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 15,318 complaints for VOLVO
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
Engine failure while on highway traffic in construction zone caused engine shut off, losing power steering and odd braking. I was driving on a split 4 lane highway (2 lanes each direction), with a large ditch median between the directional lanes. My direction had construction cones for several miles limiting traffic to 1 lane, still at a 65 MPH speed limit with heavy semi traffic. The right ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
Driving down the highway at about 50 mph. Went to pass another vehicle and engine shut off. Thank goodness was able to pull to shoulder and get towed to dealer. Could have been a catastrophic situation.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
On 1/24/26 I used the remote starter to warm up the truck and it started but within 3 minutes it shut off. The temperature was in the single digits. So I tried the remote again and it wouldn’t start. And the remote start hasn’t worked since and the check engine light is on. Two years ago when the brake module failed right before that recall the temperature was very cold that day too. Just two ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed, and the vehicle decelerated unexpectedly. The driver pulled over and was informed to turn off the vehicle and restart the vehicle with the assistance of a Police Officer. The vehicle was restarted but failed to exceed 10 MPH while driving. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
The car completely died. Unable to be jumped. Had to be towed. There’s a problem with the DC/DC converter. The parts going to take at least 3-4 weeks to come in. My dealer states they have over five or six vehicles waiting for the same repair. This should be a recall issue!
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
Unknown what system failed. The vehicle is at an impound lot and can be inspected on request. Police and fire department were on the scene. Police did provide a report # , and fire department provided a fire rescue case number. Safety of driver was put at risk due to the fire and potential for burning or even death. Other drivers could have been at risk if traffic had not allowed for quick movemen... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V433000 (PARKING BRAKE). The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact exited the freeway and the front passenger’s side tie rod detached from the vehicle and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull over to the cu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I purchased the 2022 Lexus RX 350 used a couple of months ago. While driving down the highway the instrument panel went blank. I was terrified. I continued to drive not knowing what speed I was driving. The instrument panel went panel came back minutes later. Another incident occurred when the car was parked in my driveway. I turned on the engine and the instrument panel was blank. No numbers ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Issue: Rear liftgate window on my 2017 Ford Explorer Sport spontaneously shattered without any impact. Conditions: Occurred in cold weather (approx. 5 F) within 30 minutes of starting the vehicle. Description: The glass failed suddenly with an explosive sound and scattered fragments inside and outside the vehicle. There were no prior cracks, chips, or external forces. Safety Concern: Sudden loss o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
You have a recall for chryslr 200 2015 for intermittent starting and stalling caused by faulty PDC connector. NHTSA. My car is doing exactly that but its not under the recall why not? It had done this gor the last 4 months
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) component of the 2025 Hyundai Ionic 5 with less than 6 months and 5,081 miles of driving failed. This failure was noted by the warning systems in the car indicating car needed to be stopped and not driven. (Photo attached in later section) Further information indicated a very limited distance to drive before complete car shutdown late at night. The I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford C-Max Energi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera failed to display an image as intended on the center digital screen. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not conta... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
When driving recently, the car suddenly began showing a warning message “check electrical system” and would not go beyond 25mph. I was on the way home but still far, and had to turn on my hazard lights to alert other drivers. Eventually the car escalated the warning to “pull the vehicle over” and implied that the main battery was having an issue. I had to have th car towed to a dealer... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
I came home from work, (drove 18 miles) and parked, walked towards my building and I heard a noise, as if something turned on under the hood. Like a electrical motor spinning. And it was not the fan because that one had already turned off. I walk back to the car and pop the hood, white smoke starts coming out and in less than 2 minutes a huge flame comes straight out from the passenger side of the... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Car manufacturer (BMW) has had a recall (ID 25V636000) for over two months. It requires parking the vehicle outside away from overhanging trees, because of risk of fire. BMW knows what the fix is (replace the starter motor) but has not begun recalling vehicles. Please compel BMW to perform the repair/replacement.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
Battery is constantly in battery saving mode. It use to do it only when I was on vacation for a week or so. Now it has been doing this every single day for about the last two month.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
Battery is constantly in battery saving mode. It use to do it only when I was on vacation for a week or so. Now it has been doing this every single day for about the last two month.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
I got this 2024 vehicle brand new with 15 miles on it in August of 2025 . It is now January of 2026 by check engine light had came on 7 times since November of 2025. I had to shut down work because of this . It came on the 8th time today and I was told by the delearship that they didn’t know what to do . My truck is at 43,000 miles and literally a piece of junk.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
After a repair/service visit at a national auto repair chain, my 2017 Lincoln MKC developed ongoing severe drivability and safety issues. The check engine light began flashing (active misfire), and the vehicle was unsafe for highway travel due to risk of loss of power/engine damage. Independent shop documentation reports cylinder #4 misfire (P0304) and additional engine timing-related code(s), low... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
The navigation system does not work. It places the vehicle in places where it is not and shows erroneous speed limit displays and erroneous messages about traffic conditions which do not exist where the vehicle is actually located. The Volkswagen dealer says they have no fix for this and that many of their models have this problem.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
I leased a 2019 Subaru Ascent (VIN: [XXX] ), which is equipped with the EyeSight driver-assist system. In the Spring of 2019, while driving in a parking lot at night with low visibility and snow, the vehicle struck a pole. Despite the imminent collision, the EyeSight system failed to engage Pre-Collision Braking or provide any audible/visual warning to alert me of the obstacle. The system did not ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
Occasionally while driving, the entire center console display screen will sshut off (turn black) and reset after a minute. I have also noticed at various times that my center console button lights flash (emergency light button and heat control) when i turn on my blinker regardless if im stopped or moving. I have videos that are to larege to upload.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
Well the engine definitely failed to provide power for me to drive my vehicle. And as I am doing more and more research on what the PTU does, which is what there is a recall on. It appears the PTU not working correctly on my vehicle affected the engine, and the ability for car to properly utilize oil, thus affecting the operation of the cylinders 1 and 4 on my vehicle. I am being told I need a ne... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Engine oil cooler line blew off of engine while at highway speed. Lost oil and seized engine.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
2026 GMC Sierra Elevation X31 with 3.0 Duramax Diesel engine, 132-miles, thrust bearing 1.53-mm out of tolerance requiring engine and turbo replacement. Engine build date 25219 (07 AUG 2025), vehicle assembly date August 2025, purchased 10 OCT 2025, entered service for engine and turbo failure on 11 NOV 2025, returned 10 JAN 2026.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
My 2019 BMW 330i has a recurring cooling system defect, including coolant leaks, heater inoperative, and risk of engine overheating. The defect began while the vehicle was under warranty and was repaired by BMW, but it recurred. BMW later instructed me not to drive the vehicle due to safety concerns, yet declined responsibility and transportation. The vehicle remains unsafe to operate.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
The car began making a knocking sound on my 5.8 mile drive. On my drive home from work, the knocking was louder, and the car barely accelerated on the highway and over-revved trying to hit at least 50 mph to keep up with the flow of traffic. I took the car to the Hyundai Service Center immediately using city streets rather than the highway. I had a family member follow me to make sure I made it to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
There is a transmission shudder when traveling around 30-40 MPH as well as sporadically when increasing speed. Recently, there is a very hard shift/jolt when transmission is shifting from 2nd to 3rd. The issue is caused by a combination of a faulty torque converter and a software glitch in the engine control module (ECM). This is a safety hazard, and I contacted Toyota dealership in Vineland who t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
The Timing Chain failed. It is at the Dealership available for inspection. Vehicle was unable to accelerate correctly while driving. If it had blown a valve or locked up the engine we would have been stuck on the highway with my kids in the vehicle. Problem has been confirmed with the dealer. It is a known defect with this vehicle but my VIN was not one that was recalled. No issues had came up ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
Bought the truck brand new, after 20,000 miles started vibrating. Took it to the dealership said it was the transmission shutters. They changed the fluid. At 50,000 miles did it again, they said GM came out with a thicker fluid, but it in there. Was fine for a while. At around 135,000 miles getting the vibration again. Also, at 140,000 miles cylinder 8 misfiring. Took it in and they tore... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
Blend door actuator linkage will not allow for heat to be turned on, will blow cool/cold air, have had it looked at and the gear teeth will not stay in line with on another to be able to turn when the knob inside the car is turned. I was told that this may be a recall but do not see anything listed, but that it is a known problem for this model of mazda 3 and ford expiditions
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
Coolant intrusion into the engine from a manufacturer defect.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
New vehicle was delivered from the factory with an inoperable seat belt. After removing a trim piece, I found the seatbelt wrapped around several trim clips inside the pillar.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
vehicle turns on in to accessory mode, does not allow me to turn off vehicle sometimes car turns on at night by itself, alarm goes off when parked and locked
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
On or December 5th, 2025 (4 days after taking possession of the vehicle, I experienced a sudden and severe steering system failure while driving. When turning the steering wheel (even slightly), the vehicle produced a loud buzzing/grinding noise and the steering effort increased significantly, creating an immediate safety hazard. Because the steering issue worsened quickly and made the vehicle dif... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
They should not have towed my car
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
While approaching a stop sign at a speed of less than 10mph with my wife and three small children in the car, the engine shut off and the steering/braking became degraded. I was able to restart the car after stopping, but the auto start / etorque does not appear to be working any more. I will be dropping the car off for diagnostics, but after some research this appears to be a common issue which... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
While driving at normal speed, my Kia EV6 experienced a sudden and complete failure of the ICCU system with zero warning. The vehicle instantly lost all propulsion power and all 12V electrical power, rendering the car uncontrollable and unsafe. I was unable to accelerate, unable to place the vehicle in gear, and unable to activate hazard lights. This occurred despite the vehicle being at approxima... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic equipped with Hankook Tires, Tires Line: New Englander 4S, Tire Size: 215/50/R17, DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the front tires started wobbling. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving 45 MPH. The vehicle was taken to Town Fair Tire, where the tires were purchased. The front passenger's tire weight was replaced... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
Excessive oil consumption leading to a broken engine
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Sudden vibration on the engine while driving. No power upon acceleration. Heavily oil consumption. Had a problem on the seat belt with in couple of year of purchased, however the dealer fixed it for free. Catalytic converter was brooked at 80k milage exactly when the warranty over. It was costly to replace.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Sudden vibration on the engine while driving. No power upon acceleration. Heavily oil consumption. Had a problem on the seat belt with in couple of year of purchased, however the dealer fixed it for free. Catalytic converter was brooked at 80k milage exactly when the warranty over. It was costly to replace.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
While driving at roadway speeds, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of the instrument cluster and infotainment display, immediately followed by an engine shutdown. Steering and braking assistance were reduced during the event, requiring immediate driver intervention to safely maneuver the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning. No prior warning messages or indicators were visible before... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
When the auto start/stop is engaged and the engine is off (e.g. at a stop light), the car will sometimes shut down. It is as if I pressed the button to park the car. The shifter knob retracts but the indicator light stays on “D” for several seconds and I can’t restart the car. It has happened when I’m in an intersection waiting to turn left and has stranded me in the middle of the interse... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
A loud static sound through the speakers that gets louder and louder with all equipment turned off. I have to pull over and turn the car off for several minutes to drive a mile or so before the sound starts again.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The low pressure power steering hose is leaking and can't get part for it. Been having to invest in tons of power steering fluid and want to know if this is gonna be a recall. It is very frustrating that we can't get parts for the problem.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image fluctuated on and off, with the message “Rearview Camera Not Available” displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
I am the single owner of this 2017 Ford Escape with an Eco-boost 2.0L engine. This vehicle has only been serviced by Ford dealerships. at approximately 60K miles I noticed a lag in acceleration between 1200-2200 RPM. At 88K this lag became more violent, and I took the car to a Ford dealership for diagnosis. No warning lights had illuminated. The ford dealership advised me that there was cool... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Prior to receiving official recall repair instructions, I experienced sudden and unexpected issues with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system. These issues resulted in a loss of steering control, which caused my vehicle to become involved in an accident [XXX]. This incident not only caused significant damage to my vehicle but also resulted in personal injuries for which I am still recovering.... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
Prior to receiving official recall repair instructions, I experienced sudden and unexpected issues with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system. These issues resulted in a loss of steering control, which caused my vehicle to become involved in an accident [XXX]. This incident not only caused significant damage to my vehicle but also resulted in personal injuries for which I am still recovering.... Read more
Crash
2 injured