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: Oct 2, 2022
Have brought car twice for vibration and shutter when vehicle is driven on highway. The shutter is extreme and only stops when car comes to a dead stop at an intersection or toll. Increasing speed or lowering speed does not stop the extreme shutter felt in wheel and passenger compartment. Car has only 37,000 miles on odometer! This extreme vibration and shutter is intermittent and not all the tim... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
On October 12, 2022 while driving home from the Schar Cancer Center in Fairfax, my 2012 Volvo XC60 experienced an end of life event. My check engine light came on when I entered my neighborhood. The car began sputtering and the gas pedal was delayed and at times, unresponsive. I was able to make it to my house and made an appointment to service my Volvo. My Volvo was towed to GT Peace Automotive ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
The vehicle is basically new and I have only had it a few months. It has already been with the dealer three times because of technical/computer/infotainment issues. The dealer had the vehicle for about a week on each occasion. Today, I started to break so I could turn the car around and park it in the parking lot. I was moving very slowly, as you would expect in such a case. However, the car did... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
The vehicle is basically new and I have only had it a few months. It has already been with the dealer three times because of technical/computer/infotainment issues. The dealer had the vehicle for about a week on each occasion. Today, I started to break so I could turn the car around and park it in the parking lot. I was moving very slowly, as you would expect in such a case. However, the car did... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
The vehicle is basically new and I have only had it a few months. It has already been with the dealer three times because of technical/computer/infotainment issues. The dealer had the vehicle for about a week on each occasion. Today, I started to break so I could turn the car around and park it in the parking lot. I was moving very slowly, as you would expect in such a case. However, the car did... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 9, 2012
The contact owns a 2004 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, his wife noticed an abnormally strong gasoline odor. The contact's wife was able to continue driving the vehicle; however, the failure would return after refueling or on rainy days. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V483000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
Initially the center tablet would blackout while I’m backing out of my driveway, I put in reverse. Camera works. I back out and camera completely turns off. Not an issue with dirty camera as it comes in and off. Several times while I’m driving the entire instrument panel blacks out! It’s happened 5x in the last two months and I don’t drive much. I have taken to the dealer and told Volvo b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
Initially the center tablet would blackout while I’m backing out of my driveway, I put in reverse. Camera works. I back out and camera completely turns off. Not an issue with dirty camera as it comes in and off. Several times while I’m driving the entire instrument panel blacks out! It’s happened 5x in the last two months and I don’t drive much. I have taken to the dealer and told Volvo b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2022
Initially the center tablet would blackout while I’m backing out of my driveway, I put in reverse. Camera works. I back out and camera completely turns off. Not an issue with dirty camera as it comes in and off. Several times while I’m driving the entire instrument panel blacks out! It’s happened 5x in the last two months and I don’t drive much. I have taken to the dealer and told Volvo b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
This incident only occurs when placing the vehicle into drive after first having reversed. It happens intermittently. After reversing, the vehicle is stopped, place into B, which is drive with extra regenerative braking, and then the accelerator is press. The vehicle does not move. As the accelerator is pressed further, the transmission slams into gear and the vehicle launches with all the vigor o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
1) during braking, there have been 3 occasions where the pedal became extremely difficult to press and the vehicle did not slow down properly. This nearly caused a crash. There were no alarms or alerts. Car was delivered to dealer for repairs. They confirmed that there were not diagnostic codes and verified that all the correct software was installed. They were unable to find and correct the probl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
Rainwater leaked into front of vehicle and settled in undercarriage causing a short in the passenger side airbag and error message for gear selector. The warning light for the airbag lit up. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership and the cause of the problem was a clog in the drainage system under the windshied. The clog was redirecting water down into the vehicle and destroyed the main... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
Rainwater leaked into front of vehicle and settled in undercarriage causing a short in the passenger side airbag and error message for gear selector. The warning light for the airbag lit up. The vehicle has been inspected by a dealership and the cause of the problem was a clog in the drainage system under the windshied. The clog was redirecting water down into the vehicle and destroyed the main... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2022
Engine coolant line leaking from a faulty coolant pipe. Which can potentially cause fire.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2022
Took my car in because one of my backseat seatbelts no longer retracted properly and Was so loose that I couldn’t possibly buckle my daughter in safely in her car seat. I had noticed the seatbelt on the other side was also starting to retract more slowly. When the service center did the test they said the one that no longer retracted was covered under warranty but the other was not broken enough... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, water was entering into the vehicle from the sunroof onto the rearview mirror and the control display. Additionally, the contact also noticed that water was coming from the speakers. The contact called the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called an independent mechanic who ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
Headlight Failure. Light flickers on and off intermittently and triggers " low beam headlamp malfunction" on dashboard. No vehicle accidents or other trauma to the affected headlight. Only remedy is to replace headlight at a cost of $3,400.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2022
Since buying our xc60 Feb 2022, anytime we have our grandchildren we buckle their high back car seats in the rear seat of our volvo. Every time we install the car seats, the seat belts will not lock after being buckled. The implications of a seat belt failing to lock a car seat down could he catastrophic. It doesn't matter how many times we expand the belt and release it, tap the brake, buckle or ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2022
2022 VOLVO C40. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PROPULSION SYSTEM FAILURE MESSAGE ON DASHBOARD.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
water get inside the car in the back on the floor mat behind driver seat. was not aware of this problem at all.
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
water get inside the car in the back on the floor mat behind driver seat. was not aware of this problem at all.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
I’ve taken the vehicle back to dealership several times and they say nothing is wrong with it. The steering wheel vibrates at high speeds or when backing into parking spaces. Loud noise when backing into parking spaces, possibly brakes or steering. Engines unusually loud when starting up. Windshield just spilt all the way across when car was sitting for 5 days in august, not from rocks on road. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
I’ve taken the vehicle back to dealership several times and they say nothing is wrong with it. The steering wheel vibrates at high speeds or when backing into parking spaces. Loud noise when backing into parking spaces, possibly brakes or steering. Engines unusually loud when starting up. Windshield just spilt all the way across when car was sitting for 5 days in august, not from rocks on road. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
I’ve taken the vehicle back to dealership several times and they say nothing is wrong with it. The steering wheel vibrates at high speeds or when backing into parking spaces. Loud noise when backing into parking spaces, possibly brakes or steering. Engines unusually loud when starting up. Windshield just spilt all the way across when car was sitting for 5 days in august, not from rocks on road. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2022
Top windshield seal leaks, causing water running down windshield, and excess condensation creating visibility issues. Known problem by Volvo USA and dealers.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2022
I was involved in a motor vehicle accident in which I struck a bull moose on Route 2 eastbound in Leominster, MA. I was traveling at approximately 65Mph at the time of the strike. The primary area of impact was the driver's side. The moose struck the front radiator, rolled into the windshield, broke the glass and dented the A pillar, and crumpled the roof a bit as it rolled back and off of the veh... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Four times in the last five days as I was braking for a red light or braking as I entered a drive thru, the engine surged and revved to between 3000 RPM and 4000 RPM. I had to use all my power to brake the car and I then put it into Neutral, or shut off the car. Within a few seconds or upon restarting the RPMs were back to normal. I DID NOT push on the accelerator by mistake. The car only has 300 ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Four times in the last five days as I was braking for a red light or braking as I entered a drive thru, the engine surged and revved to between 3000 RPM and 4000 RPM. I had to use all my power to brake the car and I then put it into Neutral, or shut off the car. Within a few seconds or upon restarting the RPMs were back to normal. I DID NOT push on the accelerator by mistake. The car only has 300 ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
Four times in the last five days as I was braking for a red light or braking as I entered a drive thru, the engine surged and revved to between 3000 RPM and 4000 RPM. I had to use all my power to brake the car and I then put it into Neutral, or shut off the car. Within a few seconds or upon restarting the RPMs were back to normal. I DID NOT push on the accelerator by mistake. The car only has 300 ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
The door latches freeze at low temperatures (e.g. -10F) and I can not access the vehicle. This can be very dangerous in emergency situations (sick child that needs to go to the hospital, a dangerous person in a dark parking lot, extreme cold in a remote location etc.). Volvo does not have a fix and cannot recommend preventative maintenance for this.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
The front passenger seat belt locks up. When pulled out it will not go back in causing the passenger not to be able to wear a seat belt. I think it might be the seat belt retractor I would like to have it fixed I believe it is a safety issue and I am looking for this to be covered for replacement and for file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/65/05/312F1483-F6ED-4A2B-8FEF-893294D0E482/IMG_4... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2022
See accompanying letter.Cracked panoramic sun roof, with no evidence convincing stone damage, people with similar issues , involving same model.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
The driver side seat belt gets stuck and is very hard almost impossible to unlatch once it is locked over driver
Incident date: Oct 8, 2022
A faulty radiator anti-tamper device caused loss of communication to the engine control computer. The check engine light turns on and “charging failure-service urgent” message pops up during driving. Which cause the drivers worry even panic. I talked to local dealer several times. I was told to change battery everytime. But my battery and alternator were both tested fine. The message could pop... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2022
Distracting Dash warnings “POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE TEMPORARILY REDUCED”, auto parking warning come on while driving and engine pause during stops working intermittently. Start/Stop doesn't work like its supposed to, only works intermittently, only works beginning of drive & then doesn't work rest of travel
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
The cup holder sparked and starting burning after the sun reflected on a plastic water bottle placed in the cup holder, and the water bottle then reacted to the cup holder material and began smoking. This first occurred the day after purchasing the car, with the water bottle the dealership provided. It has since occurred two additional times. I notified Volvo who does not have a way to cure the de... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that after his wife started the vehicle, she smelled the odor of gasoline. The contact had been advised by his wife that the vehicle was taking longer to start up and sometimes required two or three attempts to start the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or ind... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2022
Car has 110000 miles on it and is using a quart of oil every 1000 miles, car has been maintained to Volvo specifications it's entire life. This is excessive oil consumption. Oil level low warning cones in every 1000 miles and a quart is needed to satisfy it
Incident date: Jun 1, 2000
I started noticing that my daughter's Volvo was burning/ consuming an excessive amount of oil between oil change intervals. I get my oil changed on the recommended schedule, but I always have to add oil before the next scheduled service. There are no visible leaks. Within the past few months, she has twice had the "No Oil Pressure" warning rendered. I started doing research but cannot find a recal... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
Excessive Oil Consumption! Safety issue with the speed at which the oil is depleted! I just bought this car two weeks ago and I already have had to add a quart of "synthetic" oil TWICE!, in one Weeks time! This is a safety issue. I have driven less than 500 miles each time the car alerted me to needing a quart of oil. This car was serviced by Volvo of Greenville, SC for all of it's maintenan... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
Air Bags did not deploy when car hit another vehicle that failed to stop and DUI. Volvo was traveling at 35MPH and vehicle hit was traveling 35+. Vehicle is available for inspection at this time. Driver experiencing bodily injuries (neck, shoulders, back, ribs, and legs, etc. as well as affects of a concussion. I am not sure who to contact to inspect the vehicle. Please call me at 951-973-3035... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
I was driving up hill at night with my kids in the car and my vehicle had a propulsion error and my car shut off on a blind corner. I couldn’t even put it in neutral and push it to the side. I was stranded without any way to move my vehicle. Multiple cars were inches away from hitting me. This is a known issue with 2022 XC90 recharges. Volvo said they did a software update and this should fix my... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
My Xc90 is shuttering at interstate speeds as well as below. When I purchased, they had to machine the rotors and said they balanced the front tires. It did not help much. The brakes shake less. I'm sure the entire rotors are warped. All this with 12k miles on the vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
Without warning, car loses BLIS, electric windows and seats fail to work, ventilation system is inoperable. Supposedly fixed by dealer, but same issues have arisen within 60 days of repair.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
Without warning, car loses BLIS, electric windows and seats fail to work, ventilation system is inoperable. Supposedly fixed by dealer, but same issues have arisen within 60 days of repair.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
Without warning, car loses BLIS, electric windows and seats fail to work, ventilation system is inoperable. Supposedly fixed by dealer, but same issues have arisen within 60 days of repair.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2021
The lovely GM transmission suddenly decided to not shift while going uphill. Pushing the accelerator just made the RPMs go up and up while the car did nothing. Then a warning light. Transmission service Then limp mode. And all I could do literally was go 5 mph then. It occurred as I was turning at a light. I did call my local volvo dealer who kind of laughed about the price of a new transmissi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Rear passenger doors would get locked stuck, and can not get unlocked from inside or outside. This issue would remain even after locking/unlocking car multiple times or enabling/disabling child lock multiple times. Dealer suggested this is common issue in this model of the car, and needs an expensive repair of the latch mechanism. This is a safety hazard as this would would trap the passengers i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2022
For the last 18 months, when getting on or while driving on the interstate at speeds of 55 - 70 mph, the steering wheel vibrates and a vibration is felt throughout the vehicle. When braking a pulsation is felt in the brake pedal and the car shudders as it slows. I have taken it to the dealer and they cannot duplicate the issue. I've seen that other Volvo XC-60 have had similar issues with brakes/r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
Between 1000 -1500 miles Oil Level low Refill 1quart/ 1 liter request come on, had no Ideal this Volvo xc60 consume that much oil, I buy Castrol Edge High mileage SAE 5W-30 for engines over 75k at $12.98 including tax add, buying once to twice amount add up ..