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
PASSAT
(2016) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: May 20, 2020
While driving at highway speeds (50mph-80mph), on 2 lane or 4 lane highways, in the day or night, in sunny conditions and overcast sky's, while using the cruise control (auto-pilot), the car will suddenly and unexpectedly apply the brakes. It happens between 8 and 10 times on every road trip, each way. Not only is it a shock to me as there is never a visual obstacle that seems to be causing the ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2016) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: May 20, 2020
Gas tank leak from under heat Shield Recall claims in 2012 it was extended for 15 years
VOLKSWAGEN
ROUTAN
(2009) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
Electrical system drains battery, have purchased several new batteries annually. With a new battery, the car while being driven, shut off, lost power steering and abs on road. Car has been parked since and battery drain still occurring while car is parked
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2013) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
Fuel leaking which appears to be on top of fuel tank. Smell of gas is present inside and outside of vehicle.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF SPORTWAGEN
(2016) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
While approaching an intersection light, that was turning red, I suddenly heard the car beeping rapidly and all the red warning lights on the dashboard behind the wheel went off and the vehicle stalled. Luckily the intersection light was red, so everyone was coming to a halt. I do remember the dash board becoming blank, like there was no power. I had to turn the car's power ON button several time... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000 (Seats, Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) - SEATS
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Audi A4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V874000 (Seats, Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) - STEERING
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
The vehicle was being driven in a parking lot, fortunately, when there was a loud snapping noise that resulted in the total loss of steering control. The vehicle was moving at about 5 MPH at time of the incident. 10 minutes prior, it was being driven on the Freeway at 60 to 65 MPH. In the parking lot, at the time of the steering failure, it was put into Park, ignition was turned off and a Tow se... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2011) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that the center display had been malfunctioning since purchasing the vehicle new. Additionally, the contact stated that the windows would go up and would go down independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, several alarms sounded, and the steering wheel attempted to turn independent... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2011) - VISIBILITY
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that the center display had been malfunctioning since purchasing the vehicle new. Additionally, the contact stated that the windows would go up and would go down independently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, several alarms sounded, and the steering wheel attempted to turn independent... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2012) - WHEELS
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that while entering the dealer, the over-the-thread detector provided an alert. There were no warning lights illuminated. While at the local dealer, the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead (279... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
CC
(2014) - ENGINE
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
I had to replace the engine coil packs/spark plugs 4 times in the last year. This is not normal and a complaint amongst Volkswagens.
VOLKSWAGEN
CC
(2014) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
My vehicle stalls on me and shuts off while driving. Brought it to the dealership at Quinn motors Gloucester, VA where I get all my oil changes done. They couldn't duplicate it. But it happens a couple times a month. I'll have to pull off as it's stalled. Turn it completly off then back on. Sometimes it starts back up and sometimes I have to wait a minute or two. I have blocked traffic numerous ti... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
CC
(2014) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: May 9, 2022
Had my seven year old Granddaughter in my vehicle and was momentarily distracted and the traffic in front of me stopped for geese crossing. I was in cruise control and my forward collision warning system failed to work! No accident as I took the ditch. KIA America Inc. had a voluntary recall for this problem and I took it in to my dealer and they reprogrammed the system. Did not work so I call... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
CC
(2014) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 20, 2023
Incident date: Feb 5, 2022
During phone calls, the system would start making sparking noises and stall the calls. While navigation was input parts of the screen would disappear. While backing up, the rear cameras would freeze and stall. The rear camera freezing had caused us to get into an accident, and caused us to have 4 near misses. When I was trying to download the latest software release, the software download froz... Read more
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - TIRES:TREAD/BELT
Jun 19, 2023
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
Tire size ST225/75/R15. Traveling on a two lane county highway in Pierce County, WI. Tire pressure as indicated on the Tire Minder i10 TPMS was 82 psi. Ambient air temperature was about 70F. Road surface was dry at the time. Incident began with suspected rupture in tire sidewall. No indication by TPMS prior to incident of increased temperature or decreased pressure. Sidewall failure was followed b... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 19, 2023
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
My brakes have stopped working twice. Each time I'll stop driving for a day and it's normal again. When it happens my brakes feel very loose and I can't control the direction of my car. I have to pump multiple times and/or press all the way to the floor to even begin to feel it begin to brake. I've had my car checked out and nothing was physically wrong with it.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF ALLTRACK
(2017) - ENGINE
Jun 19, 2023
Incident date: May 6, 2023
The engine is "Ticking". Ticks real bad when first started cold. After it warms up the ticking diminishes. Vehicle has just over 50,000 miles on it
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 19, 2023
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
Something from the passenger front wheel side must have messed up since after I went over a small bump in the road I lost control of my vehicle that resulted in my crashing into a bobbed wire fence and a pole that was holding up the fence. My car was completely totaled and no airbags deployed from anywhere in the car. The steering wheel hit me so hard in the abdomen that it caused my T11 and T12 v... Read more
Crash
1 injured
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 19, 2023
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
I received a warning on my dashboard while driving "Check electric vehicle system". A few minutes later I received the message "Stop vehicle and check power supply". My car would not go faster than 20 MPH, and I had it towed to the dealership. They said it was an ICCU issue and the part was on nationwide backorder. My car has been at the dealership for 41 days.
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jun 19, 2023
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
I received a warning on my dashboard while driving "Check electric vehicle system". A few minutes later I received the message "Stop vehicle and check power supply". My car would not go faster than 20 MPH, and I had it towed to the dealership. They said it was an ICCU issue and the part was on nationwide backorder. My car has been at the dealership for 41 days.
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - ENGINE
Jun 19, 2023
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
Driving the vehicle on an interstate highway with the flow of traffic at 70 mph, without warning the engine shut off. This caused loss of speed and loss of power steering, almost causing me to be hit in the rear end twice at highway speeds. There were no warning lights or any instrument indication prior to the failure. After barely being able to get the vehicle into the brakedown lane, the vehicle... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 19, 2023
Incident date: Apr 29, 2023
Driving the vehicle on an interstate highway with the flow of traffic at 70 mph, without warning the engine shut off. This caused loss of speed and loss of power steering, almost causing me to be hit in the rear end twice at highway speeds. There were no warning lights or any instrument indication prior to the failure. After barely being able to get the vehicle into the brakedown lane, the vehicle... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 19, 2023
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The component or system is the Electronic Power Steering System and my vehicle is available for inspection at any time needed. Although this started last week and is happening randomly it has happened three times all in the last week. While making a turn I lose all power steering, in fact all power and have to try to maneuver the truck safely. This is the same issue that GM issued a recall for GM ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 18, 2023
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
When stopping at a red light, the car stalls and is unable to restart for 5-10 minutes. All of the lights and emergency notifications start popping up on the screen. Stating service start/stop. This has happened multiple times in the last month in the middle of intersections.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2017) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Jun 18, 2023
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Driving with nothing in lane in front of vehicle brakes are applied. This has occurred several times.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2017) - ENGINE
Jun 18, 2023
Incident date: May 1, 2023
I purchased this vehicle used in April 2023 with 3,000 to go prior to another oil change. I returned home from a trip and the oil light would come on only while turning or braking. When checking the oil there was no oil in the motor. The reservoir was filled and two weeks in the engine is low on oil again. There are no leaks. The car jerks at lights as if it wants to stall out. I feel unsafe drivi... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2017) - ENGINE
Jun 18, 2023
Incident date: May 1, 2023
I have 3 issues. #1. The transmission fails to shift only at certain times resulting in high RPM's on level road. #2. Engine has knocking noise at idle after having the engine knock sensor installed. #3 right, rear passenger door will not open from inside, or outside in spite of inside latch being manually opened or attempting to open with key fob activation.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - ENGINE
Jun 17, 2023
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
My transmission failed. There was a recall on the transmission, that I am not sure I received. Nissan Consumer Affairs opened a case but will not assist me with the cost of the transmission. I have to pay 5621.00 to have a new transmission installed. Nissan admitted had a faulty part in the 2014-2017 Rogues - the CVT. The transmission was slipping and it could have led to an accident, but did... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 17, 2023
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
My transmission failed. There was a recall on the transmission, that I am not sure I received. Nissan Consumer Affairs opened a case but will not assist me with the cost of the transmission. I have to pay 5621.00 to have a new transmission installed. Nissan admitted had a faulty part in the 2014-2017 Rogues - the CVT. The transmission was slipping and it could have led to an accident, but did... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 17, 2023
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
My transmission failed. There was a recall on the transmission, that I am not sure I received. Nissan Consumer Affairs opened a case but will not assist me with the cost of the transmission. I have to pay 5621.00 to have a new transmission installed. Nissan admitted had a faulty part in the 2014-2017 Rogues - the CVT. The transmission was slipping and it could have led to an accident, but did... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
ON 8/18/22 I HAD 5 RECALLS DONE ONE BEING SC209 THE PISTIONOIL RING, THAT WAS CAUSING IT TO STALL OUT/DIE IN TRAFFIC AFTER THE RECALL IT WORKED FINE FOR A FEW DAYS THEN IT PROGRESSIVE GOTTEN WORSE AND STARTED USING OIL, AND THE OIL LIGHT NO LONGER WORKED . ALSO AFTER A OIL CHANGE THE "ALERT FOR DUE OIL CHANGE " DID NOT RESET I TOOK IT BACK TO KIA OF CHATTANOOGA,(2/22/23) AND THEY PROCEED... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - VISIBILITY
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that when he attempted to use the blower to cool the vehicle interior, the blower stopped operating as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that when he attempted to use the blower to cool the vehicle interior, the blower stopped operating as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: Jan 20, 2023
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2015) - LANE DEPARTURE:LANE KEEP:NAVIGATION SYSTEM/SOFTWARE
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving, the Apple's car play screen went blank. While merging into the left lane, the Automatic Emergency Braking feature engaged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who reset the battery but was unable to duplicate the failure. Upon leaving the dealer and driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel was tight, and the vehicle contin... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE CONVERTIBLE
(2015) - ENGINE
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
ON 8/18/22 I HAD 5 RECALLS DONE ONE BEING SC209 THE PISTIONOIL RING, THAT WAS CAUSING IT TO STALL OUT/DIE IN TRAFFIC AFTER THE RECALL IT WORKED FINE FOR A FEW DAYS THEN IT PROGRESSIVE GOTTEN WORSE AND STARTED USING OIL, AND THE OIL LIGHT NO LONGER WORKED . ALSO AFTER A OIL CHANGE THE "ALERT FOR DUE OIL CHANGE " DID NOT RESET I TOOK IT BACK TO KIA OF CHATTANOOGA,(2/22/23) AND THEY PROCEED... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2017) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: Jan 31, 2023
soon after purchasing the vehicle (mile 43) while driving, the propulsion system failed completely and the screen instructed me to pull over but I could only drift as, again, pressing the gas pedal did nothing. This was a very dangerous incident and one that makes me fearful of putting my family back in the vehicle. I have repeatedly asked to speak with anyone at tesla about this issue but have... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2022) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: May 29, 2023
It began with having issues with power window sometimes not going up or down, then I started to have problems with the compass on the car always pointing north, then the car lost access to bluetooth and the sync 3 system refused to update. From there the issue with the radio not coming on started and was advised to do master reset, soft reset, then hard reset. Did this multiple times and now the d... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2022) - WHEELS
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: May 29, 2023
Cracked and warped wheel issue! I already replaced two wheels in last 3 years and yet I got two more wheels cracked. And one of them is the replaced wheel. I cannot remember the time I dealt with warped wheel. Probably more than 10 times. I have only used Chevrolet official dealers for any service. Everything is already in records. My car is only at 30K miles. This is insane that GM is not takin... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: May 29, 2023
The sunshade has dropped down into the car. There was no warning and appears to be a common problem with Nissan. There was a recall for this same issue on a different model. It was looked at at the dealership and the repair is outrageous and a common problem with the Murano.
VOLKSWAGEN
TOUAREG
(2009) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
Some times the car turns off by itself When put on reverse Or when getting to a complete stop No check engine light turns on Dealer will not take care of it if the check engine light does not turns on This could lead to an accident!
VOLKSWAGEN
TOUAREG
(2009) - POWER TRAIN
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
I’ve recently noticed when leaving my driveway my 2015 jeep grand Cherokee shifts hard / feels as if the transmission is slipping. Today out of now where my vehicle starts slowing down and the rpm is getting higher . I luckily was able to get to the side of the highway to pull over with 3 children in the car . I cut the vehicle off opened and closed the door cranked it and it drove as normal unt... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TOUAREG
(2009) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
Countless times, at high legal speed, with adaptive cruise control enabled, on a straight blemish-free level highway with perfect visibility, sudden automatic deceleration was experienced-- several times every hour over 11 hours of driving. I have video recordings.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Jun 15, 2023
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the sunroof exploded without impact. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V726000 (Visibility). The failure mileage was approxima... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - ENGINE
Jun 15, 2023
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
My truck started making very funny noises out of the engine area, two nights ago, and the next day, the noise persisted, and the car stalled. When we checked the oil, it was bone dry. There was no oil light warning. This car is very well-maintained.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Jun 15, 2023
Incident date: Nov 29, 2022
For some time now, before I was aware of this service, my car warning lights indicate that there is an issue with my forward collision, my lane departure, and the lane keeping assistance. It further indiscretion to clean my front windshield. I do so, but the warning still remains. Then some time will pass and the warning goes off. This warning happens sporadically, even giving impression of some ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jun 15, 2023
Incident date: May 15, 2023
Eagle valley motors sold me an unsafe car I kept telling them that the brakes were bad the transmission fluid was dark and the engine oil was black the tires were bad it was in real bad need of a tuneup I wrote and told the bbb about it and they did absolutely nothing I told Carlos he will lie about it just like how they lied to the bbb about getting in touch with me these people need to be out of... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - WHEELS
Jun 15, 2023
Incident date: May 15, 2023
Eagle valley motors sold me an unsafe car I kept telling them that the brakes were bad the transmission fluid was dark and the engine oil was black the tires were bad it was in real bad need of a tuneup I wrote and told the bbb about it and they did absolutely nothing I told Carlos he will lie about it just like how they lied to the bbb about getting in touch with me these people need to be out of... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2016) - STEERING
Jun 15, 2023
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
This issue has been going on for over a year now. Vehicle shakes violently when leaving uneven surfaces such as coming off of a bridge on the highway. You have to come to a complete stop to get it to stop shaking. This is very dangerous when on a highway. Vehicle has been inspected by local dealership and parts have been ordered but continue to be on backorder. The dealership states that they have... Read more