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: Oct 4, 2023
Vehicle fails to start randomly in the morning Everything powers up and the screen lights up, but the car doesn't power up fully Maybe fuel pump issue
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
Vehicle fails to start randomly in the morning Everything powers up and the screen lights up, but the car doesn't power up fully Maybe fuel pump issue
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 wanted to reach out to you about our new 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness. Subaru is having many issues with their thin windshields for 2023/2024 Crosstrek windshields. Our new vehicle has barely 2100 miles and the windshield has cracked in two places. Not from a rock chip and from normal highway driving. This is a safety issue. Normal to work driving, No off roading. I have been reading up on ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
My vehicle was pulling in the rear when braking. My mechanic informed me that it was a rotted undercarriage. When I called Mercedes they informed me that there is a problem with many models of Mercedes with this. They told me there is a warranty to cover it. This is a very dangerous condition. There should be a recall on all impacted vehicles. This safety failure and lack of transparency by the co... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking lot and attempting to merge into traffic, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact attempted to reset the power steering however, the functionality failed to return. The contact continued to drive without power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
Bright LED lights when driving at night, specifically of other SUV or truck vehicles. This has affected my driving at night by blinding and giving me headaches. How can we prevent a safer road? Why is this approved? Why do headlights need to be so bright, that they are blinding to other vehicles? This is a huge safety concern and needs to be addressed. I drive a smaller car, but i shouldnt have to... 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: Dec 20, 2023
I was driving on freeway with cruise control on and noticed a couple of 'slips' in the transmission that made the car slow down and 'jerk'. Thinking it might have been a bit of bad gas, I kept driving for about 20 minutes. At one point the car seemed to slip into neutral and the tachometer revved up to about 8000 RPM even though the car was still in drive. I pulled over on the off-ramp and then... 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
The contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Town and Country. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a defective air bag module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not... Read more
RIVIAN
R1S
(2023) - VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
Dec 16, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 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: Dec 11, 2023
Drivers door latch will NOT lock/engage after opening door.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The paint of my 2019 Pearl White Sonata is peeling off on the hood. I see that there was an extended warranty extension on the same car of 2017 and 2018. I would like to know why not including 2019 of the same color on the same car.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
AT LOW SPEED MY BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR LIKE I AM LOSING MY BRAKING POWER COMPLETELY. I FOUND A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BUT MY TRUCK DOESNT SEEM TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS. HOW CAN I GET MY TRUCK REPAIRED BEFORE I KILL SOMEONE.
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
2022 Chevy Bolt, less than 10,000 miles. Problem began 11/24/23. Steering wheel locks up at low speeds, gives warning "Steering Assistance reduced" at higher speeds. At low speeds, steering wheel turns only a small amount before it clicks and stops. Very dangerous in tight parking lots or trying to turn left or right from a stop - takes multiple tries to get steering wheel to turn, and sometim... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that when applying the accelerator pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and lurched forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. While leaving a store and entering traffic, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into an unknown vehicle, which spun and crashed into another unknown vehicle. The driver was able to drive the vehicle awa... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
VEHICLE IS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
After starting the van, an error pops up: "SRS Airbag System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer." This occurs a day after turning the car on and off and driving for several hours. The next day, it may come back on, or it may not. I have taken it to a dealership, and they stated it was a firmware update they completed. After they updated the warning light, it came back on less than a week later.
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 11, 2023
The service light was coming on and off. It would reset on startup but would come on after driven for a few miles. I experienced the car kicking into gear when I went from park to drive. The first time I brought it in, they said that they didn't see anything and cleared the codes and I drove it off the lot not even 1/2 mile and the light came back on and as I was leaving the lot, I noted that the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
I have attempted to get 2 recalls that require parts completed at my local Ram dealer who has called me both times saying that the parts were in, and they were ready to schedule the appointment to complete the recalls. The first appointment was on September 25th, 2023, and when the vehicle was checked in, I was informed they had no parts to complete 2 of the 3 recalls that existed at that time. Th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2023
Again today 12/3/23 the sync 4 screen upon startup froze in a gray screen for minutes then restated rendering the Federally Mandated Tear Camera 100% inoperable. Nothing worked for minutes a safety hazard not being able to see and move
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: Dec 1, 2023
Vehicle lost propulsion and all power mid turn at approximately 45mph. Powe steering and assisted brakes were gone. Conditions were rainy, resulting in single car crash. Car did not restart. No codes present. Occurred again after repairs at 70mph on highway. Codes P0AC4 and P0C0E indicating Drive Motor Power Inverter B. Despite being under warranty, GM cannot repair, and has no replacement parts. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
The car was involved in an accident. It was going 5-10 mph and hit a light post. There was minor body damage and about 10-15 seconds after initial impact the airbags deployed and cracked my windshield. The car was considered a total loss.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
The car was involved in an accident. It was going 5-10 mph and hit a light post. There was minor body damage and about 10-15 seconds after initial impact the airbags deployed and cracked my windshield. The car was considered a total loss.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
Transmission programming recall, clutch recall, fuel cap recall and many more recalls were not performed at ford dealership! Had to pay out of pocket at dealer for “labor” task was never performed at dealer for all recalls!
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 13, 2023
Intermittently unable to start (start button flickers quickly sometimes). Dealer checked out common start issues like battery and alternator for free and charged for start lamp switch but still intermittently cannot start car. Based on internet research, not just me and possible needs to be recall on start lamp or corroding brake/cruise switches immediately above brake. Stranded several times. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Corolla. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V480000 (Steering) 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 stated the air bag warning light was illuminated. The fai... 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 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 65–70 MPH, the steering wheel was tight while turning. Additionally, while driving, the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated that water was entering the steering column, which caused the steering to disengage. The contact stated that the service power steering light was illuminated. The local dealer was conta... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
I was on an exit ramp from one freeway to another. The Honda Collision Management Warning System activated with 2 warning indicators and alerts then immediately activated the brakes hard skidding the tires. After 2-3 seconds it released the brakes. There were no vehicles in front or to the side of me. A vehicle behind braked to avoid me. The weather was clear with good visibility. The sun was to t... 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
At approximately 76k I started noticing that my low beam headlights were very dim at night and was having a hard time seeing the street/lines and signs while driving. The distance I should have been able to see was declining. It continued to decline over time, and now at 80k literally the only light my vehicle is projecting at night is the front running lights, so I cannot see barely more that 5 f... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the contact became aware that the vehicle failed to shift out of first gear. The vehicle then stopped independently. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the transmission being faulty. The vehicle had not been diagnosed o... 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
When driving at 70-75MPH my steering wheel will feel sticky or stuck while turning to the left between 10-12 O’clock . Feels as if the lane mitigation is wanting to correct my steering all while the lane assist is off. Any minor corrections while steering wheel is sticky results in major corrections and forces me to swerve. Afraid of electric steering failing at high speed and causing a severe a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
When driving at 70-75MPH my steering wheel will feel sticky or stuck while turning to the left between 10-12 O’clock . Feels as if the lane mitigation is wanting to correct my steering all while the lane assist is off. Any minor corrections while steering wheel is sticky results in major corrections and forces me to swerve. Afraid of electric steering failing at high speed and causing a severe a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Cracked cylinder head causing oil leak. Confirmed by Mazda Dealership. Vehicle has always had routine maintenance and remote start used to warm engine prior to driving. No warning lights appeared to alert driver prior to noticing issue- took it in because driver could smell burning oil which is a fire risk to safety of occupants while using vehicle. This type of issue is a manufacturer flaw and sh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Electric power steering has failed on the vehicle. We are aware of a recall on trucks manufactured at the same time and wonder if our vehicle should be included in the recall.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
The LCD screen is delaminated and additionally the control of the radio, air conditioning, navigation, and other features controlled by the screen portion of the car are dysfunctional. The car will randomly beep, change air temperatures, start navigation, cause the loss of hands-free communication. Most severe, the radio will turn on at full volume which is very startling to the driver. This is a ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
While driving, engine suddenly shut off. Engine light was on and I had to pull off road in traffic, almost causing an accident. Tow truck was unable to start car, while stating the battery was good The car has been at dealership for 4 months. Hyundai requested and was given all maintenance receipts from local dealership in NC, and dealership in AZ where the car was purchased.. Still waiting for wo... Read more