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 13, 2021
the drivers side electric seat controls are causing unsafe driving conditions. i drive with the seat all the way back and down. I have the memory sets all for that position. Problem is when I get back in the car it will be back up and forward al the way. So i will set it back down. Well while ia m driving it will automatically start raising back up and forward. As you can imagine this gets ver... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2021
While driving on the highway "SRS urgent" text came on, also hear clicking sounds under dash on driver side, then dashboard indicator lights completely disappear (speed, fuel, temperature, etc) . Extremely hot under driver side dash. Fortunately, still able to steer and brake. This has happened twice now. Mechanic believes most likely CEM failure or DIM failure. My vehicle also has a wet A-pillar... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2021
While driving on the highway "SRS urgent" text came on, also hear clicking sounds under dash on driver side, then dashboard indicator lights completely disappear (speed, fuel, temperature, etc) . Extremely hot under driver side dash. Fortunately, still able to steer and brake. This has happened twice now. Mechanic believes most likely CEM failure or DIM failure. My vehicle also has a wet A-pillar... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2021
While driving on the highway "SRS urgent" text came on, also hear clicking sounds under dash on driver side, then dashboard indicator lights completely disappear (speed, fuel, temperature, etc) . Extremely hot under driver side dash. Fortunately, still able to steer and brake. This has happened twice now. Mechanic believes most likely CEM failure or DIM failure. My vehicle also has a wet A-pillar... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2021
I purchased a brand new Volvo XC60 T5 AWD Inscription 7/04/2021. On 9/22/2021 I was driving in the middle lane on interstate 20 located in DFW TX and entering a curve when suddenly and without warning the steering wheel went stiff (as if I had NO power steering). I almost got into an accident, had I not been an experienced driver. A warning then displayed in the driver's information center "Power ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
Check engine light illuminated at 11,000 miles. Diagnostics showed a software update was needed but the software update did not fix the problem. Volvo corporate said the IEM module needed to be replaced. The IEM module controls the rear axle / propulsion and this is a serious safety issue because sudden loss of propulsion while driving at high speeds increases risk of having an accident. After rep... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
Check engine light illuminated at 11,000 miles. Diagnostics showed a software update was needed but the software update did not fix the problem. Volvo corporate said the IEM module needed to be replaced. The IEM module controls the rear axle / propulsion and this is a serious safety issue because sudden loss of propulsion while driving at high speeds increases risk of having an accident. After rep... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2021
While I was driving I felt very hot under my buttock than I heard it pop and burst, I pulled over to check, oh my got (OMG) thanks God I'm safe! There was a burn on my car seat!
Incident date: Oct 27, 2021
Windshield bonding failure. Pressing from the inside of the car on the windshield top reveals it's loose allowing moisture into the car.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2021
Engine light stays on. I have had 2 mechanics check it out. They don't know why the light is on. I am very concerned about the fuel line problem.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2021
Summary: Vehicle suddenly and completely loses all electric power. i.e. no lights, including hazard lights or brake lights, no engine, no power steering. Status: The root issue has occurred twice, and the vehicle is pending service to positively diagnose and repair the issue. First occurrence: Driver parked the vehicle, turned off the engine, and remained inside with standard electric power act... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2021
The front rotors on my truck had to be changed twice already. The truck has 25k miles on it. The dealer warrantied them both times but they keep putting in the same kind of rotors. After a few month of driving with the new rotors the steering starts to shake when brakes are applied. The front brake pads also wear out pretty quickly. With only 25k miles they told me I needed new ones. I have invoi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2021
It started raining and then it started leaking into my car through my windshield because my windshield started become unsealed and unattached from the rest of my car. When I went to find out about this issue and how to get it fixed I was told by three different mechanics and auto shop workers and windshield glass professionals That they find this very common involve others and I feel that if it’... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2021
The seat belt warning chimes audio alert does not alert when passenger does not wear seatbelt and easy to go unnoticed. (Unlike Toyota or other cars) The lane keep assist when not able to detect the lanes shows little alert in clusters & vibrate steering wheel which is easy to go unnoticed and feel dangerous to trust the system. Even the lane assist does not have audio alerts to inform driver. I... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2021
The seat belt warning chimes audio alert does not alert when passenger does not wear seatbelt and easy to go unnoticed. (Unlike Toyota or other cars) The lane keep assist when not able to detect the lanes shows little alert in clusters & vibrate steering wheel which is easy to go unnoticed and feel dangerous to trust the system. Even the lane assist does not have audio alerts to inform driver. I... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2021
The seat belt warning chimes audio alert does not alert when passenger does not wear seatbelt and easy to go unnoticed. (Unlike Toyota or other cars) The lane keep assist when not able to detect the lanes shows little alert in clusters & vibrate steering wheel which is easy to go unnoticed and feel dangerous to trust the system. Even the lane assist does not have audio alerts to inform driver. I... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2021
At age 6 years (53K mi.), the front passenger seatbelt clasp began to refuse to latch when the belt buckle was inserted. Using a jeweler's headset, I could not see any foreign object causing interference. To rule out a bent buckle, I tested the clasp (after its removal) with 5 other buckles, and all failed to latch into the clasp every time. The clasp failure-to-latch showed no signs of gradu... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2021
1. One day after getting car the rear rotors were defective and had to be replaced. 2. Second problem affected stop/start mechanism. Brought car in four times for this repair. First 3 times service department had no idea what was causing problem. Last time brought in for this problem a stop/start battery was replaced. 3. New most dangerous problem is that while driving car the dashboard display... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2021
1. One day after getting car the rear rotors were defective and had to be replaced. 2. Second problem affected stop/start mechanism. Brought car in four times for this repair. First 3 times service department had no idea what was causing problem. Last time brought in for this problem a stop/start battery was replaced. 3. New most dangerous problem is that while driving car the dashboard display... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2021
Complete power failure of all electric Volvo XC 40 Recharge Vehicle has had recall update of software and additional software update. This is the second complete power failure Previously reported October 12 Recurrent power failure after "fix" on October 23. Volvo is unable to fix a complete power failure requiring tow truck to dealership.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2021
Complete power failure of all electric Volvo XC 40 Recharge Vehicle has had recall update of software and additional software update. This is the second complete power failure Previously reported October 12 Recurrent power failure after "fix" on October 23. Volvo is unable to fix a complete power failure requiring tow truck to dealership.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2021
Complete power failure of all electric Volvo XC 40 Recharge Vehicle has had recall update of software and additional software update. This is the second complete power failure Previously reported October 12 Recurrent power failure after "fix" on October 23. Volvo is unable to fix a complete power failure requiring tow truck to dealership.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2021
Fuel gauge doesn’t show actual fuel level. When full, it shows 50% left, and gauge doesn’t start to move till half the tank is empty.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2021
In April 2021 I drove my newly acquired Volvo V70 wagon from Mississippi to my home in RI. Once I reached in and around NYC, the car began to surge forward as I applied the brakes at stop lights/signs. This became most pronounced at the GW Bridge Toll area, in high slow-moving traffic. Several times the car almost got out of control as the brakes were barely enough to stop the car from ramming i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2019
The gas gauge no longer reports accurate level of fuel in tank. Thousands of people have reported this issue, yet no recall exists, though this endangers lives - especially in the deserts of the southwest. Volvo service quotes are aways ripoffs, quoting $3000 minimum.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2021
The sub frame located near the front exhaust has premature rust and corrosion to the point there are holes in the frame.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2021
I purchased the 2009 Volvo on 10/5 at M&M Auto Sales LLC and on 10/9 at 6:20 am my vehicles check engine light turned on and a transmission service urgent light turned on. On 10/11 I went to AAMCO and they informed me that the transmission needed repairs costing up to 4k. When I purchased the car the dealership disclosed to me that the vehicle is in perfect condition. As of 10/21 I went to a Mecha... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2020
RECALL AIRBAGS- FUEL GAUGE GOES UP AND DOWN NEVER REGISTERS CORRECTLY
Incident date: Mar 20, 2020
RECALL AIRBAGS- FUEL GAUGE GOES UP AND DOWN NEVER REGISTERS CORRECTLY
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
When top is down, at highway speeds, the driver-side door becomes ajar, interior light comes on and window goes down 1/2 inch. This seems to happen about 20 minutes into the drive. Will happen multiple times on long drives. This only seems to happen when the convertible top is down. Driving at highway speeds and having the door go ajar is not safe. Not sure why Volvo never took this serio... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2021
When top is down, at highway speeds, the driver-side door becomes ajar, interior light comes on and window goes down 1/2 inch. This seems to happen about 20 minutes into the drive. Will happen multiple times on long drives. This only seems to happen when the convertible top is down. Driving at highway speeds and having the door go ajar is not safe. Not sure why Volvo never took this serio... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2001 Volvo S80. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V766000 (Air Bags). The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was then notified and informed him that they were unaware of when the parts may have become available. The contact stated that the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2021
Water is leaking down the inside of the windshield while driving in rain. It comes from the top edge and streaks down the drivers side (left side). I spoke with a mechanic that services my vehicle and was told if it was a sunroof drain issue it would be coming down the pillars and getting on the floor. They were confident that it was the windshield that was leaking and referred me to a local auto ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
The subframe is rotting prematurely and this issue is only present on the v8 equipped models. Cars in very good shape but the subframe is almost rotted totally through above the exhaust. Due to the poor layout of the exhaust which causes the paint on the welds to flake off and then the subframe begins to rust from the inside out.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
I was driving down the freeway and the driverside door swung open while it was locked. This is after the door handle recall repair was performed. Prior to the recall repair, my door never came open like that while drving. This is dangerous because I could have fallen out, or a car could have hit my door! Also, the windshield leaks on the inside and has been doing that for a long while. Volvo serv... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
I was driving down the freeway and the driverside door swung open while it was locked. This is after the door handle recall repair was performed. Prior to the recall repair, my door never came open like that while drving. This is dangerous because I could have fallen out, or a car could have hit my door! Also, the windshield leaks on the inside and has been doing that for a long while. Volvo serv... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
On Oct 8, we noticed a crack on the front lower right passenger-side of the windshield. We purchased this car less than 2 months ago. The crack was perplexing to us because we've never had a cracked windshield on any of our cars we've owned in the last 20 years, driving in the same roads and neighborhoods. We live in southern California where we don't experience extreme weather conditions. We g... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2021
On October 12, 2021 the above described car had a catastrophic failure of the power system. All functions ceased and the car was dead towed on a flatbed truck. Because the tow mode could not be engaged due to loss of all power the vehicle was dragged onto the flatbed. The repair indicated the cause was a The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). This is noted in recall R10078. This car was sent... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2021
On October 12, 2021 the above described car had a catastrophic failure of the power system. All functions ceased and the car was dead towed on a flatbed truck. Because the tow mode could not be engaged due to loss of all power the vehicle was dragged onto the flatbed. The repair indicated the cause was a The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). This is noted in recall R10078. This car was sent... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2021
On October 12, 2021 the above described car had a catastrophic failure of the power system. All functions ceased and the car was dead towed on a flatbed truck. Because the tow mode could not be engaged due to loss of all power the vehicle was dragged onto the flatbed. The repair indicated the cause was a The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). This is noted in recall R10078. This car was sent... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2021
A complete power failure. The main battery failed due to a software failure from The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). The entire car stopped working. No power to unlock the wheels. The car was dead towed on rollers under the wheels via flatbed truck. A recall r10078 was not given and was not performed on prior visits to the dealer.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2021
A complete power failure. The main battery failed due to a software failure from The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). The entire car stopped working. No power to unlock the wheels. The car was dead towed on rollers under the wheels via flatbed truck. A recall r10078 was not given and was not performed on prior visits to the dealer.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2021
A complete power failure. The main battery failed due to a software failure from The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM). The entire car stopped working. No power to unlock the wheels. The car was dead towed on rollers under the wheels via flatbed truck. A recall r10078 was not given and was not performed on prior visits to the dealer.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2021
The contact owned a 2019 Volvo Truck VNL. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that while the driver was driving approximately 50 mph when they noticed the rear axle smoking. They pulled to the side of the road where they attempted to detach the trailer. The smoke became an actual fire. The fire department was called and extingui... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 17, 2021
The contact owned a 2019 Volvo Truck VNL. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that while the driver was driving approximately 50 mph when they noticed the rear axle smoking. They pulled to the side of the road where they attempted to detach the trailer. The smoke became an actual fire. The fire department was called and extingui... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 11, 2021
When I was closing the passenger door, it did not close tight. So I opened it again and shut it a bit harder. When I shut it harder, the passenger side seat airbag and the top passenger side airbag deployed. If I had been sitting inside the car at the time, I could have been injured as small things exploded inside the car and it filled with a smoky powder. We took it to a Volvo dealership and they... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2021
I have installed a SprintDrive installed in my Volvo. Since the installation, I have had several safety and security issues occur that stop once the device is removed. The following issues have occurred: 1) Whilst driving on the Muskogee Turnpike, the cruising control system would disengage. This occurred at least three times during the drive. On the third time, the cruising control system dis... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2021
I have installed a SprintDrive installed in my Volvo. Since the installation, I have had several safety and security issues occur that stop once the device is removed. The following issues have occurred: 1) Whilst driving on the Muskogee Turnpike, the cruising control system would disengage. This occurred at least three times during the drive. On the third time, the cruising control system dis... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2021
I have installed a SprintDrive installed in my Volvo. Since the installation, I have had several safety and security issues occur that stop once the device is removed. The following issues have occurred: 1) Whilst driving on the Muskogee Turnpike, the cruising control system would disengage. This occurred at least three times during the drive. On the third time, the cruising control system dis... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2021
Engine Auto turn off never works. Advertised as feature of the car. Yet to see if active.