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 519 complaints for RIVIAN
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
Delamination of the infotainment system. It delaminated and causes screen haunting. Which while I’m driving touches random things on the screen, which include vehicle safety settings, changing them at random. Also, it changes the radio, and disables the driver from being able to control volume which further distracts driver and puts driver at risk. A car that once had car play which allowed hand... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
While using the summon feature from my iPhone with the Tesla application my car drove into my house causing damage. I have video of this from my camera doorbell of the incident. I work in mobile application development and was told this was user error by Tesla when it first occurred.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 13, 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: Dec 21, 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 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 5, 2024
The vehicle was running on idle parked after being driven and on for less than 20 minutes. I started the van at 8:35. Drove away at 8:41, let it run on idle for 5 minutes, drove away, let it idle for 2 minutes at 9:04, drove away, let it idle at 9:06 and was smoking and had flames by 9:23 when we noticed it. The heat gauge didn't change, there was no indication that my engine was on fire or ther... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The vehicle was running on idle parked after being driven and on for less than 20 minutes. I started the van at 8:35. Drove away at 8:41, let it run on idle for 5 minutes, drove away, let it idle for 2 minutes at 9:04, drove away, let it idle at 9:06 and was smoking and had flames by 9:23 when we noticed it. The heat gauge didn't change, there was no indication that my engine was on fire or ther... Read more
Fire
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 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH and coming to a stop, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, causing the contact to be propelled forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer replaced unknown parts; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle... 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: 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
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized, and felt very stiff. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 167,000.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Saturn Vue. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V470000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
2023 RAM 1500 v8 with e-torque system stalls while driving. The vehicle will not start after stalling. The emergency brake is engaged and other lights are on the dash. I have had this problem happen three times and each time I had the vehicle brought to the local Dodge dealer service center. The problem was reported to the dealer service center and they have been unable to reproduce the problem.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
Bought 2013 suburban brand new and in 2018, on a trip to the mountains for fall break, the car quit with no warning signs, in the middle of the night. The car would not accelerate when gas pedal was pressed and RPM gauge needle “fluctuated erratically” until car came to a complete stop in the middle of the highway! It was a scary and dangerous situation because it was late at night and we were... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
Bought 2013 suburban brand new and in 2018, on a trip to the mountains for fall break, the car quit with no warning signs, in the middle of the night. The car would not accelerate when gas pedal was pressed and RPM gauge needle “fluctuated erratically” until car came to a complete stop in the middle of the highway! It was a scary and dangerous situation because it was late at night and we were... 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
took in for two recalls to Serramonte ford, airbag recall fixed, braking issue not fixed due to as dealer put it, issues with computer system and was not given a timeframe to have it completed, vehicle was returned to me.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The seatbelt in the middle seat of the middle row twisted and my 8 years old son got stuck. He struggled to breathe, and we had to cut the seatbelt. This situation was extremely dangerous and needs further explanation.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly shuddered before losing motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
car try to stop in highway, automatically acceleration doesn’t work and speed drop Down even try to push gas paddle it doesn’t run goes very slow speed goes down 30 m/h feel very danger and very scary!
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Four Subaru dealership licensed service centers in Maine and New Hampshire have had for some 8 weeks my Outback to evaluate, diagnose, and -upon my approval- service. Every one of the four Subaru locations was been unable to resolve a single one of these chronic problems of the Outback's erratic 1) start/no-start, 2) triggered security light and activated alarm, 3) dashboard battery and brake icon... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Four Subaru dealership licensed service centers in Maine and New Hampshire have had for some 8 weeks my Outback to evaluate, diagnose, and -upon my approval- service. Every one of the four Subaru locations was been unable to resolve a single one of these chronic problems of the Outback's erratic 1) start/no-start, 2) triggered security light and activated alarm, 3) dashboard battery and brake icon... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Our engine failed soon after a Ford dealership looked at our Edge. They told us there were some issues, but they did not tell us they were immediately needed. We drove a month or so, and the engine light came on. We immediately called, and the earliest they could get us in was a few weeks out. So we tried to treat it gently. It died Friday due to coolant intrusion into the 2nd cylinder. Had they... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the engine oil pump needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
I have a recall on the vehicle, I purchased may2024. Was never told about the recall until I took the vehicle to someone else and then told the company I purchased it from. Catalyst efficiency. I was also given a letter from the DMV.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
The EGR valve in my Volt suddenly failed with NO warning while driving 70 mph on the highway. I had to pull over before the engine overheated and I stopped on the side of interstate in a very tight shoulder on a curve with traffic and semi trucks passing by very closely. I’ve now been waiting over one year for repair as Chevrolet is unable to make this part for a repair that is still covered un... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
Pacifica hybrid turned on but would not shift out of park or turn off. The radio was playing, air was blowing (though not cold), power doors were not functioning. The car was towed to a Chrysler service center while still running. They turned the car off and when they looked at it several days later there were no errors codes and the car was turning on/off and able to shift out of park and drive. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Alternator I changed the starter I changed the alternator brand new it ran but then it stopped in mid drive and I won't just start and that's how I crashed into something now my car is wreck in the fridge and it won't start and if it does it stops
Crash
3 injured
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
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while reversing and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel felt abnormal and made an abnormal clunking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone however, the failure could not be replicated. The contact related the failure to an... Read more
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: Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the interior lights and headlights turned off and turned back on without driver's input. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 104,082.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the interior lights and headlights turned off and turned back on without driver's input. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 104,082.
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: 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: Apr 29, 2024
The water pump failed vehicle only has around 105,225 miles on it. This has been a known issue with the 3.5L Twin turbo ecoboost. The water and coolant continuously coming out happens to be on the alternator which has caused it to short out and no longer be working properly. There has not been any kind of malfunction or warning lights for any of the issues and because of the way ford designed the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2024
See attached document for complaint
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: Feb 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control, ABS, and brake lights were illuminated. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the contact heard air coming from the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed brake booster pump assembly. The contact wa... 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 8, 2024
Window regular has been replaced 2 times in 2 years.Having problems again with the same drivers side window. Costing over $600.Window keep getting off track want go up and or down. COULDN'T drve rain pouring in .Regulator replaced year 2022, 2023 now awaiting a appointment for another replacement
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
If vehicle stalls (manual transmission), severe power loss is experienced. It appears that vehicle goes into limp mode if it stalls. Has happened on several occasions. This creates a dangerous situation as it is not possible to move quickly enough to merge, proceed through an intersection, or maintain an adequate speed on the highway.
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
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
My vechile service airbag system light keep coming on when driving. I check my my storage memory on the cluster and there is nothing stored. I took it to auto zone where they hook up the computer and everything check out good. they said check to see if there a recall on it since everything check out and it is a saftely issue.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2024
Three times in the last year while driving north on interstate 91 coming down a long steep hill entering the town of Springfield, Vermont while my f-150 was in cruise control traveling at 70 mph the transmission has down shifted all by itself to fifth gear without me touching anything. I have not taken it to my local dealer as they want to charge me 135.00 dollars per hour just to look at it. Also... Read more