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: Feb 16, 2025
With Adaptive Cruise Control on, without touching brake or cruise controls, while passing semi trucks (also happens but less frequently with all vehicles), the Adaptive Cruise Control will pause or disengage, causing the vehicle to lose speed and momentum. Vehicles trailing the vehicle at this time are not aware of this sudden change in constant speed, creating a potential serious accident at hig... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
After 22,207 mi, the right rear wheel unit started making a clunking similar to a flat tire. I looked online and found TSB 22-2023 which states that a common problem with the Mach E one pedal driving is brake pad material gets fused to the rotor. I took it in for repair and the brakes are out of warranty after 18000mi. Average life of brake rotors FOR CARS THAT USE THEIR BRAKES is 30,000-70,000mi.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for service, and the contact was informed of a washer fluid leak. The water fluid hose was replaced. However, the failure persisted. Most recently, the contact stated that the sensors failed to function as intended, and the windshield wipers would turn on independently. The vehicle was taken to an indep... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the turn signal lights, the trunk, the Lane Departure, Forward Collision Avoidance, and the LKAS failed to be displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
Windshield cracked in same exact spot on bottom of windshield with no point of impact while sitting in our garage. Looks like it started at heating element. Our windshield was replaced for this same reason 2 months ago
Incident date: Feb 8, 2025
Following up on NHTSA ID Number: 11632353: Per NHTSA's website: "If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, please contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at: 1-888-327-4236 or TTY: 1-800-424-9153 or file an online complaint with NHTSA." — I won't recount the full incident of original malfunction related to the PTU and now havi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
I was on the freeway driving home and a vehicle cut me on the freeway which resulted in me breaking a little heavier than usual but wasn't abnormal and resulted in the vehicle shutting down due to the battery jumping around in the engine compartment and then instantaneously catching on fire with no way of steering or guiding myself to safety the highway did arrive on scene as well as ambulance and... Read more
Crash
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V684000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
The passenger side airbag deployed when I shut the door. My son was sitting in the seat. This incident could have been very harmful to my son. We had just had the airbag sensor repaired after waiting 6 months for it to arrive on back order. It was also replaced in 2021 under warranty, and in 2017 under a recall. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
Once the cruise control or adaptive cruise control is set, there is no indication as to what the speed is set to on the display. The only way to find out what it was set to is to turn off the cruise control then set a new speed. Also, when increasing or decreasing the speed control, there is nothing to indicate the new speed in the display. You must count how many times you press the + or - spe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
Passenger side rear seatbelt does not click in or latch
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
Steering & front axle make loud clicking noise when turning, Honda is aware of the problem and that the problem gets worse over time but I am worried about steering/suspension failing before Honda has a fix available.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
There is a serious electrical issue with the Grand Design Momentum 397ths. There are twenty-three electric outlets throughout the RV. Two are located outside. Two more are dedicated to microwave and electric fireplace. The two for microwave and fireplace are on their own breakers. All other twenty-one outlets are on just ONE 15 amp breaker. Typically there is a maximum of eight outlets per 15 a... Read more
VOLVO
XC90
(2025) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:PIPES, HOSES, AND FITTINGS
Feb 3, 2025
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The oil cooler line on this vehicle is faulty- they Crimp that crimps the hose to the metal parts breaks off. This is common in this vehicle (after it happened to me, I started to read on this and thousands of customers have had this issue). My oil exited my vehicle and upon replacing the part on my own (after towing, parts and labor cost), the engine would not crank. Come to find out that the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jaguar I-Pace. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V633000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the final remedy or to repurchase the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and a case was opened. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
I bought a 2021 Bronco Sport Brand new and ever since the car has been a problem. The rear axle wasn’t getting enough lubricants so it was grinding and I didn’t know what it was at the time but I took it to a Ford dealership and was told after spending 200$ on diagnostic testing that absolutely nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle kept doing the same thing grinding noises so I took ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
After starting the engine, when attempting to slowly accelerate, the engine almost dies or hesitates to respond to accelerator. Dangerous situation.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost electrical power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated before the screen went black. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery had failed. The contact was informed that the battery did not suppor... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost electrical power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated before the screen went black. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery had failed. The contact was informed that the battery did not suppor... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
Check engine light on and after scan, code P0302 results. Engine feels sluggish. "Coolant level low" displayed on dash, also temperature level rose to high so stopped driving it. Engine temperature elevated may catch fire car. Problem is coolant entering cylinder. Confirmed by two independent mechanics, and today by Lincoln mechanic. Vehicle is at Lincoln service center. Check engine light appear... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
Went to go through a busy intersection and power transfer unit failed, almost causing an accident. A second accident almost happened when car started rolling away due to park not working. Car had no warning, it is well maintained and I had 0 indication of a looming failure. This could have been a very bad accident (intersection and when it started rolling away)
Incident date: May 30, 2024
This incident it similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V409000. On December 7, 2024, a 2024 BMW iX was traveling on a cul-de-sac street at low speed, preparing to come to a stop. The driver was turning the steering wheel gently when, without warning, the vehicle suddenly accelerated rapidly. The unexpected surge in speed left the driver unable to react in time to stop the vehicle. As a result, the B... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the infotainment system, and the rearview camera became inoperative, and the vehicle stalled. The tailgate unintendedly opened, and the steering and lane control assist feature independently activated causing the vehicle to steer in the other lanes. The contact stated while the vehicle was in reverse... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
Error message when getting in the truck says “Secure vehicle against rolling”.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
On Nov 9, 2024 I was pulling into a parking spot in a public parking garage, after turning 2 tight corners to approach the parking spot. About half way into the parking spot, the car suddenly lurched and accelerated and I crashed into a 90 degree concrete corner wall! It happened SO fast, without any warning sounds or ABS brakes deploying. The entire front passenger corner of my car was badly dama... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
Vehicle lost power and cannot be started, cannot be moved due to no manual override for neutral gear. Upon research there are several people on Maserati Grecale forums experienced the same, with few being stuck on a busy highways immobile and cannot be towed easily due to no manual neutral override function. Same incident occurred twice and with the patchy dealer network and the dealer where the c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was ma... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
I was driving down the highway at 65mph when the truck shifted into Neutral. Could not shift back into drive. Pulled over 3 lanes to shoulder and stopped, shifted to Park, turned off engine. Restarted and shifted into Drive. While driving to dealer truck seized up and stopped at a red light. Could not start or shift into neutral. Left stranded in traffic hoping not to get rear ended by 65mph tra... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
I was driving down the highway at 65mph when the truck shifted into Neutral. Could not shift back into drive. Pulled over 3 lanes to shoulder and stopped, shifted to Park, turned off engine. Restarted and shifted into Drive. While driving to dealer truck seized up and stopped at a red light. Could not start or shift into neutral. Left stranded in traffic hoping not to get rear ended by 65mph tra... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
My rear window has exploded twice in less than a year. American Honda is aware of this problem and has issued a service bulletin, 22-014. American Honda is refusing to pay my out of pocket expenses totalling $1,100.00. There is a class action suit in CA against American Honda. In both situations my window exploded, parked, for no reason. This is also a safety issued with glass shattering with ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that whenever the transmission was shifting between 3rd to 4th and 9th to 10th gear, there was a lag while upshifting. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate while idling, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the Service 4WD message was displayed and remained displayed. The contact stated the vehicle jerked while driving at slow speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine cooling, engin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2025
I am writing to formally submit a complaint regarding multiple ongoing and serious issues with my 2022 Hyundai Palisade. These issues not only diminish the performance and reliability of the vehicle but also raise significant safety and quality concerns. Below are the problems I have encountered: 1.Thermostat and Coolant System Defects: Like many other owners of the 2022 Hyundai Palisade, I have e... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The fuel pump failed and self destructed internal parts of the pump in turn putting metal into the fuel lines resulting in a $15,000 repair bill. The vehicle is available for inspection and has not been repaired. This occurred in November 2024 and has not been driven since due to the costly repair bill. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership and independent service center. The only indic... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
Slippery Drive Mode was On. EV Mode was On. Was driving slowly up a snowy driveway, the car lost traction and the car became completely inoperable and immobilized, including: - Car could not be turned off or on via Start Stop button - Car could not shift out of Park - Car could not change drive modes - Car could not change out of EV Mode It was completely inoperable and impossible to move out of... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the infotainment system screen was blank. The contact stated that the failure persisted. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that upon completing a routine inspection of the vehicle, he noticed that the thermostat housing was leaking. There was no warning light illuminated... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
My rear camera on my 2014 Ford Fusion just stopped working on it's own (noticed on [XXX]). I then researched and found a recall; however, the recall is VIN specific and does not include my vehicle. This is a problem as my camera stopped working and deserves to be fixed as well the others that have already been identified. VIN# [XXX] I also called and my reference # is [XXX] Thank you in advance f... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
My 2011 Mini Cooper had to go to my mechanic because I have no turn signals, no dash or interior lights and my front windows will not go up or down. My mechanic determined the problem to be the Footwell Control Module. My mechanic did not/can not repair because it has to be programmed at a Dealership. My dad also has a 2011 Mini Cooper and he has been notified that there is a recall for his VIN #... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 27 MPH, a vehicle abruptly exited a parking lot without adhering to oncoming traffic. While attempting to avoid striking the vehicle, the contact activated the parking brake. The contact stated that after releasing the parking brake, the contact became aware that the parking brake handle became loosened and appeared to have di... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, "The High Engine Temperature" message was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited for AAA to tow the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was determined that coolant was leaking into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
The car is unsafe to drive due to a brake recall safety issue. The dealer instructed me to leave the vehicle and obtain my loaner car, as they do not provide this service despite the car warranty. Additionally, the electronic system turns on by itself, causing the car to turn on and off, making it unsafe to drive.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
The car is unsafe to drive due to a brake recall safety issue. The dealer instructed me to leave the vehicle and obtain my loaner car, as they do not provide this service despite the car warranty. Additionally, the electronic system turns on by itself, causing the car to turn on and off, making it unsafe to drive.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 228I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 experienced a fail... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
When the auto is idle, there is no heat, it blows cold air. It only blows heat while in motion. Upon research, uncovered an extensive amount of information that indicates this is and has been a problem in most Nissan vehicles for over a decade. In frigid temperatures, if car is disabled in route, passengers are in danger of frost bite or death since the auto does not provide heat when not in mo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated when starting the vehicle, she noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was vibrating. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shake without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a tire rotation; while there, the mechanic discovered severe corrosion on the vehicle's subframe and the contact was advised to no longer drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
I drive in the standard one pedal driving mode which allows for the car to brake and come to a complete stop using the regen system by simply releasing the accelerator. The issue is that I had come to a stop behind another car at traffic lights with my foot of the accelerator. In one pedal driving there is no need to hold the brake pedal as the car should so this itself. After a few seconds of ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon attempting to enter the vehicle he found the driver's side door nearly impossible to open. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the driver-side door actuator. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Nu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
In instances of rain or snow. The horn along with the pedestrian warning system do not function properly and aren’t audible. It appears to me that there is water intrusion into the speaker of which the horn and pedestrian warning system both use and that is what muffles the sound.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving approximately 46 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the roof of the vehicle. The following day the contact discovered that the glass sunroof had exploded and there was a hole in the sunroof glass. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact sta... Read more