Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 470 complaints for RIVIAN
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
__ The present complaint alleges as follows: 1. Honda has a defective design in the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) of all Honda Odysseys, models 2018-2023. 2. Namely, Honda has placed the RADAR behind the large HONDA emblem on the front grille. This causes the radar to give a "RADAR OBSTRUCTED" warning, which disables all Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in the car (Automatic Emergenc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
__ The present complaint alleges as follows: 1. Honda has a defective design in the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) of all Honda Odysseys, models 2018-2023. 2. Namely, Honda has placed the RADAR behind the large HONDA emblem on the front grille. This causes the radar to give a "RADAR OBSTRUCTED" warning, which disables all Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in the car (Automatic Emergenc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Was driving the vehicle going approximately 35-40 miles per hour. Lost all power to the vehicle, no ability to steer or control the vehicle. Once vehicle stopped and after additional inspection at the Ford dealership was informed vehicle had experienced engine failure. First was told it occurred under current belt recall, later told engine failure occurred because of coolant leaking into oil. I wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
When the Pet Comfort is used in sub freezing temperatures, the HVAC system does not respect the set temperature and the vehicle keeps heating the inside nonstop. On this particular incident, the Pet Comfort feature was set to 68º F however, I received an alert that the inside of the cabin was above 75º F.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
On the way home from picking up the vehicle, the adaptive cruise control and the late keep assist functionality failed. The service center determined that one of the front radars needed to be replaced.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
On the way home from picking up the vehicle, the adaptive cruise control and the late keep assist functionality failed. The service center determined that one of the front radars needed to be replaced.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Unable to use the drive stalk to change gears. Reboot fixed it temporarily. Service center ended up replacing the Steering Column Control module.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
My car seat is impacted by the Nuna Rava recall - the straps on this car seat can be completely pulled out without pressing a button. Nuna cannot offer any sort of remedy for 2-3 months and cannot guarantee that it will fix the issue.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
My car seat is impacted by the Nuna Rava recall - the straps on this car seat can be completely pulled out without pressing a button. Nuna cannot offer any sort of remedy for 2-3 months and cannot guarantee that it will fix the issue.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
I bought new 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid from Germain Honda of Dublin, OH on [XXX]. It's supposed to get Highway *MPG:34 [3], / City MPG: 40 [3] *EPA ESTIMATED. I got up to 37 to 39 mpg in the city for the few months. Since last 2 1/2-month milage start reducing every day. Now it reaches to 28.3 MPG When I Travelled from Chicago, IL to Powell, OH on [XXX] I only got 29 to 30 MPG. Now in the city, I... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the windshield washer fluid was leaking out of the front camera. The windshield fluid warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer informed the contact that a cause for the failure was not found. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); 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. Parts distribu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
While driving on a state highway in cruise mode, the vehicle displayed a “CHECK CONTROL” message: •Support from Driver Assistance restricted •You can continue driving. Driver Assistance permanently restricted. •Check Control messages (1) Suddenly, the car exited cruise mode. While this is designed as a safety feature, it should not disengage abruptly during driving, as it may lead to pot... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Head gasket leaking and caused major engine issue at 89,000 miles. Mazda has known of this issue, but refuses to recall it.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
Excessive oil consumption greater that 1 quart per 1000 miles.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
THE VANDERHALL CARMEL IS A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE, 3-WHEELED AUTOCYCLE WITH AN ALL ALUMINUM BOX FRAME; IT IS POWERED BY A GM 1.5T ENGINE COUPLED TO A 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, TRANSVERSE MOUNTED IN A FWD CONFIGURATION. THE REAR ENGINE MOUNT IS BOLTED TO A BRACKET THAT IS WELDED TO THE ALUMINUM FIREWALL. WHILE THE WELDS ON THE BRACKET APPEAR TO BE INTACT, THE ALUMINUM FIREWALL WHERE THE ENGINE MOU... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The high-pressure fuel pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number:... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
When the brake pedal is depressed, it occasionally emits a loud squeaking sound. I recently took the car to a nearby dealership (Ourisman Toyota in Chantilly, VA) for inspection, where the service advisor informed me that both the Brake Master Cylinder and the Hydraulic Brake Booster Pump require replacement. Here’s the detailed diagnosis: 1) Hydraulic Brake Booster Pump: The master cylinder/br... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
I purchased my vehicle new from Rivian Automotive in November 2023. My rear tire went flat (to 4 PSI) while driving on the freeway on Dec 11, 2023. There was no warning message on the dash that my tire was even low. The truck kept swerving left and right between the lane markers like the lane assist was malfunctioning. Another driver got my attention to let me know my tire was flat. I had my SUV ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
I purchased my vehicle new from Rivian Automotive in November 2023. My rear tire went flat (to 4 PSI) while driving on the freeway on Dec 11, 2023. There was no warning message on the dash that my tire was even low. The truck kept swerving left and right between the lane markers like the lane assist was malfunctioning. Another driver got my attention to let me know my tire was flat. I had my SUV ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
My ford escape had a recall for lower engine block back in late 2020. As of yesterday they are now telling me I need to get the same part they replaced then replaced again. Its been under 23k miles since the recall replacement was done and they want to charge me 9k
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
My ford escape had a recall for lower engine block back in late 2020. As of yesterday they are now telling me I need to get the same part they replaced then replaced again. Its been under 23k miles since the recall replacement was done and they want to charge me 9k
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
Vehicle will randomly downshift into first gear at 40mph almost caused me to lose control
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. 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 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 manufact... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord Sedan. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brakes were engaged inadvertently. On two occasions the vehicle braked abruptly, the vehicle hit a curb, and punctured the front and rear passenger tires. A police report was taken on one of those occasions. The contact sustained neck and back injuries and medical attention... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Unintended activation of CMBS braking and warning system causing rapid vehicle deceleration. Deactivation of active cruise control due to CMBS errors.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
I wrote before about the electrical issue. My husband jumped started my car On 8/28/24. I drove down to my church for a Women's Bible Study. I was there for 2 1/2 hours. When I went to leave my car would not start. I called my son. He jump started my car for me. As I was about to leave after a few minutes my car quit running. As the car was running every electrical component on the dash was going ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and shuddered while accelerating and shifting gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission clutch had previously been replaced but had failed again. The transmission clutch was replac... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
My car does not start, before that the car start to misfire and loss power at 60 mph on the highway ,and then take it to fix it, put a new high pressure fuel pump because i had a p0087 dtc, it say low pressure on the fuel rail, after the change the car does the same and see a recall for that problem online
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
Headlights on new Platinum 2024 F250--when driving at night there are several issues. On low beam there is a black line that shows up across the upper view. On high beam the black line is even more prominent and shapes start showing up in the lights. Squares first then as you drive and turn they change to V, M and X shapes. (see pictures). The truck has 560 miles on it and it has been to the Fo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
ABS control module fault code. Seems to be a lot of people having issues with this on 2017 and 2018 year model trucks. A class action would be nice or some sore of solution for ram to make a permanent fix.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
I'm writing to request an extension of the recall for the Brake Vacuum Pump issue and seek compensation for repairs on my 2018 Chevy Equinox. In November 2023, while exiting [XXX] in Warwick, RI, my brakes failed despite full pressure. I had to steer into the breakdown lane and eventually stopped in a parking lot. At the time, I was nine months pregnant and extremely shaken. After stopping, the ve... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
While driving 55+mph on a parkway the service parking brake, check engine light and the traction control light came on with a warning "Engine Power Reduced" which was dangerous because I could not accelerate and there was not a spot to pull over. This is frustrating due to the fact that I was having this same issue 6 months ago and Chevrolet said it was a wiring issue and it wasn't covered by the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
Our son no matter how we try and position him his chin is touching his chest and starts to bubble during our car rides in the mesa max. He also seems to overheat in it and comes out sweaty even with the shortest car ride. We contacted the mfg and they told us he was too big for infant inserts and too small in the bucket itself.. and to wrap a dish towel around the crouch buckle to help keep him pu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
Check Engine light came on. Diagnosis revealed timing chain needs to be replaced. Mileage is past the warranty but years is not past the warranty. Repair comes just a couple of months after gear shift locked up and full gear shift assembly had to be replaced.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda HR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the instrument panel was flashing on and off and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was rep... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
For the last 50k miles we've taken our Acura MDX to the dealership for regular oil changes. Almost every visit results in a bad battery. We've had the dealership replace a side mirror due to the electrical and several batteries as well. They've kept it for several days diagnosing issues but haven't to this day found out what's wrong with it. Now my back taillight stopped working, we bought a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
Below are the diagnostics that Rivian says happened. I pulled into a parking space and as I placed my foot on the brake the car launched forward. I DID NOT hold both peddles down at the same time. The car malfunctioned and thank god I hit another parked car and not a person. The car has no been in the shop and at Rivian service center for the last 4 months. They are taking no responsibility f... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
While driving power steering warning lights up and steering fails. Have to pull over and stop put in park and turn off and back on for power steering to start working again.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
Vehicle would not go into park fortunately we were in a safe location to avoid a possible accident or injury. The vehicle has electronic transmission shifting. According to the dealership the park solenoid in the transmission valve body failed. This prevented us from putting the vehicle in park so it could safely be shut off. We were able to set electronic parking brake but ignition continued to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
Eye sight freezing when car purchased brand new. I was told that this was a known Issue. Radio freezing and then resuming at blaring volume, I was told that this was a known issue and Subaru was waiting for an update. Burning smell from car when purchased, notified dealer, smell did not go away. I was told that this was normal. Starling freezing and not working, this was a service that I paid for... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Rivian R1T. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH with the cruise control activated while overtaking another vehicle, the vehicle independently activated the brake. The contact had not turned off the cruise control and there were no other vehicles nearby. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that when the other vehicle h... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Driving under 10mphs (in slow moving traffic or parking lot, etc.), the vehicle engine turns off and power steering also shuts down. I reported this issue to VW Service and they were able to reproduce the issue but are unable to find a fix for it. When the issue appeared AUTO START/STOP error flashed on the dash board. I avoided an accident this week when the vehicle turned off in rolling traffic... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Driving under 10mphs (in slow moving traffic or parking lot, etc.), the vehicle engine turns off and power steering also shuts down. I reported this issue to VW Service and they were able to reproduce the issue but are unable to find a fix for it. When the issue appeared AUTO START/STOP error flashed on the dash board. I avoided an accident this week when the vehicle turned off in rolling traffic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? — ACCELERATOR PEDAL. YES, AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? — DUE TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEFECT, IT RESULTED IN ONE CASUALTY AND ONE INJURY. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? — YES, SERVICE R... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
Mid-Drive the Airbag (SRS) light came on indicating here was a fault in the system. After some diagnostic testing it was determined that there was a fault in the Occupant detection system causing the vehicle to not activate the airbag regardless of the fact that someone was sitting in the seat. The issue was present in same type of seats (heated) that were previously recalled shortly before this v... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
Mid-Drive the Airbag (SRS) light came on indicating here was a fault in the system. After some diagnostic testing it was determined that there was a fault in the Occupant detection system causing the vehicle to not activate the airbag regardless of the fact that someone was sitting in the seat. The issue was present in same type of seats (heated) that were previously recalled shortly before this v... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
I received a critical safety recall regarding side air bags from Rivian regarding my 2023 R1S on June 14. After multiple attempts by me to connect with their Customer Service, I was informed that a mobile service technician would come to fix the issue on August 26, 2024. This would be more than 60 days after Rivian's initial notification. Additionally, on July 6 2024, when I turned on the vehicle,... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
MERCEDES DEALER NOTES : 07/19/2022 CLIENT STATES STEERING IS STIFF. STARTED ABOUT 1 TO 2 MONTHS AGO AND WOULD SHOW UP ONCE AND AWHILE. WHEN IT WOULD ACT UP WOULD NOT DRIVE IT AND IT WOULD LOCK THE STEERING . THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, WITH ACCIDENT HAZARD. WE DID THE BELOW WORK. ELECTRIC POWER STEERING RACK FAULTY REPLACE COMPLETE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING RACK. WHICH COST US OVER $3000. NOW WE ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
MERCEDES DEALER NOTES : 07/19/2022 CLIENT STATES STEERING IS STIFF. STARTED ABOUT 1 TO 2 MONTHS AGO AND WOULD SHOW UP ONCE AND AWHILE. WHEN IT WOULD ACT UP WOULD NOT DRIVE IT AND IT WOULD LOCK THE STEERING . THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, WITH ACCIDENT HAZARD. WE DID THE BELOW WORK. ELECTRIC POWER STEERING RACK FAULTY REPLACE COMPLETE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING RACK. WHICH COST US OVER $3000. NOW WE ... Read more