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
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2023) - AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
Oct 30, 2024
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rubber around the front windshield had disintegrated. There was water entering the vehicle from the front windshield. The contact added a caulk to the vehicle to stop the water leaking in on the dashboard. The engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rubber around the front windshield had disintegrated. There was water entering the vehicle from the front windshield. The contact added a caulk to the vehicle to stop the water leaking in on the dashboard. The engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
ISSUE: sliding door lock actuators seize and lock the door. Only way to unlock is to take completely apart the inside door panels, motors, cables etc etc, it's hell. This is definitely a safety issue.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
Digital instrument cluster continually turns off while operating. Yes its available for inspection When the instrument cluster of out, there is no speedometer, no turn signals, no safety features. On one occasion when the screen came back on it indicated that a crash was imminent when there was none. I believe this put our safety and others at risk as critical functions of the vehicle are not ava... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2024
The cam phasers failed at under 65K miles. Engine makes a loud noise and the transmission shifting is affected. Took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and I declined to repair it for now.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) - ENGINE
Oct 30, 2024
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ARE COMING ON SINCVE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, SUCH AS ABS, ENGINE POWER REDUCED, OIL CHANGING SERVICE, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT, SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM, WHEEL TRACKING, SERVICE ESC, PASSING GEAR CUTS OUT. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MANY TIMES AND IS IN THE SHOP NOW. I HAVE A DEEP CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY PERFORMANCE OF THIS VEHICLE FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 30, 2024
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ARE COMING ON SINCVE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, SUCH AS ABS, ENGINE POWER REDUCED, OIL CHANGING SERVICE, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT, SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM, WHEEL TRACKING, SERVICE ESC, PASSING GEAR CUTS OUT. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP MANY TIMES AND IS IN THE SHOP NOW. I HAVE A DEEP CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY PERFORMANCE OF THIS VEHICLE FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
Good morning I am sure you are well aware of the cvt transmission problems with the Nissan pathfinder 2014. . Well I just join the group of Nissan [XXX] drivers . I had my cvt transmission replaced and I am still getting the judder as they call it each time I accelerate. Mileage was roughly 143K when I had notice these judder problems . Went to AAMCO had a new cvt transmission put in drive roughly... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
My concern is the paint on my 2014 Kia Optima SXL. It is chipping on all areas of my vehicle. I purchased this vehicle brand new on April 19, 2014 and have had all maintenance and recalls updated. I am extremely happy with this vehicle and hope to enjoy it for many years to come. My vehicle has been never through a commercial car wash. I have always hand washed it. I have several chips througho... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
I have had to replace multiple headlight bulbs every few months. The bulbs and fuses are working fine. Sometimes one side will work and the other side will turn off without warning. I have been stranded on the side of the road multiple times. It is unsafe to drive this way. Finally today both lights just stop working without any warning. This is why I came to this page to see if I was the only... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the battery was rep... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The EPS and ESC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who observed a failure code on the OBD scanner but was unable to d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
When turning the steering wheel, it makes a squeaky/grinding noise. I called into Kia to inquire about this and they said they would call me back after investigating about a recall on this but never received a call back.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Why has there not been a recall on Honda Odyssey's multi camera in windshield - it seems this is happening to many autos. These are ALL Safety issues that should be resolved by Honda. Dealership says it will cost me $2000 to have this repaired. Let me remind you that I had not even made a payment on this auto when the transmission went out while still under warranty. I had not had it a full mon... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact stated that after his wife had driven the vehicle, upon restarting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. Additionally, the traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the warning lights were illuminated due to an unknown sensor failure. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Doesn’t want to run right
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
When stop and starts going you can feel that gear gets stuck and it takes a sudden jump to the next gear and goes forward.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
My timing chain/belt is shot, my car started slowing down and I pulled over on the side of the highway.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
Car phantom brakes. There are multiple cases of it online where people are complaining when the front emergency brake warning light comes up at times and the car brakes automatically in empty highways. This happens fairly often
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
Front windshield has a terrible glare from the inside causing sight for driving obstructed. It has been hard to see driving when sun is on hitting down on it. I believe that this is a big major safety issue for many Equinox EV drivers. This needs to be recalled and a new windshield manufactured that doesn’t give off a glare.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
ABS, traction control and BRAKE lights on continuously, took to shop to run diagnostic and was told the problem relates to the actuator leaking into the module which now both need to be replaced. Chrysler dealer states parts are "on back order" and have been for over 6 months due to"re-engineering" issues. Talked to several other Ram owners with same problem to hear they understand Stelantis has n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
I am writing to file a complaint regarding the recent safety recall (NHTSA Recall Numbers: 24V-720 and 24E-080) affecting my Chrysler vehicle. The recall pertains to a potential fire risk associated with the high-voltage battery pack. While I appreciate Chrysler’s efforts to address this safety concern, I have serious reservations about the effectiveness of the proposed remedy. 1.Safety Concern... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 25, 2024
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
When I was driving my new truck the transmission failed. It would not change gears forward or reverse. The RMP started ramping up in the red. Check engine light on drive start control malfunction. Advanced ultrasonic detecting and ranging system. The led screen was going hoops asking for code and updating while driving day before transmission went. Called dealer. Had the car towed. Later that d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Hi, one time the car wheel turned extra and the gas went extra fast. I also had several devices on my car through blue tooth that were not mine and mirror link kept checking and AUX. This is conjunction with 3 years of hacking (that I think is technically-assisted abuse) with smart home hub, surveillance, spyware on phone and hacked emails. Tried filling out IC3.gov form to no avail. Took car ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
Tire size LT285/75 R18 Component/System Failure: The front suspension and steering damper malfunctioned, leading to the "death wobble." This issue also caused excessive tire wear due to the violent vibrations and instability in the steering system. The components are available for inspection, and the worn tires and replaced parts can be provided if necessary. Safety Risk: The excessive tire wear,... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Vehicle would not shift properly and at times or down shift to first gear at highway speeds almost causing a couple of accidents due to lose of acceleration / deceleration.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
- Extremely strong gasoline smell inside the vehicle while driving. Didn’t matter AC on or off, smell was terrible but more evident with AC/Fan on. Had to lower all the 4 windows to let out the air. - With a toddler in car it was terrifying with the nauseating smell and/or the risk of fire if at all. - Problem not reproduced by dealer and was mentioned it’s a sticky plastic in exhaust, will g... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigati... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2020) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X1. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigati... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2020) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
On [XXX], my Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom, Trail Boss 7,500 miles lost immediate power during driving operations. I was accelerating from a stop and my truck immediately lost power and my RPMs rose drastically without any power to my wheels. In an instant, the truck surged in power and continued to loose it while in traffic. I had to control the vehicle by slowing down. The check engine light a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
This Ford F-150 has repeatedly been in the shop for transmission issues : hard shifting, skipping gears, slamming in/out of gear while driving almost causing accidents. It is currently in the shop , needing new transmission . Repairs have not fixed the issues and I do know that many owners with the same 10 speed transmission with the same severe safety issues.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The engine in my 2013 chevy cruze failed due to the head gasket, and it causes the car to overheat. Chevrolet issued a recall on some 2013 and 2014 Cruze models for head gasket problems. The gasket in these models is known to fail and that can completely destroy the motor. When a head gasket fails that allows the oil and the coolant to mix; and that will destroy the lubrication in your engine and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact became aware that the engine oil was abnormally low and added engine oil to the vehicle. The contact stated that a month later while driving at an un... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. 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 contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. 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 contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the Brake warning light illuminated and the "Parking Brake Limited Function - Service Required" message was displayed. The contact immediately drove to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Vehicle seemed to be idling strange. Also seemed jerky while waiting at the stop light. Attempted to accelerate and it was lagging. Once I started driving it seemed better until the "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" alert displayed. The vehicle then started disbursing a white smoke. After pulling over the light went off, however the vehicle continued to jerk forward and was idling strange. C... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was blank and was inoperable. The contact was unable to view the speedometer and other safety features on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (Electrical System). The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the VIN was not include... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Child safety lock failure. Child safety locks click on and off continuously for 20 - 40 seconds. After the lock stops doing this, the following message appears on dashboard: "Child safety lock failure". This occurs randomly and can occur while driving or parked. Frequency has increased since it first started occurring.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2021
On sunny days the reflective glare off of the dashboard is incredibly unsafe. At times you have serious issues seeing through the reflections to actually see what is on the road ahead of you. Polarized sunglasses do help reduce this glare, but not eliminate it. Sunglasses are also not always available to people driving the vehicle for various reasons. It has been confirmed by many independent driv... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that oil from the turbo booster had leaked onto the catalytic converter and both the turbo booster and catalytic con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Passport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted. Additionally, when the vehicle was started on several occasions, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer how... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and turning right onto a main road, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over, turned off and restarted the vehicle to reset the steering functionality. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2020
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Water intrusion to the cab of the truck has structural failure in the roof causing it to leak inside the cab. Leak runs into dash and out of ignition causing electrical issues in the dash and ignition, along with pooling on the floorboards causing rusting; runs into the rear 3rd brake light and rear ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
There is definitely something wrong with the headrests on the durangos. I was vacuuming my seats and i used the passenger lever to push it back and the headrest on the passenger side popped out and now the clips are broke & it wont pop back in. They definitely need to look into the headrests and fix this issue.