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: Oct 4, 2022

The contact owns 2021 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V180000 (Visibility, Wiper) and 22V633000 (Trailer Hitches). The contact stated that the fuse was removed from the tow hitch, rendering the tow hitch inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. T... Read more

Incident date: Oct 4, 2022

Incident date: Feb 1, 2023

I had the car for exactly one week. I was driving the vehicle in the street, and my vehicle jerked and stopped in the middle of the intersection and a warning sign came on “rear motor disabled”. Then stated it two or three more times, stating the vehicle is safe to drive under 50 miles, and no steel grades. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle at all at this time, and feel that Tesla needs ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2023

My car shifts into neutral while I’m driving. This is the same issue that I see recalls for but it’s stating that my car is not effected. Also, the rear suspension makes a loud grinding noise for no reason. It’s weird because other 2014 Land Rovers have these exact same recall warnings and my vin number comes up clear on the internet. This vehicle only has 45k miles on it.

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started driving rough. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine lifters had failed, and an engine cylinder rod had been damaged. The engine rod and lifters were replaced, and the vehicle was re... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

I came to a stop in traffic. It was raining and my windshield wipers were on. The auto-stop feature engaged. When I took my foot off the brake, the vehicle vehicle failed to auto-start and prompted to put it in park and press the start button.

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

Incident date: Apr 10, 2023

While driving down the highway at 65 MPH in a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe, towing a boat, the stabilitrak service light/warning message illuminated, the check engine light illuminated, the vehicle began to shake, lose power, unable to accelerate, and slowed down to 55 MPH automatically. While trying to pull off the side of the highway, the vehicle continued to slow down to less than 40 MPH with no abilit... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2023

I PURCHASED A 2016 SUBARU WRX (PREMIUM) USED FROM A SUBARU DEALER IN ALBANY, NY WITH UNDER 26K MILES FOR APPROXIMATELY $25K IN 2018. ON A DRIVE IN DECEMBER 2022 I EXPERIENCED HESITATION AND/OR STUTTERING UNDER LOAD OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, AND CAR BEGAN GETTING VERY HOT, AND CLOSE TO OVERHEATING, AND THE ENGINE WAS KNOCKING LOUDLY. AFTER TURNING ENGINE OFF AND THEN RESTARTING, THE KNOCKIN... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2023

I’ll be driving down the road and my car just shuts off. Steering becomes tight, no engine lights come on radio is still playing no warning except driving down the road and all of a sudden you can’t steer. It’s very dangerous especially when it happens while you are driving around the curve with children in the car. My mechanic can’t tell me why this happens. No explanation. This has happe... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2023

I am sending this msg in regards to my 2013 Toyota Camry SE that I leased and decided to purchase after the lease ended from Toyota Heritage in Catonsville. I am experiencing problems with my torque converter. This is an issue that Toyota knew that would happen to my car and now that I am experiencing this problem Toyota doesn’t feel that they are responsible for the fix since the warranty has e... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2023

I started to experience hesitation in the cars power and shifting “gears” in the cvt, it started to feel very rough and the rpm would jump up and down. The owner of the dealership tried to tell me it was normal. I knew something was wrong. I left the dealership and not even kidding… 20 minutes later my cvt gave out and the light came on. I purchased the vehicle with 27,700 miles. I was shock... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2023

Twice upon driving tonight, I pressed the pedal to accelerate when the light turned green, and the driver seat unlocked and pulled me backwards. If I wasn't holding on to the steering wheel I would have lost control of the car and been involved in an accident. I was able to press the break with the tip of my toe, manage to put the car in park, readjust the seat and go back into drive. All this whi... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

Front window has a hairline crack inside glass about 6 in. long. There is no impact point from a rock or object, it just suddenly appeared.

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

Front window has a hairline crack inside glass about 6 in. long. There is no impact point from a rock or object, it just suddenly appeared.

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

Everything was really grate no problems. My brakes sounds like there is LOTS of AIR Coming from somewhere. My key ignition sometimes want turn over or easy to come out. Than the car started running hot. I've had it looked at Few times and can't seem to fix the problem. I've even brought a new coolant box or another name for it.. so now I can't drive it because my fluids keep coming out of the co... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Apr 3, 2023

Unwanted sudden engine speeding up,No warning or messages.

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

We came to a complete stop and the engine turned off completely. We got a message that said “power steering is low.” Input the car in park and had to restart the car. This happened twice that day. I believe intermittent wipers were on. I believe this is the same issue flagged here by multiple individuals in this Reddit thread https://www.reddit.com/comments/t7rv4b?utm_source=share&utm_medium=i... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2023

Incident date: Apr 7, 2021

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that a manufacturer defect had caused moisture to seep into the trunk compartment. As a result, water had leaking into the battery compartment which had caused the vehicle to shut off while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the defect was confirmed, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacture... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2021

Incident date: Feb 2, 2023

The automatic braking system engaged four times randomly on 4/4 and 4/5/23 while driving on us hwy 70 in Nashville TN. There were no obstructions nearby when this occurred. Two of the incidents occurred while traveling approximately 45 to 50 mph almost resulting in a rear end collision from the driver behind. The other two incidents occurred at slower speeds making the vehicle almost impossible ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 18, 2023

On 3/11/23, around noon time, I drove on I-280 N bound, just past Edgewood Road. It was nice weather, no wind, nothing extra loaded in the car, smooth clean road surface. All of a sudden I saw black pieces flying at my left side of the car through the window, I heard some noise and the car started unbalanced. I pulled the car slowly to the shoulder ... It was a left rear tire blowout! This car wa... Read more

Incident date: Oct 21, 2021

I previously reported this issue to NHTSA and was given the case number [XXX]. Here is my recent letter to Honda. RE: Case #[XXX] (I was informed that this case was closed) Although I did not agree that the adaptive cruise control issue was resolved, Honda closed the referenced case. I am writing to confirm that the issue is not resolved. I rarely drive the Insight but did so yesterday on a two... Read more

Incident date: Oct 21, 2021

The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a right turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact placed the vehicle in park(P) and attempted to restart the vehicle. The vehicle failed to sta... Read more

Incident date: Mar 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C43. The contact stated that after the dealer performed an unknown recall repair and Honda of Newnan (391 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan, GA 30265) replaced the ball joints and axles, the contact noticed that the roof panel had detached, causing the front panel to loosen, and the driver's side air bag was visible. Additionally, the front driver's side seat... Read more

Incident date: Mar 6, 2023

Transmission failed while driving at speed up a hill in traffic. Car lost all forward momentum. Car had 116,000 miles on odometer. Car was regularly serviced at Ford dealerships. Problem was reported to Ford. Ford dealer was unable to repair car in a timely manner. They said approximately 1 month at a cost of $6900.00. They refused to offer assistance saying car had a “good life”. Car was ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2023

The car was driving fine, and an error popped up indicating to pull over and check battery. As I am going to pull over a red flashing indicator pops up saying “pull over and check battery”. As I start to pull over the car speed drops to 25 miles per hour and fully dies as I make it to the side of the road.

Incident date: Feb 11, 2023

When stopped at a stoplight in traffic, the auto stop/start feature failed to restart the engine after removing my foot from the brake to the gas. All lights on the dashboard were lit and there was an orange message on the dashboard saying I needed to push the brake to restart the engine. However, I needed to put my car in park, fully turn off the engine and then it took several attempts to restar... Read more

Incident date: Mar 8, 2023

On October 6, 2021 I took my vehicle to Mercedes Benz of Stevens Creek because ewhen I filled my gas tank there was a very strong smell of gasoline inside the car and in the garage. The service department found the passenger side fuel sender upper cover leaking. The same situation is occuring presently, April 5, 2023, very strong smell of gasoline inside the car and garage after I fill the car w... Read more

Incident date: Mar 8, 2023

Car is properly maintained and serviced. We were driving on Highway and I heard a rattle. I turned down the radio then the speedometer changed from 65MPH to 0. The car was just rolling and lost all power. Then, for the first time ever, the check engine and battery light came on. Lots of smoke from the back and from under hood. They said it threw a rod through the back of the engine, and all the oi... Read more

Incident date: Mar 29, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went down to the floorboard, increasing the stopping distance. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence despite the failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the four-way brake connector was... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

Was driving and made a stop at the stop sign. Vehicle stalled, got a message that the engine had shut off. Would not restart in the middle of an intersection. Engine would not turn over after stall.. Dealer was unable to replicate issue but said that the computer had thrown codes.

Incident date: Apr 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop to 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and jolted while shifting into gear. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle revved. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 31, 2023

Power Steering Loss while driving. Based on what I've read, many 2015/2016 Colorado's have been recalled for this issue. It appears many more people have the same issue but their VIN# was not part of the recall, like mine. This has happened to me on multiple occasions, and often while traveling at high speeds on the highway. It is very dangerous as it is nearly impossible to turn the wheel when... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2023

Windshield spotaneous cracking: Going to work in the morning, absolutely nothing wrong 8:05-8:15am .parked car in parking lot. industrial warehouse. No people traffic, clear weather 30-45 degrees. Then as soon as i get in the car for my break. 11:15-11:30. I notice a very long crack that appears to originate UNDERNEATH the plastic window trim at the base of the windshield. Multiple pictures an... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

While attempting to fuel the vehicle, thinking the hood latch was the fuel door release, the hood latch was pulled (twice). After completing fueling we re-entered the roadway and at about 45 mph, the hood flew up and backwards over the windscreen. We were able to stop the vehicle and close the hood without further incident although there is damage to body panels and the windscreen. Although an op... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

After driving for a short time, the engine stalls while driving. We have taken the car to 4 different mechanics, including the Hyundai dealer and the issue has not been fixed. The car stalls every time it is driven.

Incident date: Mar 1, 2023

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

Electrical malfunction illuminated on the dash than brake malfunction illuminated than the vehicle lost all power no power to windows locks but I was able to roll off an exit and waited for a tow truck to tow to nearest dealer

Incident date: Apr 4, 2023

Brakes are failing even after they have been serviced. Unsafe car to drive

Incident date: Feb 23, 2023

My vehicle was purchased from Shottenkirk Ford new in 2016. They perform my maintenance regularly. Recently, I experienced a leak and took it in; I had it towed to them. Shottenkirk wanted $1200 because they stated that the water pump needed to be replaced. After replacing the water pump, the leak was worse. Shottenkirk wanted $1200 to replace parts they said needed replacing in the transmission c... Read more

Incident date: Jul 9, 2021

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling sound coming from under the hood. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that the bolts were missing from the exhaust VANOS camshaft unit side and the other bolts had backed out on the intake side and needed to be replaced. ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 8, 2022

Front Driver Side Seat Belt does not retract to original position when seat belt unlatched. Also seat belt does not lock into restraint position when brakes are applied and remains loose even when brakes applied heavily during emergency/urgent braking. Dealer said it is not a safety issue, it is a wear issue and owner would have to pay for full replacement.

Incident date: Mar 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a seat replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the repairs were not covered under warranty. The... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2021

Hello I am reaching out to complain about Courtesy Chevrolet - San Diego. I’ve been trying to get my car serviced in order to fIx the recalls. Unfortunately I have not been successful. I called the dealer to make an appointment but the dealer told me that the car has been discontinued and they can’t find the parts. The suggested to call somewhere else.

Incident date: Dec 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated while towing a trailer full of horses, the traction control and the ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the turbo and the ECU to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The contact took the vehi... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. After replacing the engine, the vehicle started experiencing several engine failures. The transmission also slipped while in 6th gear. Additionally... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

Minimal impact caused immediate massive cracking across majority of front windshield. Spoke with others who own the same vehicle have had similar issues with fragile windshield glass

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

Hard braking suddenly activated without driver input, smoke coming from front wheels. YAW SENSOR malfunction indicated by OBD scanner (checked after incident)

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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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