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: May 17, 2024
Took my car for a doorknob repair and was told the whole subframe is rotted. They told me not to drive the car on the highway. The car brakes very hard to the right and always goes right while making cranking noises. Car feels very unsafe. I paid a lot of money for this and own a 2012 c300 4matic.
Incident date: May 17, 2024
The vehicle has just over 35000 miles of light normal use as a second family vehicle. It developed a loud grinding noise from the etransmission that quickly progressed to a vibration. It was taken to BMW Seattle where it was diagnosed as a known issue of the main transmission bearings disintegrating due to the effect of the permanent magnet motors on the metal roller bearings. The bearings were qu... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
I own a 2017 Nissan Altima. This vehicle has been having similar issues that other owners have reported with the vehicle failing to accelerate after stopping or sitting ideal while running the and you go too take off, barely moves to a crawl even if the gas pedal is to the floor. It will also loose power (speed) without warning while driving. The vehicle will not register any warning lights wh... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2023) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 4, 2024
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, she lost consciousness. After regaining consciousness, the contact discovered that the vehicle had crashed into two vehicles and that the driver's side air bag had deployed. The police and paramedics arrived at the scene; however, no one involved in the accident needed immediate medical assistance. A police repor... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
I have a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 that I bought new in Oct of 2018 and it now has 15,756 miles on it and was still like new at the time of failure. On May 23rd I was driving the truck when the driver suspension suddenly had an structural failure (mostly the ball joint coming out of the control arm) causing the front right side of the suspension to collapse while driving. This caused the truck to go le... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Service brake light comes on. Can hardly push brake pedal down.
Incident date: May 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated and was flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who scanned the vehicle and informed the contact that coolant was leaking and intruding into the engine and cylinder #3. The vehicle had misfired. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle ... Read more
NISSAN
VERSA NOTE
(2017) — STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 3, 2024
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I currently have a 2017 Mercedes C300. The panel between the windshield and main panel of the panoramic roof (above the driver) is deteriorating and doesn’t not seem to be fully attached anymore. I had the exact same model but a year older in the past and this same part deteriorated and was subject to recall. I believe there is not only an issue with the part itself, but how Mercedes has bonded ... Read more
NISSAN
VERSA NOTE
(2017) — ENGINE
Jun 3, 2024
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
coolant bypass valve is malfunctioning in 2020 toyota corolla se. upon research this is a known problem in toyota corollas, camrys, rav 4 and prius, and was recommended to report this as a possible recall. "engine matinence required, visit your dealer" message does not go away. takes 5+ minutes to blow cold air.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
Jun 3, 2024
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. The service transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the ABS sensor and the wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
Jun 3, 2024
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering. The service transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the ABS sensor and the wheel speed sensor needed to be replaced. The... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Transmission shifts hard after engine warms up.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
EV system failure when starting trip created car that could move sluggishly but was unable to perform. Car has 120 miles on OD
Incident date: May 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the windshield wipers activated independently approximately every 30 seconds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact used excessive force to pull to the side of the road. The power steering failure and Service Power Steering messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
Head Gasket Failure diagnosed by Honda city in New York. The purpose of the diagnostic was to address what I believed to be issues related to the ongoing Fuel Pump recall, as discussed with an American Honda representative prior to my visit. The symptoms I had been experiencing included intermittent stalling or loss of power, what prompted me to reach out immediately was an instance on a highway... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
First issue- banjo bolt connected to front break master cylinder was loose and lost brake fluid, causing loss of front break function. Fixed by dealer under warranty. Luckily I noticed it when I was in my garage, otherwise it could have resulted in severe injury or death if on the road. No warning light. Second issue- traction control failure light, turn signal failure light. Both fixed by separ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
Spring coil broke off. There are multiple articles on the internet with the exact same issue, breaking at the same point looking at the images. Article 1: [XXX] Article 2: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: May 24, 2024
Purchased a new 2025 CRV Touring from EdVoylesHonda in Marietta GA on [XXX] with my hard-earned savings because my Accord was totaled in an accident. Picked it up on [XXX]. I found a safety issue where CarPlay is not playing audio output from any Maps (Apple/ Google/ Waze) if I’m in on a call. Apple designed the Apple Maps to chime if anyone is in a call while using CarPlay. I brought up this is... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2008) — VISIBILITY/WIPER
Jun 1, 2024
Incident date: Feb 22, 2018
There is a defect on all models like mine, and the dealer claims that it cannot be fixed. With my former vehicle, a 2019 BMW 340i GT, whenever I drove into a garage, the headlights would come on immediately so I could easily see where I should go. With the Lexus, it takes about 5-to-8 seconds for the headlights to turn on. This is unsafe to anyone walking in the garage inn that area.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
Ever since I bought my vehicle off the lot, my oil has been burning and/or leaking from the engine. I have been having to put oil in every 2-3 weeks. Also as a result of the oil problem, the oil gets on the spark plugs and coils and erodes them causing them to burn out every 6 months. The first instance I had with this problem was on a road trip to Texas from Tennessee alone. All four spark plugs ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
2017 Ford Escape 1.5L Ecoboost engine. Two mechanics verify coolant leak in the engine block. This failure is addressed by Ford CSP 21N12 which covers engine replacement for vehicle less than 7 years and 84k miles. The CSP was issued June 2022 but "expired" November 2022 so Ford will not honor the cost of repairs even though my vehicle meets the criteria.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
Just had transmission fluid changed, now car is jerking and has no response to acceleration pedal. With car in park and gas pedal pushed down the RPM's don't move. Losing power going up a small incline RPM's drop to 500 and speed drops from 55 to 30mph. No codes from scanning but check engine light is on. Nissan has no idea what is going on.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
The engine began to report misfires in cylinder 3. Spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced, white smoke was noticed out of the exhaust, and the engine was still misfiring. A compression test was run, noting that the engine could not build pressure. The repair shop reported that this is a common issue with these engines and that a new engine would be required. This could have failed while driv... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
Hi NHTSA, I have a 2012 Toyota Prius and all the Brake-related lights came on the dash. ABS and TC stopped working and the Brake Pedal lost sensitivity. I was about to crash the car and immediately took my car to the Toyota Dealership. They said that there was a Recall unfortunately the program has expired on my vehicle. I asked a couple of Toyota Prius owner friends and half of them had the sam... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
The vehicle has started going through coolant and the exhaust has a sweet smell. It has the 1.5 litre ecoboost that has an active recall. I believe this is the issue. We still owe more than its worth and cannot afford to have a known recall issue cost us our transportation. It is only a matter of time before it destroys itself. I previously owned a 2014 fusion 2.0 that blew the motor due to the s... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) — ENGINE
May 31, 2024
Incident date: Oct 21, 2021
Per BMW's SIB (Service Bulletin) "SIB 17 03 20" "The O-rings that seal the quick disconnect coolant lines will not seal properly when outside temperatures are at or below -15 degrees C (5 degrees F) et. al BMW - DEFECT CODE: 1712144800 "Coolant hose including quick-release coupling not leak tight" on-going issue since 2019 on the BMW X3 Model G01
Incident date: May 23, 2024
Pick up trucks, very handy vehicles. The way they are built, once you put a load in the back, it will squat down interfering with suspension play. But also the load is not axial meaning that you put 1 ton on the rear axel only. Often, you'll see the front end of the pick up raising like it's about to do a wheelie. If the front end is lighter on the ground, you have less traction on your steering... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
I was driving to work, and I reversed out of my driveway. I stopped, put the transmission in Drive, and proceeded forward. I let my foot off of the accelerator, and the transmission slipped and the car lurched and made a "thunk" noise. I stopped, and then accelerated again. After about 10 minutes of driving (while stopping and going at several stoplights), I was driving at 45 mph. The engine ... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
Our nissan Sentra with 106K miles the car lost nearly all power as my son was turning onto the freeway. He could only drive 16 miles an hour and it was hopping and jumping through a 8 lane freeway/highway intersection while he tried to get into a parking lot off the road. He turned it off, waited 5 minutes, and turned it back on, but it was still slowly hopping and jumping. After another 10 minute... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
My engine made a knocking noise and stopped working while I was driving down the road, without any warning. Then it would not start / work. It was towed to a Kia dealership, and I have been told I need a new engine, at the cost of $10, 750. The van has 135,000 miles on it. This van has the 3.3-liter V6 Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Lambda Engine. The repair report from Kia states that it "needs ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Engine warning light is showing up constantly, so visited Hyundai dealer, Valencia, but did not do anything. When visiting another repair shop, technician advised it is related to Stater Assembly Safety Recall. Hyundai did not do anything regarding this recall even there is probable fire explosion. It is seriousely worried about this matter. Please help this one. Thank you.
Incident date: May 17, 2024
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS MODULE AND HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT. THIS TURNS THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL OFF. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH SEVERAL COMPLAITS.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
This vehicle is owned by the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. We are submitting complaints for multiple Tahoe's that have stopped during operation causing extreme danger to our staff and other drivers in the city. The cause is always bad fuel pumps and our units have had to have the pumps replaced in some cases multiple times. Driver: will not accelerate past 9 mph Tech: code P006... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
I have a 2015 kia that is snow/pearl white paint and it has been chipping since a year after I bought it new.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
This vehicle is owned by the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. We are submitting complaints for multiple Tahoe's that have stopped during operation causing extreme danger to our staff and other drivers in the city. The cause is always bad fuel pumps and our units have had to have the pumps replaced in some cases multiple times. Driver : Sputtered then died. Turned on after 10 minutes.
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Water leaking to right rear cargo area after rain that makes the roof trim wet, the cargo floor and spare tire compartment flooded. The water seems to flow out from seat belt opening.
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Leaking water in the rear right/left sides from the roof when raining resulting in mold growth inside the roof and hidden areas of the roof / car.
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 30, 2024
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
I purchased my Sierra in 2021 and 2 weeks after purchase I got a warning for service stabilitrk and another for trailer brake system. This is very very annoying and also has my abs light on. My next issue is a code u510 for active grille shutter assembly. Please fix these issues as they are very common and unsafe. Not to mention as much ad I paid for this truck.
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2019) — SERVICE BRAKES
May 30, 2024
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
I purchased my Sierra in 2021 and 2 weeks after purchase I got a warning for service stabilitrk and another for trailer brake system. This is very very annoying and also has my abs light on. My next issue is a code u510 for active grille shutter assembly. Please fix these issues as they are very common and unsafe. Not to mention as much ad I paid for this truck.
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2019) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
May 30, 2024
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
I have reported to my dealer (the Marlboro Nissan/MA on [XXX] 2024 XXXPM) the dangerous situation that keeps my Rogue (vin: XXX) at a lower gear (the car cannot go more than 20 MPH... in the highway this is very slow) after standing still in a traffic jam for a while on a hot day (specially after a traffic jam is cleared). I'm concerned this can cause an accident and Nissan is doing nothing to res... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the oil pressure warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2023
I have a message that says engine maintenance required. I ran a diagnostic and it is for the engine coolant bypass valve.
Incident date: May 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mazda Mazda3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V487000 (Back Over Prevention) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact h... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
While driving severe shuddering and knocking of the engine occurred rendering vehicle undriveable. Car was towed to Nissan dealership resulting in the entire engine and turbocharger needing to be replaced. Technician reported needing excessive force to move the crankshaft, high gasoline scent from oil, and metal/bearing in oil pan.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
My son was on the highway and his Ford Explorer 2011 just stopped, he could have been killed! He was able to get off safely and had car towed. Our mechanic told us today it is the Water Pump leakage and we need to take to Ford. We called Ford and they said at least $5,000 to repair possibly more. This is a huge safety concern when the act can just stop dead on highway. There are no safety recalls ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, CODE P052E(71) Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Regulator Valve Performance Malfunction.