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: Aug 4, 2026
Fuel Leak: I can smell heavy gas fumes inside the vehicle cabin. Fire Hazard: The vehicle is unsafe to drive due to an imminent risk of a fuel fire. Corporate Refusal: Kia Corporate refused to generate a case number and my local dealership refused to service the vehicle leaving a dangerous safety defect unrepaired on public roads. Mechanical Symptoms: The car is experiencing slow cranking, engine... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
Known Coolant intrusion issue came up with the 2.0 Ecoboost. Began to lag on takeoff causing unsafe acceleration profiles. Took to dealership who confirmed poor design was the root cause.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
Right rear lower control arm fully broke while traveling 35 mph and going around a curve. The car immediately pulled hard right into the adjacent lane. Fortunately, there were no vehicles in that lane at the moment. I have contacted the dealership. This issue is addressed in Service Bulletin NTB21-045. However, the local dealership will not cover repairs because the car has been in service for ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
- vehicle started misfiring, ECM, valve timing code, throttle system code, data system, gateway, module,. Vehicle is available and currently at the GMC dealership for continued diagnostic. -this happened on the freeway and out of nowhere the vehicle started shaking, rough, losing power and acceleration, I had to cut someone off on the freeway just to get over to the right shoulder and turned off ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
- vehicle started misfiring, ECM, valve timing code, throttle system code, data system, gateway, module,. Vehicle is available and currently at the GMC dealership for continued diagnostic. -this happened on the freeway and out of nowhere the vehicle started shaking, rough, losing power and acceleration, I had to cut someone off on the freeway just to get over to the right shoulder and turned off ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
My car randomly gave me alerts that my steering alignment fault then came the following two days later Automatic Emergency Braking is unavailable Feature may be restored on next drive 20:55 | DI_a246 Automatic vehicle hold disabled Use brake pedal when stopping 20:55 | DI_a223 Traction control disabled Drive with caution 20:55 | APP_W264 Lane Departure Avoidance features unavailable Features may ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
Passenger side headlight failed prematurely resulting in only one of the headlights functioning
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2023 Honda Ridgeline with approximately 23,995 miles. My primary concern is an intermittent transmission/powertrain malfunction. While driving on the highway, the vehicle unexpectedly entered limp/fail-safe mode and experienced a significant loss of power and acceleration. This created a potentially dangerous situation because I was unable to accele... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The driver side rear coil spring broke abruptly on both the top and bottom leaving the majority of the spring mechanically unattached. The driver side rear shock also broke from the additional strain on it. With a complete loss of suspension on the rear driver side, as I hit bumps on the freeway, I could feel the van jerking quickly nearly sending me out of the lane. If it was slippery with rain o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
I bought this truck from a reputable GM dealership 2.5 weeks before this happening occurred. Tires only had 50k miles on them when they were rated for 80k miles: the front driver side Ttire ruptured while on major hwy in texas. No signs of air loss and the road was clear of any debris. Steering started to lightly shake and eventually came to a violent shake, then the front driver tire ruptured. Un... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
I bought this truck from a reputable GM dealership 2.5 weeks before this happening occurred. Tires only had 50k miles on them when they were rated for 80k miles: the front driver side Ttire ruptured while on major hwy in texas. No signs of air loss and the road was clear of any debris. Steering started to lightly shake and eventually came to a violent shake, then the front driver tire ruptured. Un... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
I bought this truck from a reputable GM dealership 2.5 weeks before this happening occurred. Tires only had 50k miles on them when they were rated for 80k miles: the front driver side Ttire ruptured while on major hwy in texas. No signs of air loss and the road was clear of any debris. Steering started to lightly shake and eventually came to a violent shake, then the front driver tire ruptured. Un... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
Steering rack is starting to fail at under 47000 miles, car pulls to right during acceleration and pulls left when decelerating. Steering wheel does not return to the center and a slight left pull on the wheel has to be maintained at all times so the car doesn't merge right into traffic. It is available upon inspection request. I almost didn't realize it pulling to the right and almost merged into... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
Power-assisted steering fails repeatedly. No warning lights, codes, or alarms are presented or shown. Steering reverts to manual control only and becomes very difficult to turn. This presents a potentially serious safety issue. Power-assisted steering returns to normal operation but fails again intermittently and repeatedly. Ford has not issued a recall and the price is exorbitantly expensiv... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
While driving, the malfunction indicator light (yellow wrench) will illuminate, followed by a complete loss of communication between the instrument cluster and the transmission. The speedometer immediately drops to zero even though the truck is still moving, and other information, such as the fuel range, goes blank. The truck will also struggle to accelerate from a stop, almost as if it is startin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
Driving uphill and the power dropped. Even flooring it the car could not get to 35 mph. We were on a windy mountain road with no safe place to pull over. Eventually found a spot and turns out there is a known design flaw that causes coolant intrusion and we have to pay $14,000 for a new engine and new turbo. The car has only 48,000 miles on it!
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the climate control was inoperable, and the odometer was flashing on the instrument panel. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The climate control module was reset, the connector to the climate control... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
- POTENTIAL FUEL PUMP FAILURE WHILE DRIVING - MAJOR CONCERN WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE FOR MYSELF AND FOR CHILDREN AND ELDERLY PASSENGERS - YES - YES BUT NO SOLUTION AVAILABLE - NO
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
On 7/17/2026 I was involved in a motor vehicle crash resulting in damage to both my Jeep Wagoneer and the other vehicle. I was informed that I have a recall on my Electronic brake assist and the brake system control module for my Wagoneer today August 6th, 2026. I'm wondering if the faulty brake system control module contributed to the crash. I am unable to complete the recall repairs until after ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
On 7/17/2026 I was involved in a motor vehicle crash resulting in damage to both my Jeep Wagoneer and the other vehicle. I was informed that I have a recall on my Electronic brake assist and the brake system control module for my Wagoneer today August 6th, 2026. I'm wondering if the faulty brake system control module contributed to the crash. I am unable to complete the recall repairs until after ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
There's no remedy to this recall in a timely manner. Ford has provided a remedy for the 2025 and 2026 model, but not my 2024. They need to do better.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2026
I purchased my car on 3/23/26. Since delivery I have noticed that the car bounces at low speeds 20-30mph and the steering wheel vibrates at highway speeds 65 - 80mph. I have had the car to tesla service center 6 times since march. They have replaced all 4 tires, found and replaced a bent wheel (rim) on the passenger side. Then this last visit they replaced the passenger right wheel hub. They claim... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
My grill deflector suddenly flew off, hit my windshield a flew into a semi hauling oil field equipment. We both pulled over and found no significant damage to his truck. I have a two inch scratch on my windshield and possibly lite hood scratching. Dealership required me to pay $390.73 but said I would be reimbursed for my losses. It never happened. Now I’m fighting with GM to get some resolution... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
I own a 2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e that has developed a drivetrain shudder during slow-speed, tight turns while lightly accelerating, such as when maneuvering in parking lots or making U-turns. The vibration is consistently reproducible under these conditions and is felt through the vehicle during the turn. The vehicle otherwise drives normally at higher speeds. After researching the issue, I found th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The left headlight daytime running light has died due to a defective chip in the light itself. It may cause a higher chance of a daytime wreck because of reduced visibility. Also, more chance of me getting pulled over for my headlight not working. Apparently it’s a common issue that JLR know about, but won’t do anything. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Special Service Message (SSM) 75479 relates to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
Brand new Subaru Solterra died after only a month on the road Root cause is parasitic power drain from 12V battery which completely ran dry Car has been in shop for a week without any possible root cause and repair Problem is prevalent on this particular model as reported by owners of 2023 till 2026 and also from towing companies I'm afraid if not fixed at the root, car will die again after a sh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
My 2020 Chevrolet Malibu experienced a sudden and severe electrical failure after driving through normal roadway water. Immediately afterward, the vehicle displayed multiple safety‑critical warnings including loss of power steering assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) faults, brake control faults, and reduced propulsion. A GM dealership inspected the vehicle, scanned the modules, and foun... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
My 2020 Chevrolet Malibu experienced a sudden and severe electrical failure after driving through normal roadway water. Immediately afterward, the vehicle displayed multiple safety‑critical warnings including loss of power steering assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) faults, brake control faults, and reduced propulsion. A GM dealership inspected the vehicle, scanned the modules, and foun... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V365000 (Structure, Suspension). The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH around a bend, the rear wheels spun out, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The front end and rear then struck the center median, and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the highway. The conta... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
1. Ignition System: While driving the key in the ignition lock came out loose! Exremely frightened and managed to pull the car over to a driveway. But, the car could NOT be stoped using the key fob. Key will not work to stop the engine. Very unusual and unexpected incidence. 2. Lighting system switch: Suddenly the knob of the light switch came out loose with a plastic shaft and will not turn on ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
As I was driving a service electronic stability control came up on my dash and I lost control of the vehicle. The brakes did not work and it was hard to steer. I almost hit a vehicle and the Jeep kept rolling until it stopped. Then I received an alert that the brakes did system, anti lock brake system, and Electronic Stability System failure. This is very scary my vehicle is a lease and they say t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Please see details of NHTSA Campaign #25V433000. This is a known issue associated with a platform technology shared by GM and Honda. I purchased the vehicle as CPO on 31 July and almost immediately the parking brake warning light and the 'Service Transmission Now, Unable to Shift Soon' error code appeared on the dash. I returned the car to the dealer on 1 Aug for repairs and was told this is a '... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was shuddering, especially while driving uphill. The dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed and determined to have a failure associated with a GM TSB for the incorrect transmission fluid inside the transmission reservoir. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
Auto Start/Stop button needs to be pressed three times to start the vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
We bought this truck from a dealer (used) and before delivery the driver seat belt recall was repaired as it was still open. Now, months later, the airbag light is on with a warning and it appears that the airbags are disabled. This started as an intermittent issue and now remains constant. Not only does the warning chime when the truck is started, it will chime at random while driving which is a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The headlights in the car shake while driving. Especially noticeable at night, and if the ground is not perfectly smooth, the light beams vibrate/shake in a distracting way that is unlike any other car I've driven.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
My vehicle has about 68k miles, while driving on freeway all of sudden the car engine started to shake and check engine light came on dashboard. This engine shaking would stop when vehicle was being driven at high speed. Upon returning home I checked the DTC codes and had P300, P301 engine misfire codes. My mechanic suggested to have spark plugs and Ignition coil#1 to be changed. I bought new plug... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
I live on a busy road on top of a hill. When leaving the truck will often hesitate leaving me with a heavy loss of acceleration. I’ve I been in numerous situations were I was almost rear ended! The truck will also jolt you when it shifts like hitting a wall.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
On June 3, 2026, I brought my vehicle to O'Brien Nissan of Bloomington because I was experiencing significant problems with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Specifically, the SERVICE NOW light came on, the vehicle would not shift into park, and I was concerned about a CVT malfunction. I explained these concerns to the service advisor Jason who is the current service manager and expect... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
On June 3, 2026, I brought my vehicle to O'Brien Nissan of Bloomington because I was experiencing significant problems with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Specifically, the SERVICE NOW light came on, the vehicle would not shift into park, and I was concerned about a CVT malfunction. I explained these concerns to the service advisor Jason who is the current service manager and expect... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
Was driving my vehicle roughly 10-15mph after a stop, noticed vehicle wasn’t shifting into the gears properly as it was only in 2nd gear and the RPMs kept climbing, when it finally shifted into 3rd gear my transmission proceeded to lockup cause my rear tires to skid and stop in the middle of traffic and in the middle of an intersection disrupting the flow of traffic. Vehicle displayed a wrench l... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2026
In approximately October 2025, while stopped at a traffic light, my 2025 Honda Odyssey's auto idle-stop system shut the engine off as designed. When I released the brake, the engine failed to restart. The vehicle remained disabled in active traffic for about one minute. After several attempts and shifting into Park, it finally restarted. There were no warning lamps or messages beforehand. This put... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
At 70,000 miles the engine failed. Dealership said it was due to the current issues with the 6.2 motors but mine was not included in the recall but was being evaluated to be part of the recall so I did have to buy a new engine.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
At 12,000 miles removed old air filter found grass under air filter
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
Vehicle fan blower speed changes by itself. Second issue - at times with Apple Car Play, vehicle will state audio unavailable and steering wheel audio control and GPS notifications will not work. Lastly, issue with not being able to use iphone apps, for example, Safari, when phone is connected to vehicle (this has occured since the most recent update). Other iphone apps will work once phone is dis... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Fuel pump.has low pressure therefore making vehicle stop running completely. Has happened twice , once while driving on highway. This is extremly dangerous to have your vehicle just come to complete dead stop in middle.of road. FORD has no remedy to fix and now i am without a car I am paying for since it wont start now.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
I'm losing power than normal all of a sudden. When I step on the gas after light hits green in sport and sport plus mode my car losses traction even when traction control is on, and I hear a loud clunck sound. After the the loud clunck sound the car losses RPM while driving I step off the gas and step back on it and the RPM goes back to normal again.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The power liftgate (automatic trunk) system on my 2019 Infiniti QX50 malfunctioned. After fully opening, the liftgate unexpectedly closed on its own without any warning beeps or resistance detection. This poses a severe safety risk. The heavy door struck my head, causing a physical injury (a severe bump/contusion). The vehicle and the affected components are available for inspection upon request. ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 30, 2026
I am the original owner of a 2021 Forest River Wolf Pack 325PACK13 fifth-wheel trailer (VIN: [XXX]), purchased new on [XXX]. The trailer is built on a Lippert Components chassis manufactured in September 2020. My trailer developed multiple structural cracks in the front overhang/pin box area of the frame. This is not a single crack. The damage includes multiple cracks in the steel chassis, separa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that the message “Service ABS” was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted, who offered to replace the part with a part from a 3500 Ram vehicle, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that ... Read more