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 1, 2024
The steering on this car is sticky. This problem started in December of 2023. At that point the car had 8000 miles and it was diagnosed at the dealer. At that time they ordered a steering rack. We returned to the dealer on 1/25/24 and were given 4/4/24 as an estimated time for the part. At that time, the dealer was unable to replicate the sticky steering. On 4/1/24, the estimated time for getting ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Was at a complete stop at a red light, was struck from behind in which the car was going approximately 50 miles an hour, and no airbags deployed. The police report stated that they did but in fact they did not. I provided pictures of the inside of the car after the accident showing that they did not deploy. Daughter in back seat suffered fractured vertebrae. She was sitting in center seat. There w... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
On multiple occasions, the vehicle will randomly stall while in motion. Most recently, this occurred while I was on the on/off ramp of one major highway merging onto another highway; in the process of down shifting from fifth gear to third gear, the car stalled, while in motion, causing a complete loss in power steering and braking. I was able to restart the vehicle without incident, however, had ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Intermittent problem since purchasing the car in September 2021: if child safety lock is engaged when parking the car and the doors are otherwise unlocked, upon exiting the car, the rear doors will not open from the outside. Clicking unlock on the key FOB won't unlock the doors. I need to power the car on again and deactivate the lock from within the car. Earliest occurrence was in October 2021.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
I am trying to trade in my car online and submitted to get an instant offer. The instant offer says my vehicle is reported to have 30,000 more miles on it than my odometer is showing. My title also states its a 2 Dr sedan.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
I have an infiniti qx60 that has a hairbag malfunctioning for a long time now. I've taken it to be serviced by infiniti many times. However, they could never fix it. At one point, I decided to leave it alone until the last time I took the car in to be serviced. The person who was helping me noticed that I had two children car seats in the car, so he decided to tell me that this car isn't safe to b... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2017) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 1, 2024
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
Jeep death wobble. Same problem as the 2018/2019 models. Over 45 mph and/or hit a bump and the Jeep wobbles uncontrollably and won’t stop until you slow to almost a stop. Incredibly dangerous for highway driving. There are no warning signs before it happens. This happened to me on a congested and fast moving highway.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
•brake failure •this has happened at indiscriminate times including the highway, suddenly the car tells me to stop driving and the brakes don’t work as they should, no telling this would happen until it occurs. When pressing brakes, a loud noise rumbles through the car and I am no longer able to drive at any speed higher than 5 mph (an issue for being on the road) risk of possible collision ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
Bought the car a yr ago and transmission started slipping and stalling sometimes even engine shutting off while driving at higher speeds unable to steer and when pulling into traffic is on interstate almost got hit because I could not speed up it's also using double the fuel while driving longer distances I tried to use my warranty 2x before my warranty was up but both neither time did Hyundai in ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 14, 2024
Vehicle touch screen has aggressive and persistent “ghost touch” during vehicle operation (while in drive), which should not be possible while in drive at all. This causes any setting or feature accessible through the vehicle “infotainment” system to be activated at random leading to distracting, undesired operation. There is no setting within the “infotainment” system that allows you ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Issue with the Front Passenger Seat Airbag Sensor. The Airbag Warning Light, indicating an issue with the passenger side airbag, has been illuminated recently. Passenger seat is also occasionally registering as occupied even when no one is sitting in it. Previous recall on the same seat's wiring harness was completed previously. Took the vehicle to the dealer and they told me that the seat must ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Kona. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at a complete stop and would restart independently while shifting into park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, a chime sounded, and the message "Think About Taking a Rest" was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure via email. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, she observed a humming sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power and would not accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where DTC Code: P00B was retrieved; however, the contact was informed that ... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Apr 1, 2024
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Started vehicle up cold. Drove two miles. Stopped at stop sign for a few seconds, then pull out onto highway. Vehicle stalled and would not accelerate; engine still barely running but no power. Pulled on to shoulder. Vehicle seem to correct it self after about 30 seconds.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact 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 contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V204000 (Electrical System) 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 his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2019
On [XXX] I was driving my 2020 explorer east bound on [XXX] just past the [XXX] intersection in Aurora, CO when all kind of warning lights lit up on the dashboard. (Parking brake engaged, pre collision prevention system failure, ABS light, check break system and other warning lights as well) the vehicle had a hard time stopping when I applied brakes almost caused a collision. INFORMATION REDACTE... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The rear tailgate bar has been going out due to water leaks. Whenever it rains, water is pooled up inside the light and is causing the light bar to dim.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) — AIR BAGS
Mar 31, 2024
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
Consistent passenger restraint / passenger airbag failure warning. Took vehicle to BMW dealership and was told that the passenger seat must have moisture damage, causing the issue. There have been no spills or leaks in the vehicle. Quoted $2600 to fix. See attached. Vehicle’s safety in question.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
ABS module problems. Flashes to check service ABS and traction control. Then goes away and comes back. Been having issue for over a year with no results in fixing
Incident date: Mar 31, 2024
Truck would crank but not start. Had towed to dealership and they found fuse 27 was melted. Was informed that this was a known design flaw. The fuse was relocated to slot 70. Car did not but could have caught fire causing catastrophic damage and injuries to myself or others.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
The "auto stop" on my car, when I was at stoplights or stop signs, would not automatically restart. The engine failed to start again when stopped in "idle"..
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
The "auto stop" on my car, when I was at stoplights or stop signs, would not automatically restart. The engine failed to start again when stopped in "idle"..
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
Unknown. My car is making a whining noise & no matter how much i push the gas pedal it won’t accelerate. Sometimes it works but mostly it won’t.
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
Tesla suddenly accelerated forward from a complete stop at very rapid pace and hit a wall
Crash
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The driver side heated seat does not work at all the passenger side heated seat works just the driver side does not work
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Been inspected by the dealer. ABS modules as with many other owners cannot be replaced due to a lack of inventory on a vehicle less than 10 years old. Abs and traction control lights stay on as well as having the brakes locking up during wet conditions. It’s completely unsafe and too widespread for the company not to have a solution. Much less at the owners dime due to a flawed design.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Been inspected by the dealer. ABS modules as with many other owners cannot be replaced due to a lack of inventory on a vehicle less than 10 years old. Abs and traction control lights stay on as well as having the brakes locking up during wet conditions. It’s completely unsafe and too widespread for the company not to have a solution. Much less at the owners dime due to a flawed design.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
My car began consuming alarming amounts of oil as well as emitting a knocking sound and hesitating while been driven. I went to Patriot in Boyertown, PA and they advised me to contact Hyundai as my engine was failing, could cease at any minute and exhibited all of the signs associated with their engine recall/rotor warranty extension. I have had two diagnostics done to the car that found metal as ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
Suv turned itself off in traffic. I had it towed to dealership and they told me that they couldn't fund anything wrong. The suv could not accelerate in traffic three weeks ago. Had to turn on side road from traffic. Suv has been at dealership for three weeks no progress.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
I was driving at 65 MPH on the freeway and the car was acting/driving normally. Without any warning at all, many lights appeared on the dashboard at the same time that the car placed itself into neutral and lost all power to drive. My speed was reduced so quickly without any notice and I had no pull out lane near me, so I was forced to move across 5 lanes of traffic in rush hour speeds of 60-85 MP... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Mar 29, 2024
Incident date: Oct 25, 2022
My vehicle inadvertently locks the rear tires at highway speeds and then releases and drives. In some instances it may brake several times causing the tires to burn rubber for a short distance causing rear traffic to either swerve to avoid rear ending me and in a couple instances causes the rear following traffic to abruptly change lanes to avoid rear ending me
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) — SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 29, 2024
Incident date: Oct 25, 2022
My vehicle inadvertently locks the rear tires at highway speeds and then releases and drives. In some instances it may brake several times causing the tires to burn rubber for a short distance causing rear traffic to either swerve to avoid rear ending me and in a couple instances causes the rear following traffic to abruptly change lanes to avoid rear ending me
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2014) — ENGINE
Mar 29, 2024
Incident date: Oct 25, 2022
Alternator failed, Broken Tensioner, Catalytic converters bad, Engine misfiring, Brake failure. Discovered odometer disclosure is incorrect and VIN is wrong on the inspection certification. Odometers to the best of my knowledge only move forward, not backward unless they are tampered with or the information presented is fraudulent. I could have nearly been injured fatally, when the car stopped o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Keystone Cougar. The contact stated that the emergency exit window casing was too long and the inside window glass did not fit evenly. The contact stated that the window casing was unusually wider than the frame unit. The contact received recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V169000 (Structure). The recall repair was completed. However, excessive caulking and screws were applie... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact stated while making a turn and parking, the steering wheel was hard to maneuver. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power pump steering needed to be replaced as there were metal shavings found in the fluid. The vehicle was at the independent mechanic a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
I was driving down a busy road when engine seized, no warnings on dash prior to failure. Luckily, I was able to catch a break in traffic and safely cruised into an open parking lot. Otherwise, it could have easily resulted in a collision. The incident occurred on Wednesday 11/22/2023. The 2017 Santa Fe had regular oil services and did not show or indicate any signs it required attention. No check ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
Brake master cylinder is leaking into the lower dash area and onto the floor mats.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2013) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 28, 2024
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
Received an error Emergency SOS call function failure! I took my vehicle to VW Loyalty and paid $180 to get a diagnosis. I was told that the carnet module needed replacement and would cost me a bit over $1200. They said that it was a known issue amongst 20-21 versions of the vehicle. I researched to find if anyone else experienced the same with this car and to my surprise, there are a slew of indi... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2018) — STEERING
Mar 27, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
steering is very sticky electric steering box problem
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2018) — ENGINE
Mar 27, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, there was a burnt hydraulic fluid odor inside the vehicle when the vehicle shuddered and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed, and the engine mount was replaced. The failure recurred; however, there was a rotten, sulfur like ... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2018) — SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 27, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
While driving the car it randomly turns off and turns back on it also jerks initially. All lights on the dashboard turn off and back on, speakers make a loud BOOM sound! Have experienced the car not starting. Bought a new battery thinking that was the issue, it wasn't.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
I had taken delivery of the truck 4 days earlier and had driven about 250 miles. There had been no warnings or incidents other than an issue with charging at my home. The Charger would fail 20 seconds after each charging attempt at home, but not at a Super Charging Station. On [XXX] a series of alerts went off regarding steering. First the onboard computer notified me that the "Rear axle steering ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
I had taken delivery of the truck 4 days earlier and had driven about 250 miles. There had been no warnings or incidents other than an issue with charging at my home. The Charger would fail 20 seconds after each charging attempt at home, but not at a Super Charging Station. On [XXX] a series of alerts went off regarding steering. First the onboard computer notified me that the "Rear axle steering ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
The car began to jerk when driven. One day, it stopped working; the engine was still running but it wouldn't shift gears. The transmission was repaired, and several parts were replaced. However, the car still jerks when reaching 50 miles per hour, the horn doesn't sound, not even the alarm, and it makes a loud noise when making a tight turn.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
On 02/28/2024, I was driving on the freeway taking my child to school. going about 65mph and the RPM gauge started to swing left to right. My car started to slow down. I was able to pull over to the side of the freeway safely. As I pulled over the car came to an abrupt stop and the screen flashed "Transmission Failure". I called my insurance, and they informed me that it was not an insurance issue... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
The left rear wheel of this vehicle has two major cracks in it. The tire has had a slow leak for the past couple of months as indicated by the low-tire warning light on the dashboard. I took it to a Discount Tire Outlet in an effort to find and repair the leak, and upon inspection the technician found the two cracks and pointed them out to me. Obviously, if the tire were to blow out at any spee... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Back up camera not working due to infotainment system not working. Dealer is aware, says they are waiting for a software update.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
While driving on the interstate I started experiencing a sensation that the lane departure/lane assist was attempting to veer me off the road to the left. After turning off all assist features the car continued to steer me off the road. While traveling in particular at higher speeds, on the interstate, it proceeded to get worse. Before traveling for 10 hour drive I took my car in for an oil change... Read more