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: Mar 4, 2024
Two items: 1. Infotainment review camera does not show in a timely fashion. There is an open recall for this but my vehicle is not listed in the campaign. It is unclear why not. The firmware is from march of 2021 for a feb 2022 q3 build. I wish they would fix this. 2. ADAS park assist chimes do NOT always chime when other audi sources are playing. In particular, with Android Auto attached a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
Two items: 1. Infotainment review camera does not show in a timely fashion. There is an open recall for this but my vehicle is not listed in the campaign. It is unclear why not. The firmware is from march of 2021 for a feb 2022 q3 build. I wish they would fix this. 2. ADAS park assist chimes do NOT always chime when other audi sources are playing. In particular, with Android Auto attached a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
Last year my car started knocking and there was a smoldering smell. I expected Kia to consider the function of the rod knock sensor which caused P1326code. I advised capitol kia of both knocking noises and a significant burning smell. Per an extended warranty, if the rod bearings go bad, then the engine should be replaced. Capitol Kia avoided the latter and was not fully compliant with maintaining... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
Shortly after 60k warranty expired, check engine light came on. We went to dealer right away and were told the torque converter needed to be replaced to prevent permanent damage. The repair was quoted at over $2000.00. We left the car with service and contacted Honda corporate. They paid half, but still left us with bill over $1000.00. I have heard of this issue with other 2018 Pilots. We had... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Car has 5000 miles on it. Numerous issues with car. Unsafe steering. Dealer not able to repair steering until Mazda provides parts for recall. Now on the highway with a medium depressed foot pedal the car speeds up on its own. Happened 2 times so far. Brakes had to be applied to slow car down. It was very brief because I immediately stepped on the brake, but it was definitely an uncommanded accele... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
I like kids however I purchased a Kia used in 2021, I started to notice that all consumption was going out fast before oil changes was due. I still have this ongoing problem but they say there's no recall on these GDI motors however other people I see informs or experiencing the same issues. I now have to try to get an appointment with Kia for an oil change before it's time for the oil change and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
I like kids however I purchased a Kia used in 2021, I started to notice that all consumption was going out fast before oil changes was due. I still have this ongoing problem but they say there's no recall on these GDI motors however other people I see informs or experiencing the same issues. I now have to try to get an appointment with Kia for an oil change before it's time for the oil change and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2024
The Airbag lights were lit, the person sitting with seatbelt on (flashing) and the person sitting with an inflated airbag in front of them. I ran an OBD2 scan on SRS and got code B1656. Driver seat belt buckle Left Hand. I Investigated the latch and found one wire was snapped off and a couple of inches shorter that the wire that was still connected. I have included 2 pictures of the back end of t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
My SUV started stalling a few days ago, but it was only for a short time. Now, it's getting worse, and the engine warning light has turned on. When I try to accelerate by putting gas, it's very slow. I'm worried it could cause an accident. Even when I try to turn, it moves very slowly, which could lead to an accident, and I have two kids. I just bought this SUV last month, and it only has 12,700 m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
My SUV started stalling a few days ago, but it was only for a short time. Now, it's getting worse, and the engine warning light has turned on. When I try to accelerate by putting gas, it's very slow. I'm worried it could cause an accident. Even when I try to turn, it moves very slowly, which could lead to an accident, and I have two kids. I just bought this SUV last month, and it only has 12,700 m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The door check arm welds on my passenger door have failed and my drivers side door is starting to fail. This is rendering my vehicle front doors unusable. In the event of an accident, being able to open the doors properly seems like it is a HUGE safety issue.
Incident date: May 5, 2023
The back trunk seal fails at the rear of the vehicle allowing water to spill into the trunk and deep trunk and cause flooding. I have had it repaired multiple times and the technician says that is a known issue but all they do is add more seal. This is known on model 3s before the most recent refresh. Also known as the Highland. This is cause deep trunk flooding and mold to grow on the Fabrics. Th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the windshield wipers were in the on position, the wipers went off the vehicle and had to be pushed back into place. There was an unknown yellow warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while making a turn, the driver's and passenger's front wheels detached on two occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mecha... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328XI. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. Additionally, while driving on several occasions at slow speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,200.
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
Randomly the ac line will freeze over and no air flow will come out of the vents although the fans can be heard working. Issues is not a simple thing to be duplicated and have brought it to 3 ford locations and still having the issue. They won’t attempt to repair anything else that could be the issue like the compressor because of fear of ford giving a bad review to the shop and mechanic. Just t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
Body paint defect causing large sections of paint chipping off. This is a common enough issue amongst the owners community and Kia fails to acknowledge the latent defect and take action.
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH with the cruise control engaged, the transmission was slipping. The RPM revved up. While at a stop, upon acceleration, the vehicle shuddered, and the transmission slipped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
Engine light on dashboard turned on in beginning of Feb 2024 … bought vehicle to dealer for assessment … was told right side catalytic converter has malfunctioned and will need to be replaced … vehicle has about 66,000 miles and it was a 2016 vehicle … apparently warrantly had expired in Nov 2023 … this does not seem right. Also, there are no right side catalystic converter available na... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
My wife was driving down the freeway to work during morning commute when her 2017 Santa Fe just lost power, was only able to go maybe 20mph which during an early morning Bay Area commute is very dangerous... No engine light or any warning lights, this lasted for a couple miles until the next exit she pulled off still no warning indicators showing, she turned off the car for a few minutes, then tur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
If the manual transmission is stalled, after restarting the engine, it has a lack of power. The vehicle feels like it is in limp mode and won't go past 25 or 30 mph. I was nearly rear ended by a couple of different vehicles, or nearly hit when pulling out into an intersection with reduced power to the engine. This has happened 3 times. Nissan dealer could not duplicate.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Freeze plug randomly popped out while driving causing vehicle to stall in the middle of traffic almost causing a major accident and or death. Research indicates there has been numerous complaints by Mini Cooper owners experiencing the same issue of a premature unexplained failure with no action taken from Mini to mitigate this safety issue. I’m lucky to be alive.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
Dear National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction and concern regarding the Goodyear Assurance Weather Ready tires, size 235/45R18, installed on my 2019 Kia Optima SX. These tires have proven to be defective, failing to meet the standards of safety and durability promised by Goodyear. I would like Goodyear to refund for the defective tir... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
Paint bubbled, flaked off on the hood. There’s evidence that another patch is ready to come off. Hyundai has dealt with this issue before.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
Paint bubbled, flaked off on the hood. There’s evidence that another patch is ready to come off. Hyundai has dealt with this issue before.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
My car started with the Ck engine light coming on, then white smoke from the exhaust randomly, then my temperature gauge randomly going up then back down, my car then losing coolant but not leaking any coolant under my car when parked. Then it started acting like it was gonna stall while at a stop or in park. I thought at first I got bad gas somewhere. These are all things I’ve never experienced... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 740LI. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift into park (P) and inadvertently shifted into neutral (N). The contact applied the parking brake while the transmission was shifted to neutral (N) to turn off the vehicle. The Transmission Malfunction message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The front passenger door started to "not unlock" when using the keys or door buttons to unlock it, you would have to manually unlock the passenger door by reaching across from the driver's side of the car. For about a week, that was happening, then that same door started to "not lock" using the key fob, handle or door buttons, so both locking and unlocking could only be done manually. Then the m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The front passenger door started to "not unlock" when using the keys or door buttons to unlock it, you would have to manually unlock the passenger door by reaching across from the driver's side of the car. For about a week, that was happening, then that same door started to "not lock" using the key fob, handle or door buttons, so both locking and unlocking could only be done manually. Then the m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
Copy from another complaint, as I am having the same issue. Issue where multiple dashboard indicator lights coming on. Tire Pressure, ABS, Power Steering, and Traction Control lights specifically all on at the same time. Car typically drives fine but will intermittently not want to accelerate
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
Copy from another complaint, as I am having the same issue. Issue where multiple dashboard indicator lights coming on. Tire Pressure, ABS, Power Steering, and Traction Control lights specifically all on at the same time. Car typically drives fine but will intermittently not want to accelerate
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
The driver door starting making a loud popping sound. I found out the check arm/hinge broke. Now the door has 3 holes in it, the window will not roll up or down, and the popping sound is still present.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Silverado GMT-400. The contact stated that the high blower relay circuit wiring connector melted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer refused to diagnose the failure without a diagnostic test fee being paid. The vehicle was taken to two dealers and the contact was informed that the diagnostic test fee needed to be paid. The vehicle was not diagnosed... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2022
Engine was burning more oil between oil changes. Auto shop diagnosed engine as blown engine after scoping each valve. 126,000 miles
Incident date: May 25, 2022
Shift to park malfunction. When I put car in park, “shift to park” lights up and beeps. I have to wiggle the gear shift up a bit to get it to go off. Takes several minutes at times. This started about 4 days ago. I have an appointment at the dealership tomorrow. 68,300 miles on my vehicle. When I researched, several others complained about the Acadia’s shift to park malfunction.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
The front right suspension makes weird noises when going over bumps and when turning. The noises can be described as if there is something loose moving in the front suspension. It is very noticeable when you turn and go over a bump. You can also hear it when going over road imperfections. The vehicle vibrates at certain speeds. This might be caused by this suspension issue.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
The front right suspension makes weird noises when going over bumps and when turning. The noises can be described as if there is something loose moving in the front suspension. It is very noticeable when you turn and go over a bump. You can also hear it when going over road imperfections. The vehicle vibrates at certain speeds. This might be caused by this suspension issue.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
The auto leveling lights drift during driving. On staff up, the headlights will point up and down, then self level. However, for the past week, the right headlight drifts down towards the road and the left headlight will drift upwards after about 20-30 minutes of driving. The downward drifting headlight only illuminates about 1 car length ahead while the upward drifting headlight will point toward... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
While I was driving back from work on January 31, 2023 the rear windshield of my car exploded for no apparent reason. The noise was so loud that flinched. If there was a car was in front of me I would have caused an accident. The windshield shattered and if I had children or anyone in the back seat they would have pieces of glasses on the back of their heads. I was thankful that I did not have ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
04/20/23 error code P0018 (Engine Warning Light) popped up. 06/07/23 error code P0018 (Engine Warning Light) popped up. Took for repair. 01/09/24 error code P0018 (engine Warning Light) popped up again. Took for repair. Took 52 days to repair. 02/26/24 error code P0018 (Engine Warning Light) popped up again. Took for repair. While traveling and then braking to stop, engine "shuddered" very ha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking, and the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact heard an abnormal rattling sound, and the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was advised to flush the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Last night, an incident occurred, which was previously reported to NHTSA. This morning, while driving to the dealership to address that incident, the vehicle's engine turned off while driving in hybrid/gas mode. The "D" was blinking on both the shifter and on the driver information panel. I was able to turn the shifter knob to put the vehicle into neutral, reverse, and park, but there was no chang... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
My car made grinding sounds when turning the steering wheel. My mechanic found a leak on Power Steering Pump & replaced it. My car has only 48,800 miles & there's a recall for Ford Trucks with the same problem.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2012) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 28, 2024
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Complete system failure while driving. Lost control of vehicle, no breaks. Had it brought to dealership. Lifter failure and bent rod, top engine failure which caused everything to malfunction. Vehicle has 88K miles on it. This is a defect. We had taken it in for the ticking problem in the past and they did nothing for us. Everything is documented. We are afraid that bottom half of engine was comp... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2024
Since owning vehicle with around 60k, 2 serpentine belts have been replaced, high pressure hose replaced, water pump is now failing. Looking online, this vehicle has been plagued with issues and no recalls? A failing water pump from 2011 models on? Not sure how a car can have over $10k in problems and no recalls.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
Our Explorer, experienced this in June of 2022. My daughter had just graduated college and we were moving some of her stuff back home 350 miles away. The Driver side area where the codes are put into to unlock the door if locked out, fell off and was hanging while we were driving on the freeway. We had to exit the freeway and my husband had to buy duck tape to tape it up. Our hatchback would not w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
Steering on car felt sticky or as if power steering was not working. It seems to be an intermittent problem occurring mostly at highway speeds of approximately 60 mph. It seems to be a safety issue because steering feels unresponsive to feel of steering wheel. Dealer says that I will have to bring it in where they can diagnose to confirm. If problem continues I will take it in to be checked. V... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the contact attempted to schedule an appointment; however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair due to excessive mileage on the vehicle. The contact stated that the dealer was responsible for completing the recall but failed to perform the recall repair.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
Premature Subframe Corrosion: first noticed a knocking noise coming from under rear driver side area when going over bumps with our 2011 Murano. Then the knocking noise (metal on metal sound) got worse and then the back of our vehicle would sway uncontrollably side to side when pressing a little hard on the brakes. Brought the vehicle to the Nissan dealer and was told that the subframe had exces... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
There was a pump in the heart of the transmission. The dealer said told me that was leaking fluid. Apparently this was a faulty hose within the transmission which leaked fluid in the transmission. Therefore, my transmission died. This was a severe I could have been a very dangerous situation if my kids had been in the car. I’ve had to pay almost $8000 for the transmission to be fixed and yeah I ... Read more