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: Dec 14, 2023
Vehicle lost power and down shifted to first gear and got stuck in it while going 60mph and with traffic all around and behind me. Will not drive or shift out of first gear and transmission must be replaced now. No warning lights ever came on, no warning of it happening, it just slipped down into first and stalled there, wouldn’t go when pressing the gas peddle.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
The rods and driver wheel are defective
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I have called several times to the Howdy Honda dealership where i purchased my Honda fit . the response is the same each time that they have not released the Fuel Pump. I have been having issues with my car that is hesitating when i drive and takes a long time to get going up a hill or just even a flat road.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering) 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering) 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
Freeze plug randomly popped out while driving causing vehicle to stall in the middle of traffic almost causing a major accident and or death. Research indicates there has been numerous complaints by Mini Cooper owners experiencing the same issue of a premature unexplained failure with no action taken from Mini to mitigate this safety issue. I’m lucky to be alive.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
I received the letter about 23V867 recall on this vehicle over two weeks ago. Letter indicates vehicle requires repair (per Audi's online data as recorded with data collection performed from the vehicle itself) NOW. I called to make an appointment with Audi Silver Spring [XXX] ) and initially I was told they will have to order new battery modules. A week later (this morning 2/29/2024) I was texte... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
2008 Jeep Commander, 4.7L, QDII system. Vehicle experiences a sudden an unexpected loss of power and braking action while driving at speed. After loss of power, ABS, Stability Control, Brake, Check engine light, dash board warning lights illuminate and flash. Park assist and service 4wd error messages flash intermittently. Vehicle begins to buck and surge, accelerator becomes unresponsive. Ha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
HCU hydraulic control unit the ABS light and traction control intermittently coming on and going off this has been an ongoing issue for nearly a year. This has been “replaced” once already. It is now out of warranty no parts available to fix. I pull a camper if this malfunctions while pulling camper this could tragic for my family. I called dodge they provided absolutely help. This is a known... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
HCU hydraulic control unit the ABS light and traction control intermittently coming on and going off this has been an ongoing issue for nearly a year. This has been “replaced” once already. It is now out of warranty no parts available to fix. I pull a camper if this malfunctions while pulling camper this could tragic for my family. I called dodge they provided absolutely help. This is a known... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed to turn off when pressing the Push to Stop button regardless of which gear it was in. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle while it was in reverse(R), in drive (D), or in neutral (N), the vehicle rolled. The contact stated the failure also occurred when turning off the vehicle while it was in th... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly shifted into neutral, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. Th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
I brought car told dealer of air bag light on to service and tire monitor light I had my steering lock and ESC light on dealership did nothing to comply to safety of this called don't return calls
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Keyless Entry: I have had this vehicle for about 6 months and over that time, more than 3 separate times the keyless entry hasn't unlocked. It may take 2 - 3 tries. It has never failed to eventually unlock. I don't know that it ever failed to lock because approaching the car it would have already been unlocked. I don't always hear it actuate. Auto-lock: I assume the same proximity system that is ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
While driving doesn't matter the speed, my car doesn't accelerate and jerks, it had does these many times and I take it into the shop, at least 3 times now, and they can't find anything. Since it doesn't do it when they test drive it, they don't know what is wrong. But it is very annoying, since there are times I have been on a highway and my car doesn't speed up.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
While doing a casual drive, engine made a noise after work at night. Woke up in the morning and check engine light as well as the EyeSight light was on. Checked everything and noticed the coolant was low; but upon filling it, did not resolve the issue. Took it to a Subaru service center and was told that it the Temp Valve had been stuck and that they had replace not only one for my year model the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
While doing a casual drive, engine made a noise after work at night. Woke up in the morning and check engine light as well as the EyeSight light was on. Checked everything and noticed the coolant was low; but upon filling it, did not resolve the issue. Took it to a Subaru service center and was told that it the Temp Valve had been stuck and that they had replace not only one for my year model the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
When I’m in snow mode and driving in snow and come to a complete stop the vehicle doesn’t want to move but if I take it out of snow mode it goes with no problem. Sometimes when I turn in snow mode it will reduce my speed to 15 mph. Not safe at all.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Horn fails in very cold weather. When the horn is depressed/pushed down on, no sound is produced. The first and second incident caused it to stop working completely. During the THIRD incident, repeated pressing of the horn would eventually produce a weak sound that would eventually grow louder. This compromises safety because the horn cannot be counted on to alert others to imminent possible dange... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The recline adjuster has come loose and won’t stay in place any longer. I have a video available if that helps.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
We have been having issues with our 2017 nissan sentra pretty much since we bought it. it shakes ,shutters etc during exceleration. we asked if it needed a tune up and were told manufacture recommendation was for 124,000 miles. So it didn't seem to be the problem. we continued routine maintenance. On Sat 2/17/2024 the car wouldn;t "go" while we were on our way to work. It didn't want to excelerate... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
Recent cold weather starts in the morning (40-50 degrees fahrenheit) have caused my car to have poor or stalled acceleration. It will occasionally not go past 20 or 40 mph while the RPMs rev high. The DTC error code would read P2565 as a pending code. An independent mechanic changed out my transmission fluid and switched out my boost pressure sensor but the problem is still there. Hyundai says tha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
The contact owns 2024 Toyota Camry equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Lire Line: Turanza EL440, Tire Size: 235/45/R18, DOT Number: 7XFU431JB2. The contact stated that there was a large bulge on the sidewall of the front passenger's side tire, and there was a small bulge on the sidewall of the rear driver's side tire. Additionally, there was a crease from the front to the back of the rear passenger's... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
The contact owns 2024 Toyota Camry equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Lire Line: Turanza EL440, Tire Size: 235/45/R18, DOT Number: 7XFU431JB2. The contact stated that there was a large bulge on the sidewall of the front passenger's side tire, and there was a small bulge on the sidewall of the rear driver's side tire. Additionally, there was a crease from the front to the back of the rear passenger's... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
Air bags never deployed when I was struck by a vehicle going 55 mph.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
COMPLAINT/INCIDENT.On February 9th 2024, I was making a right hand turn onto main Street. My speed was under 10mph, closer to 5mph. . Without any warning or MIL, my truck suddenly went from easy steering to unable to move the steering column and jerked/locked the wheel by 90 degrees to the left. In other words, the steering wheel went from the 3:00 position and locked into place at the 12:00 posit... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
KIA NIRO 2019 SAFETY RECALL As described in the safety recall (previous page), my KIA Niro 2019 alarm went off with the following error message "Engine Overheating". Kia of America and its dealership refused to fix the problem. The car dealership -said- has no direction as to how or when to fix the problem, and the KIA consumer hotline is out of business.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? APIM issues causing GPS, Bluetooth, radio, settings and camera to mess up. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Getting lost on the road without GPS. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? APIM issues causing GPS, Bluetooth, radio, settings and camera to mess up. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Getting lost on the road without GPS. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
Hello, I’m submitting this complaint regarding the Head Gasket issue being Blown out on my Vehicle, it only had (136,656) miles and has a good service and maintenance history which should have prevented the Head Gasket from blowing out, however I was informed by the Honda Service Advisor that this is an ongoing issue and that they are seeing much more of these vehicles coming in with a blown Hea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
In summer of 2023, I received a recall letter regarding my 2014 Chevy Traverse involving the air bag. The recall states, “An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.” Essentially a bomb could be going off in my car if my air bag were to deploy. I have awaited a resolution to this recall for what I feel ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the horn was inoperable and the front and rear driver's side windows did not go up and down as designed. In addition, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
Air bag warning light indicates malfunction
Incident date: Dec 3, 2023
We have taken the vehicle to Tesla service center multiple times (3 or 4) for the passenger side suspension creaking. Fore and aft links replaced as well as upper control arms. Car continues to make noise and service center stating they cannot duplicate the problem - this is happening to multiple model x.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
While driving on Feb 7, 2023, the rear window shattered, no impact or foreign object. i did smell like something was burning but did not see anything, my car is. Honda HRV 2023
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
My 2017 Honda Pilot has a jerking issue when accelerating slowly or fast. It lags to accelerate. You can see the RPM gauge bounce when this happens. The "bucking" or "jerking" can be felt by the driver and sometimes the passenger but its not super noticeable. My vehicle has less than 60,000 miles on it currently. I have not changed the transmission fluid but this issue has only just started rece... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
My 2017 Honda Pilot has a jerking issue when accelerating slowly or fast. It lags to accelerate. You can see the RPM gauge bounce when this happens. The "bucking" or "jerking" can be felt by the driver and sometimes the passenger but its not super noticeable. My vehicle has less than 60,000 miles on it currently. I have not changed the transmission fluid but this issue has only just started rece... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V787000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The man... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
While driving, all lights on the dash will light up and the gas pedal loses power. The only way to move the car to the side of the road out of danger is by coasting to the shoulder which can be very unsafe on the interstate. The car remains running with no power until it is cut off and turned back on. This has happened four times with the dealership being unable to specifically identify and fix th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
Car suddenly applies brakes and sounds alarms when driving out of a sloping driveway or parking lot. It appears that the sensors point at the pavement at the inflection point of the sloped driveway/road and detects that as an obstacle. This happens regularly at certain parking lots - all the blinking and braking make it very difficult to navigate into the traffic lane safely. Audi dealership ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Rear view camera display sometimes just a blank screen, other times delayed by 2-15 seconds. Has been in for service 3 times and Tesla Service will either say could not duplicate or acknowledge problem, but not repair. Seems like a widespread Tesla problem, but no resolution as of yet.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
Recall for battery preventing use of the vehicle due to fire risk. Over 3 months of inability to use vehicle and sill no solution.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
Recall for battery preventing use of the vehicle due to fire risk. Over 3 months of inability to use vehicle and sill no solution.
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
* Component/ system that has malfunctioned and failed - The Driver side tail light circuit board and pig tail malfunctioned. The connector has corroded and the plastic plug housing looks melted on the earth / brown wire. This in return damages the the ground connection for the tail light rendering the turn signal the reverse light and the brake light inoperable on the effected side. YES, MY VEH... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
* Component/ system that has malfunctioned and failed - The Driver side tail light circuit board and pig tail malfunctioned. The connector has corroded and the plastic plug housing looks melted on the earth / brown wire. This in return damages the the ground connection for the tail light rendering the turn signal the reverse light and the brake light inoperable on the effected side. YES, MY VEH... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a loud pop and the tachometer redlined, after which the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where he observed that the engine block had separated from the engine with oil covering the entire engine compartment. No warning lig... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
My wife was driving the Cherokee on a level street at approximately 40 miles per hour and the power transfer unit malfunctioned causing the wheels to lock up. The 4-wheel drive was disabled and the emergency brake began engaging randomly. She was able to drive to the local Jeep dealer who informed her that the Power Transfer Unit had broken and needed to be replaced. This car is approximately 5,00... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
Top surface of my Dashboard have some very sticky surface. I tried to clean with soap and water, and some other chemicals but nothing works. It is so sticky that when I tried to use rags to wipe off, my rag got stick to the surface. Specially in a hot summer day it almost seems like the surface is melting. Sometime I feel like, some of my medical issues may be related to this too. Because recently... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
I have made numerous complaints to Jeff Schmitt Chevy dealership Dayton, Ohio regarding parking brake being engaged upon starting vehicle even though vehicle is on flat surface. Twice now, last occurring [XXX], while gradually increasing speed to make a left hand turn the vehicle suddenly self-brakes, during acceleration, making a harsh screeching sound. I remove my foot completely from the accele... 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