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: Nov 20, 2024

Nissan issued a notification of a safety issue with dimming headlights caused my a manufacturing issue. It's not a recall, however an extension was provided to address the concern. The problem is the letter is not clear when that extension starts, it indicates it's began January 2022 and is covered for an additional 3 years, however per Nissan the start date was the end of the manufactures warra... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2024

This car was sold to me without disclosing that the manufacture failed to have a engine security system on the car to at least "deter" auto theft.If the key to the car was programmed/chipped like other cars, it would provide at least some level of protection. I've already stopped car thieves from trying to steal it once by pure luck, but I'm like the thousands out there constantly worried that so... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2024

vehicle is a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon The issue is Wrangler JL Corrosion Issue. I have noticed corrosion on hinges on the driver's door and drivers side hood. I see this as a possible safety concern if it continues to form corrosion.

Incident date: Jul 23, 2024

My wife was in an accident on [XXX] around [XXX] at the intersection of [XXX] . She had exchanged safety information with the person whose vehicle had stalled. She went to shut off the car upon exchanging the information and after pressing the ignition button the vehicle began to roll. She was outside of the vehicle when she had pressed the ignition button. She tried physically to stop the veh... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: May 20, 2023

A known issue by many mB owners related to Steering Wheel Lock or ESL system. Car will not start due to a known defect related to a part installed inside the steering wheel preventing owners from starting car safely and to get to destination safely.

Incident date: Jun 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to shake violently, after which, the vehicle lost motive power. The engine stability warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil cooler, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehic... Read more

Incident date: Nov 18, 2024

Haven’t owned the vehicle for 2 years and I’ve already had to have brake lines replaced, windshield and now the head gasket has crapped out. Which apparently is a huge issue with this vehicle. It’s really the worst buy I’ve ever made. Trade in value, at just 2 years old, is only 19,000…when I paid 30….it’s really awful. Now I have to wait for, God only knows how long, because the par... Read more

Incident date: Nov 18, 2024

Incident date: Jun 15, 2022

As I was leaving a parking deck and heading toward the exit gate, I applied the brakes, but the pedal went all the way to the floor. I had to pump the brakes repeatedly to stop. After driving a short distance, the problem persisted, so I parked my car and left it overnight. The next morning when getting the car, I noticed a wet spot near the rear driver-side tire. Upon checking, I found that the ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not ex... Read more

Incident date: Nov 4, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more

Incident date: Oct 26, 2024

the car had developed a light ticking sound intermittently for the last three that seemed to go away randomly then the engine stalled and won't start due to seized engine

Incident date: Oct 26, 2024

My car was parked in a parking lot and the rear windshield spontaneously shattered. There was previously no damage to the window. My rear dashcam shows evidence that the windshield shattered with nobody in or around the car. I spoke with police officers who reviewed security footage in the parking lot; they confirmed that the damage was not an act of vandalism and happened spontaneously. I have re... Read more

Incident date: Nov 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2024 BMW I7. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the "Inability to Drive" message was displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 17, 2024

Service 4WD light came on. Mechanic received C14A7-97 code indicating a problem with the PTU. Also I was told that the internals of the transfer case were jammed and cannot engage 4x4. A Google check confirmed that other Jeep Cherokees were recalled because of PTU issues but my VIN does not come up. This doesn’t make sense as it is the same vehicle and same flawed part. Also, I did have a brief ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 17, 2024

Hello, I issue this complaint because my 2009 Venza interior started smelling like smoke. It went on for a bit thinking it may be something outside the vehicle. I then realized the smell was coming from the seat I was sitting on. I've read online about this problem and its seems this is a problem many owners of this vehicle have experienced. It seems to me this should be a safety hazard. Thank You... Read more

Incident date: Oct 30, 2024

I came off of an exit ramp, when I hit the gas, the truck went to neutral and motor reved up. I pulled off to the side of the road for a few seconds and the truck went back into gear. The truck also has a hard time going into 10th gear. It has reved up and a wrench has popped up in my dash.

Incident date: Nov 18, 2024

The front left collision warning alarm goes off when apply brakes (a turn, stop sign/light, parking spot as examples) even though there is nothing in the proximity that would trigger a warning.

Incident date: Nov 13, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 12, 2024

When driving, if you encounter even a small bump in the road, the car jumps as if it were a train jumping the tracks and getting back on track. If it's raining, it feels as though the vehicle is sliding across the road. (Finally, realizing that I WAS sliding across the road).

Incident date: Dec 14, 2023

Backup camera not working (intermittent). There are times when the backup camera just gives a black screen. This is a safety issue as we can't then see what person or thing may be behind us. This can cause great damage or injury to ourselves and others. The dealership looked at the issue twice, but could not get it to malfunction, and so had no idea how to repair it.

Incident date: Jul 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the camera and side view mirror for the blind spot monitor alert message were displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local deale... Read more

Incident date: Jul 19, 2024

The vehicle had an engine bearing rod failure but was not included in the 23V-751 recall. The repair is covered under warranty but because there is no recall, I have to pay for car rental myself and the repair could take weeks to months.

Incident date: Jun 13, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the engine was operating on five cylinders i... Read more

Incident date: Mar 4, 2024

SO FAR THE FRONT SUSPENSION MAKES A NOISE

Incident date: Nov 17, 2024

I had two different mechanics I trust tell me that this car has a particular engine that had an error in manufacturing, but Hyundai didn't correct it, because it would cost them too much. The error is heavy oil burning, such that it destroys the catalytic converter. I am now on my third catalytic converter in this car, and the check-engine light is beginning to flicker. Mechanic recommended contac... Read more

Incident date: Oct 5, 2024

The fuel gauge/mileage screen intermittently stops working, resulting in a blank blue screen, particularly in cold weather. This can be inspected upon request but the issue is intermittent. This can be distracting but also concerning if the driver does not know how much gas is left in the car. A Honda Dealership confirmed this problem, inspected the gauge cluster (combination meter assembly), an... Read more

Incident date: Nov 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System); 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. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact was ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES 350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts unavailable.

Incident date: Jun 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 580. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V704000(Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal ticking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diag... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired for an unidentified NHTSA Campaign Number however, it failed to prevent a failure from occurring. The contact stated that while the key was in the ignition, the vehicle had failed to start and several unknown warning lights had illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failur... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2024

Backup camera goes from working to blue screen when backing up. I've reset the settings but continue to have the same issue. Very dangerous. It's the same issue/problem that you just fined Ford $165 million dollars. The models covered by the Ford recall included the 2020 Ford Edge, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Mustang, Ranger and Transit, as well as the Lincoln Corsair and Nautilus. Why ... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2024

My vehicle was emitting fumes into my vehicle and making a strange noise. When I took it to the dealership they tested the emissions/catalytic converter and fuel injectors. Which all showed no issues. When investigating further, they found that the weld on the catalytic converter had broke and was causing an unstable catalytic converter. Service manager reported to me that he felt this was definit... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2023

When exposed to full sun, the Adaptive Cruise Control system has difficulty detecting any cars in front of the vehicle. This leads to the vehicle accelerating up to the set speed which could lead to a crash.

Incident date: Oct 16, 2024

When the motorcycle's handlebars are turned right of the 12 o'clock position power shuts off completely until the handlebars are turned back to the 12 o'clock position or further left. This happens regardless if the motorcycle is off with the kick stand out or on while riding and using the throttle. The uploaded file labelled "email 1.pdf" has a YouTube link that shows the problem. If this link... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2024

IN OCT 2023 I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH MY FUEL TANK. I WAS DRIVING AND NOTICED MY FUEL GAGE WAS ON EMPTY BUT MY FUEL MILEAGE STATED THAT I HAD 100 MILES LEFT. I WENT TO THE GAS STATION TO FUEL UP AND I WASN'T ABLE TO PUMP ANY FUEL. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AND HEARD A LOUD BOOM AND A HISSING NOISE. I PULLED OVER TO ASSESS MY VEHICLE AND DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING WRONG. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP O... Read more

Incident date: Nov 13, 2024

Was using the heated steering well smelt something burning, then the heated component did not work

Incident date: Nov 13, 2024

The lights(traction control light, check engine,) in the dash come on and go off intermittently and vehicle display reads check emissions system and check VSA (vehicle stability assist) I got the vehicle scanned for the codes it throws and the print out was for the power train control module the piston rings all of them failed emission test! The dash lights come on for two to three weeks at a time... Read more

Incident date: Nov 13, 2024

Incident date: Dec 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota RAV4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. Parts distribution disconne... Read more

Incident date: Aug 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distri... Read more

Incident date: Nov 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image failed to display. A message advising that the rearview camera was inoperable and to contact the dealer was displayed. The contact stated the failure occurred intermittently while reversing. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaire... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH around a curve, the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle shut off and turned back on. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the key fob battery needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repair... Read more

Incident date: Nov 13, 2024

I have a 2019 bmw x7 and having an issue with the shark fin antenna leaking water shorting my tcu and pcu causing an emergency call system malfunction aswell as a chassis error. This is the 3rd time having to get this fixed. First 2 times were covered under warranty third time I have to pay $3100 which is not acceptable knowing that bmw knows of this issue

Incident date: Nov 13, 2024

WATER LEAK ON FRONT PASSENGER DOOR FLOOR COMING OUT OF CABIN FILTER AREA. CONCERNED THAT IT WILL CAUSE ROTTING OF FLOORBOARD BODY OF VEHICLE. DEALER CLEANED OUT PLUG BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. DEALER DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. READ ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH OTHER JEEP OWNERS.

Incident date: Nov 13, 2024

The fuel pump power control module (p129F, I believe) failed. I was in the carpool line when the engine sputtered then turned off, and would not turn back on. The engine light also came on. I had to walk my children the rest of the way, then got a tow truck. There were no dash light or other indications of a problem ahead of time. My local GM dealership was not able to get to me for multiple days... Read more

Incident date: Aug 24, 2024

When slowing down there is a grinding sound. Everytime i take it to the dealership they say they don't see anything.

Incident date: Aug 24, 2024

When slowing down there is a grinding sound. Everytime i take it to the dealership they say they don't see anything.

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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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