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 38 of 44,303 (2,215,138 complaints)
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
My 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4L (VIN: [XXX]) is experiencing a severe safety defect involving rapid engine oil starvation. The vehicle recently failed an official oil consumption test conducted by Fred Beans Hyundai of Abington, where it was documented that the engine consumed 1 quart of oil in just 881 miles (PA Request #XXX). This vehicle is equipped with the Theta II engine, which currently has ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Buick Lacrosse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle shut off in the middle of the roadway and the vehicle failed to restart. A bystander advised the contact to press the alarm button twice to restart the vehicle. The contact followed the advice of the bystander, and the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to Fire... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
B1022 OCCUPANT SENS C/U [COMM FAIL] - CURRENT B1022 OCCUPANT SENS C/U [COMM FAIL] - PAST Passenger seat Air Bag: There is a recall on this part for my vehicle's year make and model, but my VIN shows my car isn't apart of the recall.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
I am writing to report a severe, escalating safety defect regarding the "ghost touching" / phantom input malfunction of the infotainment head unit on my Subaru Outback. This electronic defect has escalated from a minor distraction into a severe hazard that directly compromises the operational safety features of the vehicle, putting myself and my children at imminent risk of a crash. When this prob... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2025) — SUSPENSION
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Just seen notice that there is a recall notice about the engine and part of the front suspension, just wondering if it affects my vehicle.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2025) — ENGINE
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Just seen notice that there is a recall notice about the engine and part of the front suspension, just wondering if it affects my vehicle.
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2026) — ENGINE
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: May 31, 2026
Total engine failure on 5/31/26. Truck lost engine power while on highway and had to be towed to dealership where they found the lower end of the engine failed. Engine and radiator replacement needed, both are backordered with no eta.
SUBARU
OUTBACK
(2015) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exhaust manifold detached from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact that a recall repair was previously performed on the vehicle, which was related ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
I contacted chapman ford in phila to have the recall corrected and it has been almost 2 yrs and no parts or follow up. They told me for months that the parts were backordered. My trim is loose and the rubber around my windshield almost gone. I also contacted ford main and was told an advisor would follow up and they did not.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
While driving, the power steering stopped and basically locked up the steering wheel almost causing an accident. At the same time, multiple warnings flashed on the dash. After restarting, the vehicle operated as should until the following day when it occurred again and we had to have it towed to the dealership. Water intrusion and corrosion damaged a wiring harness and rack and pinion. The cost to... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
While driving, the power steering stopped and basically locked up the steering wheel almost causing an accident. At the same time, multiple warnings flashed on the dash. After restarting, the vehicle operated as should until the following day when it occurred again and we had to have it towed to the dealership. Water intrusion and corrosion damaged a wiring harness and rack and pinion. The cost to... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
I am filing a formal complaint against BMW Seattle for violating federal recall remedy mandates under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301. The vehicle was delivered for mandatory safety recall 23V-707 after an on-road mechanical shear of the covered VANOS bolts. The dealer has created illegal commercial barriers and failed to fully execute the federal remedy. First, the service department issued a written estim... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
I am a full-time power wheelchair user with Multiple Sclerosis and rely on this 2024 Chrysler Pacifica wheelchair-accessible van as my primary means of transportation. Since purchase, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced dangerous loss-of-power events while being driven. Immediately before the failure occurs, warning beeps sound and multiple warning lights illuminate, including Check Engine, ET... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
I am a full-time power wheelchair user with Multiple Sclerosis and rely on this 2024 Chrysler Pacifica wheelchair-accessible van as my primary means of transportation. Since purchase, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced dangerous loss-of-power events while being driven. Immediately before the failure occurs, warning beeps sound and multiple warning lights illuminate, including Check Engine, ET... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
I am a full-time power wheelchair user with Multiple Sclerosis and rely on this 2024 Chrysler Pacifica wheelchair-accessible van as my primary means of transportation. Since purchase, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced dangerous loss-of-power events while being driven. Immediately before the failure occurs, warning beeps sound and multiple warning lights illuminate, including Check Engine, ET... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
Subject: Request for Investigation / Status Update: Unresolved Safety Recall for 2023, Lincoln Aviator To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally request an update and urge an investigation into the lack of a remedy for an active safety recall on my vehicle. It has now been 10 months since the recall was officially issued, and the manufacturer has still not provided a resolution or m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
Hello, I have a 2021 Honda CR-V with 38K miles. The steering has become consistent in the way I can think to describe it as sticking then freeing up while driving. From things I’ve read, there was a recall for an issue titled “Sticky Steering,” that the description matches exactly to what I’m experiencing. This has been going on now for a few months. With just 38K on the vehicle, I wou... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
When driving, my vehicle recieved multple warning messages at the same time. The first message was that my brake was malfunctioning, and when I went to brake, the brakes did not work. Thankfully, I wasn't going too fast when this happened and I was able to bring it down to a slow and turned into a lot. I could've easily hit another vehicle or totaled my car because the brakes simply stopped work... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
When driving, my vehicle recieved multple warning messages at the same time. The first message was that my brake was malfunctioning, and when I went to brake, the brakes did not work. Thankfully, I wasn't going too fast when this happened and I was able to bring it down to a slow and turned into a lot. I could've easily hit another vehicle or totaled my car because the brakes simply stopped work... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2025) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: Mar 24, 2026
Engine seized while driving, forced to pull off road to get out of traffic.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Transmission failed before 100,000 miles. All service was complete throughout the life of the vehicle. Problems shifting to next gear causing pulling or slipping on the vehicle. If not able to accelerate properly could cause a safety concern on the road. Repairs were made costing $9,000.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE L
(2023) — VISIBILITY
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact stated that while activating the defogger, the defogger operated for a short while before deactivating and shutting off. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact received an email associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V430000 (VISIBILITY); which was like the failure listed in the recall. The dealer was contacted, and it was conf... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, and approaching a red traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the braking system became inoperable. The vehicle eventually regained braking functionality. During the failure, the regenerative braking and stability control warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was contacted; howev... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Camry, which was purchased via Facebook Marketplace. Shortly after purchase, the Check Engine warning light illuminated, leading the contact to replace the catalytic converter. Upon using a diagnostic code reader, the contact discovered that the estimated value of the vehicle was significantly less than the actual cost that was paid for the vehicle. T... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
2022 Wagoneer Series III has major alignment issues and ruining tires with the outside tire edges cupping/wearing bald due to the alignment kicking out within an hour of being aligned and driven at highway speeds. Vehicle also has a death wobble when going over 65 mph and pulls hard to the right almost causing the vehicle to go off the road or into another lane if you are not bare knuckling the st... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
2022 Wagoneer Series III has major alignment issues and ruining tires with the outside tire edges cupping/wearing bald due to the alignment kicking out within an hour of being aligned and driven at highway speeds. Vehicle also has a death wobble when going over 65 mph and pulls hard to the right almost causing the vehicle to go off the road or into another lane if you are not bare knuckling the st... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
2022 Wagoneer Series III has major alignment issues and ruining tires with the outside tire edges cupping/wearing bald due to the alignment kicking out within an hour of being aligned and driven at highway speeds. Vehicle also has a death wobble when going over 65 mph and pulls hard to the right almost causing the vehicle to go off the road or into another lane if you are not bare knuckling the st... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2026
My car was in shop for Smog inspection and failed. Mechanic told me that the most likely reason was that the engine has issues related to failing crankshaft position sensor which triggered the check engine light. He further explained that the engine with this condition will have abnormal oil consumption. My experience is that is exactly what I wondered. No smoke in the exhaust, no oil leaks under ... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2026
Gas pedal hesitation at a rolling stop. There is a delay in acceleration during occasional rolling stops at locations such as yield signs and unmarked intersections on the roadway. When this happens the driver may depress the accelerator more than should be necessary causing tire spin and traction control integration. The traction control drastically reduces speed and limits acceleration which is... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle lost braking functionality. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact referenced notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and 17V652000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the vehi... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle lost braking functionality. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact referenced notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and 17V652000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
The auto idle stop (AIS) system is not working. When it stops the car at a red light, it fails to restart the car. I have to shift back into park and restart the car. That is a potentially dangerous situation.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
-Component that has failed is the instrument panel cluster went completely blank. --This results in immediate loss of speedometer, information screen, & all warning lights. - This issue is the exact issue covered in recall #24V-652, however my VIN is not included. - There was no symptoms prior to the failure of the instrument panel. - Our 2022 Jeep wrangler unlimited is in t... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2004) — POWER TRAIN
Jun 5, 2026
Incident date: May 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle experienced reduced power and went into LIMP Mode. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle after several minutes, as per the Owner's Manual. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2026
We experienced a high whine for a couple of months. No codes were being read by any mechanics. Then the transmission started slipping between 2nd and 3rd gears, and then we couldn’t reverse. Now it’s not switching gears at all. There is a recall for our year and type of transmission, for this issue, but our vin number is not included in that recall.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Speed profiles do not allow safe operation of the vehicle. Changes in speed profiles result in unsafe behavior. Standard speed profile regularly results in speed up to 73+ in a 55mph zone being selected by the vehicle. Chill mode results in speeds of 58 when traffic is traveling at 65mph. Switching profiles from standard to chill results in a rapid deceleration within the lane leading to probl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2026
Speed profiles do not allow safe operation of the vehicle. Changes in speed profiles result in unsafe behavior. Standard speed profile regularly results in speed up to 73+ in a 55mph zone being selected by the vehicle. Chill mode results in speeds of 58 when traffic is traveling at 65mph. Switching profiles from standard to chill results in a rapid deceleration within the lane leading to probl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel suddenly became firm, causing the vehicle to pull to one side. The contact was able to continue driving until arriving to the residence, and the steering wheel became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was not... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
After a day of heavy rain, the vehicle stalled at a stop light and would not restart. The steering wheel and transmission locked, preventing the vehicle from being placed in neutral, creating a safety hazard as the vehicle was immobile in traffic. No warning lamps appeared prior to the failure. The vehicle required a tow. The dealer confirmed water had intruded through the passenger side cowl/fir... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
After a day of heavy rain, the vehicle stalled at a stop light and would not restart. The steering wheel and transmission locked, preventing the vehicle from being placed in neutral, creating a safety hazard as the vehicle was immobile in traffic. No warning lamps appeared prior to the failure. The vehicle required a tow. The dealer confirmed water had intruded through the passenger side cowl/fir... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2026
After a day of heavy rain, the vehicle stalled at a stop light and would not restart. The steering wheel and transmission locked, preventing the vehicle from being placed in neutral, creating a safety hazard as the vehicle was immobile in traffic. No warning lamps appeared prior to the failure. The vehicle required a tow. The dealer confirmed water had intruded through the passenger side cowl/fir... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2026
Transmission broke way too early.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The local dealer confirmed that parts were still unavai... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 26V123000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The local dealer confirmed that parts were still unavai... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
Steering wheel has begun to "stick" in place, extra force required to move the steering wheel. Turning the steering wheel is rarely a smooth effort. Can also hear a clicking noise from under neath the car while driving. Recently found a small oil/grease stain from underneath the vehicle in my garage. Took my vehicle to a Honda dealer, they determined that the rack and pinion steering needs to... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2026
The engine head gasket prematurely failed at 90,000 miles with excellent service / maintenance history.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
Problem - throttle lag/hesitation/lurch. Truck won't go when throttle is pressed for a couple seconds cold or hot. Mentioned the problem on my 5000 mile service. Service tech said he could not reproduce the problem but happens with my drives 95% of the time. No warning lights have appeared.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
Problem - throttle lag/hesitation/lurch. Truck won't go when throttle is pressed for a couple seconds cold or hot. Mentioned the problem on my 5000 mile service. Service tech said he could not reproduce the problem but happens with my drives 95% of the time. No warning lights have appeared.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
Transmission failure vehicle when pulling into traffic/or road while up shifting the trans would have harsh shift and would slip as if not in gear the engine would rev rpm’s and slam hard into gear usually 2nd gear through 7th gear. Sometimes while driving say going downhill the transmission would down shifting from 10th gear to 8th gear hard, sometime it would down shift on the display to first... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Carnival. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver’s side roof molding ejected from the vehicle. The contact immediately stopped the vehicle but was unable to locate the molding. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was i... Read more