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
ATLAS
(2021) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
We have an open case with Volkswagen, but the remedy part is on back order, in the meantime we have to use this unsafe car. The dealership where car was purchased from is not providing a loaner/rental despite being told by our Volkswagen care team specialist that he is obligated to. The car emergency brake comes on at every stop(I’m shook at every stop, knots in my stomach every single stop I ma... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2021) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
We have an open case with Volkswagen, but the remedy part is on back order, in the meantime we have to use this unsafe car. The dealership where car was purchased from is not providing a loaner/rental despite being told by our Volkswagen care team specialist that he is obligated to. The car emergency brake comes on at every stop(I’m shook at every stop, knots in my stomach every single stop I ma... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2021) - AIR BAGS
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Atlas Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V152000(Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not expe... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2014) - AIR BAGS
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Jul 21, 2021
Beginning in June 2021 and thereafter, my husband and I received notifications from Volkswagen of America of a life-threatening urgent airbag safety recall for our 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible - our only vehicle. The recall is referenced on your websiteManufacturer Recall Number 69BC; NHTSA Recall Number 20V785. In response to the notifications, we have spent the past nearly 16 months seeki... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2015) - AIR BAGS
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
I purchased this car from what I believed was a private individual for my 15 year old daughter as her first car. This individual knew the purpose of this sale and was accutely aware that a new driver would be the primary driver. Before allowing her to drive this car, I had a detailed safety and condition inspection completed by a local import repair specialist. They found that there had been a dep... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2015) - SEAT BELTS
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
I purchased this car from what I believed was a private individual for my 15 year old daughter as her first car. This individual knew the purpose of this sale and was accutely aware that a new driver would be the primary driver. Before allowing her to drive this car, I had a detailed safety and condition inspection completed by a local import repair specialist. They found that there had been a dep... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2015) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 18, 2022
Incident date: Nov 9, 2022
I purchased this car from what I believed was a private individual for my 15 year old daughter as her first car. This individual knew the purpose of this sale and was accutely aware that a new driver would be the primary driver. Before allowing her to drive this car, I had a detailed safety and condition inspection completed by a local import repair specialist. They found that there had been a dep... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
EOS
(2016) - POWER TRAIN
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
On 2 separate occasions, I lost transmission service to my 2016 VW EOS. 65K miles. While driving, my RPM increased dramatically, and it felt like the car went into neutral and wouldn't accelerate. I came to a slow, uncontrolled stop on the side of the road. The EPC code, check engine light and the gear indicator warning lights were flashing. It was very scary to not have any control of the car. V... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
EOS
(2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
On 2 separate occasions, I lost transmission service to my 2016 VW EOS. 65K miles. While driving, my RPM increased dramatically, and it felt like the car went into neutral and wouldn't accelerate. I came to a slow, uncontrolled stop on the side of the road. The EPC code, check engine light and the gear indicator warning lights were flashing. It was very scary to not have any control of the car. V... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2021) - LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 3, 2022
The vehicle lane assistance feature for my 2021 Volkswagen Passat nearly caused me to collide with another vehicle on two separate occasions. While driving home on my regular route, there are many cross streets where intersecting traffic may cross in order to facilitate a left turn. On one such occasion a vehicle pulling a utility trailer crossed in front of me but did not proceed through entirely... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2018) - ENGINE
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
Engine failure at 72,614 miles. Volkswagen refusing to assist.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
Manual shift knob is starting to crack. Vehicle is just under 4,000 miles.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
I purchased a VW 2022 Tiguan I reported the acceleration issue to the sales person at Norm Reeves VW Englewood fl. and I was told the acceleration issue would work it self out because of low fuel and air was in the fuel line. I brought the car in for a service check with under 350 mile on the vehicle. I was told the issue can't be duplicated. and nothing was wrong with the car. The second servic... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - ENGINE
Nov 17, 2022
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
I purchased a VW 2022 Tiguan I reported the acceleration issue to the sales person at Norm Reeves VW Englewood fl. and I was told the acceleration issue would work it self out because of low fuel and air was in the fuel line. I brought the car in for a service check with under 350 mile on the vehicle. I was told the issue can't be duplicated. and nothing was wrong with the car. The second servic... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2023) - ENGINE
Nov 16, 2022
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
This car should be under an active recall for 2022/2023 Volkswagen GTI/R due to insecurely installed radiator. But it's not listed somehow. The radiator was loose and caused rupture in coolant hose, and loss of coolant.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF SPORTWAGEN
(2016) - POWER TRAIN
Nov 16, 2022
Incident date: Aug 19, 2022
In late summer (August 2022) I started seeing a warning but it would disappear so fast. Now it's popping up more: Yellow triangle appears. Engine is giving code# B116229 - "Selector lever park position lock switch Implausible signal" (mileage 104814 km). I originally received a recall notice like this and brought the car into the dealer. He said there was a VIN "Mix up" - something about the l... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2017) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 15, 2022
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
My car started sputtering randomly while I was driving and loosing power. Then when I tried to gas up my car, the car wouldn’t accept the gas. When I got home, gas started overflowing out of the tank all into my garage. It also soaked the whole wheel well with gas. There was no check engine line that came on. There is a current recall for this same issue which VW said is a suction pump problem o... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2017) - ENGINE
Nov 15, 2022
Incident date: Jul 28, 2022
My car started sputtering randomly while I was driving and loosing power. Then when I tried to gas up my car, the car wouldn’t accept the gas. When I got home, gas started overflowing out of the tank all into my garage. It also soaked the whole wheel well with gas. There was no check engine line that came on. There is a current recall for this same issue which VW said is a suction pump problem o... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2016) - AIR BAGS
Nov 15, 2022
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
The clock spring part of the steering wheel has failed rendering all steering wheel controls and most importantly the air bag inoperable. This is a major safety hazard for the driver and ultimately passengers as well. This part has been a well known problem with this vehicle and has been covered under an extended warranty, yet Volkswagen refuses to make the part readily available to their custome... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2016) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 15, 2022
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
The clock spring part of the steering wheel has failed rendering all steering wheel controls and most importantly the air bag inoperable. This is a major safety hazard for the driver and ultimately passengers as well. This part has been a well known problem with this vehicle and has been covered under an extended warranty, yet Volkswagen refuses to make the part readily available to their custome... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2015) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 14, 2022
Incident date: Nov 4, 2022
Car cut off twice while driving and could not be restarted for 14 - 25 minutes. This happened while driving. I took it to both an independent mechanic and a vw dealer, bit they were unable to diagnose the issue. Also, after being driven, intermittently the car will not start for 15 - 25 min. Other drivers are also having this issue. See: https://www.volkswagenownersclub.com/threads/intermittent-s... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2011) - ENGINE
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
This engine or transmission is acting odd it boggs down for no reason and I know for a fact there should be a recall from the wiring harness back in 2011. I accidentally clicked it was fixed when I pushed the wrong button and it wouldnt let me undue it. Stalls white smoke out the tail pipes in gusts. Foul smell in vents
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2011) - POWER TRAIN
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
This engine or transmission is acting odd it boggs down for no reason and I know for a fact there should be a recall from the wiring harness back in 2011. I accidentally clicked it was fixed when I pushed the wrong button and it wouldnt let me undue it. Stalls white smoke out the tail pipes in gusts. Foul smell in vents
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2011) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Dec 20, 2021
This engine or transmission is acting odd it boggs down for no reason and I know for a fact there should be a recall from the wiring harness back in 2011. I accidentally clicked it was fixed when I pushed the wrong button and it wouldnt let me undue it. Stalls white smoke out the tail pipes in gusts. Foul smell in vents
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2015) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
Suction pump recall was completed by Karmart the dealership I purchased the vehicle from. Suction pump continues to be an issue with fuel purging or leaking. This has been an ongoing issue for the past 5 months. Most recently a few days ago.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2022) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Manual gear shift knob. It has a crack that will potentially loosen and fall off How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? No safety issue yet but at risk of falling off. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? no Has the vehicle or comp... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF ALLTRACK
(2017) - ENGINE
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
Design flaw on thermostat housing leaks causing coolant loss. Common issue that is expensive to repair and should be recalled.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2012) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The front headlight does not work on one side but the high beam and running lights still work on both sides. Might be an issue with the ballast or electrical system. A few days later my car would not start in the morning. The engine would crank but never start. There were no warning lights or signs of anything not working correctly. Seems like it might be because of the timing system either the be... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2019) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
While driving at night the cars IP displayed a warning "ignition system shutdown please check your start system", the Instrument panel and information display then went dark with no symbiology speed, revs or turn signals. The head lights and tail lights shut off and cabin fan and side windows stopped working. The engine continued to run so I was able to safely exit the highway but was a stressful ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2019) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 13, 2022
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
While driving at night the cars IP displayed a warning "ignition system shutdown please check your start system", the Instrument panel and information display then went dark with no symbiology speed, revs or turn signals. The head lights and tail lights shut off and cabin fan and side windows stopped working. The engine continued to run so I was able to safely exit the highway but was a stressful ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF SPORTWAGEN
(2015) - ENGINE
Nov 12, 2022
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
A defect that meets the definition of a nonconformity in Washington State, and that is covered under warranty, caused the vehicle to stall while driving and caused the vehicle to not accelerate when the accelerator was pressed. My safety was put at risk when this happened on a 50 mph road because vehicles behind me expected my vehicle in front of them to accelerate in a predictable way with the... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF SPORTWAGEN
(2015) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 12, 2022
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
A defect that meets the definition of a nonconformity in Washington State, and that is covered under warranty, caused the vehicle to stall while driving and caused the vehicle to not accelerate when the accelerator was pressed. My safety was put at risk when this happened on a 50 mph road because vehicles behind me expected my vehicle in front of them to accelerate in a predictable way with the... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF SPORTWAGEN
(2015) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 12, 2022
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
A defect that meets the definition of a nonconformity in Washington State, and that is covered under warranty, caused the vehicle to stall while driving and caused the vehicle to not accelerate when the accelerator was pressed. My safety was put at risk when this happened on a 50 mph road because vehicles behind me expected my vehicle in front of them to accelerate in a predictable way with the... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2013) - AIR BAGS
Nov 11, 2022
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
VW has a back order of over 7,000 clock springs with no time table for delivery. No relief provided by VW. Drive vehicle at your own risk.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Nov 11, 2022
Incident date: May 1, 2021
1) Brakes grinding and squealing 2) Known defects in the 2021 brakes could reduce potential stopping distance for affected vehicles. 3) Dealer replaced brakes at 10,000 miles with exact same part and now we are currently experience the same problems at 23,000 but now dealer says there are unable to replace because the issue will remain due to there not being a fixed replacement. Dealer also rec... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2005) - SUSPENSION
Nov 11, 2022
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
The transmissions are bad on these cars and when it's shifting gears it jerks and almost takes you off the road. I've had my car completely stop as I was driving and almost cause a wreck hurting myself in the process of not trying to kill someone walking because these cars are KNOWN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM THERE WAS AN ENTIRE LAWSUIT AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. Please help if there ... Read more
1 injured
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2005) - ENGINE
Nov 11, 2022
Incident date: Aug 10, 2022
The transmissions are bad on these cars and when it's shifting gears it jerks and almost takes you off the road. I've had my car completely stop as I was driving and almost cause a wreck hurting myself in the process of not trying to kill someone walking because these cars are KNOWN TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM THERE WAS AN ENTIRE LAWSUIT AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. Please help if there ... Read more
1 injured
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2014) - AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Nov 10, 2022
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and depressing on the horn, the horn failed to make a sound. The contact stated that the air bag, ABS, and Electronic Steering Control (ESC) warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle w... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2022) - ENGINE
Nov 10, 2022
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
Engine randomly stops while vehicle is in motion. Even with the auto stop/start disengaged, engine will turn off while in motion and have to restart engine manually by shifting to park and turning the ignition on.
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - ENGINE
Nov 10, 2022
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
While attempting to accelerate from a stop, my Taos began to shake, the check engine light began flashing, and the car felt as if it were going to stall. I pulled over, turned the car off, turned it back on, and the car was drivable. This occurred around 5,000 miles. The dealer confirmed multiple misfires and a high pressure oil leak. The parts were replaced. My taos has a terrible lag when a... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 10, 2022
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
While attempting to accelerate from a stop, my Taos began to shake, the check engine light began flashing, and the car felt as if it were going to stall. I pulled over, turned the car off, turned it back on, and the car was drivable. This occurred around 5,000 miles. The dealer confirmed multiple misfires and a high pressure oil leak. The parts were replaced. My taos has a terrible lag when a... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 10, 2022
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
While attempting to accelerate from a stop, my Taos began to shake, the check engine light began flashing, and the car felt as if it were going to stall. I pulled over, turned the car off, turned it back on, and the car was drivable. This occurred around 5,000 miles. The dealer confirmed multiple misfires and a high pressure oil leak. The parts were replaced. My taos has a terrible lag when a... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 9, 2022
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Dealer replaced infotainment unit but it continues to blank out, freeze and or restart. Very unsafe as you have to take eyes off road to force a restart, also if front windshield is foggy if infotainment system froze or restarting you are now driving with a fogged up windshield which you can’t see out off. Infotainment buttons do not work properly as they do not react to touch again take eyes o... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) - SERVICE BRAKES
Nov 9, 2022
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Dealer replaced infotainment unit but it continues to blank out, freeze and or restart. Very unsafe as you have to take eyes off road to force a restart, also if front windshield is foggy if infotainment system froze or restarting you are now driving with a fogged up windshield which you can’t see out off. Infotainment buttons do not work properly as they do not react to touch again take eyes o... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - ENGINE
Nov 8, 2022
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
I purchased my VW TAOS on Nov 26, 2021, and since then I have experienced faulty issues 4 times. 2022 Jul twice, Sep once, and Nov once. When merged to the main road the car refuses to accelerate and gives strange sounds in transmission/engine area. The first 2 times I had the issue with loss of power and significant lag in acceleration I could see the "start/stop error" message in the dashboard, ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 8, 2022
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
I purchased my VW TAOS on Nov 26, 2021, and since then I have experienced faulty issues 4 times. 2022 Jul twice, Sep once, and Nov once. When merged to the main road the car refuses to accelerate and gives strange sounds in transmission/engine area. The first 2 times I had the issue with loss of power and significant lag in acceleration I could see the "start/stop error" message in the dashboard, ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TAOS
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 8, 2022
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
I purchased my VW TAOS on Nov 26, 2021, and since then I have experienced faulty issues 4 times. 2022 Jul twice, Sep once, and Nov once. When merged to the main road the car refuses to accelerate and gives strange sounds in transmission/engine area. The first 2 times I had the issue with loss of power and significant lag in acceleration I could see the "start/stop error" message in the dashboard, ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2013) - ENGINE
Nov 8, 2022
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
I have a diesel leak which Volkswagen did not repair (after I towed it there and told them about it in writing) and is not causing a light in the dash however, when plugging in an ODBEleven, several codes are generated and one is related to a low fuel pressure sensor. I also watched the fuel line dripping. VW claims that it is unreasonable to ask them to pay what I already paid to have the car fix... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2013) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 8, 2022
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
I have a diesel leak which Volkswagen did not repair (after I towed it there and told them about it in writing) and is not causing a light in the dash however, when plugging in an ODBEleven, several codes are generated and one is related to a low fuel pressure sensor. I also watched the fuel line dripping. VW claims that it is unreasonable to ask them to pay what I already paid to have the car fix... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 6, 2022
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
Manual shifter knob has popped off while driving a number of times with virtually no effort (I'm not a hard shifter at all) and primarily when at speed and other dangerous times. Seems to be a poorly crafted plastic clip that is being reported by numerous manual transmission owners.