5, 2025
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
While diving at highway speeds (first at 55mph in may 2025 and then again in July 2025 at 65mph) I got a warning on screen about power loss and a critical failure and that power will be reduced and to stop at the side of the road. Within 30 seconds or a minute of the warning the car power cut out significantly impacting the speed and both times almost causing traffic behind me to hit me from behin... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2020
Passenger side rear air conditioning blower motor caught on fire and burned vehicle out completely. Fire trucks called to put out fire but is completely burned out. My safety was at risk flames in back by the time I got stopped on highway. Thankful no one was riding in back seat. First issue I had with it and it torched the vehicle. No warnings on dash. Vehicle is waiting to be inspected by ... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
Steering: While driving today (7/5/2025), all of a sudden and without warning, "driver assist" (power steering) became disabled. Steering wheel immediately became heavy in the sense that it was extremely difficult to turn. Motor: Also, on 02/22/2024, while driving on the freeway at freeway speed, all of a sudden and without warning, the rear LDU (large drive unit) failed and the car became inoper... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
Steering: While driving today (7/5/2025), all of a sudden and without warning, "driver assist" (power steering) became disabled. Steering wheel immediately became heavy in the sense that it was extremely difficult to turn. Motor: Also, on 02/22/2024, while driving on the freeway at freeway speed, all of a sudden and without warning, the rear LDU (large drive unit) failed and the car became inoper... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
I bought this used from a private owner, on consignment at a used car lot Pinellas County FL May 2020. The previous owner installed a dashboard mat to cover up the melting, cracking dashboard, after 5 years of ownership, the dashboard is in serious degraded condition worse when I purchased it. I was unaware of the class action lawsuit 2017 over the safety concerns. Obvious resale value will be an ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Power windows will go down by driver buttons but driver buttons will not work to make windows go back up. Engine is stalling, can smell exhaust, manifold is said to be needed to be replaced. Burns oil badly.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Removable top cracks and allows moister into effected panels fostering an environment for possible black mold growth.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
Vehicle is subject to safety recall for malfunctioning HCU. Frequent illumination of Anti-Lock Break and Traction Control Warning Lights with accompanying Chime and loss of Cruise Control function. When illuminated, vehicle rear wheels will slip and braking is degraded. Illumination of Warning Lights and chime very distracting. FCA initially estimated repair parts available first quarter of 2025. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
My rearview camera images are upside down, and sometimes do not display when reversing, just as the recall they are having on the newer models right now.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
The vehicle unexpectedly began accelerating from a creep with no accelerator input. Acceleration ceased immediately as soon a the brake pedal was touched. No actual braking was required--simply a touch on the pedal. Acceleration was as if the accelerator pedal had been pressed about 1/4 down. It lasted about 1.5 seconds from initiation to touching the brake pedal. The pavement was not on a grade b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Water by-pass hose failure
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
My vehicle was serviced 05/03/24, after the 60,000 whatever service, The Sewell dealership of N. Austin, literally has a video of them pointing out where there was an oil leak, they needed to fix, so of course, I agreed to them fixing the leak. Fast forward to [XXX], during which, I was driving, had no indication of any issues, then saw white/gray/smoke, pulled over, & then my car wouldn't start. ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Brand new vehicle- 12volt battery failed after 5 weeks. Lexus initially stated battery fine. Then battery failed while in their possession- Lexus replaced battery. Few weeks later battery failed again. Lexus tested & replaced battery for second time - but battery kept draining & they were unable to repair after having vehicle at dealership for 3.5 months
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2020) - LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Jul 5, 2025
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
My 2019 Honda Pilot has 47817 miles on it. Purchased new from dealership. Been garaged entire life other than normal routine driving. Recently had ADAS warning lights. Reported the problem to Honda HQ in Torrance California. They issued a claim number. I took it to Honda dealer where it was diagnosed with error code U3000-49. They quoted me approx $2600 to replace and calibrate the new multi ... Read more