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: May 12, 2023

I took my KIA Rio to mechanic for knocking noise in engine. Mechanic said it's not the original engine and has been replaced. Nuts and bolts are rusted and some aren't even tightened or torqued correctly. I am the second owner of this car and could have been in an accident. This is very scary. There was no information about a different engine or anything else warning me about KIA or Hyundai cars. ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while making a left turn at slow speed, excessive force was required to complete the turn. The "Service Power Steering Now" and "Service Advancetrac" messages were displayed. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. Upon i... Read more

Incident date: May 1, 2023

During normal driving conditions going down a state highway, the vehicle lost speed with adaptive cruise control enabled. Noticing the vehicle was losing speed, I depressed the accelerator pedal. The accelerator pedal was unresponsive and unable to accelerate, I had to maneuver off the highway. Luckily, the car behind my vehicle was far enough behind me and my vehicle was going fast enough that... Read more

Incident date: Oct 12, 2018

The break and gas pedal are made of hard plastic and they are very slippery. The should have been made of rubber to prevent slippage. I’m my opinion this is a safety issue.

Incident date: Oct 12, 2018

Resistance sensing wiper motor does not operate as advertised. The motor is designed to automatically slow if the windshield is dry or obstructed in order to keep the motor from overheating. However, regardless of windshield condition or setting the wipers begin slowing to the lowest setting after approximately 45 seconds. This creates an extremely dangerous condition during moderate to heavy rai... Read more

Incident date: May 10, 2023

While driving down the road the battery falls rapidly from 14 to 11.8 or less causing the battery light and engine light to come on, and the unit to start losing power and die. The truck has been in the shop several times with still no repairs completed. They have given me back the unit telling me there’s nothing they can do and not sure what is causing it. The ecm data has pulled several codes... Read more

Incident date: May 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Eos. The contact stated while having a routine check at the dealer, the mechanic informed the contact that the horn was not functioning and that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the clockspring needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was no... Read more

Incident date: May 7, 2023

This F150 needs cam phasers replaced (local Ford dealer has diagnosed the problem) and there is a recall on other 2017 F150 VINS but for some reason my VIN isn't coming up with as this issue being covered by a recall. Ford recommended that I submit my VIN to be included. The recall is Customer Satisfaction Program 21N03 https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2021/MC-10204046-0001.pdf. Please add my VIN... Read more

Incident date: May 10, 2023

I were driving at low speed and all 4 wheels locked causing the vehicle to suddenly stop without notice. I almost got rear ended. I had to put vehicle in park and turn off and turn back on to get it to move. Again it did the same thing stoping with brakes locking suddenly, almost causing an accident in middle of road. There was no warning at all.

Incident date: May 10, 2023

Continuing coolant problems, engine shut off going down the hwy bc overheated////engine not secure-moves around literally/////camshaft timing position sensor code. On Dec 24th I purchased a 2012 BMW 135i convertible from Alboet Motor Sports on Pass Rd in Gulfport, MS. Before I went I specifically asked if the car had any mechanical or cosmetic damage and [XXX] lied and said nothing was wrong. ... Read more

Incident date: May 10, 2023

My vehicle was behind the crosswalk at the intersection in the left hand turn lane. When I entered the lane, no other vehicles were in the lane. My car was at an angle leaving the tail end out. I looked at my side mirror and saw this truck slowing down for the red light in the left hand turn lane. I turned my head left and watched as his right oversized front tire hit my car leaving a dent at... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 10, 2023

There’s was a recall on the control arm… I took it in to Nissan and was told mine was not affected.. so it was not fixed. A year or two has passed and my whole suspension needs to be replaced.

Incident date: Apr 10, 2023

I’ve been doing my research and the same issue my car is having many keeps have also had. On highways our card will go limp and stall out. The engine light will come on and the four wheel drive will become not functional. This is a severe issue in winter. As well as the lack of control on highways. I was driving on the highway going 65 up a hill my car engine light went on i lost all accelera... Read more

Incident date: May 9, 2023

My ac unit never work great you never feel cold even tho you have it on high. I never own a small car before but I being telling them seeing I got the car and I told them I again today but now their excuse is the is over 36000 miles and /3 years old . No warranty. But before they just didn’t care . When the warranty still active. They don’t care if my kids get hot in car. This company had not ... Read more

Incident date: May 9, 2023

While driving on the freeway in stop and go traffic the engine warning light came on. A few minutes later the data screen stated that I needed to pull over immediately as my engine was overheating. I was on a stretch of the 5 freeway north of Oceanside with no exits for several miles. I pulled over and when the light went off I got back on the freeway to try to make it to an exit. I repeated th... Read more

Incident date: May 11, 2023

Car will shut down on the free way. Car will go 65 MPH and suddenly give out. The car will be on but the engine will be off. Car will turn off anywhere at any time. I bought a new PCM and issue is still occurring. Car is in great condition but won’t start properly and feel scared for my life when I have to drive it.

Incident date: May 11, 2023

Incident date: May 9, 2023

My vehicle suffered an electrical fire that wasn't covered under warranty just 2 months after I purchased it. It was inspected by the manufacturer, repair facility(licensed dealer) and insurance however I was denied the inspection report. A Hyundai warranty information sheet states my vehicle had 1 unrepaired service campaign in 6/2022 for the FCA forward collision avoidance. Which meant it was al... Read more

Fire 2 injured

Incident date: May 9, 2023

Fire 2 injured

Incident date: May 9, 2023

A small spill of liquid (unsweetened iced tea) on the gear shift area inches from the cup holder shorted out the entire transmission of the vehicle, rendering it immovable. This happened while pulling into our garage, but if it had happened while the car was moving on the road it could have caused a catastrophic accident.

Incident date: May 10, 2023

Brake system has ongoing and continuous defects, malfunctions and failure. I have had calipers fall off and pr stick causing the wheel to overheat and melt the tire rim. Replaced all that. Brakes never seem strong enough to properly stop this vehicle safely. Brake lights stay off and on light a Christmas tree. Had several inspections for code errors. Replace entire system in January of 2023. $1,80... Read more

Incident date: May 10, 2023

Wiper works intermittently, sometimes it functions, sometimes it doesn't turn off. This causes a dangerous condition in rain storms. After some research it appears to be a condition across the entire Ram platform and needs to be addressed because it is a serious safety issue. Wiper motor and switch have been replaced with new parts but the issue continues.

Incident date: May 5, 2023

My srs airbag system has just started going on and off. What I read is there is recall for this. 2018 with heated seats caused by faulty wiring. Yet when I put in my vin shows no recalls. Filed complaint with Subaru they stated basically go get it fixed and will notify you if there is a recall.

Incident date: May 3, 2023

I’m not sure exactly when everything started but it’s been a 2ish years. The lights on my steering wheel started blinking randomly. Then the cruise control stopped working. Then the lights went out entirely. Now the horn only works occasionally. It slowly got worse over time.

Incident date: May 3, 2023

the alternator that was supposedly recalled and fixed broke once again.

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

Car would not respond during normal operation, was in gear but would not accelerate. After I was pushed to the side of the road, I restarted the engine. And was able to drive a block away to my home at a very reduced speed. It will now only run at a very low speed, therefore inoperable.

Incident date: May 6, 2023

I was driving on the interstate, traveling about 70 MPH, when my windshield trim piece of my car just detached and flew off the car. There was no initial impact or causing factor when this occurred. I was confused and looked back when it happened not knowing that a piece of my car had flown off in the moment. I do not know if it struck another car or caused any damage to other vehicles. The car be... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

Water seeps into brake lightbar in tailgate and shorts the light. The light bar now does light at all during braking or normal operation. This seems to be a known issue amongst forum contributors, some which have had 3+ light bars replaced. Seems to be an awful design choice but it’s affecting the safety of travelers.

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

The check engine light came on so I checked the code and it indicated a misfire in cylinder 2. I was headed to the shop for a tuneup when the temperature gage shot up to hot and the engine lost power. It's pouring white smoke from the exhaust and is not drivable. The coolant was completely gone but no leaks found. It's running hot on startup and won't go over 10mph. There was no warning lights unt... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

There is a strong fuel odor after a gas tank fill up, and is noticable after the vehicle is parked in the garage. I have experienced this fuel odor over the past 18 months.

Incident date: May 9, 2023

While driving my vehicle I accidentally knocked it out of gear and into neutral when I did the car died I was able to pull off of the interstate onto the shoulder where it was scary there were cars passing me at 70 mph, with very little room the car will not start the engine will crank a half of a crank and then freeze up. It had to be towed home where it remains broken down. I don't know if it's ... Read more

Incident date: May 3, 2023

After completing door latch recall there is still an alert the the hatchback is open. And doesn't shut off. The dealer states that I have to pay for replacement since the recall shows complete. Except the instructions did not show anything in regards to this component , in regards to the fuel system, the dealer said I would have to pay for test to determine if the PCM would fix the engine ight af... Read more

Incident date: Jan 3, 2023

I have a 2020 Ford Escape SEL edition. Purchased new from dealership in 2021. It was approx 720pm on Thursday 4/13/23. I was driving in Orlando. It was clear weather. No cars were around me and I did not go under an overpass. All of a sudden, I heard a big explosion sound, like a gun shot. I immediately pulled over and took photos and a video of the giant hole in the moon roof. There was no evid... Read more

Incident date: Feb 16, 2023

Vehicle is going in to 'limp" mode at highway speeds without warning. All safety features including ACC, LKAS, Emergency Braking, Collision avoidance, brake hold do not work when this happens. Vehicle must be pulled over to the side of the road, shut off and then restarted to allow car to operate at normal speed until the issue occurs again ( usually 20-30 minutes later). Brought car to Honda a... Read more

Incident date: Sep 25, 2021

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact shifted the transmission into neutral (N) and applied the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact's husband arrived on the scene and assisted by pushing the vehicle to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact noticed tha... Read more

Incident date: Mar 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the contact attempted to accelerate to change lanes however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle started to decelerate and sputtered as if the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

On four (4) separate occasions between December 2022 and April 2023 this vehicle lost all power and the engine shut off while the vehicle was in motion and being driven. The vehicle was being operated under normal conditions. Three occasions were while traveling on the Interstate, and the other time was on a city street. During these incidents, all electronic displays would shut off, the engine... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2023

Premature front brake rotor failure casing a pulsating brake pedal and humming when applying brake pedal. Brake pedal feels to fade when first applying the brake pedal. Issue is not "covered" under manufacture warranty due to the items being classified as a wear and tear item per manufacturer even though it’s a defect.

Incident date: May 6, 2023

The steering assist randomly pulls to the left when turned on. The dealership did replace the front struts and realign the vehicle, but the issue was never resolved. We manually turned the feature off.

Incident date: May 6, 2023

The engine burns oils twice as fast as it should and gives no warning of a problem. I am 3 years into payments on this vehicle and the engine is shot due to this issue. I have under 80,000 miles but this is a major problem that GMC is not addressing its very frustrating I will have to pay off a damage car they sold and now buy a new for an obvious problem they won’t acknowledge

Incident date: May 5, 2023

Vehicle drops into 1st gear randomly while driving on the highway. Extremely dangerous

Incident date: May 2, 2023

The vehicle keep locking and unlocking by itself even when I am driving. Also when I was driving the airbags deployed on its own but no accident

Incident date: Apr 30, 2023

The contact owned a 2022 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while her husband was reversing from the driveway, the transmission was being shifted from reverse (R) into Drive (D), the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle crashed into the neighbor's residence and landed in their yard. The contact's husband was injured and received medical attention. A police r... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Apr 30, 2023

This is now the 2nd time the racetrack light that houses the rear taillight assembly has allowed water to gain entry into the electrical system. Causes the lights to corrupt and short out. FCA refuses to acknowledge this issue. This is a problem not just with my vehicle but there are 100's of these reported on the internet. Including a pending class action lawsuit because FCA refuses to acknowledg... Read more

Incident date: Apr 30, 2023

Key stuck in ignition, can't turn off

Incident date: Apr 1, 2023

i believe it is the ignition switch, my car has been chugging or hesitating while driving and you can also feel it when you are sitting idling and while one the park position. i’ve also read that there are several others that own a cruze and have this issue. Sometimes as well you stick the key in the ignition and there is no connection no noise as like it’s trying to turn over you have to cont... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2023

Eye-sight system shutdown and the car, although it was drivable, ran rough. Since there is a huge reliance on the monitors as they are designed to "forward think" to aid the driver, this was a major disruption to the driving experience. Not knowing what the disabled components affected, was a huge cause for alarm. Upon seeing the check engine light come, my wife brought the car home and I hooked u... Read more

Incident date: Feb 22, 2020

I was going to park in front of the store at the shopping mall. before I reached the parking spot car was not slowing down automatically after releasing the acceleration pedal. I decided to use the brake (which I rarely use because the car stops automatically when you release acceleration pedal) and I really don't remember how everything happened and I might accidentally step on the acceleration p... Read more

Crash

Incident date: May 5, 2023

While I was merging onto the freeway with my daughter, I accelerated to a speed of 60 mph and it felt like my transmission dropped. My car was revving at 5k rpm’s and would not allow me to go any faster than 45 mph. Luckily no accident occurred as I was able to safely get my child and myself off the freeway. I now have a service appointment scheduled with dodge to see why this happened. But afte... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

Took delivery for a brand new Tesla Model Y LR 2023 on Apr 20 2023. Wheel alignment issues since the day took delivery. Opened a service request on April 24th to fix the issues. 1st appointment scheduled for May 1. Technician offset the steering wheel to fix the issue. Did not help. Rescheduled again for 2nd service on May 4th. The service technician rechecked the wheel alignment and offset the st... Read more

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Vehicle Safety

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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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