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: Jul 24, 2024
I was driving my mother's 2018 Honda CR-V at a steady rate of about 30 mph when there was a warning chirp and the car suddenly braked hard and came to a complete stop. At that time, I was at least 30 feet behind the car in front and both my car and the one in front were traveling at the same speed. I can only assume that the collision avoidance system kicked in unexpectedly. After stopping, I r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V161000 (Air Bags); however, the dealer informed the contact that he had to pay for a diagnostic test prior to the recall repair. The contact declined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
Vehicle constantly overheats and the cooling fans go out. I work for a company that has 30 Jeep Renegades ranging from year 2020 to 2023. They all have this issue. Leaking coolant, AC going out, cooling fan needing replacement, not starting, stalling, overheating, etc. I can give all VIN numbers if necessary.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500 The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System Gasoline, Engine) 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. Parts distribution dis... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
Transmission from drive well sometimes shift to neutral while it is at a stand still usually waiting for a light to turn green, after which it takes its time to shift back into drive. While this happened a warning light appeared malfunction take straight to dealer. Yesterday seems as if ABS kicked in while driving, threw me into the steering wheel than stopped shaking within 1-2 sec, and let me ac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the transmission shuddered. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not under warranty. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was in... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the local dealer that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
I recently bought a 2004 Toyota 4 Runner and the frame of the vehicle has significant corrosion to the extent of holes, weld failures and more. I've never seen frame rust so bad on a vehicle like this. I'm a little uneasy about the safety of this situation. I think Toyota should replace the frame or give a good discount on the part and labor. I hope someone can help me out with this concern.
Incident date: May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Lexus ES300 Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the driver's side seat belt would not extend out and the driver was unable to access and latch the seat belt. The contact indicated that the failure was intermittent and during the failure, audible alarms were activated and warning messages were displayed. After restarting the vehicle the failure had se... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
I’m not sure why my car was not apart of this water pump recall. I was driving without any warning my car started stalling and then completely stopped on me. I had to pay for a new water pump due to this. I thought that was was strange as I have always be up on all maintenance for my car. My car was in top notch condition and this occurred from no where. Thank God I was not hit.; but this did ca... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
Motorcycle was bought new in 2023 February. In April of 2024. There is a internal rattling noise at the rear of the engine between the transmission and engine area when the motorcycle. Downshifts. I called the dealer right away and was told to stop riding it. The soonest they could get me on the schedule was the end of May. The bike had just over 1,000 mi. At this time. I dropped the bike off arou... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
While backing out of steep driveway, the car computer screen blinked saying "updating" then screen went blank, lost power, I could not brake. We have a row of trees at the back of our driveway that stopped the car ( with damage) or else we would have rolled into our neighbors basement all. Tree limbs poked a hole in bumper, cracked left tail light, and damaged the back hatch. Mercedes is saying Us... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
The rear subframe is rusted through. It is a known manufacturing defect where water sits and rusts through the subframe. This was a recall on various Mercedes up through 2014. Multiple 2015 models have the same issue, including my Mercedes 2015 C300 4MATIC. I have a 2009 SLK with the same issue, which Mercedes previously fixed and acknowledged the manufacturing defect. The part number under the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
I was driving on the freeway all of a sudden my car shuts down on me I had the to replace the Starter, fuel pump, alternator, and spark plugs to the vehicle after replacing all that the car starts but it will eventually shut down on me so during the times I was trying to fix my car I received a recall letter in the mail took it Dealer Buerkle Hyundai on August 1, 2024 at the location 3350 Hwy 61 ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2024
In June 2024, I experienced serious sustained steering wheel oscillation to the point of having to stop the vehicle while traveling over 70 mph to regain control before proceeding on my way. I scheduled an appointment with my dealer (Woody Anderson Ford, Huntsville, AL) after July 4th weekend and was assigned an appointment date of August 9, 2024 at 10:00am. In May 2024, after traveling about 47... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
We have a 2015 Mazda CX-9 Touring with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The issue that has been happening is a flashing check engine light (CEL) indicator showing up in the gauge cluster. This issue originally started in October of 2023. I was on the highway doing at least 55 miles per hour (mph). Before the light actually came on, I had already felt the vehicle shaking, and also noticed the acceleration wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
We have a 2015 Mazda CX-9 Touring with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The issue that has been happening is a flashing check engine light (CEL) indicator showing up in the gauge cluster. This issue originally started in October of 2023. I was on the highway doing at least 55 miles per hour (mph). Before the light actually came on, I had already felt the vehicle shaking, and also noticed the acceleration wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
I am writing this letter about a vehicle I purchased in November 2023. The vehicle purchased was a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Diesel from Rick Chevrolet in Virginia Beach VA. The truck has many defects. The first month I took it back for a leaking tire, broken windshield, oil leak and because it drove funny and I did not know what was wrong with it, but I knew something was wrong. They kept the truck fo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
This vehicles fuel control module has caused my children and me safety to put at risk by vehicle breaking down in the middle of traffic and not capable of starting vehicle back up. thie has been confirmed from trusted mechanic.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
This vehicles fuel control module has caused my children and me safety to put at risk by vehicle breaking down in the middle of traffic and not capable of starting vehicle back up. thie has been confirmed from trusted mechanic.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
I was driving the vehicle around 55 mph when a check hybrid system warning popped up. About 30 seconds later the vehicle went from being in drive to B (brake mode) and the vehicle began to slow at a rapid pace with no warning. Could potentially cause an accident as this occurred with very little warning.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
When I purchased my 2014 Volvo XC 60 I was told that it was in good overall condition and believe that after driving it for the vehicle in full and brought it back because it needed a current inspection. Within four days of taking it home after the inspection, the PCV valve went bad and I had a minor leak in the middle center top of the windshield that dripped in and left watermarks on my headline... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The CV axle on my 2022 Ford Maverick keeps failing. Has been repaired/replaced 3 times same Ford dealership completing repairs. It starts with shuddering and shaking when accelerating then a clicking noise and unable to keep vehicle straight. Lucky enough no accidents where caused, however the second time this happened I was on interstate going at least 75mph the clicking started then could not co... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
This vehicle has an intermittent headlight flicker that is a distraction to myself and other drivers. GM is aware of the issue but has yet to provide a resolution.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
electronic power steering suddenly stopped working after driving several hundred miles to go on vacation. Thankfully it happened after I parked at a rest stop.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
LED Headlamps blink off and back on in a fraction of a second. Occurs when vehicle is moving or parked. Can be replicated in daylight by manually turning headlights on in the control center. GM documented with Document ID 6691954 "#PIT6203: Headlamp or DRL Flicker or Flash (July 16, 2024) Possible hazards include oncoming drivers being flashed from flicker. Oncoming drivers thinking they're bei... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the connecting rod punctured the engine causing an engine oil leak. As a result of the failure, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Braking occurs absolutely randomly. This happened about 6-7 times starting from about 5500 miles, at absolutely different speeds. I slow down to reduce speed, then the system starts warning with a BRAKE signal and after that suddenly stops, to a complete stop, although this is absolutely not necessary, because the front car is very far. I was hit in the bumper once. I have a video of how it did it... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
Allison transmission valve body failure, going on 2 months backorder due to high demand for this part several others are experiencing long delays. Perhaps a recall will gets things moving
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The hybrid motor periodical will hesitate when accelerating from a stop, specifically it'll start accelerating then lose power for up to a couple of seconds before regaining power. This poses a safety risk if you start pulling out into traffic and suddenly and unpredictably lose power while there's oncoming vehicles. The problem just occurred for the first time about a week ago and coincidentall... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact then heard a loud pop and pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed gasoline leaking from the fuel tank filler neck, even though the access door and gas cap were both securely closed. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact then heard a loud pop and pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed gasoline leaking from the fuel tank filler neck, even though the access door and gas cap were both securely closed. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
ON 2/14/2024, my car started not to accelerate after the Crash Collision light came on. My car pulled off like it was a snail but picked up speed after I drove a bit. I had to put my hazard flasher lights on in order for other car not run over me, which was a major safety issues and put me and my grandson at risk of being hurt. There was no check engine light coming up just the warning flashed (... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
The rear power liftgate metal hinges are peeling away from the body of the vehicle. My liftgate doesn't close properly and is out of alignment to stay safely latched closed and has become 100% unusable. There is a 1.5 inch gap (you can see light and water can enter) on rear pass. side and the door is tightly jammed closed on the rear driver side. After speaking with a Toyota service manager, he ca... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
I have taken my vehicle into Tesla to have the issue fixed twice. They don't know what's happening or how to fix it. My car is randomly taking the wheel and steering me into other cars / off the road. It happens once a month or so, I have a newborn baby I drive in the car and I don't feel safe driving. I've recorded the incident and Tesla Service said "that should not be happening unless I'm using... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
I believe the BMW configuration of the adaptive cruise control following distance selection might result in a rear end collision. I normally set the following distance to the longest setting, which corresponds to a two-second following distance (IMO, the minimum safe distance). I am fairly often caught off-guard by the system because the next time the bike is started, the following distance defa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
Since purchasing this vehicle in October 2023 I have had multiple issues with the fuel door not opening, the turn indicator light not working, the backup cmera and sensors continue to engage the rear brake intervention system when there's nothing behind the vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The vehicle brake suddenly and has light appear when parked and or not driven. Car shut off once on the freeway already and yesterday the whole car would not run . It has been in and out service about ten times and they can’t find an issue This is calling emotional distress, the Breaking with kids in the car almost causing an accident three times with this vehicle. currently under lemon bu... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The vehicle brake suddenly and has light appear when parked and or not driven. Car shut off once on the freeway already and yesterday the whole car would not run . It has been in and out service about ten times and they can’t find an issue This is calling emotional distress, the Breaking with kids in the car almost causing an accident three times with this vehicle. currently under lemon bu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
while attempting an OTA software update, the update failed. The instrument cluster was inoperative, it was a complete blank screen. Not able to tell how fast you were going, what gear you were in, how much gas you had. All features displayed on the instrument cluster were not available. Contacted Volvo to attempt a software reset, and all attempts were not successful.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
The control screen in the front center of the vehicle is not working. Backup camera, radio, AC/heat, Blutooth, navigation, nothing works and the screen will black out. It is a safety hazard driving as the screen will click and make loud noises.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
The control screen in the front center of the vehicle is not working. Backup camera, radio, AC/heat, Blutooth, navigation, nothing works and the screen will black out. It is a safety hazard driving as the screen will click and make loud noises.
Incident date: May 16, 2022
Same issue as complaint #11416043. Leak in sunroof has caused several electrical issues with the car. I had noticed occasional drips from the rear view mirror but had no idea that water was pooling under the spare tire in the trunk where several electrical components are located. When I originally brought it to the dealer (when I noticed the occasional drips) they said I needed to replace a maj... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
Backup camera is intermittent. Sometimes it works then goes to a blue screen while backing which could result in injury or death of children behind vehicle. it is available for inspection. I haven't taken it to a dealer. there is a message when it goes to the blue screen. this has been an ongoing problem for the last 2-3 years or so. I entered the current date as this has been ongoing.
Incident date: May 16, 2022
Vechicle was taken because the air blower was blowing hot. There is a recall the condenser on these cars but in addition the evaporator of the A/C equipement also has gone bad. They have said it needs to be replaced. The vechicel is still being paid for and its only has 38,593 miles. It definitely a manufacturing issue. They need to include this in their recalls.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The engine knocks took it to the auto mechanic and needs a new engine. Have to pay for this and reading on line it is a well known issue
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exhaust pipe detached and fell onto the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact researched online and discovered Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B35 (Certain 2020 Model Ye... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
Within the first 200 miles of ownership i noticed the truck pulls right and is difficult to steer left with the lane assist control switched off. The dealership i bought it from has replaced the electric motor which controls the lane assist and has performed 2 alignments. The dealership stated Ford instructed them to change the steering motor, the condition still exists. The dealership then stated... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse, the back over prevention camera displayed the rear view of the vehicle for approximately 10-seconds before going black. The back over prevention camera remained open despite failing to display an image of the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the f... Read more