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: Feb 23, 2026
NHTSA Defect Report (Initial Portal Filing) Manufacturer Target: General Motors (GM) Filer: [XXX] Classification: Mechanical Defect & Administrative Evasion Narrative for Submission I am filing this formal defect report regarding a catastrophic, systemic safety failure present in the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse architecture (VIN: [XXX]), manufactured by General Motors. The vehicle was originally purc... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2026
During the collision, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic component failure, specifically involving break intervention by ESP and the electronic stability control working correctly with the wheel speeds and impact of the top of the cab.
Crash
1 injured
2 deaths
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
- Windshield washer fluid reservoir level going low. It is available for inspection. - Safety concern: No liquid to wipe off windshield particles, dirt that may hinder driver visibility. - The issue was brought up to Jaymee of South Coast Toyota, Costa Mesa CA when Prius was taken for delivery May 16,2026. Request to top off made but not performed by dealer on same date. Per Jaymee, dealer top o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
I am a [XXX] resident. While commuting to work in [XXX], my GMC Terrain experienced a sudden, catastrophic failure of the brake vacuum pump while traveling at highway speeds. When I attempted to slow down for the exit, the brake pedal instantly became extremely stiff and nearly impossible to depress. I realized I had suffered an absolute loss of power braking assist. To avoid a high-speed collisio... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The component system that has failed is the Front Diff/Transmission area. Driveshaft spinning freely in park with rotations to rear wheel. I was driving home and heard a noise that sounded like something broke. Immediately pulled over and had Vehicle towed. I had my kids and husband in the vehicle with me. I'm glad we weren't driving on the highway. The vehicle was brought to Friendly Acura in... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
I am reporting a severe structural defect in the 2022 Model 3 front suspension and wheel hub assembly that poses an imminent threat of catastrophic failure. My vehicle is nearly new, with less than 30k miles. As the original, single owner who maintains this car, a critical failure of this nature is highly premature and indicative of a manufacturing defect rather than normal wear-and-tear. The iss... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
Head Gasket, premature failure at 49k miles. Online this a very common issue for Jetta and Taos owners that Volkswagen is not addressing through a recall. This will cause engines to fail.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
Engine has coolant intrusion at 57,000 miles. Mechanic recommends full engine replacement.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2026
I was driving down the highway and a passerby notified me that my car was smoking. There were no indicators on the car notifying me of any issue. We pulled over and saw the car was leaking oil heavily. When taken to the dealership, they notified us that there was a leak in the transfer/transmission case and the whole transfer case would need to be replaced. The car is well maintained and had been ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Was on way to trade truck in onb6/6/26 and got a cylinder #7 misfire. Replaced spark plug and wire and moved coil packs around to trace and stayed on #7. Just had recall completed on 9/25/25 and stated that I've heard a rattling noise in engine area. They performed recall and changed to new oil suggested by GM. Dealership said noise was transmission. I told them that was replaced already within la... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
I have the 2.0 L eco-boost engine that has the coolant leak. It’s ford service bulletin TSB 19-2346
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The central trim piece on 2020-2025 Ford Escapes with panoramic sunroofs is prone to falling off or catching in the sunshade mechanism, which often damages the shade's clips.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The steering assist malfunctions. It almost always fails around curves. It also does it sometimes on a straightaway, but it is not as frequent as with curves. It gets too close to the line and overcompensates. It literally will drive you off of the road. I have been driving across country and if I had not been diligent, I would have crashed dozens of times. According to Grok, this is a common comp... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
On May 20, 2026, at approximately 14,600 miles, I discovered a stress fracture in the windshield of my 2025 Toyota Camry XSE immediately after going through an automated car wash. There were no prior warning signs, unusual sounds, or visible stress marks before the crack appeared. The crack originated at the driver's side edge where the glass meets the roofline at the bonded perimeter — a locat... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel suddenly became firm, causing the vehicle to pull to one side. The contact was able to continue driving until arriving to the residence, and the steering wheel became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was not... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
I am a full-time power wheelchair user with Multiple Sclerosis and rely on this 2024 Chrysler Pacifica wheelchair-accessible van as my primary means of transportation. Since purchase, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced dangerous loss-of-power events while being driven. Immediately before the failure occurs, warning beeps sound and multiple warning lights illuminate, including Check Engine, ET... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
I am a full-time power wheelchair user with Multiple Sclerosis and rely on this 2024 Chrysler Pacifica wheelchair-accessible van as my primary means of transportation. Since purchase, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced dangerous loss-of-power events while being driven. Immediately before the failure occurs, warning beeps sound and multiple warning lights illuminate, including Check Engine, ET... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
I am filing a formal complaint against BMW Seattle for violating federal recall remedy mandates under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301. The vehicle was delivered for mandatory safety recall 23V-707 after an on-road mechanical shear of the covered VANOS bolts. The dealer has created illegal commercial barriers and failed to fully execute the federal remedy. First, the service department issued a written estim... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 3500. While attempting to have an alignment performed, the contact was informed that the steering drag link and the tie rod were both cracked. The failure caused rapid, premature wear on the tire. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V021000 (Steering); and believed that the welding that was performed in the recall r... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
Fuel tank shield have rusted and deteriorated to the extent that the fuel tank is no longer protected.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
Fuel tank shield have rusted and deteriorated to the extent that the fuel tank is no longer protected.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
I am reporting recurring safety-related defects on my 2018 Audi A4 involving Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Audi pre sense/front-collision functionality, and related electrical/driver-assistance reliability. The AEB/forward-collision system has shown two unsafe intermittent behaviors. At times it has failed to activate as expected when crash-mitigation assistance appeared... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
I am reporting recurring safety-related defects on my 2018 Audi A4 involving Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Audi pre sense/front-collision functionality, and related electrical/driver-assistance reliability. The AEB/forward-collision system has shown two unsafe intermittent behaviors. At times it has failed to activate as expected when crash-mitigation assistance appeared... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
I am reporting recurring safety-related defects on my 2018 Audi A4 involving Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Audi pre sense/front-collision functionality, and related electrical/driver-assistance reliability. The AEB/forward-collision system has shown two unsafe intermittent behaviors. At times it has failed to activate as expected when crash-mitigation assistance appeared... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle idled and drove unusually rough. In addition, t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety defect affecting my 2015 Jeep Wrangler. More than a year ago, the ABS module in my vehicle failed. Since that failure, the ABS warning light, brake warning light, and traction control warning light have remained illuminated. As a result, my vehicle no longer has functioning Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), traction control, electronic stabi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
Rear surround camera has blurry and hazy image upon activation of reverse gear. There is noticeable water ingress in camera lens. Vehicle had issue addressed in 2022 by replacement with part LR060915. Blurry/hazy issue was observed intermittently and now camera is inoperable with visible water in camera housing. I believe this is an extension of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTS... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab RST with the RST select package. The "Chrome-Like" trim inside and outside reflective the sunlight badly and depending on travel direction and Sun position, horrible reflection appears and momentary blinds you. It is very comparable to having the sunlight reflect off a mirror and into the driver's face. There are two different areas of "chrome-like" trim i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
I have taken my vehicle or rather had my vehicle towed back to my dealership on three different occasions for repair of a Shift Cable Replacement I can have a very bad accident in my vehicle or lose my life or injure someone else the first time I didn't understand why my vehicle shutdown while I was driving on a very busy highway I was very upset, and I had to pray that none ran into me Lucky for... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, smoke emanated from the vehicle's hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact coasted to a driveway and attempted to open the hood when the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The vehicle was consumed by the fire. There was no injury sustained. The local Fire Department was contacted and extinguishe... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side exterior A-Pillar Applique Trim detached. The contact stated that the exterior A-Pillar Applique Trim was flapping and hitting the ground. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact was advised to remove the detac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid, VIN: [XXX]. Two original equipment Pirelli Scorpion MS 265/45 R21 108V tires developed sidewall bulges within 4,582 miles of normal road use, all within 5 days of each other. No off-road driving. No significant impacts. Vehicle was brand new. Failures: front left, rear left, and both right side tires within the same week (blew up as a parked to the curb on... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The vehicle’s auto stop-start randomly does not start the engine when releasing the brake. The vehicle is temporarily disabled on the roadway and it puts itself into Park. The vehicle requires intervention to restart the engine and the delay takes several seconds and poses a safety risk by blocking the roadway.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The GX 550 has many people online complaining about the windshields cracking from the bottom for no reason. The crack is getting worse and close to line of sight. This is happening without something striking it.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
I own a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JKU with approximately 67,000 miles. The vehicle has experienced a failure involving the ABS control module and related braking/stability systems. Current symptoms include: * ABS warning light illuminated * Brake warning light illuminated * Traction control warning light illuminated * Intermittent speedometer malfunction * Brake pedal occasionally vibrates and b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Not sure if this is a safety issue at this point but there is a rattling noise around the steering column when you drive over any bumps and hoping this will not lead to any safety issues.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
I am reporting a severe safety defect on a brand-new Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus involving a complete failure and malfunction of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), specifically the proximity, forward collision, parking collision, and automatic emergency braking sensors. The safety sensors continuously malfunction, creating an immediate and erratic hazard while driving. The chief con... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
I am reporting a severe safety defect on a brand-new Mazda CX-50 Turbo Premium Plus involving a complete failure and malfunction of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), specifically the proximity, forward collision, parking collision, and automatic emergency braking sensors. The safety sensors continuously malfunction, creating an immediate and erratic hazard while driving. The chief con... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Driving over railroad tracks the brakes would not engage. Emergency brake assist engaged at last second before rear ending vehicle in front.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Driving over railroad tracks the brakes would not engage. Emergency brake assist engaged at last second before rear ending vehicle in front.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The front passenger safety restraint system is triggering an on-screen warning error that says service is required. This puts my front passenger at risk of death in the event of an accident. I have sent the manufacturer (Tesla) a request for service and received a confirmation of the errors with a list of parts to be replaced for a sum of $1200.65. I understand there is a service bulletin for this... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
While driving the vehicle, the accelerator will become inactive and result in the vehicle slowing to a stop. I will shut off the ignition and let vehicle rest for 10-20 mins before restarting. This does not resolve the issue and I end up towing the vehicle into the manufacturer’s service department. This often results in 100s of dollars in “diagnostic” fees. The service dept claims it’s ba... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Sirius XM ads keep popping up at random times removing the ability to use or see the media display unless you press the small X on the far side away from the driver. Usually happens when starting the car, sometimes happens when you are driving regardless of speed. Has happened multiple times and causes distraction and is more than potentially dangerous. Can not opt out of it on the car, have talke... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
AMENDMENT TO ACTIVE CASE 11723015. CRITICAL AIRBAG & SAFETY DEFECTS. This files a safety defect amendment to open case 11723015. Diagnostic scans confirm central data bus network collapse on VIN [XXX] has migrated into safety-critical occupant restraint and visibility modules, violating 49 U.S.C. § 30118. I. AIRBAG & RESTRAINT HAZARDS Scans from [XXX], document active faults: DTC U042782: "Im... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Auto start/stop not working and air horn went out as well, yes available for inspection. No it hasn’t been inspected yet by dealer as it is over warranty limit. First appeared 5/29/26
Incident date: May 22, 2026
1.5 L eco boost engine FORD- COOLANT INTRUSION, cylinder 3 misfire, check engine light at 59,800 miles - known defect by Ford- needs new engine. Some models recalled but not this one (?? Why??). Cannot safely drive this vehicle. Problem diagnosed by dealer[ as well as by independent garage] and dealer acknowledged a recall should be done but they cannot help except to replace the engine at my e... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 20 MPH, with the contact in the front passenger's seat, and the contact's sister and minor son in the rear seats, the contact heard an abnormal loud banging sound noticed that the rear window had shattered. The glass fell inside and otside the vehicle. The contact was occupying the front passenger'... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2026
The contact own a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated while at an stop the contact herd a a snapping coming the vehicle and the vehicle failed to ilthe contact stated that the headlights and both turn signals were inoperable and failed to to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Air bag light was on , took to dealership because this was absolutely a safety hazard! The left front crash sensor is defective.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
2021 Subaru Forester The vehicle has experienced recurring electrical and battery-related issues for several years. The original battery was replaced by the Subaru dealer with a larger-capacity battery because of repeated starting concerns. The replacement provided only temporary improvement. The vehicle continues to experience rough starting on a regular basis, even after installation of a newe... Read more