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.

2,245,377 Total Complaints

140,173 Reported Crashes

56,794 Reported Fires

8,580 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 49,794 complaints for VOLKSWAGEN

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

The rear subframe is defective and subject to premature corrosion and failure of parts that connect to the rear suspension. Due to the fracturing of the joints connecting to the suspension, my car was at risk of going out of control when needing to brake at higher speeds. The way the suspension component broke also risked damage to the gas tank if the car was driven over a large bump or pot hol... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

I OWN A 2024 HONDA RIDGELINE TRAILSPORT. THE AUTOMATIC IDLE IS CONTINUOUSLY DRAINING THE BATTERY, MAKING IT HARD FOR THE TRUCK TO START. I HAVE PURCHASED 2 BATTERIES SINCE MAY 2024, WHEN I PURCHASED THE TRUCK. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE AUTOMATIC IDLE ON THE TRUCK, BUT HONDA TELLS ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. WHEN ACTIVATED, THE AUTOMATIC IDLE WILL SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE IN TRA... Read more

Incident date: May 4, 2026

Over the past 6/7 months, the following: ALL warning lights on dashboard flashing whenever car in running, strong smell of gasoline detected in home garage, and 5/6 times during the past 4/5 weeks engine "rough" when starting cold accompanied by loss of power. The lack of effective warning notices and/or the sudden loss of power increases the risk of crash and injury. I understand that these ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

I am reporting a sudden, complete failure of the vehicle braking system. I was operating a black 2026 Buick Enclave (an Enterprise rental car which my husband, [XXX], rented from the Tucson International Airport fleet, Vehicle Fleet #XXX) with my two children in the backseat. We were traveling at the posted speed limit of 45 mph in the fast lane on [XXX], heading toward Costco. Without warning, th... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

66,500 miles transmission shudder. Scenic Chevrolet advised the torque converter failed and damaged the transmission.

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

XXX my Tiguan was serviced at Byers VW and received the recommended 80k maintenance. During this recommended service my vehicle passed the multi-point inspection except tires and brakes. On XXX I contacted your service department because as I was driving to [XXX] my check oil level came on. An appointment was scheduled for Tuesday. After the inspection was completed Tuesday it was determined th... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

I wrote Audi to request escalation of an unresolved issue involving my 2018 Audi Q5, related to Safety Recall 90S9 (NHTSA Campaign 21V947000) for the gateway control module. Summary of the issue: My vehicle recently experienced a complete gateway control module failure due to water intrusion. I lost steering and brake assist warnings while driving, and the vehicle would not restart after being pu... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

Vehicle has 67,000 miles and suffered a catastrophic CVT transmission failure, documented by dealership diagnostic code P2714. The transmission severely slips and exhibits a dangerous 15-second delay to engage forward gear after shifting into Drive. More critically, the vehicle suffers from unpredictable engine stalling. The car completely shut down and stalled in traffic while trying to accelerat... Read more

Incident date: Jul 16, 2026

My rear-view (back-up) camera displays the image “reversed” when I put the vehicle in reverse, meaning the direction of what I see doesn’t match the direction the vehicle is actually moving. This is dangerous because it can confuse the driver when judging distances and steering or aligning the car while backing up, increasing the risk of hitting a person, child, or parked object—especially... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

We were driving on the highway when the Trax suddenly made a popping sound, all the electric went off, and then the engine cut off. We lost control of steering for a bit, we're able to get to the side of the road. We had the car towed to the local Chevrolet dealer for diagnostics. The service manager informed me the engine is unrepairable due to a hole in the engine block, likely where the engine... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

On April 8, 2026, my 2020 Cadillac XT5 experienced a sudden and complete engine failure while I was driving. Prior to the failure, there were no warning lights, no overheating indications, no abnormal engine noises, and no performance issues that would have alerted me to a developing problem. Without warning, the engine failed and the vehicle immediately lost power, creating a serious safety haza... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

Car stalls turns off by itself could be at red lights or even while driving twice already!! Needs to be recalled as well and repaired pls repairs cost thousands!!! Not safe!! I have owned it for 4-5 years and it has happened maybe 7-8 times but most recently this week twice!!

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

Incident date: Jul 5, 2025

While I was driving my Theta engine got seized and Hyundai denied extended warranty of power train.

Incident date: Jul 5, 2025

The rear passenger-side (second-row, right-side outboard) seatbelt warning system is defective, repeatedly triggering false "unbuckled" alarms even when a passenger is securely buckled in. This is a known manufacturing defect involving the occupant detection sensor inside the seat cushion frame, which sends intermittent, incorrect signals to the vehicle's computer. The defect presents a severe sa... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

I am writing to formally notify you that I have officially filed comprehensive complaints with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI, Case #202604748), and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) regarding Wyatt Johnson Mazda. I am submitting my vehicle's official Warranty Vehicle Inquiry Report as evidence of consistent tech... Read more

Incident date: Jun 27, 2026

ABS solenoid internal malfunction

Incident date: Jul 15, 2026

In May 2025, I received an error message upon vehicle start up which states “Software update is not available. Please see your dealer.” This error has continued to appear each time the vehicle is started. When I took it to my dealer in May 2025, they told me that there was nothing they could do and that Honda had to put out an over the air software update to fix the issue. I have asked about t... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

6 week old car had battery die in a remote location without cell service.

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

Brakes seem to be staying engaged when driving this has been for about 1 yr. Now all of a sudden, my truck wouldn't stop. Thankfully, I was pulling in to my own driveway, but now I'm not sure what to do about the situation. I jave seen a lot of complaints on 2013 F150 with ecoboost 3.5l and I don't think it's right that only certain vins are recalled when obviously A LOT of others should be includ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

The vehicle's passenger cabin continually has a strong odor smell after longer drives or after the vehicle idles for a longer duration in time. The vehicle was brought to Horne, KIA in Gilbert, AZ twice in June for same. Both times the service department stated they could not duplicate the problem and could not ascertain that it has anything to do with recall SC368. The problem continues at tim... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

I purchased my 2024 BMW X5 new at BMW Alexandria, Virginia it’s have approximately 34,000 miles . I have taken X5 into dealer warranty repairs regarding malfunction emergency call system since May 2026. Total 3 visits to dealer to resolve this issues has been unsuccessful in resolving the issues . At the moment ,‘‘quote’’from dealership below: the shop foreman has opened the TASARA CASE... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2026

The contact purchased a 2011 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 143,939 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 231,952.

Incident date: May 28, 2026

The high voltage battery on my 2021 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range suddenly failed without any prior warning or gradual degradation. The vehicle was consistently achieving approximately 180 miles of range per full charge. Overnight, the battery charge was restricted to approximately 30% capacity, reducing usable range to roughly 30 miles. No warning signs or symptoms appeared prior to this failure. ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

Ford provides various driving modes for this truck, by their own description this setting changes the responsiveness of the steering, acceleration, and regenerative braking. This mode defaults to "Normal" at startup, with a short on-screen prompt to return to the previous mode. While this is incredibly frustrating, on its own probably doesn't rise to the level of a reportable issue. However someti... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

I was driving my car the engine turned off by itself everything locked up when i stop i tried to start it again and it just clicked, I thought it was the battery got a new battery started up drove it about a half mile did it again turned off everything locked up

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

The battery expired today. It was the original battery from Ford Dealership & it was too small (48). I purchased this truck brand new in Feb. 2020. I have had multiple issues plus paid out to repair leaks, points, struts, camera, emergency alerts going off & on & now I have an issue with the starter. This vehicle has been maintained with normal inspections & oil changes. The check engine ligh... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the contact about to exit the vehicle, the vehicle rolled forward unexpectedly and crashed into the vehicle in front. The contact stated that after striking that vehicle, the vehicle independently started reversing and struck a mailbox and some trees. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle f... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT, 11737275 AS THE VEHICLE HAS NOW DEGRADED TO PERSISTENT ACTIVE STALLING. This is a follow-up to my previous complaint 11737275 as the vehicle has now degraded to persistent active stalling. The failed component is the fuel pump assembly under active safety recall NHTSA 25V586 (Mopar 93C), and the un-remedied vehicle is completely available for physical ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V607000 (SEAT BELTS) and 26V034000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the r... Read more

Incident date: Jul 12, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy when attempting to trade in the vehicle. The Carfax report indicated there were three previous owners of the vehicle. The Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 300,020. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mile... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine sputtered and the vehicle failed to start. While opening the hood, the contact became aware that the insulation on the wire connected to the fuse box had melted. Additionally, the lid on the fuse box was melted. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V3630... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V607000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger’s side second-row seat belt buckle failed to latch intermittently. The local dealer and an unknown dealer were contacted and informed that the parts were on backorder. T... Read more

Incident date: Jul 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wagoneer. The contact stated that while a family friend was driving on the freeway at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The Mobile repair unit was called to the scene and diagnosed the vehicle with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a nearby parking lot. The local dealer and m... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2024 Lincoln Corsair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the sunroof suddenly exploded without warning or impact. There were no injuries sustained. The contact notified the local dealer of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but provided no assistance. The contact was referred to the insurance ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated, causing the cruise control to disengage. Additionally, the contact stated that the ABS was inoperable while driving. The vehicle was taken to t... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2026

Sticky steering causing overcorrecting while highway driving and presenting a dangerous condition in relation to the control of the vehicle. Honda recalled approximately 1.7 million newer vehicles—including 2022–2025 Honda Civic models—due to an improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel that can swell, increasing internal friction and causing a "sticky" steering wheel. This year model... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2026

Car is running rough white smoke from exhaust and coolant level reservoir losing coolant

Incident date: Jul 12, 2026

Driving on highway at 65, traction control light, airbag light, parking light, bcw warning, all came in at the same time. I was able to pull off to the side and re start engine to clear the lights. As soon as I got up to 40 lights one by one flickered on until up to highway speed and then all flickered and dash dings. Two independent shops ran diagnostics and noted that only battery was dead. Re... Read more

Incident date: Jul 10, 2026

I purchased a new 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe approximately five months ago, and it currently has only 11,300 miles. Unfortunately, while driving on the highway last night, the 6.2L engine suffered a catastrophic failure. Seconds before the failure, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle immediately lost power while traveling at highway speed, creating a significant safety concern for both ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 21, 2026

Permanently frame mounted propane tank is overheating due to a lack of heatshields. Heat from the vehicle motor, exhaust, and transmission is radiating to the propane tank causing the overheating and over pressurization of the propane tank. This is causing the pressure relief valve to exhaust major pressure to atmosphere. The tank is so hot you can not hold your hand on it.

Incident date: Jul 11, 2026

Collision warning sound happens randomly for no reason

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

I brought the car to the dealership on June 24th about the car jolting forward and a this coming from the bottom of the car . The car jolts forward when in drive I have 10k miles now after he dealership put 588 miles on my car . Got my car back on July the 20th . I was told that my engine misfired and they had to replace spark plugs on a new car I purchased this car brand new . Less than two years... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2026

fuse box is allowing moisture in causing horn to not stop and truck to remain running. Ford has updates in their manual that this is a problem but no recall issued.

Incident date: Mar 24, 2025

It was a recall oil pump tensor bar. They fixed that blew the engine.I had to wait for them to fix what they messed up with the engine.They fixed that drove forty miles away from the dealer and the engine overheated

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

The car has randomly on multiple occasions failed to accelerate then jump forward hitting the rev limiter. This has happened while merging back into traffic including 55 mph roads creating concern for being rear ended and also concerns for hitting vehicles in front when the car jumps forward as there is no control over it. It has been to 2 separate dealerships totaling almost a year with no resolu... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog