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: Jan 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
I decided to take my first road trip in the new Telsa Model 3. The trip was from Seattle to Portland down [XXX] which is a pretty straight and easy road. Because of this I decided to use the Autopilot feature (I purchased the FSD package) to help take the stress out of driving. (Note, this is my first Electric Vehicle AND even my first vehicle with a screen, so I stayed very aware and present the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
Twice in the past two months the vehicle enters a rough low RPM. Will not respond to the accelerator and the engine shuts down. First was in a parking lot the second while driving in school zone traffic. Was able to safely get off the road the second time. The parking lot I waited a few minutes and the engine ran normally. Same for the second time, waited a few minutes and it would not start ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
The front and rear seal of the engine went out in the matter of two weeks spraying oil all over the roadway and making to car not drivable.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
I would assume the issue had something to do with the power train. 2 days after i had bought the car my wife and i were on our way to the gym and we had just came to a complete stop. Upon entering the highway the car would no longer accelerate no matter how much pressure was put on the accelerator pedal. The engine light also came on. Luckily there were no cars behind me and I was able to pull ove... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
Sticky steering, sometimes requires extra effort to move wheel from center, causes delayed jerky and unpredictable movement of vehicle, particularly at highway speeds.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
Power steering, and ABS light flash on at random. The vehicle sometimes veers off and steering is frequently very very loose or very very tight. Also, there is a whining that never stops when I turn the wheel all the way to the left or right, the vehicle almost shut off and the entire dash and radio shut off and back on. When I am at a stop or cars at idle everything will dim and car. Sounds like ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
Was driving to work while raining.hit a water puddle hydroplaned, The stop brake warning light came,vehiical slammed on the brakes, and the steering wheel locked up. There where not other vehicals on the road.Rolled the vehical 3 times. On several occasions our honda van has slammed on the brakes without any vehicle or obstacle present.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and 23V378000 (Engine) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
My SUV was part of a recall due to the electronic power steering failing. My SUV was allegedly repaired by the cheapest of the three available options (computer reset or some such process). I bought my SUV in 2020. The electronic power steering slowly started going out intermittently and then more frequently over time, but is now completely out. The dealer tested my SUV and stated that the entire ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
My SUV was part of a recall due to the electronic power steering failing. My SUV was allegedly repaired by the cheapest of the three available options (computer reset or some such process). I bought my SUV in 2020. The electronic power steering slowly started going out intermittently and then more frequently over time, but is now completely out. The dealer tested my SUV and stated that the entire ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I was driving to My college from my home and around 3.8mi on my route when I heard a loud sound from my car I also noticed the vehicle was unstable so I went to the nearest gas station at Westar to put in a spare I had in my car the Yokohama tire was P 205/ 70R16 96H I never got it inspected by anyone and I did get a warning 0 psi low tire please add air to your tire and a Service Tire Monitor Sys... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I was driving to My college from my home and around 3.8mi on my route when I heard a loud sound from my car I also noticed the vehicle was unstable so I went to the nearest gas station at Westar to put in a spare I had in my car the Yokohama tire was P 205/ 70R16 96H I never got it inspected by anyone and I did get a warning 0 psi low tire please add air to your tire and a Service Tire Monitor Sys... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
GM Infotainment Center unreliable and comes on when it feels like causing a panic while you are driving. I have taken it to the dealer twice and was told it is a known issue with no help in sight. The truck has less than 2000 miles on it.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2019
this vehicle upon heavy rain/downpours the vehicle foward collision sensors may activate and cause sudden dangrous and potentially life threatening braking. one day it was raining very bad i was alone on the road going about 45 mph. the storm caused a really bad downpours and the car suddenly braked hard with no reason whatsoever. it only happens when it rains severely. im not the only person who ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Steering assist disabled comes on while driving and Steering locks up and shuts everything off,and then starts back. Very Very dangerous on the road not knowing where or when you're not in control of the vehicle. When this occurs engine stops,no brakes.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Red “airbag” light on dash illuminated while driving. Code read as B1706: passenger buckle pretensioner. May have been covered under Hyundai’s 15yr/250k warranty but owners never notified since not official recall. Although, this defect may not affect airbags themselves it causes “airbag” light to remain illuminated until addressed. Driving with the “airbag” light continuously i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
My car has a warning code saying, “ secure vehicle form rolling”. There is a fault spring within the shift column. BMW is not covering it as a recall even though it could roll and hit someone or something.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
My engine failed with regular oil changes at less than 120k miles with NO warning. It was 9 at night and it completely shut down on the highway. The hazards, brake lights, etc were not operable! I was almost hit by traffic three times due to not being able to turn on hazards and brake lights not working. I could not even place the car in neutral. Thankfully, the local police department was finally... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The engine coolant light is on consistently. I had to start taking pictures. I was told by a service advisor that a recall was just done on the E-Pace. Yet I have never received any documentation at all. This issue has been going on since 2020. The car cabin has filled with fumes, several times while driving. I had to start taking pictures., because AutoNation Jagur/Land Rover Southbay declined ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat failed to lock into position and was sliding back and forth. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 23-021-22 (Front Seat Will Not ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The subframe corroded causing an unsafe potentially hazardous condition. Also the brake line was were corroded causing imminent brake failure. The rear springs rusted from the corrosion subframe defect..Mercedes required 2800 dollars from me to remedy the problem
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between gears, and there was a significant delay while shifting into third gear. Additionally, the contact stated that when turning the steering wheel while driving, the vehicle failed to respond immediately and responded with a significant delay. There was no warning light... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
After putting gas in the vehicle, the vehicle was acting sluggish. It did not want to start and after it did it wasn't going full speed. I proceeded to leave the gas station and no sooner did the vehicle started to sputter and 'died' while making a U-turn. I am afraid that this will cause in accident if not remedied. I don't understand that off the Ford Focus was having this issue why is this not... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
2017 Kia Sorrento with 38k mikes on it. Oil pan began leaking at oil plug after approximately 28k miles. A new oil plug has been installed and still same issue. Dealership will not honor power train warranty saying its normal wear and tear. Have read numerous other people having issue with Kia oil pans being defective.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Drive the car for a certain amount of time (20 mins) park and then drive it again 20 mins back home when it’s already parked smell to burn. What I do? I need the car to drive to work and back home.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Drive the car for a certain amount of time (20 mins) park and then drive it again 20 mins back home when it’s already parked smell to burn. What I do? I need the car to drive to work and back home.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
When locking the doors upon exiting my Palisade, the alarm starts going off. This occurs when I use the door lock (internal and external), as well as the lock button on the key fob. When this occurs, two alerts come to my phone through Bluelink simultaneously. One is showing a Rear Occupancy Alert and the other shows a Panic Alert. My vehicle has been to the dealership 3 times in the past month, a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Hi I have a 2018 Ford Focus SE with less that 64,000 miles that had the same Powershift Transmission problem as the older recalled ones. It is certainly a safety issue since it involves a loss of power and not switching gears correctly. I called the Ford Customer Service Center and they appeared to agree with me that this type of failure shouldn’t happen so quickly but after a week of waiting f... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp and/or ABS (Anti-lock brake system) light. My 2012 Sonata Hybrid has been towed twice to Key Hyundai dealer in Jacksonville, FL. They charged me several thousand dollars and the vehicle ABS lamp remains illuminated. The dealership did not offer me alternative transportation and I feel unsafe driving the vehicle. On Friday November 12th they blamed th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
My check engine light has come on four (4) seperate times, after being serviced three (3) times. All of which have been by a ford certified dealership. My rear brakes were making noise the week the new car was purchased. I notified to associate who sold me the car from a ford certified dealer and he made up an invalid excuse. I’ve had my car serviced 3 times for the service alert and within 2 we... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
Transmission is really bad after even nissan replaced it doesn’t shift correct, the car jumps, the brakes really doesn’t do well even after they change it. The motor sound is really high. The car doesn’t speed up on the highway to go in front of the right lane, so it puts me in dangerous several times. All documents of complain since 2019 at Nissan Petaluma ,CA and now the car at Nissan auto... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2021
While driving the vehicle it will slow automatically as if there is something in front of the vehicle when there is nothing there. It has happened twice on the highway at highway speeds causing driver to take action. While driving the vehicle, the emergency brake automatically set itself while in drive. Electrical accessory issue with radio; cutting out and losing signal, unable to control volume ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2021
While driving the vehicle it will slow automatically as if there is something in front of the vehicle when there is nothing there. It has happened twice on the highway at highway speeds causing driver to take action. While driving the vehicle, the emergency brake automatically set itself while in drive. Electrical accessory issue with radio; cutting out and losing signal, unable to control volume ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Accent. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
SAME STORY OVER AND OVER 2013 WHITE PEARL PAINT GARAGE KEPT, NO ACCIDENTS AND PAINT IS LITERALLY CHIPPING AWAY SIDE OF THE CAR DOOR ROOF ABSOLUTELY APPALLING. KIA THE FACT THAT KIA HAS THOUSANDS OF THIS COLOR ON THE ROAD IS EMBARRASSING FOR ALL THE LOYAL CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE TO DRIVE THEM. KIA KNOWS THAT ALL OF THEM WERE PAINTED WITH NO PRIMER. CHEAP PAINT SPRAYED ON BARE METAL AND HAS LEFT ALL OF ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
3.0L diesel engine may have been built with a high pressure fuel pump ("HPFP") that could fail prematurely. A HPFP failure may introduce internally failed component debris into the fuel system potentially causing fuel starvation. Engine loss power then when is fully operational and stop at sing then then engine stalls the next thing happens suddenly accelerated.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
Vehicles engine crank shaft and fuel system. Was on the highway when the vehicle started loosing power and finally shut down in traffic. Confirmed that vehicles crank was seized and fuel system failure by an independent shop. Was confirmed by extended warranty. No warning lights before incident.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
Korr’s Automotive wants $55Ø to repair our exhaust leak. Fuel lines are too close to engine, which can cause death or injury upon impact. You’re welcome for [XXXXXX] upon request! Driver seat is out of commission on power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
4 injured
2 deaths
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
Korr’s Automotive wants $55Ø to repair our exhaust leak. Fuel lines are too close to engine, which can cause death or injury upon impact. You’re welcome for [XXXXXX] upon request! Driver seat is out of commission on power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
4 injured
2 deaths
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
Korr’s Automotive wants $55Ø to repair our exhaust leak. Fuel lines are too close to engine, which can cause death or injury upon impact. You’re welcome for [XXXXXX] upon request! Driver seat is out of commission on power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
4 injured
2 deaths
Incident date: May 25, 2020
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear hatch independently opened without warning. The contact also stated that the hatch would independently close shut while loading items into the vehicle. The contact stated that he had been struck on the head several times due to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
When a person leans on the door and at least 200lbs of pressure is applied to the driver's door, in drive, the door will open and all the locks in the car will release.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
Something to do with Heat - the drivers side heat does not work but the passenger does. This affects the defrosting of the windshield - cannot defrost with cold air in the winter. I have found several discussion boards detailing the same issues with cost to fix is over $3K.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2018
The contact owns a 2015 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sun visor failed to stay secured, potentially obstructing visibility. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the visor would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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. VIN tool confirms part... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Acceleration to the engine malfunction no power to engine going excessive speeds on interstate failure light appeared car shut off one stopped car turn right back on. I’ve reported this incident of the last two years to the dealership GMC to 2016 Chevy Malibu that has already had this instance back in 2019 and now has occurred at once again mileage since the last engine was replaced is 10,000 mi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds at night, the headlights were extremely dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the headlights needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.