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 39,131 complaints for PONTIAC
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
The vehicle came to a screeching stop with no visible reason for doing so. Three cars behind me also had to come to an abrupt and dangerous stop to avoid me. I pulled out of my driveway, began to drive, reached 10 mph, then came to a full brake, causing tires to screech. The speed of traffic behind me was approx 25mph.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and the front end of the vehicle was shaking abnormally, vibrating, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was a loud booming sound coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was tow... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
Purchased vehicle new and after 3 days the power steering became inoperable as well as traction control , hillstart assist and showed that the fowrad camers was in default .
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
Purchased vehicle new and after 3 days the power steering became inoperable as well as traction control , hillstart assist and showed that the fowrad camers was in default .
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
On February 10, 2025 at approximately 4:45 EST, I was driving approximately 55MPH in the far left lane of a multi-lane highway when I received a notice that my hybrid propulsion system had malfunctioned. Upon receiving the notice, I immediately lost power/propulsion of my vehicle although the warning notice disappeared and the screen made it appear that the vehicle was operating. As I pressed th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
Tire size LT225/75R16. Tires are OEM on 2021 Ram Promaster 3500 - Purchased New in February 2022. Vehicle has 24,500 miles and tires are regularly rotated. Presure check of tires showed tires were at proper inflation for vehicle. TPMS did not issue a warning, because tire never lost pressure. On February 6, 2024 when driving southbound by mile marker 250 on Interstate 75 in Florida, the steering ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2020
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated, and an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
2016 Chevrolet Trax experienced turbocharger failure in June 2024. Initial minor acceleration inconsistencies progressed to dangerous turbulence and power loss during acceleration at both high and low speeds, with check engine light temporarily illuminating. Initial Firestone diagnostic (June 7) documented 'TURBULENCE AS ACCELERATES - CEL BLINKED.' After diagnosis, completed repair June 11. Search... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
The cruze control shuts it's self off It said "ACC temporarily blocked, service required" this is very dangerous. The headlights don't project in the correct direction to have proper visibility. All the system error lights come on for no reason, seems like something is aways wrong according to the dash lights.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
Welds have broken loose from exhaust creating a hole and loud noise & strong exhaust smell
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
on [XXX] I was driving home with my wife & [XXX] baby, in what I would describe as standard wintery mix of weather - rain, but not yet cold enough to be snow. My 2019 CRV EX-L alerts me of the following message: "Some Driver Assist Systems Cannot Operate: Radar Obstructed" As I've had this car for years, I've seen this message pop before, but as I had no plans of using any Driver Assist feature... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
We may have started a claim already reference number 1592940, this is the first I've been able to write out the details. On [XXX] we were driving through South Dakota on the freeway; which was cold but dry and clear with no hazards and within a mile everything happened or about 45-60 seconds First, it was like the gas wasn't getting through because RPMS went from normal to almost 5000. From ther... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
We may have started a claim already reference number 1592940, this is the first I've been able to write out the details. On [XXX] we were driving through South Dakota on the freeway; which was cold but dry and clear with no hazards and within a mile everything happened or about 45-60 seconds First, it was like the gas wasn't getting through because RPMS went from normal to almost 5000. From ther... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Honda accord 2023 touring 11600 miles driven When i was driving, "break system probem please contact the dealer" appears on the screen. The car acceleration stops, Engine light and all the other lights show up. Even when i accelerate, the car doesn't move. I turned off the car, restarted it and then did it twice then it started working again. Car acceleration reduces even when i driving.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
HMI module failed. Distraction from road because the display pops on and off. Im not taking in my car because there are forums and forums discussing this issue. Not inspected by anybody either. There were no warnings, it just stopped working 2 weeks ago.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 made aware of the issue. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Windshield wiper in auto mode. Sometimes wipers turn on automatically in bright sunny days with nothing on windshield. When it rains, sometimes automatic wipers will not activate until windshield is completely covered with rain, and visibility is greatly reduced. Sensitivity adjustment has zero effect.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Windshield wiper in auto mode. Sometimes wipers turn on automatically in bright sunny days with nothing on windshield. When it rains, sometimes automatic wipers will not activate until windshield is completely covered with rain, and visibility is greatly reduced. Sensitivity adjustment has zero effect.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
Headlights are way to bright, this forces people to drive trucks that sit up higher or be blinded by the car behind them. Please set a safe standard for headlights.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The vehicle fails to acclerate. When pulling out into a street the vehicles accelerator became completely unresponsive. The vehicle was stuck in 2nd gear going about 8mph and the vehicle would not accelerate, I even push the pedal all the way to the floor for several seconds with no response. I had to come to a complete stop in the middle of the street for the truck become responsive to my inputs.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Oil Pressure Switch is bad. Kia had a recall begin July 3, 2029 that the part was faulty and did extend to eligible vehicles to 15 years or 150,000 miles. This part is known problem in the make and model of the Kia Stinger and I now have this issue with my 2018 Stinger GT2 with 115,000 miles. Many complaint on forums related to this but it seems that Kia has selected specific vehicles only. Oil... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
Side mirror (glass) shakes/rattles at speeds over 45mph. This affects the visibility of things in the mirror as well as becomes distracting to the driver. When on the interstate with smooth pavement it's impossible to ignore... It's just more noticeable then. Tried moving the mirror to verify and yes, it's loose. Just reporting it now that I became aware of this website but car has had this issu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
While I'm driving collision sensors activate with no reason and when they activate sometimes stops abruptly and locks it's self; doesn't allow me to go back or forward.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance Warning Alert System Failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle independently accelerated, and the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle responded as needed. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repair... Read more
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
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving downhill 50-55 MPH and towing a boat, the brake pedal became hard. The brake pedal was hard to depress. The ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The vehicle was tak... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
Dashboard shows a message" Stop vehicle and check brake system", vehicle doesn't pass over the 10 mph. On the KIA access APP I have all this 6 Diagnostic Issues : FR_CMR C28B981, FR_CMR C164286, ADAS_DRV C28B086, ADAS_DRV 28B986, ADAS_DRV C28B881, ADAS_DRV C164286. Dealer was unable to fix the issue, they state that it fix by itself. Also I have a safety Recall SC326
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Main instrument panel in front of the steering wheel went blank; could not see the speed, charge status, or anything other than the gear. Turn signal indicator did not flash or make noise. The entertainment screen was not impacted.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while the dealer was performing an oil change on the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact that the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N232... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2020
The lower control arm broke off of the subframe during daily commute on the highway, which left the car completely immobilized and had to be towed. The incident could've been a lot worse if I had lost control of the car and swerved into others on the road. vehicle is currently being inspected by Hyundai dealership. Prior to the incident, there were no warning lights or symptoms.
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2008) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 28, 2024
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The auto highbeam system has an inherent safety issue. When active, it may turn on the highbeams automatically when there are oncoming close vehicles, thus blinding the oncoming drivers with the potential of causing an accident. The system also may not even activate the highbeam lights when there is no oncoming vehicles and the road is dark. I have great safety concerns regarding this system. I ha... Read more
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2007) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Oct 24, 2015
The contact owns a 2013 Cadillac ATS. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and switching gears, the vehicle would not move forward or backward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the failure was possibly related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V338000 (Power Train). Another local independent mechanic... Read more
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2007) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Oct 24, 2024
Incident date: Oct 24, 2015
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Fit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and another dealer, Weir Canyon Honda (714-777-4100), were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Called Southbay Acura in Torrance Ca on 10/23/24.Told them my 2019 Acura RDX has the EXACT same problem that 2019/2020 RDX's has a recall on...Front passenger seat belt Buckle will not Buckle..THe buckle won't allow the seatbelt to lock..Dealer said you VIN number is not part of the recall???? Yet my Acura RDX suffers from the exact problem the recall covers..So i'm asking for your guidance of wh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
The chrome trim started peeling on the center console, near cup holders. This revealed a razor sharp edge on which I cut my finger. All of the exterior door handles have chrome trim and are peeling. Last week my [XXX] daughter cut her finger as a result of a sharp peeled chrome edge. Many reports of this on volvo forums. Some dealers will repair for free, others want to charge for this defective... Read more
2 injured
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: Jun 1, 2020
i have a 2017 rav4 with less than 60k miles and the factory back up camera stopped working
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing difficulty starting. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense; however the failure reoccurred approximately two months later. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
for no reason, when driving at less than 20 MPH and starting to brake, the brake system will fail to stop the vehicle. Feels like the ABS model has gone nuts modulating, but even with the brake pedal fully pressed, you can only hope the vehicle will stop prior to hitting something or being hit. It does not matter the road conditions, as my issues have always been on smooth roads. There is no in... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
The component due to an improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel, the wheel can swell during use, reducing the grease film thickness between the worm wheel and worm gear in which this was recalled on Oct 3, 2024 but did not discovered it until Oct 13, 2024 in an incident caused by the recall. All of the sudden my steering wheel became hard to maneuver and when I had difficulty turning it, I... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and driving over a speed bump, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the subframe was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
While approaching an intersection at about 20 mph, vehicle suddenly applied the front collision braking and almost caused an accident from the vehicle behind me. There were no vehicles in front of me or any other obstacles. Other 2019 models have been recalled with he same issue for a harness wiring or software update. This is dangerous and risks my family's life.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
When pushing the accelerator there is typically anywhere from a 2 to 5 second delay before the vehicle starts to move. On average the delay is around 2 seconds, but there have been times where trying to pull into traffic the vehicle would not move for approximately 4 to 5 seconds creating a hazard. When the care is moving at higher speeds, the acceleration and gas pedal response is accurate, thi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
Mileage at time was 39,000 miles, On 8/29/2024. I was driving to when my check engine light came on. FORD dealer checked the check engine light and said I have a P0022 code which is the Right bank cam solenoid is sticking. This condition, after looking into it, has been a problem with vehicles built in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving, the contact noticed a strong unusual odor in the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the air conditioner was on, and the odor came through the vents. In addition, the contact stated that he and his minor child developed a headache and became nauseous. Medical attention was not sought as of yet. The vehicle was ... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: May 9, 2024
I was driving home from work and the engine just shut off and seized while I was going down the road, coasted into an empty lot while there was traffic coming behind be and towards me on the opposite side of road and called dealership, no warning lights until everything shut down in that moment, towed to Kia dealership where mechanic diagnosed it as seized. No explanation for why without tear down... 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.