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 14, 2025
My 2022 Chevrolet Suburban 6.2L, approximately 96,000 miles. Vehicle was taken to dealership for transmission warning message and returned as “repaired” with a software update. The following day, February 12th, while driving at highway speed on the expressway, the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. A message appeared instructing me to press start, and the vehicle shifted into neutr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
On two separate occasions, brakes failed completely in snow. Vehicle did not appear to be hydroplaning, and anti-lock function did not kick-in despite the pedal being floored. Pumping had no effect either. Safety sensors around the car should have detected motion even if the wheels were locked-up and should initiate anti-lock procedures as well. Distance traveled (at low speed due to snow and heav... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
On two separate occasions, brakes failed completely in snow. Vehicle did not appear to be hydroplaning, and anti-lock function did not kick-in despite the pedal being floored. Pumping had no effect either. Safety sensors around the car should have detected motion even if the wheels were locked-up and should initiate anti-lock procedures as well. Distance traveled (at low speed due to snow and heav... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
Reduced steering assist came up on screen then as we went a few more miles the tire pressure on right front dropping like crazy for no reason on screen in vehicle stopped looked at tire no issues.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
While driving 30mph in town, the vehicle shut off. The engine quit, lost power steering, dash message said, “Press brake and push button to start.” Conditions were: in e-Save mode, the gas engine was running, battery level was <1%. We came to a stop, pushed the start button, the vehicle started and drove normally. The passenger recorded most of this on video. We did complete the related recall... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
Faulty light switch that causes headlights to go on and off at night. Sometimes headlights will shut off completely and not come back on or vise versa staying on and draining the battery. Faulty switch cause complete loss of headlight control. Numerous others have reported the same issue online across all elantras in a certain year range as well as other models.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The ERAD (Electric Rear Axle Drive) transmission on my 2021 XC90 T8 Recharge has suffered an internal failure at approximately 112,550 miles. The vehicle makes loud grinding and slamming noises from the rear drivetrain and locks up when attempting to drive, making the vehicle completely undrivable. The dealership (Volvo Cars Gilbert, AZ) diagnosed the ERAD clutch as slamming and suspects internal ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the ignition switch failed to turn over, and the catalytic converter failed and was replaced. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2026
When I purchased the vehicle I was told I could use Apple CarPlay, or Toyota's Drive Connect. Apple works better so I've always used that. I am used to having to clear Toyota's pop up ads for Drive Connect several times per week, even once per day. Recently Toyota's Drive Connect ads pops up on screen every few minutes regardless of what hands free app I'm trying to use (navigation, phone call, ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
When driveing the jeep it just stop pulling,just driveing in traffic I'm so scared we gonna get Hurt or killed,drove jeep to my daughter house,spent the night next morning getting ready to leave truck wouldn't move,suspension just popped so loud,we kept twisting the button to neutral to drive,before the jeep will move again got on the highway going down highway jeep stop pulling again I just bough... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2026
Event happened on January 19th 2026. I’ve had my brand new car for 10 days and on the morning of the 10th day I started it to see multiple warnings. The car was in park and had not yet moved that day and a “Service Stabilitrak” came up. Once I started moving 2 more alerts came up “Break system failure, 62MPH top speed” and “Service power steering”. I brought it to the dealer and th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
Vehicle purchased August 2022. July 13, 2023: Vehicle experienced sudden loss of acceleration while driving. The vehicle would not properly accelerate with traffic flow and another vehicle nearly struck me due to the unexpected loss of propulsion. Vehicle was towed to Kia dealership in Duluth, GA. I was told the issue was repaired and an electrical recall was completed. December 8, 2025: Acceler... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
While driving at 10 mph on a residential street, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of power braking assistance, making the pedal nearly impossible to depress. An expert Volvo technician has confirmed that the brake vacuum pump failed because the exhaust camshaft, which drives the pump, sheared or failed internally. I want to emphasize that this catastrophic mechanical failure occurred at ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2026
While driving at 10 mph on a residential street, I experienced a sudden and dangerous loss of power braking assistance, making the pedal nearly impossible to depress. An expert Volvo technician has confirmed that the brake vacuum pump failed because the exhaust camshaft, which drives the pump, sheared or failed internally. I want to emphasize that this catastrophic mechanical failure occurred at ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
I own a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL with approximately 81,000 miles. On 4 separate occasions, after coming to a complete stop in traffic and then attempting to accelerate, the vehicle violently jerks and shifts itself into park. I am not pressing the brake when this occurs. I must manually shift the vehicle back into drive in order to continue moving. This happens so fast, that I am only able to see... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
I was driving down the high way going about 40 to 50 mph and it suddenly shifted down into 1st gear making my tires lock up and then the engine light came on with the out put speed sensor code
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The rear view backup camera will get scrambled or become blurry from time to time . It is happening more frequently causing the inability to know what is behind you when backing up.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
My Volvo EX90 has recurring software reliability problems affecting safety-related detection systems and hands-free operation features. These failures involve inconsistent or incorrect detection of vehicles and pedestrians and unpredictable loss of hands-free phone functionality. These issues create increased distraction and reduce confidence in driver-assistance safety features.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2026
I was driving my Pacifica, got the warning light telling me to pull over. The van lost power 3/4 way up a hill blocking traffic and had to get towed to the dealer, where it now awaiting a transmission rebuild. This is the 4th time this same van has died like this, including twice on the highway. Previous times when I brought to the dealer, they only updated software or told me there was nothing th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
I am submitting this complaint to report an unresolved safety recall and the inability to obtain a timely inspection or repair, which I believe places me and my family at increased risk of a crash. My vehicle is a 2015 Ford Transit Connect. The vehicle is subject to Ford Safety Recall 25S89 and NHTSA Recall 25V572, concerning a failure of the rearview camera system. The rearview camera on my vehic... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
when using lane following the system repeatedly warns you to pay attention, usually when in heavy traffic and after repeated warning shuts of the cruise and lane following system. when using the cruise control system the system will suggest you take a break. both problems appear to be associated with an in cabin camera. i have driven my vehicle almost 25,000 miles and taken two cross country tr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2026
The wiring harness is rubbing against the bumper, causing it to wear and eventually cut through. This causes an error to my BSM/Cross Traffic alert. I have an extended warranty, but it doesn't cover it. This is a problem I have seen on the Bronco6G forums.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it remained awaiting a diagnostic test. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The man... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
Uncommanded downshift at highway speed causing sudden deceleration / loss of vehicle stability. Has happened twice, once in 2020 and again in 2025. Typically in slower than highway speeds when traffic is moderate to high and traffic starts to clear. Accelerator is pressed to return to highway speeds and the vehicle downshifts suddenly. Nearly caused collision from the rear vehicles both times.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2025
This model Civic Si was build by Honda with a defective clutch. Mine began to fail at less than 60K miles. It started in the higher RPM 5K to 6K in the taller overdrive gears. This clutch design was unable to support the torque of the motor, which led to its premature failure. It's well documented in Honda forums that the clutch is weak and prone to early failure. It usually starts to fail in... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Had ICCU replaced twice last year, then today my electrical system shut off and warning lights came on that I can’t go over 10mph then after that the car shut off completely.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Windshield wipers stopped working while driving. Once engine turned off, the wires began working again. Additionally, later in the day while driving home the wipers stopped working again. The wipers have not worked since.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The onboard charger (ghca) failed, destroying my evse and tripping the circut breaker in my electrical panel. It took 3.5 weeks for the replacement part to come in and be installed. On another occasion, the pilot assist adas presented an error and was unavailable until the computer was rebooted.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The onboard charger (ghca) failed, destroying my evse and tripping the circut breaker in my electrical panel. It took 3.5 weeks for the replacement part to come in and be installed. On another occasion, the pilot assist adas presented an error and was unavailable until the computer was rebooted.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact resumed driving, but the vehicle failed to exceed 55 MPH on the Expressway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagno... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
AC charging failed.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
REAR WINDOW SHATTERED FOR NO REASON WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, NISSAN SAID NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY HAD TO GO THRU MY INSUARANCE CO
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side B-pillar trim detached. The contact became aware that the front driver's side B-Pillar trim was loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V611000 (Structure); however, the parts ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
Ongoing Software Issues From shortly after delivery through now, the vehicle experiences frequent and recurring warning messages and system failures, including but not limited to: Suspension system warnings Driver assistance and self-driving feature failures One-pedal driving malfunctions Parking camera and sensor errors Other system warnings that appear to be software-related... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2025
Ongoing Software Issues From shortly after delivery through now, the vehicle experiences frequent and recurring warning messages and system failures, including but not limited to: Suspension system warnings Driver assistance and self-driving feature failures One-pedal driving malfunctions Parking camera and sensor errors Other system warnings that appear to be software-related... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
The lights flash high beam, low beam, high beam, low beam, while I’m driving. Nothing seems to keep them from doing that.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
System/Component Malfunction: Systemic failure of the onboard computer (Infotainment/Connectivity Module) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), specifically the Collision Avoidance/Auto-Braking system, Rear-view Camera (FMVSS 111 non-compliance), and the 12V Battery management system. All components remain in the vehicle and are available for inspection. Safety Risk: The vehicle exhibits... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
System/Component Malfunction: Systemic failure of the onboard computer (Infotainment/Connectivity Module) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), specifically the Collision Avoidance/Auto-Braking system, Rear-view Camera (FMVSS 111 non-compliance), and the 12V Battery management system. All components remain in the vehicle and are available for inspection. Safety Risk: The vehicle exhibits... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Polestar Polestar 3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH in a parking lot, as he depressed the brake pedal, to slow down the vehicle did not slow down. The contact stated no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle jumped a curb and ran over some shrubbery. The contact stated that the passenger side front and rear doors had scrape... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
When the car is in drive and I am driving the screen shows a message that the car cannot do a function because the car is in reverse. See photos.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
I was driving my Audi when I got transmission malfunction light on along with suspension fault and epc light and check engine light all together and the car wouldn’t go faster than 20 mph. Causing someone to rear end me and them fleeing . So not only was my car hit because of this but I had no driver to hold responsible for the damage
Crash
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
All seatbelts in vehicle sticks and/or catches have to use seriously more pressure on release button,or seatbelt/latch it’s self or both. My wife and children have had me have to come get it because it wouldn’t release. Engine motor mount bolt had to be replaced, I noticed when alternator went out, vehicle wouldn’t respond from throttle acted like it was missing then threw dash lights then n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
All seatbelts in vehicle sticks and/or catches have to use seriously more pressure on release button,or seatbelt/latch it’s self or both. My wife and children have had me have to come get it because it wouldn’t release. Engine motor mount bolt had to be replaced, I noticed when alternator went out, vehicle wouldn’t respond from throttle acted like it was missing then threw dash lights then n... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
[XXX]- I have a 2024 Nissan Rogue. My car was parked in my garage. Once I pushed the button to start, the back window exploded! Broken glass everywhere. I was the only one in the car. My car has a little over 18,000 miles, and I cannot afford to get it fixed. I have insurance with a $1,000 deductible. I spoke with a dealership in Auburn, Alabama (this is where I live). I emailed pictures, and I a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2026
The high-voltage battery on my 2020 Nissan Leaf is subject to Recall 25V655. The recall notice states that the battery cells can develop excessive lithium deposits, which increases electrical resistance and can cause rapid battery heating during Level 3 fast charging. Nissan instructs owners not to use Level 3 charging at all until a “remedy” is available. The issue is that the remedy describ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that a hybrid system warning alert was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the windshield wiring system had failed and that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that the windshield failure was associated w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
While driving the vehicle under normal conditions, a sudden electrical fire occurred, requiring immediate evacuation. The vehicle was pulled over safely and the driver exited before the fire escalated. The fire department responded and the vehicle was declared a total loss due to fire damage. The failure is believed to have originated from an electrical short involving the climate control/defroste... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
While driving the vehicle under normal conditions, a sudden electrical fire occurred, requiring immediate evacuation. The vehicle was pulled over safely and the driver exited before the fire escalated. The fire department responded and the vehicle was declared a total loss due to fire damage. The failure is believed to have originated from an electrical short involving the climate control/defroste... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Nov 22, 2025
The vehicle stalled while driving down the road and started making a loud ticking noise, the engine light went on. It was brough to the dealership where they did an engine rebuild. They replaced 16 lifters and camshaft, a pulley belt and gaskets. The vehicle was picked up, however, a month later the oil low add oil light came on and the oil tank was more than 2.5 quarts low indicating extreme burn... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2026
My car has previously been reported for having issues with electrical problems that I have had to fight the manufacturer to get repaired unsuccessfully.I am constantly experiencing and smelling burning in my dash when I crank the car. Car is no longer under warranty, so therefore, I cannot afford to continue to go in and report the same problem over and over again.My turn signal bulbs are constant... Read more