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: Sep 19, 2024
I have brought my vehicle in for 3 time for the dealership to take a look at Europe messages I have received. It is currently with them right now.as the start stop function is now not working. This happened while in the dealers possession and was working normally prior to me being it into the dealership. They said they repaired a vacuum leak. After the apportionment I noticed the start stop fu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
Tesla Model 3 while using the “FSD” or auto pilot mode will do what’s called “phantom breaking” with its emergency breaking system. This is very scary and has almost caused more accidents than preventing them in my experience. Tesla had not addressed or fixed this issue even with their constant software updates. How is this FSD considered legal I wonder.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
Car has, on more then one occasion, applied the emergency stopping breaks at times that may have caused an accident by themselves. Most often in heavier city traffic that can be unpredictable. Ie cars merging in quickly where they generally shouldn't
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 experienced a failure.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
The car was parked in a campground for a night and several systems issues came up, including traction control disabled, steer assistant disabled, staibility control disabled, and the car was keeping accelerating even though I did not step on the accelerate pedal. The acceleration was out of control. This was happening in a remote area when we drove half way out of the campground to a city. We call... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
Airbags did not deploy at impact.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
I was driving home and the car kind of jerked, like it was down shifting, and the engine light came on. If I had to stop, it would almost stall out. When I got home I checked the oil and it was bone dry, however, my oil light never came on and I am diligent about oil and filter changes. I added oil to it, but the engine light still is on (flashing). The recall shows two, one for the hitch and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2025
I was having issues with my car starting. Once I got it started a large cloud of white smoke rolled out of the exhaust. As I drove it the overheat warning came on. I took it in to a shop. I was advised that a coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders, particularly with EcoBoost engines. This issue stems from a design flaw in the open deck engine block, which can lead to misfires, white smoke, ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
This is a follow up to repairs made under previous recall number 25V-280; 'camera is temporarily unavailable' error when the car is operated in reverse. Despite being on the most recent version of the infotainment software (v 3.6.4) this problem persists in my vehicle. On many occasions since the most recent software update the rear view camera displays the error message (as above). This occurs at... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
- Steering and suspension were affected. The car is available for inspection upon request. - My safety and the safety of others were affected by the fact that the car was shaking rather intensely while driving at highway speeds. I was worried a steering failure could occur. - My licensed mechanic diagnosed the problem as a right front lower control arm assembly problem with torn bushing. (Please s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
The factory leather dashboard has detached/ungluded in places both on the driver and passenger side. Now the dashboard cover in the passenger area does not properly line up and has bubbled up on top of the passenger air bag door. There is a high possibility that this defect will prevent the passenger air bag from properly functioning or not function at all during an accident. Several Cayenne ow... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
After stopping at a stop sign, I accelerated for a few seconds, but then it shifted to Neutral and the screen said "Press Start Again". I pressed Start, accelerated for a few seconds, and again it shifted to Neutral and the screen said "Press Start Again." I repeated this process a few times and luckily made it to the end of our driveway. I could no longer move the car nor could I shift gears. Whe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
The contact's daughter owned a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving during rain at 60 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle as the vehicle spun in a circle at hit a highway wall barrier. The barrier wall was damaged as a result of the accident, and the contact was given a bill for $3,222.15. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact did not seek medical attention b... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that a minute and a half later, while attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel became firm, and added effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Was in a car Collison not wherein setbelt and airbags did not deploy or come out at all
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
1-Transmission is shuttering, jerking at low speeds when accelerating or braking to slow down. When this happens the engine shuts off right in the middle of traffic or on the freeway. 2-The transmission repair mechanic said the transmission needs to be replaced and during removal and inspection, he said it's the worst he has ever seen. 3-Ford said there is no recall on my model, but the internet ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
The contact leased a 2025 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact stated that while driving at 5-10 MPH, attempting to park, the vehicle suddenly and rapidly accelerated on its own. The brake pedal was applied but failed to stop the vehicle, resulting in a crash with a parked 2011 Honda Odyssey belonging to the contact. There was no police report filed. reported injuries. air bag deployment or fire. No warn... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, and it was confirmed that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The dealer informed the contact about a seat belt recall that was completed, but the initial failure was not repaired. The contact stated that after refue... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
UNKNOWN, though others who have reported this problem are saying the front camera and it's calibration are at fault. Currently, 5 systems (3 reported + 2 more) are under warning on my vehicle due to this unknown issue and the dealership wants a ridiculous amount of money to fix even though it appears to be very common and frequent as these vehicles get more and more miles on them.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
The daytime running light strip in the headlight fails. Identical failure to the Honda Accord - which had a recall/warranty extension issued.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
While driving in traffic, my vehicle suddenly shut down without warning. The engine stalled, and I lost power to steering and braking, creating a serious safety risk for myself and other drivers around me. The problem has occurred more than three time. At the time of the failure, there were no warning lamps a message display showing to continue to drive depress brake pedal and push switch there ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
There is a continuous leakage of oil from my van even after the dealer replaced valve cover gasket . When I complained they said it was the leftover oil. After a month again I complained . Then they re-checked and said it is my car's timing cover reseal leaking . Again after few days I had to complain as there was a leak. I got the same standard reply of leftover uncleaned oil is the cause. Few... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
Driver belt latch failed while driving
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
Hello. From what I understand, Ford has not come up with a solution for the exterior a--pillar applique trim clip attachments. I fully believe they have abandoned this issue as its not a brand new vehicle. Well, its new to me so it fully counts and should not be abandoned. I was on the highway in St. Louis, Missouri (I live right across the river in Illinois) and out of nowhere, something hit my ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
DEATH WOBBLE FRONT SHOCKS, STEERING DAMPNER AND NEW MICHELIN TIRES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED VEHICLE WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND HAVE TO BRING SPEED DOWN TO GET BACK UNDER CONTROL.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
DEATH WOBBLE FRONT SHOCKS, STEERING DAMPNER AND NEW MICHELIN TIRES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED VEHICLE WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND HAVE TO BRING SPEED DOWN TO GET BACK UNDER CONTROL.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
My car has delayed acceleration issues of between 3 - 6 seconds. The last one that was 6 seconds ore more was on June 29. In addition it's happened several times. I took the vehicle in for its last service and was told the issue was my battery. Battery was replaced and issue not resolved. The service before that I was told it was a carbon build up. Continues to happen sporadically.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
My car has delayed acceleration issues of between 3 - 6 seconds. The last one that was 6 seconds ore more was on June 29. In addition it's happened several times. I took the vehicle in for its last service and was told the issue was my battery. Battery was replaced and issue not resolved. The service before that I was told it was a carbon build up. Continues to happen sporadically.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
My car has delayed acceleration issues of between 3 - 6 seconds. The last one that was 6 seconds ore more was on June 29. In addition it's happened several times. I took the vehicle in for its last service and was told the issue was my battery. Battery was replaced and issue not resolved. The service before that I was told it was a carbon build up. Continues to happen sporadically.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
My Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Pre Collision warning all quit working and just flash across the screen, my light indicators for blind spot on my side mirrors quit working, my back up camera just has a bluescreen, there is no audio so no alerts can be heard and my sync doesnt work it has the screen but wont let you hear anything so yes I drive a bit away... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
Service four-wheel-drive light keeps on coming off and on on the dash and drive mode unavailable keeps on flashing on the dash no idea why have taken it to the dealership. They cannot figure it out. I’ve asked them to submit a ticket to corporate. They still can’t figure it out. The codes are stored in the system, but they can’t seem to get the codes to go active when they drive it.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2018) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Aug 31, 2025
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
On April 7, 2025, we bought a new 2025 Honda CRV EX. After driving it for a few weeks, we noticed that the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) is not functioning. And another safety feature, the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system is visual only (not audible) and appears only when our vehicle is 5-6 feet from a vehicle in front. Obviously, this distance is insufficient to properly react ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
Automatic braking system came on when the vehicle sensed another vehicle. As the breaking system turned on, the steering wheel locked and did not allow for the driver to steer in order to not avoid a collision. This happened in the streets. It is currently under investigation with insurance. The vehicle had applied the emergency breaks system a few days before, in the highway, while the driver alr... Read more
Crash
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 30, 2025
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
Car stall after driving a long drive specifically when it’s hot weather . Multiple occasions for the past 5 years Will never run again for about 10-15 minutes. When it come back on with a check engine. Code reads low fuel pressure.
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 30, 2025
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
The key will not come out of the ignition
NISSAN
PATHFINDER
(2017) - STEERING
Aug 30, 2025
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
The key will not come out of the ignition
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Car burns oil at significant rate which ruins the engine
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
The internal water pump system on the EcoBoost engine in the 2018 Ford Explorer failed after 7 years and only 63,880 miles. The vehicle was taken into the shop multiple times when the check engine light came on and the defect was not located until the vehicle failed. Due to the design, it is not easily fixed and cost an outrageous amount of money to fix for a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2023
FPCM code P069E. Engine stalls when slowing down. Local dealer says to check wires around water pump area if rubbing and unsecured.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
FPCM code P069E. Engine stalls when slowing down. Local dealer says to check wires around water pump area if rubbing and unsecured.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
My vehicle had been experiencing overheating issues for several years. This would cause my car to go into limp mode making it dangerous for me and other cars around me to have to go around me. This issue is related to a manufacturing defect caused by the design of the motor cooling system. As a result of this defect I had to pay $8k+ to have this car repaired with a new engine. I am thankful no ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2025
I purchased a set of Firestone Destination A/T2 tires from Firestone in Southaven, MS. I had the tires for less than 16 months. I took the tires in for inspection & was told the treat belts had separated from the tires. The tires are a hazard. the tires are 275/55R20. Driving on the interstate, I had to pull over as it felt as though the truck would overturn/rollover. They must be recalled. I cont... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
My car was parked in a driveway for 1 hour and when going to approach my car from that 1 hour of leaving I came back to my front windshield cracked in the center , crack did start from the bottom and go up , no forced trauma , no sign of rock or pebble hit , no sign of any issue on a ring camera within that 1 hour of sitting .
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
After an update for a recall for brake issues, the dealership updated the knock sensor update without my consent. After the knock sensor software was installed, my 2012 Hyundai veloster will not operate without going into protection mode. Hyundai states that they can not reverse the software update to make my vehicle operable again. This has already come up as a safety concern as my wife was on th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
After my car being parked for 5 hours I opened my car door and before even shutting my door and starting my car my rear view windshield shattered to pieces, no forced trauma , literal shatter .
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
On [XXX], I was parking my 2025 VW ID.4 car in a parking spot in B mode and applying the brake to come to a stop. The car suddenly accelerated forward (of its own will) at maximum speed such that the car ran over a bollard, a sidewalk and into a brick wall causing significant damage. In the space of perhaps 10 feet at most the car went from a stopping position to taking out a brick wall on a comm... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive with the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
Passenger airbag not activated when passenger is seated
Incident date: Jul 29, 2025
The trucks electronic system is all messed up. The temperature for Fahrenheit shows at time to be 142,165 which we know is not correct. Then while driving the dash displays a message that truck is going to shut off and it does while we are are still driving. Dash will display that we have a trailer hitched on when we do not. Many different alerts show up on the dash while in drive mode. We bought... Read more