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 6, 2024
Reported to local Subaru Dealer there was a problem with the Parking Brake. While parked at red light, when I attempted to release the parking brake, it would NOT release, and had great difficulty getting to release and proceed. (This is in Traffic). They tested it and claimed it was ok, no problem. Fast forward, several weeks and I started the car, put it in Drive. Car would not move forward. Sub... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) - ENGINE
Jul 6, 2024
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
142,000 miles and timing chain is bad. A very known issue and a very common issue in the GMC Acadia Denali which I think should be repaired by GM! I only owe $4,000 on the car and it's going to cost me 3,000 to get it fixed that is ridiculous so I think you should stand behind your workmanship and your quality of vehicles that you build GM and fix it take care of your customers as we keep buying t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
The FSD is not fully matured and I have tried multiple times and all times and the experience is weird and very hard braking and no control on parking lots. So not sure why this is called Fully self driving capability by Tesla? I have paid 12k for this capability in my car and unfortunately it's not fully functional. Hope some safety precautions will be taken for the safety of the drivers and pass... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
The FSD is not fully matured and I have tried multiple times and all times and the experience is weird and very hard braking and no control on parking lots. So not sure why this is called Fully self driving capability by Tesla? I have paid 12k for this capability in my car and unfortunately it's not fully functional. Hope some safety precautions will be taken for the safety of the drivers and pass... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Drivers side door caught on fire overnight. Burned up the interior of the vehicle and smoldered out. Windows were up, car was completely closed and locked. Still starts and drives. Door, seat, steering, ceiling , visor all burnt and melted to some degree. Seems to have been electrical.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
There is an extreme amount of hesitation/delay from when you depress the accelerator and when the vehicle accelerates. I have had multiple incidences (both from a complete stop and while already moving) where I depress the accelerator and there is a concerning amount of lag time before the vehicle initiates movement. This has almost led to multiple accidents. This defect happens in all drive mo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
The check engine light came on suddenly and the vehicle stopped while driving down street. The dashboard read Park car safely. Engine is going to shut down. However, car stopped almost immediately leaving me stranded in the middle of a highly traveled state route. The Check engine code read Drive Motor A Inverter Performance. Mechanic stated it was an internal short in the transmission control mod... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2020
The check engine light came on suddenly and the vehicle stopped while driving down street. The dashboard read Park car safely. Engine is going to shut down. However, car stopped almost immediately leaving me stranded in the middle of a highly traveled state route. The Check engine code read Drive Motor A Inverter Performance. Mechanic stated it was an internal short in the transmission control mod... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2020
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2020
At just over 70k miles the engine began running rough. Diagnostic showed cylinder 1 pressure issues from cracked piston requiring engine replacement. This vehicle has had all recommend service since owning it.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
Truck reads power steering problem and does not allow me to turn my steering wheel.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
The contact's father owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact’s father received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was loose upon inspection but had not detached from the ve... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's husband struck a curb. The contact's husband depressed the brake pedal and attempted to make a turn, but the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The "Service Shifter" message was displayed, and the vehicle made an abnormal sound and stalled while driving. The ste... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I purchased the car in 2020 with 73K miles on it. It has sporadically had incidents of unintended acceleration. I happens when I slow for a stop sign, red light, or crosswalk. My foot is on the brake when this occurs, the engine then goes into high gear and no amount of pressure on the brake will stop it. I put the car in park and turn the key off. There are no warning lights. It has happene... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I purchased the car in 2020 with 73K miles on it. It has sporadically had incidents of unintended acceleration. I happens when I slow for a stop sign, red light, or crosswalk. My foot is on the brake when this occurs, the engine then goes into high gear and no amount of pressure on the brake will stop it. I put the car in park and turn the key off. There are no warning lights. It has happene... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I have had toxic fuel/engine smells in the cabin from the engine compartment. There are multiple complaints when searching Honda gas cabin smell online. Located the source is the Pcv vent hose on top of the engine. Honda needs to replace this hose with an odor barrier hose that doesn’t allow the fumes to be brought into the cabin via the fresh air intake.
Incident date: May 20, 2024
Soft or Low Brake Pedal The brake pedal have a soft feeling and travel to the floor with low effort. This is causing low braking performance and increased pedal stroke. This condition is increasing the risk of a crash.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle had been taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3. The spark plug was replaced. After the vehicle was repaired, while the contact's daughter was driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine began overheating, with t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Driving on highway car engine died no warning light nothing There is recall for engine but bmw waiting for part they are denying its over 2 months to fix recall
Incident date: Jul 6, 2022
Vehicle will take off like a rocket when accelerating from a stop. I had to restart the vehicle because it had no acceleration before issue started. Took to the dealer was told that this is normal. I was then advised to put the vehicle in sport mode and it should stop. Vehicle has only 3300 miles on it and this is a new issue that just started. Took it to a local shop and it showed a p2422 so we t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2022
Vehicle will take off like a rocket when accelerating from a stop. I had to restart the vehicle because it had no acceleration before issue started. Took to the dealer was told that this is normal. I was then advised to put the vehicle in sport mode and it should stop. Vehicle has only 3300 miles on it and this is a new issue that just started. Took it to a local shop and it showed a p2422 so we t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
When a transport is transporting material, a way bill, a description of the shipment on the piece of paper, usually in two copies, the person who receives the material will sign a copy to prove the delivery was done. What if, the transport is hauling dangerous goods which cost more to carry but the way bill says nothing about dangerous goods. It's only a piece of paper and you can never know f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Was driving on the highway while it was in cruise control and on several occasions when trying to accelerate the vehicle would jerk aggressively and struggle to accelerate. It did this about 3 times on my way to my destination. Took it in and they said they couldn’t find anything wrong with it nor could they replicate the issue. No work was on done on it.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Vehicle had water falling from dash while turning. Sizzling/Hissing noise with water sloshing around in dash area. Asked by dealer "where do you keep it parked" I asked them where they kept it parked back because it was purchased 8/15/2019 and began making the noises in early october when we got rain. Vehicle given back from the dealership with excessively wet carpet and smelling of mold and f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Vehicle had water falling from dash while turning. Sizzling/Hissing noise with water sloshing around in dash area. Asked by dealer "where do you keep it parked" I asked them where they kept it parked back because it was purchased 8/15/2019 and began making the noises in early october when we got rain. Vehicle given back from the dealership with excessively wet carpet and smelling of mold and f... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
Attempted theft with injury Kia's reputation has caused this vehicle to be at risk for theft. Many resulting in injury. Kia had vehicle in 2023 and completed "upgrade" and placed stickers on the windows. Vehicle was still targeted. Insurance rates are insane for this as a result.
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
My sun roof blew up/out as I was driving down the highway. Nothing hit it to my knowledge and there were no prior damage
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Golf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V110000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank suction jet ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experie... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH and coming to a stop or making a turn, the vehicle shuddered. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle shuddered at slower speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the 4-WD clutch and rear differential needed to be r... Read more
NISSAN
VERSA NOTE
(2014) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jul 3, 2024
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The co... Read more
NISSAN
VERSA NOTE
(2014) - ENGINE
Jul 3, 2024
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact was driving into the driveway at the residence. In addition, the contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle did not start. The vehicle was towed to an ind... Read more
NISSAN
VERSA NOTE
(2014) - WHEELS:HUB
Jul 3, 2024
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the passenger’s side rear wheel started to detach. The contact pulled over and became aware that the hub cap was destroyed, and the tire was flat. The wheel warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rear wheel was separating from the hub, and the tire was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
UNKNOWN The sunroof shattered as we were driving down the interstate. To our knowledge nothing hit the sunroof to make it shatter. We did not see any rocks or debris. This is a safety issue as if we wouldn’t have had the inside shade closed we would have been showered with glass while driving at highway speeds and could have been injured.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the entire subframe was rusted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2015
The oil pump control arm failed. There is an open recall with no remedy. We were originally told Q2 2024 and now it's Q1 2025. This is unacceptable as this recall was issued in January 2024 with no remedy.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2000) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 2, 2024
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle briefly shifted erratically, slamming into gear and violently lunging forward. 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 was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
NO WARNING LIGHTS PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED BY A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO COOLANT GETTING IN THE CYLINDER. THERE IS A TSB ABOUT THIS ISSUE. IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THIS CAR. NOW FORD IS OFFERING NO ASSISTANCE IN FIXING THE PROBLEM.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 1991 Subaru Loyale. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the automatic seat belt continuously opened and retracted independently, failing to secure the contact inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the automatic seat belt tightener system and observed an oil ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
The fuel injectors caused engine ecm to set codes for missfire and cylinder inbalance. as a result of the car disabled all adas systems such as lane keep lane departure ,forward colision alerts, parking brake,cruise control. 11 different warning messages scrolled across dash.Car was diagnosed at independant import specialist garage as needing fuel injectors. Car has 82,000 miles. Garage told me th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
Emergency braking system activated without anything in front of the vehicle. EBS lighting on the dash came on and vehicle made a weird sound to stop. Has happened several times in the past month, most recent was today.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the electric parking brake was stuck intermittently. The contact stated while shifting to drive(D) or reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that failure occurred after reversing several times. The message "Park" was displayed. The contact stated that upon jiggling the electric parking brake knob several times, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The tread is separating from the tire in chunks. Never seen this in a 21000 mile factory Michelin tire let alone any other tire before. It exposes the core of the tire which is a safety hazard. Called Michelin and they were only concerned about the warrantee, not the safety.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
First Responder bought a used 2021 Ford Ecosport. 2 months later car 'died' on the interstate. Towed to dealership. Cams bad, needs $7100.00 engine.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
I received the first recall notice about 7 months ago and have made the intent to set appointments with Kendall Toyota and West Kendall Toyota many times, but they stated that they don't have the fix available yet. They stated that they put me down in a waiting list and I will be called for an appointment according to the person on the phone the recall for my car is not a life-threatening recall. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
While driving vehicle slows down/loses power. Dash reads "see manual". Started happening a few days ago. Took to mechanic today and they stated this is a known issue from Ford transmissions, I should inquire about a recall as the parts are backordered three weeks and the costs is a substantial amount. Recall only covers 2014 not 2015, from what I am reading the same issue happening to my 2015.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 1, 2024
Incident date: Jun 29, 2024
The driver side rear door would not open from the inside or outside. Once the dealership opened the back door, the vehicle would no longer lock at all. There was nothing to indicate this would be a problem. Now my car will not lock at all and this is a safety hazard. Also, not being able to open a door from the inside or outside is a major safety issue and my vehicle is available for inspectio... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
There's two types of braking system. First one is the disk brakes which are open to the air so brake dust while be wiped away. The heat will also dissipate. The rain might wash away brake dust that will usually stick to the rims. The second one, drum brakes. This type is enclosed. Brake dust have nowhere to go beside the internal components, springs. The heat is not dissipated and often water ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
When driving and attempting to apply pressure to my brakes, there is no digital response for my wheels stopping/catching. My brakes are not giving a complete response when applying pressure. Also, the tire service monitoring system is not working properly. It only shows dashes. My tire information is as follows: Michelin Premier [XXX] TPCSPEC1467MS MAX LOAD 850 kg (1874 LBS) MAX PRESS300... Read more