Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 96,425 complaints for NISSAN
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Coolant system not functioning properly replace thermostat and worked a day then back to overheating. Engine overheating with new oil and filter also shakes badly Car does not shut of when ignition is pressed the first time have start the car then shut it off again
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Vehicle was on software version 2.0 which solely contributed to this problem. I had a front passenger tire have a catastrophic failure and blow out on me while driving, this causes the car to pull hard to the right, into a concrete wall. Compounding this problem was I let off the throttle and the regen braking never kicked in to slow the car down. Software version 2.0 was known to be flawed and ca... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 22, 2020
As I was driving on the highway, the warning "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" with a red turtle icon appeared. The warning indicator light also appeared. The car began to decelerate on its own as I tried to merge across several lanes of highway traffic to get to the shoulder and stop. This first happened on Thursday December 12 (also in a highway scenario). The vehicle was inspected by my ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2020
There is an active recall on the fuel pump for Honda Civics. My car fits within the range of time of manufacture, but my VIN does not appear with any recalls. The vehicle shakes when starting and will stall most of the time. I can turn it off and turn it back on and the car will start okay, but if I accelerate too quickly or drive too fast or for too long the engine will stall. I have been driving... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2020
Unknown. I bought my suv 3 months ago Jenkin Nissan awarel me of a crack and bent front sub frame. It was never reported to carfax. I purchased and finance my car though Hgreg
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
It is impossible to see through the back window when it rains. It has no wiper--and unlike other cars, it is not aerodynamic and does not push rain off the back windshield. When it rains, you cannot see anything. Due to the location of the backup camera, it also becomes wet and you cannot see anything when doing in reverse through the window or backup camera when it's raining.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
To start of with the steering seems to loosen up while driving, it's hard to explain but while driving the vehicle it is very noticable that the car is jurking side to side , if your used to a certain pressure put on the steering wheel to turn or keep in a constant turn(like a long turn or steady turn on a long bend in a road , the steering loosens to the point that the pressure you are holding th... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) — SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 20, 2024
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Hydraulic brake booster pump abs actuator has been on a service bulletin around 2015 with a definitive timetable. I have had numerous notifications with warning lights that are indicative of the booster pump failure for more than 10 years and every time I bring it to the Lexus dealer they said it is my battery. They replace the battery and reset the computer and it repeats itself over and over. M... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated while driving at approximately 3 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated; however, the accelerator pedal was not being depressed during the failure. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
When coming to a stop, the car shudders and often stalls just like if you didn't press in the clutch on a manual transmission. No warning lights or messages. See details in TSB- 16-90-13R. Subaru knows about this issue and it has been reported in many vehicles. My car was at a Subaru dealership at least half a dozen times during 2017-2018 when this issue came to light and no one notified us to hav... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Brake actuator defective
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
I was traveling home from work at approximately 60MPH (speed limit) and I experienced a rapid drop in the state of charge from ~60% to ~25% in 15-20 seconds. I slowed the vehicle to 55MPH and it recovered most of the state of charge. When accelerating to 60MPH a few miles later I experience the same behavior and was forced to maintain 55MPH. I was forced to turn off the electric cabin heater, heat... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The following information refers to recall notice 19V544000 "SERVICE BRAKES" and "ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL" (recall number same for both notices) by Toyota for the 2019 Rav 4 Hybrid: "In 2019, Toyota issued a recall for certain 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vehicles due to a faulty brake assist system, specifically related to a potential issue with the brake booster pump which could lead to brake f... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
This was new vehicle in the dealer parking lot with 215 miles on it. I took it for a test drive with the sales person in the city next to me on the passenger seat.I was on the interstate with adaptive cruise control on. When the electric breaks failed and all kinds of information popped up on the screen. The display screen toggled between, "Brake System Failure - 62 MPH Top Speed" and "Service ES... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
My 2012 Kia optima headlamps are extremely dim, even though I’ve replaced the lightbulbs with the highest possible lumens, multiple times, the headlamp assembly continues to dim. This requires that I ride with my high-beams on to drive at night. The lights have been dimming for more than 20,000 miles, but they are almost useless at this point.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a recall 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. After the repair was completed, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was shifted into reverse and then driven before a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the transmission downshifted unexpectedly to third gear and then downshifted to first gear. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle had been experiencing erratic transmission shifting. The contact stated that upon coming to a s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
After completing a right turn with a right turn signal, the vehicle will sometimes signal a left turn for 3 blinks. I believe this is because the turn signal stalk 'bounces' down to the left turn signal area when returning back to normal position from a right turn. This is a safety issue because the vehicle is signaling a left turn when no turn is intended. This could cause confusion to oth... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
Electrical short in AP4.1 computer. Renders the camera system inoperable. Unable to backup without cameras.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
Electrical short in AP4.1 computer. Renders the camera system inoperable. Unable to backup without cameras.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
Driving down the highway my abs and traction control lit up then it said front collision sensor malfunction and system fault.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
Driving down the highway my abs and traction control lit up then it said front collision sensor malfunction and system fault.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
SHIFT TO PARK MESSAGE COMING UP ON DASH SCREEN EVENTHOUGH SHIFTER WAS IN PARK. ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OFF. HAD TO SHIFT SEVERAL TIMES FOR VEHICLE TO RECOGNIZE PARK . THERE WAS A RECALL ON SOME 2019 CHEVY BLAZERS AND A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED, BUT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 37752. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW. DEALERSHIP RELACED SHIFTER CONTROL AT A COS... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
Persistent white smoke from the exhaust suspecting coolant leak concerning for blown head gaskets.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The main issue on the Nissan Frontier that I just bought a few months ago that I need to report that I think should be recalled item is the passenger side exhaust manifold is cracked and it makes ticking noises the exhaust is loud and I am definitely getting exhaust fumes drawn into the cab especially when I turn the heater on now that it's winter time and it's getting CO2 carbon and exhaust fumes... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
It is about 50 degrees clear, with no rain. I drive onto the highway and hear what sounds like a gunshot. The Rear window explodes, and then glass flies all over the car; I roll down my window, and then glass goes everywhere, and all my stuff in the car flies around. I pull over and assess; this is the same thing that happened to me last year. The window randomly exploded. I called my insurance co... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
Water pump is leaking with white smoke came out from the engine bay under hood. I immediately checked the reservoir and it was empty. I took pictures and consulted with my friend who is a mechanics who confirmed the findings being due to water pump leak. I confirmed with a pressure test. Had I not noticed, it would’ve listed to other serious problems.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
Engine Oil Burning 2-4 quarts of oil in less 1000 miles.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
There are problems with these items which are covered under a Ford recall. My vehicle is at Liccardi Ford dealer in Watchung NJ and I feel a tremendous resistance from the dealer to repair the recalled ordered repairs.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Vehicle has been in multiple times for the same problem, this truck has an Regen issue and there is no number to reach their headquarters. I’m also not the only person with this issue for this truck.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
1. Corrosion which is a Jeep/Mopar known issue - paint bubbles on the aluminum doors/hinges. No recall/fix. 2. Death Wobble: Also known as loosing control to steer the car. This is a huge issue with all stock and this has not been addressed yet. There are a lot of videos and cases out there to proof this case. 3. Coolant Reservoir leak: Recently there are 276 coolant reservoirs needed from Mopar f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
1. Corrosion which is a Jeep/Mopar known issue - paint bubbles on the aluminum doors/hinges. No recall/fix. 2. Death Wobble: Also known as loosing control to steer the car. This is a huge issue with all stock and this has not been addressed yet. There are a lot of videos and cases out there to proof this case. 3. Coolant Reservoir leak: Recently there are 276 coolant reservoirs needed from Mopar f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
ACCIDENT:Date: [XXX] Time: [XXX] Location: Balboa Park – San Diego – Morley Field Sports Center – Parking lot Parking lot - Google Maps Driver – Geico Insurance coverage || no passengers What: Nissan Leaf 2023 Model SV+ - 8410 miles -- Unintended Acceleration Incident Backing up to leave parking lot – with seat belt on – looked at rear view camera – clear. Backed up s... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
Hello: I have this issue with my vehicle, and have read several people on Chevrolet Silverado message boards noting that their windshield wipers do not function properly when turned on. My wipers only work when I push the button to wash the windshield and they do not work in any other setting. I believe this is something that should be looked into and it seems like this is a good place to start... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor on the outside of the vehicle and the odor was entering into the cabin of the vehicle. The contact noticed that fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
I was pulling out into traffic, I eased out to make the turn, when I pressed the accelerator in order to merge to traffic speed, the truck did nothing. It did not stall, the engine was running, but it would not go. The transmission did not act like it was in gear, it is an automatic. I could have been hit by other cars by having my truck sitting in the road. The problem has occurred twice, but I c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jaguar I-Pace. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the driving range mileage was reduced abnormally. The contact stated that upon charging the vehicle, the battery charge failed to exceed 74 percent on several occasions. The contact stated that while going on a 90-mile road trip, the driving range was 170, and the vehicle shut off while driving 65 MPH with l... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2024
Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Defective Arnott Front Air Strut To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a significant safety concern regarding a defective Arnott FL front air strut purchased via RockAuto for my 2016 Audi S6 (VIN: [XXX] ). The air strut failed within five days of professional installation. This failure compromised the safety and functionality of my vehicle's... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
My navigation and all cameras abruptly stopped working when I was headed home from work on 12/2. When I entered the information for Tesla service it was automatically switched to AP4 computer short. I told the service center this Tesla is not safe to drive and is lacking all safety feature and asked for a loaner, but was repeatedly denied. My service appointment continued to be pushed by from 12/6... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
UNKNOWN/ my car came up with an engine code . Trouble accelerating, tends to runs hot ( drive train malfunction
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
The starter malfunctioned causing electrical damage to the motor and related components. Although there is literature that exists that this is a potential problem for this vehichle, BMW refuses to fix the problem and is asking me to pay. My warranty is expired by 4 months, but I have only 37,800 miles. The fact that there are 105K vehicles with this potential problem is evidence that this probl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); 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 mad... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
OIL HOUSING HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES. SINCE 64K MILES, NOW AT 112K. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. THERE ARE SO MANY SIMILAR OCCURANCES. THIS IS A HUGE FIRE HAZZARD.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) — POWER TRAIN
Dec 16, 2024
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Catastrophic engine failure without warning. Rod bearings blew car unable to produce power.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) — ENGINE
Dec 16, 2024
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Catastrophic engine failure without warning. Rod bearings blew car unable to produce power.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) — ENGINE
Dec 16, 2024
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
The Check Engine light turned on and took it to dealership on 12/14/24 and they stated that Throttle chamber may have issues. Used scanner and code P0101- Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit was read on scanner. Vehicle struggles to get air flow into engine causes speed to struggle when trying to accelerate.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
The JEEP was taken to the dealership for the steering recall, but upon return, the same issue still exists. Once the JEEP hits EXACTLY 51 MPH (does not happen at 49), the steering wheel starts to heavily vibrate making the JEEP UNDRIVABLE and UNSAFE. Upon contacting the HW HUNTER JEEP DEALER, and explaining that the issue still exists, they provided NO HELP and said that was all they could do. S... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
On december 15, 2024 my car stalled out. on the middle of the road nearly causing me a collison. My vehicle for. the last month has been - what i assume is having electrical problems , my car is only 4 years old so im uncertain as to why it would be stalling out , this is also the first time that this has happen . i called my insurance company to file a report about my vehicle stalling out on a b... Read more