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: Jul 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at slower speeds, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the cam phasers were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
The Advancetrac error light comes on and then the ABS system error lights and the cruse control stops functioning
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
The Advancetrac error light comes on and then the ABS system error lights and the cruse control stops functioning
Incident date: Jan 15, 2023
Radio and back camera intermittent since I bought it new. Dealership changed it out several times and told me they are just bad radios and just wait until a recall is issued.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2015) - STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR
Jul 30, 2024
Incident date: Jan 13, 2020
The contact owns a 2016 Fiat 500X. The contact stated that the cover over the button needed to open the driver’s side door would frequently fall off. Over time, the driver’s side door handle had fractured upon an attempt to open the door. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Xterra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, an engine oil leak was present. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil connector bolt and O-ring seal needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
Auto Start/Stop. Car stopped and would not re-start while in an intersection. Restarted manually after a few minutes.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
A Pillar molding blew off on the highway.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Mazda Mazda6. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel began to shake violently, with the low tire pressure warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and discovered that the front passenger’s side tire had detached from the vehicle. The contact's father was called to the scene and the spare tire was placed on the vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
After driving car all day off and on, it suddenly went into limp mode. Multiple misfires. Service traction t control and service stabilitrak warnings. Engine light flashing. Car had oil. Replaced oil pressure sensor. Replaced spark plugs. Wires. And coils. Will not clear misfire and won’t go out of limp mode. $7500 fix. This is ridiculous. I have heard of 15 others with the same issue.
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel began to vibrate intensely. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the struts. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
Tires are Continental 225/65 R 17 On June 18, 2024 the right rear tire went flat in less than 200 yards at 15 mph in our driveway. The dealership said it was a non reparable puncture that split the sidewall. On July 28, 2024 the left rear tire went flat in less than 200 yards at 15 mph in our driveway. The vehicle has less than 2500 miles and never carries heavy loads. I understand that there was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
Tires are Continental 225/65 R 17 On June 18, 2024 the right rear tire went flat in less than 200 yards at 15 mph in our driveway. The dealership said it was a non reparable puncture that split the sidewall. On July 28, 2024 the left rear tire went flat in less than 200 yards at 15 mph in our driveway. The vehicle has less than 2500 miles and never carries heavy loads. I understand that there was... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 29, 2024
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
When vehicle gets wet, knock sensor trips and puts the vehicle in limp mode. Making it very dangerous to drive since everything is underpowered and makes it hard to get up to speed, shift, etc.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
This morning, as soon as I started the vehicle and started backing down the driveway, an unbelievably loud popping sound emitted from the speakers. I immediately slammed on the brakes having no idea what had just happened. This has happened previously but have not heard in a few months so I thought the problem was corrected. It is the loudest noise I have ever experienced and is extremely dange... Read more
2 injured
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2013) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 28, 2024
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
During normal driving conditions, the 8 speed automatic transmission will randomly hesitate to upshift from 2nd to 3rd and from 4th to 5th, causing an unpredictable loss of power. Symptoms will show up intermittently, and do not seem to be caused by certain events. This is unsafe because the unpredictability of the problem could cause power loss during moments where acceleration is needed to avoid... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2013) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 28, 2024
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Side steps will deploy then immediately go back up causing it to trip up a passenger. The doors will lock and not unlock, even with the key fob in hand.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
Backup camera is not working. I know it’s got an open recall for this issue but it’s taking them so long to replace a cable. Just wanted this on record
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
Rear subframe rotted out. Car is garage kept.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
Rear subframe rotted out. Car is garage kept.
Incident date: May 30, 2024
Engine runs fine while driving and then cuts off while coming to a stop. This happened three (3) times last week since 7/23/24. Each time it happened I was stopping at a traffic light! After the failure a warning lamp flashed something about, Do Not Change Gears. Will make appointment to have it checked out as soon as possible.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
Issue is with the rear hatch (trunk) latching mechanism. The rear trunk latch has partially disengaged but will not completely release and open the trunk. This is a safety concern because the emergency release inside of the trunk (pull cable) does not fully release the trunk either. If a child or person were to be in the trunk they could not escape either from inside the trunk (emergency latch) or... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
The occupant sensing lights and seatbelt buckle indicator lights and associated alarm in case a person unbuckles while in motion are not present and not working for the third row of seats. The third row position indicators are not present in the dash where all other seat positions are. For all other seats the equivalent position turns green when buckled , and an alarm is triggered if the seatbel... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
Check engine light with code P052E.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
While attempting to stop vehicle for a traffic light brake pedal suddenly goes almost to the floor. This occurrence is random and unpredictable. No dash lights or messages come on indicating any problem. Brake master cylinder is at the proper level and no signs of leakage. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by any technicians. Vehicle is available for inspection by NHTSA. As a retired Police... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
Infotainment screen and instrument cluster turned off mid driving. This lead to complete failure of speed indicator. There is no speedometer available while driving. While be has an open recall it has failed to provide a solution in a timely manner.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
I was driving down a highway when the sunroof of my vehicle exploded. There were no cars in close proximity, so no rocks or anything were kicked up and could’ve hit the vehicle. It caused glass to fly in my face as I was driving and cut me as well as my autistic son who was in the backseat. A rep at the Lexus dealership said it’s not the first time he’s heard of this happening. There are num... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
Hello, I was driving on the highway and all of a sudden the engine made a noise then the dash alerted me to shift into neutral/press start. I had to pull off the highway in single lane traffic and call for a tow. The truck was towed to the dealership. The truck lost power on the highway in single lane and there was no ability for other cars to go around me in a 75mph zone due to construction. The... Read more
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
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: Nov 15, 2023
While driving at 50mph power steering went completely out, could not control truck, had I been on a busy street with traffic there would have been an accident. Dealer (over the phone) said this is common with this truck and the electronic power steering system needs to be replaced. Warning light of (Steering wheel/exclamation mark) SERVICE POWER STEERING.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The tire pressure guage reads the opposite tire. Causes allot of confusion and is a safety concern for anyone who owns the car.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving out of the dealer lot, the steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was diagnosed with steering ge... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
Stalls or Stops while driving. Increased RPM when gearing down and lunging with zero fuel pedal applied. Lunging/delayed forward motion from stop with acceleration. Electrical system random issues including unable to hold a charge, parasitic battery drain.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
STARTED TRUCK AND DROVE ABOUT 1/4 MILE WHEN IT LOST ALL POWER AND NUMEROUS MESSAGES STARTED FLASHING ON THE SCREEN. TRUCK HAD NO POWER AND I HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE BLVD TO LET OTHER TRAFFIC PASS. SHUT ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED. STARTED OKSY BUT RETURNED HOME. LEARNED FROM MY MECHANIC 180 MILES AWAY THAT IT IS THE THROTTLE BODY, A COMMON PROBLEM TO WHICH THERE IS NO RECALL BUT POSSIBLY A... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
STARTED TRUCK AND DROVE ABOUT 1/4 MILE WHEN IT LOST ALL POWER AND NUMEROUS MESSAGES STARTED FLASHING ON THE SCREEN. TRUCK HAD NO POWER AND I HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE BLVD TO LET OTHER TRAFFIC PASS. SHUT ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED. STARTED OKSY BUT RETURNED HOME. LEARNED FROM MY MECHANIC 180 MILES AWAY THAT IT IS THE THROTTLE BODY, A COMMON PROBLEM TO WHICH THERE IS NO RECALL BUT POSSIBLY A... 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
As I was driving to pick my son up from work at 10pm, I started to drive my 2013 dodge journey sxt and noticed my head position didn't feel right. I got to my sons job and as we were making our way to the gas station to get gas before we headed home my headrest hit me in the back of the head randomly. The active headrest sprung forward hitting me in the back of the head. Luckily I was not driving ... 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 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
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: Jul 25, 2024
RTV gasket on engine get worn out at 60,000miles and causes small oil leak and gets worst over time.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
While towing a trailer in tow/haul mode on the highway traveling around 60mph, their was a strong downshift clunking sound. About 10 miles later, it happened again, except this time the brakes logged up and truck skid for about a full second and then trailer began fishtailing slightly. Check engine like P2C7A came on. Seems like brakes or transmission momentarily locked up.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
Purge control valve but pressure in my gas tank and it has expanded. Kia will not replace my tank. Heard 2 loud bangs going down the road I started smelling gas. Check engine light came on. Pulled over and gas is pushing up and out behind my tank flowing down my wheel well. Opened the gas cap and it sprayed gas all over me. I have 2 small children and this could have been a extremely worse situat... 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 22, 2024
The car idles very low when stopped and sputters/putters like it's going to die. It has now actually died on me twice while driving, luckily when you put it in park and turn the car off and back on it starts right back up but you can see how this is a severe safety hazard. The first time it died I was stopped in the turning lane waiting on traffic to go by so I could turn left (this is the busiest... 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