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: Dec 16, 2024
The primary infotainment/mmi screen randomly turns off and a system reboot occurs, which can take a period of time. This causes a loss of all parking sensors, rear view cameras, navigation etc. Dangerous when the system dies in the middle of a bustle parking lot or having to restart the system at high way speeds. Issues started suddenly around February. No fault codes in the car but problem persis... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The engine coolant flow control valve position sensor is faulty. I brought mt truck in to my dealership and I have been waiting for over a month to get the issue fixed because “the part is on backorder”. This issue makes my truck sound like a jet engine because it makes the truck think overheating and causes the fan to come on at full blast. After drivinf for awhile it goes into “ reduced en... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
My brake master cylinder is leaking brake fluid under the steering column and dripping inside. This seems to have a recall but they only did it for trucks up to 2019 and my 2020 has the same exact issue.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
May 11, 2025
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
While driving down the road at about 45 mph, my 2024 CRV automatically applied the brakes while there was not anything in front of me. I’m [XXX] and honestly it scared me. I’m just wanting to report this because I don’t want anyone to get hurt. I have not taken it to the dealer as this was the first time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
Equinox 2 EV 2024 Dashboard has a pattern that reflects in the sun onto the front window making it extremely difficult to see out the window. Happens all the time.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The rear brake pads as well as the rear brake caliber on these model vehicles and brakes keeps going bad extremely fast. This car is only 2 1/2 years old and I’ve already had to spend $1100 on parts for brake calibers. It is a known fact that the manufacturer Does not have the parts in stock. They are back order for 2 to 3 weeks. This is extreme safety issue and can prevent for cars from operati... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
Engine light came on after putting fuel in my car it is hapless the codes read emission and fuel issues to replace cap but it is hapless it says it's an issue that needs to be fixed now my engine light won't go off
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
Service Engine Soon lamp illuminated with extremely rough running engine, would barely keep running. Dealer diagnosed misfires on cylinders 1, 3, 7, with cylinder 5 showing the most misfires. Tear down revealed defective lifter on cylinder 5. Repair under warranty included replacing all bank 1 lifters. Mileage of vehicle was 19566 at time of repair
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
The vehicle would not shift into park. We were told by the dealer park switch sticking at times.
Incident date: May 10, 2025
On 5/8/25 when the light turned green at the stop light, my car shut down while the gear was on drive. It immediately came back on with the dashboard showing warnings for the (TPMS), brakes system, stability system, among others. I accelerated while on drive but the car did not move forward. I turned the flashers on. I had cars behind me honking and going around me. I put the shifter in Park. A ca... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
2017 ford escape titanium needed a rebuilt transmission due to it slipping gears while driving. slipping would occur between 1000-2000 RPM at speeds between 40-60 MPH. this problem caused my car to have to get towed to a dealership to have fixed because my car would not accelerate.
Incident date: May 10, 2025
Front Rotors purchased on Amazon warped in under 5,000 miles/3 months of normal highway and city driving conditions. Issue caused high vibrations in front end when braking from 40+ mph. Paired with new Wagner OEX pads when installed. Manufacturer’s Warranty period was 24,000 miles/2 years. Rear rotors also warped about 1,000 miles after front rotors did. Front rotors were turned/resurfaced ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2016
First battery needed replaced every year then few weeks ago with no warning light or messages that battery was dieing the battery died again it was replaced then it started reving up and down on its own while driving so it goes faster then slower on its own when it feels like it.. TPS wont show tire pressure cant relearn tire positions now dash lights works usually then don't bright lights don't w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2025
dash instuments goes blacked out , entertainment system goes black in sequence to dash, this has happened multiple times . I cannot tell my speed, gas levels, etc, the LKAS, collision warning, adaptive cruise control , auto emergncy breaking ,lane departure warning failed with lights coming on with various failure warinings, it fails ,then works randomly then fails again. I have taken my vehichle... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
When sitting at a stop and then accelerating to leave the stop position, the car will go and then all of a sudden it will stall out and I'm pressing the gas pedal, pressing the gas pedal quite a few times before the car even decides to move. This happens when I'm changing lanes on the highway... merging onto the highway... when I'm leaving from a stop sign or a stoplight it happens continuously. I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
When sitting at a stop and then accelerating to leave the stop position, the car will go and then all of a sudden it will stall out and I'm pressing the gas pedal, pressing the gas pedal quite a few times before the car even decides to move. This happens when I'm changing lanes on the highway... merging onto the highway... when I'm leaving from a stop sign or a stoplight it happens continuously. I... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
On [XXX] I purchased a brand new 2025 Volvo EX90 from Volvo Cars of North Miami. I’ve been having a number of software glitches since then, but the last incident put my life in direct danger. Yesterday, [XXX] I was driving [XXX] on [XXX] (a four-lane motorway) in Aventura with around 55MPH speed and 76% battery charge. While driving the steering wheel display went dark and at that point, I had ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
Several system failures relates to a faulty multipurpose camera used by the Honda Sensing system from collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control and land keeping assist. Multipurpose camera premature failure leads to loss of several safety features.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
driving on highway car suddenly lost power check engine light came on. was able to coast off to an exit on the highway. car eventually unable to move. the car was towed to the dealer. the transmission and power take off unit was replaced.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the blind spot warning light was inoperable, and the Forward Collision Avoidance assist sensor warning light was deactivated on the instrument cluster. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electrical system and harness had failed and needed to be repl... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
Automatic stop activated at traffic light. When the brake was disengaged, the star would not start. The occupant was stalled at the traffic light during rush hour in a thunderstorm with limited visibility for approximately 15 minutes. Winter Haven Police Department was dispatched but did not arrive probably due to other weather-related traffic situations. After that time, the engine did start and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
As of today 05/08/25 car will not start, it was also chugging while i was on the freeway and would not go over 50mph
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
As of today 05/08/25 car will not start, it was also chugging while i was on the freeway and would not go over 50mph
Incident date: May 1, 2025
I was driving in a rainstorm with my windshield wipers on. The wipers spasmed and then stopped. I tried several things, but the wipers would not work and I had to have the car towed to the dealership because it was not safe to drive in the rain. The inspection indicates that the windshield wiper motor has to be replaced. I looked and saw that there are several notices about this issue on Acura RDX... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2020) - STRUCTURE
May 7, 2025
Incident date: Oct 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aw... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
My engine started shuddering and stalling out on me. This was very dangerous as the car would stall out at street lights and intersections. The check engine light only came on after the car stalled out and has not stayed on during the times that it stalls out. When I went to get a mechanic to check it out they said that they had seen many Hyundai and Kia cars that had the same issues. The issue wa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
Panoramic sunroof came loose on highway and bent up 90 degrees making vehicle undrivable.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
There were no warning light, malfunction errors or anything prior to 1/4/2025. My passenger seat weight sensor was supposedly finally replaced on 4/9/2025 (I kept being turned away due to the part not being available), but it is still not working, as it is not illuminating/communicating with the dashboard appropriately. I told the dealer this the same day and they said it was late in the day so I ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Just got diagnosed with cracked cylinder head. After looking on social media, it appears this is a thing for the model years 2018 and 2019. Bad casting? Anyway I believe this should be a voluntary recall to correct such a flawed engine. I bought this new from a Mazda dealership and kept it up to date with service only through the dealer. The 60 month/60,000 mile drive train warranty ran out last J... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Check engine light came on at 103k miles with a P0302 error code. Replaced spark plugs and check engine light went away. 2 weeks later high engine temperature warning came on. Had it towed to a mechanic. Diagnosis was a cracked engine block with coolant leaking into cylinder number 3. Complete engine and turbo replacement is needed quoted at $11k.
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Acura RDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
This is a safety concern regarding the emergency breakaway switch, to engage the electric brakes upon a hitch disconnect senerio. I understand the breakaway switch is to be powered directly from the onboard battery with no fuses or disconnects. I found my disconnect switch is powered through the AUX power connection of the 7 pin wire harness, and it is both fused and behind the disconnect switch... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. After investigating the fail... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. After investigating the fail... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
For months the front/rear collision sensors warning lights are on. The ABS and traction control warning lights are also on. The check engine light will come on for weeks at a time then go away.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
the drivers seatbelt does not retract. The seatbelt is extended all the way loose in your lap. In an accident i don’t think it would work at all. Something is broken inside that doesn’t allow it to retract on its own at all.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that after refueling and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle started shake and vibrate abnormally. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The con... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2015) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 6, 2025
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
I RECENTLY HAD A SVC 4WD LIGHT COME ON IN MY 2020 JEEP CHEROKEE WHICH HAS 75,750 MILES. THEN WHILE DRIVING A WARNING LIGHT KEPT COMING ON TELLING ME THAT THE 4WD SERVICE IS UNAVAILABLE AND TO SERVICE 4WD. WELL - I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PTU NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL BECAUSE IT ONLY COVERED THE YEARS 2017 - 2019 AND SOME... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2025
No accident Backup camera does not work most of the time
Incident date: May 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle crashed into a guardrail. In addition, the air bags did not deploy. The contact was taken to the hospital and was treated for facial fractures. The contact was then transferred to another hospital for ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
NISSAN
DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG
(9999) - ENGINE
May 5, 2025
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Complete engine failure with approx 80,000 miles on it, no warning. Engine failed while driving in the middle of the street.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Rear liftgate taillight assembly seal has failed allowing water to get in. As a result, the led lighting element has failed which dramatically reduces rear visibility by other vehicles.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Started having issues with steering rack about a year and a half ago. Steering would stick and make creaking noises. Brought it to my local Honda dealership last spring and they diagnosed it as needing steering rack replacement which would cost about $4,000. I reached out to Honda Corporate and they said the best they could do would to reduce the repair by $1,000. I told them I don’t think I s... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
On March 26, 2024 the VW Id.4 caught fire while being driven on freeway. The driver was able to pull over and escape from the vehicle as it burned but sustained burns to his left arm, hand and face. The vehicle was engulfed in flames and destroyed. An inspection of the vehicle and battery modules in October of 2024 by VW experts and experts for the driver determined that the fire started in one ... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: May 2, 2023
The touchscreen is completely malfunctioning and unusable. It started off as a one off incident during a very hot streak in the summer of 2024. I wrote it off and a fluke because of the temperature. 9 months later and the screen is constantly going haywire with ghost touches. Every feature that is controlled through that screen fails. Even using the controls on the steering wheel fail to work when... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Ever since I bought this vehicle, I have been having issues with it registering the key, which keeps causing an automatic security alert system to shut down my vehicle the moment I start it. I've already replaced the battery to my car. I've already had locksmiths examined the issue and nobody can seem to find the problem. The issue with the car is definitely a security issue. The car shuts dow... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
Under full throttle acceleration while merging onto highway the car would not deliver power and the check engine started flashing. Pressing the accelerator did not make the car go. I had to pull over and stop the car. I turned it off and turned it back on and was able to drive away. Both times, the weather was very humid and I was merging on a ramp that had an uphill incline. This happened twic... Read more