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 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Prius. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, she heard a beeping sound, and the instrument cluster flashed the parking brake and a triangle symbol with an exclamation point was illuminated. The contact stated that the "Failure with Transmission - Pull Over and Shift to Park(P)” message was displayed. The contact stated that the shift indicator on t... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle consumed one quart of oil for every 700 miles driven. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions while the cruise control was activated, the ABS warning light illuminated, and deactivated the cruise control feature. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic pump module ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2023

When vehicle was put in park. I was unable to turn off vehicle "shift to park" error kept coming on. Had to finally unplug battery. Calling dealer today. Unable to drive.

Incident date: Feb 13, 2023

I was on a 6 land highway, fast lane, when my dodge truck just stopped. I was almost hit and cause several accidents in trying to get to the shoulder of the road. I called a tow truck and again the driver and myself almost caused accidents in trying to get the truck loaded on the truck. I took it to a near by repair shot. They diagnosed the problem quickly. I then waited 6 weeks, yes 6 weeks for t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that coolant was leaking into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall for the failure and referred... Read more

Incident date: Aug 16, 2023

Suspension is failed at 68,000 miles. Their technicians don't know how to service suspension system, when there are any issues, they just replace parts and rob customers for diagnostic and test drive charges. After service my suspension is still making same noise and that will lead my car to a safety issues. Parts may be fall a part. I have complained many times, but they said this is not a safe... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2023

Well maintained vehicle that has the 4wd warning light activate. Diagnostic code states Power Transfer Unit PTU error - not safe to drive. I have researched 2014 Jeep issues and there are a LOT of reported problems - many related to this same issue. This seems unacceptable to me and the cost of repair or worse another car is cost prohibitive. In this day and age cars should certainly last over... Read more

Incident date: Aug 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt unintendedly unlatched while driving at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that the clockspring was defective, causing several failures with the vehicle. The contact stated while tilting the steering wheel, the vehicle drifted away from the intended direction and the windshield wipers wo... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2023

While driving at highway speeds (70 mph+/-), my diesel powered vehicle 'derated' (I believe that is the term) for no apparent reason. An engine light came on related to a DEF system malfunction. I can provide the code later. My vehicle instantly went from 70 mph to 15 mph on a crowded interstate, on an inside lane. With some difficulty I managed to make across three lanes to the shoulder and turne... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.

Incident date: Aug 22, 2023

The contact’s daughter owns a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that his daughter had to depress the accelerator pedal to rev the engine. The contact then stated that on a separate occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. Additionally, the contact stated that on another se... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2023

The front door drivers side is making a cracking popping noise and is not latching. Was never in accident. Dealership says it is unsafe and needs to be replace. Window will not come down and it is also causing the airbag signal to come on. Dealship is u sure if airbag will work because of door. Cat is 3 years old and 37,000 miles.

Incident date: Jul 15, 2023

ABS traction control, light code c0034

Incident date: Jul 15, 2023

Driving and auto brake engaged once in the turn lane at a light and the other time while driving downhill.

Incident date: Mar 7, 2019

There is a problem with the dual clutch transmission on this 2017 Hyundai Tucson. There was a class action suit filed 2016 for transmission defects including the hesitation and shuddering issue and also grinding noises. I purchased this vehicle in 2020 with only 6600 (yes, hundred) miles not knowing of any problem or issues. 2023 in Tucson AZ when the weather started getting very warm end May, ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2023

On four separate days, over six months, the power steering failed while driving, resulting in VERY difficult steering. We managed to pull over. A warning light appeared on the dash simultaneous to this occurring. Upon shutting the car off and restarting, the issue vanished.

Incident date: Aug 22, 2023

On the evening of Saturday, August 5, while driving to dinner with my wife, an unexpected and startling incident occurred with my 2020 Kia Sportage. The sunroof of my vehicle suddenly exploded with a sound resembling a gunshot. There were no apparent signs of debris or any external force from another vehicle that could have caused the glass to shatter. This incident was both unexpected and concern... Read more

Incident date: Aug 13, 2023

After approximately 16 months of proper operation, the instrument cluster in the dash would no longer dim after dark. The vehicle has an "auto-dim" feature that reduces dash illumination from "full on" daytime illumination to an appropriate level for nighttime driving. With this lighting malfunction, the instrument cluster is extremely bright after dark and compromises the driver's night vision re... Read more

Incident date: Aug 13, 2023

Black plastic surround trim pieces of windshield and side door pillar are coming unglued and flying off at cruise speeds on highway without any warning or indication that it is about to happen. This presents a startle-effect distraction to the driver, possibly leading to lose of control of vehicle and/or impact hazards to following vehicles and pedestrians. Vehicle was taken to dealer for inspecti... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not exper... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the EVAP canister and purge valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Incident date: Aug 19, 2023

I have noticed a significant issue with the AC vent system of my Mercedes GLS 450. The vents seem to be distributing mold smell already took my vehicle multiple times to park place Mercedes in Dallas and they performed service but the issue is persistent. I have taken the vehicle to my local Mercedes service center, where they attempted to address the issue. However, despite their efforts, the pro... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2023

The Power Steering in my vehicle fails while driving. It works sometimes and then stops working. This happens while driving. This is extremely dangerous to myself and others as it becomes very difficult to steer the vehicle while driving.

Incident date: Aug 11, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the pedal remained on the floorboard. The contact stated that the braking distance was extended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

Incident date: Aug 11, 2023

On August 4th 2023 we drove from home in Cedar Rapids to our daughter’s in Cottage Grove Wisconsin for a family event. Nearing Madison, somewhere in the area of Verona the Battery Warning Symbol came on in the instrument display. It was intermittent and we continued our journey to our daughter’s house in Cottage Grove. We called AAA and a “tow” truck came. The driver made a visual assess... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2023

Transmission slips out of gear while driving when you accelerate.

Incident date: Aug 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by a dealer with hub bearing and tie rod failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2023

Was about to go to work earlier today, when my husband tried to push reverse button, shifter button was not in place.. Was later found it in the console area and looks like it just broke and fell without any warning. This is scary. What happens if the car was in motion at that time and you need to change gear or reverse?

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud rattling sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with cam phaser failure. The contact was informed that all four cam phasers needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2023

Windshield cracked during regular use, no object hit the vehicle to cause a crack. Crack started from the seal and moved out from there. It is not safe to drive a car with a crack in the windshield. Many people have complained online about this same issue. Dealer said "it may be a common issue". No warning, no inspection.

Incident date: Aug 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Buick Envision. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment system failed intermittently. As a result of the failure, the contact was unable to access important safety features such as the rear camera, side view camera, and Lane Keep Assist. The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure wit... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2023

It’s been about 4 months on the forward collision alarm and 4 1/2 weeks on the jerking going when taking off the transmission seems to jerk and when driving down a highway when nothing what so ever is on front of me all the sudden my front collision alarm goes off with a sudden breaks being applied by themselves.I spoke to dealer about it and all they told me it was probably from a shadow of tre... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2023

I purchased my 2020 Ford Explorer ST in 2020. Since then, I've had several warranty issues and recalls. Presently, this "blue screen" issue when the car is placed into reverse cannot be resolved by Ford who offers no solutions other than platitudes. This is a significant safety issue with the vehicle as the exterior camera assist does not work ("blue screen") and beeps intermittently when the v... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2023

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

1. STEERING MAKING NOISE DURING TURN/REVERVSE/ FORWARD/PARKING ETC.. DEALERS TRIEDD TO FIX IT BUT NOT SUCESS. 2. ERROR: START / STOP ENGINE AT CERTAIN SITUATION AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. INCIDENT ON VARIOUS DATE

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

Incident date: Aug 1, 2023

I purchased our Tesla model Y 3 years ago. I intentionally disabled and did not subscribe to any autonomous driving features because I don’t trust them. I disabled all aspects of auto pilot functions. Despite this, my car still will automatically swerve at random times, slam on the brakes randomly with no reason to break, etc. It is terrifying when this happens unexpectedly and infuriating that... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2023

Ford Edge using coolant, temperature light turning on. Scanner indicates misfiring on cylinder #3. TSB report shows ongoing issue with a cracked cylinder, #3, causing the misfiring and coolant use. Vehicle has only 77K miles on it and maintained by dealership. This is a on going issue that apparently can only be resolved by replacing the engine.

Incident date: Jun 15, 2023

While driving on two lane roads and roads with left turn lanes, the "BRAKE" warning comes on almost every other on-coming car. Most instances it just the warning light and sound, but every once in a while the automatic brakes are applied by the system momentarily at times. This became worse on a highway while driving in the left lane and passing a truck that was in a left turn lane, the system b... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the RPM fluctuated however, the vehicle failed to respond. The Forward Collision Avoidance, ABS, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the accessory hood filter and transmission fluid was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue... Read more

Incident date: Aug 19, 2023

Touch capacitive buttons on the steering wheel and doors are major safety hazard. The touch buttons on the steering wheel for critical functions like blinkers, headlights, wipers and the horn are all moving with the steering wheel (so you have to look down to locate these critical functions while still moving, especially if you are turning at all), and worse, these buttons sometimes fail to activ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 27, 2023

The lug nuts on my 2014 Ford Fusion have swollen to the point where they cannot be removed with the tool Ford provided or a standard 4 socket iron wrench. This problem is so severe, AAA was unable to remove the lug nuts after I had a flat requiring a tow for repair of tire. Additionally, the lug nits cam become compromised and cause the rim to become fisplaced while driving.

Incident date: Jun 30, 2022

U90 2014-2016 2.4L IN-USE NOX- CATALYST EFFICIENCY W84 POWERTRAIN SOFTWARE UPDATE

Incident date: Aug 16, 2023

A Recall Repair (19S07) was performed on 4/24/2023 at which time the truck had 161711 miles. Prior to the Recall Repair I had not experienced any issues at all. I had only brought the truck into Ford Service for a different repair at which time they took care of the Recall (19S07). On 7/9/2023 the truck would not start (No Crank/No Start) A Tow Truck Service was called at which time confirmin... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that there was coolant intrusion into a cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approxi... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2021

Sitting at a traffic light with defroster on and rear window shattered

Incident date: Nov 1, 2021

Sitting at a traffic light with defroster on and rear window shattered

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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