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 30, 2026
Replaced the frozen suspension last year. Now that it’s cold again, similar codes are being thrown with new ones: Service Trailer Brake System, Service Air Suspension System, Service Electronic Braking System. To note, I’ve had a “Check Fuel Cap” code for years. It’s tied to 3 sensors along the fuel tank and absolutely nothing to do with the fuel cap itself. For the air suspension sensor... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz E350. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle through a car wash, water started leaking into the vehicle from around the sunroof frame. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V874000 (Visibility); h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a Quadratec Q-Performance Stealth Series winch mounted on a 2006 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while using the winch to pull a vehicle out of a ditch, the winch engaged independently and started to smoke, and the cable was also smoking. The contact was able to stop the winch and discontinued use. The contact researched and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I purchased the 2022 Lexus RX 350 used a couple of months ago. While driving down the highway the instrument panel went blank. I was terrified. I continued to drive not knowing what speed I was driving. The instrument panel went panel came back minutes later. Another incident occurred when the car was parked in my driveway. I turned on the engine and the instrument panel was blank. No numbers ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I am reporting a serious and ongoing safety defect involving my 2024 Volvo XC90. The vehicle has experienced intermittent unintended acceleration, intermittent loss of safety and alert systems, and false obstacle detection that triggers unexpected braking or steering input. These events occur randomly and without warning, and are not tied to a specific driver, key, driving condition, or user beha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
I am reporting a serious and ongoing safety defect involving my 2024 Volvo XC90. The vehicle has experienced intermittent unintended acceleration, intermittent loss of safety and alert systems, and false obstacle detection that triggers unexpected braking or steering input. These events occur randomly and without warning, and are not tied to a specific driver, key, driving condition, or user beha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
Unable to do AC charging due to faulty ICCU. A failing ICCU is dangerous to drive as the car may lose all of its power
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Volvo XC60. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the instrument cluster display screen independently reset and then displayed a blank screen. During the failure, the driver was unable to view the speedometer and the fuel gauge. There was no audible sound while activating the turn signal, and the doors failed to immediately lock and unlock while attempting to... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that 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 not made aware ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
Vehicle was purchased from Leikin Motors in Willoughby Ohio on 15 SEP 2025. Since taking ownership, I have had 5 service visits for the same wiring harness issue and once for a throttle body replacement. Volvo has repeatedly denied the issue and has continued to perform more splices into the existing harness blaming the issue on rodents. The vehicle has went into limp mode multiple times and conti... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2026
Vehicle was purchased from Leikin Motors in Willoughby Ohio on 15 SEP 2025. Since taking ownership, I have had 5 service visits for the same wiring harness issue and once for a throttle body replacement. Volvo has repeatedly denied the issue and has continued to perform more splices into the existing harness blaming the issue on rodents. The vehicle has went into limp mode multiple times and conti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
I proactively brought my Infiniti QX50 to the dealership for inspection due to the recall. The service department found metal in the engine, which they stated is related to a known recall issue. The service department told me that I need an engine replacement, but Infiniti has denied engine replacement despite this finding. According to the recall, metal inside the engine presents a risk of sudde... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2025
While the vehicle was parked, the trunk opened and the alarm sounded. Using the buttons on the trunk, I shut the trunk and locked the car. A few moments later, the trunk opened and the alarm sounded again. This continued for 40 minutes. Today, if I place a battery in the main black key fob, the trunk will open with the car running. I have an appointment next week at the dealer, however, most ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
My 2020 Nissan Murano SV driver side headlight failed. This headlight is suppose to be a “sealed for life” unit. This failure created an immediate driving hazard. There was heavy moisture intrusion on with the driver side, the headlight stopped working, creating a visibility hazard. The moisture intrusion / headlight outage triggered a “Headlight System Error “ on the dash. My 2020 Nissan... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in my vehicle. The AEB system has repeatedly activated without any apparent reason, causing the vehicle to brake suddenly when there are no obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, or road hazards present. These events have occurred under normal driving conditions. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership at... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
My husband was shoveling snow off of our vehicles and seen smoke coming from under the hood of his truck. When he opened the hood the truck was on fire on the right side. The truck was turned off when this happened. He threw snow on top of it to put the fire out and unplugged the battery to prevent further fire damage.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
Frozen PCV that blew rear engine seal
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
My car randomly has a battery charging fault. An alert stating “stop safely 12V battery critical charging fault” will just pop up while driving and then put the vehicle in turtle mode. This is an intermittent fault and is likely a false indication. This could cause an accident because it causes the car to slow down. This could happen on a highway.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2026
My car randomly has a battery charging fault. An alert stating “stop safely 12V battery critical charging fault” will just pop up while driving and then put the vehicle in turtle mode. This is an intermittent fault and is likely a false indication. This could cause an accident because it causes the car to slow down. This could happen on a highway.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
While driving normally, the vehicle developed engine performance issues and was diagnosed with a catastrophic camshaft failure at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle has received regular oil changes with full documentation and has not been abused or neglected. A licensed mechanic confirmed that the camshaft was severely worn and damaged, consistent with AFM/DFM lifter failure, which is a know... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2025
In early December (2025), I experienced Hybrid System Failure, with the vehicle showing this fault in the dashboard and the check engine light coming on. I took it to the dealership, as the hybrid system is still within warranty, and they diagnosed a failed hybrid battery module. They said I could continue to drive the care in combustion-only mode and would order the module. Having heard nothin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
There is a lag when you accelerate. Many people notice a throttle lag and I’ve asked the dealer to fix it, but they said it is not a recall.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2025
The tailgate lifting mechanism consistently creaks and groans and rubs against the body panel due to insufficient lift balance from both mechanisms. as a result, Ive already had to replace the lift rods once. I used OEM parts and the exact same thing is happening again.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
Back window leaks down onto electrical compents and causes mold behind rear seat, plus staining mold on headliner
Incident date: Jan 21, 2026
I have had the seal between the transmission and transfer case replaced 3 times due to leaking since new and after each repair within miles of each repair and all prior to the vehicle reaching 50,000 miles. The last time it was repaired at 65,000 miles they decided to replace the transmission with a new transmission - it also leaked between the transmission and transfer case within 1 day and less... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
While driving approximately 50 mph on a busy road, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral and stalled, leaving it unable to restart in the roadway. The car was towed to the dealership, where a new battery was installed and the engine seized.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2025
Piston rings failure, large oil consumption and water pump leaking
Incident date: Dec 30, 2025
Component/System: Original equipment tires – Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season, size 255/40 R21, installed on a 2026 Volvo XC60. The affected tire is the front passenger-side tire and is currently available for inspection upon request. Description of Failure and Safety Risk: At approximately 2,500 miles, the front passenger-side tire developed a visible bulge on the sidewall. This bulge indicate... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
OFFICIAL REPORT: UNJUSTIFIED DENIAL OF SAFETY REMEDY & DATA INCONSISTENCY - VIN: 1C4JJXN6XPW623043 I am filing this official complaint regarding a significant barrier to resolving Safety Recall 68C (Battery Fire Risk) and Recall 78C on my 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. 1. DEBUNKING MANUFACTURER CLAIMS: Stellantis Middle East (Ref: FA-25274) has declined to perform the remedy, claiming authorized dealers ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
The vehicle has gone into limp mode multiple times with no check engine indication displayed, causing significant safety issues in that the sudden loss of power occurred while traveling on the interstate highway. Each time, by loosing power and trying to get to the side of the road to safety was terrifying and very unsafe to us and the cars/trucks around us. The issue began on 11/5/24 and contin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR ODI#11708898. I am providing additional documentation to this ODI case. I had to create a new complaint since there appears to be no way on-line to add this information. Gunther Volvo has not provided ANY status updates of my vehicle which has been in their possession since Sunday, January 4, 2026. The Director of Customer Experience, Nyam Smith had not responded... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FOR ODI#11708898. I am providing additional documentation to this ODI case. I had to create a new complaint since there appears to be no way on-line to add this information. Gunther Volvo has not provided ANY status updates of my vehicle which has been in their possession since Sunday, January 4, 2026. The Director of Customer Experience, Nyam Smith had not responded... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The failure involves the Integrated Brake System, which is subject to a manufacturer issued safety recall, and related braking components including a wheel speed sensor that is part of the brake and stability control system. The vehicle is currently back in my possession and is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk due to sudden and unpredictabl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The problem is when the weather turns cold my car a Volvo 2003 S 60 turn signals do not operate, or if they do turn on sometimes the turn signals won't stop flashing until you turn the ignition off. The head lights also will not turn on at any setting during this time. When the weather turns warm again everything works until the weather turns cold again. It appears to be related to the CENTRAL EL... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2026
On 4/19/24 I was driving at highway speed. The engine started to knock and the check engine light came on. I was fortunate enough to be extremely close to my local Chevrolet dealership and made it there before the engine failed. The truck had 38633 miles on it. They found damaged engine components and repaired only the broken parts. Was under warranty. Truck is still ticking to this day. Took it i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
Ram needs to look int the abs faliure on 1500 modals just like 2500 and 3500 modals , my abs appears to be failing as well just as the some symptoms for 2500 and others
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
The engine is completely burning all of the oil. I can feel a hesitation in the engine while driving
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding my Volvo EX90, which experienced a complete and dangerous shutdown while driving on a LA freeway on Christmas Day. While traveling at freeway speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power and displayed a warning stating “Critical Electrical Fault.” The car shut down in the middle of active traffic. Two vehicles narrowly avoided colliding with ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
Brake system failure, ESC shutdown, Speed-limited limp mode.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
My wife was driving the vehicle on [XXX] between Leesburg and Purcellville Virginia when a catastrophic tire failure occurred. The right front tire tread totally separated from the sidewall while driving at approximately 60 miles per hour. She told me that she saw the tire pressure warning light illuminate just before the tire failure. She could feel the immediate effect resulting in strong vi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
(Current approx mileage of occurance 104,xxx -105,xxx)The transmission on my 2019 Ford F150 abruptly started to run really bad. The transmission started slamming gears, hard shifting, delayed shifting, delayed acceleration. The shifting was slamming to hard, that it felt like another vehicle hit me in the rear. I called a local Ford dealership on 1/7/2026 to make an appointment to get the software... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
Dear NHTSA Safety Team, I am writing to report a potential safety-related defect involving my vehicle and to request confirmation that this concern is properly documented. I own a 2023 Genesis GV70. The interior door panel material on both front doors is peeling and delaminating under normal use. The material separation exposes loose and sharp edges on the door panels, creating a potential risk ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that the camera was leggy and was inoperable while in reverse. While in a parking lot and driveway, the camera was inoperable. While on flat surfaces, the parking brake engaged without application. The driver had to manually release the brake. The vehicle was restarted, and the camera worked at times. While reversing, she bumped/crashed into... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
1- Tailgate keeps opening by itself. It has opened while driving down the highway and things fell out of back of my truck almost causing an accident. It has opened while sitting in my driveway after I have turned the truck off and gone inside. I have reported this to a dealer they said my vin is not on the recall list. I would like my VIN added since it is obviously an issue with the Silverado's.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
My car periodically shuts down while on highway and once a week is completely dead and requires a jump or a tow. I have brought this to the dealerships attention for over 18 months and they continue to tell me that the problem is fixed. The car shut down and was completely dead again this week. No one from NA Volvo has ever called me back when I report the problem or has responded to countless inq... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
My car periodically shuts down while on highway and once a week is completely dead and requires a jump or a tow. I have brought this to the dealerships attention for over 18 months and they continue to tell me that the problem is fixed. The car shut down and was completely dead again this week. No one from NA Volvo has ever called me back when I report the problem or has responded to countless inq... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Transmission bucks and truck just stops for no reason.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The exterior lights such as head lights and brake lights aswell as all interior electronics shut off at random intervals while driving posing a serious danger early in the morning and at night.