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: Jun 15, 2024
Brakes failed. The brake assist pump disintegrated, sending metal fragments into the Motor's oil circulation system. I was able to stop the truck using both feet and applying extreme force to the pedal. The dealer identified the problem. The "Brake Assist" warning light came on during the episode.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
This vehicle is owned by the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. We are submitting complaints for multiple Tahoe's that have stopped during operation causing extreme danger to our staff and other drivers in the city. The cause is always bad fuel pumps and our units have had to have the pumps replaced in some cases multiple times. 1/2023 Vehicle stalled while idling - Replaced Fuel Pump ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
This vehicle is owned by the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department. We are submitting complaints for multiple Tahoe's that have stopped during operation causing extreme danger to our staff and other drivers in the city. The cause is always bad fuel pumps and our units have had to have the pumps replaced in some cases multiple times. 1/2023 Vehicle stalled while idling - Replaced Fuel Pump ... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The small detached windshield above large windshield is defective and temperature sensitive. The vehicle was parked outside all day in hot Arizona ( extreme hot temps) and when we entered we put the ac on full blast. Within minutes with the car still in park. The glass exploded and shattered. Big pop sound almost like a gun shot. We looked outside and the upper windshield was cracked. I informe... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2024
The steering on the 2022 civic will get stuck when in a continued turn or when trying to do small adjustments at highway speeds. It will at times cause over correction which will make you cross over into the next lane. It is unsafe to not be able to perform small steering adjustments at high speeds without jerking the wheel. It seems to be a steering rack issue. The vehicle is a certified preown... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on three occasions, the vehicle jerked, lost motive power, and failed to accelerate above 25 MPH. The check engine, oil, and ECM warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an indep... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The Turbo is bad in the car at 90,000 miles. It is a common issue among these, lots of other people have the same issue with the “engine power is reduced” message popping up, per the 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer facebook group. There needs to be a recall so they can be fixed. It has happened on mine for the past few months and the dealer said the turbo is bad. The purge pump has already been rep... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
Vehicle stalls upon start on multiple occasions. Vehicle will not start at all on multiple occasions. On approximately February 2024 vehicle sent a warning signal while driving. Warning states vehicle cannot accelerate while driving on the highway, then vehicle slows under traffic speed causing fear of crash while on the highway causing me to pull over and restart vehicle. After restart, vehicle s... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2024
Our 2019 Chevrolet Equinox had a sudden Brake Vacuum Pump failure causing loss of braking power by about 80%. The only reason we did not have an accident is it was early morning and there was no traffic when we exited the highway. I was not happy to realize that GM has no recall on this. They apparently knew this was a problem and in more recent years have changed the design. The other flaw is thi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a tune-up was performed. The failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak. The contact was informed that the engine needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control failed to operate ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
I have been stuck on the road twice due to the engine stalling and the car just does not accelerate. This last time I was stuck in between 2 lanes and could not get the car to start. I was in danger with my daughters. I was able to get the car towed to the dealer and they are saying it is not the recall but everything that happened was what the recall is for. I now have to pay the dealer for a dia... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The Engine has seized up on me after leaving work on Wed April 24,2024. I have not owned this car not even 2 months. Purchased it through California Motors Direct. I have spoken with the general manager of the dealership and and he said the car has been serviced mulitple times as at Carson KIA. My car does not run at all at the time my car was seized up on me I was driving a with my baby in the ca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The Engine has seized up on me after leaving work on Wed April 24,2024. I have not owned this car not even 2 months. Purchased it through California Motors Direct. I have spoken with the general manager of the dealership and and he said the car has been serviced mulitple times as at Carson KIA. My car does not run at all at the time my car was seized up on me I was driving a with my baby in the ca... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
*Unknown high engine oil consumption which can cause the motor to lock up (because owners aren't aware that this is a known issue with the Kia Telluride *Since Kia has not disclosed this engine issue, the can can stall while driving. *I had a Kia service person state this is a known issues. I was told Kia has yet to do a recall on the Telluride like they've done on two other Kia vehicles with the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
I purchased this vehicle in late 2017 and immediately experienced an electrical issue that de-charged the battery. It was less than two weeks after my initial purchase. Since then, I have been stranded several times, inconvenienced, and frustrated by the level of service I received at Liccardi Ford in Watchung NJ. I have replaced this battery 4 other times since the initial replacement. This is cl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while exiting the vehicle, the seat belt anchor detached from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the seat belt anchor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The VIN... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
Sudden HARD braking when a vehicle is passing Windows that do not close properly and are then prone to sudden slamming shut (will eventually shatter) Have been in to have these repaired only to have them not repaired and even refused due to dealer fear of not being reimbursed This is an ongoing issue with honda
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
Sudden HARD braking when a vehicle is passing Windows that do not close properly and are then prone to sudden slamming shut (will eventually shatter) Have been in to have these repaired only to have them not repaired and even refused due to dealer fear of not being reimbursed This is an ongoing issue with honda
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
Sudden HARD braking when a vehicle is passing Windows that do not close properly and are then prone to sudden slamming shut (will eventually shatter) Have been in to have these repaired only to have them not repaired and even refused due to dealer fear of not being reimbursed This is an ongoing issue with honda
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Vehicle is flashing all kinds of repair needed signals. It is stalling and shutting off. It's not safe for me to drive. I'm elderly (disabled) and need to drive to get medicine and doctors appointments. The fuel pump is on recall and I can not wait until the fall to get the pump replaced. No Honda dealers have the pumps in stick yet. I need help ASAP. Thank you
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
The contact’s son owns a 2015 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced lunging and the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The contact used an ODB scanner to diagnose the vehicle and retrieved DTC codes related for: camshaft timing in cylinder bank 1 advanced, low oil, phaser stuck, faulty sensor, failed ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact engaged the electric parking brake and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle and determined that the brake line... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2024
On three separate days (2/27, 3/18, 3/29), the vehicle has shown a message saying “Stop safely, Vehicle will shut off soon”. The ability to accelerate is cut off. This has happened twice while on the highway, requiring a move across lanes to pull over safely due to loss of acceleration. After turning the car off, the car is able to turn back. The check engine light remains on for the next trip... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve is crucial for regulating the flow of gases in the engine's crankcase. If the PCV valve malfunctions or becomes clogged in a car like the 2016 Mercedes Benz C300 4-matic, several problems can arise: 1. **Increased Pressure:** A malfunctioning PCV valve can cause pressure to build up in the crankcase. This increased pressure can lead to oil leaks, gas... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was operating the vehicle in a parking area, while the vehicle was in park, and with the engine idling, the engine suddenly stalled. After which, the vehicle failed to immediately restart; however, upon pumping the accelerator pedal, it was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, it returned to normal function... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
When we rotate the car seat to lock it in place, the shell doesn't immediately lock in and we have to try several times to get it to lock in. Weve had this issue happen multiple times and fear for our son's safety. Our son's safety was put at risk when it didn't immediately lock into place. It has not been inspected by any one.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
When we rotate the car seat to lock it in place, the shell doesn't immediately lock in and we have to try several times to get it to lock in. Weve had this issue happen multiple times and fear for our son's safety. Our son's safety was put at risk when it didn't immediately lock into place. It has not been inspected by any one.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I’m having issues with braking and steering and I have made complaints to Hyundai and they have failed me they brush it off as though I need a new car but there are dangerous issues with this car. I also notified Hyundai Corporate Office on several occasions and a case manager by the name of Jose didn’t help at all nothing was resolved he only left voice messages and nothing was done.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
Vehicle was being driven on the highway and due to the weather conditions (it was very windy today) out of nowhere the exterior a pillar applique trim attachment unattached and broke off. I want to speak with someone regarding this due to the fact that I received a recall NOTICE in the mail but since there has been no official recall made I cannot schedule an appointment for service with my neares... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Purchased this RV motorhome in December 2021. From day 1 of this purchase, I have experienced what is being called the "creepy slide syndrome". When the motorhome is parked on in motion, the two hydraulic slides will creep (extend) out about 2-4 inches and at times have been extended as far as 6 inches. Have had more than 5 service repairs, including one national recall performed and the proble... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact veered to the side of the road. The low oil pressure, the check engine, and the battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed. The dealer determined that the fa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
My vehicle is constantly running out of oil within a 30 day period and I constantly getting an oil change. I was advised to get an oil consumption test at the dealer and was out of oil in 3 weeks. I was told that I have a warranty, however, it's only if the rod bearings are an issue. I think my engine should be replaced without paying a $300 diagnostic fee that might get refunded without an exact ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
24-volt battery failed, causing the steering column to lock up and all components to malfunction. All doors were locked, and I could not get out of the vehicle. I had to call my husband to let me out through the vehicle's truck manually. This has caused me a great deal of anxiety. There was no indication prior to this situation, and I have reported this issue to the dealer service department. This... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
We purchased the vehicle with 45000 miles, within a year, the vehicle started to run very badly, car idle vibrates the whole vehicle. It stalls out on her sometimes, burns all the oil by the it is time to change oil, the mechanic says there is less than a quart left, but no leak as per mechanic! The vehicle will blow soon I’m sure, and my wife drives our children everyday. I was made aware of la... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Intermittently, the car's cameras will be unavailable for the duration of a drive. Backup camera does not show a feed when the car is in Reverse. Simply turning the car off and back on again does not resolve the issue. Issues goes away by itself, and reappears some amount of time later. No consistent location, temperature, time of day, or other condition has been observed.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The car was shaking when I started it. Took it to the dealership and they told me it got the coolant intrusion into the cylinder and now they need to replace the whole engine with a short block engine. I believe it's a design defect by Ford!
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Front Suspension Lower Fore Links, yes it is available for inspection. The incident occur while driving the vehicle; which is ground for significant safety risk. The vehicle is in the process of getting towed. Vehicle has not yet been inspected. No warning signs, the vehicle just came out of Tesla Service Center.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
Front Suspension Lower Fore Links, yes it is available for inspection. The incident occur while driving the vehicle; which is ground for significant safety risk. The vehicle is in the process of getting towed. Vehicle has not yet been inspected. No warning signs, the vehicle just came out of Tesla Service Center.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
Scanner can not communicate with the ecm/tcm U0101 code shifting issues starting issues
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to shake, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
I read all of the 214 complaints by consumers who have had the same scary incident occur to them. I have completed all of my recalls and for the life of the vehicle I have had the maintenance plan. The car has been well taken car of. After reading the complaints, I also have had an incident where the vehicles RPM's increased for no reason almost causing me to hit another vehicle in front of me and... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
At 15k mi the rear left wheel started to squeal. Took car to dealer, they claimed all brake pads on the car worn out and replaced all of them (front+back), paperwork is available. That's an indication of a design defect impacting the brake system, this is not acceptable. Next week I was driving in winter storm and at one point the car started shifting to the left. I managed to regain control, das... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
Rear window glass broke out of nothing without any collision or otherwise impact. I parked the car in a covered, safe garage and then the other day the rear window glass was completely shattered and broken.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
Problem with 2020 Ford escape door hinge. It happened about 1,000 miles after warranty ended. Repair shop took pictures and sent to Ford. Ford said it was out of warranty. Since then window will not go down and door is harder and harder to close and lock. 10/9/23 took to be serviced because check engine light would come on and off intermittently along with other messages. They found multiple codes... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
I’ve been having issues few months after I bought the car from Honda dealership. I took it back and forth to them and they said there was an issue but did nothing. The recalls about the steering came up and I don’t feel safe driving the car but last week I took it and they said there was nothing wrong. Steering is sticky. I’m all over the road having to make corrections 90% of the time I’... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
My 2011 Hyundai sonata Engine failed in April 2023. Was towed and the engine was replaced due to the recall. Got car back November 4th 2023. Fuel gauge never went out and after driving about 3 miles the engine light came on. Dec 13th was driving on highway and felt like the car was going to fall apart. Able to get off highway only for the car to die. Every light including some I have never seen ca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
My 2011 Hyundai sonata Engine failed in April 2023. Was towed and the engine was replaced due to the recall. Got car back November 4th 2023. Fuel gauge never went out and after driving about 3 miles the engine light came on. Dec 13th was driving on highway and felt like the car was going to fall apart. Able to get off highway only for the car to die. Every light including some I have never seen ca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
esta quemando aceite de motor muy rapido y antes de tiempo. mientras se utiliza esta lento y cuando sube cuestas muy pesado tiene que hacer mucha fuerza.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to move forward. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a spark plug was cracked. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The... Read more