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: Dec 12, 2023
I drove over a pot whole that hit the transmission. The transmission was replaced but 3 different times each one contuines to fail. Before the transmission incident. My car would lose power while driving. There was knocking noise from the engine. The transmission shifted slow before as well. But after the transmission being changed out there's been leakes power lost again and more knocking. The ca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
I drove over a pot whole that hit the transmission. The transmission was replaced but 3 different times each one contuines to fail. Before the transmission incident. My car would lose power while driving. There was knocking noise from the engine. The transmission shifted slow before as well. But after the transmission being changed out there's been leakes power lost again and more knocking. The ca... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
I have a leak in my trunk from water leaking from my pressure valve in the rear of my car. Found that this is a common issue with my car. The seal around the pressure valve doesn't prevent water from entering into the trunk of my car. I got a flat tire on the highway and opened the hatch to get my spare and there was water flooded there and it rusted my spare tools. I could not put on my spare ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
Ever since we purchased the vehicle new in 2020 we had an issue with intermittent mulfunction of the parking and cross traffic alerts indicators. The backup camera screen often fails to indicate whether there is cross traffic and from which side. The issue is present about 8/10 times. While the vehicle was under warranty we took it multiple times to two GM dealerships. Technicians updated the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Around January 30, 2023 (need to verify the exact date). My vehicle went on limp mode, the engine light went on plus an additional warning light. I was driving on highway 99 when my car started to stall. It felt like the car put itself in neutral mode. It was frightening as it happens randomly & suddenly after being able to drive 60+ mph. It wouldn’t pick up speed. Driving 5 mph. It was frighten... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
Accelerating with no input braking unsuccessful resulting in running a stop sign across two-way traffic. Vehicle stopped after approx. 100 meters after running the stop sign. I have discussed with Tesla service to run a diagnostic report (not completed at this time). No warnings or error messages. Vehicle resumed normal functional control after. Tested accelerating and braking at the same time giv... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
Vehicle engine suddenly loses significant power, the car violently shakes and the engine starts knocking. When attempting to bring the car to a safe location, the vehicles brakes wouldn’t work. Then the car displayed a bunch of errors, like “Engine Malfunction” and “Hybrid System Malfunction”. The car has been in service twice for this issue and they haven’t found a fix. This malfunc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
Hi [XXX] I just collected my Kia Rio from service at LaFontaine. On driving in the freeway I noticed I had to make frequent adjustments to the steering when going straight and there was oversteering (minor tilt of the steering wheel result in exaggerated larger turn of the car). This does not happen when driving at lower speed outside of the freeway. I will monitor this as I am not sure if thi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My car was burning through oil fairly quickly. I had to refill my oil in between oil changes. I was also getting oil changes about every 2k miles until I realized it was not normal. I contacted Hyundai about an oil consumption test on December 19th. I did not hear back until almost 2 weeks. The email did not ask me what I needed but basically said” you’ve talked to someone if you need somethin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Rear passenger door won’t open. We had freezing temps in Colorado, when I tried to open the rear door to get my 2 month old out of the car the door would not open. Apparently this is a known problem for this vehicle the rear door motors spontaneously stop working.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the maintenance warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking. The contact drove the vehicle to his intended destination. The contact parked the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The contact restarted the vehicle and noticed that the wrench warning light was off. The contact stated while driving and depressing t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the maintenance warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was shaking. The contact drove the vehicle to his intended destination. The contact parked the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The contact restarted the vehicle and noticed that the wrench warning light was off. The contact stated while driving and depressing t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
Got warning P2A63 that the Thermo Control Valve is shot around 63k miles. Apparently this is happening very often in Subaru's made between 2019 and 2022.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
The heater on the car didn't work, It turns out the coolant was leaking that led to the water pump issue. Things started to fail on the vehicle and lights came on. It left me stranded on the highway. The car shut down on the Intestate. That was so dangerous and scary, too. Took the car to Ford for inspection and they confirmed the water pump issue. This is a very high costly repair. It turns ou... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2016
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking space and driving, the vehicle jerked and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on another occasion. T... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
Service hybrid electric vehicle system
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
I have a 2016 jeep patriot that I purchased with very little miles on it used. Starting about 2 weeks ago I had an incident on the highway going 60mph and it just shut off and lost all power for a few seconds and started back up on its own. When this happened my steering got hard, brakes didnt work properly and could not accelerate. Was very scary and has been doing it more frequently now. This is... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Climate control system issues. Fails to maintain set temperature. Overheats interior when temperature is selected at 68 degrees. Have to turn it down to 62 degrees to maintain an acceptable temperature. This is in the Midwest with outside temperature below 30 degrees and climate control set to auto.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
rear windshield spontaneously shattered when car was parked in the garage
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
Snow builds up on the LED headlights and fog lights, rendering them useless when driving at night.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
No proper horn button, this is a major safety issue. Horn should be in the center or steering wheel. Almost got into crash.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
On 1/12/24, I was backing up my vehicle in the driveway, the vehicle suddenly stopped, thinking I was going to backup into the gate. I was surprised because I didn't think I was that close. I slightly tapped the gas pedal to move slowly forward when the car suddenly accelerated and lunged forward. I couldn't stop the car, by braking, for 56 feet. I was able to avoid hitting another car, parked on... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
Vehicle has alignment issues and ruining tires in 2000 miles. Problem started at around 25,000 miles and now at 32,000 miles. and has been at the dealer for over 2 months waiting on wagoneer engineering to figure it out. 2 dealers and Wagoneer blame the issue on the tires and not addressing the issue and saying alignment is fine yet the print out shows red indicating out of alignment, independent... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
The car doesn’t have a conventional horn. Instead the horn is activated via a small button on the steering wheel. I don’t mean to be a pain, but I feel as though the horn is meant for emergency situations mostly. I’ve been in multiple situations now where someone has almost hit me and I tried to swerve and find the horn but given the fact I have to keep my eyes on the person swerving into ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
Radio, yes as of now. VERY LOUD static sound coming from speakers, it makes it hard to concentrate, and you can't hear anything around you such as sirens, or even the person sitting next to you. They say replace the radio, at over $2000 No to inspection. No messages of failure etc.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not expe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
Since purchase of my vehicle, the vehicle has had a vibration on the highway from 72-83mph with 2 different sets of wheels AND tires, both Pirelli tires but different models. My local Volvo dealer refused to address the issue due to the issue occurring over the speed limit. So they were no help. There are quite a few other 2019 and up Volvo S60 and XC90 owners that experience this same issue. The ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
The back up camera may or may not work. yes 2 It would be easy to back over a small child. 3 The problem was reported to a dealer and was told it could be a bad wire or a faulty radio system that would be expensive to repair.4 no 5 It began to mostly not work a couple years back
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
The back up camera may or may not work. yes 2 It would be easy to back over a small child. 3 The problem was reported to a dealer and was told it could be a bad wire or a faulty radio system that would be expensive to repair.4 no 5 It began to mostly not work a couple years back
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
Took the truck to the ram dealership to get the recall for the rear wheel studs replaced they did the job a few days later the wheel almost came off on the freeway. The mechanic didn’t tighten the lug nuts we caught it just in time before something bad happened. That was 12/11/2023. We took it back to the dealership and they supposedly fixed it.exactly a month later and only 1500 miles on the fr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Car has an automated start stop and ruined my starter a lot of ppl have had similar issues
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
The window trim and weatherstripping has detached from the vehicle while driving highway speed. Pieces were detaching more as I drove. Causing vehicles to maneuver in ways of car not being damaged
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
The window trim and weatherstripping has detached from the vehicle while driving highway speed. Pieces were detaching more as I drove. Causing vehicles to maneuver in ways of car not being damaged
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
The VW Golf current generation starting has “haptic” controls on the steering wheel and dash under the radio. As it stands right now you cannot make changes to radio, or cruise control without taking your eyes off th me road and look down at the steering wheel to find the button you are looking for. In most cars with normal buttons you learn where they are and can feel your way around them wit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
The rear left brake caliper locked up and caused damage to the wheel, tire, rotors and most of the brake assembly. Ford service thought that maybe a bolt fell out. The vehicle has ~36000 miles. I purchased what was called a bumper to bumper warranty from the dealership but was told it did not cover the problem. The damage is $3200. I looked at online forums and found numerous entries about the b... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without approximately 15-20 attempts. The vehicle had since failed to start completely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter had failed causing the engine to seize. The contact was informed that the engine needed ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Unknown- Vehicle left the highway and crashed into a tree in a ravine and then was fully engulfed in flames. Both occupants were DOA after the fire was put out.
Crash
Fire
2 deaths
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate forward before coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions but no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that the vehicle operated normally due to the hybrid system. The manufacturer was not contacted. The... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
For NHTSA recall, 23V80, Ford has NOT provide a resolution to this recall from June 2023. I am sending in this complaint as Ford indicated in June 2023 letter to contact the Hotline if a repair is not provided in a reasonable timeline. As of 1/8/2024 there is no repair available.In addition, a loaner until the repair is completed is not available.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
I had not driven the car prior to noticing the air passenger light blinking and continuing to stay on. This is occurring whether someone is in the seat or not. Regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
January of 2023, 30,000 miles took the car in for oil change and for a complaint of exhaust noise and smell coming from just behind the engine. Dealer checked and stated they found no issues. December of 2023 43,000 miles on a cold day noticed exhaust vapors coming from under the car in the area of the noise. Found the pipes, NMZ-5G203-A and dash -B to be broken at the expandable joints. This c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Had to get the front windshield replaced with only about 2,000 miles on the car, had a crack across the entire windshield. Now with only about 6,000 miles. I have another chip on my windshild. I barely drive on the freeway and have nomal driving conditions. This shouldn't be an issue on a new car. Windshield is fragile and makes me worried glass is unsafe.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKC. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and 23V378000 (Engine) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated after starting the vehicle, he noticed that coolant was leaking significantly onto the ground. The contact stated that he added coolant to the vehicle and drove to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder head plug was fractured. The mechanic determined that ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
There is a know defect with the chassis used for several Volvo car models. My car is a Volvo C70, year 2012. My car is affected by this defect. The defect wasn't disclosed to me at time of sale. I only learned about it literally 10 years later when Volvo of Gilbert (dealership) advised me to install a costly part on the rear suspension of my car because of "excessive negative camber". According... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
Question (Q): What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Answer (A): My rear windshield spontaneously shattered while I was driving on local roads. I was driving around 30mph during a clear night with good visibility, weather was around 57F on [XXX] around 8:07pm. Yes, I would like to have this inspected if requested. I will call Honda to... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
I picked up my vehicle from Wasler Polar Chevrolet on 7/26/2023 after they claimed to have "repaired" my vehicle. After receiving my vehicle, about 5 miles away from the dealership, my vehicle suddenly quit keeping up with traffic, and lost *all* power equipment. Brakes, steering and acceleration were all unresponsive. The vehicle almost sent me under a semi-trailer, but I quickly forced the steer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
There have been problems with the 2015 GMC Terrains Timing chain. The timing chain will break when the vehicle is being operated which causes the driver to lose complete control of the SUV, additionally, the engine will be destroyed. The bigger issue is the loss of control when you are driving - especially at highway speeds. GMC had hundreds of complaints but refused to issue a recall. A recall wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated on another occasion while driving at various speeds the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage wa... Read more