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: Dec 1, 2025
While driving at speed, vehicle electrical went haywire. Headlights went on and off. Horn sounding on and off, Wipers and washers going on and off, HVAC blower on and off. Pulled over vehicle and turned off and removed key and it still remained running, all horn, lights, and wipers still going on and off. Opened hood, removed negative battery terminal, and with that, car still ran! Was sever... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
While driving at speed, vehicle electrical went haywire. Headlights went on and off. Horn sounding on and off, Wipers and washers going on and off, HVAC blower on and off. Pulled over vehicle and turned off and removed key and it still remained running, all horn, lights, and wipers still going on and off. Opened hood, removed negative battery terminal, and with that, car still ran! Was sever... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
My vehicle has always been jerky, lagging to accelerate, limp, giving the shift solenoid code error.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Transmission failed, metal shavings in the system
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
Blind spot warning, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assistance, and high beam lights keep flashing on dash giving a code of: U3000-49. The dealership quoted me $2000 to fix a faulty front facing camera. Research shows this is happening to thousands of people.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
I want to complain that my 6.2L V8 engine was “inspected” and they deemed it OK, then proceeded to make a requirement of thicker oil for its life. I was also given a long term warranty on the engine, however it is non-transferable, therefore the re-sale value of the vehicle is damaged beyond normal conditions. The engine is suspect, why else would it need thicker oil? The engine is all over th... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 13, 2025
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
Back windshield glass exploded with no impact. Car was not moving. There is shattered glass everywhere and the car cannot be driven until it is repaired. This appears to be a well known issue but there is no official recall at this time. My Acura dealer said this was covered in warranty that expired in November. The incident happened December 13, 2025.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
Well maintained vehicle I’ve been sole owner of. Driving normally along highway at normal speed. Electrical issue warning alert pops up, immediately goes away. This happened again, car fills with smoke and is immediately on fire. Happened very quickly. Have had zero issues with this vehicle otherwise. No warnings. Car was functioning perfectly leading up to the incident.
Fire
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
While driving at approximately 65 mph on I-35 in moderate traffic, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power. I was positioned in the far-left passing lane at the time of the incident. A vague notification message appeared on the dashboard screen; however, there was no accompanying audible warning tone to alert me to the severity of the issue before power was lost. The fai... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2025
While driving at approximately 65 mph on I-35 in moderate traffic, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power. I was positioned in the far-left passing lane at the time of the incident. A vague notification message appeared on the dashboard screen; however, there was no accompanying audible warning tone to alert me to the severity of the issue before power was lost. The fai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Vehicle is consuming oil at an exceptionally fast rate. In October 2025, when taken in for an oil change and my complaint of a burning smell upon quick acceleration, the technician documented no oil was found on the dipstick. Just a month later, in November 2025, the oil level was already extremely low, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and an oil consumption test is currently being admini... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
On December 2, 2025 I was driving on interstate 26, and warning lights came on, at the same time steering locked up and was I unable to steer. I did manage to slowly leave right lane, about 200 yards, and enter shoulder. I turned off and restarted many times and finally the steering unlocked. In Sept. car was brought to dealer. They could not find anything wrong. Since the incident, other war... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
When driving vehicle, alert sounded lowered speed detection and my engine light came on. My vehicle then lagged power and it smelled like something was burning. Called dealer i bought vehicle from and i drove it in to them. I just bought the vehicle 8 months ago. I was just in to same dealer for a GPS tracker that was in my vehicle unknown to me that the Onstar stopped working and the dealer had s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
When driving vehicle, alert sounded lowered speed detection and my engine light came on. My vehicle then lagged power and it smelled like something was burning. Called dealer i bought vehicle from and i drove it in to them. I just bought the vehicle 8 months ago. I was just in to same dealer for a GPS tracker that was in my vehicle unknown to me that the Onstar stopped working and the dealer had s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
The vehicle was in supervised full self driving on the turnpike, when all of a sudden it darted out of the lane into th grass hitting a guard rail.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
The vehicle was in supervised full self driving on the turnpike, when all of a sudden it darted out of the lane into th grass hitting a guard rail.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
The vehicle was in supervised full self driving on the turnpike, when all of a sudden it darted out of the lane into th grass hitting a guard rail.
Crash
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2020) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dec 13, 2025
Incident date: Nov 20, 2025
Recall SC263) AIR BAGS THAT DO NOT DEPLOY (SC356)x2 A MELTED FUEL TANK CAN LEAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
My Kia’s engine light came on. It was my catalyst converter verified by my mechanic and 2 other people. My my car lost power. I took to my mechanic. Well he told me it was a recall issue and I’d have to take it to Kia. In December 1 it was towed into Kia , central ave, Albany, NY. Yesterday I was told my car was finally finished after trying to reach the service center for days. When I talked... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
My 2016 Malibu has a severe EBCM-related safety defect causing all four brakes to drag and overheat (reaching 240°F), leading to unstable handling. This condition mirrors the 2016 Malibu EBCM recall (GM Recall 39440). I sought help from GM. A GM-certified dealer-Monken in Centralia, IL performed a “diagnostic scan” which documented the core hydraulic failure: a constant, uncommanded 6.839 psi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
k5 car seat belt locked 2025 gt line fix replacement of the assembly Retraction Issue deployed Stuck
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Vehicle aggressively shakes in highway speeds I had 3 repeated issues w my cybertruck already documented
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Dashboard has bubbled. I contacted the dealership because I have an extended warranty with CNA and the claim was denied due to weather/ sun damage. My truck is a 2019 model and should not have this issue. The Service Rep. at the dealership told me he has noticed several dodge vehicles with the same issue. He said the glue that was used was an inferior adhesive. He said they recently repaired a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
Went to work, drove home, went to take my daughter to her friends and noticed my windshield on the passenger side was cracked big time. Just from sitting in my driveway.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
All of the lights on the dash came on and the power steering stopped working while driving on the highway. I was in the number one lane and had to merge across four lanes to pull over with no power steering. I shut the car off and waited a few minutes. The lights were still on the dash but the power steering was working. This is the second time this has happened in the last two weeks.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
All of the lights on the dash came on and the power steering stopped working while driving on the highway. I was in the number one lane and had to merge across four lanes to pull over with no power steering. I shut the car off and waited a few minutes. The lights were still on the dash but the power steering was working. This is the second time this has happened in the last two weeks.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2025
I have noticed a loud knocking sound coming from both the front right and left areas of the car when turning. I have read it may be a faulty CV joint but I am not sure. This issue arose before the car reached 6k miles. I believe these joints play a significant role in vehicle stability and safety. I have not been able to take it to the dealer yet but I will as soon as I can get a day off of work.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
My Jeep Wrangler 4xe is currently under an active safety recall due to a high-voltage battery fire risk. Stellantis has instructed owners not to park the vehicle near structures and not to charge it until a repair is available. I live in a multi-unit residential building, and it is not possible to park away from structures, which makes it impossible to comply with the manufacturer's safety instruc... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
I was driving on a very busy road and the car completely died and would not go into park. It was like the battery was not even there. The steering wheel locked up, hazards would not come on and all the doors locked and would not unlock. There was no power to the car whatsoever. The drivers side door had to be pried open from the outside so I could get out of the car. We had the battery tested and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
I was driving on a very busy road and the car completely died and would not go into park. It was like the battery was not even there. The steering wheel locked up, hazards would not come on and all the doors locked and would not unlock. There was no power to the car whatsoever. The drivers side door had to be pried open from the outside so I could get out of the car. We had the battery tested and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The reverse (or backup) lighting on my 2025 Honda Prologue Elite is so useless it may as well not even exist. During the daytime, the reverse camera view is helpful and detailed. At night, or without bright ambient light, you can't even see beyond the rear bumper. Stepping on the brakes gives brief added light, though still not adequate. And you can't continue to press on the brake while backi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
There is a grinding in my steering column, worse at lower speeds. I have spoke to Hyundai about this and several other shops and they said this is a common recall for Elantras and there is a barring that is in the recall. However, my VIN is not in this common recall. If this is a common recall on Elantras in my year range, wouldn't ALL Elantras have the option to have to corrected not just a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
Tire - 265/70 r18 Cooper Could have been a very bad accident. Tire blew out. The tire was inspected by Goodyear PCA-Visual only -recvd below response after several requests. All Internal Goodyear visual Inspection procedures & methodologies are confidential and/or proprietary information of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Goodyear's findings in this claim are fi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
Tire - 265/70 r18 Cooper Could have been a very bad accident. Tire blew out. The tire was inspected by Goodyear PCA-Visual only -recvd below response after several requests. All Internal Goodyear visual Inspection procedures & methodologies are confidential and/or proprietary information of The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. Goodyear's findings in this claim are fi... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 27 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the "Engine Malfunction" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Brake System Failures (Multiple Occurrences): The vehicle has experienced repeated brake-related failures requiring multiple repairs. Brakes are a critical safety system, and repeated failures pose a serious risk to occupant and public safety. Despite repairs, the brake issues have reoccurred. 2.Fuel System Failures (Two Occurrences): The fuel system has failed on multiple occasions, requiring rep... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
“Shift to Park” message came on the dashboard. Car would not change gear or go into reverse or drive. Basically stuck in Park position. Car kept peeping sound nonstop for over 20 minutes. And it drained the battery. Car would not drive. Had to have it towed to the dealership I brought it from 45 miles away. I had to pay $656.72 at dealership to get it fixed. The dealership removed and r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Known issue with the front timing cover leaking. confirmed by Dealer and local repair shop that it is an issue they see on these engines all the time and is a manufacturing problem.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Rear window shattered outward parked in a heated garage. Nissan is refusing to help me
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The vehicle will hesitate incredibly bad when driving in normal mode, when you go to take off from a stop or a rolling stop at a yield sign, the engine and system simply does not engage.It's about a three second delay, and then the vehicle takes off like a rocket, I have also had misfire engine codes that have left me on the side of the road with this vehicle, once you know about the hesitancy of ... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 12, 2025
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The vehicle will hesitate incredibly bad when driving in normal mode, when you go to take off from a stop or a rolling stop at a yield sign, the engine and system simply does not engage.It's about a three second delay, and then the vehicle takes off like a rocket, I have also had misfire engine codes that have left me on the side of the road with this vehicle, once you know about the hesitancy of ... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - SEATS
Dec 12, 2025
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Sienna. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V668000 (Seats); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recal... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
The car is equipped with a supercruise feature, which should ideally enhance the driving experience. However, I've encountered a significant issue: even when this feature is not activated, the vehicle tends to oscillate between the lane markers. This problem becomes particularly pronounced under poor road conditions, such as when it's raining. The moisture on the pavement obscures the lane marking... Read more
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while reversing, the driver's side rear wheel flipped over. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a corroded I-Beam assembly on the rear wheel. The contact was informed that the driver's side rear hub and the BRG assembly, rear suspension, and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
On [XXX] around [XXX], while driving on [XXX] fro Santa Paula to Ojai, my car displayed a message on the dash that said "critical brake fault, pull over safely." When I applied the brakes they did not respond. I came to a stop only when the car lost momentum. When I exited the car to investigate, I shut the driver's door and was locked out. Neither my key card, nor phone key worked and the Volvo ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2025
On [XXX] around [XXX], while driving on [XXX] fro Santa Paula to Ojai, my car displayed a message on the dash that said "critical brake fault, pull over safely." When I applied the brakes they did not respond. I came to a stop only when the car lost momentum. When I exited the car to investigate, I shut the driver's door and was locked out. Neither my key card, nor phone key worked and the Volvo ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2025
Hesitation from vehicle when pressing gas coming from a rolling stop. Late response from vehicle which may increase risk of crash or injury when vehicle does not move.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
The rear camera display is distorted and shows a huge amount of colors making it impossible to view any objects behind the car and causing a safety hazard that could result in backing over a child or other item
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
The rear camera display is distorted and shows a huge amount of colors making it impossible to view any objects behind the car and causing a safety hazard that could result in backing over a child or other item
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
Throttle response occasionally drops out. Lag when trying to accelerate from a stop, then kicks in and the truck surges forward.