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 23,203 complaints for TESLA
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
Error code P052E71 on a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC means the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Regulator Valve Performance has a malfunction, specifically that the partial-load ventilation valve actuator is blocked. By research, i found that this is a very common problem on those engines, and no recalls from the company to fix their fault.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2026
Loss of power steering, Truck repaired by GM dealer, he stated it was the same failure mode described in Recall notice N2023254 10. The repair even though the same as the previous failures was not covered by GM because my VIN was not in GMs recall notice. Looking at this website there a number of reports of power steering failures for later model Colorado and Canyons that were not covered by the... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 45 MPH, the instrument panel cluster went out and the vehicle experienced a slight loss of automotive power, and the front headlights failed, the contact was then involved in a head on collision, where the front passenger side was impacted. The vehicle came to a stop upon impact. The air bags were deplo... Read more
Crash
2 injured
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
Went in to get a service done for my vehicle and all the highlighted areas were the problem. They stated models from 2019-2022 The Camrys all have had transmission issues. I still have my car and it’s working, but I don’t want to pay for a new transmission when Toyal manufacturing has been aware of these models and issues.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
The leather covering on the instrument panel top pad of my 2022 F-250 Limited has shrunk and pulled away from its substrate on both the driver and passenger sides. On the passenger side, the covering has contracted enough that it has separated at the seam and lifted at the A-pillar corner, leaving an open gap and exposed backing material. The affected passenger-side panel is the airbag deployment... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
My 2026 Honda Passport has experienced two separate “phantom breaking” events while I was driving on clear roadways without any other traffic. Both events occurred while driving with cruise control set at 35 mph.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
RTSCM FAILED TO BE REPAIRED resulting in life long issue. Recall Y80 from December 2021 was performed and then erased from my vin history. 14a associated with same failing part was completed and issue never went away.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
RTSCM FAILED TO BE REPAIRED resulting in life long issue. Recall Y80 from December 2021 was performed and then erased from my vin history. 14a associated with same failing part was completed and issue never went away.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
Gas leak in the fuel system. Obvious gas smell when car is turned on. Because of the impending danger i have taken the vehicle to á local independent service center for evaluation. They are in the process of confirming the problem. I could not chance driving too far to the dealer because of the hazzard and risk. There were no warning lights indicating the problem.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - SEATS
Jul 30, 2026
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
Safety Concern: Following a recent Remote Software Update, our 2026 BMW X7 has experienced multiple instances of random uncommanded seat movements with occupants in the seats. 6/22/26– Remote Software Update performed. 6/23/26– Incident 1: Vehicle was driven and parked. The entire second row of seats lifted and tilted forward without warning while occupied by a child. The child quickly jumped... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
My 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe RST Performance Edition equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 experienced a catastrophic engine failure at approximately 28,400 miles. The Tahoe was towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership. The dealer confirmed an internal engine failure requiring complete engine replacement. The vehicle and failed engine are currently at the dealership in Lawrence, Kansas, and should be avai... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while attempting to switch lanes, the side-view cameras failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a disconnected wire from the side-view cameras. The wire had poor connection, which caused the cameras to fail due to low voltage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notifi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
Falsification and/or alteration of repair logs, service dates, and/or mileage records across dealership diagnostic networks and third parties. Evasion of warranty and/or other maintenance requirements. Poor dealership and corporate treatment of military veterans. Suspected unauthorized non-factory wiring harness splices and/or other devices tapped directly into primary Controller Area Network (CAN... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Sticky Steering" or "Notchy Feeling": The steering wheel feels like it is catching on a notch or a "detent" when centered, rather than rotating smoothly.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
When I accelerate the vehicle, the gears shifts every 10mph when it shouldn’t. It does it all the way up to 60mph. It has been an on going problem since we got the truck
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Dealership has not resolved the problem since they are waiting for parts
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
The engine stalled out while trying to pass someone. The car wouldn't go faster when hitting the gas and felt like I couldnt safely slow down to get back over. It felt like something slipped and lost traction, but roads were dry and not rocky or sandy. tapping breaks and letting off gas did nothing. it has happened before but usually in winter, and gettin up to speed. its like the gear shift got ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
unknown, been trying since 2024-2025 to get the back seat belt recall done only to be told its on back order not sure when it will be available. In the meantime I have my kids in the back seat , The dealership response was to get an "rental car" until the parts come in.
Incident date: Feb 17, 2026
unknown, been trying since 2024-2025 to get the back seat belt recall done only to be told its on back order not sure when it will be available. In the meantime I have my kids in the back seat , The dealership response was to get an "rental car" until the parts come in.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
Our 2025 BMW X5 50e was involved in an accident while slowly pulling into a parking spot at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. While turning right into the striped parking spot, the car suddenly accelerated, swiping the car parked to the right and continued on to break through a rung of the log fence barrier before manual hard braking stopped it from plunging into the canyon below. There was no a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 19, 2026
Ever since taking delivery of my vehicle, we notice a strong machinery/oily smell lingering on ourselves (clothes/hair) and our children’s car seats and strollers that are in the vehicle when it is warm outside and the ac is being used. Additionally, since taking delivery of the vehicle, I started experiencing health issues which worsened in the warmer weather when we were using the AC more. The... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
I was dropping off my fiancée to her doctor appointment and while driving to park the car started to smoke profusely. I was unable to tell at first, but I quickly realized that there was a flame spouting from between the front windshield and underneath the hood of the car. I jumped out of the car and grabbed both my [XXX] and [XXX] out of the car and immediately started running towards the office... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
While driving the steering wheel stopped returning to center when in turns and also would occasionally get "stuck" in the turn. A few days after this began, was out driving, notice flashed "power steering failure" and then the steering wheel was not able to be turned. Turned off and restarted the vehicle, the steering wheel would not budge. Had it towed to a nearby mechanic, told me that it was no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
Headlights shake at speeds and over bumps/potholes. Have tested with friend and they said it looks like I’m flashing my high beams rapidly when it’s just the cars headlight beam pattern shaking like the light is loose. Vehicle has not been inspect but service is due soon. Will inform dealership about the issue.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Vehicle started making a horrendous noise, knock and squeeling noise while on the highway. Approximately 2 minutes later the check engine light came on and we completely lost power. Went from 70 to zero dead on the side of the NY Thruway rapidly. Vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed that an engine replacement was necessary. Engine previously passed PICO test and update to the oi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
While adaptive cruise was engaged, the vehicle read Alabama highway 80 west state road sign and incorrectly interpreted the sign for a speed limit sign which is 55 MPH.The vehicle displayed a “80 MPH” speed limit sign on the instrument cluster and then began to accelerate. When I took it to the dealer for repair, the “turned off safety feature”.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding what I believe is a premature paint defect on my Kia vehicle that has resulted in exposed bare metal and the development of rust on my vehicle. The factory paint has begun peeling and chipping away without any collision, misuse, or abnormal wear. As the paint has separated from the metal surface, it has exposed multiple areas of bare metal that are now acti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
The known defective brake booster which failed suddenly has been confirmed as defective by ford dealers and its components failed resulting in catastrophic brake failure and not being able to stop. There were no warning lights or signs available it failed suddenly while driving also resulting in a near accident. I called ford dealer and corporate who Informed me I had missed the 10 year year windo... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. issued an official Warranty Extension in July 2025 covering engine misfires from piston ring deterioration (DTCs P0301-P0304) on 2013-15 Pilot and 2013-17 Odyssey vehicles. My 2015 Honda Odyssey (VIN: [XXX]) experienced this exact defect, resulting in severe engine misfires and secondary alternator failure caused directly by engine fluid saturation leaking onto it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
On June 25, 2026 my 2025 Honda Pilot Elite (47,503 miles) upon ignition had every warning light in the system illuminate sequentially without any prior incident. I had never experienced any indication of malfunction, including warning lights or messages. The Emissions System Problem light remained illuminated on the dashboard and, after review of the Owner's Manual instructions to avoid heavy ac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
The harness release mechanism/seat belt buckle is unlatching without the release button being pressed. Because the locking mechanism is failing to stay securely latched under tension, the seat is currently unsafe to use. I sent a video of the failed mechanism and requested manufacturer inspection and a fix, but it was declined.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his spouse was attempting to retract the moonroof shade, the shade failed to retract and sagged down, obstructing the driver's visibility of the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the moonroof shade roller clips needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle with a trailer hitched to the vehicle, the trailer brake lights failed to turn off. The contact disconnected the trailer from the vehicle for the trailer brake lights to turn off. Additionally, the electric trailer brakes and turn signals intermittently failed to function properly. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ford Mustang. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V546000 (Exterior Lighting) and 26V418000 (Visibility); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that several exterior lights randomly illuminated while the v... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
The vehicle experienced a sudden, severe mechanical engine condition resulting in a violent rough idle, loss of motive power, and a flashing Check Engine light with hard misfire codes on Cylinders 4, 5, and 6 (the entire driver-side engine bank). Additionally, the vehicle has been losing engine coolant internally with no external leaks or puddles on the ground, indicating fluid is entering the com... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
The dash board has a little split where the air bag is located. The split is in a line of or a crease of the outline of the air bag. I took it to the dealership and they were clueless. They recommended someone to fix it, but since it was closely related to the airbag I can't find anybody to work on it. This happened about a year ago it just appeared and each year I think it's getting larger.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
While driving straight on smooth paved road, car began to shake and right rear passenger wheel came completely separated from car. After skidding off the road and being able to visually inspect, it was clear the sub-frame had broken and the wheel had come off in its entirety. The rotor, the lugs, and calipers were all still attached to the wheel.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently lost automotive power and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle independently accelerated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illumi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Exhaust fumes leak into the cabin while increasing speed.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
SRS airbag error warning appears randomly when driving. It turns off passenger side airbags with a passenger in the seat and makes it unsafe to drive. Narrowing it down to the wiring harness seems to be an issue with a loose connection in the airbag seat sensor. Unplugging and re-plugging plus restarting the car seems to fix it at least temporarily. Others have posted about this issue online as we... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
SRS airbag error warning appears randomly when driving. It turns off passenger side airbags with a passenger in the seat and makes it unsafe to drive. Narrowing it down to the wiring harness seems to be an issue with a loose connection in the airbag seat sensor. Unplugging and re-plugging plus restarting the car seems to fix it at least temporarily. Others have posted about this issue online as we... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
ABS / Traction Control / Brake warning lights ALL illuminated. No anti lock brakes and no cruise control. ABS module failure. Replacement part on back order for at least 2 years. Unable to repair.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2026
While making a U-turn on a high-speed arterial roadway (Philips Highway) with a child passenger, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete failure of the driver-side rear CV axle/driveshaft assembly. A loud pop occurred followed immediately by total loss of vehicle propulsion, leaving the vehicle stranded across active lanes of traffic and creating an extreme hazard for severe rear-end impact. There... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The vehicle is suffering from an extreme internal engine oil consumption defect, burning approximately 3 quarts of engine oil every 500 to 600 miles with no external leaks. The internal oil burning heavily fouled the vehicle's ignition system (spark plugs and coil packs), causing severe engine misfires and a sudden vehicle stall while operating in motion on public highways. This unexpected loss of... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The vehicle is suffering from an extreme internal engine oil consumption defect, burning approximately 3 quarts of engine oil every 500 to 600 miles with no external leaks. The internal oil burning heavily fouled the vehicle's ignition system (spark plugs and coil packs), causing severe engine misfires and a sudden vehicle stall while operating in motion on public highways. This unexpected loss of... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
Back in 2026 I bought a vehicle from Wild West Ford in Guymon ok about three weeks after I bought the vehicle there was a safety recall on it for the rear axle bolt. Ever since the recall was done, I noticed a significant change in my vehicle rear and it shook real bad. basically I was eating my tires and so I took about to wild West and they told me to go get alignment done so I went and got a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
Check Engine Light present. Took car to Ford dealership. Formal diagnosis from Ford dealership: Coolant intrusion present causing misfires, specifically in cylinder 4. P0304 and P0316 codes present. This is a known manufacturing issue; however, Lincoln customer service refuses to acknowledge the problem even exists. Upon talking to the Ford dealership service members, they stated that this is a co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
The vehicle went into BAJA Mode 4wd high then 4wd low range out of nowhere while driving. It shot me off the road , and ive been researching it. There is a 6 page thread about new rangers and ranger raptors doing this on 6G ranger forum, tons of people with the same issue. Super scary. Fear injury or fatality will happen from this as it shoots you hard off the road
Incident date: Jun 7, 2026
The vehicle went into BAJA Mode 4wd high then 4wd low range out of nowhere while driving. It shot me off the road , and ive been researching it. There is a 6 page thread about new rangers and ranger raptors doing this on 6G ranger forum, tons of people with the same issue. Super scary. Fear injury or fatality will happen from this as it shoots you hard off the road
Incident date: Jun 8, 2026
When accelerating Rpm needle jumps rapidly up and down. I’m noticing that I am not able to pick up speed in the car continues to jerk.