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: Sep 1, 2024
The fuel pump filter failed and myself and grandchildren became sickened by the fumes. Once the back seat was removed and inspected by an independent source you could see how the gas had leaked into this area. There was no warning lights or messages that had appeared. This problem could easily ignited a dangerous fire situation.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
When crossing a one-way road with oncoming traffic from the left, a vehicle that has recently passed might be triggering the forward collision avoidance system which cuts off throttle control to the Sienna, even when the passed vehicle is well out of the way. It is unknown if the collision avoidance feature is being triggered as there are no warning lights or messages in the display. This result... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel pulled to the right. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a clinking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a tire shop where all four tires were replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was n... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2017
The windshield is extremely fragile, I have under 3,000 miles and already 4 rock chips on the windshield. This is all from highways and paved roads, no gravel or dirt roads have been driven on. The rock chips have happened on different occasions and never was their a loud bang from a large rock which makes me think small rocks are causing the damage. Rock chips lead to cracks that will impair visi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Unknown the light for air bags is on
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Solar 30a fuse melting
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Currently at mileage 11,200; was driving about 40 mph at 11:30 am in Folsom, CA; all of a sudden the truck slowed dramatically and I got several error messages: Power-train malfunction/Reduced power, engine service soon, and pre collision assistance not available." Was able to pull off the road safely, although several vehicles were right behind me. Had several recall repais within the last 3 mon... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
RE: N222375790-06. Due to the industry-wide semiconductor shortage, the park assist feature is not functional on this car. I was informed of this at the time of sale and told that when parts were available I would be contacted for a "no additional cost retrofit". I have not been contacted and Buick now tells me I have to use NHTSA.gov to report this issue so that my vehicle is marked "Open" on ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
On July 13th I was driving at a slow speed and I was making a right turn and the steering wheel felt like it was locked in not being able to turn into my lane and so a car coming into my direction, so quickly I had to stop across the opposite lane to let the car go by me, Then I looked at the dashboard it had the steering wheel and brake symbol illuminated, so I tried to restart the motor but it m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
My 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3l V8 has a common transmission failure. The torque converter started malfunctioning under 100,000 miles. I kept a good maintenance and was not expecting a transmission rebuilt. The truck almost cause an accident due to loss of acceleration and gears at the freeway speeds of 70mph.
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: Feb 5, 2024
Engine oil consumption test at 1,000 miles after oil change. All oil gone. Happened for two oil changes. Engine light came on. I paid 5k in repairs for catalytic converter/manifold. Dealer contacted Hyundai to do combustion cleaning they said no. Dealer told me keep checking oil as my engine will seize on me. I'm terrified and this is dangerous to me and others. Hyundai knows of this oil engine pr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
I was driving and all the dash board lights came on and it started warning beepings then it would not go over 35mph The ABS module was affected because it has a defective eyelet in the TIPM Module wiring connector that allows water to seep in I had a level 2 system testing done to find the defect. Jeep is aware of the problem because when I tried to order a new ABS module I was told it was not... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
My vehicle caught on fire. I had been pulling my trailer and I pulled over to park when my truck began smoking. I attempted to open the hood and the truck was on fire. None of the sensors activated and I didn’t have any indication the truck was overheating.
Fire
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
My vehicle caught on fire. I had been pulling my trailer and I pulled over to park when my truck began smoking. I attempted to open the hood and the truck was on fire. None of the sensors activated and I didn’t have any indication the truck was overheating.
Fire
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
2008 Lincoln MKZ AWD. Driver's door won't open from inside. Multiple Online mentions of this dangerous problem. Can't get out of vehicle in case of emergency.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated that while stationary at a stop light and attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated while responding. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not mad... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Chain binders, those binder are use when transporting machinery. There's two type, one that will close on itself and the vibration will open it back. There's the good one, it has a mecanism in the middle of it where you can choose to screw, unscrew or neutral. Once this one is tight, it won't move.
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: Jun 9, 2024
I have a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that has a lifetime powertrain warranty. Since I purchased the vehicle in 2008 I have maintained it exactly as required to keep the warranty valid. This includes the 5 year lifetime warranty powertrain inspections which are performed every 5 years. I have documented proof of the inspections. In January 2024 my ABS brakes failed and I went to my local dealership ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
There are mutiple errors shown and the features disabled. Looks like the front camera is defective and is being reported by many people
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2008) - AIR BAGS
Jun 13, 2024
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
We have been given repeated notices and warnings since May 2013 that the airbags in this vehicle have been recalled and need to be replaced, but each time we check we are told that their is "no remedy available." So far, we have not had an incident related to these, but more warnings roll in without any available resolution along with notices that this vehicle, along with others, are most at risk ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
When driving, the car started to stutter when accelerating and while driving any speed below 60 mph, while trying to get the car home it would not accelerate up a hill after I stopped at a light and I was in the middle of the street stuck on a blind spot. My husband had to get out and direct the traffic before they came pst the blind spot and hit me.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
When driving, the car started to stutter when accelerating and while driving any speed below 60 mph, while trying to get the car home it would not accelerate up a hill after I stopped at a light and I was in the middle of the street stuck on a blind spot. My husband had to get out and direct the traffic before they came pst the blind spot and hit me.
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
Incident date: May 17, 2024
I have seen the problem online called ghosting or ghost control. The infotainment system changes station, settings, selected input or anything else it randomly selects on its own and this is occurring while driving the vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
Since last four months I get multiple warning lights with alarm in my car . 1) Engine failure contact dealer immediately announcement 2) steering assist failure announcement ( & steering becomes heavy) 2) Hill assist failure 3) rear park aid failure announcement 4) 911 assist is not operational contact dealer . The odometer and speedometer goes blank and I can not see what speed I am driving at. I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
Since last four months I get multiple warning lights with alarm in my car . 1) Engine failure contact dealer immediately announcement 2) steering assist failure announcement ( & steering becomes heavy) 2) Hill assist failure 3) rear park aid failure announcement 4) 911 assist is not operational contact dealer . The odometer and speedometer goes blank and I can not see what speed I am driving at. I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle started to make an abnormal knocking noise. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over and stopped. The contact turned the vehicle off and on. The contact stated that she was able to shift into drive (D) and while depressing the accelerator pedal ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Tesla has failed to provide a software update to address both recalls, and has made it impossible for me to get support to have this rectified. They cancelled a service appointment I made and are no longer responding to my inquiries.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Tesla has failed to provide a software update to address both recalls, and has made it impossible for me to get support to have this rectified. They cancelled a service appointment I made and are no longer responding to my inquiries.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the fuse box had caught on fire during the failure. There were no occupants inside the vehicle at the time of the failure. No injuries were sustained. There was no Police or Fire report filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Steering went out while driving. Mechanic said it’s the rack and pinion. He said it’s common and was recalled in other year Explorers but not 2014. He said it could be the same part that was recalled but it was used in the 2014 instead of other years that were recalled.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
CVT Fill Plug Pops Out or Leaks. My car is 2015 Honda Civic. There is already a recall for Honda Civic 2016-18. I saw this issue yesterday April 6, 2024 and reported to Honda Dealership (Norm Reeves Honda, Fort Worth, Texas). Honda dealer mentioned this is a known problem. There were no warning lamps or symptoms.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
Toyota is having issues filling up the tank as the specs says (Owners manual book). According to the Owners manual book, the Gas tank of these vehicles are 17.2 Gallons and 2.6 of those are saved for the reserved. In theory, we should have 14.6 Gallons to fill-up as soon as we see the "Empty sign" on the vehicles. Now, the thing is that even after this happens, we can only fill-out up to 11.5 ga... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
For three consecutive days, while driving on the highway (speed between 50-60 miles per hour, with a speed limit of 60 miles per hour), the car experienced unstable posture, skidding, and sudden severe shaking, as if it were traveling on water, especially frequent on bends! When driving at a lower speed (between 45-60 miles per hour, with a highway speed limit of 65 miles per hour), it feels like ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Forte. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact ha... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
A notice was mailed to me on [XXX] Recall #[XXX], advising that the hydraulic electronic control unit may experience an electrical short circuit, which can result in engine compartment fire. Park the vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall has been performed. The malfunction indicator light appeared approximately a month and a half ago, and I contacted my KIA ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
When I drive the car jerks and often speeds up or slows down on its own, it hesitates and sometimes I am afraid some one will hit me from behind
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2000) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Mar 20, 2024
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
While traveling on the highway at approximately 75mph the instrument cluster began to flash warnings, (Selected gear will be changed to when speed slows down, precollision assist not available, service engine soon) the accelerator pedal was unresponsive, and the vehicle began to slow. I parked the vehicle, shut the engine off, and restarted. upon restarting the vehicle would only move at approxima... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
Traction control nvcs off light came on and will not go off now.
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
2 issues 1) back-up camera has started to intermittently fail. Sometimes it displays when you start to back up then goes blank. 2) the driver side rear door is stuck shut. The inside panel binds against the door jam and prevents it from opening.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
I was driving up the [XXX] north and where [XXX] merges to [XXX] I'm going 65mph on the far left side, and my dash starts beeping and reads WARNING STOP VEHICLE CHECK BRAKES. MY brakes go out, pedal to the floor sounding like grinding gears and doing some major damage, my acceleration stopped working. The [XXX] is merging on the left side so i had to avoid major traffic. I am a driver with skill... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
Hello, I'm filing a complaint against the Dothan, AL Ram dealership due to recalls that were never performed. I bought the truck on 7/12/2021 from a third party. I noticed this particular Ram had 12 recalls so I took it in to the Dothan, AL Dodge dealership to have them repaired. They had the truck for 2 weeks and nothing was repaired. Nothing at all. I lost 2 back pack blowers because... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
fuel leak and smell from fuel pump
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
ON [XXX], at [XXX], i was driving the vehicle in electric Save mode, where the temperature was around -19 degree on that day and i was heading for car wash, During that time, the vehicle in front of me applied a break. i was at safe distance i applied the break as the distance was close Even the anti-breaking system did not work on hitting the vehicle at that time, and then it bumped three times. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
The actuator on the left passenger side sliding door is buzzing every time the doors are opened.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
Something with the brakes and the car performing it’s safety measures when unnecessary It hesitate