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: Feb 1, 2025
The recall (NHTSA Recall # 23V734) has been un-repaired since 1 Nov 2023. The un-repaired recall did not cause a safety issue in my case, but I have moved to Canada and the recall has prevented me from registering and using the vehicle for the last for the past year (it is not possible to complete the import process or register any vehicle that has an outstanding recall).
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) - ENGINE
May 10, 2025
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
Intermittent hesitation issues. Most of the time, happens when accelerating from a stop, but sometimes will happen when trying to accelerate when going to an on-ramp, for example. Hard to tell if transmission, or fuel related problem.
Incident date: May 8, 2025
Made it 451 miles in our brand new Grand Design Solitude 380FL and noticed it looked crooked and smoke started coming from the drivers side while going 70 mph down I24 in TN. Pulled over and had a torn tire on both sides, axle was coming off due to missing a U bolt and the leaf spring had come apart. Fortunately we were paying attention and caught this as the 16,000 lb trailer would have flipped t... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2024) - WHEELS
May 10, 2025
Incident date: Apr 15, 2025
Made it 451 miles in our brand new Grand Design Solitude 380FL and noticed it looked crooked and smoke started coming from the drivers side while going 70 mph down I24 in TN. Pulled over and had a torn tire on both sides, axle was coming off due to missing a U bolt and the leaf spring had come apart. Fortunately we were paying attention and caught this as the 16,000 lb trailer would have flipped t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
There is a known flaw with this car that the transmissions fail prematurely. There is a technical service bulletin (TSB0008-21) released 2 months before purchasing the car on this exact issue and we were not made aware before purchase. Toyota has not recalled these vehicles and this applies to a very select serial number range of transmissions implying a manufacturer defect even further. Now my ca... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
DISPLAY PANEL FREEZES AND IT ALSO DISPLAYS AS BLANK AND I DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO THE RADIO OR THERMASTAT CONTROLS REVERSE BRAKING SYSTEM FAIL FOR PARKING
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
DISPLAY PANEL FREEZES AND IT ALSO DISPLAYS AS BLANK AND I DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO THE RADIO OR THERMASTAT CONTROLS REVERSE BRAKING SYSTEM FAIL FOR PARKING
Incident date: May 5, 2025
Hi, I have had a couple instances where the engine revved up between gears. Both times, I remember it happening rather soon after starting off from a stop sign. I didn't pay it much mind, but noted it. Just today, I asked my wife ([XXX]) whether she had noticed anything with the car. I purposely didn't ask any leading questions. She said a few times it would jump instead of smoothly going to... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
I have been told by Nissan dealership and Christian brothers Automobile and Midas my CVS transmission is defective- factory defective. It often slips and gets hot and emits an odor I now have transmission flushed and serviced every 30,000 miles per dealer suggestions- no one thinks this was good and I’d factory defective— help me I bought this to be my last car serviced as suggested I’m tol... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
The vehicle started rattling currently its not starting i almost crashed a car in front of me, the truck is in jordan am not in the usa and the dodge local dealership refused to do the recalls stating that there is no support for diesel rams they even refused to provide the parts or the software… If this truck is not supported world wide why did they allowed its exportation kindly help me with t... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
When traveling down a steep hill at about 35 mph I shifted from drive to 3rd for engine braking, the truck went into first gear instead of 3rd and the rear wheels temporarily slid/screeched. I did it before without issues but I never did that again as I’m afraid of damaging something.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Automatic braking system works when unnecessary. No one and nothing in front of car when driving and auto braking stops vehicle. Multiple incidents. My children and I suffered seatbelt, neck, and back pain when stopped without warning. Also, scared. No, problem cannot be reproduced. No, vehicle has not been inspected. No prior warning before incident.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
On Monday, [XXX] the ‘low engine oil pressure’ light came on in my car. It quickly turned off but then came back on and flickered off a second time. The third time it came on, it stayed on and my car slowed of its own accord before coming to a complete stop due to engine failure. I was on [XXX] (a major state highway with 65mph speed limits) on my way home from work. I was able to get over to ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
On Monday, [XXX] the ‘low engine oil pressure’ light came on in my car. It quickly turned off but then came back on and flickered off a second time. The third time it came on, it stayed on and my car slowed of its own accord before coming to a complete stop due to engine failure. I was on [XXX] (a major state highway with 65mph speed limits) on my way home from work. I was able to get over to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
This is the third time since the purchase date of July 2023, that my Diesel 1500 Silverado has gone into "Reduced Engine Power" while driving. The first date was August 2024, while traveling down the interstate. The check engine light came on. My maximum speed was reduced to 50mph, and the transmission shifting was very jerky. This was extremely dangerous with the flow of traffic traveling 70+ mp... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
When I was driving down the road my car got a message on the dash that said power steering malfunction see owners manual. My steering wheel got locked up and tight it was hard to keep control of my car at 60 miles per hour. When I took it to the repair shop, I asked about the repair and if my Vin had a recall and when I looked up the production date of my car it's 2 numbers off the Vin numbers tha... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
When I was driving down the road my car got a message on the dash that said power steering malfunction see owners manual. My steering wheel got locked up and tight it was hard to keep control of my car at 60 miles per hour. When I took it to the repair shop, I asked about the repair and if my Vin had a recall and when I looked up the production date of my car it's 2 numbers off the Vin numbers tha... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
Roof has cracked from sunroof to the pillar in multiple locations it is avaliable for inspection. It’s a common issues with beetles with sun roofs My concern is if it cracks enough a large piece may come off and potentially strike another vehicle especially at freeway speeds Dealer has denied the repair
Incident date: May 6, 2025
Engine hesitation. When I go to accelerate there is a noticeable lag/hesitation before power is applied
Incident date: May 9, 2023
Rear passenger door trim, and accelerator pedal lag.
Incident date: May 9, 2023
Rear passenger door trim, and accelerator pedal lag.
Incident date: May 9, 2023
While driving at ~30 mph the rear wheels locked up momentarily with no warning and without applying the breaks. The back of the vehicle fish-tailed while the tires slid. Following the incident the check engine light came on and the vehicle went into limp mode and would not go more than about 25 - 30 mph. I immediately took it to the Chevrolet Dealer. The dealer indicated that the codes showed ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Hesitation on accelerator going from reverse o drive or park to drive
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Hesitation on accelerator going from reverse o drive or park to drive
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Hesitation on accelerator going from reverse o drive or park to drive
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Periodic sluggish gas pedal response. Often from a stop when pressing the gas pedal the truck lurches a little forward then slows down as if I took my foot off the pedal right after pressing it. Nearly got rear-ended a couple times.
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
May 9, 2025
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
ABS system and trailer brakes lights on dashboard come on and until the truck is off and sits for awhile the abs will start working again. Have had several shops look at it and have heard several different things. Started with the cheaper side of things and still no luck for a solution.
Incident date: May 8, 2025
2019 toyota highlander bought 3/15/25 with approximately 82,000 miles. Started making whining noise 4/7/25. On 4/9/25 took vehicle to dealer 4/11/25 notified need new transmission and transaxle seal need on new transmission. 2 weeks later on 4/25/25 picked up vehicle drove home 3 days later noticed gear oil leaking and sprayed all over under chassis. Vehicle brought back to dealer on 4/29/25. On ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2025
Excessive oil consumption, shudder in motor while driving . Check engine light cam on. Visibility in headlights very low and high beams only working sometimes.
Incident date: May 4, 2025
Excessive oil consumption, shudder in motor while driving . Check engine light cam on. Visibility in headlights very low and high beams only working sometimes.
Incident date: May 4, 2025
Consistent hesitation with throttle application, usually from a standstill.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
There is a recall for the brake HCU, but parts are not available. RAM won't fix. ABS warning light and traction control lights are on, and flash along with warning buzzer chime. Unacceptable. This has been going on for 4 months.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2022
Anytime I come to a yield/traffic circle and do not have to come to a complete stop, when I push the accelerator there is a hesitation and then the truck lurches forward. It happens quite often when I slow down to 5mph give or take before accelerating again. I would estimate it has happened 50 times since I have owned the truck which I bought with 300 miles on it.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
I tested this car seat as a part of the Stellar Product testing panel. I installed the car seat according to the requirements and got all green indicators. However when I put the car seat in the base, the baby was almost completely upright and after a short period in the car, I found her head slumped forward on her chest. This happened a second time on the short drive home and I uninstalled the ca... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
1. I purchased this vehicle in 2016 and I have had my rear brake lights repaired several times because the rear tail lights continue to go out, This happens regularly. There is no warning lights on the dash to indicate an issue. The only way i learned that my brake lights don't work properly is another motorist driving behind me and almost rear ending me. I have had the rear brake lights repaire... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
1. I purchased this vehicle in 2016 and I have had my rear brake lights repaired several times because the rear tail lights continue to go out, This happens regularly. There is no warning lights on the dash to indicate an issue. The only way i learned that my brake lights don't work properly is another motorist driving behind me and almost rear ending me. I have had the rear brake lights repaire... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
1. I purchased this vehicle in 2016 and I have had my rear brake lights repaired several times because the rear tail lights continue to go out, This happens regularly. There is no warning lights on the dash to indicate an issue. The only way i learned that my brake lights don't work properly is another motorist driving behind me and almost rear ending me. I have had the rear brake lights repaire... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
The truck has a very pronounced hesitation to accelerate after slowing down or coming to a stop. Example: slow down, come to a stop at a stop sign and then accelerating to start moving. This situation happens daily and almost on every occasion after slowing or stopping. It has gotten worse over time and this issue has put me and my family in very dangerous and scary situations as the truck does n... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
The truck has a very pronounced hesitation to accelerate after slowing down or coming to a stop. Example: slow down, come to a stop at a stop sign and then accelerating to start moving. This situation happens daily and almost on every occasion after slowing or stopping. It has gotten worse over time and this issue has put me and my family in very dangerous and scary situations as the truck does n... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
I was currently in an accident and my airbags did not deploy. My safety was at risk because I am pregnant. The vehicle was inspected by insurance representatives or body shop. No warning or other symptoms of problems prior to failure
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
I had 2 unrelated issues in the past 2 days: 1) rear door actuator malfunction. The door won't lock or unlock as part of the central locking system 2) The "break" alert went off without any cars around. Happened once, breaks weren't activated by the car.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
I had 2 unrelated issues in the past 2 days: 1) rear door actuator malfunction. The door won't lock or unlock as part of the central locking system 2) The "break" alert went off without any cars around. Happened once, breaks weren't activated by the car.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Vibration and noise in the engine and front wheel bearing
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
Unknown what component failed. Safety was at risk because the delay in the throttle response can result in get in an accident. I can't reproduce the problem. It happens at random. The vehicle has never been inspected by anyone about this issue. No warning whatsoever. It doesn't happen ofen. Some times it's worse than others.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Hello. I have a 2020 Vw Atlas V6 SE R-Line. The truck shots off when idleling, on speeds of 5 mph to 10 mph and even on the highway. This is a serious problem and extremely dangerous to my family and myself as well as other owners that have the same issue wile driving on highways. It can easily cause a serious accident. This has happened multiple times and I even took it to the dealership to get... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Hello. I have a 2020 Vw Atlas V6 SE R-Line. The truck shots off when idleling, on speeds of 5 mph to 10 mph and even on the highway. This is a serious problem and extremely dangerous to my family and myself as well as other owners that have the same issue wile driving on highways. It can easily cause a serious accident. This has happened multiple times and I even took it to the dealership to get... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Vehicle was taken to Clovis Kia to address recall NHTSA# 23V218 (SC267). Kia was unable to fix the issue and ordered a battery pack replacement (they replaced the current battery pack 2 years and roughly 20K miles previously). New battery pack was installed and the system still does not function properly. Multiple error codes present and car is undriveable. At the 1 month mark we demanded a lo... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The major throttle lag. When leaving from a stop it takes a few seconds of pressing the gas before the truck even begins to accelerate. I have had multiple issues with throttle lag when dealing with oncoming traffic. No lights have indicated any issues and all the dealerships can tell me is it’s a common issue.