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: Aug 20, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and was running rough. The check engine warning light and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was oil intrusion on the... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool co... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2023

The incident happened on 11/2/2023 at 8:40 AM ET. I was at the speed of about 25-30 miles/hour to drop my daughter at preschool. Suddenly, I received an alert on my dashboard saying "Brake System Problem". When I applied brakes, the vehicle wouldn't stop. I pressed brake pedal very hard and kept it that way for a while. The vehicle gradually came to a stop but it took long for a vehicle to come to... Read more

Incident date: Nov 2, 2023

I heard what sounded like rocks under my car so I took it into Firestone to have them look at it and they let me know they could not even align it because the tie rod had to be replaced. Apparently this part controls your steering and you can potentially lose a wheel while you are driving down the highway. Now I am worried and I don't dare drive my vehicle any further than necessary right back ove... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2023

We heard a very loud gunshot noise on 2023-10-20 while traveling on the I40 during a weekend road trip. We immediately got off the upcoming exit to inspect the tires for a blowout and other vehicle issues, however no issues were seen. No 18 wheelers or construction vehicles were near us at the time of the event. Later on we kept hearing a rattling sound that was baffling. The shattered moonroof... Read more

Incident date: Jul 7, 2023

Incident date: Oct 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle began to hesitate with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an auto parts store that used a handheld scanner and determined that the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer due to engine failure. The contact stated that the engine failure wa... Read more

Incident date: Oct 27, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the contact briefly lost control of the vehicle before the vehicle returned to normal functionality. Upon arriving to his destination and attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicl... Read more

Incident date: Oct 25, 2023

When a person leans on the door and at least 200lbs of pressure is applied to the driver's door, in drive, the door will open and all the locks in the car will release.

Incident date: May 10, 2023

The Ignition Coil and spark plug failed and caused the vehicle to misfire & lose power under load. The vehicle is available for inspection. Sudden loss of power could have caused a collision due to the vehicle suddenly slowing without warning in traffic conditions. Ford Motor company is aware of the problem and has a service bulletin describing how the lack of an engine cover allows water to get i... Read more

Incident date: May 10, 2023

Wear on the plastic fuel tube.

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of coolant. There were no visible coolant leaks. The contact was constantly adding coolant to the vehicle. The check engine and power train malfunction warning lights were illuminated. The contact detected an abnormal odor of antifreeze inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

We were backing up of out a parking spot at the local 7 eleven and another car almost cream us till the associate that was outside at the moment yelled out a warning

Incident date: Nov 1, 2023

The engine has continuously thrown itself into limp mode, unable to exceed 2,000 RPMS and 60mph. It has been in and out of the dealership for the past 6 months as they have zero idea of what’s going on. This all started a month after some software updates were done. Car had zero mechanical issues prior. Car has no audible knocking or engine failure symptoms. I’ve spent atleast $2,000 out of po... Read more

Incident date: Oct 14, 2023

My 2023 Toyota Tundra currently has a open recall for the fuel tube rubbing against another near component increasing the risk of fire. The life of my family/public and myself were put at risk every day as this can cause a fire which is life threating. This problem has been confirmed by Toyota however there is no safe remedy for it at the moment. There is also a problem with the suspension/ball jo... Read more

Incident date: Oct 14, 2023

One fine morning, went to start the car and the car threw a bunch of error messages related to servicing 12 V battery system and dis-engaged the parking brake that lead the vehicle to start rolling down the driveway. The message on screen warned of applying brakes, and luckily circumstances were safe around the car, and I was able to apply brakes and was able to reboot the car and systems restored... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Caliber. The contact stated that while making a right turn at 10 MPH, the vehicle kept turning. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot where it was observed that the passenger’s side front axle had separated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cross member needed to be replaced due to corrosion. The vehicle was not r... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced due to abnormal knocking sound. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, there was a strong gasoline odor coming through the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the low-pressure fuel hose was leaking and need... Read more

Incident date: Oct 27, 2023

I received a letter from FCA concerning recall 97A NHTSA recall 23V-654 and the directions for the recall suggest that I can do an OTA update or as the video linked in the recall suggest a download from [XXX] to correct this issue. I cannot get either resource to work to correct this issue described in the recall. This website and OTA updates for issues is a known problem with FCA products and ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 29, 2023

When I drive a Tesla Model Y under Self-Driving mode at night inside YellowStone NP, there is another car on the opposite side with a high beam turned on, and just near that car there is a bison on the road, the Self-Driving computer fails to detect the bison in the beginning, and too late to do emergency break, the car hit the bison after passing that car. The bison died but driver is safe, the f... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 31, 2023

Honda Civic 2014 - The right CV axle (drive shaft) was corroded and detached causing the vehicle to become immovable while in traffic. Fortunately, we were near a stop light and traffic was going slow and able to go around the vehicle without causing a crash. The vehicle had to be towed. This same issue is already a recall for the Honda Accord 2013-2015. We had this same thing happen to our 2013 H... Read more

Incident date: Oct 29, 2023

I was driving over a bridge at 65 mph on a foggy morning a couple weeks ago and my windshield fogged over. I turned on the defroster and it only blew cold air. I could not see and I couldn't clear it. I had to slow down and find a safe spot to pull over. I had to try to wipe down the windshield and then start driving. It did it again and i had to pull over again and wipe and wait for it to clear ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 31, 2023

P265/65R18 Michelin Tires: I bought the vehicle last Fall and it had these tires. I am not sure when they were purchased, but they seem to be in good condition with plenty of tread left. However, these tires are dangerous in winter conditions. They do not grip on snow and they are absolutely dangerous if there is any ice on the roads. I have driven in Minnesota and North Dakota since I got my driv... Read more

Incident date: Oct 31, 2023

Incident date: Oct 28, 2023

The Evaporator core is leaking and a/c system is not operative. There is an outstanding report from your office, DCS4922, that outlines this condition perfectly. This report talks about a Special Coverage Adjustment #N182186881 Evaporator Core Icing, Leak, and an estimated number of vehicles involved. Since it is an estimated number of vehicles it means that GM doesn't know exactly how many vehicl... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2023

Traveling on the interstate five days ago, the vehicle (2016 Kia Soul) started knocking and I could not accelerate. Was able to safely get off the road and had the vehicle taken to the closest dealership. Vehicle has had significant oil consumption. Diagnostic test concluded ignition coil replacement was needed due to code P0302. Other recommended action was fuel induction service. I've read on... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2023

I went to start my car up 10 days ago and it began to alarm with a message to check the brake system. My car was stuck and wouldn't drive. This also happened in July 2022 while I was on the highway. I could no longer accelerate and the gas pedal no longer gave power. I had to put on my hazard lights and coast to the far right lane. I took it to the Hyundai dealership near by and they said it ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 23, 2023

Ive been trying to get my local Ford dealer to fix this saftey recall but have just been ignored. First time i called my local dealer (Boggus Ford) in harlingen, TX, they just changed there name to Sames Harlingen Ford. They made a mobile appointment for me in April 21st at 9am, no one showed up i didn't even get a call. I called them to see why no one showed up. They told me my appointment was at... Read more

Incident date: Aug 23, 2023

Right rear passenger door cannot be opened from inside or outside.

Incident date: Aug 23, 2023

I own a 2018 Honda CRV with 57,000 miles. I have brought it to the dealer for every required maintenance. On a recent road trip south, I noticed when driving on the highway that the steering wheel was sticking in place. There were no warning indicators. It felt dangerous, because I had to apply force even on slight curves to turn and stay in the lane. I thought, perhaps the power steering fluid... Read more

Incident date: Oct 27, 2023

The vehicle went into limp mode while driving on the interstate but the dealership is telling me there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. They are also telling me that there is no powertrain coverage on this vehicle since I am the second owner. With as many problems as Kia has had, I think it should be across the board for coverage on these so no one else suffers irreparable damage. I’ve had the... Read more

Incident date: Oct 15, 2023

The vehicle throws a "charge interrupted" error on any Level 2 AC chargers and stops charging within few minutes of starting charge. The charging occurs only for 10~15minutes and immediately stops. The issue has been persistent since 3-4 months now and consistent on every charging session. I have to unplug and replug the charger multiple times to be able to complete charging. This also happened to... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2023

Hi I want submit issues with the master cylinder and abs pump assy I have 2 vehicles same model with average same mileage and both had issues with this system if I drove any distance below 25 mph in a constant time the dash lights comes on traction control, abs light, brake light , and the brake pedal goes low and barely brakes make this situation dangerous when I stop if you try turn it off the e... Read more

Incident date: Oct 26, 2023

While driving multiple warnings appears on the dash including bus communication, airbag, transmission communication, and abs. The vehicles engine began to randomly change rpm. The transmission began to shift speratically and was unable to maintain speed. The vehicle would not allow me to turn on hazard lights to warn surrounding motorists. Similar warnings appeared on the dash once before and ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 28, 2023

Rear Sunroof drain leak into major electronic components. 2018 Q5 with 61k miles after heavy rain started receiving all kind all errors including lights and ignition. Upon inspection Audi service has stated that HVAC control module has shorten (the area with the module in the left rear portion of the trunk filled with water), quoting repair of the module and insisting to replace sunroof drain hose... Read more

Incident date: Oct 9, 2023

Unknown. I've replaced the alternator and battery. The alternator many times and still having lights come on. Mostly the "brake and battery " lights. It's sitting till further notice. Not drive able.

Incident date: Oct 2, 2023

I was pulling into a parking space at approximately 5 mph and the car unintentionally accelerated causing me to jump the curb, go over a grass median and land perpendicularly onto a one-way active road. There were trees and other items on the median I could've hit had I'd been pulling into a different parking space. I also could've hit cars on the road. I quickly got off the road and parked the c... Read more

Incident date: Sep 13, 2023

The 8.4 uconnect back up camera isn't working properly in my 2019 Grand Cherokee. I've spoken with several Jeep mechanics and they all say it's a faulty software issue with all of the 8.4 units.. There is a recall but Jeep dealers refuse to reinstall the faulty software.. Instead they want to replace the whole unit for 2000 dollars.. Everybody knows about this problem but nothing is being done

Incident date: Sep 14, 2023

Lionshead Castlerock st225/75r15 tire. We had 3 tires fail in 5 weeks, I filed seperate reports on the two that caused damage and high risk situations since it asks location of tire and doesn't give multiple as an option so I will focus on just this one in this report. We found the missing tread and delamination when we inspected and replaced this tire after the other 2 blowouts. This did cause... Read more

Incident date: Oct 14, 2023

The driver side air bag did not deploy, however, the passenger side air bag ceployed when we hit a deer at 70 mph! Both air bags should have deployed since we hit the deer in the center of the car! My wife an I are very lucky to be alive! The insurance company inspected the car and considered it to be totaled. The sheriffs department also made an accident report! No warning lights were on at all, ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Oct 17, 2023

When going under an overpass, my cars automatic braking system senses the shadow from the bridge as something in font of me and my car slams on brakes. No incidents have occurred at this time. It has happened at least 10 times and each time no one has been behind me. If there were someone behind me they would rear end me. I explained my concern to Flow Honda in Burlington and they suggested tu... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2023

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ENGINE FAILED How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? CAR CUT OFF ON BUSY HIGHWAY WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR AND WE WERE ALMOST HIT SEVERAL TIMES TRYING TO MAKE IT TO THE RIGHT LANE TO PULL OVER!!! Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?... Read more

Incident date: Oct 27, 2023

We heard a pop and the vehicle had no gears ... was told by mechanic that this should have been a recall. If it happened on the highway it may have been a fatality.

Incident date: Oct 27, 2023

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I am currently experiencing a PTU error that is a common issue with most jeeps, such as mine. I did a recall check and there is a recall for the same error; however, my jeep VIN does not qualify for it. Nor does it qualify for the extended warranty that is out there for the powertrain unit. This comm... Read more

Incident date: Oct 27, 2023

Suddenly car entry stopped working. Warning messages on display about start/stop, engine starting malfunction, every single light. I found the driver rear side full of water where the fuse panel and control modules are located. There was water soaked into the insulation at the bottom of the space as well as the insulation over the wheel well. Water drops were viewed on the controllers in that... Read more

Incident date: Oct 27, 2023

I have had a 2012 Prius since 2016. The entire time I've had it, it occasionally "hydroplanes" but without any water. It happens in wet or dry (but mostly dry) conditions. Usually at slower speeds so, though it makes me very uncomfortable, it doesn't happen with any regularity. I've taken it multiple times to my mechanic who always says "Prius' just do that", which is not reassuring. I know there ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 29, 2023

In September 2022, we began to hear clunking sounds from the front left, especially when turning. We took the vehicle to the VW dealer and were told that there is a known issue with the steering and they will order the part. At this point, the vehicle was still under warranty. For several months, we continued to ask the dealer for an update on the part and were told that it was back-ordered but ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 26, 2023

The body of our car has been losing paint in big strips. As we drive, large paint chunks will fly off parts of our vehicle. Hyundai is aware that their 2017 "white pearl" Elantras are having this issue; however, they refuse to do anything to help with the cost of repainting the car. They claim that an extended paint warranty was issued until Dec. 10, 2022; however, the paint issue on our vehicle j... Read more

Incident date: Oct 10, 2023

ABS System failure. I ha e been trying since 10/2022 to get repaired from several dealerships. None in Central Florida ha e been able to get the parts to fix.

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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

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