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: Dec 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached and made a loud popping sound. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim was extremely loose. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the contact was unsure of the diagnostic results. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
IN THE MIDST OF DRIVING THE RED ELECTRIC LIGHTNING BOLT SIGNAL STARTED FLASHING, SECONDS LATER THE NON-SLIPPERY SIGNAL CAME ON AND THEN THE CAR STARTED SHAKING/RATTLING. THE GAS PEDAL BECAME HARD TO PRESS AND MY CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET, FORCING ME TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND TURNING THE CAR OFF.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
IN THE MIDST OF DRIVING THE RED ELECTRIC LIGHTNING BOLT SIGNAL STARTED FLASHING, SECONDS LATER THE NON-SLIPPERY SIGNAL CAME ON AND THEN THE CAR STARTED SHAKING/RATTLING. THE GAS PEDAL BECAME HARD TO PRESS AND MY CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET, FORCING ME TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WITH MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND TURNING THE CAR OFF.
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2022) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 1, 2024
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost braking power. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had shattered. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact reached out to a GMC engineer, who i... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train); 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 pa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
My 2018 Ford Escape started running super rough one morning as I was heading into work. There were no lights and the system check said all systems running normal. However when I checked all the fluids and looked at everything it all looked fine. When I restarted the car I could see the engine shaking. As I was headed down the street to have a mechanic look at it the check engine light started flas... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
In January 2024, while driving the Ford Fusion, I lost power (when I pressed the gas, it would accelerate). I pulled over the best I could (on a 2 lane road, no shoulder, at night). I found that my vehicle had no coolant; it had an oil change within the last 2 months and all fluids were topped off. It was towed to my mechanic and I had to call family for a ride. It was found that the coolant had l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Since purchasing the car brand new, the wipers have stopped working mid snowstorm, one time in March and another in April here in Colorado. I have had to take the vehicle in 2x to the dealership and waste hours of my time.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Coolant bypass valve failure. Dealer (Atkins Kroll, Toyota Guam) is conveniently charging me over $600 for repair for a common issue for vehicles of this generation.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
While driving, the power steering control locked up making the vehicle difficult to steer. Immediately after, all warning lights turned on including the check engine light, ABS, and others.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
In October 2024, my truck's frame exhibited significant rust, a defect that aligns precisely with a previous recall on this model. The rust has spread to critical parts, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. This directly threatens the safety of my son, who relies on this truck for transportation. The rust compromises the frame's integrity, risking structural failure and potential loss of vehicle co... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 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 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 experien... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Received a 'Service 4WD' message this week. Shortly after, the car would not accelerate in coordination with the accelerator. ODB-II code shows that the PTU unit needs to be replaced. I am unsure as to why the vehicle date of manufacture limits my vehicle from participating in recall 23V302. Please expand or add a new recall to cover all affected vehicles?
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
2018 Ram 2500 ABS control module and hydraulic control unit is defective. The vehicle’s information system illuminates service antilock brake system and service electrical braking system repeatedly during normal driving conditions.This is a known issue that Ram/Mopar has yet put out a recall on this defective part. I have contacted a local dealership and was told many times the part is on back o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Coolant bypass valve is faulty, coolant leaks into sensor. Coolant regulation is important for maintaining proper engine temperature and failure with this system can lead to larger engine issues, possibly leading to catastrophic engine failure. Problem verified by independent mechanic and dealer. Issue was inspected by dealer. The message “Engine Maintenance Required // Visit Your Dealer” disp... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the failure occurred. The contact stated that there was a delay while attempting to start the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
the chrome is peeling from the interior driver door handle, leaving a piece of metal. This flaking/peeling metal cuts your hand when using the inside driver door handle to exit the vehicle. Ford told me it is not covered under the current recall of window switch chrome peeling (and can cut you).
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Both driver and front passenger headrest airbags have deployed for no cause. This is is the second time this has occurred on both sides. No collision occurred in both incidents. First time it occurred under warranty and Mercedes fixed the issue. This time it occurred again and the car is not in warranty. Without functional headrest airbags the safety is greatly compromised for the occupants of ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
Driving on the freeway this morning at 72% charge, approximately 5 miles into my 41 mile commute, message appeared on dash that battery charge was critically low, charge immediately. When this appeared the car was no longer showing the 72% charge, but 0% instead. The initial error was then replaced with "Warning Service EV System Power Reduced" and still showing 0% charge. Under reduced power ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
The APIM failed when the vehicle had less than 25,000 miles on it. It was paid for by an extended vehicle warranty, instead of being paid by Ford for bad equipment. It is now back in the shop and they want to charge almost $400 to provide a software update to the equipment that was just replaced. I had the same issue on a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. APIM had to be replaced, my extended warranty was use... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
My steering wheel is very sticky. Doesn't happen until I've been driving at highway speeds for at least 15 minutes. It's also worse when it's warmer. My steering wheel is so sticky to the left to the point where I don't feel safe and feel like I could fly off the curves if don't drive under the speed limit (ie feel need to drive 60mph around bends on a 70mph highway).
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
My steering wheel is very sticky. Doesn't happen until I've been driving at highway speeds for at least 15 minutes. It's also worse when it's warmer. My steering wheel is so sticky to the left to the point where I don't feel safe and feel like I could fly off the curves if don't drive under the speed limit (ie feel need to drive 60mph around bends on a 70mph highway).
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
Door makes a loud clanging noise when open and does not stay open
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
Car abruptly switched gear and slowed down while driving. Stepped on the gas but the car did not move while the rpm was spiking
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
On Thursday, [XXX], I called Mercedes Benz of Naperville at 7:23 AM, 12:34 PM and missed the call 3:03 PM. I reported Sandy in service on Thursday morning. That I smelt a burning plastic smell on Wednesday afternoon at 2:30PM. While picking up my grandchildren from their schools. I came home and parked my car. Later on, Wednesday night My Daughter drove my car and then told me. My car smelt o... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
Air bag style seat belt has broken twice and won’t allow seat belt to latch after it breaks. Broke while seat belt was in use and driving down the highway. When replacing the buckle I found that the frame piece on the seat was broke and moved when trying to tighten the buckle. The buckle has been unavailable online through multiple vendors and finally found one in stock.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The screen goes out when it’s warm outside (80 degrees or more), which means I can’t use the backup camera at all or easily see a map if I’m traveling. This is an ongoing issue.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
On January 25, 2024 my son was driving this truck and hit a dog on the highway. His driver side airbag deployed, the driver side seatbelt would not retract, and there was some minor body damage. The engine of the vehicle is fine and completely operational. Since then, we have been waiting for repairs to be made. Per USAA, repairs will be approx $5000 or less. The vehicle is worth over $12,000 so ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Almost all advanced safety features have stopped working including the ones selected and still others more such as lane keep assist, parking collision warning etc.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
I was driving my vehicle, with my 9-year-old son in the back, when it seemed to completely lose power and shut down (while I was driving!). The power steering, brakes, and gas all gave out. I was able to steer myself toward the side of the road where I waited for a tow. The vehicle would not start, nor would it shift into neutral, which led to towing challenges. This is a 2024 vehicle that I've... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The deemed to be totaled/flooded from driving through a rainstorm on 03/09/2024. Luckily the car did not shut off until about 3 hours later of being parked where the rain completely turned off the car. The car was taken to a dealership service center but deemed unable to fix due to the liquid reaching the electrical wires. Tesla insurance has been notified of this incident and as of 2 months later... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
my car has been grinding ever since I purchased the car. The vehicle only had 17,000 miles when I bought it. I took it to Honda of Hollywood and let them know that my car was grinding and they said that I needed to change my brakes. I changed my brakes and went back to the dealership and they said I needed to sand the rotors. I went to get my rotors repaired and my car was still grinding. I went b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
my car has been grinding ever since I purchased the car. The vehicle only had 17,000 miles when I bought it. I took it to Honda of Hollywood and let them know that my car was grinding and they said that I needed to change my brakes. I changed my brakes and went back to the dealership and they said I needed to sand the rotors. I went to get my rotors repaired and my car was still grinding. I went b... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating. Additionally, there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but no failure was found. The contact retrieved the vehicle, but the failure persiste... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating. Additionally, there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but no failure was found. The contact retrieved the vehicle, but the failure persiste... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, he detected smoke from the vehicle, which caught fire in the rear electrical compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment or police report filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repair... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
I have a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The current owners manual shows how to open the rear doors in the event of loss of power using an emergency latch at the bottom of the door pocket. Our car doesn’t have that latch in the rear doors (though the front doors each have one). This concerns us and we feel it is unsafe for the back seat passengers.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
My paint is delaminating all over my vehicle and is flying off in large sheets. My car now has metal exposed which is susceptible to rust which poses a risk to the structure of my vehicle and the potential of my windshield flying off as a result. This first started occurring less than 2 years after purchasing my vehicle in 2019. KIA fails to recognize this manufacturer defect and it continues to d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
265/75R16 9100 miles driven mostly on pavement with loads well within the vehicle capacity and never off road. Tires were rotated several months prior, about 100 miles ago and damage was not noted. Bubble appeared on sidewall which was noticed while parked; Tire shop dismounted the tire to inspect for possible causes and found nothing to explain damage (run flat, left deflated, road hazard damag... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
265/75R16 9100 miles driven mostly on pavement with loads well within the vehicle capacity and never off road. Tires were rotated several months prior, about 100 miles ago and damage was not noted. Bubble appeared on sidewall which was noticed while parked; Tire shop dismounted the tire to inspect for possible causes and found nothing to explain damage (run flat, left deflated, road hazard damag... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2024
While driving the vehicle came to an abrupt stop in the middle of traffic. The vehicle had to be changed to a tow mode as it was stuck in park. The vehicle had not been driven more than 3days at this point. The vehicle was towed to a nearby dealer who found no issue and gave the vehicle back with errors still in the dash. The vehicle was then brought to a second dealer who found no issues after 5d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
I have a re call on my 2014 kia soul my check engine light is on the reason is I'm having issues with my catalytic converter I been asking for this repair to be done for over a month now kia has been giving me the round around
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
The drivers door has a loud popping cracking like the door is going to break. It won’t shut properly. This is the 2020 escape.
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
When driving, the steering wheel feels like it is catching on something. It will hit a sticky point of resistance then it will break loose. Most noticeable while highway driving. It is constant and does not go away. 04
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
I am losing engine oil all the time to the point the car engine shut off My engine start losing oil after 2000 miles 1000 miles before oil change [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
Vehicle started stalling repeatedly for brief moments, cruise control began to "stick" on. Vehicle does not "die" in these instances but all electrical components shut down for a very brief moment then come back on. This happens frequently and for no apparent reason associated with road/driving conditions. Cruise control also wouldn't turn off when problems started. Haven't tried to use cruise con... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
Vehicle started stalling repeatedly for brief moments, cruise control began to "stick" on. Vehicle does not "die" in these instances but all electrical components shut down for a very brief moment then come back on. This happens frequently and for no apparent reason associated with road/driving conditions. Cruise control also wouldn't turn off when problems started. Haven't tried to use cruise con... Read more