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: Jan 20, 2025
Total catastrophic engine failure. Occurred at roughly 80,000 miles. Engine bearing shattered causing total engine loss. Needed to be replaced. Occurred in May 2023. There were no precursors to the event and the engine had been well maintained. I noticed an investigation of my vehicles engine and thought I should report this.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
2 months give/take few days power Steering locked up.Was not able to steer. Had to use flashers & carefully vere off road.Turned car off.Gave myself minutes to think. Started car tried turning steering wheel & bam it was fine. Hesitant I got back on road & went home w/no problem.2nd incident was same which happened 2nd wk Jan 2025.There was no warning of any kind either time.It has not been taken... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The defrost in my Nissan Leaf with does not function at all when the temperature is below around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. I found this out by having my windshield rapidly frost over while driving down the highway at over 65 MPH, almost causing a multi-vehicle accident because I could not see out of any of my windows. When I departed for my trip the vehicle had defrost functionality, but the ambient ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
I was driving down the highway and my car just shut off and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. It happened twice. Both times the emergency brake light came on but at no time was the emergency brake engaged by me. I was lucky that I wasn’t on a busy road and the care behind me had time to react or it could have been fatal. After trying to restart the car it took some tinkering wit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
I was driving down the highway and my car just shut off and came to a complete stop in the middle of the road. It happened twice. Both times the emergency brake light came on but at no time was the emergency brake engaged by me. I was lucky that I wasn’t on a busy road and the care behind me had time to react or it could have been fatal. After trying to restart the car it took some tinkering wit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
My check engine light came on and I got it tested. The code came back as P052E. The power train system valve.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
I have 2017 Escalade ESV, that has exactly same issue that the "GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DCS5461" describes, such as, transmission oil temperature sensor malfunction, rough and loud shifts, hesitated acceleration. There were a numerous event that hesitation (Not catching the gear) almost caused accidents. Check engine was on and it is at dealership at the date of 15th. (It did not ended... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
1. Service high voltage Battery warning. HVAC system stopped working and vehicle is in limp mode. 2. Vehicle clicks and clunks in the front end noise coming from the CV joints on both side. Dealership says that it is "ok to drive" parts are on back order with no ETA.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
1. Service high voltage Battery warning. HVAC system stopped working and vehicle is in limp mode. 2. Vehicle clicks and clunks in the front end noise coming from the CV joints on both side. Dealership says that it is "ok to drive" parts are on back order with no ETA.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Abs pulsing brakes on dry brake malfunction warning constant forward collision disabled warnings
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
At 16,000 miles the horns on my vehicle failed. This occured on busy tollway just as a driver began to enter my lane from the right side. When I tried to engage my horn to warn him I was unable and had to slam on my brakes to avoid a collision. The driver behind me came within inches of rear ending me and he swerved into another lane almost causing another collision. Then the original driver thou... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
To whom it may concern, We purchased a 2017 Ford Escape Titanium Ecoboost used approximately 3 years ago. Since, September of 2024 we have been having issues with the car. Some of the issues involved overheating due to internal coolant / antifreeze loss that allows coolant to enter into the cylinders of the engine causing engine failure. The check engine light comes on and saw blue or white smo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
On [XXX] while driving on the highway near Wash DC engine stopped, went to neutral. Would not start again. OnStar towed vehicle to Koons Chevrolet GMC Tyson in Vienna VA. 703 448 7221. On Tuesday Jan 7th, Koons Service Dept. looked at vehicle and determined that it was a thrown bearing and needed a new engine. There are 28,712 miles on vehicle. You can inspect if desired. Our safety was extremel... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
Three different times, when accelerating, my car looses all power, will not accelerate, looses power steering, and different warning lights flash, such as check AVS system, check ABS system, and check charging system. I navigate to the side of the road and turn it off and on again and
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
I have a 2022 Yukon Denali. On [XXX] the engine failed with approximately 33,000 miles on it. When the engine failed, we were traveling on a highway in New York State at a high rate of speed. Everything shut down but the steering and brakes. This put us in a dangerous situation in which we had to exit the freeway and call for a tow truck. It was still under warranty. They replaced the engine and c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Honda Prologue with less than 5000 miles has begun experiencing a clicking sound when accelerating from a stop while turning left or right. Issue is consistent and reproducible. No warning lamps. Dealer confirms this is a bad CV axel that needs to be replaced. Parts are on back order from the manufacturer for at least three months. This is a known issue with 2024 Honda Prologue models. An intern... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Honda Prologue with less than 5000 miles has begun experiencing a clicking sound when accelerating from a stop while turning left or right. Issue is consistent and reproducible. No warning lamps. Dealer confirms this is a bad CV axel that needs to be replaced. Parts are on back order from the manufacturer for at least three months. This is a known issue with 2024 Honda Prologue models. An intern... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The issue is my brakes failed on me all of a sudden. My abs light, traction control light, and brake light came on out of nowhere. Suddenly didn't have brake pressure. Had to pump the brakes a few times before the car would stop. Luckily I didn't hit anything or anyone. I brought the car to Prius specialist and they diagnosed it saying it was the ABS Actuator Pump Assembly and Master Cylinder. The... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the infotainment system screen was blank. The contact stated that the failure persisted. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that upon completing a routine inspection of the vehicle, he noticed that the thermostat housing was leaking. There was no warning light illuminated... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 75 MPH, all of the warning lights on the instrument panel had illuminated, the contact depressed the brakes and the vehicle would not brake in a panic the contact quickly steered into the left lane, pumped the brakes frantically, and the vehicle was finally able to come to a stop. The vehicle was tak... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2020
Intermittent problems with various systems freezing up or not working: Windshield wipers freezing for several seconds mid-wipe. Nearly caused accident. Heads up display not retaining settings Seat controls (bladders that inflate deflate) intermittently working/infotainment screen freeze (where seat control is displayed). Lane departure warning inconsistently working (beeping) Radio quits playin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact had to add one quart of oil per week. The battery was replaced on three occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 57 MPH while driving. There was an abnormal creaking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that there was no oil in t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The steering doesn't return to the center after a hard turn. This requires me to manually return the steering to a neutral forward setup. Additionally, when it's rainy, the emergency rear braking is overly sensitive and will randomly activate.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Vehicle stopped in the middle of the road. Would not restart. Had to be towed. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Power Inverter Module How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes. Car stopped in the middle of the road. No warning light until after Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or indep... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power temporarily. The contact stated that upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle continued driving; however, the vehicle was operating on gasoline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V684000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The vehicle was taken to the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
When coming out of a corner, the steering does not return to center.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
When turning, the car makes a very loud clicking noise that comes from the front wheel area. Sounds like a CV joint going bad.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
Transmission slipping. Not shifting correctly.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The vehicle gave a warning that the engine coolant was low and to power down before it overheated. Upon taking it to the dealer, it was discovered that the oil housing unit was defective. After doing online research, this is a very common issue with this part. I had a previous vehicle with a similar issue that caused the vehicle to shut down in traffic from overheating.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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 contact stated that the A-pillar trims on the driver’s and passenger’s side of the windshield had started ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
My new Acura MDX has very soft braking under normal braking and with harder braking the pedal normally is at the same level as the accelerator pedal which I feel could be a safety issue if your foot is then pressing both pedals at the same time. Also, when driving with adaptive cruise activated, when the car starts to brake on its own following another slower car, with my foot resting on the accel... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
My new Acura MDX has very soft braking under normal braking and with harder braking the pedal normally is at the same level as the accelerator pedal which I feel could be a safety issue if your foot is then pressing both pedals at the same time. Also, when driving with adaptive cruise activated, when the car starts to brake on its own following another slower car, with my foot resting on the accel... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2006) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
Jan 16, 2025
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH in cold weather, the vehicle was shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the work garage, where the contact noticed that a significant amount of oil had leaked onto the ground. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the main crankshaft seal had failed becaus... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2018
The engine light came on and was scanned for engine code P0430 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 2). Upon further research, it appears that a catalytic converter has started failing. I was able to clean the catalytic converter, but they are very expensive to replace. Ford issued an extended warranty for this part, but did not issue a recall, despite this being an issue on multiple v... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2018
Rotors went bad with less than 250 miles on new car. Per American Honda rotors are not defective, because Dealership didn't day were defective; therefore, not covered under warranty, considered wear and tear. Dealership initially stated the cause of the rotors going bad was me: that I was hard braking and riding the brakes; however, first, I'd only had the car about 3 months and second, I cont... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
Yes, my vehicle is available for inspection upon request. When I go to put my 2019 GMC Acadia in "park" the shifter states it is in park & the dashboard shows it in "P." However, when I turn the vehicle off, an error message comes up reading "shift to park" and my car wont fully shut off. You can feel the car move forward or backwards a tiny bit (depending where vehicle is parked). This makes me ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
Yes, my vehicle is available for inspection upon request. When I go to put my 2019 GMC Acadia in "park" the shifter states it is in park & the dashboard shows it in "P." However, when I turn the vehicle off, an error message comes up reading "shift to park" and my car wont fully shut off. You can feel the car move forward or backwards a tiny bit (depending where vehicle is parked). This makes me ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
During acceleration to pass another vehicle, my engine had lost all power and acceleration and I had to make a split decision to brake and maneuver my vehicle back into my lane behind multiple vehicles who were behind me before I attempted to pass. Had there have been oncoming traffic within that mentally unaccounted time that I was in the opposite lane, I could have been in a very large deadly ac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Factory weight measurements show rear axle at 14,310 lbs (GAWR: 15,500 lbs). Adding required fluids (80 US gal fuel @ 480 lbs, 24.5 US gal LPG @ 103 lbs, 85 US gal fresh water @ 705 lbs, 10 US gal hot water @ 84 lbs) increases rear axle weight to 15,579 lbs, exceeding GAWR by 79 lbs before any cargo loading. This creates significant safety risks through axle overload during normal operation. Fores... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
Despite having been told my truck was fixed at a dealer shop, my truck still displays an absence of forward propulsion when applying the gas pedal and trying to accelerate from slower speeds. This has happened when trying to make a left or right turn when there is oncoming traffic. Sometimes this happens while trying to accelerate on the on-ramp of a highway to get up to normal piste speed limits ... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2008) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 15, 2025
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The screen on the Uconnect/stereo system has de-laminated. This causes ghost touches and the screen jumps around on its own. Controls switch on their own, from media, to navigation, to climate, to controls, etc…It will also make phone calls on its own and has even dialed 911. This all happens while driving. It causes a huge distraction which is a safety issue. It also makes the whole system inop... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
I beam frame, frame failure, compartment doors popping open, walls moving, lag screws incorrect. RV is available for inspection. compartment door popping open and tings falling out, walls coming loose and RV breaking apart king pin breaking at front of RV and coming loose from two vehicle. It has been reported to dealer service center The problem has been inspected by the MFG Dealer the problem st... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The rear driver side passenger seat belt buckle abruptly stopped latching, there is no debris in the the latch mechanism.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Was driving home and the brake light came on and dash said to pull over brakes started to grind as I pressed on them took it in and couldn’t find the problem looked online and a lot of people with my car are having the same problem read that there was a recall for the brake module 21V331000.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The vehicle experienced multiple defects, including: Overheating due to a malfunctioning cooling fan motor relay. Exterior A-pillar trim detachment. Persistent starting issues, even after replacing the battery. The vehicle is no longer in my possession due to repossession, so inspection may not be possible. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The overheating issue posed a r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2024
Once in awhile when the brakes are applied there is a loud sound that sounds like ache large can being crushed, and the brakes don't work properly. The car sort of lurches to a stop rather than coming to a smooth stop. If the engine is shut off and turned back on nine times out of 10 the brakes will begin to work again but occasionally it takes a few times of restarting the vehicle. I contacted Ni... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Dec 8, 2024
See attached document for complaint