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: Jun 4, 2024
I exited the freeway and pulled straight in to a gas station, as I was coming to a stop I felt a powerful thud in my chest, heard an explosion or gun shot sound, and lost my vision for a split second. As it returned I fully expected to see my airbag had deployed in my chest, however my steering wheel was in tact. My entire chest felt like I had been punched. I looked into the mirror and noticed my... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
Transmission is beginning to fail. I'm afraid it's gonna go out while driving Just purchased car about 2 months ago and started noticing the transmission issue
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
Started the car one morning and instantly a bunch of warning messages appear on the dashboard stating; 1) Collision Mitigation System Problem 2) Lane Keeping Assist Problem 3) Road Departure Mitigation System Problem 4) Auto High Beam Problem 5) Auto Emergency Braking Problem. There is also a brake system light on now (amber color) due to the above. Never had an issue before now. This is on a h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
The interior overhead panel fell down when the car was parked in the garage. There have already been a lot of owners complaining the same issue on VW's forum: [XXX] There was no any incident that may cause this prior to this. It looks to be the bolts attaching the console were over-torqued. If this happened during the drive, it posted hazard to the driver because there will be a hanging panel b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Brake pedal goes to floor, all brake fluid is leaking into an unknown area.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
•abs pump motor control general electrical failure •no abs or traction control •yes has been confirmed on a professional scanner •no •no lights until it went bad again Replaced the and/hcu in October of 2020 due to the dtc c0020-01 and all was fixed until June of 2024 and now the same code is back. Not wanting to replace the same part again just for it to go bad in 2 years.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
My vehicle has been having engine & electrical issues, I originally took the vehicle to a secondary mechanic after Kia Baltimore stated it would be a couple months before they could diagnose the issue. The secondary mechanic was changed spark plugs, and other fixes but advised the vehicle engine was still shutting down and he believe it was related to the Kia engine recall issues. Thereafter, I ha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
Sunroof jammed open and was unable to be closed. There were no warning lights associated with this issue. I took the sunroof apart and found the bug deflector springs wedged themselves in the sunroof track, causing it to overload itself and break its mechanism.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
On 5/13/2023, I drove using adaptive cruise control (ACC). I traveled approximately 9 miles without issues and turned left into a parking lot. Upon turning, the break was engaged and which canceled the cruise control. I do not recall the exact speed it was set but it was over 50mph. I drive my VW ID.4 in B mode which is brake energy recuperation mode and brakes the car as soon as the foot is l... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Recall 24V444 After getting the recall service on [XXX], I drove the F150 with the tow/haul assist, with a 2024 Casita trailer on two separate trips as described below. The problems occurred on the second trip. For safety reasons, I weighted both the truck and trailer, then just the truck, at our CO-OP, and all numbers were well below GVWR and tongue weight. The trailer has an Anderson hitch fo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2011
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic convertor and active grill shutter assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approxima... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
While driving, all the light on the dashboard come on. When this happens the speedometer is not working the windshield wipers come on. The emergency brake light is on, the car shifts out of gear and the turning signals don't work and the hazard lights won't work. This is all happening at the same time. I'm unable to inform people on the road that I'm in distress because my hazard light won't work ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
While driving, all the light on the dashboard come on. When this happens the speedometer is not working the windshield wipers come on. The emergency brake light is on, the car shifts out of gear and the turning signals don't work and the hazard lights won't work. This is all happening at the same time. I'm unable to inform people on the road that I'm in distress because my hazard light won't work ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
LANE DEPARTURE RANDOMLY DEPLOYS ALSO THE CARS COLLISION STOP HAPPENS OFTEN EVEN WITHOUT BEING NEAR OBJECTS AND/OR PEOPLE.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The vehicle has stalled multiple times while slowing down into a light and does not restart. The vehicle is equipped with the e - torque system that is supposed to restart the vehicle after coming to a full stop in the engine shutting down to conserve fuel. The vehicle will sometimes shut down at a slow speed and will apply the parking brake automatically. The vehicle then has to be restarted the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
Since about 100,000 miles the engine valve cover/gasket is leaking engine oil which has leaked below and caused deterioration on other parts below like the tie rod boots etc. Vehicle is currently in the shop and I can send any documentation once I get it back.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The a-piller trim flew off my car while driving down the highway. I was not in a place where I could pull over, so I am unsure if it hit anyone.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
In addition to the previous problem I reported concerning the intermittent failure of the back-up camera (which was replaced but the problem continues to this date) leading to Park Assist not working, the touch screen freezing and showing no movement of the car, and the speed control not working, I've also discovered on a freeway trip after putting the car into reverse first that navigation was no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
The panoramic sunroof hinges on my vehicle snapped and a part of the assembly fell and hit me in the head while I was driving.
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
1. Engine power failure 2. Put in extreme danger-I lost all power going through a tunnel under water (MM Bridge Tunnel). I completely stalleddead center in the middle. Only by the grace of God did no one hit me. I also have severe neck issues. A couple of my neck discs need to be replaced. If I were hit I could have been paralyzed. This has created emotional and financial anxiety as well as poor s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
The affected component is the design of the cruise control engagement button, and yes it is available for inspection. While the vehicle is below a certain (unknown) speed, if the cruise control engagement button is pressed, the cruse control engages at a relatively high rate of speed, and the vehicle lurches forward. This is especially problematic due to the design of the switch, which is a protr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
The affected component is the design of the cruise control engagement button, and yes it is available for inspection. While the vehicle is below a certain (unknown) speed, if the cruise control engagement button is pressed, the cruse control engages at a relatively high rate of speed, and the vehicle lurches forward. This is especially problematic due to the design of the switch, which is a protr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
I was parked then backed up to proceed forward. There was a pole with a cemented base in the corner left as I accelerated I ran in to this pole. Peripherally I don’t know how I missed the pole however I do take accountability for that. What concerns me is my front collision system and forward emergency braking system failed and did not activate or message me in any way. In the past if I’ve co... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
Pushing start button vehicle would crank but engine would not start. Had to turn off and restart. No check engine light. I have recently learned that this is happening to other Palisade owners with 23 and 24 model year.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I was driving on an interstate highway in upstate NY, just past dusk, when my 2024 Honda Civic attempted to come to a rapid stop without my input. My car decelerated violently, dropped about 20 mph in speed, then immediately accelerated back to the speed set on my cruise control. I did have the Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist engaged when this happened. Interestingly, there was not a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
Fuel gauge randomly resets to full; true remaining fuel amount unknown unless vehicle is stopped and electronically reset. This is the second occurrence.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I was driving down the highway today at 70 mph and all the lights illuminated on my MDX. It began to struggle to keep speed and eventually shut down once I was on the service road. I was extremely scared and nervous that I was going to be involved in an accident or the car was going to blow up as it started bouncing up and down while I was still on the highway.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
I was told that the car I was buying had 83,000 miles on it. When I stepped into the car however, the odometer said that the car had 108,000 miles on it. When I asked for my money back, the used car dealership refused to refund me and told me that they don't do refunds. The name of the dealership that engaged in false advertising is Unlimited Auto Group in Marietta Georgia.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
power steering rack ( part # 53560-TBA-A01. Steering is sticking when on highway driving 55+ and hard to correct. Noone at dealership can duplicate issue, however my daughter and husband have also experienced sticky steering and hard to correct. No warning lights. Diagnostic tests show nothing wrong. Honda Forums helped me figure out issue.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
I noticed a month ago I was driving and both the rear and front emergency braking lights came on in my dashboard but the car never actually began to brake. Fast forward to today when I was backing in to park my car and the emergency brake engaged and I could not back in. Nothing was around me, I wipe off the sensor and it still would not let me back in. I had to turn off the emergency brake system... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2020
Shut off vehicle and fuel pump kept running. Tapped on Totally Integrated Power Managment module and stuck relay corrected, so the fuel pump shut off. Found a safety recall (Safety Recall R09/NHTSA 15v-115) for stuck relay in TIPM on same year Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee. A quick search of many automotive enthusiast forums indicates this issue is common in my particular year, make, and m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle randomly shut off while coming to a complete stop. The failure had occurred several times while at a stop light, and the vehicle could not be immediately restarted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000 (Electrical System, Power Train) however, the failure pers... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2024
There's a repeated issue for the backup camera. This happens around every other time I put the car in reverse, but for a few seconds only though. The backup camera often lags when reversing. This is a safety hazard when backing up if it's not real-time.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
Over the last 2 years, I have taken m 2022 BMW x5 45e to authorized BMW dealer to have my Air Conditioning fixed but they have not been able to do so after 4 or 5 attempts. Coolant was replaced, hose was replaced, compressor was replaced. Without Air Conditioner the temperature inside the car, especially during summer, goes over 90 Deg F that it is causing heat stroke, dehydration and potential fo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot and parked. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed accelerate above 20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a parts store where a handheld diagnostic machine ret... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
While accelerating from a complete stop, the car stalled with tires, powertrain, and steering wheel all locked. For 15 seconds, the steering wheel, tires, and car was unable to be manipulated. During acceleration, the speed was less than 15mph when it came to an abrupt stop. Another car behind me almost hit me when my car came to a stop. Car was just serviced for another warranty issue a few mont... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
On [XXX], I was driving the vehicle on a busy highway with a posted speed limit of 70mph. While operating the vehicle at ~70mph, the front display showed a message that the vehicle was going to stop and to pull off safely. Unknown at what point the vehicle will stop, in a panic, I pulled off on the highway and immediately called road assistance for a tow. After calling the dealership, they told me... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
When driving the electronic emergency brake self engages thus causing the car to come to an abrupt stop. You will need to turn the car off and on again to dis-engage the brake. This has happened sever times both on the highway and local streets.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
New Vehicle lost appx 3.5 qts of oil in appx 700 miles of driving, spraying undercarraige with oil, causing light smoke from striking exhaust, and leaving stains where parked. Appx 3oz of engine oil observed by me to accumulate in low area on top side of under engine front plastic fairing (I recommend a 1/4" drain hole in the low area to avoid accumulation of engine fluids in this area). Return... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
Vehicle started shaking and making noise. Engine light came on and within 30 seconds car went dead. I’m an elderly person traveling with wife and grandchildren. On highway at 70 mph. 21,000 miles. Has been towed to dealer. No diagnosis yet. Third day moving slow. Very disappointed and scared.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
Vehicle started shaking and making noise. Engine light came on and within 30 seconds car went dead. I’m an elderly person traveling with wife and grandchildren. On highway at 70 mph. 21,000 miles. Has been towed to dealer. No diagnosis yet. Third day moving slow. Very disappointed and scared.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Steering is sticking while correcting lanes on highway at high speed
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Four times the truck has powered down while driving - all were when slowing to turn. No prior warning lights or out-of-spec conditions - battery level reading normal prior to shutdown. Truck shut down the engine automatically. Restarting the truck prompted the battery light but no check-engine light. Emergency brake auto-deployed, stopping the car. In all cases I was stopped in traffic (most rec... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The vehicle vibrates excessively when shifting into Drive or Reverse (rough idle). Additionally, the vehicle lacks acceleration/power when driving in slightly uphill roads, creating a hazard for nearby drivers. There were no check engine lights and the issue first appeared at approx. 84,000 miles. The vehicle was diagnosed at a Ford dealership and the issue was determined to be the torque converte... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing 3 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The power steering fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering failure was caused by a rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinio... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Around 8 times now if my vehicle senses something in the front it will abruptly brake very hard. There doesn’t have to be anything in the view, simply pulling out of a gas station it will do, and it’s almost caused a collision, as it takes a few seconds to be able to disable, manually. This is extremely dangerous, and is going to eventually hurt someone seriously. It is imperative that somethi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to proceed from a RED traffic light, while driving approximately 4 MPH, the automatic parking brake engaged, and the vehicle stalled. The low voltage warning light was illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer failed to provide a diagnostic result for the failur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2024
Fuel Cap recovery error light comes on and when taken to the dealership and diagnosed they replaced the fuel cap twice in 2 years. Still presenting the same problem. Engine Rocker arm and camshaft failure on 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine. Stability control problem when driving on rough highway roads at highway speeds makes the vehicle over correct in a left or right direction out of lane almost causi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2024
Fuel Cap recovery error light comes on and when taken to the dealership and diagnosed they replaced the fuel cap twice in 2 years. Still presenting the same problem. Engine Rocker arm and camshaft failure on 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine. Stability control problem when driving on rough highway roads at highway speeds makes the vehicle over correct in a left or right direction out of lane almost causi... Read more