Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 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 2,245,377 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 15,318 complaints for VOLVO
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the parking brake independently activated, and the air bag warning light illuminated. In addition, while attempting to turn off the vehicle, the key failed to function as intended. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and turned off. The contact stated that while attempting to st... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
I am reporting a safety defect involving my 2016 Jaguar XJ. The driver-side door cannot be opened from either the inside or the outside. This failure occurred without warning and has made the vehicle unsafe to operate. This issue presents a serious safety risk. If an emergency occurs, such as a crash, fire, or other urgent situation, the driver may be unable to exit the vehicle quickly. Being trap... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
While driving on the 60 East highway (approximately 65-68 mph), the vehicle did not accelarate and became completely non-responsive. Each time I pressed on the gas pedal, the RPM needle started trembling between 600-1100, which is much lower than where it should be while the vehicle was in Drive and traveling at this speed. This was an extremely dangerous situation as I had my wife and 5 month old... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The forward-facing windshield lane assist monocular camera ceased working after only 44000 miles. This resulted in numerous hazard warning lights being activated in my dashboard. I went to the dealer where I bought the car, and they gave me an estimate for almost $2200.00. They are charging me $1649.00 for the part. I found the part (OEM) online for half that price. A search on the internet f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
Truck has less than 1800 miles. Was at a stop light and the vehicle started shaking and making metal tin rattling sounds. Stopped for gas, started the vehicle all noises went away. Got onto the freeway and about 1 mile down the road the truck lost power at 70 MPH. I slowed down and the vehicle continued to lose power. I put my flashers on and started to pull over and the truck died, all dash l... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
There are two issues with the headlights as it relates to the instrument panel and controls. First, the symbol on the instrument panel is the same for both headlights and running lights. This means at dusk, I cannot know whether my auto-headlights have turned or if I need to override the auto-feature to turn them on manually. Second, the headlight controls are buried in a menu, hidden behind the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 29, 2026
While actively driving at speed this loaner vehicle, the vehicle's Driving Assistance Professional Package (DAPP) completely deactivated without warning. This caused an immediate, unexpected loss of both adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping steering assistance, requiring sudden manual emergency intervention to maintain control of the vehicle and avoid a collision. This is a severe safet... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
I bought a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe from a dealership in May of 2023. Ever since then I have paid around $8,000 in repairs for this car. These repairs have been so expensive and time consuming that last year I wasn’t able to drive it for 6 months because it was in the shop for most of the year. I had to fix the Fuel pump, the Battery, timing chain valve TWICE, O2 sensor , Catalytic Converter, Engi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2025
I bought a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe from a dealership in May of 2023. Ever since then I have paid around $8,000 in repairs for this car. These repairs have been so expensive and time consuming that last year I wasn’t able to drive it for 6 months because it was in the shop for most of the year. I had to fix the Fuel pump, the Battery, timing chain valve TWICE, O2 sensor , Catalytic Converter, Engi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for Technical Service Bulletin TSB #: 19-NA-065. While driving at 15 MPH, the vehicle lunged forward; the driver was able to pull over. While attempting to restart the vehicle, it suddenly caught fire. No warning lights were illuminated prior to the failure. AAA was called, and t... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
Hankook Kinergy GT - 225/50R17 94V Original Equipment (OE) on 2024 Honda Accord EX/L During regular and routine service by the dealer, tires were rotated every six months. Abnormal wear was noted at 5,800 miles with original 10/32" tread depth down to 7/32" on two tires. At 17,100 miles (18 months), abnormal inside edge wear was noted by the dealer and an alignment performed. A "Caution" wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2026
At various times key can not be removed from the ignition. I understand this to be a common problem on these trucks, but dealer does not agree.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2026
When driving vehicle with cruise control on and getting close to or in an intersection the vehicle will slam on brakes without driver apply them. It's happened a few times so far and the vehicle is only about 3 months old. Once While driving down VA Beach Boulevard and starting into an intersection when there was a lot of traffic so was worried a vehicle could have slammed into the back of us. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
In mid-2024, I was notified of a recall (23S64 / 23V905) involving the engine oil pump belt. When I attempted to schedule repairs, I was told parts were not available. I was instructed to watch for loss of oil pressure and speed and to pull over immediately if it occurred. In January 2025, my vehicle lost oil pressure and speed while driving. I pulled over and had it towed. Ford directed me to a ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
Has happened 5 times, I also replaced the battery with a new one. Cargo light switch cuts on by itself and drains battery.Issues with rear camera after battery was charged. Also CarPlay doesn’t work sometimes.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
Has happened 5 times, I also replaced the battery with a new one. Cargo light switch cuts on by itself and drains battery.Issues with rear camera after battery was charged. Also CarPlay doesn’t work sometimes.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
The incidents most often occur when I try to accelerate after vehicle is stopped at an intersection. The car hesitates during acceleration regardless of how much I push the gas. Once it starts to go, it feels as though the car can't shift from 1st to 2nd gear. The RPMs get up 4500 while the car is going 25-40 mph and remain there for a few seconds up to ~20 seconds. I am fearful of getting t-bone... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
This 2019 Ford Fusion (2.0L EcoBoost, 6F35 transmission) has had THREE identical flexplate/flywheel failures (GSAR code 6375), each diagnosed by a different Ford-authorized dealer. FAILURE 1 (Nov 2021, 51k mi): Lost power at highway speed on interstate. Coasted to stop, would not restart. Broken flexplate. Ford repaired under warranty, reimbursed all expenses. FAILURE 2 (May 2022, 59k mi): Would ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2026
Automatic transmission. Whining noise from transmission only while accelerator is pressed, goes away when let off the accelerator pedal.Transmission can quit working unexpectedly. 8 speed transmission that there are a lot of complaints on internet about this problem.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2025
Due to my husband driving the vehicle, ISP states it looks like he crossed into an oncoming semi-chip truck trailer, causing a fatal accident and killing him instantly. The 2025 Toyota Tacoma's Safety Sense obviously failed since my husband is now dead. We had the 2025 Tacoma in the prior week due to my complaints that the lane assist was not working properly and the screen did not respond to my t... Read more
Crash
1 injured
1 deaths
Incident date: Jan 24, 2026
The vehicle’s ignition system began malfunctioning immediately after a recall-related service (Campaign CS2312 – ignition cylinder protector installation) performed on January 9, 2026. Prior to this service, the vehicle had no ignition or electrical issues. After the repair, the ignition key became difficult to turn, and the vehicle intermittently failed to start. Additionally, multiple electr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Subaru Accent. The contact stated that there was a failure related to the brake pedal design. The contact stated that there was an approximate one-inch difference in spacing between the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal in previous model vehicles. The contact stated that there was an approximate four-inch gap between the brake and accelerator pedals, while previous mode... Read more
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
There is uneven tread wear and cupping on the Continental Tires installed by Ford. These tires were already replaced once and have the same issue after 7000 miles. The front tire Outer tread is wearing out and other owners are reporting tires ripping apart.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2026
While on/idol, the 3rd row seat (left/drivers side) folded down on my 9 year old niece. Myself, mother, 6 year old daughter, sister in law, brother and 12 year old niece all witnessed this happen as we were loading into the car after playing at the park (I had the car turned on). Her head got pinned to the headrest of the 2nd row captain seat. The buttons did not respond as they usually/supposed t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
Driving on the highway when all the lights on the dashboard came on and heard a loud sound. Pulled over and noticed flames coming out. The front part of the car 911 was called. An incident report was made. The flames were out quickly. The car was towed and is at the dealership.
Fire
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Honda CR-V. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 106,000. It was later discovered upon checking a Carfax Report that the mileage was 206,086.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
Approximately 3 years ago we noticed water accumulating in the rear light. They refer to it as a race track light bar. Went to dealer who said not covered under warranty, and it would be $1,455 to replace. I did not have the money at that time to replace it. So we kept draining the water, as I noticed the light getting dimmer. I charged the $1455 and replaced it. 1/8/23. I did find that there wer... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was an audible chime with the power steering message flashing on the instrument panel before the steering wheel seized for several seconds. Despite the failure, the vehicle resumed normal operation soon after the temporary failure. Upon invest... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Loss of power leaving driver stranded
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The power window on our 2022 Ford Escape will remain down after being rolled down and cannot be raised. This issue has occurred three separate times. When it happens, the vehicle cannot be secured and is exposed to weather and theft. The failure appears to be intermittent but recurring, indicating a possible design or electrical defect rather than misuse. This creates a safety and security risk, e... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The car started having a sound that sounded like a bowling ball rolling around in the back. I emptied trunk space and had tires checked but there was no issue. I called the dealership and they stated they knew what it was because it was a common problem in the Hyundai Palisade. I made an appointment to come in and have it fixed, along with a safety recall for rear seatbelts. The appointment wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
Two years ago, we had to have the transmission rebuilt after it kept slipping. Yesterday, as I was driving on I-95, I was passing a vehicle and pressed on the gas. There was a loud crunching noise and I lost acceleration. The check engine light came on right away and I couldn’t press on the gas without a noise and limited forward momentum. I then had to maneuver the car across four lanes of traf... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, during a DoorDash delivery, the vehicle vibrated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and noticed smoke emitting underneath the vehicle from the right side. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed smoke emitting from underneath the hood. The state troopers were called. By the time the fire department ar... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, during a DoorDash delivery, the vehicle vibrated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and noticed smoke emitting underneath the vehicle from the right side. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed smoke emitting from underneath the hood. The state troopers were called. By the time the fire department ar... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
I placed a bid on a vehicle at the co-part location in [XXX] . I reviewed the damage etc. and found it to be an acceptable risk. It was advertised that the car was in an accident with the passenger side and front grill damage. here was allegedly no damage to the motor and most importantly the airbags had not deployed. It was being sold with a salvaged title. Knowing these issues, I purchased th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Just like many other people have wrote about, the ABS SENSOR is defective. The ABS light comes and the traction light does also. Jeep has been aware of the problem for 18 months to 2 years. There is no fix or replacement sensor in sight.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2026
Just like many other people have wrote about, the ABS SENSOR is defective. The ABS light comes and the traction light does also. Jeep has been aware of the problem for 18 months to 2 years. There is no fix or replacement sensor in sight.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
I was driving the vehicle and it just stopped on the highway, no warning no kickback no precursor that something was wrong with the vehicle, and it stopped, the warning sign: Not available System malfunction came on and then the entire electrical system shut down. I had to have the car towed home because it would not start. I went to the dealer on several attempts and no help was rendered. I was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
This incident is related to the ARB7/24V-732 recall, first communicated to me in November, 2024 and again in July, 2025. The July, 2025 letter states that software would be installed in the vehicle to test the health of my vehicle's battery, at a Porsche Center. I believe that this was actually performed over-the-air at my home. It's my guess that because the software was installed over-the-air,... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Engine failure due to bad head gasket.i lost power to the vehicle. The problem was confirmed by independent shop. The vehicle was inspected by independent shop. The engine light came on when the engine failed.
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
Engine failure due to bad head gasket.i lost power to the vehicle. The problem was confirmed by independent shop. The vehicle was inspected by independent shop. The engine light came on when the engine failed.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
Wa driving with cruise on at 60 mph. Truck stalled with no notice, no warning lights or check engine light. All temperatures and pressures seemed okay at time of incident. Could not move electronic shifter into neutral, was stuck in drive. Alarm came up to shift to park, I did not shift due to moving at 55mph at this time. Coasted to a stop on side of the road. At about 2-3 mph, truck automaticall... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2021
An aftermarket ignition interlock device installed in my vehicle requires “rolling retests” while the vehicle is in motion. During these rolling retests, the device alerts the driver and requires a breath sample within a short time window. To complete the test, the driver must physically pick up and handle the handheld unit and blow into the device while driving. This requirement creates a dr... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while entering an onramp at 40 MPH, the vehicle in front of her vehicle came to an abrupt stop, and the contact crashed into the vehicle. The contact stated that only the front driver side knee air bags deployed upon impact. The contact was taken to the hospital by ambulance and was treated for pain in her chest as well as an injury to h... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 7, 2025
Significant rust on my truck with 5200 miles.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2021
An aftermarket ignition interlock device installed in my vehicle requires “rolling retests” while the vehicle is in motion. During these rolling retests, the device alerts the driver and requires a breath sample within a short time window. To complete the test, the driver must physically pick up and handle the handheld unit and blow into the device while driving. This requirement creates a dr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's and the passenger's side A-pillar trims were loose. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exce... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The dealership has refused to provide documentation for the pre-purchase inspection and the post-inspection report, and they declared the vehicle a total loss. My husband was driving and made a left turn, and the front right tire and control arm came completely off the car. As a result, significant damage was sustained to the car's underside, and it was not immediately visible when the dealership/... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "4WD Not Available" displayed, and the 4WD warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle vibrated while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the power transfer unit (PTU) was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not rep... Read more