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: Mar 22, 2026

The recall was issued in 2024...there is still no remedy for it. I cannot use the vehicle to drive long distance and am very upset that Nissan continues to ignore consumers and not own up to the problem with the battery and fast charging.

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

The 2018 Lincoln MKX Third Brake Light lens cracked off in 3 pieces while going through the automatic car wash dryer on the evening of Friday March 20, 2026. This appears to be an Engineering design issue.

Incident date: Mar 10, 2026

Component: Parking Assist / Driver Assistance Sensors / Object Detection Incident Description: While operating my Buick Encore GX, I executed a controlled, low-speed right turn and struck a stationary structural column within the vehicle’s path. The column was a fixed, solid object located in close proximity to the vehicle—precisely within the range the vehicle’s parking assist and object ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 20, 2025

Im hearing ticking sounds when starting the engine and I reported it to my dealership service department and thay said thay don't see any issue

Incident date: Feb 3, 2025

03/15/26 Tried to start the car but it did not start. The display said Low Brake Power. This happened to brand new car. Called the Lexus 24/7 assistance, they jump start the car. Similar incident happened once again on 03/22/26. Called assistance they jump start the car again. The concern here is that it is happening to brand new car ran for only 2000-2400 miles. As the battery dies it becomes le... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

The base failed - the mechanism holding the seat into the base is .5 inch plastic spinner latches and if they fail and don’t deploy fully (which the green check mark shows), then it would be so unsafe and not connected to the car at all. This is what’s happening with my son’s car seat. It doesn’t indicate green and I have to jiggle the entire thing to get it to be green instead of red. Som... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

When driving, I attempted to adjust the sun visor and the part of the visor that goes into the roof broke causing the visor to fall into my field of vision. The visor then wouldn’t stay put in either direction and just continued to hang down in the field of vision of the driver.

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

6-month-old truck, a seat belt anchor (the connector + bolt) came loose under normal use. That component is part of the vehicle’s restraint system and is designed to stay secure for the life of the vehicle.

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

The suspected failure involves the front axle/CV (constant velocity) joint assembly, part of the drivetrain system that transfers power from the motor to the wheels while allowing steering movement. The vehicle produces a repetitive clicking/clunking noise during turns, particularly under light acceleration from a stop. This symptom is consistent with a failing outer CV joint or axle shaft compone... Read more

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

**Timeline Summary – Vehicle Safety Recall Case** **Owner:**XX **Vehicle:** 2022 Nissan Rogue (VIN: [XXX] ) **Dealer:** Pine Belt Nissan of Keyport **Recall:** NHTSA 25V-437 (engine bearing defect) **August 2025:** Owner received recall notice describing a potential engine bearing defect that could lead to engine damage, sudden power loss, or fire. Nissan indicated remedy was not yet availabl... Read more

Incident date: Mar 21, 2026

I bought a 2018 Hyundai Sonata a few years back. No warranty. Used. 110,000 miles. A few short months after I purchased it, it stopped working. I took it back to the same dealership where I purchased it and they said they had to replace the coil packs and spark plugs and clean something in the engine out because there's a defect in the engine. I paid $500. Fast forward a few months later. Same thi... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2024

I bought the car with 9 miles on it, and when I tried to use the windshield washer, it didn't work! I took it to the dealer, and they refused to fix it! They said the car was infested with mice and that it was my problem!!! The car is made with defective materials! All hoses and foam in the car are made from soy beans!! That is rat and mouse food!!!

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

Vehicle has 65k miles on it and has already been through 2 sets going on 3 of brakes there has been maybe 6k miles put on it and the brakes are going and possibly rotors it feels like the brakes aren't fully releasing. I've seen alot of people complaing so I know its just not my imagination.it makes the vehicle seem like it takes longer to stop

Incident date: Mar 4, 2026

I am reporting a repeated brake system issue on my 2024 Hyundai Tucson involving premature rotor warping and brake failure at very low mileage. On April 30, 2025 (11,007 miles), I first noticed significant vibration and shaking when braking. On May 29, 2025, Colonial Hyundai diagnosed the issue and resurfaced the brakes under warranty (Hyundai case #40826529). The issue persisted immediately af... Read more

Incident date: Mar 19, 2026

Multipurpose Camera Unit/Millimeter Wave Radar Internal Electronic Failure diagnosed with U3000-49 error code in my 2019 Honda Odyssey. The problem has been confirmed by the Honda service center and reason stated is low heat resistance. Coat of repair is approx $2000 and this is purely due to low heat tolerance levels of the Honda component

Incident date: Mar 19, 2026

Exterior lights continually burn out.

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

While on/idol, the 3rd row seat (left/drivers side) folded down on my 9 year old niece. Myself, mother, 6 year old daughter, sister in law, brother and 12 year old niece all witnessed this happen as we were loading into the car after playing at the park (I had the car turned on). Her head got pinned to the headrest of the 2nd row captain seat. The buttons did not respond as they usually/supposed t... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

The vehicle experienced a major electrical system malfunction involving multiple critical components. The issue began with the Volvo On Call system light remaining illuminated continuously, which suggested a possible communication or battery-related fault. Shortly after, additional systems failed, including the turn signal system, windshield wipers, and high beam headlights. These components are c... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

My vehicle completely shut off while I was driving with my children in the car. The dealership replaced the battery but never identified the root cause. Since then my car has been experiencing RPM surging while in Park — the engine revs up and down repeatedly on its own. The vehicle also feels sluggish and does not want to accelerate properly while driving. Additionally since taking ownership of... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2026

On 3/19/2026, the vehicle ignition was turned on. Immediately, we received a variety of warnings, including: "charging system malfunction", "i-ACTIVESENSE Partially Disabled", "Hybrid System Malfunction", "i-stop Malfunction", "Charging System Malfunction", and "Critical Systems Failure". Vehicle has only 20,040 miles. On 3/20/2026 8:30 AM, we contacted the Mazda dealer where vehicle was purcha... Read more

Incident date: Mar 18, 2026

The engine seems to be stalling, more than likely being caused by the piston rings being defective. With the piston rings being defective, this can cause oil to be lost, and then in turn causing damage to the vehicle. This can put others at risk as this will stall the vehicle, and in any form of traffic, can cause an accident. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer, but they claim it is ano... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

ICCU failure. Car lost power while driving. I heard a "pop" sound and then the car displayed a warning light moments before losing power. Car was towed to the dealership where they diagnosed and replaced the ICCU and a fuse. This is a known problem since the 2022 model year and seems to be a very common failure that the manufacturer is unable definitively repair. Thankfully I was on a local s... Read more

Incident date: Feb 23, 2026

We have been waiting for almost two years for the traction control and ads break repair. When will something be done about this recall not being repaired?

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

On December 24, 2025, while driving in traffic, my Kia Sportage experienced severe lurching, bucking, and jerking, causing the engine to shut down. All dashboard warning lights illuminated, including a message prompting me to "turn engine back on." The vehicle would not restart, necessitating a tow to Horne Kia. After several days of diagnostics, it was determined that a blown ignition fuse and a ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2026

There are two issues 1) Unsure of the exact date, but about a year or two ago we were driving our car and the car's automatic break system went into effect on a typically busy, 3 lane road despite there not being any cars in front of our vehicle. We took it into the dealership, who confirmed the issue and told us that sometimes the automatic brake mis-identifies the metal plates in the roads to ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from outside the vehicle, and the odometer was inoperable. The ABS, Brake, DRL, and EPC warning lights were illumi... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

While driving 65mph, the vehicle’s engine shut off, a ‘Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care’ message showed up and I had to coast to the side of the freeway. Engine would not restart and dealer confirmed a piston contacted a valve and a new engine is needed.

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While shifted to reverse(R), the back over prevention camera intermittently displayed an image of the rear... Read more

Incident date: Jul 31, 2024

My 2014 Ford Focus with approximately 145,000 miles is experiencing a failure of the Transmission Control Module (TCM). The vehicle hesitates, jerks, and has difficulty shifting, which creates a safety concern when driving in traffic. The issue was diagnosed by a dealership, and I was quoted approximately $1,800 for the TCM replacement. I contacted Ford for assistance, but they stated the vehicl... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

The engine light will come on and go off at various times for no apparent reason and the odometer/mileage will start flashing and do so for periods of time, When this occurs certain features become unavailable such as the remote start will not engage. The warranty item/part has been confirmed by dealership and they do not have the part to correct with no expected repair time for this warranty on t... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

The rear window on my 2017 GMC Sierra shattered unexpectedly without any impact. The vehicle had been remote started in very cold weather and the rear window glass suddenly shattered while the truck was parked. There was no rock strike or external damage that would explain the failure. I later learned about GM Customer Satisfaction Program N192265660 regarding rear window defroster thermal events... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

Two years ago, we had to have the transmission rebuilt after it kept slipping. Yesterday, as I was driving on I-95, I was passing a vehicle and pressed on the gas. There was a loud crunching noise and I lost acceleration. The check engine light came on right away and I couldn’t press on the gas without a noise and limited forward momentum. I then had to maneuver the car across four lanes of traf... Read more

Incident date: Feb 28, 2026

Unknown. When vehicle is running there is a strong smell of burnt wires coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. It gets worse after running for awhile. Smell is stronger when the air is on. Reading other recalls it sounds similar to recalls on similar vehicles blower motors.

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

My Jeep has been cutting off while driving for the past several months. I've taken it to be serviced several times and everything, from the alternator, engine, fuel pump, battery, etc. are all fine. But the vehicle will cut of while driving or while idling at the traffic light. This is a MAJOR safety hazard. Not only for myself and the occupants of the vehicle but other drivers on the road as well... Read more

Incident date: Feb 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Hyundai Palisade. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V034000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

Drivetrain malfunction creating error message of critical failure on brake system and chassis. The first of 2 such issues so far in 4 months of ownership. Car is under original mfr warranty. Dealer charged $600 to fix. This is a PHEV and with the electrical system issues it prevents the car from functioning safely

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

DEALER ADMISSION OF NON-COMPLIANCE: I am updating my complaint to document that Kia of Streetsboro is officially refusing to perform the mandatory mechanical inspection required by Recall SC336. Despite the vehicle suffering from "Loss of Motive Power" (stalling in traffic) and "Abnormal Engine Noise," the dealership’s service department stated via text on March 17: "I asked my manager and he sa... Read more

Incident date: Feb 27, 2026

Windshield wipers won't move and I got caught in the rain on the highway so its definitely unsafe.

Incident date: Feb 27, 2026

Interior front reading lights turn on and off randomly when driving and when not driving. This is incredibly distracting especially at night.

Incident date: Feb 27, 2026

The electrical power steering stopped working while in motion was real hard to steer and avoid hitting curbs or vehicles close to our vehicle. It was previously replaced by Ford for the same reason but now it happened again and they are telling me it doesn’t have warranty which is fine but if i buy the part which is not cheap by the way it just going to keep failing after a few years.

Incident date: Feb 27, 2026

The contact test drove a 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. The contact stated that while stopped, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond as expected. While releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle responded and moved. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notifi... Read more

Incident date: Mar 5, 2026

Toyota has instructed owners not to use the second-row seats until a repair becomes available. As a result, the vehicle cannot be safely used for its intended purpose. I am a parent of three children, including an infant who requires a rear-facing car seat. Without the ability to use the second-row seats, the vehicle is unusable for my family. The vehicle has been in the possession of the dealer... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2026

Total of 3 incidents when my car had approx 1/8 to 1/4 of a tank of gas....as going up incline on interstate....car like stalls and slows down, will not speed up....get it over to the side to avoid being hit and it finally starts going again...close call with vehicles behind us in the passing lane. Below listed the last time it happened... Did not use to do this...first time was same area listed b... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

The contact owned a 2025 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH on the expressway, the traffic came to a stop due to a stalled vehicle in the fast lane. The contact slammed on the brakes to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front. When the vehicle behind the contact's vehicle could not stop on time and rear-ended the contact's vehicle, from the impact, the contact's vehicle w... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Mar 7, 2026

The contact leased a 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300 4MATIC. The contact stated that upon delivery of the vehicle, the contact was advised not to charge the vehicle above 80%. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the electrical settings were reset upon starting the vehicle. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V073000 (Electrical System); however, the part t... Read more

Incident date: Mar 7, 2026

My 2023 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L V8 suffered a sudden loss of propulsion while traveling at approximately 70–75 mph on the highway with my wife and young daughter in the vehicle. The engine RPM dropped immediately to zero and the vehicle displayed a message instructing me to press start. I do not recall any meaningful prior warning lamps or symptoms before the failure. I did not hear a lou... Read more

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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

Read more from our blog