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: Nov 11, 2023
On three occasions the engine, on my 2017 Ford Focus, has stalled while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The 1st two times (Sept 5th and 29th) it stalled the check engine and battery light came on. When it stalled the 3rd time (Oct 28th) only the check engine light came on. I had repairs done to the car when it stalled the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
On three occasions the engine, on my 2017 Ford Focus, has stalled while driving, without warning and without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. The 1st two times (Sept 5th and 29th) it stalled the check engine and battery light came on. When it stalled the 3rd time (Oct 28th) only the check engine light came on. I had repairs done to the car when it stalled the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
Super cruise does not work. It may turn on at random for a minute or 2 and then it shuts off with zero warning and the vehicle almost comes to a complete stop. This is a huge safety concern. I took it to the dealership and they told me that this falls on GM 100% as they are being told GMs engineers are trying to find a fix but for now there is nothing they can do, I am to continue driving it knowi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
My engine light has been randomly coming on then off leaving many history codes. It's normally a diesel particulate filter code and I have paid hundreds replacing each sensor or part. So this time, Carroll Buick of Venice Fla says the embedded code is saying I need an engine control module , same code. I'm still driving it they say it's safe to drive because the part $900.00, plus labor, is backor... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
I got a recall letter in the mail and Burns Hyundai does not want to give me a service or loaner vehicle.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
car stops while driving, battery also draws while not in use. which is very dangerous. Already filed report with dealer ship for car. We will be having an another baby this winter and it is getting to the point where It can be very dangerous for my family. We got it checked but since it’s a manufacturer issue is what they said. Since this car doesn’t have any recalls dealer doesn’t want to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Car shut down while driving due to the electrical system malfunction; had to get the car towed; ended up being a known issue by Audi with no recall related to the alternator; replaced with new alternator
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
PIRELLI SCORPION ZER ALL SEASON 255/40R21 The tread is falling off in chuncks. Both the front and back tires.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The rear backup camera consistently fails to provide a view while in reverse. The camera either blinks between a view and black screen, or will completely fail and say the camera is unavailable.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an inspection, where it was determined that the air bag and engine warning lights were illuminated and were under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Chrysler 200. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an inspection, where it was determined that the air bag and engine warning lights were illuminated and were under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Engine code for misfire fixed and still has a shake, looking like head gasket. Transmission jerks upon shifting.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
My 2021 Kia Seltos EX is eating oil.......... 1/2 quart a week at least and I have read online that it can lead to the engine overheating, stalling, etc. So far my car is not listed on the piston recall or any other recall, but how can Kia state it can go 7,000 miles between oil changes when it only holds 4 1/2 quarts of oil and goes through it so fast? I change my oil every 3,500 miles because ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and was running rough. The check engine warning light and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was oil intrusion on the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
Driver side middle seat, seat belt will not retract back in. The rear 3rd row seat roof belt does not retract very well at all either.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
Symptoms of Ford recall 19S07 which was performed in 2019 are occurring at an increasing rate. Vehicle downshifts at unexpected time in normal driving. This has occurred 3 times in the past 1.5 weeks. The latest as of today 10/30/2023, locked the rear wheels up.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
My dashboard keeps flashing “Service Antilock Brake System” and “Service Electronic Braking System”. The warning or notification goes out and comes back almost every time you hit a slight bump in the road or even if you don't. Seems to be very intermittent. Cruise control goes out when the lights are on and the truck lurches a bit. The dings and lights flashing are very annoying. Took it... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
My Honda 2017 CRV, EX AWD Touring was serviced for oil change, transmission fluid change and complementary 20-point check on August 8, 2023 by Honda Dealer. Unintended sudden acceleration caused accident at a speed of less than 5 miles while parking the car in empty library parking lot Oct 22, 2023 collision summary: As I was parking the car I turned into an empty parking spot with a speed of ab... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
3 tires developed sidewall 'tears' . All were on the right side of the car , 2 had less than 25000 miles and one had less than 500 miles (it was a replacement that I bought from the Ford dealer). Two exploded at low speed. Tire size 285/45R 22 114H
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
I was out hunting, and positioned the truck on a down hill slope to look down onto a unit I wanted to watch. When I put the truck into park it started rolling forward. Once I hit the bakes it stopped. Then obviously I moved the truck. Because of concern. Also the drivers seat lays back on its own, after use you get back into the truck, you have to activate the button to set the seat back in its p... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
It is automatic shut down. No power. No light. No door lock……I let it sit after few hours it starts working back. No idea what happen. There is very dangerous when traveling for long way in hot or cold weather.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
On October 22, 2023, we made a restroom stop at an ARCO in Moapa, NV. I was in the car while my wife used the facilities. It was a clear day with the temperature in the mid 70s. As I backed out of our parking space I heard a loud pop. I checked to see if I had run over something or had a flat. I saw nothing. I got back onto the interstate and about 2 miles later I heard a loud pop and in my rear v... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
On October 22, 2023, we made a restroom stop at an ARCO in Moapa, NV. I was in the car while my wife used the facilities. It was a clear day with the temperature in the mid 70s. As I backed out of our parking space I heard a loud pop. I checked to see if I had run over something or had a flat. I saw nothing. I got back onto the interstate and about 2 miles later I heard a loud pop and in my rear v... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
I brought this car in January 2023 and the Forward Emergency Braking keeps popping on while driving. There are zero cars that were in front of me. This is the 4th time this has happened. With the last 2 incidents happening within the last 24hrs . 10/21/23 & 10/22/23. This is issue that may cause accident.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The front head rest employed because the part broke inside
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
The vehicle randomly turns off and a message appears that states manually start the vehicle. It’s not the ECO start and stop system. I researched the Atlas online forum and this is a noted problem. The comments were very consistently noting that VW has not properly addressed the issue. There were numerous comments that the dealerships were unable to address the issue leaving the owner with a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
My MDPS steering wheel coupler has completely failed. I never recieved a letter from kia and only found out they had a warranty extension through searching the web to see what the horrible noise and play in my steering wheel was. I dont qualify for this extension by 9 months. I purchased my car 1/2013 and that puts me past the 10 year mark. I see Kia has extended this warranty to 15 years/150,000... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The first week of October my car making a terrible sound. My husband took it to South point Nissan Austin Tx. My brand new car needs a transmission It has trouble shifting gears, Making a loud “jet engine” sound. The dealer promised a loaner and never came through with it. I’m driving it as little as possible. Bumming rides and walking while I await a transmission replacement. Yes you are ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
As reported by the dealer the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) has failed. Car initially did not start but then did start with a check engine light and a "Propulsion Power is Reduced" warning. Vehicle has approximately 56,500 miles. Car could have abruptly stopped or slowed considerably while driving. Chevrolet dealer is blaming the current UAW strike for complete lack of replacement parts. T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
Lower control arm is rusting away.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
"What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Is it available for inspection upon request? Vehicle turned off in the middle of the road, warning it was hot How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle was driving on the highway and suddenly turned off without warning Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by an independent dealer or service center? Yeah H... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
Error codes P0016 and P0017 camshaft out of alignment and vehicle will not pass smog test, also loss of power of the engine.
Incident date: May 15, 2023
I've experienced many problems with the Google built in system in this Volvo. But the one that keeps happening is the speed sensors. The car is supposed to read traffic signs, including speed signs and alarm when exceeding the posted speed limit. It does not work. For example on I66 East bound in Virginia, the speed limit is not 80mph, it is either 60, 65 or 70 if using the express lanes. ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
I received a letter stating that there is a major increase in contacts focus on certain Kia and Hyundai cars, including my car that is registered in New York State. It also is televising me that I can receive advice of tools, available free of charge to help my car from getting stolen.
Incident date: May 15, 2023
I received a letter stating that there is a major increase in contacts focus on certain Kia and Hyundai cars, including my car that is registered in New York State. It also is televising me that I can receive advice of tools, available free of charge to help my car from getting stolen.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
My name is [XXX] . My wife [XXX] has been corresponding with Volvo Car Financial, as well as Volvo, regarding our Volvo XC90 lease. This Volvo has been the biggest disappointment of any car we've ever leased or purchased out of the new cars and trucks we have purchased every 2-3 years for the past 40 years. We have contacted Volvo several times about the issues we are having and taken it in t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
BRAKES ARE NOT WOKING AT FULL SPECIFICATION DUE TO BRAKE ACCUMILATOR HAVING AN INTERNAL LEAK C1391
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
BRAKES ARE NOT WOKING AT FULL SPECIFICATION DUE TO BRAKE ACCUMILATOR HAVING AN INTERNAL LEAK C1391
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V531000 (Power Train) 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 mad... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would enter LIMP Mode, with the high engine temperature and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that coolant had entered the engine cylinder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the Warranty Extens... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
The ABS and Traction Control lights constantly come on, even after replacement HCU and ABS parts are replaced. It’s a once a year fix, and should be recalled. Once the lights come on, braking is affected, and cruise control no longer functions. I used a previous date, because I need to replace the parts again, for the third time. I have asked Ram support to just send me the parts, and I will d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Repeated catalytic converter failure. Issue was repaired at least twice. Converter failure caused both turbos to need replacement and has now caused engine damage. This appears to be a common issue with this engine model.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Just not my car drove very odd to noises to shift to park message
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Service shifter light comes on and off randomly while driving. Won't allow my vehicle to restart after shutting off without getting a jump to start it. Had the shifter replaced on 3/31/22 at 64,000 miles and now again it's happening at 89,000 miles on 9/29/2023.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Service shifter light comes on and off randomly while driving. Won't allow my vehicle to restart after shutting off without getting a jump to start it. Had the shifter replaced on 3/31/22 at 64,000 miles and now again it's happening at 89,000 miles on 9/29/2023.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Volvo XC40. The contact stated that while her son was driving at various highway speeds, the brakes inadvertently activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop even though were no other vehicles or objects nearby. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally stalled and hesitated while accelerating. The contact also stated that the display screen occasionally became inoperable... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
I have a 2017 toyota camry with only 30k miles and the servo motor has gone bad. that's what the dealership told me. i was told by dealership this is a common problem, yet Toyota doesn't have a bulletin for this issue. i am looking on [XXX] and see it's listed and several other websites. i was told repair cost can be $1,4000 - 4,800. Car has only 30k miles so i am quite surprised that it's needin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
There is a bug in the browser that Tesla includes in all of their vehicles that allow people to play videos/movies while driving. Someone sells a device that takes advantage of this bug: https://teslaandroid.com/ The browser needs to be update to prevent this, as it is a major safety issue.