Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 39,107 complaints for PONTIAC
Incident date: Feb 27, 2019
Transmission and rear end jerking when putting in or taking out of park, reverse or drive and now doesn't want to go forward when putting it in drive and I can't get it to shift out and transmission fault light came on and I re set it by taking black cable off battery and put transmission fluid in it and it still does it and also headlights doesn't work on bright and power steering pump makes nois... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2016
Transmission failing. The transmission has had hard shifts and was serviced to try and fix this issue. No fix and now the transmission is slipping.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
Driving down the freeway at 65-70 mph today. Transmission was slipping in 10th gear, then dropped into 1st gear briefly with a loud clang and a brief screech of the tires. Fortunately did not loose control, but if it had locked up for more than just a split second, it could have been bad. Ford isn’t taking the issue seriously. Took it to Ford in March for erratic shifting behavior. Was told... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #2. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that while in the process of removing the spark plugs t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
I was driving normally in traffic when my rear windshield exploded. I did have the rear windshield defroster on as I needed to reduce frost from the windshield.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2020
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The contact stated that after the vehicle was washed at the Car Wash, the contact opened the sunroof; however, moments later while attempting to close the sunroof, the sunroof failed to close properly. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,0... Read more
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2008) — POWER TRAIN
Oct 28, 2024
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Fuel pump issues have caused my car to create unsafe driving. My etc system kicks on and off while driving which causes massive loss of power then accelerates to the point of red line. it's like I'm putting my pedal to the floor in traffic when trying to inch up. Fuel lump is on order for me but has been on back order for more than 3 months with no date of shipment. Dealership said car was OK to d... Read more
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2007) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Oct 24, 2015
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); 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. Parts distr... Read more
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2007) — VISIBILITY/WIPER
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Oct 24, 2015
Dashboard glare on sunny days makes it difficult to see a head of you.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove rough. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling rough. In addition, the fuel gauge was moving erratically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with canister purge valve failure. The contact was informed that the canister purge valve needed to be replaced. Th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
I have noticed an issue with Driver side mirror housing, vibrates, and shakes while driving at any speed since I took delivery on September 27, 2024 from Subaru Of Clear Lake. It is making it hard to observe anything in that mirror, making it almost useless. Took it to Team Gilman Subaru north. They said that they tighten the mirror/ housing and that are confident that it is secure, but once I pu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
While driving the vehicle, the break lights are on, when you stop, or press the break peddle, the break lights go out, therefore giving no warning to the vehicles behind you.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
I was driving down the road and the electronic powering steering went out with the service powering steering indicator turning on. The power steering will no longer function below 40 Fahrenheit and will only activate when it's warmer outside.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
I have had to get 3 new keys made for this car due to the security light coming on, sometimes it will not crank or start, so I have replaced the starter twice, have replaced relays and fuses, and the security light will come on while drive down the road and all gauges drop to zero, even the gas light says empty and every light on the dash comes on. But the car will still drive. But once you turn i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The car is burning through oil at an excecated rate. This is a well-known issue with this make and model. The dealer said they fixed the problem, and they did not. This engine needs to be replaced. It was inspected by a mechanic not affiliated with Hyundai. Hyundai has refused to replace the engine. This should be covered by the 15 year/ 150,00 engine warranty. This engine could seize up at any ti... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the temperature gauge was fluctuating from Normal(N) to Hot(H) very quickly. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the engine to cool down. The contact had received a notification regarding an Extended Warranty coverage for the engine overheating and oil consumption. The dealer was notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
I am filing a complaint regarding an electrical fire in the junction box of my 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500. The issue began when the front passenger side marker light would not turn off. I disconnected the battery overnight to troubleshoot the problem. However, when I reconnected the battery the next morning, an electrical fire occurred in the fuse junction box under the hood. At the same time, the ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The instrument panel cluster LED screen occasionally freezes and does not accurately reflect the gear the vehicle is in, speed, etc. Recently the screen froze and continued to display P (indicating vehicle in park) even while the vehicle was shifted to Reverse and Drive. This presents a serious safety risk as the gauge cluster indicates the vehicle is in park when it is in fact in gear. Also, as t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
Multiple times at varying speeds my 2021 Silverado has produced engine misfire codes. I have never been able to get to it quick enough to see what cylinders are misfiring so it always gives me a general P0300 code. The following first two times it was confirmed by Widrick truck and diesel in Carthage, NY. The last time it happened, the code disappeared before I would take it to the Chevy dealershi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
Multiple times at varying speeds my 2021 Silverado has produced engine misfire codes. I have never been able to get to it quick enough to see what cylinders are misfiring so it always gives me a general P0300 code. The following first two times it was confirmed by Widrick truck and diesel in Carthage, NY. The last time it happened, the code disappeared before I would take it to the Chevy dealershi... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Passenger headrest deployed while parked with no one even in the passenger seat. This could have caused serious injury had my daughter gotten into the car prior.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
2011-2013 SONATA (YF) AND AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT (RECALL CAMPAIGN 174) I did the recall at Sterling Mcall in 10/2022 and I had no airbag light before after I did the recall the airbag light came on the dashboard -The dealers scanned the car and it is visible on the baseboard however the dealer is reluctant to repair it and asked 3 weeks of diagnostic and 500 dollars only for diagnostic and nothing ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Brake lights operate backwards at times, sometimes they operate normal. Sometimes not at all.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
ABS control module/pump very common problem with this year truck that Fiat/Stellantis needs to address.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
Went to Honda dealership to diagnose why white smoke was coming through the AC vent whenever I would turn on the AC. Honda said that my AC condenser went bad, which is covered under the extended warranty due to others having the same issue but that my AC Evaporator core was stain and also needs to be replaced. I was quoted $2322.16 to have the Evaporator replaced and it needed to be replaced befor... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
The entire advanced track system quit working. Sometimes if you turn the vehicle off and on a bunch of times it will work until you turn off the vehicle.
Incident date: May 22, 2017
On July 15th I was driving away from work and my car suddenly stopped accelerating. I was able to get it towed to a body shop I previously had it repaired at. They said the battery system was blowing a fuse when it would become undrivable. They took it to the local Hyundai dealership where they applied a new software update related to the battery management system. This did not solve the issue, it... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
When driving my steering freezes up and I don’t have control over my vehicle. I get a stability track alert. I have to shut my vehicle off and restart it in order to regain control.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
At night, when put into reverse, the exterior reverse lights do not illuminate enough to safely use the rear view mirror or backup cameras to safely navigate in reverse. I have owned a new vehicle every other year for many years and I have never experienced this any any other vehicle. I am going to look at aftermarket lighting options to be used when in reverse. This is a very big miss and safe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into 3rd gear causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the lead frame was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The car absolutely reeks of gas after driving for a while on warm days. You can visibly see the fumes around the filler neck. It has been the the dealer multiple times and they say they can't find anything. It seeps into the car causing headaches and dizziness. I personally know of 2 2023 Highlanders and 1 2024 highlander that have this issue. I am extremely worried this will cause a fire and/or e... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated and flashing. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 tim... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
I purchased a used white 2020 Telluride EX with 47,000 miles in November of 2023. I noticed 4 or 5 what looked like chips in the paint on the body along the top of the windshield. They have slowly gotten larger, one becoming about the size of a half dollar coin. There is no safety risk. I haven't made an appointment yet but will be in the next week since I now have 57,000 miles and the warrant... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
The rear backup lights don’t work due to the defective footwell control module. This is a symptom of the defective FCM. It’s been well over a year and Mini hasn’t had the parts. Very worrisome when our young daughter is backing up and the lights are out!
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
Nothing happened but I would like to get this fixed because of the open recalls
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owned a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 10 MPH and coming to a stop light, inadvertently the front driver-side wheel detached from the vehicle, which led her to collide with a vehicle that was parked on the right side. As a result, all of the underneath of the vehicle was damaged. The contact stated that the wheel flew ... Read more
Crash
5 injured
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
In 2019, I took my Prius in for service. I reported that when I suddenly brake, the pedal feels spongy as if the brakes will not stop vehicle and lights on dash lit up. Toyota did diagnostic, no action taken by service department at Toyota dealership. I have service history documentation. On June 29, 2024 we had routine maintenance and the service department of the Toyota dealership recommended b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
vehicle has stiff pedal all the way floor and abs kick in lower side of pedal only applyied brake to slow down how ever vehicle yang to left because it was braking un evenly faliure to abs kick in, vehicle felt no brake at all. abs causing only to presure left not, some times you have pedal sundenly pedal is out, i do know they have extented warranty for the brake, it is rediculas to loos pedal by... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shifted erratically, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. Th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made ticking and rattling sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cam phaser and camshaft timing unit failure. The dealer replaced the cam phaser and gasket. The contact related the failure to Technical S... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made ticking and rattling sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a cam phaser and camshaft timing unit failure. The dealer replaced the cam phaser and gasket. The contact related the failure to Technical S... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
I been trying to get the recalls to be fix but both the dealers and GM haven’t been able to help due to parts discontinued, I been trying to get this issued resolve for a year or so. I need help please, they just keep saying that all recalls on this vehicle don’t have the parts for it and don’t know what else to do.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a tune-up and to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the axle was loosened, and the bushing was damaged, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
my car has barely 40,000 miles on it when I received an "engine maintenance required" sign. When I went to the dealership, they said its the coolant bypass. I went on reddit and many 2020 rav4 Toyotas are having the same issue. This should be recalled as the repair is too expensive - above $800.
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2008) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 13, 2024
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
We purchased the vehicle in Feb 2024. On [XXX] a check engine light came on while driving on [XXX] (1 lane highway) and a few seconds later the on the display on the instrument panel stated "Stop Safely, the vehicle will shut off soon" and the vehicle immediately started slowing down and lost the ability to accelerate. Luckily the vehicle was able to pull off the road about 20 seconds after the "S... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I bought this new car about a week ago. I was parked in the church parking lot and put car in reverse to back out of the lot and the car went forward. This happened 3 x's for me. A Gentleman from church was walking out and I asked him to check and the same thing happened to him about 6 times but finally the car kicked into reverse. He followed me home to check that I got home alright. I called Hen... Read more