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: Feb 25, 2024
My vehicle goes into unexplained limp mode. Research says it is a programming issue for Nissan when they deleted the push button start. Very dangerous when it happens.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
I started my 2010 Hyndai Elantra and started backing out of parking space and the power steering failed. I could not move the car as steering was impossible. Restarted the car 2 minutes later power steering worked. Later that evening same thing happened while backing out of my driveway and now there is now power steering at all. Milage on the car is approximately 88,000
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall rep... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
Several electric systems (ABS, electric power steering, collision mitigation, etc.) are showing as malfunctioning. The vehicle was diagnosed with a malfunctioning wheel speed sensor. The system alerts continue to occur daily, including when the vehicle is in operation. The rear liftgate no longer functions, along with other electrical features. Honda reports the sensor is backordered and hundreds ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
Burning oil in 1,000 miles blowing blue smoke out exhaust
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
Rodent chewed on fuel line and gas sprayed all over engine bay and under car on start-up.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
Last week, I heard a popping noise when opening my driver side front door of my 2020 Ford Escape. I had the issue diagnosed by my local Ford dealership as broken spot welds on my door. Since then, the issue has progressed and my door no longer closes properly. It is a safety issue because my door is not closing properly and continuing to get worse. I do not feel comfortable driving until it is fix... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
My car has been identified as having the subframe corrosion issue and is on the list by date and model, but Mercedes Benz will not honor the warranty because my car's VIN is not on their list.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
When driving slow or even coasting, between 5 to 20 MPH, the transmission SLAMS, KICKS, CLUNKS with speed up little bet . You don't even have to have your foot on the gas, it just does it. It's also happened when accelerating from a low speed, like from 10 Mph to 30 mph. And happen at the freeway when leaving the gas to lower the speed will kicks and Speed up a little and one time in Crossro... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle, upon restarting the vehicle, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. There was a puddle of oil near the vehicle. While driving 35–40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and shutoff. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the oil drain plug was missing. The dealer... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2023
The engine can be turned off while the shift (automatic) lever is not in Park. If the driver does not realize the failure to put the lever in Park, the car can roll freely. My car is available for inspection, but I was given to believe by Toyota service that this is a standard feature on all 2019 Highlanders. Safety is continually at risk because the car can roll and cause injury to an exiting p... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Have had the service electronic braking system going off and on now for about 8 months now and have been waiting on a recall but that hasn't happened so here i am filing a complaint. My cruise and anti slip does not work while these warnings are on the dash.This defect could lead to the brake failure
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal rattling sound heard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the flex plate had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired u... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
My steering is becoming very stiff at speeds above 45mph. When making minor adjustments on the highway the steering requires a lot of force and sometimes will slip before actually engaging. This happened after the car reached around 10,000 miles and has been more prevalent during the colder months.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
High engine temp notification came on, car would not accelerate. I pulled over and had it towed to the dealer. The dealer said the engine had a coolant intrusion so a new short block is needed. My warranty company denied my claim for the short block claiming this was a recall with ford [XXX] ) . Ford confirmed this was a VIN specific customer satisfaction program, and confirmed my VIN was not iss... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
In June 2023 I was doing some minor work and inspection on my 2013 Silverado, while under the truck looking for possible issues before taking a trip to Colorado I noticed the frame had a hole in it, after further inspection of the complete frame and undercarriage I found holes all throughout the frame and also cracks in 2 locations. The truck had 85k, the body is solid, and in great condition, kep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
I recently got this vehicle and only has 26k miles on it. I have always been a good driver and have taken care of this vehicle, but this vehicle has brought too much stress in my life recently. Keeps breaking down, and i have to repeatedly go to the service center. My value for time is gone. The service team are not welcoming and they never give you a replacement car. Not everyone has a replacem... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2020
01/22/2024 NHTSA Complaint – GLE350 4Matic The front suspension, either the control arm or upper arm, feels loose and noise is coming from the front suspension as if a bolt or bolts are loose. Base on recall information for the 2016 GLE350 4Matic, NHTSA campaign ID: 17V081000, REPORT DATE 02/07/2017, the loose bolt(s) may cause improper wheel tracking, increasing the risk of a crash. Vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
The driver side window gets stuck when the outside temperature drops below 40/30 degrees. All of the other window work find in cold weather. The driver window works find when the temps are warm. It was been taken to the dealer and they just re-lube rails. Different Nissan board website also describe this problem.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle drove by on the driver's side of the vehicle, and the blind spot alert light illuminated on the passenger's side of the vehicle, even though the vehicle was present on the driver's side. The contact also stated that the failure only occurred when the Adaptive Cruise Control was activa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
As I attempted to make a left turn, I wasn't able to make a complete turn when the steering wheels partially locked on me, resulting the car hitting a utility pole, I could only drive forward or reverse, difficulty making a turn. I was able to make it home but the next day, it had to be towed to a Tesla authorized collision center for damage assessment. I'm hoping Tesla can remedy the problem beca... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
As I attempted to make a left turn, I wasn't able to make a complete turn when the steering wheels partially locked on me, resulting the car hitting a utility pole, I could only drive forward or reverse, difficulty making a turn. I was able to make it home but the next day, it had to be towed to a Tesla authorized collision center for damage assessment. I'm hoping Tesla can remedy the problem beca... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle started to hesitate. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter. The vehicle was repaired, but the dealer informed the contact that if the failure reoccurred, the transmission would need to be replaced... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
When driving the car and turning the wheel there was a creaking noise at low speeds. Upon inspection at the service center the issue was diagnosed to be suspension part issues. The compliance link assemblies, lower lateral links, and control arms require replacement. This issue could have resulted in the car wheels breaking off while driving, causing a safety issue for myself and others.
PORSCHE
718 CAYMAN
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 9, 2024
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
Fire under the hood of my 2018 MDX - caused by weak battery and overloaded starter. My car was parked in the garage right under my daughter’s bedroom. I pressed the "Start" button on the car and the dashboard started to flash on and off quickly and I heard clicking sounds and other swooshing noises. The car did NOT start but it seemed to keep trying over and over again. I pressed the start/off b... Read more
Fire
PORSCHE
718 CAYMAN
(2023) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 9, 2024
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
Happened twice within the last three months. The first time I was driving at a speed between 45-50 mph and vehicle shutoff with instruments reading vehicle must be placed in park depress brake and start engine. After coasting to a safe area to stop the vehicle seemed to have shifted into park just before a full stop and abruptly and aggressively stopped. Depressed brake and restarted then vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
The cruise control has been braking for no apparent reason, putting myself and the people behind me at risk. It also tried to stop at multiple green lights rather than continue driving. The his also outs me, my passengers and people behind me at risk. There were no warnings about this behavior. I have the latest update and will also contact Tesla about the issue.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the rear wheels. The contact then parked the vehicle in the driveway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle bolts had loosened independently. The dealer tightened the bolts; however, the failure recurred while driving to the residence. Th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2023
My college son was driving down from Orlando, and when he got here I took his/my car to my mechanic because the AC was not cold. I felt a hard shift when I put it in reverse, and when I started to drive the car to the mechanic, it didn’t feel right. They fixed my AC and I asked him to check the car as I was worried it did not feel safe to drive. They changed all the filters and did a complete t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2023
I own 4 Subarus I’ve replaced 4 windshields and since replacing the windshields, I have 4 broken windshields. The oldest Subaru I own is a 2020. The smallest rock cracks the windshield, many think it’s the eye sight system and a much thinner windshield. Insurance companies increase the rates if you claim the windshield, so many Subaru owners just don’t get them fixed, causing visibility ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
My vehicle has the 2.0 Ecoboost 2018 engine has developed a misfire in the number 2 cylinder. Vehicle is at a Ford dealership engine block has a manufactured defect coolant leaking into cylinder. I purchased lifetime power train warranty no Ford is trying to refuse to repair because. I performed some of the oil changes on the vehicle. Oil has nothing to do with the defective engine block or head o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The vehicle was parked in my carport, and when I opened the door to get inside, the rear window (rear windshield) shattered. There was no foreign object, it wasn't hit by anything, it just shattered.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The vehicle was parked in my carport, and when I opened the door to get inside, the rear window (rear windshield) shattered. There was no foreign object, it wasn't hit by anything, it just shattered.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
The vehicle dashboard goes blank while driving, followed by the vehicle transmission slipping out of gear. This vehicle can be made available; however, it does not transfer gears. The problem has not been satisfactorily reproduced or diagnosed. The Ford service department simply stated that I needed a new transmission. The dashboard goes blank.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the engine was running rough. Additionally, the contact stated that she was continually refilling the coolant reservoir due to an excessive coolant consumption. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with an internal coolant leak. The contact was informed that the engine needed to... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The front passenger airbag sensor goes on and off when my passenger sits in the front seat. My passenger is 133 pounds and sometimes it triggers the "disabled" airbag icon and sometimes it doens't. It's very inconsistent and I fear that if it is in the disabled position at the time of an accident the airbags will not deploy. The vehicle has not been inspected by a licensed professional, manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
brand new car of VW 2022 Atlas Premium, but, with the brake grinding noise issue from starting driving this brand new car. The dealer acknowledged this noise issue, but, stated no safety issue, and asked me to call VW directly. We called VW directly, they said, no safety issue. We questioned we spent about $60k for this brand new car, why having such extremely brake noise from driving from day #1... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2022
I am experiencing a sticking steering wheel sensation that is most noticeable driving at high speeds. The wheel sticks and then jerks when corrected. It feels extremely unsafe. I do not want to drive it out of town or put more miles on it because I am afraid the problem will worsen or cause a wreck. I noticed this at 37,500 miles. Only 1500 miles outside of my warranty. I contacted Honda’s cus... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
I have an ongoing but intermittent problem with door and hatch releases on my 2022 Volvo wagon. The car has been looked at several times and the dealer can't find the problem. My hatch popped open while driving on RT 395 at 55. My doors either won't open from the outside or alternatively from the inside using the remote. Both remote keys have been tested with the same results. Driver's door and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I just purchased this vehicle on Saturday.And now my engine light is on.It is blinking.I did my research after getting the car and the code p1326 came up at autozone.after that it showed that code with recalls for 2011 to 2017.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I had a seat weight sensor error. Took into repair and the replaced sensor and then informed me they need to replace airbag because it’s not compatible with the new sensor. Then was told that it would cost $1100 more than estimate to replace an airbag that is in working condition. Tesla purposely replaced sensor that was not compatible with the way they built the car and expect consumer to pay f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I had a seat weight sensor error. Took into repair and the replaced sensor and then informed me they need to replace airbag because it’s not compatible with the new sensor. Then was told that it would cost $1100 more than estimate to replace an airbag that is in working condition. Tesla purposely replaced sensor that was not compatible with the way they built the car and expect consumer to pay f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
My wife was with my Aunt and driving at 70mph on PGBT highway and instant the check engine light come on and the car started smelling of burnt equipment and stalled. The cabin was filled with white smoke and the windows jammed as well. The car was stalled in the middle of the highway with traffic zooming past and severing to save us. This car put my family is a life threatening situation and I wan... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The problem here is the cruise control or autopilot. It first appeared when I bought the car. It continues to appear when driving on cruise control or autopilot. The car brakes harsh or suddenly stops. No messages or warning. Sometimes when driving under a ramp or sometimes when nothing is there it stops. I went to the Tesla shop many time and they can’t find any issue. I can’t drive using the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Engine heating problems, electrical problems and now engine failure, the vehicle is no longer safe to drive. The vehicle is available for inspection. Other vehicles of same make, model, and year have been recalled for these issues however mine has not. I feel it has the same types of issues and safety concerns which should be recalled. The issues began with electrical problems inside the vehicle, ... Read more
PORSCHE
CAYENNE GTS
(2008) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Dec 13, 2023
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at the gas station and attempting to refuel the vehicle, the fuel gauge failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the fuel gauge displayed half a tank of fuel. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, gasoline failed to enter the tank and was instead bubbling up and leaking out onto the ground from the fuel... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
Battery dies on a consistent basis and appears to be a trickle drain on the battery. After reading numerous online forums this appears to be a consistent issue that has not been addressed by Subaru of America. It appears the drain is caused by the DCM fuse being faulty. I have recently had the vehicle inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership with no issues noted. While this issue does not cr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
Started 2-3 months ago and is progressively getting worse. Battery drop from charged down to 2% randomly. Battery would drop 1% every 3 seconds. During highway drive it would cancel out cruise control and/or limited power down to 30mph. Which almost caused accident for the sudden loss of power. Brought to dealer and found no issues, waiting for next appointment in 2 weeks (next opening) to br... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
Started 2-3 months ago and is progressively getting worse. Battery drop from charged down to 2% randomly. Battery would drop 1% every 3 seconds. During highway drive it would cancel out cruise control and/or limited power down to 30mph. Which almost caused accident for the sudden loss of power. Brought to dealer and found no issues, waiting for next appointment in 2 weeks (next opening) to br... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
The rear middle seatbelt in my Telsa Model 3 is stuck. Somehow it got stuck behind the middle seat after the seat was put down to put long items in the trunk. Tesla mobile service sent a tech to my house but he alleged intentional misuse - as if me or my family intentionally were playing with a seatbelt and wrapping it around a seat. Furthermore, even if we were to assume intentional misuse w... Read more