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 2,780 complaints for PORSCHE
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Engine coolant is leaking into cylinder 2 After diagnosis from Goodyear, car was brought to Huntersville Ford where they ran their own diagnostics and obtained the same coolant leakage. The mgr there deemed the car undriveable. This is a known engine issue with 2017 Ford Escapes!
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
My son was driving the truck when out of no where the power steering failed and he had to muscle the truck to the side of the road. After doing some research this is a common issue amongst other rams and so I contacted multiple dealerships within the area. Unfortunately they all said the same issue that happens on 2015+ trucks with the same steering system won’t apply to my truck.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
The problem started 3 months after purchase. It has a very loud noise that comes from the engine i think. It has been inspected by two different dealerships. Both insisted the noise was normal. After going more than 10 times to the dealership where i purchased my Rogue, i called nissan directly and open an investigation. Nissan sent an engineer and he said that the noise was weird but he didn... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
The problem started 3 months after purchase. It has a very loud noise that comes from the engine i think. It has been inspected by two different dealerships. Both insisted the noise was normal. After going more than 10 times to the dealership where i purchased my Rogue, i called nissan directly and open an investigation. Nissan sent an engineer and he said that the noise was weird but he didn... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2024
car hesitates when accelerating at both low and high speed, check engine light is also on now. It started several years back, but problem has became worsen.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
I have a complaint about the wiper system. The wiper settings include "Off", "Auto", and numbers 1-4 corresponding to different wiper speeds. The "Auto" detection is based on the front facing camera rather than any rain sensors, and is incredibly inconsistent. It regularly turns on the wipers in completely clear and dry conditions and often fails to turn on the wipers even in heavy rain. This woul... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The contact owned a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while her son was driving 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's son and the other passengers exited the vehicle and walked 20 feet away. The contact stated that the entire vehicle caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The con... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
On July 7, 2024, the fuel tank system on my car (2017 VW Golf) failed. I was unable to pump gas into the gas tank. Upon arrival back to my house, gas started leaking out of the backside of the car near the gas tank (I later found out from the VW service manager it was leaking out of the charcoal canister). I had the car towed ($173) to a local VW dealership the next morning, 7/8/24. It is now 7/30... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that after arriving to his destination, he became aware that the ignition switch would not release the key. After restarting the vehicle and then turning the vehicle off, the contact was able to remove the key, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an indepen... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with cylinder #2 misfire. The dealer replaced the spark plugs. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, Electrical System) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated whi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the front passenger’s side seat occupant detection mat. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V605000 (Ai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2020
The key gets stuck when trying to remove it from the ignition while the car is in park. It can not be fully rotated to the off position and removed, which prevents the driver from leaving the car. The key only comes out after repeated starting of the car and moving it back and forth. The issue is intermittent and unpredictable. Subaru has issued a bulletin report #: 16-112-18R
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
I have taken this bike to the dealer as the wheel is defective. They even mentioned that this is a known issue and i fear for my safety. I have inquired with several other owners of similar vehicles and they stated this is a known issue from Vespa. I inquired with the manufacturer as well and they state the bike is out of warranty and they will not do anything, even though they know it is a fault... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
There is an hybrid warning coming on which causes the brakes to loose it’s ability to stop for some reason. It also slows the car to a hault while the engine is in full rev. It’s a huge safety issue as this occurs intermittently with no warning. Last time I was on the freeway, luckily I was able to pull over to the curb without incident. I hit the bumper a little bit but was able to stop safel... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
I have a 2023 Wagoneer L - series II carbide. On 2 separate occasions my Wagoneer has powered down and put itself into park. 7/22/24 - Pulling out of a parking lot, and as I was pulling out alerts popped up and put itself into park. I turned the vehicle off and on again, and proceeded to put the vehicle in drive and it instantly put itself into park. I again, restarted the vehicle and was able to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
While stop at a traffic light, the car reverted from hold status to emergency parking. It did cause the driver behind me to stop on their brakes to avoid an accident. Luckily this happened at a dead stop and not while the car is in motion. I had to push the emergency brake switch and I cycle from drive and park few times to get the car moving again. Also, while backing up, the car did the same thi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
Transmission won’t shift
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
This is the second time my car mazda -2017 had problem with fuel pump. I only saw recall for 2019 Mazda CX-9 in internet. Before the fuel pump fail, I smelled gas inside the car which I was told my mechanic later from the shop where I bought my car for immediate diagnose was considered dangerous. The first time happened 2 years ago when we were on the trip 250 miles from where we live. This time ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
Electronic power steering assist malfunction and failure. The power steering went out as i was driving with my girlfriend in the truck and it has been stuck on the side of the road in ocean city new jersey. The problem was confirmed by millevois auto repair in ocean city. There was no warning. It says the recall was serviced before hand but it is obviously still failing. i don’t have the money t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
Vehicle makes a noise on the driver side headlight when light is on. Once headlight is off, noise is gone.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
Airbag system warning appeared in front of the dashboard without any accident or fault. We need the specific concerned government or entity for recall action of Honda company with this for safety purposed before its too late.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
Vehicle lost all power with no response from the accelerator pedal causing me to almost get killed on a two lane highway. I was able to somehow coast into the grass on the side of the highway
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
Vehicle lost all power with no response from the accelerator pedal causing me to almost get killed on a two lane highway. I was able to somehow coast into the grass on the side of the highway
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
Vehicle randomly thinks that I’m about to be in a collision when nothing is in front of me. This causes the vehicle to just stop and almost causes me to have an accident.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
There is still many of these Toyota tundras out there that have frame problems! Like mine which had a bad frame but spent half its life in Florida during the winners and within 4 years of being in New York showed rust in within another 4 years had holes in the frame! Toyota coated my frame three different times to buy time to get it off the timeline for the recall! It's a 2007 tundra SR5 with a ba... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
Seat heat turns on and off randomly by itself. Screen does not always work. Transmission jumped, service transmission came on. Took to dealer. They said updates to the computer system needed done and charged me $450 saying they were not covered by the warranty I bought from Mopar. If updates are required to keep you and your passengers safe how are they not free of charge and charge you almost $... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2024
Seat heat turns on and off randomly by itself. Screen does not always work. Transmission jumped, service transmission came on. Took to dealer. They said updates to the computer system needed done and charged me $450 saying they were not covered by the warranty I bought from Mopar. If updates are required to keep you and your passengers safe how are they not free of charge and charge you almost $... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
Vehicle randomly thinks that I’m about to be in a collision when nothing is in front of me. This causes the vehicle to just stop and almost causes me to have an accident.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
Power Steering suddenly failed after I stopped for a stop sign. The EPS light was not on prior to stopping but came on after the steering failed. Managed to get to the nearest Honda Dealer and was told they wouldn't touch it. Managed to get to a local repair shop who looked up the issue and reset some code(s). They told me it could happen again at any time. This is an extremely dangerous problem ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
The trucks warning lights indicated the ASB module, HCU module, and cruise control failed. The trailer brake controller, ABS system, and cruise control fail to function properly. The warning lamps and buzzer have been constantly going on and off for the last two years.
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
I bought my Kia k5, my blower motor went out upon inspection the problem was a multilink fuse for the blower motor. The fuse is burning the wiring harness, I believe this to be a fire hazard. After some research I believe this to be a common issue with this particular car.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly shuddered and vibrated before returning to normal functionality; however, the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into cylinder #2 had caused the cylinder to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a white cloud of smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The smoke dissipates after several minutes. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of coolant. There were no warning lights. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the short block had fractured. The... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
driveshaft coupler failed Ford refuses to fix damaged parts from coupler failure. Received notice of safety recall 10-25-2023. Recall was issued 10-25-2019 but I was never notified of a recall. (recall notices are sent by mail) once recall notice was received 10-25-2023 I tried countless times to have recall done but parts were never available. Finally took to the dealer and had them place the pa... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
A [XXX] infant was placed in UPPAbaby Mesa Max infant car seat for car seat tolerance testing in the hospital. The parent requested testing due to concerns raised in online reviews by other parents. The infant has no known medical conditions or risk factors for cardio-respiratory compromise. The infant had poor oxygen saturation for greater than 60 seconds along with decreased heart rate for 1... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while the vehicle was running, the check engine warning light illuminated. There was an abnormally loud roaring sound detected while accelerating. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was slow to respond while shifting or reversing. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift to second gear. The vehicle was taken to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruz. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot (H). Upon checking the coolant level, the contact discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir; however, the failure returned, and the coolant immediately leaked out of the vehicle. The contact refil... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
A [XXX] infant was placed in UPPAbaby Mesa Max infant car seat for car seat tolerance testing in the hospital. The parent requested testing due to concerns raised in online reviews by other parents. The infant has no known medical conditions or risk factors for cardio-respiratory compromise. The infant had poor oxygen saturation for greater than 60 seconds along with decreased heart rate for 1... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
Complete loss of steering and transmission slips/shifts hard.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
BMW issued a stop sale on 2017-2023 bmw F90 M5 chassis regarding the expansion tank failure. All vehicles should be affected by the recall. My current vehicle is experiencing the issues stated on the recall notice. Expansion tank is failing and causing coolant to seep into engine bay
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
The low tire pressure light came on and noted the left front tire had 27 pounds of pressure. Inspection revealed tire cord damage only on the inside edge of both front tires. This is clearly a suspension defect as the car only has 29000 miles. The rear tires have been checked to have 6.5/32 and the front are less than that. Tire wear appears to be even across the face of the tire but the inner... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
The paint bubbles and chips off. Bad paint job on this vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
The lights are positioned too low to the ground and they are not bright enough. I end up having to keep my high lights on when driving at night because the visibility is very poor otherwise. Dangerous
Incident date: May 31, 2024
The check engine light came on. Checked it at an AutoZone. The error code was P0335, crankshaft position sensor. On the way to my mechanic, my vehicle stalled three time in 2 miles and had to pull over to a side. I felt lucky there were no vehicles behind me. Took it to a repair shop and the mechanic scanned it again. He told me to take it to a dealer because after entering my VIN, he was not... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
I have had to replace the brake switch twice in this vehicle and it is under 35k miles. Other Nissan models have had this recalled. Once it begins to fail, the car will not start because it doesn't detect the brake is depressed. It also sets off the BCI Malfunction warning randomly and while driving, which impacts cruise control and brake safety. I can send invoices of repairs from dealership if h... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were 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... Read more