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 49,794 complaints for VOLKSWAGEN
VOLKSWAGEN
ROUTAN
(2010) - ENGINE
Oct 7, 2023
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
On July 8 2023 my check engine light came on and I took Edge to my trusted mechanic. He stated I needed a new engine. I had Edge towed to George Wall Ford where they indicated I needed a new engine. I contacted Ford and they stated I would have to foot the bill. I searched the web and found numerous individuals experienced same issue and there was a class action lawsuit filed in California which I... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ROUTAN
(2010) - STEERING
Oct 7, 2023
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The Power Steering went out on my 2014 RAM 1500 at approximately 98,000 miles. The first time this happened, while I was driving at low speeds, the steering wheel would intermittently lock up. I couldn't turn the steering wheel, intermittently. I brought the truck to the RAM dealer for repair. They replaced my Rack & Pinion for $4,000. The second time this happened, slightly less than 1,000... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 7, 2023
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
All electrical gauges randomly go on and off, there is a continuous beeping to go along with it, the windshield wipers will go on and off. It seems to happen more in the summer or if it’s raining. It will occasionally stall while doing this, especially in a stationary position (like at a drive through).
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2017) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Oct 6, 2023
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Unable to see speedometer between 30 and 100 mph.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - ENGINE
Oct 6, 2023
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
I was driving down the hwy and all of a sudden, my engine lost power and my brakes harden. I could not brake and nearly lost my life and my sons.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - ENGINE
Oct 6, 2023
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
Car was having difficulty starting and occasionally overheating. Check engine light came on and read that 1st ignition coil and spark plug needed to be replaced. The repair was done and the problem persisted. Car continued to overheat and lost coolant rapidly. Brought the car back to the shop and was told that the coolant was emptying into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - AIR BAGS
Oct 6, 2023
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shifted into park, the seat belt was removed, and the contact heard a loud popping sound then the front driver’s side air bag inadvertently deployed. As a result of the failure, the seat belt retracted and burned the contact hand. No medical attention was required. The air bag warning light and the seat belt w... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - SEAT BELTS
Oct 6, 2023
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that after the vehicle was shifted into park, the seat belt was removed, and the contact heard a loud popping sound then the front driver’s side air bag inadvertently deployed. As a result of the failure, the seat belt retracted and burned the contact hand. No medical attention was required. The air bag warning light and the seat belt w... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 6, 2023
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The open recall on my vehicle regarding the ignition switch and polyfuse presents a serious safety risk to me and others on the road. The potential for engine stalling and electrical system failure creates a dangerous situation that could lead to accidents and injuries. Therefore, addressing this recall promptly and having the necessary repairs or replacements done is crucial to ensuring the safet... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 6, 2023
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
Brakes make loud noise sometimes when backing out of driveway and am aware of fire hazard recall due to leaking o rings
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - STRUCTURE
Oct 6, 2023
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side door was very difficult to open and close. Additionally, there was a loud clicking sound when opening and closing the door. Also, the front driver’s side window would not roll down and the door weld was fractured. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2024) - AIR BAGS
Oct 6, 2023
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
I am writing in to complain about the recall associated with the passenger airbag for VW Atlas for which I received no information from the manufacturer or from my local VW dealer. The amount of time that this serious safety-related recall has been open is completely unsatisfactory. What is being done to resolve the situation?
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Oct 6, 2023
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
The contact owned a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the ABS engaged unintendedly, and the front driver's side wheel locked up. The brake light was illuminated. The vehicle then spun into another lane, with the front end of the vehicle facing incoming traffic. Another vehicle then crashed into the front passenger's side end of the vehicle. The ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2015) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oct 6, 2023
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
I started hearing noises about a week ago while driving. Last night while driving home in the evening traffic, I braked and car violently jerked and veered to the right almost hitting the car in the front. I took the car to a shop this morning and they found that the rear subframe had collapsed due to rust and advised the car was extremely dangerous to drive.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oct 5, 2023
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Driving on the highway fortunately about 20 MPH and the jeep Cherokee limited died while moving. Could not restart it and had to get towed off the highway . Jeep dealer said it was because of a dead battery that could not hold a charge. Never in 4 years had a problem . Not sure why a dead battery would cause the jeep to shut down completely while moving. Battery replaced and now the radio ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 5, 2023
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Driving on the highway fortunately about 20 MPH and the jeep Cherokee limited died while moving. Could not restart it and had to get towed off the highway . Jeep dealer said it was because of a dead battery that could not hold a charge. Never in 4 years had a problem . Not sure why a dead battery would cause the jeep to shut down completely while moving. Battery replaced and now the radio ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 5, 2023
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at slow speeds, the radar sensor caused the vehicle to stop without incidence. The contact stated that the wheels locked up. The wheels unlocked and the driver was able to pull off the roadway. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated and turned on and off. The contact purchased the r... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2013) - SEATS
Oct 5, 2023
Incident date: Jun 21, 2023
I am under the moral obligation to report environmental and safety concerns surrounding the Indian motorcycles and Slingshot models. The company engaged in installing components that are believed to have materials in its evaporative system that do not meet material specifications. They source several components from companies that are currently under investigation for issuing parts to other br... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2013) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 5, 2023
Incident date: Jun 21, 2023
Currently 73K on the vehicle. "Service Electronic Braking System", keeps appearing on the dash indication lights, also, "ABS Failure". the problem is intermittent. Through out the driving process approximately 2 hours a day, this incident will start ad start 5-15 time during this drive. Cant't replicate or recreate the problem every time. No controls. I haven't notified the dealer, waste of t... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 4, 2023
Incident date: May 31, 2023
ABS and traction control lights come on intermittently and a chime sound occurs. When this happens cruise control stops working. Getting a “Service Electronic Braking System” message and “Service Antilock Brake System” message. Had to wait three weeks to get an appointment for dealer to troubleshoot. Dealer said it has code C0020-01 logged. Dealer says the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 4, 2023
Incident date: May 1, 2022
On three occasions over the past two weeks, my truck downshifted abruptly and without warning while traveling at approximately 65 miles per hour. The first time it occurred, it must have shifted into first gear because my body and head were stopped from hitting the steering wheel thanks to the seatbelt. On the second and third time the downshifts were hard, but I suspect they were into second or... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2023) - VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Oct 3, 2023
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while the daughter was driving approximately 40 MPH, the glass sunroof suddenly shattered without impact. During the failure, glass shards entered the cabin of the vehicle and projected from the vehicle. No injuries were sustained. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the f... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 3, 2023
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
My ABS and traction control light intermittently blinks on and off. I took my vehicle to the dealership and was told this is a known issue. That I need a new ABS power module and controller. The parts are very expensive and on back order. I was informed to continue driving the vehicle until the parts are available.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2015) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Oct 3, 2023
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure had since become a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced.... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 3, 2023
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding two critical component failures in my 2013 Tesla Model S within the past 12 months, both of which occurred shortly after the manufacturer's warranty had expired. These issues have not only been financially burdensome but also raise questions about the reliability and longevity of Tesla vehicles. Motor Replacement: In Sept 2022, I was compelled... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2016) - ENGINE
Oct 3, 2023
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding two critical component failures in my 2013 Tesla Model S within the past 12 months, both of which occurred shortly after the manufacturer's warranty had expired. These issues have not only been financially burdensome but also raise questions about the reliability and longevity of Tesla vehicles. Motor Replacement: In Sept 2022, I was compelled... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - STEERING
Oct 3, 2023
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Steering of car becomes stuck intermittently causing difficulty with adjusting of steering and over corrections when I have to force the steering wheel past the stuck area. Honda tech told me it is an issue with the electronic power steering unit of the vehicle
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA SPORTWAGEN
(2013) - VISIBILITY
Oct 3, 2023
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the vehicle from the top of the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Camp... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA SPORTWAGEN
(2013) - VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Oct 3, 2023
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that there was water leaking into the vehicle from the top of the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Camp... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TOUAREG
(2012) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 3, 2023
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
My 2018 3500 Dully with 34,000 miles started having an issue with the ABS, Traction Control and Eletronic Brack control systems. While driving the truck on a trip, the Traction Control, and ABS lights started coming on intermittently and the check Eletronic Brack control came on at the same time and it too flashed intermittently. Also, while this is happening, the cruise control does not work. T... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2016) - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Oct 2, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufact... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2016) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 2, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The abs and traction control light are flashing on and off SEVERAL times especially when on a rough road. It kicks my cruise off and sometimes stays on which locks the diff and disengages any ABS functions resulting in the loss of braking performance and capability.
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Oct 2, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The abs and traction control light are flashing on and off SEVERAL times especially when on a rough road. It kicks my cruise off and sometimes stays on which locks the diff and disengages any ABS functions resulting in the loss of braking performance and capability.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2016) - FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Oct 2, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the engine power was reduced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond while accelerating, and failed... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2016) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Oct 2, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the engine power was reduced. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to respond while accelerating, and failed... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2016) - ENGINE
Oct 2, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
We could not locate an active coolant leak for almost two months (brought to several mechanics.) Added dye to the coolant and it showed in the oil. Waited over a month for an appointment with the dealership and was finally told that it was a bad Head/Head Gasket, Oil pump and would also need a new catalytic converter etc.... It is apparent from the chrysler forums that this is a VERY common pro... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Oct 2, 2023
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
The ABS light, Traction light, and Brake light all come on and simultaneously. I've been told that the ABS Module is bad and needs to be replaced. The fact that the module needs to be replaced concerns me since there are prior recalls for ABS Module with other Dodge, Ram, and Chrsyler makes and models.
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 2, 2023
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
While in park and the parking brake engaged, I then went to disengage my automatic parking brake, received a service automatic parking brake system and my brakes would not disengage. I could not move my car. After research this is a common problem with the automatic braking system. I could have been in a very dire situation where I needed to move my vehicle and I could not. It was very scary. I th... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Oct 2, 2023
Incident date: Jan 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not av... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 1, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
All of a sudden while driving on the road my vehicle lost total power in the middle of an intersection. I would pres the gas pedal and got no response the vehicle would not go. I had to turn car off and try starting it again then the vehicle got power. This keeps happening not everyday but it's happening about once a week while driving. There has been times where the car wouldn't restart for about... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 1, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
All of a sudden while driving on the road my vehicle lost total power in the middle of an intersection. I would pres the gas pedal and got no response the vehicle would not go. I had to turn car off and try starting it again then the vehicle got power. This keeps happening not everyday but it's happening about once a week while driving. There has been times where the car wouldn't restart for about... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Oct 1, 2023
Incident date: May 6, 2023
In the past two weeks the Warning lamp for front passenger seat remains lit up indicating airbag problem in that area second row seats clip areas to lift seats and allow entry to third row were very hard to operate and now malfunctioned and don't work at all to lift seats. This has been checked out by Kia dealer last year to no resolve(they were able to lift seats up with great effort), but I... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA WAGON
(2003) - STEERING
Oct 1, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I was driving my car, and the steering wheel locked while driving and pushed me into the oncoming lane. We were lucky there were no other cars coming the other direction. I had to reboot the car to get it to drive again. The steering locked up again while getting the car home and also in the driveway. Tesla towed the car and replaced the entire steering rack of the car. I then saw an article abou... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - ENGINE
Sep 30, 2023
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
I was driving on the highway last night again and my 2022 Kia Sorento SX Prestige AWD lost engine power and the check engine light immediately came on. The truck would intensely vibrate when I tried to push the gas to get over to the highway shoulder. This was extremely unsafe on a highway but I was able to pull over to the shoulder and stop the car and turn it off. When I turned it on, the check ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 30, 2023
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
I was driving on the highway last night again and my 2022 Kia Sorento SX Prestige AWD lost engine power and the check engine light immediately came on. The truck would intensely vibrate when I tried to push the gas to get over to the highway shoulder. This was extremely unsafe on a highway but I was able to pull over to the shoulder and stop the car and turn it off. When I turned it on, the check ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2022) - SEATS
Sep 30, 2023
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
We took our Volvo to the dealer today to address another problem with the Volvo care system. We were told it was the back up battery. The car was left at Volvo for no more than 90 minutes. Prior to leaving it with Volvo, we had a convertible car seat installed in the second row, passenger side seat. We have a 26-month-old who rides in it every day. Later today, we picked up our son and ran several... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 30, 2023
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
I was driving during the rain with the wipers on (intermittent) and the auto start/stop feature engaged. I got to a red light and stopped. I lifted my foot off the brake to press the accelerator and then the car didn't restart. The instrument panel then said low steering power and another message about the brake. A loud tone was continuously emitted. I pressed the brake and put the car in park an... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2022) - ENGINE
Sep 30, 2023
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
I was driving during the rain with the wipers on (intermittent) and the auto start/stop feature engaged. I got to a red light and stopped. I lifted my foot off the brake to press the accelerator and then the car didn't restart. The instrument panel then said low steering power and another message about the brake. A loud tone was continuously emitted. I pressed the brake and put the car in park an... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - STEERING
Sep 29, 2023
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Random loss of power steering while vehicle is moving. Pulling over, shutting truck off and restarting usually clears up the issue. Previous recall number is 21V213. My truck does not qualify for this recall but is now having this issue.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2012) - ENGINE
Sep 29, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
I took my 2018 Kia soul into the Kia dealer for a couple recalls, one of them was that KSDS (knock sensor detection system) shortly after that, my engine light started going on. I took it back to the Kia dealer and they change the oil And charged me for it. My engine is burning oil and it's having to be replaced by a quart every couple weeks. I pulled into Valvoline the other day and explained w... Read more