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: Feb 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after turning the vehicle off and later attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The battery was then recharged. The failure occurred on several occasions before the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic. The local mechanic was unable to diagnose a failure or determine a cause for the failure. Additionally, aft... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact shifted into park(P); however, several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
ABS lit stayed lit and AWD error lit also on.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
Brakes failed when attempting to slow down, ABS kicked in on dry blacktop with no lights on dash before locking up and throwing the vehicle off of the road. Caused me to wreck into a tree head on at 50 mph. Seatbelt did not lock up and airbags did not deploy. Vehicle was totaled with heavy front end damage including a bent and snapped frame. Prior to incident had issues with low beam headlights no... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 manufa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
I do not know the "cause" other than what would be a manufacture defect. The seat straps at the hip location are fraying. The seat was purchased in 2023, my daughter doesn't even use it consecutively.
Incident date: May 8, 2024
Ongoing issues with rough idle. Threw a couple generic lean codes (p0171 and p0174) that did not stay. Stored code p061a:00-28. On my third dealer. Vehicle randomly shut off at stop sign with no codes thrown whatsoever. Tech believes the issue is the throttlebody. Ford Corp says it passes their tests and will not warranty the replacement. Ford Corp Basically said I have to wait till total p... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
While driving on highway at around 60,65 miles speed, I saw a warning that fronk is open. I dont think I pressed open fronk while driving and not sure even its possible while driving. Fronk wasnt open when I started the drive for sure else would have noticed the warning. Warning actually started after driving for 5,6 miles. I was on highway and took me some time to find a safe place to get on the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
I have been facing transmission issues that require the vehicle to shift up to move even at low speeds, with the transmission shifting either hard or smoothly, and often unnecessarily to a higher gear. This issue is rare but occurs frequently. I think this is a factory defect because I have been seeing lots of YouTube videos where they mention that the transition in these cars feels jerky, sluggis... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving or while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was sputtering while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the fai... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2022
We on the interstate cruising @ 75. Lost all drive power, flashed something about a lower gear while I was making my way to the shoulder. When I got down to about 10 mph, the parking brake activated. When we came to a stop, it went into park, but the "P" was flashing. I couldn't disengage the brake or put it into gear . I turned it off and back on and was able to shift into drive and release ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the backup camera image was displayed upside down, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that a software update was needed to correct the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 200,0... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
Side marker light defective message appears erroneously. Side marker light is intact and functional. Error message is a distraction and will fail to accurately notify of real issues with side marker light.
Incident date: May 8, 2024
Rack and pinion binds. This suddenly started around 70,000 miles. It makes a grinding noise that seems to be in the steering column. While driving it catches and takes effort to move steering wheel past the catch.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
My wife returned home and exited the car leaving her key inside the car. She went to open the backdoor to get our infant son out and the car had locked itself. She had to call me at work so that I could unlock the car with the app.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
* Smell gas and discover leaking down driver side of fuel tank after parking, so something on top. Maybe fuel pump or ?. It is available for inspection. *Fuel puddle under vehicle in parking lot. *Have not contacted dealer, just noticed and found lots of others with same issue online with the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. *I am the only one who has inspected to date. *No warning of any kinds, ex... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Had had the vehicle approximately four months (purchased at Irwin Dealership in Laconia, NH) when the vehicle would not start. It was rendered non-functional. It was “repaired” in February 2023. When picked up in Feb after Irwin dealership in Laconia, NH had had it for almost 3 wks, they told me it had carbon buildup. It had only been driven about 4,000 miles since it had been purchased on [X... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
2023 Buick Envision. Brakes failed. This was a new car driven 1k miles. There was no warning notification, no alert and no dashboard lights prior to this incident. Of course I had expected the normal brake resistance when I stepped on the pedal. Instead, my foot sunk closer to the floor. I pressed the pedal as hard as I could a few times until it slowed to a stop. I do not drive fast so this was... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
P0301 Error - Cylinder 1 Misfire. First the Check Engine light and Service Stabilitrack light turn on. Then seconds later, the car began to violently shake and sometimes the gas will not go resulting in the car being stuck in the middle of the road for about 60 seconds before moving again in stop-and-go traffic. These warning lights turn off and on. The dealer says this is the result of a plasti... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
While driving in a utility work area on 5/3/24, there was a worker placing cones to redirect traffic. Since he was very close to the travel lane, I proceeded very slowly While placing a cone, the worker got to within a few inches of the passenger side of my vehicle. This set off a warning in my car that something (or someone) was very close. After exiting the work area, I tried to accelerate, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The power steering went out while driving. I don’t know why. All I know is it’s not safe for that to happen. I guess that why the recall was about. This truck did not get the steering issue fixed.now it definitely should be taking care of since I’m unable to drive without it. I’ve had shops look at it and they found the recalls
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
On two separate occasions I was driving, and then suddenly my check engine light starts flashing, and the car stalls in the middle of the road. I turn it off and restart it and it seems fine. No engine light flashing or anything. I’m concerned because it happened with my kids in the car and we almost caused an accident. The first time it happened I was on the interstate but thankfully got off th... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Magnetic tone wheel. Driving on the interstate and the truck stalled and would not restart. Had to get it towed.
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Magnetic tone wheel. Driving on the interstate and the truck stalled and would not restart. Had to get it towed.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
Going down the highway coming home my hood popped up and blocked my visibility I swerved off the road causing my back tire to blow out. Now my hood will not open back up, since I closed it on the highway. I got my car to my house with the spare but am not sure what to do now. I looked and apparently my car has a recall for a faulty hood and was never taken in for inspection. I believe this was the... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 5, 2024
Both sliding door lock actuators buzzed and stopped functioning properly, causing them to need to be replaced. This has been difficult to have the doors close and get the kids in and out. Tpms failing, pressures correct on newer tires light keeps coming on.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Transmission not working properly. It said overheating and then stopped driving suddenly whil driving. Very unsafe. Also issue with parking break that just stopped working. This car seems to be a lemon. Not sure why this is happening.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I am the original owner of the vehicle which has just 66,000 original miles. I have smelled fuel and had a service engine soon light on for years. I have taken the vehicle into various shops and dealerships who failed to find a fuel tank leak that now turns out to have been from corrosion of the tank flange as early as 5 years after manufacturing. A check of various online owners forums sugges... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Three occurrences within a week, low oil pressure and check engine light illuminated on 2018 F-150. Twice at cruising speed (20-50 mph) and once when accelerating(60-70mph) to pass. When accelerating to pass, light(s) illuminated, and experience a temporary loss of power. Took vehicle for inspection and notified vehicle was 6 quarts low. Vehicle had last had oil change approx. 5,000 miles before i... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
the power steering failed and makes very hard to try to turn it is available for inspection. My safety and safety of others was put at risk because it so hard to turn steering wheel Yes it has be confirmed by the dealer it was inspected by ford dealer There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure they first appeared when the incident occurred
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Airbag warning light suddenly started flashing(on/off) constantly, regardless if anyone or any item is in passenger seat. After attempting to reset to no avail, taken to dealer for inspection. Dealer listed code b00a0-02(Occupant Sensor). Dealer stated only fix is to replace entire seat frame as the sensor is built into seat frame. Dealer stated failure to replace can cause airbag to activate inad... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Hello, I am the original owner for my 2018 Hyundai Sonata. I have now had numerous issues with this vehicle that has now left me stalled on the highway twice resulting in a near accident and the vehicle being towed twice to a dealership. I am now having issues with oil consumption with me needing to put in at least 1q per week to ensure the reading on the dipstick is above “L”. I have my vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
The CV Axle failed on the driver side around 26k miles. There are several other reports of this happening. They would only replace the one side under warrently. The other one is already going bad, but they won't replace yet. Just google "maverick cv alxe". You need tk recall all cv alxes on these trucks before something happens.
Incident date: May 4, 2024
I engaged the vehicle's automatic parking function when prompted by the car. The process initiated as expected, and the car began to back into an open spot. In the process of parking, the automated system steered into a curb, damaging the left front wheel in the process. As an aside, the list of "Problem Parts" above should include "autonomous driving system".
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Hello, I believe Ford has failed to issue a recall that is causing water damage to brand new vehicles which posses a health risk(mold) to consumers as well as shorten the life of the product sold. My vehicle started having a problem with a wet passenger floor and after a quick search its clearly a common problem as there are several web forums dedicated to the issue. I should not have to pay for... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
My Jeep only has 60,000 and I already have to replace the oil cooler on it. This causes the radiator fluid to leak and overheated my car. This could cause major damage to my engine and its components. This would also cause the oil to leak into my coolant reservoir. It’s a major defect by Jeep and needs modifications.
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Upon putting the vehicle into reverse, the backup camera takes an insurmountably long time to engage and when it does, the image it produces frequently flashes for several seconds before stabilizing, rendering it useless - particularly with pedestrians or vehicles behind the car. Recent OTA updates have exacerbated this problem, which poses a pretty severe safety risk in a car with such limited re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. 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 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... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and attempting to slow the vehicle, he became dizzy then suddenly fainted, and as a result, he briefly lost control of the vehicle and came to a complete stop after colliding with the curb. Just prior to fainting, the contact had smelled burning fumes in the interior of the vehicle, to which he attributed his fee... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that after stopping at a traffic signal, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle accelerated to approximately 15 MPH, and then the vehicle independently stopped. The contact had not depressed the brake pedal however, the “Brake” warning light illuminated during the failure. The contact stated that there was no vehicle or object... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering assist fault warning light illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel did not function as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently at first; however, the failure became persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an in... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Brand new set of tires. Less than 100 miles on them. During a left turn at roughly 15-25 mph the entire tire separated from the rim on the rear passenger wheel. The tire is in a secure location and can be inspected if needed. This led to an accident. There were no warning indicators such as low pressure indicators. The low pressure indicator came on after the tire came off the rim. The car went fr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
When driving and releasing the accelerator, the regen kicks in to slow the car and provide deceleration and regeneration. During this time, you can feel the brake pedal vibrate. When allowing regen to kick in and suddenly driving over a bump or uneven surface, the regen turns off, and thus, the car gets pushed forward suddenly as the part of deacceleration coming of the regen is not present. This ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
During Moderate Braking, while driving over a bump, the entire drivetrain and braking system with "let go", and it feels like a surge in the drivetrain. During this time braking is unresponsive until it re-engages the system. If attempting to replicate, and viewing the driver's information console, sometimes you can see the "transmission" switch between Drive and Neutral and back to drive again.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at approximately 20 MPH, the gear shifter inadvertently shifted into park(P). The shift system fault warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and the contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the shifter cable was detached from the shifter cable bushing. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the ABS, TPMS, trailer brake control unit, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the part to repair the vehicle was on backorder. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V581000 (Steering); 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 driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes independently activated as if there... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Prius C. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and turning from the left lane, the steering wheel popped out. The vehicle was able to reverse however, tires were pushed inward. The vehicle was pushed out of the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The hazard light was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the instrument cluster became inoperable, and the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The vehicle was able to restart after 20-seconds on all occasions. The traction control, stabili-trak, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an indepe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
Dashboard is literally disintegrating into many small pieces. The area over the passenger airbag will come at the passenger as plastic shrapnel. It will also probably affect the force the bag has when inflated. This issue is from using substandard materials.