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 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
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera was inoperable. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera displayed a cloudy image without a picture. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
Running rough with no MIL warning light. Possible engine issue as described by the below TSB: Ford TSB 22-2229 Make: Ford Number: 22-2229 Title: 2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke and/or Illuminated MIL Date: 6/9/2022 Models: 2015-2018 Edge SE 2015-2018 Edge SEL 2015-2018 Edge Sport 2015-2018 Edge Titanium 2015-2019 Escape S 2015-2019 Escape SE 2018-2019 Escape SEL 2015... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
I noticed a clicking noise when pressing and releasing the brake pedal that had not been there before. I started hearing that sound 3-5 days ago. After driving to pick up food I noticed smoke coming from the engine area then the car burst into flames. The fire depress called a they put out the fire.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
I noticed a clicking noise when pressing and releasing the brake pedal that had not been there before. I started hearing that sound 3-5 days ago. After driving to pick up food I noticed smoke coming from the engine area then the car burst into flames. The fire depress called a they put out the fire.
Fire
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
EHRS fails, causing coolant leaks & cracked cylinders
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
Voltage will drop and effects steering, dash lights, radio, headlights
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
Voltage will drop and effects steering, dash lights, radio, headlights
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Vehicle routinely (>90% of the time) fails to detect occupancy of front passenger seat resulting in disabled airbags and other related safety systems. Our particular vehicle experiences the issue with passengers ranging from 150-425lbs resulting in a significant safety concern. Searching online indicates this is a common issue and repair requests are routinely denied with claims that it is operati... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
the vehicle has a permanent cylinder 2 misfire. the misfire has at times produced an unexpected change in the vehicle's acceleration which could be dangerous in certain traffic conditions. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center who determined that the source of the misfire is either a mechanical component inside the engine or part of the valve train. I have been told th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
the vehicle has a permanent cylinder 2 misfire. the misfire has at times produced an unexpected change in the vehicle's acceleration which could be dangerous in certain traffic conditions. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent service center who determined that the source of the misfire is either a mechanical component inside the engine or part of the valve train. I have been told th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
My gas gauge said 60 miles until fill up, I ran out of gas with no warning, no check engine light and no gas light, in the middle of the street. I was not able to wheel it to the side as I was going uphill at the time and the steering went out. Traffic had to avoid hitting me as I was completely locked up. There is nothing previously wrong with the car.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
My gas gauge said 60 miles until fill up, I ran out of gas with no warning, no check engine light and no gas light, in the middle of the street. I was not able to wheel it to the side as I was going uphill at the time and the steering went out. Traffic had to avoid hitting me as I was completely locked up. There is nothing previously wrong with the car.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The index pin from the CVVT got stuck in my exhaust camshaft. I have replaced multiple sensors hoping those were the issue and not my CVVT and Exhaust Camshaft
RIVIAN
R1T
(2023) — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
Dec 16, 2023
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
About 10am in Dec 14th, there was something is broken sound after closing my car door, and when I turn around to check what happened, the rear windshield of car is shartted. It's obviously to see the cracks is started from sides. And excluding the man-made and natural possibilities, I think it is the bad quality of rear for vehicle. Before founding this component, my car is normally working on the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The ABS lights come on and off intermittently with a "service system" warning message
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Engine mounts are leaking at 118,000 mi
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
On Monday, December 11, 2023 Myself, my girlfriend, and our two dogs were headed across the I-182 bridge coming out of Pasco, WA to Richland, WA. We were in the far left or center lane (I am not sure which). The highway is three lanes each way. We were at highway speed (the speed limit is 70 mph). About ¾ of the way across the bridge, the vehicle felt like all 4 wheels locked. The vehicle th... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
I started the vehicle and the engine was shaking, it had reduced acceleration and power while driving and the engine light started flashing with engine making popping noises and car bucking. I could not stay up with cars on freeway and after stopping would barely accelerate. I had to wait till traffic was not coming to turn across oncoming lanes to prevent being hit. I limped it back home and fou... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
I started the vehicle and the engine was shaking, it had reduced acceleration and power while driving and the engine light started flashing with engine making popping noises and car bucking. I could not stay up with cars on freeway and after stopping would barely accelerate. I had to wait till traffic was not coming to turn across oncoming lanes to prevent being hit. I limped it back home and fou... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
My hyaundai is burning through oil every 500-1000 miles it will be completely empty
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
I purchased my 2023 Honda Pilot on April 7, 2023. I had to wait for it to come in which happened roughly 2 weeks later. Within a month or so of having the vehicle while sitting at a traffic light I got 2 warning lights. One being the collision mitigation system problem see your dealer and immediately followed by adaptive cruise control problem see your dealer. I called the dealership to make them ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Low Tire Warning either failed or is defective. On Dec 11, 2023 my rear tire went flat (to 4 PSI) while driving on the freeway. I was driving for about 25 miles on the freeway when the Rivian R1S truck kept swerving left and right between the lane markers like the lane assist was malfunctioning. Another driver pulled up on the side of me and got my attention by honking their horn to let me know m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, he heard an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle was idling rough. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the cam timing phasers. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact relat... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
I received a notice that I am driving a potential bomb and they will fix it. They are building a factory in my area for making new cars, but shouldn't they be required to fix their old cars before making new ones. They have no date for fixing my car which, basically, makes me without a vehicle indefinitely, which could be forever, if ever. I am unable to purchase a new car, so here I am with a ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2023
Front camera fault and pre-collision assist not available warnings. Car is unable to use cruise control or lane departure assist or warning.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
I was headed straight but stopped so that I could move into a left turn lane. As I got into the left turn lane and was straightening up behind the person in front of me at almost a dead stop the R1S lunged forward and accelerated at a high rate of speed hitting the car in front of me (speed control issue already known on the R1T). The camera footage verifies it. No warning lights went off (forward... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
My vehicle has completely shut-off numerous times after stopping at a stop light or stop sign while my idle stop option is on. I biught a new battery, which did not resolve the issue.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
My vehicle has completely shut-off numerous times after stopping at a stop light or stop sign while my idle stop option is on. I biught a new battery, which did not resolve the issue.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
I am writing to bring to your attention a series of critical malfunctions I have experienced with the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system in my 2020 Range Rover Velar. The persistent issues outlined below pose a significant safety risk and warrant immediate action through a comprehensive vehicle recall. USB Connectivity Static: When utilizing the USB connection, the audio output is excessivel... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
I am writing to bring to your attention a series of critical malfunctions I have experienced with the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system in my 2020 Range Rover Velar. The persistent issues outlined below pose a significant safety risk and warrant immediate action through a comprehensive vehicle recall. USB Connectivity Static: When utilizing the USB connection, the audio output is excessivel... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
Headlights work fine, but the High Beams don't. The light in the car shows them on, but they do not turn on outside the vehicle. I can't confirm how long they haven't worked since this was the vehicle my wife drove but very rarely at night. Now that I'm driving it in the dark in the mornings and evenings, I noticed it.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Rivian released a software update that bricked my vehicle. It is drivable but the infotainment screen and safety features are inaccessible. It is unclear what features work and which ones do not. Rivian has only released limited information on Reddit, and there has been no other formal communication to impacted owners. Customer service said it was aware and that the team was working on a resol... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Took vehicle to dealership for recall. Air bag light on dashboard was flashing. Dealer said air bag was ok and they did not go any further to find the problem. The light is still flashing, so I do not know if my air bags are safely operative. Thank you very much.1031
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
Software update rolled out version 2023.42.0 and now the vehicle screen is black and HVAC does not work. It is unclear if any safety or airbag systems are operational. Cameras not working.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
The back inner tail light on my car is not working, which is the following recall, however, according to acura, my vin does not apply and does not show a recall. I believe this is an error since I am having the exact issue and my vin should be included in this recall. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER:19V-256 MFR CAMPAIGN ID:M49 CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION:2014-19 MDX Tailgate Inner Taillight Safety Recall RECALL DAT... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
The back inner tail light on my car is not working, which is the following recall, however, according to acura, my vin does not apply and does not show a recall. I believe this is an error since I am having the exact issue and my vin should be included in this recall. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER:19V-256 MFR CAMPAIGN ID:M49 CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION:2014-19 MDX Tailgate Inner Taillight Safety Recall RECALL DAT... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Rivian pushed a software update to owners on the evening of 11/13/2023. This update made the driver information and infotainment screens non-functional and also disabled all driver saftey aids and any ability to turn exterior lights or windshield wipers off or on. As of 11:24 am CST on 11/14/2023, owners have still not been officially notified or provided any status updates aside from a reddit pos... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? MANY components of the vehicle that run on software are completely unuseable. This includes ALL sensors, safety features, ADAS, ability to adjust suspension, regen braking, HVAC, Audio, etc. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I do not know what is working and what is not workin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? MANY components of the vehicle that run on software are completely unuseable. This includes ALL sensors, safety features, ADAS, ability to adjust suspension, regen braking, HVAC, Audio, etc. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I do not know what is working and what is not workin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? MANY components of the vehicle that run on software are completely unuseable. This includes ALL sensors, safety features, ADAS, ability to adjust suspension, regen braking, HVAC, Audio, etc. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I do not know what is working and what is not workin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V675000 (Suspension) and 21V537000 (Suspension) however, after the repairs, the vehicle started experiencing suspension and alignment failures. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle seemed misaligned and was pulling to the right and to the left. Addition... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V675000 (Suspension) and 21V537000 (Suspension) however, after the repairs, the vehicle started experiencing suspension and alignment failures. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle seemed misaligned and was pulling to the right and to the left. Addition... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Rivian issued an OTA update, 2023.42.0, that rendered all but the most basic functions disabled. There is no center screen. No ability to control defrost or climate in the vehicle. All advanced safety features, other than blind spot warnings, appear disabled.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a scheduled service appointment. During the inspection, the contact was informed that the vehicle had a cracked cylinder and the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair would not be covered under the warranty due to the warranty bei... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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. V... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Gas goes fast, The canister purge valve? My engine light stays on.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Gas goes fast, The canister purge valve? My engine light stays on.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Stopped at McDonalds drive through waiting to order with my foot on the brake and the vehicle lunged forward rearending the car stopped 5 feet in front of me ordering. I was trying to brake but it kept pushing the car in front of me then careened to the right hitting a sign and a parked car. I kept pumping the brakes and I thought it was going to run into a building when the vehicle finally stoppe... Read more
Crash