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: Jul 1, 2023

Door ajar switch won't work on passenger door to turn off the interior lights and leaves door ajar warning in dash on when driving....runs down battery...has been happening since May 2023

Incident date: Jul 1, 2023

Driveing on Hwy at 68 mph sudenly lost power stearing and all power to everything could not use windows or open doors cause could not unlock could not even turn hasard lights on very danerous

Incident date: Jun 29, 2023

Passenger seat belt will not extend for Passenger to wear for safety.

Incident date: Sep 15, 2021

Car “Phantom brakes” constantly when going over a hill when it does not have vision. The braking is aggressive at freeway speeds and poses a risk for rear end collisions or road rage incidents if people think they are being brake checked.

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

3 of the 4 door handles are broken and have stopped working. Airbag light on Headlight not working wiring bad

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

While operating the vehicle, I lost Power Steering, Stability Control, Anti-Lock Brakes and when I was able to stop, the transmission was put into park and I was unable to shift gears. Dealership informed me that this is a known issue related to the Can Bus Connector located behind the glove compartment, which apparently controls all of the safety systems. There were multiple indicators lit on th... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

Incident date: Apr 22, 2023

I was traveling on the Interstate at about 50 miles an hour. I went under a bridge and my front crash avoidance sensors malfunctioned and the breaks were applied. My truck completely locked down to a stop and I could not get the truck to move. I in turn was hit in the rear end by a semi truck. The local Nissan dealership started that it was a known.

Crash

Incident date: Jun 29, 2023

The sunroof exploded as I was driving. There were no cars around me. Glass blew outward and I was concerned about any cars that would follow. I took photos and then took the car into my Honda dealer. They claim a rock hit it. I know that could not have happened. The car is only 6 months old. There was no warning before it happened. If I had the sunroof open, glass could have affected me and/or my ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 29, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission downshifted to second gear. Additionally, the transmission failed to shift to reverse(R) as needed. The contact removed and replaced the TCM, and the vehicle operated as needed for an hour; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact t... Read more

Incident date: Jun 29, 2023

While driving electric power steering failed. Light came on and no power steering now.

Incident date: Jun 30, 2023

I received the recall remedy for my Pilot from a Honda service center per the side-view mirrors detachment recall (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 23V174000). Although my side-mirror was working just fine, I decided to receive the recall remedy, i.e., new side-mirrors, believing that it will improve safety of my car. However, after the Honda service center finished replacing my old side-mirrors with new... Read more

Incident date: Jun 30, 2023

While driving local hiway at about 45mph, just as I was making a right turn the steering wheel locked up and had to strong arm the truck out of oncoming traffic. Got to the side of road, and noticed a "Service Steering" message on dash. Shut the vehicle off, rested 10 minutes and restarted without the concern. Continued on errands, and again without warning, the steering locked up and caused me to... Read more

Incident date: Jun 10, 2021

Service shifter light

Incident date: Jun 10, 2021

2015 Chevy Silverado LTZ 5.3L. 81.2k miles. After not driving the vehicle for four days while away on a work trip, the very first trip out of the garage, the brakes became extremely difficult to press and stop. Originally, it occurred at low speeds, but it persists at all speeds now.

Incident date: Jun 10, 2021

Dash looks like a Christmas tree. All came on at one time. Changed everything we can think of

Incident date: Jun 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Forest River XLR Toyhauler. Before purchasing the Toy Hauler, the contact noticed that the coupler had severe rust and was improperly welded. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V143000 (Equipment, Trailer Hitch) which she linked to the failure. The dealer agreed to make the needed repairs; however, upon delivery of the Toy Hauler, the couple... Read more

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 25-35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the side of the roadway. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) had failed and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel Syst... Read more

Incident date: Jun 29, 2023

Backup camera shows blank black screen intermittently. Shifting into park and back to reverse does not resolve. Several hours later it seems to resolve.

Incident date: Jun 27, 2023

On May 31, 2023, my wife and I were in our Honda ridgeline when attempting to back up into a parking spot. We noticed the instrument cluster went dark with only a "P" flashing. There were no alarms or indications of any fault. We shut down the truck. After trying to restart there was no instrument cluster along with the shifter locked in park. On this current model their is no emergency override ... Read more

Incident date: May 13, 2023

When starting my car the engine would putter for a bit before running smoothly. The engine light eventually came on and I took it to Sunshine Ford in Newburgh, NY. They told me there were two misfires when they hooked it up to the computer and they found coolant in cylinder one when they took the spark plug out. They told me I needed a whole new engine on my car with only 85,000 miles. I found out... Read more

Incident date: Jun 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of the 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 parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time f... Read more

Incident date: Jun 28, 2023

Transmission fluid leaking and sometimes doesn’t want to accelerate

Incident date: Jun 29, 2023

Front and back subframes of car are/were rusted. The front was replaced last year and the rear needs to be done. I'm waiting for an estimate for that. Pic shows the rust taken by my mechanic 2 weeks ago..

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

URGENT Vehicle on Freeway abruptly stops to 30 mph and warning light states " emergency restricted driving" 7 times. Had Range Rover Deisel towed to " Jaguar Land Rover of Newport 3 times, (9494854642 Yulissa) 2 times "fixed" only to dangerously recurring, this time they have had it 4 months, with 4 diagnosis and failed repairs, and test failures. I'm affraid to drive it home when they say maybe ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

The part that failed was the dual clutch. I was in traffic and my car did not want to accelerate after the stop it began to sputter then went to accelerate this happened more then once. It has been inspected and diagnosed for a worn clutch but I bought the car like that. No check engine light or anything has came on. I am financing this car and it sucks that I am not able to drive it if it was an ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

Incident date: Jun 28, 2023

Unknown which system is failing as Ford is unable to repair it. The truck codes include underpowered, turbo, catalytic converter, misfire. Truck cannot accelerate. Happens sporadically. The spark plugs, manifold, catalytic converter, brakes, rotors and turbo have all been replaced. Truck continues to have issues accelerating and running. At several points the cab of the truck filled with exhaust. ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 24, 2023

Vehicle continues to rev engine high upon starting. Causing service engine light & traction control warning light to turn on. Does so after sitting. No one has been able to diagnose. Once codes are cleared, light do not go back in for days/weeks. Little acceleration will occurs. Engine seems to over heat in hotter weather. This was after sitting in park for a min. Of 3 hours. Never after driving.

Incident date: Jun 28, 2022

RAB disabled, eye sight disabled, I drive disabled, check engine light came on. Car drives like it's is in sport mode with very touchy throttle. Pulled a code and it's the TCV. It's a known issue by Subaru with a part that has since been revamped but with thousands of vehicles on the road affected. Should be a recall. Contacted Subaru of America with no response so now a $1,900-$2,500 depending o... Read more

Incident date: Jun 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and lost motive power. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was blinking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the spark plugs were replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vehicle had experienced the f... Read more

Incident date: Jun 28, 2023

The BMW DOES NOT OFFER THIS RECALL RECOMMENDED BY NHTSA

Incident date: Jun 28, 2023

Upon start up of my vehicle I noticed my center display for speed, etc had turned itself to Spanish, but my radio was still in English. My forward collision warning, Lane keep assist, auto emergency braking, and front collision avoidance had all turned themselves off, and my auto park brake had turned itself on. After contacting a dealer they stated they had several complaints and to just turn the... Read more

Incident date: Jun 20, 2023

There is a recall for our this vehicle that was initiated in May because our airbag inflator may explode causing death or serious injury. We have yet to be provided with a fix, and have been denied a loaner vehicle because the dealerships don't want to part with their limited # of loaners for an undetermined amount of time. We are being told to continue driving around ourselves and our young child... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

The check arm door makes a strong creaking/cracking sound as the door is opened and closed. This is believed to be due to cracked spot welds in the check arm assembly. It creates an inability to roll down the window all day and I fear further damage if this is unable to be fixed through a recall.

Incident date: Jan 4, 2016

Lug nuts swelled and we could not loosen them to remove the tire.

Incident date: Jun 26, 2023

While driving over the last month, the car shuts off with no warning. There are no check engine or other lights that come on once it shuts down. There does not appear to be any consistency in the occurences, sometimes while idling, sometimes while driving 40 mph. Up until recently, the car would restart once I put it in neutral, but it now does not restart right away.

Incident date: Jun 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated while opening the trunk of the vehicle, the rear spoiler detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear spoiler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V480000 (Structure) however, the VIN was not included. T... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2023

RECALL NOT COMPLETED? The previous GM Buick Dealership I went to, appears they will not or can not confirm that the Buick June, 2022 Recall (Braking issue) work was done in October, 2022 at Key Chevrolet Buick GM in South Burlington, VT. I have contacted both the Dealership and Manufacturer (Buick) current Case # 9-10190079245 twice and Buick (Corporate) is trying to contact the Key GM Buick D... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that on four occasions while driving at various speeds with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle inadvertently slowed down and failed to exceed 50 MPH. The check emissions warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The f... Read more

Incident date: Mar 18, 2023

Transmission Fault Service Now warning light keeps coming on and off. I’ve taken it to multiple places to have it checked out and nobody can find and actual issues that would cause the transmission to fail. I got stuck in the middle of an intersection because the transmission randomly stopped. I’ve had to have it towed.

Incident date: Jun 4, 2023

Since purchasing the truck new I have experienced a VIOLENT shaking of the truck after hitting a small (1-2 inch) bump on the freeway. The shaking did not abate until I slowed to about 15 MPH. This has occurred about a dozen times over the course of the last three years. It also occurred while my son (a police sergeant and driving instructor) was towing a boat to the lake, nearly causing an accide... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Ducati Scrambler. The contact stated while riding 30 MPH, the motorcycle lost motive power and stalled with the "Side Stand Error" message displayed. The contact was able to roll the motorcycle to the side of the roadway. The motorcycle was towed to the residence. The motorcycle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the motorcycle was not included in N... Read more

Incident date: Jun 4, 2023

My control arm ripped completely off my fram on the passenger side due to excessive rust putting me and my family and any one else on the road at risk of something catastrophic.

Incident date: Feb 20, 2023

I was driving along the road and my car without warning overheated. I was able to drive to a safe place and park and contacted BMW of Southpoint Durham, NC. I was told that there was a recall on the hose which caused the car to overheat. I was told that they are waiting for BMW to issue the corrected/replacement hose for the car and in the meantime they would put a temporary hose on the car. I was... Read more

Incident date: Mar 31, 2022

The contact rented a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled inadvertently, and the rear driver's door opened unintendedly, and the rear seat shifted forward. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated, and the traction control feature independently shifted into snow traction mode. The contact was made aware by the... Read more

Incident date: Dec 10, 2022

Multiple critical recalls - 22V-904, 23V-060, 22V-140, and 22V-835. Two of these represent fire hazards! For the last several months they either didn't have the parts or availability to service. I tried multiple dealerships in my area. Getting these serviced has become extremely difficult due to lack of responsiveness or availability by the dealer.

Incident date: Dec 10, 2022

The coolant level keeps decreasing started around 18K. At the scheduled 20K service, the dealership claimed this to be "normal" for these cars. Very hard to believe for me after owning multiple cars for more than 25 years. The fluid was topped by dealership. after 3 months decrease below the normal level. It was dx by dealership to have a failed oil separator and engine head gasket. It seems many ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake line fractured and the low brake fluid warning light illuminated; however, the contact stated he was able to stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the subframe was fractured, which caused the brake line to fr... 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

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