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 148 of 44,303 (2,215,138 complaints)
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2014) — VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
May 18, 2026
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 MERCEDES-BENZ E350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH on the freeway, there was a popping noise coming from the sunroof and discovered it was shattered. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diganoses .The vehicle was not repaired The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000 .
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
I experienced engine failure and the dealership, corporation and warranty are refusing to replace the engine. My engine falls under an engine settlement. The denial states the corporation will not approve because i do not have a system update. The system update was issued while in the dealer’s inventory, part of the Certified Pre Owned inspection, it is required that the dealer updates all recal... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
I experienced engine failure and the dealership, corporation and warranty are refusing to replace the engine. My engine falls under an engine settlement. The denial states the corporation will not approve because i do not have a system update. The system update was issued while in the dealer’s inventory, part of the Certified Pre Owned inspection, it is required that the dealer updates all recal... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
I bought this vehicle used in 2022 from CarMax. According to Jeep (Stellantis) Co. multiple recalls were fixed by the previous owner, but the patch available for 2018 Jeep Wranglers was not done. In 2024 my iphone and Mac laptop were hacked and shortly after I began having problems with my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. My alarm system started going off while I was in my home without touching or being near t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
I bought this vehicle used in 2022 from CarMax. According to Jeep (Stellantis) Co. multiple recalls were fixed by the previous owner, but the patch available for 2018 Jeep Wranglers was not done. In 2024 my iphone and Mac laptop were hacked and shortly after I began having problems with my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. My alarm system started going off while I was in my home without touching or being near t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
I bought this vehicle used in 2022 from CarMax. According to Jeep (Stellantis) Co. multiple recalls were fixed by the previous owner, but the patch available for 2018 Jeep Wranglers was not done. In 2024 my iphone and Mac laptop were hacked and shortly after I began having problems with my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. My alarm system started going off while I was in my home without touching or being near t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2025
Steering rack and pinion worn with approx 38,000 miles. Dealerships (2) advised the” clunking” was “normal” on the model. Another dealership advised it was more likely the CV-axles worn. Took to two independent garages who advised steering rack was bad. I advised them the dealer stated it was CV-axles. They stated the axles were fine. No wrecks, no driving off-road, and no driving in a ma... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2021) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 18, 2026
Incident date: May 11, 2026
At 76000 miles, the daytime running light on the passenger side went out. I took the vehicle into the dealership for repair and I was told that because there is an internal open circuit, the entire headlight assembly will need to be replaced. I was quoted $1600 for the part, not including labor. This is a safety issue due to one daytime running light being a distraction for other drivers as well a... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
The my link infotainment system has been changing screens and channels and bouncing around on its own and is so distracting that it almost made me have an accident. It also makes calls drop while using handsfree. This problem has been taken to the dealer and they replaced the whole screen/system in 2021 for $805 but it is happening again. There is a lot of comments on the web and I have tried eve... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
There is a recurrent steering wheel issue. The issue was first addressed during the national recall campaign 6524A / NHTSA 24V-022 where it received the recall repair. The exact same dangerous issue has returned. The issue currently, is best described as having to wrestle with the steering wheel at all speeds when minor corrections are needed. That is, the steering becomes binding, catching, and c... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
There is a recurrent steering wheel issue. The issue was first addressed during the national recall campaign 6524A / NHTSA 24V-022 where it received the recall repair. The exact same dangerous issue has returned. The issue currently, is best described as having to wrestle with the steering wheel at all speeds when minor corrections are needed. That is, the steering becomes binding, catching, and c... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
There is a recurrent steering wheel issue. The issue was first addressed during the national recall campaign 6524A / NHTSA 24V-022 where it received the recall repair. The exact same dangerous issue has returned. The issue currently, is best described as having to wrestle with the steering wheel at all speeds when minor corrections are needed. That is, the steering becomes binding, catching, and c... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
While driving on the interstate, my sunroof suddenly exploded and glass shattered from the moveable portion of the sunroof. It sounded like a shotgun or a very loud pop. There was nothing above me on the road (i.e. no overpasses, etc) and no vehicles in front of me at the time. The sunshade was closed which saved me from pieces of glass falling on me, in my eyes, and potentially cutting me. It... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power train independently downshifted. The contact stated that the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with metal shavings in the oil pan and a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The v... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 18, 2026
Incident date: May 18, 2026
Tailgate opened on its own while driving down the interstate. Since then, anytime I open a door or use the drivers door to unlock the truck, the tailgate drops. The button on the tailgate does not open it, I have to use the FOB. I frequently carry construction materials in the bed, the tailgate dropping on its own with can put others at risk for serious injury or even death. No warning lamps, have... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2024) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 18, 2026
Incident date: May 18, 2026
Tailgate opened on its own while driving down the interstate. Since then, anytime I open a door or use the drivers door to unlock the truck, the tailgate drops. The button on the tailgate does not open it, I have to use the FOB. I frequently carry construction materials in the bed, the tailgate dropping on its own with can put others at risk for serious injury or even death. No warning lamps, have... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
On Wednesday May 13th the car started acting a little jerky whence putting car in reverse like normal. There was a thunk sound. But it still shifted. We then drove the car about 10 miles. Then later in the day attempted to drive home. It’s was over-roving while driving. Acting erratic. We pulled into a tire place to see if something was stuck underneath. The check engine light was on ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
On Wednesday May 13th the car started acting a little jerky whence putting car in reverse like normal. There was a thunk sound. But it still shifted. We then drove the car about 10 miles. Then later in the day attempted to drive home. It’s was over-roving while driving. Acting erratic. We pulled into a tire place to see if something was stuck underneath. The check engine light was on ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
On Wednesday May 13th the car started acting a little jerky whence putting car in reverse like normal. There was a thunk sound. But it still shifted. We then drove the car about 10 miles. Then later in the day attempted to drive home. It’s was over-roving while driving. Acting erratic. We pulled into a tire place to see if something was stuck underneath. The check engine light was on ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ford F-150 The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V512000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and then the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made awa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
the car has two issues. brake issue (gas pedal is soft and sinks) and engine power ( gas pedal is soft and not responsive) Brakes are soft and spongy some times and sometimes hard. even you push the brake pedal twice or three time it takes long distance to stop. some times the brake looks good but for short period of time. the brakes inconsistent. I took to the dealer where I bought it hey refuse ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
the car has two issues. brake issue (gas pedal is soft and sinks) and engine power ( gas pedal is soft and not responsive) Brakes are soft and spongy some times and sometimes hard. even you push the brake pedal twice or three time it takes long distance to stop. some times the brake looks good but for short period of time. the brakes inconsistent. I took to the dealer where I bought it hey refuse ... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
I was driving at 33 mph on 5/17 at 11:33 and the cars automatic brakes suddenly when on full blast out of no where with nothing around me on a clear day!
Incident date: May 17, 2026
I was driving at 33 mph on 5/17 at 11:33 and the cars automatic brakes suddenly when on full blast out of no where with nothing around me on a clear day!
Incident date: Mar 31, 2026
Transmission making noise and getting worse. Can’t get repaired or replaced for at least six months. Engine warning light is now on. Recently told this is a known issue with several class action suits being filed.
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V188000 (Equipment) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated th... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
In August/September 2025 my mother's Tucson would randomly shut down on her (completely stall while driving) and she would not be able to turn it back on. If she waited a little while, then she would be able to turn the car back on but it was unknown when the issue would happen again. We took it to the dealer several times after each shutdown and the dealer stated it was not throwing a code and... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
In August/September 2025 my mother's Tucson would randomly shut down on her (completely stall while driving) and she would not be able to turn it back on. If she waited a little while, then she would be able to turn the car back on but it was unknown when the issue would happen again. We took it to the dealer several times after each shutdown and the dealer stated it was not throwing a code and... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2026
In August/September 2025 my mother's Tucson would randomly shut down on her (completely stall while driving) and she would not be able to turn it back on. If she waited a little while, then she would be able to turn the car back on but it was unknown when the issue would happen again. We took it to the dealer several times after each shutdown and the dealer stated it was not throwing a code and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2025
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a 2015 Kia Sorento equipped with the 2.4L Theta II engine. The vehicle developed progressive engine knock, reduced power, and check engine warnings while driving. Diagnostic trouble codes include P0017, P0014, and P0340 relating to crankshaft/camshaft timing correlation and camshaft position faults. A Kia dealership performed diagnostic testing using Kia ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The contact leases a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while stopped and the ON/OFF feature was activated, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that several warning messages including the "Engine Malfunction ", "Charging System Malfunction", and "Eye Active Sense System Malfunction" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact then stated that she had recei... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2026
The contact leases a 2024 Mazda CX-90. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while stopped and the ON/OFF feature was activated, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that several warning messages including the "Engine Malfunction ", "Charging System Malfunction", and "Eye Active Sense System Malfunction" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact then stated that she had recei... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
May 18, 2026
Incident date: May 18, 2026
When the outside temperature is hot the car starts and within a minute or two gives a ‘start system faulty’ warning and the dash and all electronics shut off. The engine continues to run for a period before also shutting down. This happened a number of time and seems to be a known issue with Jetta’s but mine isn’t part of the recall. Totally unsafe.
Incident date: May 17, 2026
The driver side liftgate strut broke; the liftgate raised normally and when reached the fully opened position it immediately started to close very rapidly, this could have easily hit someone quite hard in the head. The Liftgate was then stuck in a halfway opened position and was unable to close fully. I was able to manually raise the liftgate and when released again slammed down to a halfway open ... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2026
I noticed that my passenger side headlight was out but no warning was given in the dashboard. If I hadn’t noticed that the ‘round the corner’ lights were not working it might have taken me a while to figure it out presenting a safety issue
Incident date: May 9, 2026
Similar to Campaign ID: 10V074000, the fuel gauge will reach a quarter tank and then drop to empty without warning.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the reduced power mode message was displayed. The contact linked the failure to TSB 22-NA-224. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Incident date: May 15, 2026
Blower motor area caught fire while sitting in the driveway. Car door was opened about 20 minutes prior to my security camera catching smoke billowing from the vehicle
Fire
Incident date: May 11, 2026
While operating my Kia vehicle, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking capability and loss of acceleration/power while traveling downhill. Multiple warning lights reportedly illuminated during the event, including the battery light, oil light, and check engine light. The incident created a serious safety concern due to inability to properly control vehicle speed and operation. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
While operating my Kia vehicle, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking capability and loss of acceleration/power while traveling downhill. Multiple warning lights reportedly illuminated during the event, including the battery light, oil light, and check engine light. The incident created a serious safety concern due to inability to properly control vehicle speed and operation. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2026
While operating my Kia vehicle, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking capability and loss of acceleration/power while traveling downhill. Multiple warning lights reportedly illuminated during the event, including the battery light, oil light, and check engine light. The incident created a serious safety concern due to inability to properly control vehicle speed and operation. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
While driving at low speed performing a turn in a residential area, the vehicle suddenly displayed a “Steering Assist Fault” warning message and the steering wheel became completely locked with essentially no movement possible. I attempted to turn the wheel with extreme force but it would barely move, creating a serious safety hazard. I was fortunately driving slowly at the time. If this had o... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
P0128 code produced when scanned. Cooling fans on high. No ac. Steering Assist Warning. Had to replace the thermostat. ECM also replaced and caused the tire pressure sensors to fail and had to replace the tire sensors. There is a recall on models 2021 to 2025 but none on the 2020 for the thermostat. I have paid $3500.00 to have my vehicle fixed.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
P0128 code produced when scanned. Cooling fans on high. No ac. Steering Assist Warning. Had to replace the thermostat. ECM also replaced and caused the tire pressure sensors to fail and had to replace the tire sensors. There is a recall on models 2021 to 2025 but none on the 2020 for the thermostat. I have paid $3500.00 to have my vehicle fixed.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 15-20 MPH, the vehicle stalled after 7 months of ownership. The vehicle stalled in the intersection. A few guys were able to push the vehicle out of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed ... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2020) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 18, 2026
Incident date: May 18, 2026
The driver-side headlight assembly failed unexpectedly on my 2020 Land Rover Defender 110. This appears to be a known and recurring issue with this vehicle model involving the headlight or related electrical/control system. The failed component and vehicle are available for inspection upon request. The failure significantly reduced nighttime visibility and made the vehicle less visible to oncomi... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
The vehicle’s driver monitoring / Forward Attention Warning system repeatedly gives false inattentive-driver warnings during normal highway driving, even when I am actively watching the road and driving normally. The system does not appear to function reliably with ordinary sunglasses and common driving conditions. The issue happens frequently when wearing sunglasses. The system incorrectly det... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2026
The vehicle’s driver monitoring / Forward Attention Warning system repeatedly gives false inattentive-driver warnings during normal highway driving, even when I am actively watching the road and driving normally. The system does not appear to function reliably with ordinary sunglasses and common driving conditions. The issue happens frequently when wearing sunglasses. The system incorrectly det... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
This is the most recent time that the automatic brake on my car kicked in for no reason. It has happened several times and I have made Acura aware of it, but this is the first time it has almost caused an accident because the car behind me almost rear-ended me. A Similar incident happened last year and I brought it in and they did nothing since they could not replicate it. I let the dealership kn... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2026
This is the most recent time that the automatic brake on my car kicked in for no reason. It has happened several times and I have made Acura aware of it, but this is the first time it has almost caused an accident because the car behind me almost rear-ended me. A Similar incident happened last year and I brought it in and they did nothing since they could not replicate it. I let the dealership kn... Read more