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 3, 2026
At approximately 148,000 miles the steering would have an intermittent notchy, or sticky, feeling while driving straight. While driving straight at cruising speed, I noticed that the resistance on the left side of the steering wheel was greater than the right side, then the resistance would decrease suddenly (release), and the steering wheel would rotate slightly to the right, but less than 1 de... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Thermostat is having problems. Fan runs over use and Thermostat will not open
Incident date: Mar 3, 2026
Vehicle: 2019 Acura RDX (Technology Package) I am reporting a serious safety issue involving sudden loss of engine power while driving. On March 14, 2026, I filled my gas tank before traveling approximately 1.5 hours out of town. The vehicle operated normally that day. The following morning, during snowy and icy conditions, while accelerating in traffic, the vehicle suddenly lost power and stall... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Purchased the vehicle used Oct 5, 2021 with 27285 miles on it. Last year engine light came on and the problem was coolant getting into the engine block. Was told there was no recall. Dealer I purchased it from replaced the bad engine. it cost me $7100.00, which they said was their cost to replace with no extra fees. Vehicle had 33,000 miles when this happened.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
On 03/29/2026 at approximately 11:00 AM, I was driving my 2024 Polestar 2 southbound on [XXX] near [XXX] in the center lane at approximately 80 mph in heavy traffic. Without any prior warning — no vibration, no TPMS alert, no unusual noise, no warning lamps or messages of any kind — the left rear tire suffered a catastrophic tread/belt separation. The tire is a Continental original equipmen... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Car is a Gas Hybrid (not plugin). 3 occurrences over the last couple of months. Car emits a warning sound and a message on the dash says "Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely". Basically right after this message the car starts losing power and stops. Doesn't matter if on freeway or not. You need to find a place to pull over or you stop traffic wherever you are. Looks like Hybrid Battery is comp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Car is a Gas Hybrid (not plugin). 3 occurrences over the last couple of months. Car emits a warning sound and a message on the dash says "Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely". Basically right after this message the car starts losing power and stops. Doesn't matter if on freeway or not. You need to find a place to pull over or you stop traffic wherever you are. Looks like Hybrid Battery is comp... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
Car is a Gas Hybrid (not plugin). 3 occurrences over the last couple of months. Car emits a warning sound and a message on the dash says "Check Hybrid System. Stop Safely". Basically right after this message the car starts losing power and stops. Doesn't matter if on freeway or not. You need to find a place to pull over or you stop traffic wherever you are. Looks like Hybrid Battery is comp... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2018) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Mar 31, 2026
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
Polestar 2 software version 4.2.13. While reversing out of a parking spot the rear camera briefly turned on, but after a second, the infotainment system crashed, with the screen shutting off. The infotainment system automatically rebooted after ~1min of driving. This system crash also temporarily disabled rear cross traffic alert and the parking sensors. Backup cameras are a federally mandated sa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
I am the original owner of a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport with approximately 16,240 miles. The vehicle is completely unmodified. I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the steering and suspension system. When driving at highway speeds (50 mph and above), the vehicle experiences a violent front‑end oscillation whenever it encounters a bump, uneven pavement, or bridge expansion joints. The s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
My 2022 Tiguan burns excessive oil between oil changes and the check oil light comes on. I have to top it off between oil changes. I purchased in Nov 2023 and the light came on in less than 6 months. It has been brought to dealerships attention on mulitple ocassions however they are unable to find a problem or a solution. They have replaced my leak detection pump and a cover without results. I hav... Read more
Incident date: Mar 26, 2026
The vehicle experiences intermittent power steering malfunction while driving. Warning messages including “Power Steering Malfunction” and “Low Voltage Abnormality” appear, and the steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn. This has occurred multiple times during normal driving conditions, including at low speeds and while turning. When the issue occurs, it requires increased eff... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
The vehicle experiences intermittent power steering malfunction while driving. Warning messages including “Power Steering Malfunction” and “Low Voltage Abnormality” appear, and the steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn. This has occurred multiple times during normal driving conditions, including at low speeds and while turning. When the issue occurs, it requires increased eff... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Months ago I took my car to the dealer for the engine failure recall and they said there were no issues and changed the oil to a higher viscosity oil. Today I was driving and my engine failed while turning onto a busy road and took multiple tries to get started. It finally started and the engine light was flashing. The dealer told me th flashing engine light was bad and to not drive at all. I pull... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Bought the vehicle brand new on March 13, 2026, and the battery light came on in less than 200 miles driven. The vehicle is currently in Ford's possession.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Mar 31, 2026
Incident date: Mar 5, 2026
The failure involves the trailer brake wiring system. The brake wiring harness near the rear bathroom plumbing exit is improperly routed and installed in direct proximity to moving suspension components. This has resulted in repeated abrasion and damage to the brake wiring, causing intermittent and reduced braking capability. The affected components are available for inspection upon request. This... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
On December 3, 2025, Volkswagen of XXX performed an intake manifold recall repair on our 2017 Tiguan (VIN: [XXX] ) while the vehicle was under factory warranty. Approximately six weeks later the low coolant warning light appeared and the vehicle began actively leaking coolant. No other work had been performed between the recall and the onset of the leak. Our independent mechanic discovered physica... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
My daughter was sitting down on the middle row and the button to fold the chair down was accidentally pressed. When she screamed bc she was getting smushed I jumped out of the vehicle and pushed the button to stop the chair from folding. Thankfully she was able to lay down sideways or I am sure the outcome would of been worse. She is so traumatized and does not want to even sit in the vehicle any ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
This vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V-655 involving the high-voltage traction battery. The recall restricts the vehicle from using DC fast charging (Level 3), which significantly limits the safe and practical operation of the vehicle for its intended use. My household must routinely complete 300+ mile one-way trips on a weekly basis. Without DC fast charging capability, the vehicle cannot r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the motor mounts were old and fractured. The independent mechanic suggested that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the motor mounts were fractured and that the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
I am a loyal Lexus owner since 1998 and have always recommended Lexus vehicles to my family and friends. In over 25 years of ownership, I have never experienced an issue like this. While driving under normal road conditions, my new 2024 RX 350’s AC condenser was punctured by small road debris, causing a refrigerant leak and loss of air conditioning. The condenser is located directly behind the f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
I am a loyal Lexus owner since 1998 and have always recommended Lexus vehicles to my family and friends. In over 25 years of ownership, I have never experienced an issue like this. While driving under normal road conditions, my new 2024 RX 350’s AC condenser was punctured by small road debris, causing a refrigerant leak and loss of air conditioning. The condenser is located directly behind the f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
A known Ford defect on the 2017 3.5 ecoboost engine is when the manifolds, improperly designed and installed, warp and snap off the manifold bolts holding the manifold to the engine. The result is a great deal of extremely hot exhaust fumes being emitted in the engine compartment rather than out the end of the exhaust pipe. There were NO messages, lamps or other indicators of the manifold failur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an active recall and the power... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
During on driving, engine stopped 3 or 4times since Jan/2025 Last time engine stopped yesterday around 6:30pm on 3/30/2026 at [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX] in Los Angeles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
Referring to my 2008 Honda Pilot, as I was pulling into my driveway I heard a very loud bang in the rear area of my vehicle. When I looked underneath the vehicle I could see the rear subframe had rusted through and detached. This is my main vehicle that I use on a daily basis to provide rides to family members. 3 weeks before this happened I had 7 people in this car that I drove approximately 3... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
After the car is warmed up after driving for a few minutes, I stop at a red light and the car's RPMS dip from 700 rpm idle to 500ish rpm, when it starts shaking. Then the RPM would go back up to 700 rpm. This only ever happens when in Drive and foot is on the brake. If I shift to neutral or park it goes away and idles normally at 700 or higher RPM. A/C on or off has no effect on this. Oddly enou... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
My shifter doesn't recognize that its in park and won't let me remove my keys. It gets stuck on ACC and I can't turn my key/ignition to the off position. And for the 3rd time it's like popped outta gear. I bought it used. This started 2 months ago but for the 10 days its continually gotten worse. 8 outta 10 times I go to put it in park and I can't get key out. I haven't had it inspected or look... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
I am still waiting on them to complete the recall for a safety issue related to the HBU. The recall number is 24V-896 and has been open for 18 months with no effort to replace the unit.
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
Coolant leaking from the upper radiator inlet hose connection
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The dealer informed the contact that the battery charge was extremely low. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
I have had my rotors turned 3 times and replaced once in the span of 2 years. They are warped each time, causing pulsing in the front end when braking. My brake pads have never needed to be replaced. I was told by the mechanic that taking a road trip puts a lot of strain on the rotors and overheats them. I am finding this is a common issue for many other owners of this vehicle. Mine has 27k miles ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding a **2017 Kia Sorento SXL** equipped with a **3.3L Lambda V6 engine**, which experienced **sudden and catastrophic engine failure** at approximately **137,000 miles**. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited **progressively worsening engine knocking and vibration**, indicating internal engine damage. Despite these warning signs, the failure occurred **a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
At 31,000 mile my horn is no longer working along with my steering wheel controls on the left side of the wheel. Upon researching online it seems these truck have a common issue with clock spring fail. This is concerning because not only does the clock spring provide power to the horn and steering wheel controls, it could also effect the airbag function.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2026
My son’s car drifted to the right past the white line and he ended up hitting a hydrant and continued at least 100 ft before stopping. Our dash cam showed a slow smooth drift to the right without any lane assist being activated to pull the car back. All safety features were activated and turned on the day we bought the car for him. It was the main reason we chose this model. He is very lucky to ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 11, 2022
On two separate occasions, my 2023 Nissan Rogue has experienced major loss of power while driving 80 mph. The first time, all of the dash lights were blinking and there was an awful noise coming from the engine. I could not drive over 10 mph. The vehicle had to be towed 200 miles to the nearest Nissan dealer in Billings, MT. They cleared the codes, test drove it and said everything was fine. The s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2022
While driving the 2024 Mazda CX-90 and making turns the steering wheel become difficult to straighten/reduce deflection from the turned position. This has caused the vehicle to depart from our lane in traffic on the freeway multiple times. This has caused safety risk for ourselves with traffic barriers as well as with vehicles in other lanes. It is possible to over power the “sticking point” h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
Doors open while driving , happened 4 times in the last month . Back right door and drivers door 2 occasions on both doors . On line it says all Lincoln Continentals from 2017 2018 and 2019 were recalled and there telling me mine is not on the recall . This is a very dangerous situation this is my wives car and she does not like driving it anymore .
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension); 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 for the recall repair were on back order. The contact called other dealers nearby and was provided the same information. The contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
I am reporting a safety concern involving a 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. The vehicle was previously involved in accidents prior to my purchase and had known mechanical issues, including a gear shifting problem that was not properly repaired. In February 2024, while the vehicle was insured under Ocean Harbor Casualty Insurance Company, it sustained a significant front-end collision impacting the driver ... Read more
Crash
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) - ENGINE
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. Moments later, the vehicle stalled after driving a very short distance. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence to perform an oil change and found metal shavings inside the oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) - ENGINE
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
The car engine stalled on highway and was not able to stall. Mechanic shop checked the car, and told me that the problem is a seized engine.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2022) - ENGINE
Mar 30, 2026
Incident date: Jan 28, 2026
While driving on the highway on 02/20/2026 at approximately 152,000 miles, my 2019 Ford F-150 3.0L Power Stroke diesel caught fire and was completely destroyed. The day before the fire (02/19/2026), the FordPass app logged an electrical system error that self-cleared the same day. Believing the issue resolved itself, I continued normal operation. The following day the vehicle caught fire on the hi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The contact stated that upon pulling into the driveway, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the front driver's side of the vehicle, where the battery was located. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH to her father's residence on a slight decline, approximately 30 minutes later, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power, became ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Transmission is now not shifting out of park and this is after having issues with the engine allowing coolant to get in and causing damage with the cylinders. Would not pass the pressure test. When calling ford customer service and headquarters telling me there is no way they can help with good will. Find this troublesome when they already know the EcoBoost causing issues to the car and my car is ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
Transmission is now not shifting out of park and this is after having issues with the engine allowing coolant to get in and causing damage with the cylinders. Would not pass the pressure test. When calling ford customer service and headquarters telling me there is no way they can help with good will. Find this troublesome when they already know the EcoBoost causing issues to the car and my car is ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
After replacing both batteries in my jeep compass 2019. The “Stop safely vehicle will shut down” message kept coming on. In traffic the car shut off completely and wouldn’t start. This is a reoccurring issue and jeep doesn’t care. It needs to be fixed. To shut off completely during driving is a safety hazard!!!
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
After replacing both batteries in my jeep compass 2019. The “Stop safely vehicle will shut down” message kept coming on. In traffic the car shut off completely and wouldn’t start. This is a reoccurring issue and jeep doesn’t care. It needs to be fixed. To shut off completely during driving is a safety hazard!!!
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Subject: Formal Demand for Remedy – Safety Recall / 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally demand immediate resolution regarding a serious safety recall affecting my 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall, issued in September 2025, involves a defect in the fuel delivery module that may result in a loss of motive power. This defect pre... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
At 78,800 my truck started experiencing "stuttering" trying to pick up speed like the transmission wouldn't shift into gear and the Uconnect stopped working simultaneously. Also seems to be burning through more oil. It happens every single time you take off from a stop until the vehicle finally shifts into gear, it's very scary and very dangerous when you're trying to merge onto a beltway and you ... Read more