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: Apr 7, 2017
After filling the gas tank, the car will stall out randomly without warning. Stalling out will occur for about 25 to 35 miles. After that the stalling out disappears. This has happen while I was turning which made steering difficult. It also has happen when stopping which cause the braking to become difficult.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
Coolant in engine. Purchased used, put 3500 miles on car. Now 110208. Sitting at ford dealer, waiting for response from dealer who sold it to us with known issues. Took car in because heater was not working. There were not any warning lights on.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The engine began to make a knocking noise. Upon our inspection, the vehicle had lost all oil. Vehicle was towed to our local dealership. Dealership informed us a bearing had become worn causing rapid oil loss and a rod to break, sending metal shards into the engine compartment. Engine could have seized up or caught on fire, had the vehicle continued to run. Dealership informed us of other Hyundai ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
An airbag recall issued in may, 2023 has yet to have a fix after 6 months. This is a significant risk to myself and passengers.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The latch for the rear hatch/door does not release every time. There have been instances when itmes have been in the cargo area and when the button is pressed, it will not release the latch. This causes someone to have to crawl over the back seat to retrieve the items from the cargo area. This also is causing my son to have to store items, that would normally be in the crgo area, on his back seat.... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
I was driving home on i-91 S when my car started smoking from under the hood. There were no warning lights and the temperature gauge read normal with the lever at the center. I pulled off at the next Exit and parked in a parking lot. I popped the hood and found that a fire had started around the engine. The fire grew to the point that the whole front half of the car was burned before the fire depa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
While entering a parking spot my car suddenly accelerated and crashed into the wall in front of me in spite of my pushing my brakes 100%. The car never went into the automatic braking system before I applied the brakes, the seat belt never engaged and the air bags on the driver's side did not deploy. If I had not braced myself against the steering wheel my chest would have sustained a major inju... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
A passenger of lighter weight will not trigger the passenger seat’s weight sensor, rendering the passenger side airbag disabled. The passenger must sit up perfectly straight and center their weight on the center of the seat for them to be properly detected. A service center visit claimed the seats are working as designed, but there is clearly an issue.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
A passenger of lighter weight will not trigger the passenger seat’s weight sensor, rendering the passenger side airbag disabled. The passenger must sit up perfectly straight and center their weight on the center of the seat for them to be properly detected. A service center visit claimed the seats are working as designed, but there is clearly an issue.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
1, At about 12000 miles the car's windshield wipers stop working. And did not ever work again for the past several years. Wipers which was checked the motor was replaced to admission to the key was replaced and wiper still don't work. 2, About 24000 miles Was turning the vehicle around on a inclined road in the mountains went to pull forward and the steering wheel would not work anymore whic... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
I have an ongoing but intermittent problem with door and hatch releases on my 2022 Volvo wagon. The car has been looked at several times and the dealer can't find the problem. My hatch popped open while driving on RT 395 at 55. My doors either won't open from the outside or alternatively from the inside using the remote. Both remote keys have been tested with the same results. Driver's door and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
Kia installed the theft deterrent software to the 2012 Kia Sorrento. On 12/13/2023, a car thief stole the 2012 Kia Sorrento. The apartment community shared that the car was stolen in less than 3 minutes. The thief left the car one block away from the apartment community. The thief damaged driver side key-hole and the ignition lock cylinder. I contacted Kia Corporate to file a complaint that the so... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The contact allowed the vehicle to cool down and restarted the vehicle; however, the temperature level immediately registered from cold to hot. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred three times and the process was repeated; however, the vehicle remained inoperable. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
I was sitting at a light. The car started idling funny. Then stalled. Never started again. Dealer is telling me something is loose in the engine. I saw a recall for honda pilots, but the vin numbers were XX1 and GG0. My vin is [XXX] , what is the difference. *The engine failed. Yes available for inspection. *If engine fails while driving on highway. Car completely shut down. * N... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
Rear collision warning system activated without reason. While stopped at a traffic light the RCWS activated and the emergency brake system engaged. This has been reported before to NHTSA. Vehicle was at the dealership for repairs or to identify the issue. Had to have it towed and dragged onto the flat bed tow truck as the cars emergency brake system was engaged and couldn't be disengaged. Receive... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
I was driving my car and as I was driving my car shut off and would not turn back on. Right before it powered down it said a message that said service shifter and all the lights to the shifter were lit up (P,R,D,N) I was reading that the shifter should last as long as your car does and this is a big safety issue
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
I was driving my car and as I was driving my car shut off and would not turn back on. Right before it powered down it said a message that said service shifter and all the lights to the shifter were lit up (P,R,D,N) I was reading that the shifter should last as long as your car does and this is a big safety issue
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the air conditioner blower intermittently malfunctioned and would not blow air through the air vents. During the failure the front windshield could not be defogged or defrosted, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but no failure was found. The... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Brakes squeal and screech horribly, at first only when the pickup was moving in reverse but now it’s when coming to a stop. It’s so loud it echos in parking lots and causes people to stop and look to see where the noise is coming from. It’s a constant problem that weather conditions do not affect. Had the vehicle in for service numerous times and Ford refuses to fix it or acknowledge there... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side door hinge fractured and there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the front door. The contact stated that three spot wells needed to secure the door had fractured. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The fa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2021
Steering wheel sticks and will not turn or adjust until forcefully manipulated , then snaps sharply causing a change in direction of the vehicle. Dangerous to our family while driving.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and failed to restart. The contact stated that prior to the vehicle stalling, an unknown warning light had flashed on the instrument panel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was of... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
I am making a complaint against volkswagen for refusing to perform the abs safety recall. The ABS module is dead, I found out the hard way that I have no ABS or traction control. I stopped on the highway and lost control, I could have died and the van that hit me twice could did worse. The dealer refuses to perform the recall and is completely unhelpful. Yes there were warning lights and thats... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The All Wheel Drive of my 2022 MDX has been going out in the rear, and only the front wheels are powered. This happens nearly every time I drive the vehicle for the last 2 months, at least. My safety is at risk because I live in Montana and the roads have been getting icy with current weather conditions. When the AWD drive gives out, I lose all power briefly as the front tried to regain power. G... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
I was headed back home for thanksgiving, traveling down I20 from Birmingham to Anniston AL, when the oil light suddenly came on, then 2 minutes later a "default Engine-service now" warning appeared. The car immediately started making a loud rattling noise, sputtered and stopped accelerating. I almost got rear-ended and was terrified! I managed to exit the interstate and pulled into a gas station. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
I purchased this used vehicle from Carmax 1/2022. Prior to my purchase it was a fleet vehicle. On 09/18/2023 I experienced EcoBoost engine failure.Mileage is currently roughly 49k. Incident occured 2 months outside of Powertrain warranty. The engine light would come on intermittently when driving. Took the car for a diagnostic to diagnose issue and had #3 ignition coil replaced due to misfire me... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The vehicle started exhibiting steering and acceleration issues on the highway that mimicked high winds. Despite my efforts to keep it in its lane, the car would not respond to my slight adjustments for split seconds, causing a cat and mouse game of projecting it’s next move. The vehicle seemed to be accelerating in a way that made it feel as if is moving diagonally. The steering becomes stiff ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
On two separate occasions while driving at night two weeks apart, the car dash lights went out, power dropped real quickly, steering became hard. Barely got off overpass and road to safety. Turned the car off. Waited approximately 5 minutes and car restarted and was fine for two weeks. On second time had the car towed to Fred Haas Nissan. They could not reproduce problem and found no codes. Wi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
On two separate occasions while driving at night two weeks apart, the car dash lights went out, power dropped real quickly, steering became hard. Barely got off overpass and road to safety. Turned the car off. Waited approximately 5 minutes and car restarted and was fine for two weeks. On second time had the car towed to Fred Haas Nissan. They could not reproduce problem and found no codes. Wi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
the seatbelts on my vehicle will not retract leaving the seatbelt loose on the occupants resulting a injuries if the vehicle were to be involved in a collision, I have contacted GM, they have refused to fix the vehicle due to its age.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
The steering coupler failed, causing the tires to turn back and forth (oscillate) while the driver held the steering wheel steady. The vehicle went out of control and spun out on wet pavement. The driver could feel the steering wheel go thunk-thunk-thunk back and forth, as the servomotor for the electric power steering system went out of control. The failed coupler is between the servomotor and... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 31, 2022
Car was park after I drop off wife to work after 30 minutes when back to the car started the engine and several warnings lights showed up in my dash check battery and alternator they are working fine. Replace battery and still have the problem .when to dealership and they told me camera in my windshield is bad. Checking in the forums I found out that several owner of Honda the have this issue with... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Front sensor not detecting objects when parking. First time the dealership checked it, they said it was operating as designed. The second time, while driving on the freeway, I got a blind spot sensor service required warring error on dashboard. The dealership said that there was a bug residue on the outside sensor.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Front sensor not detecting objects when parking. First time the dealership checked it, they said it was operating as designed. The second time, while driving on the freeway, I got a blind spot sensor service required warring error on dashboard. The dealership said that there was a bug residue on the outside sensor.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The vehicle is equipped with wireless phone charger. I was charging my phone and could not lift it off the charger with my bare hand. According to the dealership test, their test started at 80 degrees Fahrenheit and tested after 10 minutes at 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The dealership stated that the charger is operating as designed. The phone was too hut to handle and could have caused an accident.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Loud pop from sound system is back again, and did it so loud scared the crap out of a passenger, this is beyond dangerous, the software update didn’t work, Ford denies any issues at all exist on anything.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Loud pop from sound system is back again, and did it so loud scared the crap out of a passenger, this is beyond dangerous, the software update didn’t work, Ford denies any issues at all exist on anything.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Car stalled, overheated due to coolant leaking into car parts which is causing catyllac converter to not work correctly. The issue is not with the catillac converter but the faulty piece that causes coolant leaking. This is a known issue amongst Niro Users. KIA is illegally forcing customers to purchase the most expensive part instead of bypassing so that the heat exchange system doesn’t lea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
ABS and HCU module system is defective. ABS and HCU systems randomly shutdown causing loss of ABS braking, traction control and cruise control. Ram dealership has already replaced these twice on my Ram 2500, service dates 12/19 and 6/22. Now it is required a third time with less than 49K miles. The ABS and HCU modules on 2017 Ram 2500 trucks are lemons.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
Sudden, Extreme vibration of front tires on I-95 West Palm Beach FL. Drove immediately to Schumacher Volvo to keep initial service appointment. Service manager advised to replace all 4 tires due to previous experience with OEM Perelli tire failures on Volvo vehicles. Replaced all 4 tires at Costco at $1112+ cost. All photos show failure of foam/padding inside tires by Pirelli P Zero Run Flat. Tir... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
I was driving and all of a sudden vehicle became hard to control. I got it stopped and noticed drivers side rear tire was sideways. upon inspection I noticed trail arm was broke loose at frame. apparently it had rusted through at the frame.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Sluggish or chattering, shaking transmission, at slow speeds.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Buick LaCrosse. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The fa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
The contact owned a 2007 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, steering functionality was lost and drove off the road into a ditch. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was no damage to the vehicle and the contact was unhurt. The contact had the vehicle towed to a body shop where it was diagnosed that the rear axle had s... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The vehicle was driving on cruise control at 55 mph approaching an intersection with a stop sign. Attempted to brake to cancel the cruise control, but vehicle sped and continued gathering speed so that the driver lost any control over the speed. Frantic application of the brake did not have any effect on the speed. The vehicle shot across a south bound highway, collided with traffic signs in the... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
While driving on the Interstate at 65 mph I experienced a severe side-to-side shaking of the steering wheel. This included the entire front-end of the vehicle shimmying and visibly vibrating. If I didn't have a good grip on the steering wheel at the time, we would likely have crashed. This appears to be the "death wobble" described in numerous online forums and subject of a previous recall on 2018... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
While driving on the Interstate at 65 mph I experienced a severe side-to-side shaking of the steering wheel. This included the entire front-end of the vehicle shimmying and visibly vibrating. If I didn't have a good grip on the steering wheel at the time, we would likely have crashed. This appears to be the "death wobble" described in numerous online forums and subject of a previous recall on 2018... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
Water intrusion via a faulty sunroof seal and drain system. Water drains into the vehicle and collects under the flooring carpets and is not detectable. Water then disables and shorts out electrical components and computer modules eventually rendering the vehicle completely inoperable … including airbags, suspension system and electronic engine components. All control is lost. System also displa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
Driver side door weld broke allowing door to possibly open while driving
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
The entire engine failed and threw a rod on cylinder 3. My safety has been put at risk twice since the beginning of the engine troubles. The safety issue is I was merging onto a busy highways just fine until the accelerator wasn't doing anything. So frantically I had to start checking Visuals and there were none. There weren't any warning signs of the impending doom of the engine. It would ... Read more