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 8, 2024
Vehicle was traveling at 35 MPH. Vehicle shuddered and lost propulsion. Dash displayed following message: "Gear Selected will Engage at Low Speed" The "D" indicator on the shift knob was flashing. Vehicle was able to be pulled to side of road at very low speed. The following error messages were displayed in sequence: "Hill Start Assist Not Available" Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" "Servic... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the flywheel was cracked. The dealer determined that the flywheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Brakes: The brakes grab hard when coming to a stop and cause a slight jerk. I have reported this issue to the original dealership of purchase; Angela Krause Ford in Alpharetta, GA. It’s been two weeks since I purchased this vehicle brand new and I still have not been able to get it in for repair. Charge Port Door: The charge port door cover came off while I was trying to close it and the clip ... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2020) — STEERING
Apr 9, 2024
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
My car has 55k miles on it and the power steering has failed. Last October, I brought it in to the service center and they wanted $4000 to replace my steering rack. At the time, the car only had about 50k miles on it. It seems like these parts are failing much faster on the Teslas then previous cars that I've owned.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2022
The engine continues to slip and slows down when driving. The following codes are returned back from the onstar diagnostics, Transmission Control Module Requested Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illumination. The DTC is an informational DTC. The DTC indicates an emission related DTC set in the Transmission Control Module. The vehicle has only 132,000 miles, and I have maitain the vehicle in excellent ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V319000 (Air Bags) 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2021
AT LESS THAN 62,000 MILES THE ENGINE NO LONGER HAS PRESSURE AND THE CAR IS INOPERABLE. VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING 1 WEEK PRIOR TO CAR BECOMING INOPERABLE.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2021
while driving will stall and power off in the middle of traffic, the dealer said this issue was caused by the idle air control valve sensor, but continued to do this even after the sensor was cleaned and replaced, this has been happening over several years. it started when i received the vehicle 18k miles and continued periodically, it is extremely unsafe, now it is unusable, at 88k miles i am rep... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The problem first started out 4 days after I bought it from Graff Jeep in Rockford, MI at 150,000 miles. The engine light came on. I took back to the dealership and they told me it was the turbo and it would cost me $3000 to replace, but they don’t repair Fords, so I would have to call a mechanic. I drove it home and the engine light went off. It was off for months and then it came on again. So ... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2017) — ENGINE
Apr 8, 2024
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
Hi. I am filing a report regarding the recall shown below. After several calls to BMW they still have no fix or parts, or an estimate of when they will have anything to adress this recall notice. It's coming up on 6 months since the recall was issued. My Vanos bolts on the exhaust camshaft have failed and my car no longer can drive. Oct 20,2023 Manufacturer Recall Number NA NHTSA Recall Number 23... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2017) — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Apr 8, 2024
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
My drivers door will randomly open while driving and or while making turns, yes it is available for inspection if need be. This is put my safety at risk because its very dangerous for a door to open while driving at any speed, and if it happens to a back door items in my back seat could fall out causing a very serious accident. When the problem first started I paid to have a new door handle put ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
Every time I fill up with gas it splashes up and over quite a bit. I have tried many different ways to get it to stop splashing. Slowed down the flow, changed positions of the tube. Slowed down the flow to try and not let it splash up towards the end of the fill. As soon as it gets close, it splashes over, on my fender, and about a 1 foot gas spot on the ground every time. I have not been to the d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
At March 23rd, 2024, we have oil change on the car. The service sales came back to tell us that the front lower control arms' bushing is torn and needed repair immediately. Without repairing them, the wheels may disengage from the car. So we have them replaced, since losing the wheels during driving will cost our lives. This is for our safety. What can we do???!!! On conversation with the sales, h... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
The horn stopped working. I have yet to determine exact fix. Subaru forums suggest that it may be the clock spring, a relay, the horn itself, or a fuse.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
PCV housing and lines failed. Caused pressure to build up thus shooting off the oil cap shooting oil everywhere! in addition to that it is a huge fire hazard considering the turbo is right next to it.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
I keep having issues with AEB system. The emergency braking system that is supposed to sense cars in front of you and brake for you if you don’t brake yourself. I was doing about 70 mph no one else on road sunny day and my car starts beeping loudly and my brakes lock up for no reason. 3 times just today this happened. Oh and you can’t turn the system off so I just keep praying it doesn’t kil... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
Engine light came on while driving and vehicle began to malfunction with bogging and little power to move the vehicle properly. Vehicle was towed to Hyundai dealership for diagnostics. Determining that there is rod bearing failure in the motor. Contacted Hyundai corporate who denied warranty claim citing I did not properly maintain the vehicle per owners manual although they were provided with rec... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
Multiple reports of; Codes P0171 System too lean bank 1 P0138 O2 sensor circuit high (b1s2) P0087 Fuel pressure too low P0036 B1S2 *** frequent fuel pump and fuel injector replacements/ services due to defects in the system. Causing major damage in other systems including engine.***
Incident date: May 20, 2023
Brakes failed on vehicle almost causing me to collide with vehicle in front of me. Brakes Plus in Tempe checked Brakes and found them to be good. All the lights on the dash flash when attempting to start the vehicle. Vehicle will not start sometimes. The vehicle also leaves the lane when going over potholes and bumps on the road and handles badly.
Incident date: May 20, 2023
Brakes failed on vehicle almost causing me to collide with vehicle in front of me. Brakes Plus in Tempe checked Brakes and found them to be good. All the lights on the dash flash when attempting to start the vehicle. Vehicle will not start sometimes. The vehicle also leaves the lane when going over potholes and bumps on the road and handles badly.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
My trunk is not working at all. Tried to reset it but the fuses are still in good shape. The trunk will not open with the keys, inside near steering wheel, and at the back.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
When driving in a rainstorm, there was a loud pop, and the driver side windshield wiper stopped moving. After I finally got home I checked the pivot point of the wiper arm and the nut was still tight. I ordered a new wiper motor module, and replaced it. On the old module I discovered one of the arms had disconnected at a pivot point. I understand NOW that GM has an extended warranty for the part ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
My car spontaneously shifts from driving to neutral while I am actively driving it. This has happened at least a half dozen times so far. Each time this has happened I cannot get my car to continue driving, since it’s shifted to neutral all by itself and stuck there. I have to come to a complete stop, put my car in park, turn the engine off, and then turn it back on again. This has happened for ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
A known steering problem exists. Honda admits the steering gear box is defective. Dealer has ordered replacement but now Honda states it will be December before parts are available. Thus would be a year for me. Thus issue affect Civics, CRVS and some Acura models. Honda refuses to issue recall. The steering is becoming harder to control and could lead to an accident.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
A couple of weeks after getting some software (or maybe firmware?) recalls done on my Ford Maverick my husband and I were driving down a semi-residential street. Suddenly the car went into limp mode and flashed a bunch of lights on the dash. So the car was limping along, but when my husband took his foot off the brake, the car started accelerating on its own. The car would brake when he hit the br... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
ICCU stopped charging my auxiliary battery (Hyundai Ioniq 5). I couldn’t figure out why, but I began carrying a portable charger with me which instantly got my car going again. One day during a particularly nasty snow storm, my battery was dead again and I jump started my car. I drove it about 40 feet before I realized it needed snow socks. I stepped out of my car and got back in and a whole... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
Spontaneous and random: Blinkers come on, radio volume goes up or down when turning the other way, CarPlay USB shuts off and on, hiccups when accelerating (when ECO kicks on/in)…everything points to an electrical/computer issue. Purchased used from a dealership and noticed these issues after the 3-day return window.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2013) — ENGINE
Apr 5, 2024
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Engine started to tick. Took it to Dodge after the check engine light came on, it started running rough, and truck started to throw random codes. Dodge tells me its the cam and lifters, which is a known problem for the 5.7 Hemi V8 motors of this era. Chrysler knows of the issue, and there's even a service bulletin regarding it, however Chrysler refuses to repair any of them that are out of warrant... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2013) — SUSPENSION
Apr 5, 2024
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
My driver side cv joint went out Dec 2023, noticed grease, throwing while a tire rotation was being done. April 2024 was completing a oil change and we decided to check the passenger side and now that CV joint is going out as well. This vehicle has less than 30,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
The GM portable charger has two pigtails for using either 120V Level 1 or 240V Level 2 charging. My complaint is that the GM charging unit will default to 120V Level1 charging without any fault/warning indication if one phase of the 240V circuit fails. I had a 240V dedicated service installed so that I could charge my EV at 240V Level 2 charging rates. The charging rate didn't seem to improve... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked or hesitated upon the depression of the accelerator pedal with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Rear exit door on driver side will not open. THOR has placed a cabinet on the side that blocks the emergency exit in case of a kitchen fire. Manufacturer should have reversed the cabinetry or made it where both doors open in case of emergency.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
On [XXX], I bought a 2023 Nissan Rogue Platinum from Car Max, East Haven, CT with 15,500 miles on it, original tires. We noticed the Dunlap GrandTrek PT20 235/55R19 101V treads were warn for only 15,500 miles. Took the car on [XXX] to Town Fair Tire, Milford, CT to measure treads and they agreed that they were too warn for 15,500 miles. Their report showed remaining tread life FL-1, FR-1, RL-1, R... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
My Hyundai IONIQ5 suddenly lost power while I was driving it. I was only able to go 20 mph for a short period of time before it completely died. I had to have it towed
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
A fogging/white residue has developed over time on the inside of the tail lights. As this continues to progress it would make the lights much dimmer and harder to see. ( I see several references to the same issue doing an online search for 2016 rav4 taillight fogging)
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR IN CERTAIN EXIT OF HWY THE CAR GIVES ME THE SIGN TO EXIT OUT AND SUDDENLY SHUTS THE GAS OFF AND SLOWS THE CAR ABOUT 20 TO 30 MILES IN 2 SECONDS , AFTER I PAST THE EXIT I REGAIN THE CONTROL OF THE GAS ACCELERATION , TOOK IT TO DEALER FOR REPAIR 3 TIMES MANAGER DROVE THE CAR AND WITNESS THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME WE HAVE NO FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED NISSAN AND I HAVE Case ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms par... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 3, 2024
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
We were driving on the highway and the sunroof was partially open in the angle as a wind deflector. When the sunroof made a pop noise and started flapping in the wind, we were so concerned that the sunroof is gonna come flying off and hit a car behind us. We end up taping it down and taking it to Kia of Daytona or they told us it was $5000 to repair, they had said the mechanism that holds the wind... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a clunking sound, and the sound was more prominent while driving over small bumps or dents in the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a bent sway bar. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was app... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
-Premature complete engine failure, at approximately 72,000 miles. -Luckily, was able to get vehicle to manufacturer dealership prior to complete immobilization of vehicle while on the road. -Engine “bearing” failure per dealership. Requires complete engine assembly for repair. Complete engine assembly no longer available, only manufactured for 6 years, and requires 150+ parts to be assemble... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
the miles on the car were changed and trying to sell without the information aswell as the car is trying to get sold as a salvage title car without dealer license on facebook but they tempered with the miles on the car making it look like it only has 30k when in reality it was last reported to have 180k
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact had received notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System). The contact was aware that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact stated that he depressed the accelerator but the vehicle did not gain any forward momentum. The conta... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
Driving at highway speeds, the vehicle started de-accelerating with a message on the dash saying to slow down to shift in selected gear. The vehicle did not respond to any accelerating to avoid traffic to get to the side of the road and only deaccelerated. The "D" indicator in the PRNDL was flashing as i pulled off to the side of the road. Once stopped, error messages appeared on the dash; "Hil... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
Sudden loss of acceleration. CVT Transmission failure. Vehicle has been single owner and properly maintained, only 72K miles on it. There have been no issues with the transmission up to this incident. Pulling out of a parking lot the car revved and seemed like it wasn't going into gear. Car came to a complete stop in the middle of the road and could not move in any gear. We had it towed to the... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 1984
Airbag no deployment Loss of power steering Brakes to floor Car died Recall ignored prior and still today after set up now off their schedule Friendly Chevrolet rich Gardner
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 27, 1984
Airbag no deployment Loss of power steering Brakes to floor Car died Recall ignored prior and still today after set up now off their schedule Friendly Chevrolet rich Gardner
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 27, 1984
I've owned my 2002 Nissan for about 6 months now the previous owner informed me prior to purchase about issues she was having and the reason she was selling the car, explain to me that her friend who has worked on cars 20+ yrs felt if cause could be found it was repairable but seems luck she had is now the luck I'm having. I have a couple ppl look over the car under hood and run diagnostics but no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
I got a recall notice for NHTSA Recall No: 23V-035. I checked for the software update, but didn't see anything from Tesla prompting for the update.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
The contact's husband owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH; an abnormal popping sound began to emit from the vehicle. The vehicle also began to hesitate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The "Low Oil Pressure" message appeared on the instrument panel; however, upon inspection, the oil level was found to be normal. The vehicle was initially towed to... Read more