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 53 of 44,303 (2,215,138 complaints)
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Seat occupancy sensor failed for the second time. The car will randomly shut off if I am inside because it does not detect a passenger. When I exit the vehicle, the car will stay on for an extended period of time due to failed seat occupancy sensor. This is a widespread issue affecting all makes and models of Tesla. They are aware of the high rate of failure and have not made any attempt to issue ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Seat occupancy sensor failed for the second time. The car will randomly shut off if I am inside because it does not detect a passenger. When I exit the vehicle, the car will stay on for an extended period of time due to failed seat occupancy sensor. This is a widespread issue affecting all makes and models of Tesla. They are aware of the high rate of failure and have not made any attempt to issue ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The Pre-Collision Assist false-triggers on turns daily, flashing the red collision warning and actively applying autonomous emergency braking without any obstruction present. This phantom braking is a severe safety hazard. The vehicle has been serviced before for this issue - and is going back to the shop next week (for the same issue).
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The Pre-Collision Assist false-triggers on turns daily, flashing the red collision warning and actively applying autonomous emergency braking without any obstruction present. This phantom braking is a severe safety hazard. The vehicle has been serviced before for this issue - and is going back to the shop next week (for the same issue).
Incident date: Apr 3, 2026
My cars had a clunking type noise coming from the front left of vehicle, sounds happens on both left and right turns, and sometimes the steering wheel STICKS. Making a knocking sound and sometimes feels difficult to turn the wheel. I had to have the steering gearbox assembly replaced at cost of over $3015 before taxes.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
2021 Subaru Forester The vehicle has experienced recurring electrical and battery-related issues for several years. The original battery was replaced by the Subaru dealer with a larger-capacity battery because of repeated starting concerns. The replacement provided only temporary improvement. The vehicle continues to experience rough starting on a regular basis, even after installation of a newe... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) — AIR BAGS
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 29, 2026
Air bag light was on , took to dealership because this was absolutely a safety hazard! The left front crash sensor is defective.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2026) — STEERING
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The car engine stopped on the highway while driving. Wouldn’t turn back on all of my four children were on the car.
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2026) — ENGINE
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 21, 2026
The car engine stopped on the highway while driving. Wouldn’t turn back on all of my four children were on the car.
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2025) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 28, 2026
On Thursday, May28 I was driving my 2025 Ford Mach-2 on Schrock Rd. in Columbus, Ohio at approximately 3:30 PM when the hood (the "frunk") of the car unexpectedly unlatched and opened, flying up to a vertical position and obscuring my view of traffic. I was driving in the left lane of this road at 40-45 mph. My view of the road was immediately obstructed, but I was able to crouch sufficiently to s... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2025) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: May 28, 2026
On Thursday, May28 I was driving my 2025 Ford Mach-2 on Schrock Rd. in Columbus, Ohio at approximately 3:30 PM when the hood (the "frunk") of the car unexpectedly unlatched and opened, flying up to a vertical position and obscuring my view of traffic. I was driving in the left lane of this road at 40-45 mph. My view of the road was immediately obstructed, but I was able to crouch sufficiently to s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
2011 Tacoma, 4x4. Leaf spring is broken on the passenger side. 130,000 miles. According to Toyota my vin is not included under recall 14V-604. I do believe this is either an error or deliberate oversight to avoid responsibility. Manufacturer date 05/11 so according to the recall notice it falls within the date range but not the effected Vins.
Incident date: May 10, 2026
-Complete steering and suspension failure occurred while driving on highway. Vehicle is currently sitting at Ford dealer. - The safety of all passengers was put at risk and nearly caused a fatal accident. -Dealer and another shop are saying it was lower control arm and bushing failure. They are unclear on path forward for repairs and it seems like something bigger is going on they do not want ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2026
-Complete steering and suspension failure occurred while driving on highway. Vehicle is currently sitting at Ford dealer. - The safety of all passengers was put at risk and nearly caused a fatal accident. -Dealer and another shop are saying it was lower control arm and bushing failure. They are unclear on path forward for repairs and it seems like something bigger is going on they do not want ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The driver side Keyless door entry pillar has come off on the highway and hit something. The keyless door entry panel came off in 2023 and Koons Ford of Annapolis charged me $ 523.00 to fix the panel. The panel has a small clip and double stick tape. Sorry, double stick tape is not going to hold up to weather variations throughout the year, wind speed and age. Terrible and dangerous desi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The driver side Keyless door entry pillar has come off on the highway and hit something. The keyless door entry panel came off in 2023 and Koons Ford of Annapolis charged me $ 523.00 to fix the panel. The panel has a small clip and double stick tape. Sorry, double stick tape is not going to hold up to weather variations throughout the year, wind speed and age. Terrible and dangerous desi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
The driver side Keyless door entry pillar has come off on the highway and hit something. The keyless door entry panel came off in 2023 and Koons Ford of Annapolis charged me $ 523.00 to fix the panel. The panel has a small clip and double stick tape. Sorry, double stick tape is not going to hold up to weather variations throughout the year, wind speed and age. Terrible and dangerous desi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V236000(Service Brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and an appointment was made to have the vehicle serviced. Once the contact arrived for the appointment, he was informed that parts were not yet available ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 25v695000 and (Back over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
The contact own a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated while at an stop the contact herd a a snapping coming the vehicle and the vehicle failed to ilthe contact stated that the headlights and both turn signals were inoperable and failed to to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 20 MPH, with the contact in the front passenger's seat, and the contact's sister and minor son in the rear seats, the contact heard an abnormal loud banging sound noticed that the rear window had shattered. The glass fell inside and otside the vehicle. The contact was occupying the front passenger'... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
1.5 L eco boost engine FORD- COOLANT INTRUSION, cylinder 3 misfire, check engine light at 59,800 miles - known defect by Ford- needs new engine. Some models recalled but not this one (?? Why??). Cannot safely drive this vehicle. Problem diagnosed by dealer[ as well as by independent garage] and dealer acknowledged a recall should be done but they cannot help except to replace the engine at my e... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2026
1.5 L eco boost engine FORD- COOLANT INTRUSION, cylinder 3 misfire, check engine light at 59,800 miles - known defect by Ford- needs new engine. Some models recalled but not this one (?? Why??). Cannot safely drive this vehicle. Problem diagnosed by dealer[ as well as by independent garage] and dealer acknowledged a recall should be done but they cannot help except to replace the engine at my e... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2026
2017 Ford Escape with 2.0 liter turbocharged engine. At 66,000 miles, car hesitated when moving from stop position. Dealer stated it needed a turbocharger replacement. $3,000 to replace with car just 6,000 miles over warranty. Notified Ford about this problem, not a word back. At 91,000 miles, check engine light came on. Ford dealer diagnosed and stated coolant entering into cylinder #2. Dealer st... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving, depressed the brakes, brake pedal became stiff and had to apply extra force to apply the brakes. The issue occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it bent brake pedal and the bracket was bent. The vehicle was not repaired at the time of the report. The manufacturer was notified of the issue... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
31 May 2026 (AM) Operating vehicle north on MD Rte 147 traveling appr. 45 MPH when vehicle started experiencing uncontrolled electrical activation of features e.g., heat, air, radio, main display. This proceed a shuddering in the drive train like one would experience with a transmission issue. Then, without warning, while at full speed, there was a complete loss of engine power i.e., it turned off... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2026
31 May 2026 (AM) Operating vehicle north on MD Rte 147 traveling appr. 45 MPH when vehicle started experiencing uncontrolled electrical activation of features e.g., heat, air, radio, main display. This proceed a shuddering in the drive train like one would experience with a transmission issue. Then, without warning, while at full speed, there was a complete loss of engine power i.e., it turned off... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that the engine experienced rough idling after starting with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs and coil pack; however, the failure recurred with the vehicle shuddering while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine nee... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
, I had MY Honda dealership replace my touchscreen and head unit due to issues with ghost touches and apps switching back and forth. Once I got my car back, which took two weeks, the problems seemed to be resolved. However, after a few weeks, the ghost touches started happening again, about once a week. I was planning to live with that, given the amount of time they had my car. Now, fast forward... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2025
, I had MY Honda dealership replace my touchscreen and head unit due to issues with ghost touches and apps switching back and forth. Once I got my car back, which took two weeks, the problems seemed to be resolved. However, after a few weeks, the ghost touches started happening again, about once a week. I was planning to live with that, given the amount of time they had my car. Now, fast forward... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Steering "sticky". Intermittently steering feels stuck, resistant to during turns requiring extra force on steering wheel to break free both in low speed maneuvering and at highway speeds. Sticky steering associated by a soft clicking noise. Jim Coleman Honda of Clarksville MD checked the vehicle and confirmed the sticky steering and associated clicking noise. Their remedy to the sticky steering ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2026
Steering "sticky". Intermittently steering feels stuck, resistant to during turns requiring extra force on steering wheel to break free both in low speed maneuvering and at highway speeds. Sticky steering associated by a soft clicking noise. Jim Coleman Honda of Clarksville MD checked the vehicle and confirmed the sticky steering and associated clicking noise. Their remedy to the sticky steering ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that he had initially noticed that the vehicle's A/C unit had failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where they discovered a defect with the main wiring harness. The contact then called an independent mechanic and was informed that there may be recall on the vehicle for the wiring harness. The contact inquired w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that he had initially noticed that the vehicle's A/C unit had failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where they discovered a defect with the main wiring harness. The contact then called an independent mechanic and was informed that there may be recall on the vehicle for the wiring harness. The contact inquired w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2026
My engine failed as I was driving down the highway at high speed. I was thankfully able to move over lanes and park safely on side of the rode before it came to a complete stop. It never turned back on. Lexus had to send a tow truck to pick it up and has been @ Dealership in Lubbock tx since 3/9/26
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
The One Pedal Drive function (regenerative braking) intermittently deactivates without warning after startup. This issue has occurred multiple times under normal driving conditions. When the accelerator is released, expected deceleration does not occur, resulting in reduced braking response. No warning indicates that the system has disengaged, and it appears to deactivate without any driver input... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) — SEATS
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 25V668000 (Seats). The contact contacted the dealer and was informed that the remedy parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the recall remedy was unavailable and was unable to advise whether the second-row seats were safe or operable f... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that distorted image would appear on rear view camera every time contact would go in reverse with his vehicle. The contact stated that distortion on camera started happening today, 06/03/2026. Contact stated they contacted dealer but has not contacted manufacturer. The vehicle failure damage regarding rear view camera distortion was 90,686... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact recieved notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while waiting for a community get to open, and the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal floored and the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was carefully taken to the residence via back roads and parked. The vehicle was then taken t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2026 Ram 1500. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel powered off and would not illuminated critcal safety information. No warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to no recall was associated with the VIN. Upon further investigation, the contact rela... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2026
I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigate a potential defect affecting 2017 Nissan Rogue vehicles involving the sunroof drainage system. My vehicle has experienced repeated issues with the sunroof drain becoming clogged, which causes water to leak into the interior of the vehicle. When the drainage system becomes blocked, water enters the cabin an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Dart. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V674000 (Power Train); however, the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the remedy to be available. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the remedy was not available. The contact stated that while in Park,... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
The entertainment system is dangerous and actively so. The system pushes pop up advertisements for sirius xm among other distracting features that require taking attention away from the roadway to dismiss
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQB 300 4MATIC
(2022) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 3, 2026
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB 300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 26V073000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however 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 manufa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
My 2018 Malibu is stalling, it is covered under Recall N192221960, and the dealer is refusing to properly scan or fix the issue. They did the recall and the car is still doing the same thing but worse.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
My 2018 Malibu is stalling, it is covered under Recall N192221960, and the dealer is refusing to properly scan or fix the issue. They did the recall and the car is still doing the same thing but worse.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2026
My 2018 Malibu is stalling, it is covered under Recall N192221960, and the dealer is refusing to properly scan or fix the issue. They did the recall and the car is still doing the same thing but worse.