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
JETTA
(2014) - ENGINE
Dec 19, 2022
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
First owner, brought brand new, serviced the car every 5k, current 61000 mileage, no prior repair or accident. Nov 16, 2022 Jetta’s engine light went on suddenly, next day engine light off, then it went on and off for a couple of days. Drove to the dealership Nov 21, was refused to check as they're too busy; drove to AutoZone Nov 22, did a diagnostic check, trouble code P0131 (power train system... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2014) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 19, 2022
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
First owner, brought brand new, serviced the car every 5k, current 61000 mileage, no prior repair or accident. Nov 16, 2022 Jetta’s engine light went on suddenly, next day engine light off, then it went on and off for a couple of days. Drove to the dealership Nov 21, was refused to check as they're too busy; drove to AutoZone Nov 22, did a diagnostic check, trouble code P0131 (power train system... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Hello, Recently error codes P309D and 01314-013 were detected via a code reader. Translation of codes indicate Powertrain System and/or ABS ECM. The vehicle will lose power upon downshifting which requires the engine turned off and back on. Once the car reaches normal operating temperature, the issue does not occur. In addition, the Hybrid System is not available. The monitor indicates the b... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2014) - ENGINE
Dec 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Hello, Recently error codes P309D and 01314-013 were detected via a code reader. Translation of codes indicate Powertrain System and/or ABS ECM. The vehicle will lose power upon downshifting which requires the engine turned off and back on. Once the car reaches normal operating temperature, the issue does not occur. In addition, the Hybrid System is not available. The monitor indicates the b... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2014) - POWER TRAIN
Dec 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
Hello, Recently error codes P309D and 01314-013 were detected via a code reader. Translation of codes indicate Powertrain System and/or ABS ECM. The vehicle will lose power upon downshifting which requires the engine turned off and back on. Once the car reaches normal operating temperature, the issue does not occur. In addition, the Hybrid System is not available. The monitor indicates the b... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2021) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Dec 18, 2022
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
I have been having issues with the EVAP system in my 2021 VW Jetta. It has been in the shop at least 7 times since around 12K miles for the same issue. They have replaced all parts and upgraded the software several times and it is still an issue. My check engine light comes on and off all the time. It is just over a year old with almost 50K miles and they say that they are waiting on an update... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - ENGINE
Dec 16, 2022
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
Vehicle caught fire while putting car in reverse. Car exploded from engine, no check engine light. I could have died, the fire almost burned down a building. The fire department was called and the front of the car was melted. My arm was injured and I had to get a new cast for my broken wrist. Car was towed by city officials as a hazard.
Fire
1 injured
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 16, 2022
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The shift knob slid right off the top while shifting into 2nd gear. I had to push it back on to shift into third gear while driving in traffic. I could have lost control of the vehicle if I had not acted quicky.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF SPORTWAGEN
(2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 16, 2022
Incident date: Aug 27, 2019
HORN. It takes great effort to sound the horn on this model VW. I am the original owner, and took it to two (2) VW dealers and they said that it works properly, but then again, they pressed very hard to make it work, and not how a normal driver would use it. For me and other drivers however, normal pressure on the horn will not sound it. I have driven many cars over the years (I am 63 and sta... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - WHEELS
Dec 16, 2022
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
The new 2021 ID4 purchased in August 2021 only had 17783 miles on the four original OEM tires when the problem occurred. While driving at a low rate of speed around 15 MPH from a stop light the left rear tire exploded. The driver safely got the vehicle to the side of the road. The car was towed to the VW dealership in Delray Beach, Florida. The dealer says that all four tires needed replacement at... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ARTEON
(2022) - WHEELS
Dec 16, 2022
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
This vehicle is fitted with low profile tires and alloy wheels that do not adequately respond to common road hazards such as potholes. At the time of purchase, I was informed by the dealership that other customers had experienced issues with flat tires and was urged to purchase additional tire and wheel protection coverage. I did purchase this coverage. I have owned the vehicle for less than two... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2012) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 15, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The locking system is hit and miss at this time. The automatic locks do not lock all the doors. Sometimes the trunk will not open, either using the fob, or the trunk release. The windows don't always work either. Child lock doors can be unlocked. I am planning on taking it in for service, however, VW charges $165 just to do a diagnostic check and cannot give me a range of what it could cost to... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 14, 2022
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
Vehicle exhibits multiple electrical and systems faults related to the airbags, TMPS, ABS, etc, as similarly described in 07/26/2019 Volkswagen Technical Tip 97-1902TT. Vehicle interior and sunroof tray is wet in various places. These issues raise concerns as they relate to safety and drivability. Upon inspection, the plastic sunroof tray is apparently cracked in multiple places as described in... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2016) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 14, 2022
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
Vehicle exhibits multiple electrical and systems faults related to the airbags, TMPS, ABS, etc, as similarly described in 07/26/2019 Volkswagen Technical Tip 97-1902TT. Vehicle interior and sunroof tray is wet in various places. These issues raise concerns as they relate to safety and drivability. Upon inspection, the plastic sunroof tray is apparently cracked in multiple places as described in... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2016) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 14, 2022
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
Vehicle exhibits multiple electrical and systems faults related to the airbags, TMPS, ABS, etc, as similarly described in 07/26/2019 Volkswagen Technical Tip 97-1902TT. Vehicle interior and sunroof tray is wet in various places. These issues raise concerns as they relate to safety and drivability. Upon inspection, the plastic sunroof tray is apparently cracked in multiple places as described in... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2010) - STEERING
Dec 13, 2022
Incident date: Dec 11, 2022
"Key gets stuck in ignition and I cannot turn off the engine."
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: DYNAMIC BRAKE SUPPORT/BRAKE ASSIST
Dec 13, 2022
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 17 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently made a sudden stop. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance brake assist, the cruise control symbol, and stability control system waring lights illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to proper... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2022) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 13, 2022
Incident date: Oct 22, 2022
I leased the vehicle on 2/2022, months later I started having braking problems. The dealer stated the brakes squeals only in the morning, but the brakes squeals throughout the day while I am driving. A water leaked was fixed, however, the carpet remains in the car and on back order, also the smell effects my pregnant wife. If we were told brakes would be squealing we wouldn't have purchased the ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 13, 2022
Incident date: Oct 22, 2022
I leased the vehicle on 2/2022, months later I started having braking problems. The dealer stated the brakes squeals only in the morning, but the brakes squeals throughout the day while I am driving. A water leaked was fixed, however, the carpet remains in the car and on back order, also the smell effects my pregnant wife. If we were told brakes would be squealing we wouldn't have purchased the ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2022) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Dec 13, 2022
Incident date: Oct 22, 2022
I leased the vehicle on 2/2022, months later I started having braking problems. The dealer stated the brakes squeals only in the morning, but the brakes squeals throughout the day while I am driving. A water leaked was fixed, however, the carpet remains in the car and on back order, also the smell effects my pregnant wife. If we were told brakes would be squealing we wouldn't have purchased the ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 12, 2022
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
Car hesitating and sounding as if it would shut down while lunging while idle. While braking downhill, car shakes violently, when either braking or coasting to a stop car begins lunging back and forth, while stopped or parked, car shakes back and forth from engine area. Fuel pump replaced, spark plugs and coils replaced. Did not fix the issues. Within 600 miles same issues started to come back. Ch... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Dec 12, 2022
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
As I was merging onto a highway, the shift lever popped up and disconnected from the linkage as I was changing gears. This left me temporarily unable to accelerate on the on-ramp with vehicle traffic around me. I was able to push back down on the lever and reinstate shifting capabilities but the connection was still loose to the touch and could be pulled up again when I came to a rest after I fini... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2019) - ENGINE
Dec 12, 2022
Incident date: Oct 4, 2019
My problem does not involve a crash but involves frequent DELAYED ACCELERATION in warm and cold weather, due to Drive-by-Wire technology or software. My VW service department does not acknowledge the problem and considers this delayed acceleration as turbo lag! Really, turbo lag at idle and no forward movement! Example sitting in parking lot at idle, auto trans in D drive. I stopped to let out... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2014) - ENGINE
Dec 12, 2022
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
Timing chain “extended” during driving resulting in the car to start to shudder and shake violently during movement. Had to force the vehicle off the side of the road. Car is 66k miles, timing chain is rated at 120k+. Engine block is now totaled. Dealership will not pursue any actions and has charged 7K to fix. Car is only worth 8/9k. VW was contacted and they said there was no action they c... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2014) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 12, 2022
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
I moved my car from the front of my home to the back and when I tried to shut off, the key broke off in the on position. I had to get pliers to remove the key. I had another key, so I didn't think much about it then. Then a few months later it happened again. They key was stuck in the on position and would not shut off. The key did not break off, so I had to let the car run. I had to get my ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2012) - AIR BAGS
Dec 12, 2022
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
My airbag light is on. Had a test done and it also indicated airbag problem. My car was supposedly repaired of this defect some time ago, but here we are. Also when entering my VIN for any recall; it lists defective light. Previous work done by Audi/VW of Jackson, Ms. On 12/9/22 the airbag indicator light and service light is on.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2012) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 12, 2022
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
My airbag light is on. Had a test done and it also indicated airbag problem. My car was supposedly repaired of this defect some time ago, but here we are. Also when entering my VIN for any recall; it lists defective light. Previous work done by Audi/VW of Jackson, Ms. On 12/9/22 the airbag indicator light and service light is on.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Dec 11, 2022
Incident date: Dec 3, 2022
Vehicle would not shift, OBD2 code P037B "stuck in gear 6." Vehicle towed to a auto mechanic that said they spoke with VW dealer and confirmed it was a crack in the transmission and was undriveable. I have contacted VW who have said there are recalls for many transmissions of this Jetta but not for my VIN. I have also had issues with the clock spring (replaced) and an air bag sensor (malfunction l... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2013) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 11, 2022
Incident date: Dec 3, 2022
Vehicle would not shift, OBD2 code P037B "stuck in gear 6." Vehicle towed to a auto mechanic that said they spoke with VW dealer and confirmed it was a crack in the transmission and was undriveable. I have contacted VW who have said there are recalls for many transmissions of this Jetta but not for my VIN. I have also had issues with the clock spring (replaced) and an air bag sensor (malfunction l... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2013) - POWER TRAIN
Dec 11, 2022
Incident date: Dec 3, 2022
Vehicle would not shift, OBD2 code P037B "stuck in gear 6." Vehicle towed to a auto mechanic that said they spoke with VW dealer and confirmed it was a crack in the transmission and was undriveable. I have contacted VW who have said there are recalls for many transmissions of this Jetta but not for my VIN. I have also had issues with the clock spring (replaced) and an air bag sensor (malfunction l... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2011) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 10, 2022
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
Lights coming on by themselves while in park position and draining the battery. Replaced battery 3 times in the last 7 months.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2011) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Dec 10, 2022
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
Lights coming on by themselves while in park position and draining the battery. Replaced battery 3 times in the last 7 months.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - SEAT BELTS
Dec 10, 2022
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
Vehicle @ Danbury VW for repairs; per service advisor rear passenger seat belt was ripped/damaged; this seat belt is used on my child’s car seat and has not been involved in any incidents that would cause damage. The contact stated that the damage to the seatbelt in the second passenger seat row was repaired by the dealer. It was brought to their attention that the child car seat used in second... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Dec 10, 2022
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Atlas displays the same problems that others have also complained about. The vehicle will abruptly stop and engage the parking brake and set off all kinds of warning sensors. The driver's side door harness is the alleged problem and yet they have no fix. My VIN number is not associated with the recall but my Atlas displays the same problems as the recalled ones.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Dec 10, 2022
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Atlas displays the same problems that others have also complained about. The vehicle will abruptly stop and engage the parking brake and set off all kinds of warning sensors. The driver's side door harness is the alleged problem and yet they have no fix. My VIN number is not associated with the recall but my Atlas displays the same problems as the recalled ones.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Dec 10, 2022
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Atlas displays the same problems that others have also complained about. The vehicle will abruptly stop and engage the parking brake and set off all kinds of warning sensors. The driver's side door harness is the alleged problem and yet they have no fix. My VIN number is not associated with the recall but my Atlas displays the same problems as the recalled ones.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF ALLTRACK
(2017) - SUSPENSION
Dec 10, 2022
Incident date: Nov 28, 2022
Car developed a knocking sound from the front-left which occurred during any movement of the suspension, i.e. from all minor perturbations of the road surface rather than major dynamic actions such as breaking or steering. The dealer diagnosed worn out sway bar bushings. They replaced these (and potentially other suspension components - work details from the invoice can be provided upon request) b... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 9, 2022
Incident date: Oct 11, 2022
Unknown. I took my car in for recall repairs and they repaired all but the one listed on this site which seems kind of important
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2017) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 8, 2022
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
This is related to VW recal 37M2. My VIN is not in the recall list, but it has the exact same issue with the shifter assembly. The car does not recognize when the transmission is placed in Park. Unable to lock doors
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2017) - POWER TRAIN
Dec 8, 2022
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
This is related to VW recal 37M2. My VIN is not in the recall list, but it has the exact same issue with the shifter assembly. The car does not recognize when the transmission is placed in Park. Unable to lock doors
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2008) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Dec 8, 2022
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed during the daytime, the speedometer failed to illuminate adequately, causing her to be unable to see the speed she was driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2012) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 8, 2022
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
Unable to remove the key from the ignition to turn the car off, constantly getting stuck with the engine on other times hard to turn to get the car started. I see multiple recalls for this for some reason my car is not amongst them. 3VWDP7AJ1CM302229
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2014) - ENGINE
Dec 8, 2022
Incident date: Jun 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that he was unable to immediately restart the vehicle. The contact stated that after an hour the vehicle restarted. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had become recurring. The vehicle was towed back to the residence ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2014) - AIR BAGS
Dec 8, 2022
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
Airbag light came on. At the same time we lost all of our steering wheel controls as well as our horn. Some vehicles are covered by a recall but supposedly this yr and model isn't covered for some reason
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2014) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 8, 2022
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
Airbag light came on. At the same time we lost all of our steering wheel controls as well as our horn. Some vehicles are covered by a recall but supposedly this yr and model isn't covered for some reason
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2014) - STEERING
Dec 8, 2022
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
Airbag light came on. At the same time we lost all of our steering wheel controls as well as our horn. Some vehicles are covered by a recall but supposedly this yr and model isn't covered for some reason
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2018) - POWER TRAIN
Dec 7, 2022
Incident date: Dec 6, 2022
I was travelling on highway, 55 miles speed , all of sudden voice came from engine and car lost power and came to 10 miles and accelerator was not working it gave me message on dash bord that RPM High. i moved the car towards edge of the road and shut it. after 5 minutes i started again and went to work. However its gave me same problem while i was coming home .my car has only 20000. miles and ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2018) - ENGINE
Dec 7, 2022
Incident date: Dec 6, 2022
I was travelling on highway, 55 miles speed , all of sudden voice came from engine and car lost power and came to 10 miles and accelerator was not working it gave me message on dash bord that RPM High. i moved the car towards edge of the road and shut it. after 5 minutes i started again and went to work. However its gave me same problem while i was coming home .my car has only 20000. miles and ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2018) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 7, 2022
Incident date: Dec 6, 2022
I was travelling on highway, 55 miles speed , all of sudden voice came from engine and car lost power and came to 10 miles and accelerator was not working it gave me message on dash bord that RPM High. i moved the car towards edge of the road and shut it. after 5 minutes i started again and went to work. However its gave me same problem while i was coming home .my car has only 20000. miles and ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - VISIBILITY/WIPER
Dec 7, 2022
Incident date: Dec 7, 2020
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the windshield wipers independently activated without any waring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer stated that no failure was found; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 20,000.