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: Aug 27, 2024
On multiple occasions, our car has lurched out of gear going at fast speeds on the highway. It slips out of gear and the car shakes and then it lunges back into gear. On a few occasions, the gas pedal was also inoperable while the car was "finding the right gear". This has been extremely scary for my family when this has happened. The first time we took it to the dealership and they reprogrammed t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
On multiple occasions, our car has lurched out of gear going at fast speeds on the highway. It slips out of gear and the car shakes and then it lunges back into gear. On a few occasions, the gas pedal was also inoperable while the car was "finding the right gear". This has been extremely scary for my family when this has happened. The first time we took it to the dealership and they reprogrammed t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Manufacturer Recall Number23TB15 NHTSA Recall Number23V865 Toyota still does not have a remedy for this recall. It’s dangerous to have passengers in my vehicle and I haven’t been able to have anyone ride with me for almost 1 year.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
There needs to be a recall for water intrusion to the parking distance control system in at minimum the 2013 BMW X1. Our whole camera system and parking sensors went out, as soon as I searched the problem, there were numerous forums advising of the issue. When I opened up the area in the trunk, the entire area was filled with water. The parts within all need to be replaced. This should be covered ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 535I. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and shut off. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
This 2016 Lance model 1995 travel trailer which I purchased new developed frame sag, which appears to have been fairly common in the 2016 model based upon a query of the Lance Owner's Association. The sag progressed to the point where the occupancy door of the trailer was very difficult to open unless a scissor jack (not part of the trailer equipment) was placed under the rear frame to temporaril... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 (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 dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experie... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
Received code P090C and seen this was recalled
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
Traveling about 45 mph on no weather road. The DMBS system engaged with no warning and hard braked just out of the blue throwing all passengers forward. 3 passengers including an 11 year old child in the backseat fully buckled in thank goodness. There was no reason for the system to engage and the truck behind us thankfully was far enough back that he saw it and went around us carefully. If he had... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
Instrument cluster is freezing. No listed speed or any vehicle driving information while the vehicle is moving.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
I bought the car on 06/27/2024, it had 3974 miles used by the dealer, and on July 30, 024 I returned it to the dealer, it has a problem with the steering, while driving it constantly goes to the left if I increase the speed on I-20, when you shift the lever from park to drive it feels like the transmission jumps, it bumps under the car and the power on the clock screen turns off while I was drivin... 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
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an ... 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
While driving, a warning message came on: "Engine unavailable." I was able to drive a few more blocks but then the car stopped on its own. This happened despite the fact that the car had almost a full tank of gas. If this had happened on the highway, it would have been very dangerous. Luckily, I was on a fairly empty city street and I simply pulled to the curb. This is a known problem with the Ch... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
Over time, the wiring harness going to the knee air bag(s) can rub against the metal support tubes for the instrument panel, chafing and damaging the wiring. SIB 65 20 22
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
Both front brake lines ruptured. The left front ruptured while operating at highway speeds. The right ruptured immediately after replacing the left. Both ruptures where in the braided hose, on the same end within .75 and 2 inches from the connector.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
My vehicle showed a code for the catalytic converter and while driving the vehicle it started revving up really high and then smoke came out the back and it started knocking. I had to pull over on the interstate and have my car towed back to my residence with AAA which cost $490. Went to Kia to speak with them about the recall and they said they would not fix it because it was not a recall recogni... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
4.10 Axle Ratio has manufacturing defect. Pinion bearing spins in differential housing causing miss-alignment between pinion and ring gear. Resulting in vibration, noise, binding at low RPM and slamming sensation with sudden acceleration. Full rear end lock up possible. Providing dangerous situation, especially when using as tow vehicle. Truck reported has 3rd (third) axle housing installed, with ... 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: Jul 25, 2024
Brakes locked up. Been paying 11 months on my loan and the vehicle is in Texas while I live in Minnesota. Have had to buy another car and continue payments on my loan for this one though Ford will do nothing to resolve it.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Brakes locked up. Been paying 11 months on my loan and the vehicle is in Texas while I live in Minnesota. Have had to buy another car and continue payments on my loan for this one though Ford will do nothing to resolve it.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
I was practicing manual transmission on my new Nissan Versa and when I stalled, that check engine light came on and I lost a LOT of power in all gears. In first gear, there’s also a whine that goes with it, and I don’t think that’s normal
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
Got an ABS fault for a corrupt hydraulic brake unit. So I replaced the unit at the cost of $200.. once replaced I still had an ABS light, traction control light, Brake light. Reading the codes it would tell me that both rear wheel speed sensors failed to compare. Ultimately I got a check engine light for wheel speed sensor 1 failure. So when I rest the code it clears the lights and I lose the spee... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while at the local dealer for routine maintenance, upon further inspection, the contact was informed that a tune-up could not be performed due to a spark plug not being able to be removed. In addition, the contact was advised that there was a coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
SERVICE BRAKE BOOSTER EMITS A SEMI CONTINUOUS TAPPING/CLICKING NOISE. CHEVROLET STATE THAT IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND DOES NOT REQUIRE REPAIR. HOWEVER, IT IS DIFFICULT TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM WHILE THIS SOUND PERSISTS AND IT IS A CONSTANT DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING. PLUS, THE ABILITY TO SELL OR TRADE THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION IS DIMINISHED. ELIMINATION OF THE NOISE INVOLVES C... 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 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the horn inadvertently honked. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Incident date: Aug 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Insight. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 stated that while driving approximately 60 MP... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2024
When car is unlocked the drivers door will not open until you pull 3 times. Now the passenger door will not open at all from the outside. You have to open door inside car and push door open.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
When I started my car a light came on saying “check starter system” and I turned the car off and then turned it back on and same message appeared. I waited until it was cooler outside and tried it again and the light disappeared. I’m aware of the recalls on the 2019-2020 Jetta and the faulty ignition switch, and I believe this is what it is as well.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
While driving Jeep losses power and stops. At garage now and they can’t find reasonable explanation. Has less than 50k miles. Danger while driving since it just shuts off while no lights come on to indicate problems
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
We were traveling 70 mph down a steep incline and suddenly the vehicle, a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, displayed the warning "Pull Over - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" and immediately the vehicle lost all motive power. I was able to pull over to the side of the road safely. This is the second time this has occurred. The first time a Chrysler dealership did not fix the problem. The code pulled was P... 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: 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
Fuel Injector failed, causing the engine to run extremely rich, misfire, and cause severe drivability issues. Issue occurred just outside vehicle base warranty. Problem was verified and confirmed by vehicle dealership. MIL was illuminated when drivability issue and malfunction started.
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
when moving from a full stop, the car sometimes has hesitation to move to a full speed.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
when moving from a full stop, the car sometimes has hesitation to move to a full speed.
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: May 16, 2022
Headlight lens assembly of both headlights is cracking excessively. Upon review of online forums, this is happening frequently to many consumers. This impacts headlight output and looks to be manufacturing defect. Recently reported to dealer who indicated they have seen many of these recently and so far most have been handled by warranty but they would take pictures and submit. If this is known ... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with water pump failure. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not... Read more
VOLVO
XC90
(2018) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Jul 16, 2024
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 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30-35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle worked as designed for several miles before the failure recurred. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the "Service Power Steering" warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to make a steering adjustment to stay in the lane and became aware that the steering wheel had seized. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel to the left or to the right. The contact stopped and turned off and restart... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
On June 1, 2024, I was driving on the highway at about 70 MPH, when all of a sudden there was a loud boom and the glass on the panoramic sunroof blew out. Was not close to other vehicles, nor did I hear any impact from any object. Immediately drove my car to the local dealership. Dealership indicated it was not a known issue that they have seen and said it was outside influence that caused the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
vehicle would not go into drive. car immediately stops and I wasn't able to get the car into drive or reverse. Had to be towed to the service station with no cause determined.