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: Apr 29, 2024
Air bag style seat belt has broken twice and won’t allow seat belt to latch after it breaks. Broke while seat belt was in use and driving down the highway. When replacing the buckle I found that the frame piece on the seat was broke and moved when trying to tighten the buckle. The buckle has been unavailable online through multiple vendors and finally found one in stock.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
Vehicle randomly will engage the parking brake while vehicle is in motion and in drive. Vehicle then will stall and needs repeated attempts to restart before break will disengage. Have had it to the dealer, no less than three times with one visit lasting over 30 days with no resolution to date.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
This is a white Toyota where the paint is peeling on both sides of the windshield and the top of the trunk. This is a known issue with certain white Toyotas.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
The left rear door of my vehicle flew open while we were moving with my 10-year-old daughter sitting adjacent to the door. Fortunately, she had her seat belt on otherwise the result would have been tragic. On [XXX] my daughter got into the back of my vehicle, suddenly, her door flew open, I immediately stopped the vehicle. My daughter was unable to shut the door and after many attempts I got the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Regarding my 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Rear Window Cracks Around Rear Glass Frame. On [XXX], I took my Gladiator to Jeep dealership to repair leak in roof that wasn't covered under warranty. It was in the seal of the roof panels which they said many Gladiators are experiencing. Paid $402 out of pocket to have those seals repaired. At that service visit, the service attendant advised me that they are a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
I was driving approximately 60mph pulling a trailer when the back tires locked up for approximately 2 seconds. This happened 3 times within 30 minutes. I've taken it to the GM repair shop. They have seen this happen to 3 or 4 vehicles. Due to not being able to replicate the fault it has been difficult to diagnose. They are going to replace the transmission valve body hoping that will take care of ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
12/21/23: Wheelchair ramp and kneel function failed with no warning. This engaged safety feature that disables gear shift and keeps car in park. Unable to move car or deploy ramp using back-up override. Called Mobility Works (authorized VMI dealer). Troubleshooting failed to deploy ramp or kneel function. Told only option was to pop off tab next to gear shift and insert screwdriver to override “... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
my car has been grinding ever since I purchased the car. The vehicle only had 17,000 miles when I bought it. I took it to Honda of Hollywood and let them know that my car was grinding and they said that I needed to change my brakes. I changed my brakes and went back to the dealership and they said I needed to sand the rotors. I went to get my rotors repaired and my car was still grinding. I went b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) 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 experience... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, he detected smoke from the vehicle, which caught fire in the rear electrical compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment or police report filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repair... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, he detected smoke from the vehicle, which caught fire in the rear electrical compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment or police report filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repair... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
I brought my car to Florida 2 years ago and notices my dashboard getting very shiny and sticky. Now the dash is cracking in many areas. The glare off the dash board shining on the windshield makes it a dangerous situation. I called Nissan and they said it is a common problem in years 2005-2012 and there is nothing they can do. I googled it and there are many complaints online regarding this proble... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
My fuel line was rubbing against a part of the engine and leaked. My mechanic said the fuel line was unsupported causing the rubbing and didn’t have shielding/padding to protect it.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
265/75R16 9100 miles driven mostly on pavement with loads well within the vehicle capacity and never off road. Tires were rotated several months prior, about 100 miles ago and damage was not noted. Bubble appeared on sidewall which was noticed while parked; Tire shop dismounted the tire to inspect for possible causes and found nothing to explain damage (run flat, left deflated, road hazard damag... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
fuel pump relay module. Vehicle shut off during driving without warning forcing panic and moving to side of road and had to tow vehicle. No incident happened but after replacement no longer had issue.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The FEB system is braking when not necessary, causing potential serious damage/injury. The sensor is also affecting my ICC/cruise control. An orange light comes on while using cruise control and the cruise control stops/fails and will not reengage until I stop the vehicle and turn it off, then on again.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
Months back there were times the power steering would go out, it would be for short amount of times and always came back. As of 40+ days ago the power steering has totally gone out and has not once come back. The dash says "power steering assist fault" The other issue is the wrench on the dash. It's normally after driving for quite some time. Even if there has been a break on the car while grocery... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Drove the vehicle approx 18 miles to work in the morning. The vehicle sat parked, locked and secured in a corporate office lot visible from office. Left for the day and as I started to drive began to smell gasoline. Looked for a gas trail and didn’t see it. Continued to drive and occasionally would smell gas. When I arrived at home, looked in the engine bay and it was dry. Looked underneath and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
The Engine has seized up on me after leaving work on Wed April 24,2024. I have not owned this car not even 2 months. Purchased it through California Motors Direct. I have spoken with the general manager of the dealership and and he said the car has been serviced mulitple times as at Carson KIA. My car does not run at all at the time my car was seized up on me I was driving a with my baby in the ca... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
Touch screen radio/back up camera screen blacking out and malfunctioning
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
My car is afflicted by a common steering issue experienced by other owners of 22-23 model year civics. The steering becomes “sticky” or “notchy” often at highways speeds. It is most noticeable when making small steering adjustments to stay in center of lane, and it takes more effort than normal which causes over correction and difficulty staying centered. It creates a more stressful drive ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
My newly purchased 2019 Ford eco-sport with under 40000 miles started having engine malfunctions, and would not accelerate at all. I had it towed to joey Meyers and was told they needed to replace the engine. I had it replaced in October 2023, Which took two months, and now I am Having the same exact engine light come on and my car is slow to accelerate even after replacing the engine. 4 weeks ago... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
Coolant level measuring low again. Engine light on on the dash. My mechanic changed spark plug per error code P300 (random misfire) recorded in the car's memory. Plugs were noted as being dirty and advised to use additive to clean it up. Only have $35,000 total miles on the vehicle. There is a known problem that coolant is getting into the cylinders. The following is the Ford documentation. Summ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
My wife and I purchased a model Y 2024 just a few weeks ago. We have had multiple experiences when using cruise control where the car inexplicably slows down rapidly when there are no vehicles in front of us decelerating.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The car went into limp home mode after it stalled. This is unsafe if I can't get up to speed on the highways because it puts me at risk of getting hit by other cars. I contacted the dealer about this, but they have not provided a fix yet. There were no warning lights, there was just reduced power. The only way to resume getting full power was to pull of the road to restart the engine.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact pumped the brake pedal and coasted to the residence. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Camp... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
Unknown - recall open has no remedy for months now
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
Multiple Models and Model Years Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy NHTSA SENSORS not working. The campaign number is 23V865 : OCS Sensors May Short Circuit An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 Manufacturer Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Components AIR BAGS The official recall release date was December 20, 2023.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH and attempting to make a right turn, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started jerking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the check engine warning light was not illuminated. The contact state... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
There is a current recall on my 2017 Buick Enclave. The front-driver airbag inflator may contain a supplier manufacturing defect that may result in inflator rupture during deployment. An inflator rupture may cause metal fragments to pass through the airbag and into the vehicle interior, which may result in injury or death to vehicle occupants. I have tried to get this fixed but the dealer tells ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Component: Brake Booster The brakes became incredibly difficult to press making it very difficult to stop. This was extremely dangerous. Dealer said it was the brake booster which they replaced for over $1,000. There were no warning lamps or messages.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
A car pulled out right infront of me at an intersection, I hit their back drivers side rear with most of the front of my car. I was doing approximately 41-45 mph. No airbags were deployed and my SOS button didn't work nor did it call for help.
Crash
3 injured
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2017) — POWER TRAIN
Apr 26, 2024
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
The contact's wife owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jumpstarted with Roadside Assistance. Additionally, the contact stated that the Auto Stop/Start feature was intermittently inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the Auto Stop/Start feature was malfunct... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
I bought my car in October 2009. I did not discover until years later that the pistons for the 2009 Toyota Camry Le did not fit correctly. This caused oil consumption problems, but it did not start happening until a 3-year warranty and at about 60-70 thousand miles. I did not get a notice of recall notice of Toyota's resolution to the problem, because they had the wrong apartment number and emai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the contact became aware that the braking system, ABS, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. Additionally, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle took longer than normal to start. The vehicle was taken to an... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2023
I went in to my dealership Nov. 24,2023 for a water leak to the driver side floor and to the back seat behind the driver side. It was starting to smell so I used some carpet cleaner to get rid of the smell. They replaced the panel cowl side trims on both sides of the windshield. I told them that only driver side floor and back seat behind the driver was wet. Never said that there was a water on th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 30 MPH, the check transmission warning light illuminated. The contact was informed by her husband that prior to the warning light being illuminated, the vehicle was vibrating and shaking abnormally. The contact stated that her husband had experienced the failure with the vehicle jolting... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
The component that failed is the front passenger active headrest. It is available for inspection upon request. When the component failed, a few pieces of plastic/metal flew out of the headrest. One of the pieces hit me just above my right eye. I haven’t taken my vehicle to a service center as I will be in Alaska for the next 5 months. It has not been inspected yet. I have someone who can ta... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
Vehicle failed to start after short trip (<5 miles) with no electrical power present. Jump started from another car after approximately 1/2 hour. Drove car to home, car stalled in driveway again with no electrical power. Replaced 5 year old battery car started fine then stalled on road during test drive while approaching an intersection and suffered loss of all electrical power including inoper... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
3rd brake light randomly goes dim online thousands of people have the same issue, it needs to be a recall. Light diodes are getting bad and the other half are cracking from the heat of the window. Chevy changed the like to the trunk lid. Seems suspicious to me. Chevy needs to make it right.its federal law to have a 3rd brake light.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
Panoramic moonroof exploded
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz B250E. The contact stated that while reversing from the garage at 3–5 MPH, the contact depressed the park button. The vehicle attempted to go into the park position. There was an abnormal noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid needed to be replace... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
There are issues with the emergency break system while driving. It is usually okay for the car to stop when reversing. Yesterday while driving with my children, I crossed some train track at a speed of about 30-35 miles per hour as the green light was on. As soon as I reached 75% in the tracks, all of a sudden the emergency brakes turned on, the car stopped in traffic and was about to be hit. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
An engine maintenance required popped up in the vehicle and was unable to be removed Took the vehicle to get checked at a Toyota dealership and they advised it was the coolant valve bypass was faulty
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
An engine maintenance required popped up in the vehicle and was unable to be removed Took the vehicle to get checked at a Toyota dealership and they advised it was the coolant valve bypass was faulty
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, she became aware that the brake pedal required excessive effort to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Navigator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V598000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that on three occasions while in reverse, the back over prevention camera went black. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
I have replaced the water pump three times costing me close to $1000.00. No warning light has came on only the smell when it is leaking that my fiancé recognizes. So in this case do I have to wait until it starts to overheat and I am stranded on the side of the road? Why am I replacing an obvious faulty part? I also know that I am not the only jeep owner within the year of mine that has had this... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
I was driving on the [XXX] to for a work meeting on Monday [XXX], 2024, at about [XXX] (central). My 2018 Tesla Model S shut down while driving on the freeway. The power steering went off and so did the hazard lights. I pulled over to the shoulder. Unfortunately, the shoulder is not too wide on [XXX]. I was driving at 70 mph or so when this happened. The only warning that popped on the Tesla S... Read more