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 ›
Clear

Showing 49,794 complaints for VOLKSWAGEN

VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 (2023) - ENGINE Aug 13, 2023
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
My vehicle begin stalling when accelerating (mostly after stopping) June 2023. My vehicle has almost cause me to have two accidents because it intermittently stalls when I try to cross an intersection. This is my fourth time taking my vehicle to the GMC dealership, and they tell me they can't find anything wrong if there is not a code. I have reached out to Corp, and I'm waiting to see if they ca... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2013) - ENGINE Aug 13, 2023
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
After a cold start, I drove 0.5 miles to an intersection. The engine stalled, the vehicle applied the electric parking brake, and would not move. The dash indicated a shift to park was required. The shift was completed and the vehicle was restarted, but in an unsafe state. The hybrid starter/generator was not charging the battery, and service was required. I have had this truck to the dealer seve... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2013) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Aug 13, 2023
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
After a cold start, I drove 0.5 miles to an intersection. The engine stalled, the vehicle applied the electric parking brake, and would not move. The dash indicated a shift to park was required. The shift was completed and the vehicle was restarted, but in an unsafe state. The hybrid starter/generator was not charging the battery, and service was required. I have had this truck to the dealer seve... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2014) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING Aug 13, 2023
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Screen is blue by reverse
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN (2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Aug 12, 2023
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
When accelerating on to the highway the vehicle will not go above the speed you were entering the highway on. For example entering the highway at 40mph and trying to get to 65mph and it will not go. Have to release the foot from the gas and then reapply foot to gas pedal. Most recent occurrence the vehicle hesitated much long resulting in oncoming cars almost rear ending me and having to drive in ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN (2022) - ENGINE Aug 12, 2023
Incident date: May 10, 2023
First, this is a brand new purchase and vehicle had less than 6K miles before electrical issues with oxygen sensors (3), which all had to be immediately replaced. The vehicle was out of service for nearly one week. Second, which I consider a major highway safety issue is the backup camera array. At night this camera is rendered useless because your visibility is greatly impaired. It possesses a... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN (2022) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING Aug 12, 2023
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Check Right low beam error messsage. Beam decreased light output, lightbulb out. Adaptive high beam not working and neither is the intelligent light system/active lights.
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN (2022) - ENGINE Aug 12, 2023
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Motor mounts and transmission mounts continue to fail at intervals or 13,000 miles and again at 16,000 miles. Vibration of transmission is scary. Mercedes has replaced the mounts many times. They refuse to install new Transmission mount now after only 16,000 miles on the replacement. I have contacted MBUSA and they are telling me , they will not help with these substandard parts. Very well-known i... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2014) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Aug 12, 2023
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
I had a warning code of service electronic throttle. It then started to regenerate and we took it to Lithia Jeep to fix EGR recall. They needed to replace engine intake because it caught fire. Several months later the car broke down while driving, sputtering, knocking, squealing. Upon inspection, metal flakes found in oil. Suspected HPFP sucked into engine causing havoc. The HPFP is an open recall... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS (2019) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Aug 12, 2023
Incident date: May 17, 2023
FCA has had an open recall (Z46/NHTSA 22V-406) for over 14 months. They are unable to provide necessary parts and as such potentially unsafe vehicles must be driven by owner and these vehicles are unable to be traded/sold due to open safety recall. FCS Recall Assistance and Chrysler Group Customer Care for Jeep have been contacted with no resolution and no anticipated date for resolution.
VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS (2019) - ENGINE Aug 12, 2023
Incident date: May 17, 2023
FCA has had an open recall (Z46/NHTSA 22V-406) for over 14 months. They are unable to provide necessary parts and as such potentially unsafe vehicles must be driven by owner and these vehicles are unable to be traded/sold due to open safety recall. FCS Recall Assistance and Chrysler Group Customer Care for Jeep have been contacted with no resolution and no anticipated date for resolution.
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN (2019) - STEERING Aug 11, 2023
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
2017 Honda Accord V6; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) Module went bad and it needs to be replaced but Honda is unable to provide quick fix or a replacement part because it is backordered and they don't know when they'll have it in stock even when I am willing to pay for it upfront. This is causing my car to go out of control on wet roundabouts or when merging from interstate to local roads w/ good... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN (2022) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Aug 11, 2023
Incident date: Apr 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the brake pedal seized while depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and "Brake System Failure" and another unknown message were displayed. The contact coasted to the shoulder of the road and parked the vehicle before shutting off. The contact... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG (2017) - POWER TRAIN Aug 11, 2023
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
Bought used Feb. 2023. End of March cylinder 3 misfire code pops when the check engine light comes on. Replaced all spark plugs and 1 engine coil for cylinder 3. On off until Aug. 9th when the light came back on and I took to Ford Dealership. Paid for a diagnosis and the next day they called and said the coolant is leaking into the engine and this is a “known issue” and I will need a new engin... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2013) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Aug 11, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started to run rough. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating with smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the "low coolant" and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stopped and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN TAOS (2023) - STRUCTURE:BODY Aug 11, 2023
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
Trim piece on the front of the vehicle beside the windshield flew off while driving on the interstate. It smacked my windshield and flew off behind me. Very big safety concern considering there were other vehicles driving behind me and it could have hit them. I did not see where it went as I was confused as I did not know what the sound/item was at first.
VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 (2021) - STRUCTURE:BODY Aug 11, 2023
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
I was driving down the street from my home and I slowed down turned right and my car was out of control I steered to the curb. I got out and saw that the tire had blown-up and a large piece of the tire which was cut in half was on the ground. I couldn’t drive the car I called a tow truck driver who was there within 30 min he towed my car to BMW. It hasn’t been fully inspected I am waiting for... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 (2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Aug 11, 2023
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
Electrical issue with my pontiac g6 I have had to replace my headlights bulbs multiple times due to the plugs melting I have actively seen the plug smoking and it has happened on both of my drl/low beam headlight bulbs resulting in plugs having to be replaced multiple times as well. My engine light isn't working and yet I have engine codes my service air bag light comes on at random my buckle seat... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2013) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Aug 10, 2023
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
9000 miles muffler failed, 12000 miles spark plugs cracked and was told it was sparking hot and could catch on fire, 13000 miles fuel injectors clogged with carbon, on going fuel smell in oil and shakes in idle with a/c on
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2013) - TIRES:SIDEWALL Aug 10, 2023
Incident date: Aug 10, 2021
TIRE SIZE IS 205/60R16 UPON DRIVING VEHICLE TIRE DEVELOPED RIPPLING OR BULDGING AROUND ENTIRE SIDEWALL
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2013) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 10, 2023
Incident date: Aug 10, 2021
Key system error Started a few months ago. It happens at random and when it does the car won't start. It on occasion will come on while driving which I read can cause loss of control and not being able to turn the vehicle off.
VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS (2018) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Aug 10, 2023
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
This Tucson Limited has 3500 miles on it from purchase last September - 2022. Less than 1/2 mile from home and accelerating to about 35mph the engine lost power where speed reduced to about 20mph, acted like air intake was being choked. Did not see any caution lights on the dash. I coasted for 30 feet - luckily the street had no traffic - and the engine began to operate normally. I continued trave... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2019) - STEERING Aug 10, 2023
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
It was a rainy day, the first rainy day that I drove this car in. I had my windshield wipers and headlights on, and I've always kept my auto start/stop setting on for this car. At one point within 5 minutes of my destination, I pulled up to a left turn lane at an intersection. I slowed to a stop, with my auto stop engaging (as intended). At this moment, my engine stalled, my turn lights on my dash... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2019) - STRUCTURE:BODY Aug 10, 2023
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
I have a foot operated lift gate and I constantly have to find the exact spot for it to open. Twice it lifted and while I was putting groceries in the back it came back down on me. The first time in smacked the back of my head and left a big knot. The second time it caught my shoulder and then I was able to get out of the way. I thought if the lift gate touched something coming down that it would ... Read more
1 injured
VOLKSWAGEN TAOS (2023) - ENGINE Aug 10, 2023
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
As soon as I stopped at a light, the entire car shut off on its own. No lights, no engine. It took about 45 seconds for lights to come back on. I was able to restart the car. When restarted, the electronic throttle indicator light was on and the car was jerky to drive. I cut the car back off and on and it drove normally. The engine has cut off 3 other times stopped at red lights, but those... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN ATLAS (2018) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 9, 2023
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
The moonroof exploded while driving alone on a 4 lane highway. No other vehicles were near me and I saw no evidence of being struck by a foreign body. If I had the interior cover open I could have been cut by the broken glass and the possibility of glass flying from my car could have endangered other vehicles or pedestrians. I did not have the interior cover open so was not injured and no other... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2015) - POWER TRAIN Aug 9, 2023
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before shifting to the next gear. The contact stated that the hesitation occurred after stopping and then depressing the accelerator pedal to drive. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact had spoken to an independent mechan... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN (2015) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 9, 2023
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The mouldings on the side of the windshield have detached multiple times. There is no warning lights, and I have been told by the dealership and outside repair shops that it is a common problem. Detachment of these parts puts other motorists at risk of injury. July 2021 driver side flew off on the highway - parts on backorder from dealership so they never repaired it. May 2022 had both sides repla... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN (2015) - STRUCTURE:BODY Aug 9, 2023
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The mouldings on the side of the windshield have detached multiple times. There is no warning lights, and I have been told by the dealership and outside repair shops that it is a common problem. Detachment of these parts puts other motorists at risk of injury. July 2021 driver side flew off on the highway - parts on backorder from dealership so they never repaired it. May 2022 had both sides repla... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN (2011) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Aug 9, 2023
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
I have started getting Check limited slip differential pop up on the cluster. This is a known issue and many people have already reported it. There should be a recall on this. Also there are fuel pump issues causing stalling sometimes.
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SPORTWAGEN (2011) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 9, 2023
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
My car acted like it haD a dead battery. This happened once before and after about 10 minutes when I tried starting it it started with no problems. this happened a couple of months the ago. This time, as I was sitting in the car the seat belt light came on but I couldn't wait for the issue to resolve.
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The vehicles infotainment or screen often malfunctions creating hazardous conditions. The monitor that is the only way to access certain vehicle setting and systems, intermittently shuts off completely, changes screens or settings, disconnects from cell phone or distorts audio and changes audio volume to inappropriate levels. The suspension during weather changes makes loud creaking noises and dur... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2019) - LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The vehicles infotainment or screen often malfunctions creating hazardous conditions. The monitor that is the only way to access certain vehicle setting and systems, intermittently shuts off completely, changes screens or settings, disconnects from cell phone or distorts audio and changes audio volume to inappropriate levels. The suspension during weather changes makes loud creaking noises and dur... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2019) - SUSPENSION Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The vehicles infotainment or screen often malfunctions creating hazardous conditions. The monitor that is the only way to access certain vehicle setting and systems, intermittently shuts off completely, changes screens or settings, disconnects from cell phone or distorts audio and changes audio volume to inappropriate levels. The suspension during weather changes makes loud creaking noises and dur... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
7/17/21 (about 94500 miles) - While driving in heavy rain on a congested highway, with my windshield wipers turned on (of course), the wipers suddenly stopped working. This could have easily killed me and my family. The wipers would not turn back on, no matter what I did. At a rest stop that afternoon, and then later during extensive testing, I found that turning the wipers on would never actua... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
7/17/21 (about 94500 miles) - While driving in heavy rain on a congested highway, with my windshield wipers turned on (of course), the wipers suddenly stopped working. This could have easily killed me and my family. The wipers would not turn back on, no matter what I did. At a rest stop that afternoon, and then later during extensive testing, I found that turning the wipers on would never actua... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, DO NOT SHIFT INTO GEAR WARNING, 48V BATTERY WARNING, ETC. WOULD NOT STOP ALARMING. COULD NOT SHUT OFF CAR. COULD NOT PUT CAR INTO PARK. COULD NOT START CAR. WARNING BUZZER WOULD GO OFF ENTIRE TIME. CAR WAS ONLY ABLE TO BE STARTED WHEN REMOTE START REQUEST WAS INITIATED WHEN CAR WAS IN THIS MODE, CAR WAS STARTED BUT THE... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2016) - FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) message was displayed; with the “Default See Owner’s Manual” displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The dealer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The vehicle had not b... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN TAOS (2022) - ENGINE Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: May 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) message was displayed; with the “Default See Owner’s Manual” displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The dealer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The vehicle had not b... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG (2005) - ENGINE Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
2023 Ducati Desert X dies repeatedly and won't re-start. VIN [XXX] Dates: 30 July to 03 August 2023 Trip to Yosemite. Motorcycle left me stranded 3 Days in a Row. Entire display screen flashes RED Traction Control Error. Motorcycle dies if running. Motorcycle will not re-start. After about 20 seconds the flashing message changes to a RED, rectangular text box at bottom of display. Text r... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2013) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: May 22, 2023
When shifting to Park the vehicle shuts down but message comes up to Shift to Park and electronics stay on. Vehicle is off but unable to exit vehicle and lock it since the Shift to Park messages keeps dinging.
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2013) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: May 22, 2023
When shifting to Park the vehicle shuts down but message comes up to Shift to Park and electronics stay on. Vehicle is off but unable to exit vehicle and lock it since the Shift to Park messages keeps dinging.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R (2017) - ENGINE Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The fuse box JBE module has a Quality Assurance problem with a solder connection to the NEC low pressure fuel relay. This is a known issue with BMW/Mini. The car suddenly stalls without warning. If the driver is not keen or if traffic patterns do not allow, the car can be left in very dangerous situations on the highway or in the middle of intersection. The repair for this problem is widely di... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF SPORTWAGEN (2015) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Chrysler 300. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a burning odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and examined under the hood of the vehicle and noticed there was smoke coming from the alternator. After the vehicle cooled down, the contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the resi... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE (2014) - SEAT BELTS Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the front passenger’s seat belt failed to latch or retract as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the upper and lower seat belt retractor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE (2014) - STEERING Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The power steering went out on two different occasions. The power steering assist light came on (red steering wheel light in the lower left corner of panel). The car was extremely difficult to drive. Once the car was shut off the system reset and the steering was normal. I brought the car to the dealership twice and they told me they could not duplicate the problem and could not repair the car ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE (2014) - LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door failed to open while attempting to exit the vehicle. The contact was forced to use the exterior door handle to open the door to exit the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V077000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages)... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE (2015) - POWER TRAIN Aug 8, 2023
Incident date: Dec 21, 2022
On the dashboard showing " Hybrid system warning. Safely park and do not drive" sign while the vehicle is being driven and slowly loose its power till completely stall. After I turn off the engine and try to turn on again ,the "Ready" sign keeps blinking. I was twice stall by the exit of a freeway. It's very dangerous. I also found a few recalls related to this issue in the past.
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN (2022) - AIR BAGS Aug 7, 2023
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
Drivers side air bag barely inflated but something is causing aching in my ear and hearing is a little funny. My arm was cut from whatever blew out of 1 of the front airbags. I never received anything about any recalls.
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2019) - ENGINE Aug 7, 2023
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V378000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 ... Read more
Previous 1 2 3 4 5 ... 157 158 159 ... 995 996 Next