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
Page 138 of 44,303 (2,215,138 complaints)
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Driving down a highway at 70 mph and a notification popped up saying to pull over and turn off the vehicle because the engine would shut down soon. I lost the ability to accelerate and impeded traffic. Had to pull over on the side of the road with minimal shoulder. This has happened dozens of times; all at high rates of speed and often in heavy traffic.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Audi S5. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 47,796 at the time of registration. The Carfax report, bill of sale and title showed the mileage as 47, 796. it was discovered that the mileage was 75,600 after changing the battery. The BBB and Consumer P... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the warning message "Service Four Wheel Drive" and "Four Wheel Drive Unavailable" had displayed. Also, while operating the vehicle the parking brake had malfunctioned. The cause of the fialure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified and informed that the VIN was not included in th... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the warning message "Service Four Wheel Drive" and "Four Wheel Drive Unavailable" had displayed. Also, while operating the vehicle the parking brake had malfunctioned. The cause of the fialure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified and informed that the VIN was not included in th... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Dear NHTSA, I would like to submit a safety complaint regarding my 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra, purchased new and currently with approximately 5,939 miles. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced repeated vehicle behaviors that I believe may have safety implications and have significantly affected my confidence in the vehicle. The concerns include: Brake behavior concern I have exp... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Dear NHTSA, I would like to submit a safety complaint regarding my 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra, purchased new and currently with approximately 5,939 miles. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced repeated vehicle behaviors that I believe may have safety implications and have significantly affected my confidence in the vehicle. The concerns include: Brake behavior concern I have exp... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Dear NHTSA, I would like to submit a safety complaint regarding my 2026 Volvo XC60 Ultra, purchased new and currently with approximately 5,939 miles. I am submitting this complaint because I have experienced repeated vehicle behaviors that I believe may have safety implications and have significantly affected my confidence in the vehicle. The concerns include: Brake behavior concern I have exp... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Audi Q7. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 - 55 MPH, the Check Engine light had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed code PO299, which referred to coolant migration into the vacuum system. The contact was unable to provide the exact parts that were needed for repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
While driving home during rush hour traffic on the highway with my children in the vehicle, without warning it stopped accelerating when I passed the gas pedal and started slowing down. When I let go of the gas pedal it would speed back up. I couldn't safely merge over to the right with heavy traffic and ended up on the left shoulder. I turned the vehicle off and tried to restart it, it strugg... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
While driving home during rush hour traffic on the highway with my children in the vehicle, without warning it stopped accelerating when I passed the gas pedal and started slowing down. When I let go of the gas pedal it would speed back up. I couldn't safely merge over to the right with heavy traffic and ended up on the left shoulder. I turned the vehicle off and tried to restart it, it strugg... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
While driving home during rush hour traffic on the highway with my children in the vehicle, without warning it stopped accelerating when I passed the gas pedal and started slowing down. When I let go of the gas pedal it would speed back up. I couldn't safely merge over to the right with heavy traffic and ended up on the left shoulder. I turned the vehicle off and tried to restart it, it strugg... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
My 1.5L EcoBoost engine in my 2019 Ford Escape exhibits a low coolant levels, white exhaust smoke, and runs rough condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator light with only diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0302 and P0316. Ford admits to having this issue as described in a Customer Satisfaction Program 21N12 but is not agreeing to service my vehicle as they state it does not have this iss... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact stated he received the notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was inspected and informed the parts were backordered. The manufacturer was contacted who confirmed the part status and referred the contact to the local dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure... Read more
KTM
790 ADVENTURE R
(2022) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 20, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
Information screen filled with condensation not sealed correctly causing inability to see speed, warnings, brake and and and controls
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rearview camera would display an upside image. The contact stated that she had purchased a replacement camera and was given an estimate for the labor. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V552000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
ABS lights and warnings on dash No trailer control No speedometer due to abs controller
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
ABS lights and warnings on dash No trailer control No speedometer due to abs controller
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Vehicle's forward collision warnings did not sound. Airbags did not deploy. Vehicle in front end collision at 40mph
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Vehicle's forward collision warnings did not sound. Airbags did not deploy. Vehicle in front end collision at 40mph
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 20, 2026
Vehicle's forward collision warnings did not sound. Airbags did not deploy. Vehicle in front end collision at 40mph
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000( ); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000( ); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a grinding/humming noise would come from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that both the front and rear Power Transfer Units failed, causing additional damage to the bearings. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Nu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
I had a coolant leek that I could smell from the exhaust. I constantly had to refill the coolant. At 59k miles the engine was replace and not at 61k the car is stalling at idle.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The last 2 weeks my wipers have nearly quit functioning. They don’t go all the way up, will stop in the middle of the windshield, will not go down and when I use the wiper stick to try and get them to go back down the back wiper will start going as well even when I’m not hitting the switch for the back wiper. For the last year, three out of four TPS sensors have quit working as well. The deal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The last 2 weeks my wipers have nearly quit functioning. They don’t go all the way up, will stop in the middle of the windshield, will not go down and when I use the wiper stick to try and get them to go back down the back wiper will start going as well even when I’m not hitting the switch for the back wiper. For the last year, three out of four TPS sensors have quit working as well. The deal... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2026
UNKNOWN, The transmission slips,it wont drive now and my wheel barrings nearly snapped
Incident date: May 14, 2026
UNKNOWN, The transmission slips,it wont drive now and my wheel barrings nearly snapped
Incident date: May 14, 2026
UNKNOWN, The transmission slips,it wont drive now and my wheel barrings nearly snapped
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Greensboro Transit Agency (GTA), operated by RATP Dev USA, is formally notifying you of an engine compartment fire involving one of our transit vehicles. Vehicle Information: •Fleet Number: 764 •Manufacturer: New Flyer •Vehicle Type: Heavy-Duty Transit Bus •Incident Date: [XXX] •Location: Greensboro, North Carolina Summary of Incident: While in revenue service, the operator reported hear... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Greensboro Transit Agency (GTA), operated by RATP Dev USA, is formally notifying you of an engine compartment fire involving one of our transit vehicles. Vehicle Information: •Fleet Number: 764 •Manufacturer: New Flyer •Vehicle Type: Heavy-Duty Transit Bus •Incident Date: [XXX] •Location: Greensboro, North Carolina Summary of Incident: While in revenue service, the operator reported hear... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 6, 2026
Greensboro Transit Agency (GTA), operated by RATP Dev USA, is formally notifying you of an engine compartment fire involving one of our transit vehicles. Vehicle Information: •Fleet Number: 764 •Manufacturer: New Flyer •Vehicle Type: Heavy-Duty Transit Bus •Incident Date: [XXX] •Location: Greensboro, North Carolina Summary of Incident: While in revenue service, the operator reported hear... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
The car has experienced numerous coolant leaks according to the dealer and independent authorized service shops including: - turbo coolant lines - oil filter housing - auxiliary radiator - coolant pump - heat management module - upper radiator hose - expansion tank hose - various other coolant hoses All of this work has been done starting at 46,000 miles and continuing through the current milea... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
I had to drive my truck yesterday and this ABS issue is causing my cruise to suddenly stop working, the service engine light to come on and STELLANTIS WILL NOT ISSUE A RENTAL OR PAY FOR THE REMEDY THAT WILL FIX IT PER THEM. They are saying that I need to pay for this and then they MAY or MAY NOT reimburse me. At what point will you start pressing this issue being a SAFETY advocate and US busi... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
I had to drive my truck yesterday and this ABS issue is causing my cruise to suddenly stop working, the service engine light to come on and STELLANTIS WILL NOT ISSUE A RENTAL OR PAY FOR THE REMEDY THAT WILL FIX IT PER THEM. They are saying that I need to pay for this and then they MAY or MAY NOT reimburse me. At what point will you start pressing this issue being a SAFETY advocate and US busi... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the transmission had erroneously downshifted causing the vehicle to abruptly stop in the middle of the road. During the failure the wrench icon had displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaire... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
Loss of breaks lead to calling mechanic. After diagnosis, vacuum pump had broken teeth. Metal discovered in engine oil.
Incident date: May 17, 2026
I was driving in the left lane on [XXX] , a 4 lane interstate just outside of Cleveland when i lost engine propulsion. Engine RPMs dropped to under 1000rpm, and quit responding to throttle. I had to change lanes and coast until there was a shoulder available to stall out at while i awaited a tow. No warning lamps until i tried to restart vehicle. Engine cranked but wouldnt start. INFORMATIO... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
I was driving in the left lane on [XXX] , a 4 lane interstate just outside of Cleveland when i lost engine propulsion. Engine RPMs dropped to under 1000rpm, and quit responding to throttle. I had to change lanes and coast until there was a shoulder available to stall out at while i awaited a tow. No warning lamps until i tried to restart vehicle. Engine cranked but wouldnt start. INFORMATIO... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
on 5/19/26 I had just traveled about 100 miles when suddenly I lost steering. As soon as I lost steering a red steering wheel with an ! appeared on the dash. I managed to get slowed down and pulled over but it was very hard to turn the steering wheel. I shut off the vehicle let it sit for about 20 min and started it again. The steering worked for about 3 min then went out again as I was driving... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
While coming to a stop at an intersection, vehicle engine stalled and transmission automatically slammed itself into park, with no warning, nearly causing a collision. This issue has previously been recalled for other Ram Trucks - some were not appropriately recalled and pose a major safety risk.
Incident date: May 20, 2026
While coming to a stop at an intersection, vehicle engine stalled and transmission automatically slammed itself into park, with no warning, nearly causing a collision. This issue has previously been recalled for other Ram Trucks - some were not appropriately recalled and pose a major safety risk.
Incident date: May 20, 2026
While coming to a stop at an intersection, vehicle engine stalled and transmission automatically slammed itself into park, with no warning, nearly causing a collision. This issue has previously been recalled for other Ram Trucks - some were not appropriately recalled and pose a major safety risk.
Incident date: May 19, 2026
On [XXX] at approximately [XXX], my 2022 RAM 1500 (VIN [XXX] ), equipped with the 5.7L V8 Hemi eTorque mild-hybrid system and currently at 45,000 miles, experienced a sudden engine shutdown and complete loss of throttle response while traveling approximately 25 mph on [XXX] , heading toward Colonia in active evening traffic. The accelerator pedal became unresponsive, the vehicle began coasting, an... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
Brake vacuum pump appeared to fail creating brake system malfunction. Appears determined by mechanics to have seized and caused damage to cam shaft. Driver’s safety issue caused when trying to brake vehicle not functioning. Vehicle was towed to mechanic shop. There were no warning signs of impending failure of system. Note that earlier years for this model may have had recalls for safety issue a... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
Brake vacuum pump appeared to fail creating brake system malfunction. Appears determined by mechanics to have seized and caused damage to cam shaft. Driver’s safety issue caused when trying to brake vehicle not functioning. Vehicle was towed to mechanic shop. There were no warning signs of impending failure of system. Note that earlier years for this model may have had recalls for safety issue a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
My car was purchased from Impex Auto Greensboro, Nc one owner with 71,000. The car fax never stated any major accidents or damage. March 2026 after having my car for 1.5 years I now need a new transmission that costs $15k. I filed a Goodwill claim with Acura since all warranty’s have expired and I did not purchase an extension. The claim was denied and I’m responsible for the repair of a 4 yea... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
BRAKE FAILURE - SAFETY DEFECT RELEASED BY DEALER Brake pad warning light first appeared in February 2026. Dealer advised replacing rear brake pads. I chose to have the service performed at German Auto Care using original Maserati brake pads. Warning light continued intermittently after replacement. On 4/10/2026 during oil change service I informed dealer about ongoing brake pad warning light. De... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
BRAKE FAILURE - SAFETY DEFECT RELEASED BY DEALER Brake pad warning light first appeared in February 2026. Dealer advised replacing rear brake pads. I chose to have the service performed at German Auto Care using original Maserati brake pads. Warning light continued intermittently after replacement. On 4/10/2026 during oil change service I informed dealer about ongoing brake pad warning light. De... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
Bought a used 2019 Ford Edge, and transmission had issues within 2weeks of minimal operation!! Transmission slippage, does not go into gear or has a long pause going into gear (even right from park). VERY HARD shifts in lower gears upon upshift AND downshift. Also, gets worse the longer you drive it. It jerks, bucks, lurches, snaps your neck forward or backward, or does not go at all!! After this ... Read more