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 140,155 complaints for TOYOTA
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
My 2018 RAM 2500 has had an ABS system recall since Nov 2024. My truck has had a problem with the ABS since 2019. I do not have anit-lock brakes or cruise control as a result of this failure to be able to resolve the problem. Over a year since the recall, and still no parts available. How long is the NHTSA going to let RAM get away with this?? Maybe after some has an accident or hurts someone they... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
After 3 prior repairs 2 of which were recalls of the front suspension, control arms. I was driving when me and my 3 children’s life’s were almost taken. While driving on the expressway immediate loss of control of the car shaking while driving to work, I stopped immediately thank God no cars around next to me to crash into. We called for a ride and walked off the expressway. Immediately car wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
Bad shuttering, slow acceleration, clunking noise, check engine light flashing all started while driving home. Took it to a transmission shop and they said it was the TC and transmission. I then called the dealership to see if there was a recall, and looked up any recalls. Since I have had fluid flushed and changed, and still have the problems. This has been an on going problem for a couple of yea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
Bad shuttering, slow acceleration, clunking noise, check engine light flashing all started while driving home. Took it to a transmission shop and they said it was the TC and transmission. I then called the dealership to see if there was a recall, and looked up any recalls. Since I have had fluid flushed and changed, and still have the problems. This has been an on going problem for a couple of yea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
1. Hybrid battery fire hazard – presents a real risk of fire while the vehicle is parked or in operation. 2.Engine debris from factory build – the engine contains debris from the manufacturing process, creating a risk of engine failure or further damage. I’ve reached out to dealership and Stellantis they offered no resolution but say they are “working on it.” No timeline given when reso... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Hi, to whom it may concern my dashboard lights have been on for months now and I’ve taken it to the dealership I purchased my car from and it comes back that it’s the turbo that needs replacing. The pricing of that is ridiculous and I’m currently not the ONLY one with this issue ! It’s an ALL AROUND THE WORLD thing! I’m not sure about anybody else but I don’t have that type of money pl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Hi, to whom it may concern my dashboard lights have been on for months now and I’ve taken it to the dealership I purchased my car from and it comes back that it’s the turbo that needs replacing. The pricing of that is ridiculous and I’m currently not the ONLY one with this issue ! It’s an ALL AROUND THE WORLD thing! I’m not sure about anybody else but I don’t have that type of money pl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2025
Honking function no longer works, this is a consistent problem noticed first on the beginning of December 2025, when I needed to notify another driver of a potential safety hazard. There is no honking sound available at any speed or at any time. Have an appointment with dealership this week.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
My vehicle is subject to two open safety recalls: 68C (PHEV High Voltage Battery) and 78C (PHEV 2.0L Engine Fire / Loss of Propulsion). Recall 78C currently has no available remedy and involves risk of engine fire and sudden loss of propulsion without warning. The manufacturer has issued guidance advising modified use and safety precautions, including parking the vehicle outside and avoiding cer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The vehicle shifted into Neutral while driving, locked out gear selection, triggered a transmission warning, and now will not restart.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 27, 2025
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
My air conditioning first went out in 2024 in 105 degree weather with a 3 month old baby, the dealer found the issue and fixed it. Then it went out again recently in the same type of weather and now since I am out of my warranty they are trying to charge me for the same issue, this is definitely a hazard to my health and the health of my children being that the weather can’t afford anyone with n... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
On December 19, 2023, when pulling out of a parking lot onto the street, pressing the gas vehicle jerked and would not accelerate. No lights on dash. Drove less than 1 minute and turned down a side street, to get out of traffic while going slow/no power. Stopped at stop sign, went thru intersection. Went to next intersection, at stop sign, vehicle shut off, in the middle of traffic. Still no dash ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
Concern: Suspension, steering, and electrical system malfunction Description of the Problem: While driving at highway speeds (approximately 75 mph), the vehicle experiences a wiggling or unstable sensation in the suspension, making the car feel unsafe. At the same time, the steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn. Additionally, a warning message appears stating “Service Shifter.” ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
I went a few months ago to Toyota to get an air flow valve replaced from a safety campaign for Toyota. My car engine light came on. Afterwards it never went off. My car shuts off after getting gas . Car doesn’t start for 20 mins. Coolant is leaking . Car idling high as if the valve that was replaced was faulty. The car acts like it’s gonna shut off. I take good care of my car & several people ... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Dec 27, 2025
Incident date: Oct 7, 2025
Major problems with this cars electrical and computer systems. Six warning lights would begin to flash in succession. Eventually car would be inoperative leaving us stranded in July 2025 in Cumberland MD then after supposed repair we were again stranded in Providence RI on Nov 20, 2025 and car has been there for repair ever since. No completion date has yet been given. I strongly believe there a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
When braking since these lights are on it will cause issue with the brakes themselves as if they don’t want to brake fully. Now I’m a 32 year old man and am aware of making sure your brakes are good and fully functioning. I’ve noticed also the steering when slowing down too from this. Nothing underneath the vehicle is an issue for steering. All steering components are fully functioning. I’... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The second alternator, Balmer, used to charge the lithium batteries overheated and failed. It is located under the hood near the engine. It made a whining sound and failed to charge. I took it to Camping World in Marysville and they said the sound was “normal” and preformed the deregulation . A few months later, I brought it back and after insisting on inspection and calling Winnebago, they sa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The second alternator, Balmer, used to charge the lithium batteries overheated and failed. It is located under the hood near the engine. It made a whining sound and failed to charge. I took it to Camping World in Marysville and they said the sound was “normal” and preformed the deregulation . A few months later, I brought it back and after insisting on inspection and calling Winnebago, they sa... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2006) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Dec 26, 2025
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The system does not reliably "see" pedestrians or cross traffic or often times will phantom brake when there are no obstacles viewable. I believe this is a substantial safety issue because the car will abruptly stop without warning and engage a parking brake, creating a delay before being able to vacate traffic. This has happened going forward, but more frequently in reverse. This appears to hap... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
On 11/29/25, my 2023 Nissan Rogue suffered a sudden and complete engine failure while driving at Hwy speed (70mph). The vehicle lost propulsion unexpectedly, which created a significant safety risk. The engine now will not start and the dealership has confirmed the turbo failed forcing coolant into the engine and now it requires a full engine replacement. Prior to the failure, I had received rec... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2018) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 26, 2025
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
Shifter switch has gone out and no longer recognizes the car is in park, causes battery drainage because car cannot fully turn off. Car not recognizing gears can cause car accidents and possible loss of life. This issue can be found online as a known defect in mazda cx-5 that has not been recalled. Vehicle has been inspected and issue has been verified.There were no warning lights, sounds or sympt... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The vehicle’s infotainment/display screen (center touchscreen system) malfunctions. The screen flickers, freezes, becomes unresponsive, and frequently fails to connect. The malfunction creates a safety concern because the screen controls critical functions such as navigation, rear-view camera display, Bluetooth/phone connectivity, and vehicle settings. When the screen freezes or flickers, I am ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2025
On 11/22/2025, We were done shopping and when we tried to open the trunk it made weird squeaky sounds and we tried to close it but it suddenly self destructed. There was a loud noise and it shattered instantly and there was glass everywhere.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
Something wrong with the transmission the one that Ford extended warranty on and my car is a 2016 and Ford extended it 10 years and they said it ended a few months ago as well as the TCM replacement I didn't know about because I just purchased the vehicle a little over a year ago.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
On December 16, 2025 the check engine light and service stabiltrek warning light appeared on my 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid. On December 17, 2015 I took the car the Capital Cheverolet service dept who has been servicing my car regularly for the past five years. They performed a complete diagnostics on my car that determined I need to "replace the EBCM with brake pressure modulator valve" and said it... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
On December 16, 2025 the check engine light and service stabiltrek warning light appeared on my 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid. On December 17, 2015 I took the car the Capital Cheverolet service dept who has been servicing my car regularly for the past five years. They performed a complete diagnostics on my car that determined I need to "replace the EBCM with brake pressure modulator valve" and said it... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The coils kept popping up check engine light. And turns out it was an injector failing, and cause my car to jerk a lot, and not accelerate when needing. My car would almost try to stop accelerating while on highway and jerk so much that it felt like I was going to wreck on the middle of a freeway.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
The trunk which operates by key fob only is no longer remaining open as it should. Instead the trunk will immediately upon opening begin to lower as very quickly. Once the automatic lowering hits the half way point, it will quickly close shut. This a liftgate issue/failure that has great potential to cause extreme harm to someone placing or retrieving items from the trunk; harm that has the potent... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
I am reporting ongoing safety issues with my Kia K4 LXS involving driver assistance systems and steering control. While driving in heavy rain with reduced visibility, the vehicle disabled multiple sensors and displayed a “camera obscured” message along with inattentive driving warnings, despite both of my hands being on the steering wheel and my full attention on the road. The loss of driver ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
I am reporting ongoing safety issues with my Kia K4 LXS involving driver assistance systems and steering control. While driving in heavy rain with reduced visibility, the vehicle disabled multiple sensors and displayed a “camera obscured” message along with inattentive driving warnings, despite both of my hands being on the steering wheel and my full attention on the road. The loss of driver ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
Fuel hose system leaking. Inhalation of gas fumes caused headaches and nausea. Risk of vehicle fire. Yes, the problem has been confirmed by a Mercedes dealer. This is a known issue with Mercedes C300 2015 models and other years. There have been other complaints/lawsuits against Mercedes not wanting to pay for the issue. No warnings just strong gas smell.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden brake system malfunction without prior warning or gradual degradation. The vehicle was being operated under normal driving, road, and weather conditions. No recent brake service, repairs, or aftermarket modifications had been performed prior to the failure. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, including the ABS warning light, brake ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden brake system malfunction without prior warning or gradual degradation. The vehicle was being operated under normal driving, road, and weather conditions. No recent brake service, repairs, or aftermarket modifications had been performed prior to the failure. Multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, including the ABS warning light, brake ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
Vehicle has 56000 miles currently and at 47000 transmission had to be replaced due to defective valve body. At 56000 miles, motor was replaced due to broken lifter. The vehicle currently will not start.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
Vehicle has 56000 miles currently and at 47000 transmission had to be replaced due to defective valve body. At 56000 miles, motor was replaced due to broken lifter. The vehicle currently will not start.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Driving on highway around 65mph, car shut down internally completely blacking out inside. Turned back on a few seconds later while still driving all lights were blinking. Pushed the SOS no-one answered pushed again then someone came on. Matches the same description on the other 2025-26 hybrids in the corolla cross and camry hybrid.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Driving on highway around 65mph, car shut down internally completely blacking out inside. Turned back on a few seconds later while still driving all lights were blinking. Pushed the SOS no-one answered pushed again then someone came on. Matches the same description on the other 2025-26 hybrids in the corolla cross and camry hybrid.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2025) - WHEELS
Dec 25, 2025
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
When driving at speeds 60+ mph, EV9 steering wheel and center console vibrate consistently even on newly paved smooth road(s). I have taken it into two different dealerships for resolve twice within the first week of ownership. Both dealerships checked tires, mount and balanced the ones that were off and sent us on our way. The steering wheel and console vibrations persist. I have taken it back in... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
While driving to mass on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, 2025, my wife and I heard a loud pop. Our first question was "What was that?" as we looked at each other. Then I realize the rear window had suddenly shattered starting on the right side, and was slowly falling apart. As this was only about a mile from my home, we immediately drove home. I contacted SafeLite Auto Glass to schedule... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
Black Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD 2025 ~15000 miles What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Without any warning, the braking action is delayed. It is a momentary loss and happens occasionally at light braking application, nowhere near hard enough to lock the wheels up The vehicle is available for inspection upon request How was your s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
My vehicle has both cracked and leaking rear shocks as well as issues with the rearview camera and infotainment system. I have gone through two Ford Dealerships to remedy this issue and was told parts are on back order. I attempted to remedy this issue when I first received notification that parts were available in August 2025. When I drive, I can feel the suspension is not providing support and c... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
I was in an accident my seatbelts did not lock and OnStar was called , it says my airbags were deployed I could smell a smell but nothing deployed
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
I was in an accident my seatbelts did not lock and OnStar was called , it says my airbags were deployed I could smell a smell but nothing deployed
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
Supplemental Safety Description I am submitting this supplemental statement to provide a complete and consolidated description of the ongoing safety concern affecting my vehicle. Vehicle Behavior and Safety Symptoms During normal driving conditions, the vehicle consistently exhibits directional instability, including pulling to one side and difficulty maintaining straight-line tracking. Steering c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
Truck has a lag then hard catch going from 7th to 8th gear and sometimes skips gears causing burnt transmission fluid and lower rear seals along with water pump seals all seals and gaskets are bad being ford used plastic gaskets that year and ford recommends changing to more current seals and gaskets but don't want to cover costs , my truck is sitting in a shop with 4,900.00 in repairs do to ford ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
On Sunday evening (12/21) at approximately 6:30 pm, I enabled Self‑Driving while my car was parked in my garage with the garage door open. The vehicle was positioned facing forward. Immediately after activating Self‑Driving, the car began reversing rapidly in an apparent attempt to exit the garage. During this unexpected movement, the passenger‑side mirror struck the garage door trim and cr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 24, 2025
ICCU fail at 58,000 miles. + the front fuse under the front seat. Rendered the car immobile and drained the 12 volt battery. Dealer replaced the iccu and fuse but refused to replace 12 volt, saying that it is covered up to 36k miles. They said ir can just be recharged. But since there repair took a long time, the battery was sitting fully discharged all this time. After that sitting period it wo... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Reproducible and sudden loss of indicated driving range at low state of charge (SOC) for 6 months. First documented occurrence on 9 September 2025 during my final service visit while the vehicle was still covered under Tesla’s 8-year unlimited-mile high-voltage battery warranty, at which time no corrective action was taken. After repeated documented low-SOC range collapses, back to service on 13... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
All in the same day: 1) Odd sound from behind the pedal area of driver side front quarter (sounded like a styrofoam cooler top rubbing against the cooler is the best way to describe - faint though). 2)BANG when in a parking garage turning full right but still able to control without difficulty. Made it home without incident. 3)Later that day, just after getting off of I4 in Orlando I pulled into ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
All in the same day: 1) Odd sound from behind the pedal area of driver side front quarter (sounded like a styrofoam cooler top rubbing against the cooler is the best way to describe - faint though). 2)BANG when in a parking garage turning full right but still able to control without difficulty. Made it home without incident. 3)Later that day, just after getting off of I4 in Orlando I pulled into ... Read more