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: Apr 24, 2025

Sunshade failure. The sunshade runs back and forth on track to close or open cloth cover. While driving with 4 main windows I pushed button to open shade halfway down the line the shade got off track and you could hear plastic cracking noises. I stopped the shade and pushed it closed more cracking noises and the the whole cloth fell and hung blocking all rear view while on freeway at normal speed.... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2025

The vehicle has experienced repeated transmission-related issues, including erratic shifting, delayed response, slippage, and sudden loss of power while driving. These symptoms significantly impact drivability and pose a safety risk, especially when accelerating or merging in traffic. The issue was previously addressed by the dealership under a recall repair. However, the same transmission behavi... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

The interior wood trim on the driver's side door pealed away and broke. There are other recalls related to the same door trim that is pealing away like X77.

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

Known recall and Toyota is not correcting it.

Incident date: Apr 2, 2023

Some of the driver assistance warning systems may not be operable due to multiple and frequent warning messages. Messages are: Front Camera Fault Service Required; Pre-Collision Assist Not Available; Lane Keeping System Fault Service Required. Ford is unable to correct these making it potentially unsafe. Additionally, they are not covering the attempt to fix this under the extended warranty. There... Read more

Incident date: Apr 23, 2025

Vehicle: 2023 Cadillac Escalade Mileage at Incident: Approx. 43,000 Date of Incident: April 1, 2025 I had my 2023 Cadillac Escalade serviced at the dealership to replace two tires and perform an oil change. After waiting over four hours, I left — only to have the vehicle completely lose power while driving at 60 mph on the highway, just 18 miles later. A message instructed me to restart the veh... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2025

When going at low speeds like through a parking lot when I apply my brakes they get rock hard and do not want to stop. I can get it stopped but just barely. When going at normal driving speed 30mph plus they are fine and stop fine. I almost pulled into a car in a parking lot because I almost couldn't stop due to my brakes failing. This happens every time I go at low speeds 25mph and less

Incident date: Apr 1, 2025

Engine (v8) lost power and made terrible noise at 72,000 miles. Dealer installed a remanufactured engine and charged me $5109 and took 12 weeks to complete the work. GM claimed there were “unaware” of any issues with these engines even though an internet search showed tons and f people with the same problem.

Incident date: Feb 28, 2024

At a stop sign while waiting for passing traffic, the car shuddered and the engined died. Attempts to restart the car failed. The car had roughly 1/4 tank of gas. Towed to a mechanic who put 2 gallons of gas in it and started the engine. Two days leading up to this, with the instrument panel on the screen that shows estimated distance remaining and fuel economy, I observed the fuel economy number ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2025

This vehicle reports a "Shift to Park" error message when parking the car. The gearshift is in the parked position but the sensor if not responding correctly. The alarm continues to buzz and we are unable to turn the car off and exit the vehicle. We must continue to "wiggle" the gear shift and even drive around the block and try to park again to have this message stop. Very afraid that the car is... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2025

Received recall letter last year and FIAT still does not know when there will be a remedy.

Incident date: Apr 21, 2025

When pulling into a shopping center parking space, my mother applied the brakes to slow down, but the vehicle seemed to surge and hit the car in front. It then surged again and pushed that car into another. No airbags deployed, and no one was injured, but someone could have been hurt either by the van itself or one of the other 2 vehicles. The dealer is scheduled to look at the vehicle, but sta... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 23, 2025

Hello my jeep got a message of service 4 wheel drive so i brought it to the dealership. the looked at it and it turns out to be a failing PTU. Jeep did a recall and extended warranty on it but they are saying they will not cover the cost of the repair because its the wrong code. I have code C14A797 and they are saying they need code P14A797. This doesnt even make sense its the same exact faulty pa... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2025

My 2017 Honda Civic has notchy/dead spot feeling in steering at wheel center at highway speeds. When this occurs, it causes the driver to overcorrect and loose lane position. It is worse on warmer days. Honda has a Recall already on later models but not early ones, they need to expand the recall. I called my closest dealer, and they said yes, they know of the problem, but my VIN is not affected. T... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2022

Started car to leave from work and as I drove out of parking lot, every warning light came flashing on and car would not accelerate over 20mph and kept fluctuating the speed up to 20..luckily not too far from dealer and drove straight there. They say it looks like Throttle Body needs to be replaces. Have had issues with this car making noise between 30-35mpg since I have had and it still not di... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2022

With no warning, the engine died in my vehicle. I was in the middle of a busy intersection at red light with my children. No sensors ever indicated there was a problem. The car could not be put into neutral so it couldn’t be moved until a tow truck came.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 2 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The contact contacted the dealer; however, the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manu... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2025

About a year ago I got my car serviced for the recall that was due to a potential issue with the catalytic converter overheating. High exhaust gas temperatures could damage the catalytic converter, potentially leading to abnormal engine combustion, piston damage, and even a fire. As of today 4/22/2025 I was told my catalytic converter needs to be replaced. I first noticed a check engine light 12/2... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2025

Hi my name is [XXX] and we own a 2013 Ford Edge. VIN # [XXX]. We loved driving it until it broke down on a trip to New Mexico. We were driving along and all the brakes locked up leaving us stranded on the side of the road for 5 hours. We eventually had it towed to our destination, Gallup New Mexico and had it examined by a local mechanic. He thought it was hydraulics and replaced the master cylind... Read more

Incident date: Apr 19, 2025

The vehicle’s transmission began slipping at low speeds with less than 40000 miles. I took it to the dealership for diagnostic testing and the requested that I do “maintenance transmission fluid replacement” as well as some additional reprogramming which the dealer also deemed as maintenance. However, the required transmission fluid replacement was not required until 45000 miles and the repr... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2024

The contact owns a 2002 Ford F-250. The contact initially discovered patches of fluid on the garage floor. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer discovered a leak in the engine oil pan due to a faulty silicone gasket. The contact stated that the oil pan was replaced by the same dealer a year prior to the recent failure. The contact was provided an... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2024

Brake booster needs to be replaced because it has failed, making the car unable to stop. This has caused the car to shut off if the brake pedal is pressed to long, like stopping at a stop light. The vehicle is in a Ford authorized service shop and has been confirmed as brake booster failure. The issue started with stalling, car throwing codes such as no oil, hissing in the brake lines, spongy brak... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle slid off the road, crashed into several trees, and sideswiped a telephone pole when it came to a stop. There was no damage to the telephone pole. The air bag did deploy during the crash. No injuries were sustained, and no medical ... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Apr 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Wrangler Trail Runner AT, Tire Size: 275/65/R20, DOT Number: 1PJ0TJB2V. The contact stated that the passenger's side rear tire had a large bulge along the sidewall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the passenger's side rear tire needed to be replaced. The tire was not yet repl... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2025

Reporting intermittent brake failure, where brake sank to the floor on the first press without any effect of slowing the vehicle. Fortunately, in each instance, on the second press the brakes functioned normally and slowed the vehicle, so no accident or injury occurred. The first incident was in May 2022 after driving over a speed bump -- at the time I assumed user error and did not report the inc... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2025

There is a current recall on my vehicles make and model for the fuel system but my vin is showing as not affected and am currently experiencing issues.

Incident date: Jan 13, 2025

Driver was driving at 55 miles per hour engine light illuminated. Car began to sputter and not drive. Ford Dealership mechanic,” DRIVEABILITY CONCERN, CUSTOMER STATES VEHICLE WILL NOT GO OVER 40 MPH AND HAS A MISFIRE PLEASE CHECK AND ADVISE. verfied engine is misfiring, hooked up scan tool and ran dets and found p0302 and p0316, #2 cylinder misfire and misfire and the first 1000 rev, ran a relit... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2025

I want to disclose this is the 2nd time this has happened. I was on the highway when the system failed. Immediately and drastically forced my car down to 25mph on [XXX] going to Philadelphia in the far left lane with no warning. I had to make it across 3 rows of traffic and ride on the shoulder of the highway until I could find a safe place. One ruining the sport tires on the car and probably mess... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2025

Incident date: Feb 15, 2025

I was driving on I 95 and my check engine light came on, then the transmission light came on followed by No hill assist light.As I was driving home all of a sudden without warning my SUV dropped to 10 miles an hour while driving at at speed of 55 miles per hour.. For safety reasons I pulled over on to the shoulder, shut the SUV off a waited , and then I restarted the engine. The same lights ca... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2025

[XXX] Invoice [XXX] vehicle was taken to HOY FAMILY AUTO DEALER in El Paso, Texas (1.)to inspect brakes noise and parking brake not engaging at all times, there has been times when the parking brake does not engage, and humming noise while braking and exiting freeway. Service personnel did not dismount wheels to have visual inspection on braking system they just checked for gap wear and tear. (2.)... Read more

Incident date: Apr 18, 2025

We were driving on [XXX] . Lane keep assist and cruise control were active at the time of the incident. We were driving in the leftmost lane when suddenly we heard a loud thud noise and the tire immediately went 90 degrees causing us to lose steering control. The vehicle went from the left lane into the shoulder, making contact with the side barrier on the highway with the tire as first point of c... Read more

Incident date: Apr 7, 2025

Intermittently, my vehicle will hesitate to accelerate or will move only marginally (disproportionately to the depressing of the gas pedal) from a complete stop. When it occurs, it often does so for a number of seconds. This has been incredibly dangerous given I live off a busy street and I cannot trust that when I press the gas pedal to accelerate to turn onto the street, that my vehicle will b... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2025

2018 ford escape , purchased brand new. . check engine light went on .was on. brought to mechanic; coolant level was low . Engine was misfiring. Reason for check engine light. Discovered one spark plug stuck and corroded. Discovered the reason that coolant was empty. It leaked into the engine. Mechanic says it is a closed system so it cannot be readily discovered. said coolant leaked into the e... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2025

1- Horn. 2- Was not able to warn other driver of improper lane change. Was not able to warn driver backing out of parking space almost causing accident. 3- Yes, by dealer. 4- Yes, by dealer. 5-No warning. Horn just stops working. Appeared at first 5k miles. Note: This is a common complaint in Hyundai forums for many years.

Incident date: Apr 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. However, several days later the failure reoccurred, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 4, 2025

The trans shifting from 70 miles per hour to first gear while driving on the highway now it shakes my car when I move it for word just to clean under it in my parking lot I just bought the car last year I dove it for about 3 to for month's And now it sits for five to six because i can't afford a new transmission

Incident date: Apr 4, 2025

I cruised on a city street at the speed limit. The light turned red and I came to a full stop. The start/stop system was activated and the engine “stopped” to conserve power while my foot was on the brake. The light turned green and I took my foot off the brake, the engine failed to start and did not start with countless attempts. Digital cluster and CarPlay proceeded to work, exterior lights ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after driving for 45 minutes, the vehicle was parked. While attempting to restart the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The engine stopped; engine power was low, and the message “Not ready to Drive” was displayed. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to move, and the vehicle failed to start. The... Read more

Incident date: Dec 5, 2024

On April 8th 2025 our vehicle went into "limp mode" for the third time in 6 months. The previous incidents were part of an active recall and we're repaired by a does dealership. This time it is supposedly the failure of a fuel pump sensor causing the issue (per ford service diagnosis) which they say is NOT covered by fords recall nor is it covered under any warranty and must be paid for out of poc... Read more

Incident date: Jun 7, 2022

Description of the Problem: I am reporting a severe vehicle fire that occurred with my 2015 BMW X4 (VIN: [XXX}) on [XXX], while I was driving on [XXX] in Orlando, Florida. This was a life-threatening incident. I narrowly escaped death as flames suddenly engulfed the front of the vehicle while I was on the road. For nearly two hours, it felt like a horror show. I am still in shock. After checkin... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jun 7, 2022

Fire

Incident date: Jun 7, 2022

We were sitting at a red light and when accelerating once green a warning appeared on the dash stating the EVAP system was failing and to see dealer. Then more warning appeared stating the following systems were failing, ABS, TPMS, Cruise Control, Driver Assist, Electronic Power Steering. Basically all electronic systems were failing. The car would not accelerate properly. The car would not go ove... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2025

I started noticing rub marks on the interior walls next to the night stands after the last few uses, and they appear to be getting worse after each use. I was made aware of the deck/frame flex issues the some GD fifth wheels are having and was referred to TSB 24-001. My RV is experiencing the exact concern described in the TSB. I opened a case number with GD, and took the RV to an authorized repa... Read more

Incident date: Apr 2, 2025

Terrible wind noise when driving at speeds over 30 miles an hour. This can cause distractions while driving as it’s very noticeable.

Incident date: Apr 16, 2025

Was going up a hill and all of the sudden the engine stopped, the truck coasted to the edge of the road. A message came on saying 'Press start to reset engine.' Doing so did nothing. The truck ended up having to be towed to a dealer. They were not able to turn the engine over by hand and ended up diagnosing the engine as a seized from a failed bearing. They ended up replacing the entire engine... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2025

The transmission has a rattle and the dealer states that the transmission likely has a damaged flex plate. but the car is not covered as there is no recall or customer campaign. The car barely has over 22,000 miles on it. Ford should be responsible instead of telling me it's a $4-6000 repair. Tranny problems at 22,000 miles is a design issue.

Incident date: Apr 15, 2025

Component or system that failed: Flex plate, engine electrical system, and alternator (possible related failures). The issue has been diagnosed by a licensed mechanic and is available for inspection upon request. Incident Description: On April 15, 2025, while driving my 2020 Ford Fusion SE 1.5L Turbo, the vehicle suddenly experienced a total power failure. The check engine light began flashing, a... 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

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