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: Jun 3, 2025
The car currently has a coolant infiltration. It is an active recalls on the same model manufactured just 5 months earlier. The car currently has white smoke coming out of the exhaust and the engine has been running roughly. The check engine light came on with a code reporting misfire cylinder 3, which came on about a month ago. The car can be inspected at any time. Safety is at risk because the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
My coolant thermostat went out, causing my AC and steering assist to stop working. I have spoke to multiple other people who have had this same issue with their GMC Acadia and I believe this should be a recall. It’s going to cost me $1200 to have this issue resolved.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during cold starts, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the sound was heard for several seconds before self-correcting. The contact determined that the failure was caused by faulty cam phasers. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2025
Electrical system/Transmission malfunctioned causing engine to shift into neutral while driving and cause engine to shut down and refuse to start again. The issue seems to only happen whenever the engine is up to temperature and the fan is active. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership and they said the throttle body was the issue, after replacement the issue still persists. There is no... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Brake pedal sank to the floor while driving. Pressure resumed temporarily. Brake fluid continued to leak aftrr being parked. This is third incident of this occurance.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
My 2019 Jeep Cherokee, which is currently experiencing a Power Transfer Unit failure. My Service 4WD light came on, and the vehicle is exhibiting the same symptoms as those covered under several PTU-related recalls, including Recall W47 and Recall 01C.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was a loose steering bolt. The dealer performed an undisclosed repair, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's son ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that the power steering suddenly failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was turned off for a while and restarted for the power steering functionality to return. The failure was persistent. The contact stated that the power steering warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who informe... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
One day I was driving normal and my engine light and two other lights came on. It dropped my speed under 30mph and I couldn't pass the gas. It said reduced engine power, service stabilitrak and service traction. I immediately took it to auto zone then placed it in the shop at the dealership. They had my truck for almost 2 months and finally said they fixed it. It ran ok for a month or so. I was so... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
One day I was driving normal and my engine light and two other lights came on. It dropped my speed under 30mph and I couldn't pass the gas. It said reduced engine power, service stabilitrak and service traction. I immediately took it to auto zone then placed it in the shop at the dealership. They had my truck for almost 2 months and finally said they fixed it. It ran ok for a month or so. I was so... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a coolant intrusion and the contact was informe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
parts unavailability on a new vehicle. Vehicle: 2024 Ford F-150 Raptor R Issue: OEM A/C suction hose (NL3Z-19867-C) failure — no parts available Effect: Inability to perform basic climate control repairs on a warranty vehicle Ford Case: [XXX] Contact: [XXX] , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
The Drivers side mirror (LEFT) When sitting still is distorted and wavy if you look around in the mirror. It makes the earth bend or any objects in the mirror bend, the best way to put it when driving or sitting still it looks like a funhouse mirror. And once at about 40 MPH the Same mirror also vibrates while driving. The retailer I choose has replaced the mirror glass twice and the mirror housin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
All listed problems act sporadically. Dangerously Defected 2023 Honda Pilot. Numerous problems with vehicle over several months. Kept taking it back to Charlie's Honda and was told they could not reproduce the problems I was stating. The Vehicle will bog, hesitate and jerk while driving. Charlie finds nothing wrong. Actually all items that are functioning incorrectly, Charlie's tell me they cannot... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed around a roundabout, the vehicle independently veered toward the right before the steering wheel became firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic steering column needed to be replaced. The l... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2025
Steering assist not working, could not steer the vehicle
Incident date: Jun 9, 2025
Transmission failed even after vehicle being strictly maintained according to each and every Toyota recommended prepaid maintenance visit for the entire life of the vehicle. No warning signs of a serious failure.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
iOS lite has come on for the second time. Sensor had to be replaced early this year. Cost $500.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
My Audi has been having an ongoing issue with the MMI rebooting while i am driving. It takes away my ability to see the maps and or hear the map telling me which direction to go. It has not been inspected yet however it is a common issue with the 2020 Audi cars that can be replicated however it is not predictable.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
Right front turn signal does not work also fm/am radio does not work as well as trunk release button on trunk itself. Had both head lights replaced thinking it was an LED issue with turn signal and was told by mechanic that BCM is the issue. Called Honda regarding the recall to the BCM and was told my car is not apart of said recall because it didn’t come from a certain region but seems to be al... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
The model/year Mercedes-Benz are well known for experiencing this/these particular issues. My research has shown that these year/make/model vehicles are experiencing the same type of mechanical failures nationwide. The issues all relatively begin around 75,000 miles. I've only had my car 3 years putting 30000 on it hardly driven/cared for **Issue Found:** Oil was leaking onto the ignition coil ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2019
I purchased this vehicle from Vroom, who is also my lender under United Auto Credit. The car was sold with a washed title and undisclosed prior structural and mechanical damage. I have documentation confirming the vehicle had serious pre-existing issues and should never have been sold as a clean-title car. The differential has failed three times in under 6 months, and I’ve experienced full driv... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 45–50 MPH, the engine was making an abnormal sound. The contact stopped and lightly depressed the accelerator pedal and continued driving. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift gear. The RPM increased to high. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
it keeps throwing a check engine light for miss fire but ive replaced all of the ignition and fuel parts and it keeps happening now its loosing power and getting hot for no reason.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
The hill assist malfunction warning followed by multiple malfunction warning failures started about a two weeks ago since being inspected at the dealer. Other warnings include pre-collision malfunction warning and advance track malfunction warning occurs then a wrench appears on the top left of display screen
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
The hill assist malfunction warning followed by multiple malfunction warning failures started about a two weeks ago since being inspected at the dealer. Other warnings include pre-collision malfunction warning and advance track malfunction warning occurs then a wrench appears on the top left of display screen
Incident date: Apr 17, 2025
Strong smell of gas while driving and under the hood of car with no visible leaks.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
I keep getting error code P0304 which says its cylinder 4 misfire the engine starts shaking a bit and most of the warning lights in my dashboard turn on and it disables the parking brake , I took it to a shop and they took out the fuel injectors to visualy inspect them and moved injector 4 to a different cylinder but the same error keeps coming back cylinder 4 misfire , I keep having to spend mon... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
I keep getting error code P0304 which says its cylinder 4 misfire the engine starts shaking a bit and most of the warning lights in my dashboard turn on and it disables the parking brake , I took it to a shop and they took out the fuel injectors to visualy inspect them and moved injector 4 to a different cylinder but the same error keeps coming back cylinder 4 misfire , I keep having to spend mon... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
I keep getting error code P0304 which says its cylinder 4 misfire the engine starts shaking a bit and most of the warning lights in my dashboard turn on and it disables the parking brake , I took it to a shop and they took out the fuel injectors to visualy inspect them and moved injector 4 to a different cylinder but the same error keeps coming back cylinder 4 misfire , I keep having to spend mon... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
On 6/4/2025, the driver side front door B-pillar trim piece separated from the vehicle. The tape that joins the trim piece to the door sheet metal completely sheared. The adhesive is still fine but the form separated. The part is connected only to the door through the wire hardness of the keyless entry. TSB 20-2427 stated the issue is "loose". But the actual issue is a flying part with a conne... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
In response to a recall for the possible failure of the rear camera, I had the Honda dealership make the repair. Upon receiving my vehicle, I noticed that the wiring bundle had numerous small gauge wires exposed. I photographed them and corresponded with the dealership. They said they’d rectify my concerns. After visiting the dealership again for yet another recall concerning front passenger sea... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
Steering is going in and out, mechanic thinks it's our module that should be part of this major recall.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2025
I am the owner of a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E and have experienced repeated failures of the front-facing camera system, which directly impacts critical safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. When the camera fails, these safety systems become unavailable or behave unpredictably, putting my safety and that of others at risk. The issue b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
hello this is a report for you to please recall all these tires this is very unsafe. i had sent emails directly to the factory and never got any response so now im sending this to you. i know its late but anyways here is all attached on a pdf format
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started making abnormal sounds under the floorboard. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was inform... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2025
Paint defect. Paint faded and clouded on vehicle due to cheap paint used during manufacturing. I was never notified about the extended warranty. I contacted Honda and let them know, but was told the warranty ended. I financed my vehicle through American Honda for 5 years, and serviced my vehicle via Honda dealerships. Never did this come up as a possible repair that I could have fixed by them. I w... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2025
Requested dealer to perform recall "Inadequate Front Windshield Bonding/FMVSS 212" Dealer reported "our vendor did not actually perform any work on the windshield, he confirmed work was done elsewhere with a reseal so there was nothing we actually did" There is no documentation supporting the reseal work was done on this vehicle.
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The steering wheeled locked up and the dash showed error messages of check hybrid system and refill inverter coolant and car seemed to go into limp mode as I could barely accelerate forcing me to pull over. The messages and issue would go away upon turning off car and turning it back on, however the issue would eventually happen again. This has happened while driving on the highway and other vario... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Fuel injector failure, resulted in engine misfires, running fuel rich, and reduced power. Reduced power and loss of safety features such as anti-lock brakes, stability assist, ACC, AEB, FCA, and LKA the safety of myself and other drivers are negatively affected. My Honda Dealer and 3rd party shop diagnosed the issue. All warning lights started to appear in November 2024 and disappear intermittentl... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving or reversing from a complete stop, the vehicle was shuddering and there was an abnormal waterflow sound coming from the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto, where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs needed to ... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
Engine oil leak. An engine oil leak could potentially cause a fire hazard by igniting when leaking into hot components. It could cause engine damage due to inadequate lubrication leading to overheating and severe engine damage. The leak can contaminate the environment including soil and water, and it can create slippery surfaces which would be a risk to people walking in the area with leaked oil.... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2025
AFTER ANTI-THEFT SOFTWARE UPGRAGE MY CAR WILL LOCK ME OUT. I CANNOT UNLOCK THE CAR DOOR WITH THE KEY FOB OR BY USING THE KEY. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES. I DON'T KKOW IF IT WILL LOCK ME IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENS, SINCE THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED. HAD TO CALL AAA TO GET BACK INTO CAR. ON ANOTHER OCCASION WAITED TWO HOURS AND THE CAR OPENED USING KEY FOB.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? > While driving, the following systems fail and become inoperable sporadically: blind-spot safety system, tire pressure monitoring system, smart cruise control system, lane following assist system, speed limit warning system, shifter system malfunction, infotainment system, HVAC controls and turn sig... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Ford eco boost coolant intrusion super common problem ford knows about… quoted 8k for a new motor on a car that’s worth 13k. No warnings, barely and coolant leaking, just started overheating when driving one day. Only has 80,000 miles. It has been look at by a ford dealer and a family friend mechanic. It’s not good to overheat on a 4 lane highway and have to get out of the car to put coolant... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Engine spontaneously became extremely rough, losing power while at the same time engine light started flashing. Had car towed to auto shop. Which stated cylinders 2 and 4 were misfiring. Sought second opinion from different auto shop which confirmed that cylinder 4 was not performing and cylinder 2 was performing minimally. Engine has 47,000 miles on it. Ford customer relations contacted which pro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving uphill at 50 MPH, the transmission failed to operate as designed, and the vehicle started losing motive power. The transmission unexpectedly downshifted from eighth gear to first gear. The contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality afterward. No warning lights were illuminated. However, the failure persisted... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
- Rear brake pads. They were replaced at 22,464 miles under warranty due to premature wear, and at just 34,170 miles (less than 12,000 miles later), they are already down to 4mm. Yes, the component is available for inspection upon request. - The rapid and premature wear of the rear brake pads reduces braking efficiency and increases stopping distance, particularly in emergency situations or adver... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: May 17, 2025
Driver door will not lock or unlock.