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: Jan 19, 2022
The driver airbag has been under recall per letter dated 12/14/21, NHTSA RECALL #21V-800 We scheduled initial repair with dealer upon receipt of notice last December, however, this has not been accomplished and as of 9/23/22 as we are continually told the part needed remains on backorder. We had contacted Volvo directly on 3/31/22 and they stated the dealer would have to order the part. The "in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
About 6 months ago I was driving at night and my left headlight went out and about 3 minutes later my other headlight went out? I had to pull over there and wait till day light. When I got home I took the headlights out to find bare wires on both of them? They were just disintegrated!?!? I called Volvo took find out about a new wire harness and was told I have to buy the whole engine wire assembly... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2022
About 6 months ago I was driving at night and my left headlight went out and about 3 minutes later my other headlight went out? I had to pull over there and wait till day light. When I got home I took the headlights out to find bare wires on both of them? They were just disintegrated!?!? I called Volvo took find out about a new wire harness and was told I have to buy the whole engine wire assembly... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2022
Door latch broken as described in recall R89978. Called local dealership and they are unable to fix it until October 27th, 1 month later.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2022
While on my commute to work I received an “engine propulsion system” error message. While traveling on a busy interstate with a speed limit of 70 mph I received a second error stating “reduced engine performance, max speed reduced” I was unable to accelerate above 45 mph which seems incredibly unsafe.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2022
While on my commute to work I received an “engine propulsion system” error message. While traveling on a busy interstate with a speed limit of 70 mph I received a second error stating “reduced engine performance, max speed reduced” I was unable to accelerate above 45 mph which seems incredibly unsafe.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
I brought the car to the Volvo dealer for my 20,000 miles service. They told me that the rear rotors and pads are worn and need to be replaced. The front brakes are fine. I think that this is a design flaw. No one expects the rear brakes to wear first, and certainly not after only 20,000 miles!
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
While reversing, the car came to a sudden abrupt halt and the check engine lamp and other warning lamps illuminated. The ignition was still active (the car was in hybrid mode, operating on battery for motive power only), I cycled the transmission to "D" and no forward movement occurred, also tried "R" and back to "D" with the same result - no movement. I cycled the ignition off and on, the engine ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2022
While reversing, the car came to a sudden abrupt halt and the check engine lamp and other warning lamps illuminated. The ignition was still active (the car was in hybrid mode, operating on battery for motive power only), I cycled the transmission to "D" and no forward movement occurred, also tried "R" and back to "D" with the same result - no movement. I cycled the ignition off and on, the engine ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2022
A/C failed to turn on. This is the second time this has occurred. It was on a 100 degree Texas day. I was already in the vehicle and it was so hot in the vehicle I was worried about a heat stroke. It caused a distraction while driving because the electrical components weren’t functioning as intended potentially causing an accident. The 2022 models have known electrical issues and the dealership ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2022
The BLIS warning light has been malfunctioning and only displaying intermittently for several weeks. We were traveling from Florida to Massachusetts when we discovered the problem. We made arrangements for the car to be serviced twice, but they informed us they did not observe the issue during their test drive the first time. The second time they indicated that although the signal only activat... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
Thankfully there was no incident yet. However, my warning light that indicates that the seat belt is not on is not working either.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
Thankfully there was no incident yet. However, my warning light that indicates that the seat belt is not on is not working either.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
Thankfully there was no incident yet. However, my warning light that indicates that the seat belt is not on is not working either.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
1. What component: The doughnut spare tire is too small for my car 2. How was safety put at risk?: Since May 2022 I have had two flat tires. Both times I placed the spare on the car to drive it to repair. Both times the car, with the spare installed, could not travel faster than 8 MPH without the car shuttering and the traction system turning on and off as well as the low tire pressure staying on... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2022
While driving on the highway, the rear passenger door unlatched automatically and opened. The vehicle was in the shop for a recall on this part, however it appears that the labor was not done correctly or at all.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The issue started a few months ago. The brake sensor light on the dash turned on and stayed on. We took it to the dealer and they said that they will not fix it because they can see coffee stains on the sensor. Basically they have brake sensors right under the center console where people drink coffee and the brake sensors are exposed so this can happen to any customer. Now they want to charge us 1... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The issue started a few months ago. The brake sensor light on the dash turned on and stayed on. We took it to the dealer and they said that they will not fix it because they can see coffee stains on the sensor. Basically they have brake sensors right under the center console where people drink coffee and the brake sensors are exposed so this can happen to any customer. Now they want to charge us 1... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
The steering wheel trim peeled and created a razor sharp surface at the bottom which sliced through my finger and caused pain and bleeding. It is difficult to avoid touching the sharp part of the steering wheel especially at highway speeds. This startled me while driving and distracted me while I attempted to stop the bleeding. Volvo has agreed to replace the trim but will charge for labor if I ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
Hi, I bought this XC60 in SEP/2020 which is 2021type. In 2020 winter, after snowing The car's left(driver' window) doesn't work. I have searched the problem of wiper through on-line. I found the recall and then wrote on the manufacturer's online site & regular exam oil change Volvo service. But, I didn't get the right answer. They just this is not a recall SUV. When rainy days I can't see anyth... Read more
VOLVO
SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY
(9999) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 3, 2022
Incident date: Sep 3, 2022
not moving cant move stagnation
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Driver door latch not engaging. Door opened at low speed.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2022
I was driving on a highway over 55 MPH when the Power Limitation Indicator symbol, the red warning symbol and the Emission control system flashed on which immediately limited my maximum speed to 45 MPH. This instant deceleration in high-speed traffic almost caused the car behind me to rear-end my car. I put on my flashers and exited the highway ASAP. The error light stayed on until the car's elec... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
At 86K miles can smell oil burning and add 1 quart light comes on. It's said Volvo is aware of a defect with the piston rings causing oil to consume and burn away. They aren't willing to address the issue outside warranty expiration. They did recently indicate how Volvo changed the requirement for using 5W30 oil to claim now Volvo changed there minds. How now only 0W20 full synthetic oil must be u... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2022
Warning to add a quart of oil. Dealer investigated and found loss of compression in 2/4 cylinders. Dealer indicates that a ring and piston job will have to be done for all cylinders. Dealer also indicated they were aware of such problems with the rings wearing improperly. Therefore car burns oil. We are currently awaiting the extended warranty company to agree to pay for the repairs. The car... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2022
The electrical system on my car apparently failed, which rendered the car unable to start and drive. Park Place Volvo claims that there is water, that penetrated the seals, from underneath the car. Although there were no visible signs of water, Volvo claims that the rain caused this issue. Volvo has refused to honor a warranty for the alleged defective seals, and sent my car to its collision ce... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
The BLIS warning light has been malfunctioning and only displaying intermittently for several weeks. We were traveling from Florida to Massachusetts when we discovered the problem. We made arrangements for the car to be serviced, but the dealer informed us they did not observe the issue during their test drive and suggested we check the manual to read about BLIS limitations. We did that, but n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
Propulsion Service Required message one week after we picked up our new car. Three weeks later----check engine light. Soon after another Propulsion Service Required. Each time, our dealership reset the computer. Three months into ownership, on I-84, traveling 75 mph in the far left lane: turtle mode light, loss of power, no propulsion, able to just get off the freeway on the left. Two hour wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
Propulsion Service Required message one week after we picked up our new car. Three weeks later----check engine light. Soon after another Propulsion Service Required. Each time, our dealership reset the computer. Three months into ownership, on I-84, traveling 75 mph in the far left lane: turtle mode light, loss of power, no propulsion, able to just get off the freeway on the left. Two hour wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
Propulsion Service Required message one week after we picked up our new car. Three weeks later----check engine light. Soon after another Propulsion Service Required. Each time, our dealership reset the computer. Three months into ownership, on I-84, traveling 75 mph in the far left lane: turtle mode light, loss of power, no propulsion, able to just get off the freeway on the left. Two hour wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 12-volt Battery Charging Fault message and battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the windshield wipers and turn signals were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The dealer informed the contact that the battery software needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 12-volt Battery Charging Fault message and battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the windshield wipers and turn signals were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The dealer informed the contact that the battery software needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 12-volt Battery Charging Fault message and battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the windshield wipers and turn signals were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The dealer informed the contact that the battery software needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2022
On 8/22 while driving on a city road in extreme rainy conditions the vehicle in front of me drove through standing water, which created significant spray. As a result the City Safety feature of my Volvo S90 engaged in an extreme fashion. Without any risk of an impending collision the City Safety feature determined the water spray to be an obstacle and fully engaged the brakes (ABS event) to avoid ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2022
I was driving down our main road and I saw and smelled smoke coming out of the air vents, then a warning light came on my dashboard for my 12V battery I pulled over right away and opened the trunk and saw fire on the left-hand side. I attempted to extinguish the fire myself using soda, I was pulling clothing (2 shirts and napkins) out of the car and burned my hand We towed the car to Volvo and th... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
Check engine light came on and stays in. Vehicle always sputters to start, acceleration is sometimes slow to respond, has stalled out on a rare occasion usual on hills. I’m afraid someday I might be involved in a crash because of a lack of acceleration.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
On August 17th 2022 I received the reduced performance and acceleration reduced sign with an icon of a turtle. Besides getting this light on my dash my evening ended in fear and distress as I received a call from my family that the new car purchased was acting up and all that they were afraid for their life. This occurred to my spouse in the middle of driving home on the freeway (as she had our tw... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2022
On August 17th 2022 I received the reduced performance and acceleration reduced sign with an icon of a turtle. Besides getting this light on my dash my evening ended in fear and distress as I received a call from my family that the new car purchased was acting up and all that they were afraid for their life. This occurred to my spouse in the middle of driving home on the freeway (as she had our tw... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
On 23rd July 2022 my son went underneath a reversing XC90 2019 vehicle. The front wheel went over his leg and arm. He miraculously survived and the event was close to taking his life. The vehicle was my wife's car. We are in possession of the surveillance video which shows that the vehicles safety features failed. Although the vehicle was left in the reverse gear, the car was stationary, after hav... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 23, 2022
On 23rd July 2022 my son went underneath a reversing XC90 2019 vehicle. The front wheel went over his leg and arm. He miraculously survived and the event was close to taking his life. The vehicle was my wife's car. We are in possession of the surveillance video which shows that the vehicles safety features failed. Although the vehicle was left in the reverse gear, the car was stationary, after hav... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 21, 2021
Every 1500 miles or less, engine looses oil. Adding a quart of oil each week once it passes the 1500 trip mile. Also SRS warning light has come on, was told it was the seat harness that has a airbag module in which the airbag possibly won’t deploy in an accident. Dealer indicated it is not covered nor will the manufacturer repair it. These two issues can cause the engine to get on fire and the a... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2021
Every 1500 miles or less, engine looses oil. Adding a quart of oil each week once it passes the 1500 trip mile. Also SRS warning light has come on, was told it was the seat harness that has a airbag module in which the airbag possibly won’t deploy in an accident. Dealer indicated it is not covered nor will the manufacturer repair it. These two issues can cause the engine to get on fire and the a... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2021
Every 1500 miles or less, engine looses oil. Adding a quart of oil each week once it passes the 1500 trip mile. Also SRS warning light has come on, was told it was the seat harness that has a airbag module in which the airbag possibly won’t deploy in an accident. Dealer indicated it is not covered nor will the manufacturer repair it. These two issues can cause the engine to get on fire and the a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Volvo S60. The contact stated while the vehicle was stopped with the auto brake feature on, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact pressed on the brakes and continued to his destination. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,695... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
"Failure Charging" warning advisory light came on the dashboard. This problem has been going on for the whole ten years I have owned this vehicle. I am the original owner of this Volvo and had some engine warning on the dashboard since the first month. I took vehicle in to the Culver City Volvo for 1000 miles check-up and annual oil change and check-up for 5 years under warranty and requested soft... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
The contact owned a 2006 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to park the vehicle when the vehicle's RPMs revved up causing the vehicle to unintentionally accelerate and crash into the wall in front. The air bags did not deploy. After the crash occurred, the low coolant warning light failed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to their scrotum ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
The driver door will not latch and stay shut. We are in a warm climate and it happened suddenly. There was no warning lights and the car will drive without the door shut. Extremely dangerous. It hasn’t been looked at by a mechanic yet…it will have to be towed.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2022
Driving on the far left lane of the freeway and the engine needs coolant light came on. I started to change lanes, and by the time I got all the way to the right the car said turn off engine. The car started to smoke and I had to stop on the freeway in the right shoulder. Called a tow truck they picked up the car. and towed it to a local shop. This car had just been in for regular maitance at... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
Vehicle systems, navigation, entertainment, heating, a/c, defrosting are dependent on Internet connection. The Internet connection shows connection, but no systems are available. Vehicle is operable, but driver distraction increases 10 or 20 fold trying to do simple tasks such as defrost windshield. Rather than being available upfront, so to speak, items are hidden in layers of menus. Unlike other... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2022
The front passenger seat belt will not release without much difficultly. If the vehicle started on fire or went into water, the passenger would likely die. I contacted Volvo and they will not help other than charging over $800 to replace the seat belt.