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: Jun 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, and the engine failed, causing the vehicle to become inoperable. The vehicle was able to restart and was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with fuel injector failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

2026 Freightliner M2 106 Plus chassis (Dynamax Europa 31SS Class C motorhome), VIN [XXX], 6,803 miles, 0 engine hours. On June 9, 2026, an authorized Freightliner service center (Floyd's Truck Center, Belgrade, MT; service order XXX) inspected the vehicle and documented that the engine was secured to the chassis by only ONE mounting bolt — the remaining engine mount bolts were never installed at... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2026

Was driving east on i40 between Hinton and calumet when my truck through a check engine light and service parking break. I pulled over it smelt like burning wires I cleared the codes with a code reader and turn the truck on the accessory when smoke filled the cab I got out and the truck was in flames.

Fire

Incident date: Dec 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster displayed a black screen. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V652000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not associated with the rec... Read more

Incident date: Dec 16, 2025

On Saturday, June 13th, 2026, while merging on to the I-10 freeway heading east, completly without warning, my transmission dropped completely out of gear cancelling acceleration and acted like I had put the transmission in neutral (I had NOT). This caused my vehicle to slow down abruptly with a large vehicle bearing down on me in my lane at freeway speeds (55+). The other vehicle was able to avoi... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2026

My son was driving a 2026 Toyota Camry with approximately 2,000 miles when the wheel suddenly detached from the vehicle while traveling on the highway. The vehicle dropped onto the rotor and became difficult to control. Thankfully, he was able to safely get off the road and was not injured. No one outside of Toyota has serviced, repaired, or removed the wheel since the vehicle was purchased new. T... Read more

Incident date: Jun 14, 2026

Engine will fail to start when shut off to stop light or when shut off at anytime when engine is hot. Very dangerous situation. Acts like starter is dragging. There is a clunking in the steering column when making a turn mainly to the left that can be felt in the steering wheel. Driver seat is splitting open on the side. Keeps setting code p0441 for evap system..

Incident date: Jun 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40–45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but responded slowly, resulting in reduced braking performance. The contact became aware that brake fluid was leaking onto the driveway. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned about operating the vehicle with the braking issue. Additionally,... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2025

Incident date: Jun 15, 2015

The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact stated that while in park(P), the vehicle rolled, requiring the driver to turn off and restart the vehicle, and the vehicle successfully shifted in park(P). Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle shut off, and the steering wheel and the wh... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2015

Acceleration was very sluggish and un-responsive Gears would strangely slip on the highway resulting in engine racing up Rotating sound would come and go

Incident date: Jun 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota C-HR. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally failed to start. On another occasion, there was a tire blowout while driving 70 MPH. The contact replaced the battery, and the instrument panel displayed several warning lights, including the Check Engine, Lane Assist, and Forward Collision. After an initial dealer inspection, the diagnostic test was inconclusive... Read more

Incident date: Jun 13, 2026

The driver's seat has been clicking, and something is loose or broken inside the seat—possibly the lumbar support mechanism. Seat is popping throughout the entire drive, whether accelerating or braking, etc.

Incident date: Jun 13, 2026

My 2019 F-150 has only 25,000 miles. The dealership has confirmed transmission failure requiring a $9,000 replacement. A transmission is expected to last significantly longer than 25,000 miles. I have maintained the vehicle. This is an extraordinary premature failure on a critical part of the vehicle and it poses a massive safety liability

Incident date: May 19, 2026

Over the years the engine has felt like it was slipping or stalling. It appears to be increasing more. Sometimes it happens while cruise control is on. Today, the engine slipped for a prolonged time, more than usual, and then RPMs decreased. Warning sign of a “wrench” appeared on screen and said see manual. I was also unable to put vehicle in reverse. Slips more at lower speeds when accelerati... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

I was informed by my mechanic that my vehicle has extensive rust and corrosion on the vehicle frame.I understand there was a recall on this issue by Toyota but did not include this model year. This issue affects not only driver safety but also resale value.

Incident date: Dec 31, 1969

Electrical System/Climate Control/Energy Management DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM: On XXX, I exited my 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ at a parking lot in [XXX] to briefly enter a business. I left the vehicle running in Park and I took the key fob with me and left the climate control (AC) active. Three occupants remained inside the car: my wife, son, and dog. Without any warning, alert, or notification to t... Read more

Incident date: Jun 13, 2026

Component/Issue Description: Following a recent over-the-air (OTA) software update to the vehicle's Full Self-Driving system, a dangerous user interface defect was introduced. Immediately upon an FSD disengagement—the critical transition window where the operator must resume manual driving control—the center touchscreen populates a mandatory, invasive feedback popup menu. This menu causes a se... Read more

Incident date: Jun 13, 2026

2.0yt coolant intrusion. Needs long block replaced. So basically a motor. Ford knows about this.

Incident date: Jun 13, 2026

While driving under medium acceleration, vehicle made a loud popping noise and engine power was severely reduced. Drivetrain warning light immediately appeared and said vehicle could be driven but at reduced power and needed to be serviced soon as possible. At highway speeds on a major interstate, this created several close calls being struck by traffic while trying to reach a safe area on shoulde... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2025

My Check Engine Light came on, I took my car to the dealership that I have using for eight years with less than 38k miles on it and I was told by the service technician who gave the diagnose as, there was coolant in the cylinder where the spark plug #3 is housed. He stated that the car is misfiring and I was told I needed to get an new engine replace to correct the problem. I was given a Service... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2025

unknown, vehicle started to leak a fluid, took vehicle to mechanic shop they said frame rotted to the point they would not let me drive it home had to have it towed and now without transportation. the almost identical frames on other toyota vehicles were recalled for exactly the same problem. i dont understand why toyota will stand behind some of their vehicles and take care of some of the toyota ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2025

It was the Chrome Grille Deflector and is available for inspection. I was driving down a long road at roughly 50 mph when all of a sudden the grille deflector detaches from my bumper and hits my windshield causing me to swerve thinking I had hit something. I was almost in an accident. I believe there is a recall for this exact thing but only for 2022 models not 2023. No it has not been inspected I... Read more

Incident date: Oct 3, 2025

Unknown

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

My 2023 Chevrolet Suburban Premier is covered under GM recall 25V-274 for the 6.2L L87 engine defect (loss of propulsion from connecting rod and crankshaft failure). In XXX, the dealer notified me my vehicle required a full engine replacement under this recall. Wareing Sheridan Chevrolet in [XXX] replaced the engine, and the vehicle was out of service approximately 12 to 14 days. Approximately 6,0... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

After a couple days of rain my 12V battery died, when I went to replace it I found the removable carpet in the trunk area was saturated with water throughout and was growing mildew and what appeared to be mold. The old battery was replaced and disposed of. My safety was not at risk as the car was parked. This problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer. No components were inspected. ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2026

Known issue with sunroof drains clogging and leaking into vehicle. Could Possibly cause electrical damage. The rear drains are clogged and are not accessible without removing interior trim/headliner to clear. A consumer should not have to spend $500+ to have sunroof drain lines cleared. Unknowingly, Back floor board was full of water and car was parked for multiple days. Upon opening the door, the... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2026

Engine replacement needed at 99,782 miles. P1326 code continuously popping up. Also has excessive oil consumption and electrical problems concerning the forward collision system. Kia refuses to replace engine although the P1326 code is covered by lifetime warranty. The cause of the incident was defect in engine resulting in a recall of all 2011-2019 models. The 2020 Kia optima LX contains a 2.4L G... Read more

Incident date: Nov 18, 2025

Complete and sudden loss of power steering assistance. Occurred June 11, 2026.No warnings prior to failure.Failure occurred in my driveway thankfully. No accident or injuries. Diagnostics performed by owner to determine electrical failure within the EPS.

Incident date: Jun 12, 2026

My driver door would not open from the inside. Doors are unlocked, but only the driver side door will not open from the inside. Driver side door can only open from the outside.

Incident date: Jun 12, 2026

Had 2 new tires installed on the rear of the car and they both busted at the seam. Shredded the tires and damaged 4 wheels.

Incident date: May 12, 2026

Backup camera failed to turn on.

Incident date: May 12, 2026

This is the second time I got into an accident and the (ADAS) made me crash.. I was far enough to brake safely but the system keeps me going forward..it drags me as if there is ice on the ground..if it was off my car would not have been in any of these accidents..this feature is not safe..I feel like my life is in danger when it is on

Crash

Incident date: May 12, 2026

Crash

Incident date: Jun 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Kia K4. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle downshifted upon depression of the accelerator pedal, with heavy white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated prior to the failure. The contact pulled off the highway and drove into a store parking lot as the engine made an abnormal... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the horn was completely inoperative. The dealer was not notified the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000.

Incident date: Jun 9, 2026

The cruise control was set at 75 mph and we were driving down the interstate when the engine suddenly lost power and shut off. This happened with no warning and no warning lights activated. Several days later, we were driving down the interstate with the cruise control set at 72 when the engine again lost power and shut off. We were able to get the car to move again both times by shutting off ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 11, 2026

This is a report on a design flaw- not a failed component- in the 2026 Honda Odyssey's "smart" computer automated safety features, including automatic braking, lane departure, and forward collision warning systems. There have been two types of incidents. These incidents have been repeated on this vehicle dozens of times in our first year of ownership. These incidents are potentially very dangerous... Read more

Incident date: Jun 11, 2026

Incident date: May 4, 2026

I'm writing to report a serious safety issue with my 2020 Range Rover Velar's power tailgate. While I was inside the cargo area, the tailgate began closing on its own/unexpectedly. On a separate occasion, it closed on my [XXX] son while he was in the cargo area-I had to push him out of the way to prevent him from being crushed. Shortly after these incidents, the tailgate/latch actuator stopped fun... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

Few months after the steering recall we started experiencing issues with increased resistance while turning the steering wheel. Sometimes the steering is not very smooth. Was told the solutuon to this issue was a other repair that was not covered under the recall. Unfortunately we are past the 36k mile warranty.

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

I'm experiencing all the documented issues with the 10L80 10 speed transmission. Identical to all the recalls. It's shifting poorly, torque converter shudder, lose of power, unreliability, and serious safety concerns. I've tried to communicate and find a resolution to these issues through the dealership and GM. Of course getting nowhere. I don't feel a 60k dollar truck should be in this kind of co... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

Incident date: Jun 1, 2023

I was on the highway and my truck suddenly decreased speed rapidly. Luckily I was able to pull onto a side road and get to safety but it was extremely dangerous and scary situation. The dealer has confirmed the symptoms fit the issue with the recall. Since Ford does not have a fix for this solution yet until July 1 my vehicle is unable to be driven or repaired leaving me stranded without a vehi... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2026

1–2 second delay in throttle response from pedal input, followed by sudden uncommanded surge/jerk forward. Occurs when vehicle is on hold mode in a slope or in plain flat conditions at a light or a stop sign. It happens when the car is cold or warm. I consider the vehicle unsafe to drive. The cruise control also has a major problem. When activated the lane departure feature also gets activated a... Read more

Incident date: May 31, 2026

Hood release cable either lost tension, broke, or came loose from the clamp in the junction box and cannot open the hood. I was stopped on the side of the road, unable to open the hood. I and my family were put in excessive danger on the side of the road as I could not correct the issue without waiting for a tow truck because I could not open the hood. Dealer, as well as multiple shops in my... Read more

Incident date: May 31, 2026

Vehicle screens repeatedly rebooting over a 2 month period. Auto high beams stopped working. Chassis control error on dash occurred. Smoke smell in cabin occurred after dealer returned the vehicle from a repair attempt. Vehicle had to be towed back up . Dealer reporting they can not recreate errors and want to return it. It’s a safety hazard . Has been at the mechanics for over 20 business days.... Read more

Incident date: May 31, 2026

Incident date: Jun 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the vehicle off and occupied by the contact and her children, the headrest unexpectedly disengaged erroneously. The clips were fractured when the contact looked inside the air bag storage of the headrest. The contact sustained an injury to the back of her head and pain on the right side of the ne... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2026

whenever I was driving on the highway at 80MPH it felt like someone stepped on the brake pedal abruptly for a split second and the car with squiggly lines behind it appeared on the instrument panel, then disappeared. Goin this fast and having that happen is a major safety issue. After this happened the steering felt all over the place like I was floating and if I turned the wheel just a tiny bit t... Read more

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

Read more from our blog