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: Sep 29, 2023
The car is consuming excessive amounts of oil. The engine has a knocking, tapping sound. Found out today the intake manifold is bad, which we all know is a very bad thing to go wrong. The engine has a very bad misfire. The car only has 53k miles. I own an 09 Sonata with 154k and I have never had a problem. This is why I continued with Hyundai. Also, the steering seems to tense up regularly. I am v... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
I have approximately 86000 miles on my truck and today the Service Electronic Brake system warning starting coming on and off. Along with the ABS light and traction control light. Randomly flashing on and then off. Staying off most of the time. I did a search and apparently this is a huge issue with these trucks, a couple of electronic assemblies melting together and going out. This needs to ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
Repeated failure of right / rear wheel speed sensor. This failure causes immediate loss of automated traction control and ABS system. This item has been worked at 2 separate dealerships for a total of 7 occurrences. Each failure results in warning lamps at instance of failure and retained OBD code. Each occurrence this component has been replaced.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
When I make a left turn from a stop and accelerate, there is a popping/hollow tocking sound, usually three pops in succession. I don't know what this noise is or what could be broken on the vehicle. No warming lamps. Unfortunately, the dealership can't look at my car until November 24th. Many other 2024 crosstrek owners on reddit and facebook are reporting this problem.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
U connect touch screen delaminating screen. Causes several distractions while driving. Moreover, It controls heating and defrost system which controls and severely impacts driver visibility in certain driving conditions. Especially during rain, snow very hot and cold weather conditions. It’s a fact that we can’t control the elements. As well the backup camera is affected by disabling backup ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that upon the depression of the brake pedal, the vehicle vibrated and sputtered with the "Engine Power Reduced" message displayed. The vehicle then failed to exceed 25 MPH after the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the water pump, engine gasket, upper and lower control arms, and other unknown engine parts were replaced; ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The contact stated while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the cross-traffic alert system failed to alert of passing vehicles within 60-ft of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
BOSCH CP4 HPFP failed and released metal shavings throughout all fuel lines, injectors and gas tank. BMW had a recall for 12K vehicles but mine was not on the recall list and BMW cannot explain why given that my fuel pump exploded like so many other BOSCH CP4 pumps. I am not in at least 7K in repairs to replace all the fuel lines, pumps and injectors that the faulty part ruined. I believe BMW knew... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
BOSCH CP4 HPFP failed and released metal shavings throughout all fuel lines, injectors and gas tank. BMW had a recall for 12K vehicles but mine was not on the recall list and BMW cannot explain why given that my fuel pump exploded like so many other BOSCH CP4 pumps. I am not in at least 7K in repairs to replace all the fuel lines, pumps and injectors that the faulty part ruined. I believe BMW knew... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
Engine valve cover explode
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that the sunroof panel had detached, allowing wind and debris to enter the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure). The unknown dealer pushed the sunroof panel back into position; however, the failure recurred due to th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
It came to my attention this summer that my 2016 Volvo XC90 has an extensive sunroof drainage problem that has resulted in major leaks in the interior of the car and that has destroyed the electrical system which impacts everything (airbags, speed control, back up camera, object alert warnings, etc. It was impossible to have knowledge of this problem until it was too late (like cancer). Many das... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
It came to my attention this summer that my 2016 Volvo XC90 has an extensive sunroof drainage problem that has resulted in major leaks in the interior of the car and that has destroyed the electrical system which impacts everything (airbags, speed control, back up camera, object alert warnings, etc. It was impossible to have knowledge of this problem until it was too late (like cancer). Many das... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The vehicle's battery has gone dead on several occasions since replacing the OEM battery. The OEM battery which was approximately 3 years old, also had gone dead, prompting its replacement. The battery has gone dead within 1-2 days of not using the car. Charging the battery by running it is only a temporary fix as the car needs to be constantly driven in order to charge the battery, which is not u... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Cooling system hose blew from a faulty clamp rubbing a hole in it. There’s a TON of reports of this same problem with the same model/year. All antifreeze leaked out and overheated engine.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
Tesla has a Salvage Vehicle policy - when a vehicle has been branded as salvaged, regardless of future repairs, they will remotely disable the vehicle's ability to DC Fast Charge and require a DC System Inspection and DC Fast Charging Inspection at a cost of $870 that can only be performed by Tesla in order to service the vehicle and restore the DC Fast Charging feature. In my case Telsa has refu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
Tesla has a Salvage Vehicle policy - when a vehicle has been branded as salvaged, regardless of future repairs, they will remotely disable the vehicle's ability to DC Fast Charge and require a DC System Inspection and DC Fast Charging Inspection at a cost of $870 that can only be performed by Tesla in order to service the vehicle and restore the DC Fast Charging feature. In my case Telsa has refu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The trunk lift gate can suddenly fail and slam down quickly, being a safety hazard. When the trunk opens, it will move up and down a few times, then it will beep three times and slam shut. It consistently happens when parked on an incline.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
System warns of Blind Spot Traffic when there are no vehicles present. When system activates during night driving in low illuminated conditions, it presents a safety hazard due to the bright indicators in the side rear view mirrors.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2023
On several occasions, the passenger door becomes unlatched while driving. Sometimes multiple times in one commute. The door doesn't fully open, but certainly allows for wind noise and "DOOR AJAR" display to go off with audible alarms. Also, the passenger window's auto/short drop feature isn't working and the window does not go back up fully, allowing water, insects, and other hazards to enter the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
I was driving on the freeway in Houston, TX going 65 mph in the middle lane and my engine begin to lose power, and start stalling. Almost causing me to wreck with my 8 yr old son in the back seat. I was advised by my the dealership that Honda has a recall on fuel pumpt with my year and model. I contacted Honda and was advised my car is the year and model of the fuel pump recall, but it wasn’t ef... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that on three separate occasions the power steering failed to operate as needed while driving. After the first failure the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, a year later, the failure occurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the steering column was repaired out of pock... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The steering wheel got stiff and hard to turn making turning a struggle. The shifting gears slipped and locked in place. The electronic throttle is is indicating a problem. These are just a problem over some time.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2022
Thr manufacturer did not put rear tire links on my vehicle. I purchased brand new tires 3 months ago and my two rear tires are already showing sings of wear and tear. I went to a mechanic to see if I could get a full alignment on my vehicle. When they started on thr alignment, they informed me that they could not proceed because the vehicle was missing the manufacturer rear toe links. If I decided... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2023
All of a sudden, the car would not start and inserting the key and turning doesn't do anything. Turns out that like many other folks, the Electronic Steering Lock module is faulty and preventing the car from starting. Found out that only the dealer can fix it and mercedes provides the replacement part. The cost is unaffordable at $2200 from the dealer and the part is back ordered and won't be avai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
We had two tires put on/rotation at the dealership and the two recalls repaired via a software update on or around the end of August. Once I left, felt the steering was hyper sensitive thought it was the tires. I had two incidents upon acceleration the truck aggressively yanking me into the opposing lane without driver input. Secondly, my wife had it happen to her on a very busy feeder road, the t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
We had two tires put on/rotation at the dealership and the two recalls repaired via a software update on or around the end of August. Once I left, felt the steering was hyper sensitive thought it was the tires. I had two incidents upon acceleration the truck aggressively yanking me into the opposing lane without driver input. Secondly, my wife had it happen to her on a very busy feeder road, the t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
All of the sounds in the vehicle just stops. This has happened twice while driving the vehicle. No saftey warning sounds, no idiot light sounds, no turn signal sound and no radio. The vehicle still runs; however all the the safely ADAS systems remain silent. There are no warning sounds for any of Volvo's advanced safety systems. This is a series safety issue since there are no sounds; someone... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
Event: Catastrophic brake failure whilst driving due to total corrosion of brake lines. Cause: Stainless steel rear brake lines on undercarriage of vehicle do not have any form of coating, nor anti-corrosive protection. Detailed description of problem, including photographic evidence: The stainless steel brake lines run externally along the vehicle undercarriage, from the master cylinder to ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
Gear shift lever jammed in reverse and could not be changed. With battery powered motor, the vehicle could possibly take off and cause damage or injury. Vehicle is new and still under warranty. Dealership is evaluating the problem
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
The rearview camera on the Volvo continually freezes, is delayed to start or blacks out. Since I have had the car for the last year there have been multiple times a week where reverse is selected and the rearview camera loads, then when I start backing the camera image freezes two to three times before jumping and resuming normal operation. I've also experienced where the camera image is displayed... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
We are 900 miles from home driving on the interstate, and received an error message saying that there was a drive train malfunction and we had to stop the car immediately. We were in the middle of nowhere, but able to pull over and turn the car off, and contacted roadside assistance. We were unable to start the car again. We were told there was a major malfunction of the drive train power supply a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2022
We are 900 miles from home driving on the interstate, and received an error message saying that there was a drive train malfunction and we had to stop the car immediately. We were in the middle of nowhere, but able to pull over and turn the car off, and contacted roadside assistance. We were unable to start the car again. We were told there was a major malfunction of the drive train power supply a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Stumbling/Studering and hesitation when accelerating took it to dealership and they performed a tune-up and complete fuel system service when to pick it up and still doing the same thing. Dealership rechecked it and said Torque converter was faulty. Had to replace transmission.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
humming sounds from gas tank. Car stalls and difficult to crank when getting fuel. Car has a horrible smell from gas fumes.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
I am writing to express my deep concern and seek assistance regarding a potentially serious safety issue that I have experienced with my vehicle. I believe that my experience poses a significant risk to both my safety and that of other road users. In June, I encountered a distressing incident when my vehicle's steering wheel locked unexpectedly, leading to a hydroplaning incident that caused my v... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
When my car is in cruise control it sometimes applies the brake when the car in front of me is taking an off ramp. Even when car is out of my lane the car might aggressively apply the brakes. Sometimes applies the brakes because a car in front of me changes lanes. It only does it if they go to a lane that is right of my car. I do not tailgate so I feel that this is dangerous as I drive on I-95 and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
I had all 3 recalls completed from the Chrysler dealer but only 2 now show complete on NHTSA and Carfax. Could you please check on this for me See attached service record from the dealer for the recalls that were completed.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
13N02 – Extended Warranty Coverage on Brake Booster – 2010-2013 Ford Edge & Lincoln MKX. My break booster required repair and when I went to the dealership and called Ford they stated that the vehicle had to have less than 150,000 miles and it is not 10 years old which ever comes 1st. The break boosters are starting to fail on cars with less than 150,000 miles, but older than 10 years. This... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
Vehicle moved away backwards after placing vehicle in park. Vehicle is in a repair shop in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Driver's door, door frame, and rear door damage. After placing the vehicle in park following pulling the vehicle forward in drive, I stepped out of the driver's door and the vehicle began moving backwards. I was nearly injured as the open driver's door was bent 180 degrees around a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
Battery light comes on, power steering goes out, start/stop function switches in and out of accessory mode, then total power drain and vehicle will not turn over or maintain a charge. vehicle is available for inspection. safety was compromised by lack of control of steering and vehicle shutdown in a roadway. issue has not been reproduced by independent services or dealer or other representative... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
I am writing to bring to your attention the grave matter of odometer rollback fraud, consumer law violations, and a series of fraudulent activities that have occurred in connection with my recent vehicle purchase. I am seeking a settlement of $60,000 to rectify the significant damages and hardships I have endured as a result of these unethical practices. The issues at hand stem from the fraudulent... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
To whom it may concern. I have a 1993 Ford F-150 pickup truck. I have recently experienced the problem with the fuel system described in NHTSA Campaign ID Number 93V125000, NHTSA Action Number EA93001. This defect in the fuel pump causes the fuel drawn from the front tank to be returned to the rear tank. In short time the rear tank capacity can be exceeded causing fuel to spill from filler nec... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Since purchasing this truck brand new in 2018 we have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. Dodge Ram failed us every time. They failed to work with the dealer and ignored every attempt to find solutions. It started with vehicle loosing power on very dangerous locations a specially freeway located in curves in the middle of nowhere. It took years to fix that problem. Multiple times we dr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The air bag warning randomly popped up on my screen. They will not deploy if I get into a wreck. Non working air bag. I also have issues that come and go with the electrical component. Sometimes my door won't open, sometimes my seats won't move, and my license plate light is out due to something electrical. My gas tank spits gas back at me and makes weird noises sometimes.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
My car only has about 113,000 miles and the CVT transmission is completely ruined. It’ll cost me over $3,200 to repair, and this is a very common and known issue to Nissan. See other Class Action Lawsuits.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
In June 2023, the consumer received a notice for NHTSA Safety Recall Campaign No. 15V-826. The consumer made an appointment with the local dealer, but was advised that the remedy is not available at this time. Also , the consumer is concerned about the "park the vehicle outside" warning cited in the recall notice. The consumer proposes a prompt repair or the use of replacement vehicle until the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ABS and brake warning lights was flashing on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed; the diagnostic showed a faulty computer module had caused the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that the ABS and brake warning lights was flashing on the instrument panel while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed; the diagnostic showed a faulty computer module had caused the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
I bought the car as a CPO on 9/25/19 32,860 mi. On 8/19/20 at 50,052 the engine failed. The oscillating dampener rubber separated causing serpentine belt to break, which in turn got caught in timing belt which caused that to break which then caused bent valves and valves to break. The failure was sudden. Had I been on the interstate I’d be severely injured or dead. I was told that I needed a new... Read more