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: Nov 18, 2024
Intermittent air bag light come and goes Window fluid leaking Power steering leaking Bad reception AM radio (Lots static)
Incident date: Dec 20, 2020
Transmission Issues sometimes vehicle rolls back. Not in gear hesitates at high speeds
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
Defect in passenger frontal airbag-The front passenger seat occupancy detection mat is not functioning correctly. This was recalled but not for my VIN and needs to be part of the recall.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2020
Subject: Complaint Regarding Water Intrusion and Electrical Failures in 2019 BMW X5 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a recurring and potentially hazardous issue with my 2019 BMW X5. The issue involves water intrusion through the shark fin antenna, which has caused significant electrical malfunctions in my vehicle. Description of the Problem Water app... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2020
I was driving home from work on the highway, when the top part of the front grill broke off and flew up hitting the windshield. It caused me to abruptly swerve into the other lane of the highway. Luckily there was nobody in the other lane. The part could of also hit another car that was behind me. Going on line, I see this is quite common issue for 2022 GMC trucks and it occurs on the same con... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); 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. VIN tool con... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and then lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that when purchasing the vehicle, while test-driving the vehicle, the contact became aware of an issue with the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel was shaking and jerking abnormally, and the steering wheel would self-correct. The contact reached out to the Hyundai of Wesley Chapel where the vehicle was purchased, and t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2019
The contact owns a 2024 BMW 530I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amoun... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while parked with the engine running the vehicle's "overheating" warning chimed and he observed that the heat gauge was in the "red zone." The contact turned the vehicle off, checked under the hood, and observed that the coolant reservoir was low. The contact filled the reservoir, however the failure reoccurred. The contact refilled the reser... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
on mopar recall service done shows it had been serviced and bunch of lies i have never taken my 2021 jeep to get serviced for power steering issue. barely came out 1 week ago and crazy service man at BOGGUS TIPTON JEEP in Brownsville texas named Josh, white male wanted to charge 4500 dollars to repair knowing supposibly there was an issue recall and i declined so wanted to charge me 2500 after i d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
While driving the ABS light and traction control light come on and go off randomly. I am afraid the brakes will quit working.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
Catastrophic engine failure. Needs a total engine replacement, regular oil changes. We went to get the oil changed within 1,000 miles of the suggested mileage range and it was “out of oil”. The dealership told us we needed a new engine. It hasn’t been driven and sounds like a helicopter when turned on. We have had regular maintenance on the vehicle, one owner. It started acting up and was t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
My Maverick had water filled in the floor from heavy rain during transport. I waited 2 additional weeks to take delivery. Once I took delivery I was driving around with mold in the carpets on my vehicle for nearly 4 months. Then we had heavy rains again and the same problem resurfaced. I took my car for repair and they kept it for three weeks and returned it repaired. Over the past week-end the ca... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
The warning lights go on for no apparent reason. Dash instrumen just disappear for no apparent reason and then reappear randomly. Such as compass disappearing and reappearing throughout the drive at long stretches at a time. The forward and rear collision warning system just come on when nothing is close to vehicle. The blind spot monitoring system doesn’t always show up on right side of vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2022
Van caught fire in the engine compartment burned the firewall
Fire
Incident date: Jun 20, 2005
Low beam Headlights will not adjust properly
Incident date: Jun 20, 2005
While driving on a busy road a red turtle error code popped up and my car went from 50mph to 5 mph very quickly almost causing an accident I am afraid to drive my 67000 car help
Incident date: Jun 20, 2005
While driving on a busy road a red turtle error code popped up and my car went from 50mph to 5 mph very quickly almost causing an accident I am afraid to drive my 67000 car help
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact was informed by his wife that when the start button was depressed, there was a loud boom coming from the vehicle. There was an odor of smoke coming into the cabin of the vehicle, but there was no smoke present. There was also a sizzling sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to determi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2020
I have replaced the tires, the rotors brakes and gad the vehicle aligned multiple times. The steering wheel is still off and not straight and the vehicle still keeps pulling to the right. Last mechanic that did alignment says the vehicle has no camber or castor that can be adjusted. But vehicle is aligned. Makes no sense to me, I believe this is a manufacturing defect.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz E320. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment and white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed turbo valve and a failed exhaust system. The contact was informed that the turbo valve and the exhaust system needed to be repla... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
While driving on the highway on Dec.2 2023, my car suddenly displayed "Service EV Error" and "Reduced Power" warnings, along with the battery level to plummet from 89% to 0%. Upon noticing the warnings, I promptly activated hazard lights and maneuvered to the emergency lane. However, my attempts to maintain control were met with a gradual deceleration of the vehicle. Despite repeatedly pressing th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
While driving on the highway on Dec.2 2023, my car suddenly displayed "Service EV Error" and "Reduced Power" warnings, along with the battery level to plummet from 89% to 0%. Upon noticing the warnings, I promptly activated hazard lights and maneuvered to the emergency lane. However, my attempts to maintain control were met with a gradual deceleration of the vehicle. Despite repeatedly pressing th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
While driving, engine alerted that it was overheating. Pulled over and coolant was very low, so I refilled it and then while driving to my family's garage to use the lift, saw white exhaust smoke. Took it to an independent mechanic, and in the ~10 mile trip there, over a quart of coolant had been burned off. He was able to reproduce the issue. No issues with the engine operation, it runs well and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
Car struggles to start, Dashboard shows coolant temperature high then does not start. Usually it will start again once battery is jumped. It has happened 3 times since August 2023. Unsafe because it happens unpredictability and has left me stranded with a child in the car. It cannot be reproduced because it cannot be predicted. It has happened in different weather each time and at different times ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
Service Electronic Braking System and Service Anit-Lock Braking System alarm lights. Code C0020-01 ABS Pump Motor Control- General Electric Failure. This issue is related to Anti-Lock braking that can cause injury to my safety and family safety. Problem is very well know and fully reproducible at dealers. Vehicle has been at dealer for long term waiting for dealer to find/repair issue .Deal... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Transmission failed on the freeway December 2021. I was suddenly unable to speed up or accelerate my car. Placed me, my passengers and other people on the freeway at serious risk. Many cars braked suddenly behind me and swerved out the way to prevent a car accident. Dealer at the service center denied a problem and was inspected by them. No warming lamps or messages.
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
I was driving on a 2 lane highway, in the right travel lane, at approximately 60 MPH. There were no vehicles immediately in front of me in this lane, however, there was a line of stopped vehicles in the breakdown lane (to the right of my vehicle), because the off-ramp was backed up onto the highway. My forward collision warning system flashed BRAKE, 3 times on the dashboard. I took my foot off o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
The idle stop start stalled the suv at intersection while waiting at light. This has happened multiple times already over the last couple of months. The latest took several repeat attempts to get it started again
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
My 2020 Ecosport with 25k needed the rear differential replaced because the clutch coupling locked causing a grinding noise in the rear. The car was unsafe to drive and the rear axle assembly needed replacement.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned. Flexplate cracked at 62037 It is available for inspection upon request. I have the dealer's invoice. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There was a knocking noise in the motor while i was on the highway with my kids. no Warning lights. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
Powertrain failure- reduced/loss of power High voltage battery warning- unsafe to drive
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 experi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
Driving 55-60mph, engine dies, power steering is lost, no throttle response, brake system failure messages every 500-1000ft of driving at any speeds. Battery terminal melted, wiring harness needs to be replaced to junction box with upgraded part. Model : 2023 Lariat Maverick Miles: 1030 Colors: Area 51/desert brown Luxury package Rumble strips saved my life.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
Secure vehicle against rolling error sign
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
While driving off from a red light, we experienced a severe jolt from when the emergency braking system engaged on its own. There was no vehicle in front us at the time of the incident. The sudden stop was so severe, I thought we had gotten rear ended. This is the second time this incident has happened to us in this vehicle. The first time my wife and 3 small children were accelerating from a st... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2019
Started with check engine light for cylinder 5 misfire and engine was running rough with loss of power. Took the truck to dealer and dealer reports compression loss as reason for engine failure. After doing some research there appears to be a major issue with the same engine (2.7 ecoboost) of the same year(2021) reported for the Bronco and F150 for catastrophic engine failure. I suspect this is th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo In August of 2020, I brought the vehicle to my repair shop due to a leak, and hard to steer at 75061 miles. They performed a repair of the rack & pinion, power steering hose, and an alignment. On 5/23/23, I had the vehicle in a shop to check on a sqeak while turning the wheel along with a clunking sound. They reported that the rack and pinion needs to be replaced ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2023
The contact’s daughter owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 equipped with Firestone Tires, Tire Line: Destination LE2, Tire Size: 225/65/R17, DOT Number: 8X2Y6 DE8. The contact stated that upon inspecting his daughter’s vehicle, he noticed that the tread all four tires was worn. The contact stated that he used a tire tread gauge identifier that confirmed that the front passenger’s and driver’s side tir... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2022
I’ve only had the vehicle 1 yr 2 months. Purchased from CMA Honda and the vehicle powered completely off. The battery was replaced and the transmission control module, they are now saying it’s internal. The entire transmission has to be taken apart and they are now saying it will be $5000 or more. Nope trading it.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
Traveling down Interstate 49 in Arkansas. Hit a patch of "chicken byproduct" that was spilled on the highway. My car fishtailed. VSA module out of service. Did a vehicle diagnostic scan on it. Scanner said VSA module malfunctioning. No ABS past 30 mph. Took vehicle to shop. They said VSA module needed to be replaced. VSA is suppose to be a safety mechanism in the 2013 Honda Civic. I h... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2017
The spring hanger are bent as is the frame of our Grand Design Imagine 2022 travel trailer. Axles could have fallen off at speeds of 70 mph on I 95 in Sould Carolina. Our lives were in danger. Problem has been confirmed by dealer. Components would not pass NYS Indpection by insurance and Wilkins RV Victor NY. First appeared after driving home from Florida 1250 miles. Many lawsuits about this probl... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The passenger door latch cracked and door would not close. This is exactly as described in a recall of other Ford vehicles from the same model year, however, the Flex was not included.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
This vehicle has 3 major issues that the dealership has not been able to resolve and are as follows: 1) Battery---is not able to hold charge. In early 2022, dealership replaced a new battery, however, the problem still exists. Battery size does not have the charge capacity REQUIRED to start the vehicle even less than 1 week of parking during warm weather months. 2) Heating System---has a defect, s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2023
There is a faulty lock actuator in the sliding door. My door is suddenly stuck closed and I could not open it. My child was inside and I could not get my child out of her car seat without having to climb all the way into the van from the other side. This is incredibly unsafe and concerning. And apparently it is a well known issue.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2022
While backing out of garage, the car abruptly and violently braked. The driver was tossed forward. The rear camera showed nothing in the car's path and no alarms had been set off. Visual review confirmed the absence of anything in the path of the automobile. The automobile was purchased new about 7-10 days before this occurrence. The driver has experienced shoulder, neck, and upper body pains so... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
The first incident, the vehicle lost power driving down the freeway at 75 miles per hour. That was only at 1,000 miles. Very scary!! Since then, I have had numerous electrical issues- too many to count. There has been front & side sensor collision warnings when nothing is even next to my car. The navigation has not worked the majority of time that I have owned the car. travel for work so I therefo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and then lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the transmission fault message was displayed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the TCM and transmission shift forks A a... Read more