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 2,835 complaints for SCION
Incident date: Feb 25, 2026
The power steering for my 2022 Ram Promaster failed on 3/7/24. The safety issue this caused was that steering the van was nearly impossible. Fortunately, the failure occurred while I was in a parking lot. The van had to be towed to the local dealer. The defective parts were on backorder (part number 6TB16JXWAC Module-steering control) and arrived on 5/21/24. This was covered under warranty an... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2012
Our Volvo 2025 EX90 was a lemon. We experienced two recalls (one for headlight failure) and repetitive charging unit failures. The dealer traded us a 2026 EX90. They said the failures of the 2025 model had been corrected. While driving home from the dealer at 70 mph on the interstate, I received a warning of steering fault. Just after getting it back, the car charging unit failed. Even the Volvo d... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
Steering stiffened over several weeks. Then steering wheel would not automatically return to center while turning while driving. Diagnosed by service as a fault with steering column. This is apparently very common in Chevy Bolts.
Incident date: May 17, 2026
Vehicle began shaking and stuttering while driving. "4WD System Unavailable Service Required" Message appeared. Local mechanic stated there is an issue with the PTU. Checked the VIN and no recall has been issued for this vehicle but a recall was recently announced for Jeep Cherokees 2019-2023
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Following a recent $9,000 engine replacement performed by an authorized Kia dealership, my vehicle suffered a catastrophic, simultaneous mechanical and electronic systems failure while in operation. Without warning, the vehicle triggered the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) and entered "Limp Home Mode," severely restricting vehicle power. Immediately following this, the vehicle experienced a t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Following a recent $9,000 engine replacement performed by an authorized Kia dealership, my vehicle suffered a catastrophic, simultaneous mechanical and electronic systems failure while in operation. Without warning, the vehicle triggered the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) and entered "Limp Home Mode," severely restricting vehicle power. Immediately following this, the vehicle experienced a t... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Car was failing in 2024 due to fuel recall. It was fixed by Webbs auto shop. Now 2026 recall shows with DMV and Honda is failing at providing a proof of correction after Inspecting the car and approving all the changes made to it. I am unable to get my car tags due to Honda failing to comply with what DMV is needing to complete this request for my tags.
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Car was failing in 2024 due to fuel recall. It was fixed by Webbs auto shop. Now 2026 recall shows with DMV and Honda is failing at providing a proof of correction after Inspecting the car and approving all the changes made to it. I am unable to get my car tags due to Honda failing to comply with what DMV is needing to complete this request for my tags.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
On [XXX] at [XXX] PM I was driving westbound on [XXX] at [XXX] while traveling through the intersection, my vehicle started shaking, lost acceleration, and nearly caused me to have a collision. My vehicles check engine light began flashing, and I was able to safely exit the highway. On May 20, 2026, Crouse Ford diagnosed a “cylinder #6”, however attributed the event as “an anomaly”, and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
6.2L engine had complete loss of power while traveling down the highway. Vehicle began to drive rough snd dash suddenly said shift to neutral which I did. After shifting back to drive I had to coast to a shoulder and wait for a tow truck. During repairs vehicle was returned after 6 weeks and engine replacement. 24 hours after receiving vehicle I hit the push to start and vehicle was dead. Replac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
On 6/27/2025 my car, 2014 Scion Xd, was serviced at Lee Toyota of Topsham, ME for brakes, tire rotation, recommended oil pan reseal. Who was driving? I had just traded cars with my daughter so I could babysit my triplet [XXX] grandchildren. I drove my 2014 Scion Xd without any issues for 3 hours (from [XXX] to the border of [XXX] ). I traded cars with my daughter, mother of triplets, and she dro... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
On 6/27/2025 my car, 2014 Scion Xd, was serviced at Lee Toyota of Topsham, ME for brakes, tire rotation, recommended oil pan reseal. Who was driving? I had just traded cars with my daughter so I could babysit my triplet [XXX] grandchildren. I drove my 2014 Scion Xd without any issues for 3 hours (from [XXX] to the border of [XXX] ). I traded cars with my daughter, mother of triplets, and she dro... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
While driving my engine light comes on and I lose power like it won’t take gear I can switch to manual and it’s fine engine light pulls a code for oil pressure sensor but I’ve done paid for that to be fixed and it still doing the same as above but the engine light will go off after cutting the jeep off and stays off for a few days then out of nowhere while driving it comes back on and the pr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
When I bought the car 4/9/2026 I was told there was a recall. I called 2 weeks later to morrow cdj in morrow,ga. They said it would be over a month before I could get a loaner for the mean time. I couldn’t do that. I wouldn’t be able to get to home or take care of my daughter. I asked to be notified when there was a loaner available. 5/14/2026. I was driving with my daughter to the store and I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Scion XB. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 140,000; however, the Carfax report listed the mileage at approximately 230,000.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The car had a front collision and the air bags did not deploy.
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
sold a AS IS TRADE IN vehicle that had no warning lights on dashboard or window info on safety defective emmisons and ecm and has not been very helpful with my vehicle I have not been able to drive because of safety concerns with recent discovery of codes that showed after getting a new battery for my new way of commuteing to work and live daily activity like most with a car I laid 2,050.15 and wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
On March 21, 2026 my Taycan motor wire disconnected from the battery during routine city driving The car was In the Middle lane of [XXX] waiting to turn left onto [XXX] A warning light said Car not drivable , pull over But the car was not functional. Police needed to block [XXX] to allow the car in neutral to slide downhill to A safe location This is the second time this car with unde... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
"Continuous engine oil leak for 12 months. After 4 failed repair attempts, the dealer used liquid sealer instead of a gasket. This is a deceptive repair that creates a severe fire hazard. The leak is still active today, March 2026."
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
"Continuous engine oil leak for 12 months. After 4 failed repair attempts, the dealer used liquid sealer instead of a gasket. This is a deceptive repair that creates a severe fire hazard. The leak is still active today, March 2026."
Incident date: Feb 18, 2026
Downshift in transmission, now shudder when going 45-70. Started around 65,000 miles now I have around 87,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned? System: Power Train: Automatic Transmission Specific Component: UA80 8-Speed Automatic Transmission (Internal Failure) Available for Inspection: Yes, the vehicle is currently available. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While merging onto the highway, the transmission failed to upshift, resulting in a sudden and unexpe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The power cable to my battery needed to be replaced from the front to the rear. This seems like the recall NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 13V044000 but my car was not listed for it.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2025
On 12/20/25, the "lane assist not available" and the "EPC" warning indicators lit up. I was in the car with my 11 year old, we pulled over and looked in the manual to understand EPC, and the manual said it "is possible to continue driving," so we continued. As we entered the freeway the car went into limp mode and would not accelerate. I put the gas pedal to the floor, put on my hazard lights, and... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V741000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Due to the potential fire risk, the contact called two dealers and inquired if the vehicle could be stored at their locations until parts became available; however, the dealers informed the contact that the par... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 335I. The vehicle was a custom-modified vehicle and a company mascot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System); however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact self-identified as an independent mechanic who wanted to be present when recall repair was performed; however, the contact preferred to have the recall disassoc... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
Engine oil excessive consumption/burning oil
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
Subject: Urgent Safety Complaint – Rear Visibility Obstruction in BMW 760i Due to “Theater Screen” and Rear Roller Shade Options To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue involving my recently purchased BMW 760i, equipped with two optional features — the “Theater Screen” and the rear window roller shade — both of which pose a significant hazard ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding a severe and widespread paint peeling/delamination defect on my 2018 Honda HR-V, which is painted in the White Orchid Pearl (NH-788P) color. Nature of the Defect: The exterior clear coat and base coat are separating from the underlying primer, resulting in large, unsightly patches of paint peeling and flaking off the vehicle's body panels. This is a clear ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2017
Unknown loud noise while driving occurred once. 5 mpg decrease is gas mileage. My assessment is a defect in the eCVT / power split device related to one of the electric motors.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2017
Unknown loud noise while driving occurred once. 5 mpg decrease is gas mileage. My assessment is a defect in the eCVT / power split device related to one of the electric motors.
Incident date: Oct 24, 2017
Unknown loud noise while driving occurred once. 5 mpg decrease is gas mileage. My assessment is a defect in the eCVT / power split device related to one of the electric motors.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
took in truck for limited service campaign. Toyota understood toe angle sett premature wear on outside shoulders of the tires. Authorized toyota dealer adjusted front wheel ali based on toyota s inspection criteria, replaced two tires and completed alignment. Alignment failed to resolve problem. After 10k miles similar wear is present. Reached out to dealership and they declined further assistan... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
I bought my car in 2023 and it has less than 30,000 miles on it. Since purchase, I have had to replace the windshield THREE TIMES for massive cracks. Insurance does not cover the full cost. Nothing has hit the windshield as far as I know, but it keeps cracking. I have never had this issue with any other car.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, and the check engine warning light intermittently flashed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to continue driving. In addition, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine and the failure was progressively worse. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center;... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
A known issue by jeep affecting many Grand Cherokee PHEV Hybrids, all following the 95 B recall. The recall repair 95 B is attributed to be causing Red Flag Dashboard Warnings to "service hybrid system". Dealer computer scans document these incidents as a "Digital Crash" of the vehicle's onboard computer. Multiple incidents for me have been transitory but for others, these digital crashes are caus... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
A known issue by jeep affecting many Grand Cherokee PHEV Hybrids, all following the 95 B recall. The recall repair 95 B is attributed to be causing Red Flag Dashboard Warnings to "service hybrid system". Dealer computer scans document these incidents as a "Digital Crash" of the vehicle's onboard computer. Multiple incidents for me have been transitory but for others, these digital crashes are caus... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
Truck completely shuts off at any speed going down the highway. Complete loss of power. Have to coast to side of road and restart vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2025
SVC 4WD light came on, 4WD system overheated. Transmission was damaged, had to pay to rebuild entire transmission, now transfer case is needing a replacement. Got codes C1472-92 and C1477-4B when we ran the scanner. There is a recall out right now for the PTU and transfer case issue but no solution. I need assistance in replacing Transfer Case. Car died out on me in the middle of rush hour traff... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2020
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Civic. The contact purchased the vehicle with a manual transmission and stated that the vehicle came equipped with aluminum clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. The contact stated that during inclement, wet weather, his foot was constantly slipping off the pedals due to the slick aluminum material on the pedals. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
The infotainment screen is turning off and says “Network Communication Lost. MOST Net Off”. This means the infotainment screen goes black, often for long periods before it cycles back on, making it difficult to use Navigation and the screen for reverse camera.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
My truck suddenly downshifting into low gear at highway speeds without warning, or any input from me. Ford recalled this vehicle two times previously, but it is still downshifting without warning.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
In December 2024, the engine lost power while driving. We were able to pull over on a busy road, where we were blocking traffic on a curve. We had it towed to the dealership. There was no warning or light indicating any problem. Thankfully we were not on the freeway when this occurred. The Hyundai app said that all systems in the vehicle were normal. The fuel injector was replaced by Hyundai. Now... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
While driving 2023 Honda Accord at normal speed on rural road, the vehicle began to brake on it's own and driver could not over-ride this. Alarms for multiple failures showed on the dashboard. Car was stopped and would not move. Car was turned off then restarted. Dashboard alarms went away, only small information light for brake malfunction remained. Driver began to drive and tested brakes, all ac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: 04/06/2025 To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, D.C. 20590 Subject: Urgent Safety Complaint Regarding Shyft DualRide with Carryall Storage Infant Car Seat and Stroller Combo (Sylva Pink) Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with one of your products: the Shyft DualRide... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2025
At the end of last year, our fleet manager informed us of a recall on one of our vehicles (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall came out Nov 27, 2024 (24V-896). I had initially contacted my local dealership (Planet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT of Flagstaff) and they let me know that these recalls typically become serviceable after ~1-2 months. I just wanted to see if there are any updates to when I can get th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2014
On 3/30/2025, I drove my 2024 Toyota RAV 4 Adventure about 30 miles in the rain with the wipers on. I then put the car in park, with the wipers still on intermittent setting and the engine still running. After sitting in park like this for approximately 5 minutes, the engine began to shudder, with engine RPMs decreasing and increasing erratically, and the engine was also shaking as the RPMs increa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2025
I got my car serviced at BMW of Tucson in 2022 and they ruined the electrical in my car. Additionally, they might have created another key. I also noticed that my software was downgraded by them and the alarm stopped working correctly.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The key pins on the VW flip keys fall our regularly and can leave motorists stranded in unsafe locations. It is however an excellent revenue generator when you consider the cost of replacement keys. I caught my pin in the process of falling our and saw it was a common problem that has not been resolved in this flawed and unsafe key design that threatens the welfare of consumers and safety of u... Read more