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 4, 2023
Steering wheel is sticking when making minor adjustments at low to high speeds. When turning the wheel, initially there is higher than normal amount resistance that only last for a moment causing a driver to jerk the wheel. Issue keeps becoming more exasperated.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
MIL comes on with DTCsP0301 through P0304 Car is available for inspection. Dealer confirmed along with independent service center. Service Bulletin 13-082
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle decelerated to 10 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V013000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2022
THREE TIMES NOW THE THROTTLE HAS GONE TO WIDE OPEN AND STICKS FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. SCARES THE LIVING CRAP OUT OF YOU.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2023
The genuino Kia Tow Hitch Harness accessory si un ruso of fire02
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
I have a 2014 Chrysler 300 S the Oil Filter Housing Is Leaking on and around wiring that could cause the warm or hot oil to leak on wires and cause an electrical engine fire the Manufacturer was contacted and they stated that my Vin Number was not included with the recall that was already issued and because my Vin was not included Manufacturer refused to repair the issue
Incident date: Mar 29, 2023
I was driving down expressway and my car started to make rattling noise and Clanking noise from the engine and then my car wouldn’t start it kept stuttering. My 2019 Kia forte was stalling it was not accelerating past 3k rpm’s and then the engine would completely shut off. Now my car has been out of commission for a few weeks
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
The frame and track of the sun roof has developed a crack. It is available for inspection upon request. Because the frame/track developed a crack in the structural material, I can hear it rattling when I drive, which tells me it is loose. A loose sun roof structural system is not good, as driving on a freeway / highway at a higher speed could possibly cause the sun roof to become detached and fl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the ignition coil pack and the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximatel... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2023
I have been having exhaust fumes coming out of my dashboard ventilation. These carbon monoxide fumes that affects me and my family while driving. Ford is taking this matter very lightly and that concerns me. I'm crying out for your assistance please. The dealership are not equipped to take care of this situation.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
The contact owns 2010 Ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the transmission clutch plate. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle would lose power while in 3rd and 4th gears. There was no further information provided. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
Every time I open the door - either from the inside, or the outside, or even using the automatic opener from the keyring there is a loud buzzing sound. It's a risk as I am not sure that the door is working properly.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2023
I am deaf and this have problem engine and oil keep leak and show road ice but outside warm. I try use collision road it not show light on nothing..
Incident date: Mar 18, 2019
The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted upon restarting the vehicle. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact checked the oil level and noticed that ther... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2019
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced loss of power steering assist. The message "Power Steering Failure" was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
Multiple instances of power loss in the vehicle with the warning stating that coolant temperature is too high. Car doesn't power more than 20mph in such instances and needs to be parked on the side for a restart.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2020
Car flipped 3 times, it is a mangled mess and not one airbag deployed. This caused injuries to the driver, if any passengers would have been in the vehicle they would have been killed.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with her husband in the front passenger’s seat and her infant in a car seat in the rear seat, the vehicle began to lose motive power and was making abnormal loud cranking sounds. The message "Power Train Malfunction -Reduced Power" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated u... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
WHEN IT RAINS THERE IS A LEAKAGE IN THE TRUNK WHERE THE AMPLIFIER IS LOCATED. I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY RADIO I WAS NOT ABLE TO HEAR ANYTHING ALTHOUGH EVERYTHING SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THE SCREEN I WASN'T ABLE TO PUT VOLUME AND NO SOUND WAS COMING OUT THE SPEAKER I LATER FIND OUT THAT IT WAS THE AMPLIFIER NOT WORKING BECAUSE WHERE THE AMPLIFIER IS LOCATED INSIDE THE TRUNK IT WAS FILLED WITH ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
WHEN IT RAINS THERE IS A LEAKAGE IN THE TRUNK WHERE THE AMPLIFIER IS LOCATED. I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY RADIO I WAS NOT ABLE TO HEAR ANYTHING ALTHOUGH EVERYTHING SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THE SCREEN I WASN'T ABLE TO PUT VOLUME AND NO SOUND WAS COMING OUT THE SPEAKER I LATER FIND OUT THAT IT WAS THE AMPLIFIER NOT WORKING BECAUSE WHERE THE AMPLIFIER IS LOCATED INSIDE THE TRUNK IT WAS FILLED WITH ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2023
My 2016 model X has been experiencing front passenger and rear passenger safety restraint system faults off and on since we purchased the vehicle in 2019. This notification requires service and the Tesla service center has done a mixture of hardware checks, replacement of parts and keeps blaming the issues on a firmware update that will eventually happen in the future. Tesla says that when the sys... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2023
I have owned this car for about a year with ~10,000 miles of driving. Four times in the last year, during high way driving, I had sudden deceleration using adaptive cruise control of at least 20 mph at highway speeds. It seems to me that in each case I was to the left of a semitrailer truck and it appears to me that the imaging software believed the truck to my right was entering my lane. This ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
Excessive Oil Consumption resulting in piston damage/failure! This vehicle has burned oil since I bought it used at about 80,000 miles. I checked the carfax prior to purchasing it and it had been maintained routinely. I have to add a liter of oil every couple of weeks. This is with regular in town driving. I have reported the issue numerous times to the Volvo dealer when I bring it in for regular... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
The hood on the 2018 Honda Accord vibrates at highway speeds (not a little, but significantly). Two separate body specialists tried to make adjustment which resulted in slightly better but, but still, the hood vibrates (again, not a little, but an unsettling amount) at highway speeds. Honda already has a known issue with the Pilot model's hood: https://honda.oemdtc.com/711/hood-flutter-or-vibratio... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2023
The hood on the 2018 Honda Accord vibrates at highway speeds (not a little, but significantly). Two separate body specialists tried to make adjustment which resulted in slightly better but, but still, the hood vibrates (again, not a little, but an unsettling amount) at highway speeds. Honda already has a known issue with the Pilot model's hood: https://honda.oemdtc.com/711/hood-flutter-or-vibratio... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
The electrical system of the vehicle malfunctions regularly. When the headlights are on, the brake lights are stuck on and do not turn off, nor do they properly "activate" when braking. If the headlights are off, they work just fine. If the headlights are on, the entire dashboard lighting is prone to going haywire. On several occasions with the headlights on, the electrical system has malfunctione... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
Vehicle overheating and shutting down creating a hazardous traffic situation and potential for vehicle fire. Coolant level dropping, P1299 diagnostic code displayed on code reader. Vehicle has been inspected by a local repair shop who refused to work on it. I contacted the local Ford dealer in Fort Myers, Florida, and they indicate no open recall for the issue. The consumer should not have to be r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
The contact owned a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, she lost control of the steering wheel, the vehicle suddenly jerked to the left, and she crashed into a cement light pole. The Chassis Stabilization warning light was illuminated intermittently. The driver's side air bag had deployed. The contact stated that she hit her head on the steering wheel but ha... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Service Lights on dash. Service Antilock brake system, SERVICE electronic braking system. Defective part is HCU, hydraulic control unit. Part has been unavailable for over a year and part availability always pushed back on estimated arrival date. This safety issue needs to be addressed with a recall.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2023
Drivers door lock actuator failed. Drivers door will not lock automatically when driving. The door can be locked and unlocked manually from the inside, and by the key from the outside.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, crossing an intersection, crashed into the rear wheel of an unknown vehicle. The seat belt fractured. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The air bag deployed. The contact sustained bruises and bumps and medical attention was provided. A police report was filed. There were no reports of a... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
There seems to be a huge ongoing problem with ABS pumps and control modules for this model vehicle. I can find pages and pages of issues online for the same truck. The 'service brakes' warning comes on and off intermittently and I managed to replicate the fault after several months long enough to get it diagnosed. I am told the following parts are the issue: 68347098 - AB MODULE AN 08035030 68143... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
The contact owned a 2013 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving alone, at approximately 15 - 20 MPH, the brake pedal was applied but failed to respond. The vehicle collided with another vehicle in the parking lot and continued on to collide with a vending machine stopping the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver-side air bag was deployed and a broken arm bone injury was sustain... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ecosport. The contact stated when he started the vehicle the "low oil pressure" light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to a failure of the oil pump. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched onli... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, followed by hard shifting from the transmission. The contact stated that the “Service Required” message was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic found no failur... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
We have two infants in car seats. The car does not have the car seat LATCH system in it. The instructions were followed in the cars manual for placement but none were found. There are indications on the seat where you should place the latch buckle but the latch welded hooks are not there. I took the vehicle to the dealership Buick Gee in Liberty Lake WA where it is leased and was also told there... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
Sensor lights came on detecting problems. 5/7/2022
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Engine caught fire , oil consumption, miss firing, knocking brought to dealer they found nothing wrong with it back in December 2022. Car stopped working on March 11,2023 had fire underneath police had vehicle towed to the house. Insurance company will be here Monday. Will also be contacting Kia dealer in alliance Ohio on Monday. The engine light was on and checked missing firing cylinder one
Fire
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
Service electronic stability
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
ABS Control Module failed and was replaced with part #68143491AB. Truck was purchased for plowing. Without anti-lock breaks and traction control, myself and passengers were at risk , and my ability to plow more than a few inches of snow was nearly impossible. Living on a dead end private road, plowing for neighbors to access main roads was not possible, putting neighbors and family at risk duri... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
Power steering assist temporarily goes out while making turns. Lasts for a few seconds then power steering is restored. GMC has recalled other 2014 GMC Sierra trucks for this issue however my VIN was not included in the recall. GM's number for this recall is 17276. While no accident occurred, I was concerned about driving the vehicle. I took it to the closest automotive center and paid to hav... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2023
The adaptive distance assist system shuts down if no vehicle is sensed for approximately 1.5 hours. The system typically will not re-engage until the vehicle is restarted with an object in front of the vehicle enabling the system to self confirm that the sensors are functioning properly. This is a defect as the system should never turn off due to lack of vehicle detection. A typical drive across w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2023
Vehicle intermittently jerks upon acceleration and has become excessive. RPMs drop and surge which cause a lack in power. Vehicle was taken to my personal mechanic who diagnosed it as a software issue with the CVT transmission and I was told I needed to take it directly to a Nissan Dealer. My mechanic informed me that Nissans have had several issues with the transmission. After further research ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
Dashboard is melting which is making it extremely sticky but the worst part is that it is causing a visibility issues while driving. The glare is really bad.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2023
Dashboard is melting which is making it extremely sticky but the worst part is that it is causing a visibility issues while driving. The glare is really bad.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Tire sizes: 245/70r17. Three tires went bad between November 2022 and March 9th 2023. First tire, the front right, replaced because its outside tread was going bad really quickly. I could see the metal sticking out of it. Two tires need replacing because they are bulging. The back left tire bulged so bad my car was shaking up and down until I took it off. Thought everything was fine but the bac... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2022
The engine throttles while accelerating and leaks oil and a burning smell comes from under the hood. the smell passes through the air vents and fills the car. I am afraid it might catch fire under the hood. The suspension makes noise and can also feel on the steering wheel. I will appreciate the company if they take safety measures in fixing this issue.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Both low beam headlights are very dim. Replacing the bulb does not increase brightness. Reports from internet are saying it’s because the reflective material oxidizes and no longer reflects. Extremely dangerous to drive at night.
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
The vehicle shudders randomly when taking off from a stopped position around 18mph. The vehicle shudders randomly when slowing down to make a right turn. The vehicle shudders when driving at higher speeds. It's not a violent shudder, but those riding in the vehicle feel it as well. The safety concern is two fold in that there is a fear of losing control at an inopportune time. Secondly, the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that the driver's side rear passenger sliding door failed to unlock. The contact was unable to unlock the door. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the door lock actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact stated that both rear passenger’s side sliding doors... Read more