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
Page 170 of 44,908 (2,245,377 complaints)
Incident date: Aug 11, 2026
FOX / Europcar Rental. In rain at night extreme poor frontal visibility. Complained multiple times to the rental company Severe safety risk driving in night and with rain
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and pulled to the right. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving over a bump in the road, the vehicle lost automotive power and shut off. The contact restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independe... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) - STEERING
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and pulled to the right. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while driving over a bump in the road, the vehicle lost automotive power and shut off. The contact restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the message that the “4WD Disabled” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the powe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
The power steering fails very often making it hard to turn and happens when I’m on the highway going 60+ mph which is very dangerous and a threat to my safety. The only way to fix it in those moments is to pull over turn the car off which consists of me getting out of my vehicle and waiting two minutes. But usually when it happens once that day it occurs all day even if I reset the car and try a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the instrument panel went black and the speedometer, direction light, gear, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge were not visible. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2020) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Aug 16, 2026
I went to [XXX] for the weekend, and on Sunday XXX I just left a restaurant and my car was parked on the street. As I left I was driving down a one way public street. I thought I hit a parked car to my right because I heard a noise that sounding like I hit something. I looked in the mirror and saw I was far from the parked cars and kept going. I went about a mile more and parked, and when I go... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
In the past two weeks, our 2021 Hyundai Palisade has shut off completely when driving. It has around 110,000 miles on it and was just purchased used (second owner) three months ago. At that time, the dealership had to fix a leak in the engine and did a complete oil change. Based on internet searches, we just checked the oil dipstick and it is COMPLETELY empty. We have NOT driven more than 3,000 mi... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The paint is coming off of the roof of my 2021 Chevrolet Silverado pick up truck. This is a common problem with the white color vehicles from Chevrolet. This is a safety issue due to paint chips and paint pieces falling down on the windshield.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a blank image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not inspected. The contact was informed that an unknown recall was not associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact later received an unknow... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
My complaint is for serious safety concerns on my 2012 Ford Focus and the handling of recall 18S32 and 26S40 by Ford Motor Company. My fuel tank is visibly deformed in the exact strap area described in the recall, and I have physical proof and photographs confirming this. On XXX, a Ford technician found deformation during dispatch by local dealer to complete Recall 26S40. When I brought the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
My complaint is for serious safety concerns on my 2012 Ford Focus and the handling of recall 18S32 and 26S40 by Ford Motor Company. My fuel tank is visibly deformed in the exact strap area described in the recall, and I have physical proof and photographs confirming this. On XXX, a Ford technician found deformation during dispatch by local dealer to complete Recall 26S40. When I brought the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
This vehicle is subject to two open NHTSA fire-risk recalls. The remedies provided so far have not corrected the underlying defects. Recall 25V-741 (Safety Recall 95B/68C), high-voltage battery fire risk: On 1/9-20/2025, dealer reprogrammed BPCM and TCM software only (Invoice #52682); no parts replaced; mileage 18,680. On 1/6-7/2026 - one year later - the dealer performed a SECOND remedy for the ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
This vehicle is subject to two open NHTSA fire-risk recalls. The remedies provided so far have not corrected the underlying defects. Recall 25V-741 (Safety Recall 95B/68C), high-voltage battery fire risk: On 1/9-20/2025, dealer reprogrammed BPCM and TCM software only (Invoice #52682); no parts replaced; mileage 18,680. On 1/6-7/2026 - one year later - the dealer performed a SECOND remedy for the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
My Ac went out and upon taking it to the dealership, it was determined that my clutch and coil are melted into my compressor. They ordered the part but there were over 1,000 other dealerships that put in an order for the same part so I was told it could take over two months to get this sort in. They also said this was highly abnormal and it normal wear and tear so it definitely feels like a malfun... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally strong exhaust odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exhaust manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the failure posed a safety risk due to the potential i... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2026
The brakes failed; they felt spongy, as if my foot were pressing directly against the road. The car accelerated and I headed toward a wall; the sensors didn't stop the vehicle. It came to a halt against the wall after the impact. I was on my way to the repair shop for a scheduled appointment due to electrical problems.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
I was driving and my sunroof exploded. This sent shards of glass lose in my car and glass flying onto the road as well. The sunroof was replaced and was inspected by the service department as well. No warning signs or message.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The airbag sensor in the passenger front seat has malfunctioned and it is indicating that the passenger airbag will not deploy. This is after the recall that was completed on the ODS from service campaign 19V701000.
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
Found large oil spot in driveway, took truck to dealer. Dealer inspected for problem and found brake fluid low and leaking brake line at master cylinder.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wagoneer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle stalled. While the contact’s husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut down, and the driver was able to coast off the roadway. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light turned on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wagoneer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the interstate, the vehicle stalled. While the contact’s husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut down, and the driver was able to coast off the roadway. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light turned on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, a second vehicle T-boned the vehicle while driving approximately 60 MPH and crashed into the driver’s side of the vehicle. During the crash, no air bags had deployed inside the vehicle, including the side curtain air bags. Police and Emergency Services were called to the scene. The contact had to be... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Ranger. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags) and 21V158000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted on several occasions.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
Clunky noise in front end, too much play in steering. Truck only had 103 Mile's on it. Took to dealer found both tie rod jam nuts were loose and could have caused loss of stearing. Dealer corrected and performed alignment.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2024) - BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
On August 5, 2026, my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received the remedy for Volkswagen Recall 91TV, NHTSA Recall 26V473, involving rearview-camera software. The vehicle was returned to me on August 11. On August 17, while I was actively reversing in a parking lot, the rearview-camera image froze on the center display. The image remained visible but stopped updating even though the vehicle cont... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
On August 5, 2026, my 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received the remedy for Volkswagen Recall 91TV, NHTSA Recall 26V473, involving rearview-camera software. The vehicle was returned to me on August 11. On August 17, while I was actively reversing in a parking lot, the rearview-camera image froze on the center display. The image remained visible but stopped updating even though the vehicle cont... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2024
My 2015 Audi A3 was subject to a fuel suction jet pump safety recall. Before the recall repair was available, the vehicle developed a fuel leak and fuel-spilling problem. Audi inspected the vehicle in XXX and documented that its Tech Line advised replacing the fuel tank and all attaching components, with a quoted cost of approximately $5,730. I was unable to afford this repair and questioned why t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
At first I was having issues with stop and start, replaced the battery then was told I wasted coffee in my center Console and it cause electrical issues and was told the repairs would be 3,400 in which collision issuance paid for. After the repairs my driver side seat belt would latch then the passenger side wouldn’t latch either so I currently don’t have working A/C or working seatbelts which... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2026
At first I was having issues with stop and start, replaced the battery then was told I wasted coffee in my center Console and it cause electrical issues and was told the repairs would be 3,400 in which collision issuance paid for. After the repairs my driver side seat belt would latch then the passenger side wouldn’t latch either so I currently don’t have working A/C or working seatbelts which... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Loss of power steering on 3 occasions. Currently undrivable due to not knowing when it will fail again. Dealership has confirmed the code is for power steering failure.
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2019) - ENGINE
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
The check engine light, thermostat, or sensor affliated with the engine overheating. An engine overheating without warning lights or a dashboard indicator leaves you entirely blind to critical, fast-moving mechanical failures.Without an indicator, you cannot pull over before extreme heat causes severe metal distortion. Yes, the vehicle has been inspected by service department. Three times it has b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Lincoln Corsair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the windshield wipers were intermittently inoperable while driving. Two dealers were contacted and confirmed that parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
Engine revs or surges while in park, possibly faulty throttle box
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
The car is experiencing turbo failure that lines up with the recall for the same model vehicle produced within the same 2016-2017 date. But for some reason this vin isnt included in the recall
Incident date: Apr 5, 2026
The car is experiencing turbo failure that lines up with the recall for the same model vehicle produced within the same 2016-2017 date. But for some reason this vin isnt included in the recall
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
The backup camera will flip upside down or go completely blank or not work at all. I had my car in reverse and the camera didn’t come on and one time I flipped upside down and now it don’t work at all.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
The backup camera will flip upside down or go completely blank or not work at all. I had my car in reverse and the camera didn’t come on and one time I flipped upside down and now it don’t work at all.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
The transmission pump on my transmission just went out randomly last week. The power in my car went into limp mode and the car won't drive properly now. The car was being driven at the time this happened, and my husband had to pull over, as the car wouldn't work. I had this looked at by an auto body shop and they diagnosed it with this, which is to be found that there is a recall on my specific ye... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that two hours after parking the vehicle in the garage and turning off the vehicle, there was excessive heat coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle was extremely hot to the touch above the wheel well. Due to the heat coming from the vehicle, the contact stated that it was difficult to breathe while inside the garage. The vehicle was tak... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
On XXX the truck stopped while driving on the highway XXX going south. And I got two diagnostic codes: P0336 and P01401. I towed it to the dealer, and they refused to fix it. I would like to know why they would not fix the crankshaft position sensor and the tone wheel. My truck was purchased new at this dealer Central Avenue Dodge . The VIN# [XXX]. 2015 RAM 1500 ECODIESEL 3.0 Please advise. I... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Steering wheel airbag failed to inflate
Crash
1 injured
SUBARU
TRAILSEEKER
(2026) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Aug 16, 2026
I have had the Trailseeker for about 7 weeks and have noticed low battery messages and on one occasion when I hadn't driven it for 3 days the car was completely unresponsive until I put the 12 V batter on a charger. I have a Level 2 charger at home for the traction battery. I do use the Subaru Connect add to check on the Level2 charging progress.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while the outside temperature was cool, the vehicle operated normally. However, when the heat index was high, the message that the starter was hot was displayed. Shortly afterwards, the instrument cluster went black, and the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to coast the vehicle to the roadside. The contact waited approximately ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the vehicle to suddenly decelerate. During the failure, the WRENCH icon was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and the failure was self-corrected, but the failure persisted. The con... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 19, 2026
Incident date: Nov 25, 2025
The GMC Sierra has a known issue from the manufacturer in which the power sliding rear window can start to leak water into the cab of the truck during rain or other impact with outside water. This issue allows water into the cab through a cracked or faulty seal, which impacts visibility and allows water to penetrate inside, producing risk for moisture to collect on the back window and potentially ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
I own a 2018 Toyota. My transmission has died prematurely. The car has less than 140k miles and has been meticulously maintained. The only component that has not been serviced is the transmission because no one wanted to “take the liability” according to 5 different local shops. This clearly tells me that this issue has been known. Toyota in Canada has already acknowledged the issue and issued... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
I started the car, put it in reverse, and started backing out of the driveway (car was moving fine). When I went to turn the wheel, it was locked. I could not steer. I hit the brakes, tried the wheel more (wouldn't move), so I put the car in park. Still couldn't move the wheel, so I turned the car off and started it again. The wheel worked / moved fine after that.
Incident date: Aug 9, 2026
I charged my car at a level 3 fast charger on a road trip. After completing my charge, the AC stopped working. The fan worked but it was only blowing hot air. Normally this would be a nuisance, but the day was about 114 degrees and the car’s interior was probably close to 140 degrees. I was driving on the interstate so it was very hard to keep the windows down. The lack of HVAC made the car diff... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
ICCU failure. I charged overnight at my home L2 charging as usual. I backed out of my garage and heard a loud pop. Almost immediately an “check electrical” warning came up. The car went to turtle mode and then completely died. The car was towed and I was informed the ICCU needed to be replaced. The car had all previous checks on ICCU performed (per mailed recalls) and was updated and passed ea... Read more