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: Feb 11, 2022
My wife and I were driving to BWI airport for a 10:30am flight from Virginia Beach in the Express Lane on I-95N going 75mph when all of a sudden at 8:30am the engine seized and I got a message telling me I would experience "Reduced Engine Performance" as my car puttered to a stop with white smoke pouring out of the exhaust. Prior to this message I had no warnings or messages on my dashboard. I got... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2022
Electrical, Brake lights suddenly stopped working on both sides at once. I checked the fuse only to be told a relay may be the issue. The location of said relay is vague and not serviceable by owner. Risk of rear end collision. Of following traffic
Incident date: Feb 17, 2022
Electrical, Brake lights suddenly stopped working on both sides at once. I checked the fuse only to be told a relay may be the issue. The location of said relay is vague and not serviceable by owner. Risk of rear end collision. Of following traffic
Incident date: Feb 17, 2022
Electrical, Brake lights suddenly stopped working on both sides at once. I checked the fuse only to be told a relay may be the issue. The location of said relay is vague and not serviceable by owner. Risk of rear end collision. Of following traffic
Incident date: Jan 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2001 Volvo V70. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the engine caught fire. The air bag warning light was illuminated. There was damage to the garage. There were no reported injuries. The fire department extinguished the fire and confirmed the origin of the fire was the engine. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The lo... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
Warning light on dashboard indicated right front headlamp out. Repair shop removed and replaced original component with new component. Internal inspection of light assembly revealed missing insulation(photos attached) on wiring harness causing a short circuit which also ruined the headlight igniter and control module. Shop stated that this issue is NOT uncommon with Volvo lighting systems. T... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
Warning light on dashboard indicated right front headlamp out. Repair shop removed and replaced original component with new component. Internal inspection of light assembly revealed missing insulation(photos attached) on wiring harness causing a short circuit which also ruined the headlight igniter and control module. Shop stated that this issue is NOT uncommon with Volvo lighting systems. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2022
Front Passenger side door is opening while driving. Has happened numerous times in the last couple weeks
Incident date: Dec 6, 2021
My windshield has become loose and makes a very loud noise when going over any bumps. Im very concerned that at some point, it will shatter while driving.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2021
Been trying to get the airbags serviced and replace since I received the notice from Volvo on Dec.14 2021. I have made several appointments in my area to get this matter fixed, Dealers in my area either don't have replacement in stock or don't know of the recall contract Volvo CarUSA LLC they could not help me, now I am receiving text message on dash saying SRS Airbag service Urgent. Any help wou... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2022
I requested Danbury, CT Volvo to have the repairs done as per the recall notice on Jan 25 and was told the parts required are on back order and they do not know when the parts will be in. I would like to know if I am in danger by continuing to use the car before the repair can b made. Sincerely, [XXX] tel [XXX] email [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
It looks as if my car should have been included in the 62Vin recall for engine sensor not stating low oil. Car started to knock and shutoff with no warning for low oil pressure. Diagnostic show oil was issue but even when completely drained car still does not display low oil which caused motor to blow. Contacted volvo and they would not add vehicle to recalls even though car year manufactured peri... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2021
Leaking Coolant @44,804 miles: I was told it's not covered by the warranty and I had to pay out of pocket for the repair at the dealership. Now I just learned Volvo recalled 34,600 of the 2016 Volvo XC90 with the same problem in Year 2019, and my car's VIN is not on the list even though it's the same model, year and the same problem. Burning Excessive Engine Oil started @ 48,000 miles. I want to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2022
The windshield seal has failed causing rain water and melting snow and ice to come in the car and flow down the windshield and impair vision through the windshield. This has become a safety concern when driving in snow and rain. The water dripping down on the controls is also a safety concern and distraction while driving.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, HAVE TO HOLD BRAKE DOWN IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CAR FROM DRIVING AS THE RPMS ARE REVVING UP AND DOWN, CAUSING THE CAR TO WANT TO MOVE AND WHEN IN PARK REVVING SO HIGH THAT IT WENT INTO RED AND CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND I HAD TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. ALSO THE GAS TANK FILLER TUBE CLOGGS UP EASILY AND HAS TO BE DROPPED IN ORDER FOR THE TUBE / VENTS TO BE... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2022
WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, HAVE TO HOLD BRAKE DOWN IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CAR FROM DRIVING AS THE RPMS ARE REVVING UP AND DOWN, CAUSING THE CAR TO WANT TO MOVE AND WHEN IN PARK REVVING SO HIGH THAT IT WENT INTO RED AND CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND I HAD TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. ALSO THE GAS TANK FILLER TUBE CLOGGS UP EASILY AND HAS TO BE DROPPED IN ORDER FOR THE TUBE / VENTS TO BE... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2010 Volvo XC70. The contact stated that the rear differential was making an abnormal sound. The bearings were spalling metal into the gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2021
Seat belt loose and doesn’t tighten with sudden stops. Consumer stated that dealer has not contacted her about replacing recalled seatbelt.*JB Consumer notified dealer multiple times and their response was, “we’re very busy and we need to get the part. You will get a call when it comes in.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2022
electrical Emergency break do not function in steep slope, project message “the emergency break can hold vehicule weight” seriously that scare me
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
I was driving Westbound on a 2-lane tree-lined county road at around 9:00 AM with the sun behind me. Without any other vehicles, pedestrians or objects, the car came to a sudden hard-brake stop with the seatbelt clenching around me. I was alarmed by this "phantom braking" experience. I have an appointment with my local Volvo dealer, though I don't expect a resolution. Instead, I will request this ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
ready to drive feature in traffic can cause a crash, when ur stock in traffic and be in the first row at red light, if the front car that pass the red light move, the vehicule advise you to move foward with visual and audio signal if you dont look up the light is green, you can accelerate and run out with red light and crash
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
ready to drive feature in traffic can cause a crash, when ur stock in traffic and be in the first row at red light, if the front car that pass the red light move, the vehicule advise you to move foward with visual and audio signal if you dont look up the light is green, you can accelerate and run out with red light and crash
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
ready to drive feature in traffic can cause a crash, when ur stock in traffic and be in the first row at red light, if the front car that pass the red light move, the vehicule advise you to move foward with visual and audio signal if you dont look up the light is green, you can accelerate and run out with red light and crash
Incident date: Jan 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2002 Volvo S60. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V766000 (Air bags) 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 manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distributio... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
My car has begun to burn excessive oil. I am having to use 1 quart of oil every 1,000 miles. This is in addition to getting a routine oil change. Took vehicle to Volvo dealership for an oil consumption test, cost around $550, and had to drive 1245 miles and then bring car back. Brought car back and dealership confirmed car is using/burning excessive oil. Issue is with the o rings and gaskets ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
City Safety feature is triggering on intermittently with no reason to trigger. It occurs when initially accelerating. City Safety applies the brakes and stops the car violently. Occurs when light or dark. Has occurred several times within the past week. The feature can be manually turned off and now is with every ignition start. The default is for the feature be on, so turning off is required... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
City Safety feature is triggering on intermittently with no reason to trigger. It occurs when initially accelerating. City Safety applies the brakes and stops the car violently. Occurs when light or dark. Has occurred several times within the past week. The feature can be manually turned off and now is with every ignition start. The default is for the feature be on, so turning off is required... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
City Safety feature is triggering on intermittently with no reason to trigger. It occurs when initially accelerating. City Safety applies the brakes and stops the car violently. Occurs when light or dark. Has occurred several times within the past week. The feature can be manually turned off and now is with every ignition start. The default is for the feature be on, so turning off is required... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2022
Windshield seal failure. Water/rain/carwash now leaks into the cabin of the car down the inside of the windshield directly in front of the driver's field of vision, obscuring visibility while driving. This is a clear safety hazard that is well chronicled on Volvo owner-sites. Volvo needs to issue a recall, as this affects the entire P3 platform (S60/V70/XC70)
Incident date: Jan 17, 2022
Volvo do not want to replace the recall airbag with the same original logo on the airbag. This logo is the “R” on the airbag. The airbag without the “R” is for a regular Volvo.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Volvo XC60. While driving at various speeds, the contact discovered that the lane assist safety feature failed to recognize the single or double yellow lines. In addition, he also discovered that the lane assists safety feature did not operate while driving under 35 MPH. The contact also mentioned that the seat belt audible alert would only chime twice and that the warning ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Volvo XC60. While driving at various speeds, the contact discovered that the lane assist safety feature failed to recognize the single or double yellow lines. In addition, he also discovered that the lane assists safety feature did not operate while driving under 35 MPH. The contact also mentioned that the seat belt audible alert would only chime twice and that the warning ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2022
At low temperatures, the door latches are inoperable and you cannot open the doors. In instances of emergency this would make it very hard to get access to somebody inside the car. In addition, in extreme weather conditions or cases where you are personally in danger you may not be able to gain access to your car.
VOLVO
XC60
(2010) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE
Jan 28, 2022
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2010 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the charging system failure warning message was displayed, and the battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic replaced the battery and alternator; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2021
I had only had my car for approximately 2 weeks and had to have it towed to the dealership due to an electrical problem that caused my car to act like it was running out of gas. The dealership had my car for about 3 days and it was an computer problem with the batteries not communicating between systems so they had to order a new module and reset the computer. Another 3 weeks later my parking aler... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2022
I am afraid, someone may get KILLED. . . The car unexpectedly just starts to 'free wheel'. It all started approximately 6 weeks ago and progressively became worse. IT IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. I am a retired Software Engineer and worked in military defense for a government contractor. - - so, I know a software problem when I see it. My car just started to 'free wheel' (meaning, I have no co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2021
When I first bought this Volvo there was condensation in both of the headlights then took it for a test drive and I really liked it and when I got back the dealer said if I was to buy it he would take care of both headlights so I assumed that he did but I bought it and left and was driving and then a code came on in the car saying low beam out I was like oh [XXX] so took it back to them they had m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2021
When I first bought this Volvo there was condensation in both of the headlights then took it for a test drive and I really liked it and when I got back the dealer said if I was to buy it he would take care of both headlights so I assumed that he did but I bought it and left and was driving and then a code came on in the car saying low beam out I was like oh [XXX] so took it back to them they had m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2021
When I first bought this Volvo there was condensation in both of the headlights then took it for a test drive and I really liked it and when I got back the dealer said if I was to buy it he would take care of both headlights so I assumed that he did but I bought it and left and was driving and then a code came on in the car saying low beam out I was like oh [XXX] so took it back to them they had m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 Volvo XC90. The contact stated while attempting to turn around, he saw a warning message transmission overheating message and the vehicle shut off. After an unknown amount of time, the vehicle was started up again and proceeded to fill the cabin with smoke and within 5 minutes the entire vehicle was on fire. The vehicle was extinguished on its own and a report was not taken... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 18, 2022
The top of the windshield is leaking water. Windshield is coming loose.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2021
Rear doors stop opening from outside and interior
Incident date: Jan 10, 2022
Received an airbag recall. There is no local dealer but there are authorized non-dealer service shops that do replace airbags. Under the recall a Volvo dealer must do the replacement. The nearest Volvo dealer is 300 miles away. Volvo will only reimburse for 25 miles of towing. The recall states "If you are unable to have this procedure performed without charge....". Towing cost would be approxi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2022
Problem with rearview backup camera when in dark the camera shows red that when backing up in the dark the tail lights are so bright that all as could be seen is red you cannot see any objects that are behind the vehicle
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
Volvo rushed the 2022 model year XC60 with the new Google infotainment to market before all the bugs were worked out. While driving after 4 weeks of ownership, the HVAC was not working so unable to defog the windshield, the turn signal lights were not working, maps and speed limit alerts not working. Had to manually reboot the infotainment to regain these necessary safety features. There are nu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
Volvo rushed the 2022 model year XC60 with the new Google infotainment to market before all the bugs were worked out. While driving after 4 weeks of ownership, the HVAC was not working so unable to defog the windshield, the turn signal lights were not working, maps and speed limit alerts not working. Had to manually reboot the infotainment to regain these necessary safety features. There are nu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
Volvo rushed the 2022 model year XC60 with the new Google infotainment to market before all the bugs were worked out. While driving after 4 weeks of ownership, the HVAC was not working so unable to defog the windshield, the turn signal lights were not working, maps and speed limit alerts not working. Had to manually reboot the infotainment to regain these necessary safety features. There are nu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated that the gear shifter would not shift into gear as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,709.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2021
There is a leak or gap at the top of the windshield allowing water to get into the car. Most notable when there is a heavy rain and the car sits overnight. Then what happens is that the water that gets in either fills up in the interior dome light areas or splashes out onto the gear shifter creating puddles. This can be distracting while driving as water will splash on one's face from the water... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2021
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2006 Volvo XC70. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V800000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The m... Read more