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: Sep 30, 2025
As I entered a single lane roundabout the car suddenly stopped very abruptly. There was no imminent danger nor were there any cars coming through the roundabout. There was no reason to apply the brakes. Fortunately there was no car behind me otherwise there certainly would have been a rear end collision. I was jarred by the abrupt stop and sustained injury to my back. I will be notifying the... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
My BMW 330i 2021 caught on fire while I was driving. Smoke came from the hood, and I open the hood and seen the Fire, and I called the Newark NJ Fire Department. see attached photo of the BMW after the fire.
Fire
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
P0420 code indicated during emissions test. Vehicle shut off after stopping and acceleration after stopping. Hesitates when trying to restart Vehicle. Contact kia manufacturer about engine and P0420 code, however no help was given.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the trailer brakes became inoperable. The trailer brake system failure message was displayed. The local dealer was contacted, where it was diagnosed with a TRM failure, an unknown TSB, and an unknown software update were completed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure existed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
Subject: Safety Concern – Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC (2011) Subframe and Brake Line Rust Dear [Mercedes-Benz Customer Care / NHTSA], I am writing to report a serious safety concern regarding my 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4MATIC. Recently, I brought my vehicle in for recall service, and during the inspection, it was discovered that: The rear subframe is broken due to rust. The brake lines are ext... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
Subject: Formal Complaint – Unresolved Safety Recall for 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my vehicle: •Make: Jeep •Model: Cherokee Limited 4x4 •Year: 2019 •VIN: [XXX] •Recall Date: January 16, 2020 In mid-January 2026, my vehicle experienced a transmission failure ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
Check engine light came on. The engine has coolant intrusion and the engine would have to be replaced, quoted me $17,240.83 I called [XXX] Lincoln client relationship center and I was told there was nothing they can do to help me. After doing some research, this has been a known problem by Lincoln and they have not put out any recalls. They also have a class action lawsuit against them INFORMA... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
While driving the right center forward collision warning "approaching object" came on with 4 red bars for no reason, repeatedly. Additionally a warning saying "low speed braking control problem. Parking sensor obstructive" came on intermittently. Upon returning home I noticed that two sensors had become dislodged and fallen into the bumper. They appear to only have been held on by double sided... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Engine stopped power steering low, notification. When in Reverse. Car shuts off and I coast backwards. Have to put it in park and then restart the car.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Cadillac XT4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, with the check engine and an unknown brake warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer, and the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective brake module. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The contact state... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
2022 QX60 equipped with a Panoramic Moonroof. While in Florida 850 miles from home, I was traveling alone at about 35mph when I heard a loud explosion. It sounded like a gun shot at close range. I kept driving but observed my surroundings and there was no traffic, no construction, nothing overhead, no warning lights. When I got to my destination a couple miles away, I inspected the vehicle, fu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2025
The vehicle began wobbling when accelerating, but no warning lights came on. Self inspection found the CV boot was leaking grease. The dealership confirmed damage to the CV joint and required replacement of the front axle.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
This truck has had to have several high temp burnoffs because of failures in the EGR and Carbon build up. The recent recall for Rams does not cover the 2012, and began at 2013, however, we are experiencing the same exact issues with the same type of system. In addition, we have had repeated airbag issues due to the positioning of the cockspring and wiring getting choked out.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and attempting to change lanes, the Lane Departure feature activated, and the vehicle started beeping and accelerated independently into the bike lane. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The man... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
I purchased the car in April 2023, a few days later the sensor light came on and coolant leaked out and I was stranded. I took it to my local Ford dealership and they "repaired it". About a month ago the same thing happened and I was stranded. Got it towed to a mechanic, was told it's been repaired, a couple of weeks later the sensor came back on, but I was able to make it to the mechanic before I... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The steering is sticky, the power steering does not return the wheel to center whenever I turn. It feels jerky whenever trying to remain center in the lane, especially at highway speeds. Makes slight noise when turning
Incident date: Aug 15, 2025
The EPC light has luminated 3 times in the last several months. The vehicle stutters and will not accelerate past 25 MPH. Shutting off the engine and restarting it clears the light and vehicle drives normally. The check engine light does not illuminate and no OBDII codes are stored. Manual states to take vehicle to authorized dealership for diagnosis if light stays illuminated.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The car is out of control! It first began a couple of weeks ago when (1) the side view mirrors no longer closed automatically 2) Next, while I was driving, the car yesterday, the seat belt suddenly tightened as the car prepared for a sudden impact (which there was none).3) Today, the car refused to stop when I backed it out of the garage. It hit a tree behind us and the car has a rear dint! I... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
For the last few days I turn on my car and get alert lights that I have problems with: the ACC, LKAS, collision mitigation, road departure mitigation systems and auto high beams. From online Honda forums I can see that many people have had these problems and it’s likely due to needing to have the windshield camera replaced. This is a 2020 model but I bought it new in 2021, so it is less than 5 y... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Keystone Cougar Trailer. The contact stated that the slide island was leaning and the flooring in the middle of the RV was unstable. The RV was taken to the local service center, which discovered that three cross members had separated from the frame of the RV and caused severe damage to the frame. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was advised that... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
One of the lifters collapsed resulting in catastrophic engine damage
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
tHE ENTIRE CAR FAILED. cAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE CONSOLE AND PASSENGER SEAT WHILE DRIVING ON 1-15 . 8.15.2025 . Car filled wit black moke and fire.l was driving blind. brakes failed, power failed, burning the entire time. I somehow got out of burning vehicle and ran about 100 yards and watched the car explode!! Had car tuned up at Findlay Honda whede it was bought, 4 months ago, and they said it... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V744000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the recall repair was performed; however, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel was blank and failed to display the speedometer. There was no warning light illuminated. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The issue is the horn. On three different occasions, I've attempted to use the horn and it wasn't working. I've taken it to Hallmark Hyundai in Flowood and they've repaired and/or replaced the horn on four separate occasions. The new horn is always working when I leave the dealership, but it eventually goes out. Or it goes out for a period of time and then comes back without explanation. My most ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2026 Cadillac CT5. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle with the Super Cruise feature activated, the message indicated a road construction zone, and the brakes independently activated. The contact stated that there was no road construction nearby. The contact reset the super cruise control feature. The contact stated that while the super cruise control was set at 75... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the instrument cluster became inoperable while driving at an undisclosed speed at night. The contact pulled over, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the instrument cluster became operable after recharging the vehicle at the residence. Additionally, the contact stated that the windo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
24V-896. This recall is a safety issue known for years. There is still no action from the manufacturer! I was extremely lucky to avoid a serious collision. The only solution the manufacturer offers is to authorize a dealer to replace the parts with another secondary market provider part, but they won’t cover the cost or warrant the replacement. How many YEARS do I have to drive an unsafe veh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
My 2025 Kia K5 with less than 10k miles on it is experiencing intermittent windshield wiper failure. Starting over two months ago, my windshield wipers would fail in the sense they would not turn on while it is raining and/or would not activate when I use the sprayer function leaving residue and obstructing my view in both scenarios. This is a critical safety issue that has been documented on vide... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
White paint on roof and around door is flaking off in large sections. No accident. Not covered under warranty. Appears to be a known issue with Snow White Pearl paint on Kia vehicle - widespread paint failure can affect visibility, resale value, and long-term corrosion.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The contact became aware of oil underneath the vehicle on the driveway, resulting in a complete loss of power. The vehicle leaked oil and lost the vehicle lost power twice. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and de... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to idle roughly, stall unexpectedly, and trigger continuous beeping. During the failure, the power steering locked, making it extremely difficult to steer and creating a serious safety hazard for myself and others on the road. The issue was reproduced and confirmed by a service center, and the sensor was replaced by a Nissan dealers... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to idle roughly, stall unexpectedly, and trigger continuous beeping. During the failure, the power steering locked, making it extremely difficult to steer and creating a serious safety hazard for myself and others on the road. The issue was reproduced and confirmed by a service center, and the sensor was replaced by a Nissan dealers... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2025
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to idle roughly, stall unexpectedly, and trigger continuous beeping. During the failure, the power steering locked, making it extremely difficult to steer and creating a serious safety hazard for myself and others on the road. The issue was reproduced and confirmed by a service center, and the sensor was replaced by a Nissan dealers... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
I submitted this form in April 2024, never received a response from NHTSA. Ford of Uniontown received a reply from FMC. Their response is they will not cover the repair to my vehicle. The reason is the recall affected cars built 7/31/2017 - 2/13/18. My car was built two months earlier 5/18/17. Even though my vehicle was built two months earlier than the recall dates, it also was built by with a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
My car decelerated on the highway from a speed of approximately 65 mph to 9 mph in a matter of seconds without any reason. I drove in the breakdown lane with flashers on to get to the next exit and upon entering the off-ramp my CRV suddenly accelerated back to normal. I took my vehicle to my Honda dealership and they told me they couldn't find anything wrong with it. It was showing no codes. The w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
This car has been having issues with the facial recognition. It consistently cannot see my face when I am looking forward, and always manages to give me an alert when looking in my mirrors or doing a lane change. I am concerned that due to the a out of highway driving I do, that the car will Stop on the Interstate, causing a major accident
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
The steering wheel sticks when exiting a turn, this can be reproduced on every turn. There is a risk of overcompensating steering if you do not anticipate the steering wheel sticking. There is also a vague spot in the steering when driving in a straight line, the vehicle will drift to one side and when you correct it will drift to the other side. Wheel alignment was checked and tires are in good c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
When accelerating to pass another car in front of us on a 2 lane highway we experienced a loss of power and all instrumentation flashed on/off/on, then it posted a check engine light and stated that auto start stop wasn't working. Power came back and we finished the pass but it could have resulted in a head on collision.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I'm not sure of the exact sequence of events here, but there are multiple exhaust leaks. One is a crack somewhere in the catalytic converter that is now leaking exhaust from the back of the engine into the passenger compartment. The other leak is at the point of a bracket which fastens the two front exhaust pipes together. At the time we first noticed an exhaust leak sound upon cold start, there w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Purchased a 2018 Sonata Sport in 2022 not knowing oil consumption was an issue. After noticing that my oil was low after I would get an oil change made me very suspicious. Drove to a Hyundai Service Center and paid out of pocket for a diagnostic. Was told cracked oil pan but they never performed any of the standard diagnostics for the high oil consumption. We ordered the oil pan and scheduled serv... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
FRM Footwell module failed leaving car stranded Problem identified by certified mechanic. Similar models (R55 & R56) in the same age range of my vehicle have been issued a recall, but the convertible model, in the same year, (R57) is not covered. All electric switches in the vehicle failed. Symptoms began with the ABS and parking brake warning lights lighting. Other warning light was a service lig... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
Multiple times over the last 4 months the passenger airbag has turned off when there is a passenger occupying the seat and the SRS light turns on. The related code is B1650. This seems to be the same issue as a recall from about 5 years ago that was “fixed” and now has come back. The same code and SRS light sometimes comes on when there is no one in the passenger seat as well. It makes it unsa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
on 7SEP 2025 @ 1100 While backing out of my driveway in my 2007 Chevy 3500, the vehicle’s airbag suddenly and unexpectedly deployed without any collision. The airbag struck me in the chest and left forearm, causing immediate injury. Since the incident, I have been experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath. Prior to this incident, I had taken my truck in for service due to concerns about th... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was violently shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who detected a burning odor while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was diagnosed with a cracked engine block and coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to obtain an extended warranty plan, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 75,000. Later, the contact was informed that the mileage was 138,000 at the time of purchase.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The radio in this vehicle has a widespread issue where the screen delaminates and starts ghost touching . Options are randomly selected , people are randomly called , emergency services are attempted to be contacted. Basically anything that the radio controls in the car could be changed or activated . This is extremely distracting and could cause someone to take their focus off the road and cause ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
I received a previous recall notice for the backup camera not working and visited the dealership on August 19, 2025 to recieve the software update that was supposed to fix this problem. Since receiving the fix, I have continued to have the same intermittent interruption of the backup camera as I was having before the "fix". I do not believe the software fix helped the issue and this feels like an ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
I had to take my vehicle to Toyota bc it failed to start. There was an error code that of coolant issue error code and this was reported to the dealership they said that wasn’t the issue and my wires were chewed however I see that there actually is a history of issues with that incident and I wonder if I was given incorrect diagnosis from dealership this costed thousands of dollars from my insur... Read more