Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 15,069 complaints for VOLVO
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
Hit a deer that impacted the passenger side of the vehicle. Passenger seat was occupied, and door had to be pried open by tow truck driver to get passenger out. Entire right side, from the "L" logo to the front fender was destroyed. The passenger airbag did not deploy, nor did emergency braking or collision avoidance warning go off as deer was crossing from the left (driver) side to passenger s... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
The car has had over 5 batteries in the last year and 3 in the last 2 months. Something is constantly draining the battery in my car and making them go very bad. Also the car will be dead if I park it too long because of the electrical issue and it’s been a huge problem for me.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2019
Shifting was noticeable with a hesitation. Dealership said it was normal. Developed into a shudder while driving. Shudder came up with transmission code and decreased power. Not driveable. Miles are less than 108k
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times. 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. T... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
I inherited my dad's 2003 Mercedes Benz E320 when he passed away last year. He kept the car in pristine condition. About a month ago while driving it, I noticed a strong smell of gasoline in the cabin of the vehicle. The odor is strong just after filling the tank, and then it disappears at appox. 3 quarters of a tank. This issue has been physically challenging for me, making me dizzy and giving me... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
The wheel clock spring in the steering column is making loud noises and the horn has stopped working. The airbag light has come on now and the only solution is replacement of the wheel clock spring to make the vehicle safe for the driver. Should be covered under the recall of 2014 VW Passats
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
Unsure of what the issue is with the vehicle but smells like gas in my garage and I found a recall I was never notified about I moved from Washington to Las Vegas and never received any info regarding the fuel pump recall as well as a noise that’s been going on for a year now when I drive at 60 miles an hour I’ve had it looked at and no one seems to know what that issue is
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
ABS and traction lights going off and on daily. Dealership has no parts and unable to fix problems
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
My end of year 2019 produced GMC Sierra 1500 5.3 V8, 4WD X31 4 door truck had a serious malfunction that could have caused great harm. I was driving down my driveway at approximately 20 mph when the truck's rear wheels locked up, stopping the truck instantly, sending me into the steering wheel narrowly missing the windshield with my face. After a moment, I attempted to drive again to move the t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
Report: Jeep Grand Cherokee 2023 table number [XXX]. Vin [XXX] Piston malfunction. **Vehicle:** 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Tablet:[XXX]. Vin [XXX] **Date of purchase** February 2023. **Problem:** Piston malfunction That began in September 2023. **Dealer:** Alberic Colón Chrysler, Jeep, Puerto Rico **Event timeline:** 1. September 2023: The malfunction of the piston in the Jeep Gran... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the steering wheel was jerking with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repai... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
Front suspension violently oscillates while driving high speeds and you hit a bump in the road. You can not do anything but hold on. The truck goes in the next lane sometimes. It is very dangerous for myself and everyone in or around my truck. This has been happening for awhile now.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
When driving my 2009 chevy malibu out of nowhere my car steering wheel became difficult to turn. Then "Service Power Steering Loss SC" illuminated. I was able to steer the vehicle using extra effort to drive the vehicle. I turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. Then as I continued driving the power steering failure reoccurred. I pulled off the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 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: Nov 19, 2024
My truck is shifting funny at times just want it fixed it’s 2024 it’s been long enough I drive on the highway every day.the truck has two recalls seat hardware is faulty and transmission downshift problems recalls issued in 2017 and it’s 2024 just want it fixed I’m already stressed enough I’m sure you understand thanks have a blessed day
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the vehicle was making an abnormal rattling sound on cold starts. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving from a complete stop and while coming to a stop. The contact also stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough idling. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle inadv... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
Three issues: 1) in One Pedal Drive mode car when fully stopped on level ground and in Drive (at traffic signal) will accelerate rapidly without any driver contact with accelerator pedal. This happens once to several times a month. In the first incident the car entered the intersection before I stopped the car with the brake pedal. In another incident the car did this when a pedestrian was in the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
On June 23, 2024 a NHTSA recall #24V-436 was posted indicating the rear visibility system defaults to the rearview image being visible. To date multiple dealerships and the Chrysler Corporation contacted trying to get this issue remedied. No one seems to have an answer ass to when the update will occur. I contract with a car rental service, TURO, to rent my personal vehicles. Because of this... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
While driving on the freeway in the evening about 10 minutes into the drive, a loud bang was heard like a shotgun and the front portion of the panoramic sunroof had shattered. Small shards of glass entered the cabin but fortunately no one was injured inside the vehicle. No sign of a rock hitting the vehicle or defect in the panoramic had occurred prior to this incidence. It appears to have occurre... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
Summoned my car in parking lot. Vehicle showed on app that it planned to go straight then turn left but instead cut to a left and thus colliding with the car that was parked next to me. I have the footage if needed. Car should have stopped instead, or followed planned route. I was staring at the car the whole time and it looked that it was going straight, even after colliding, it looked like it wa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
The automatic reverse braking feature is far too sensitive and causes headache-inducing, jarring, sudden extreme braking without any warning. It’s so aggressive that I believed I actually struck something each time. There’s no way to release the locked brakes unless you put it in park and then in drive. Extreme safety concern! This occurs when backing into or out of the garage using the mirror... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
there was a recall for death wobble on steering, took it in, supposedly fixed. a month went by and wobble came back, took back to jeep, they said i needed new tires. (of course warranty was just getting ready to expire.) bought new tires, death wobble is getting worse and worse. if you hit a bump in road and your going 45mph, you have to try and stop vehicle it is shaking sooo bad. not fair i have... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
there was a recall for death wobble on steering, took it in, supposedly fixed. a month went by and wobble came back, took back to jeep, they said i needed new tires. (of course warranty was just getting ready to expire.) bought new tires, death wobble is getting worse and worse. if you hit a bump in road and your going 45mph, you have to try and stop vehicle it is shaking sooo bad. not fair i have... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The frm module failed. Now the indicators don't work, no high beams, the windows won't work. It has a warning that says the driver side door is open. I called the dealership. They said that it has a 10 year, 156,000 mile warranty. It has 137,000 miles but the warranty expired in September of 2024. So it will cost me $921to fix a very known safety issue. I don't have that right now and this is... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
On the way to work, MIL came on that stated, “high engine temperature stop safely”. After pulling over and turning car off for about 10 minutes, trip to work continued and MIL came on again. Had vehicle TOWED IN to a trusted mechanic and he checked and advised: CONFIRMED OVERHEAT CONDITION, VEHICLE WAS LOW ON COOLANT, OVERHEAT CODE STORED IN PCM. REFILLED WITH COOLANT AND FOUND STEADY STREAM ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
Vehicle attempted to do an 'over the air' update to the infotainment system. This prompted an error message, stating the update failed and return to the dealership. Took vehicle to GM dealer, diagnostics were run, and dealer stated that an update was not available, and the module for the infotainment system was bad. Quoted me $1600 for replacement and install. Have read multiple reports with own... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
I replaced a catalytic converter and 2 O2 sensors a few months ago. Check engine light came on. Oil was pooling into the catalytic converter from the engine. Technician checked pistons. Said there was unusual wear and oil was coming in through the pistons.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Our vehicles air conditioning went out due to the AC Shaft Seal failing on the vehicle, which had its warranty extended by the NHTSA. Honda replaced this part after it failed over the extended warranty but also statted that due to it failing, the entire AC system went out because the compressor blew and sent parts theough out the entire AC system. Honda is not willing to replace the AC system that... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The known issue of a lead frame failure in the transmission of my vehicle occurred causing the vehicle to lose it's speedometer input and traction. Extremely dangerous condition and Ford refuses to acknowledge or take any responsibility for the incident.
VOLVO
V60CC
(2016) — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Nov 5, 2024
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked violently and downshifted unexpectedly to first gear. The shifting lights began to flash and then cleared. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle downshifted unexpectedly. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle suddenly jerked and the engine r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that after rainfall, the contact became aware that water was leaking into the interior of the vehicle through the rear sliding window. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the rear sliding window molding was cracked, causing the window to detach from the molding, which caused water to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a burning odor coming through the vents into the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
The Toyota part number 69030-53120, a front door lock assembly (Lock Assy, Fr Door), is a genuine part used across various 2022 Toyota models, including the RAV4 and Tacoma. Went to the dealer for a diagnoses with problems unlocking and locking my doors and it was deemed defective 0-69030-53120 LOCK ASSY, FR DOO SPCORD by a Toyota dealer. Both front doors don’t work the Lock Assy and it was det... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
The malfunction light came on in my car I had a mechanic check the code that came up and he said it was the canister purge valve! Then I noticed whenever I put fuel in my car it was hard to start it would sputter and almost die !
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V653000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Fortunately no catastrophic failure or accident occurred. At about 40,000k miles the rear spring mounts are significantly corroded and need replacing. This appears to be a galvanic reaction that occurs due to a design flaw which shortens the life of the critical mounts. I’m told one could fail imminently and the other is headed that way. Had this failed in use the damage would be significant... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
My wife started noticing issues with our 2019 Equinox. We got several error mesaages: service brakes, service sylteering, enigine light and abs. I did some digging online and found similar issues with other Equinox owners. The fix is to replace the battery. We did and after leaving the shop the car won't move. It will go into differnt gears but wont move and is currently at home in our driveway.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
My wife started noticing issues with our 2019 Equinox. We got several error mesaages: service brakes, service sylteering, enigine light and abs. I did some digging online and found similar issues with other Equinox owners. The fix is to replace the battery. We did and after leaving the shop the car won't move. It will go into differnt gears but wont move and is currently at home in our driveway.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
I received a recall notice yesterday for my car, [XXX] . I called 3 dealerships in my area today and they all say they don't know when parts will be available. And how am I supposed to use my car now if they have no responsibility for what may happen. There is no date when I can check and replace the recalled part. I have called bill page Honda 6715 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22042 and calle... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine, coolant, and oil warning lights simultaneously flashed on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the vehicle had failed to start after several attempts. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
I was driving on the highway at 60mph, I went over an uneven area on a highway bridge when my truck’s steering started to shake uncontrollably, I had both hands on the steering wheel and still started to swerve into the passing lane, I finally got it under control and was looking for an area to pull over as I wasn’t sure if I had a flat or not, the shaking finally stopped, I put my hazard ligh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Day time running lights burned out at 32,000 miles. The trucks Visibility during daylight has significantly been altered due to the DRLs malfunctioning so soon in a new vehicle. No warning or alerts.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Upper control arm unit is defective on most model 3's. This has been reported by thousands of Tesla owners. After 50,000 miles the upper control arm will fail due to being assembled incorrectly, which causes a hard time driving the car and causing a strange sound in the suspension which can cause a risk in driving and increase the likelihood of an accident.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
While driving, the dash warning "service power steering" light up and my steering wheel locked making me unable to steer or manuever the car to safety. I was stuck in the middle of the road. I turned it off and on and was able to make it to a parking lot where the same safety messages illuminated four more times. I tried reversing and the same steering lock occurred again making me unable to drive... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
While driving on the highway got the warning on the control screen with red light warning stating "Pull over and stop the vehicle" and the car automatically started slowing down. Another warning popped up stating “Power Reduced - Exiting and re-entering vehicle may restore operation”. Has a yellow icon of a turtle. Felt very dangerous on a highway and immediately pulled over to the shoulder.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control(ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. No further information was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
GM 3.0 diesel engine has a coolant control valve that fails putting the vehicle into a reduced power mode causing the vehicle to have significantly reduced acceleration and putting the engine fan at full to reduce engine heat. When stopped, the engine had been running very hot as you can hear the popping from the metal as it cools off. The part to repair this issue is 40009158 and is being repla... Read more