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 77 of 44,908 (2,245,377 complaints)
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
I have a 2023 GMC Yukon that has been to the dealership 3 times in a weeks time, and as of today, 8/31/26 will be the fouth time. On 2 occasions, the SUV has entered Limp Mode while driving. I had the SUV towed for the first limp mode, and the dealer claimed it needed recalibration modules. I picked up the car and drove home eight miles, and the check engine light came on. I returned the next day ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image intermittently failed to operate as needed or the image was upside down. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part was not yet available. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
I was driving over the Cooper River Bridge and a loud explosion occured, almost like a loud gun shot. The entire first window of my sunroof exploded. Nothing hit it, no cars were around and it was around 9pm at night
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
It appears, that due to a production defect, the right and left rear driver and passenger side windows are permanently fogged up making it difficult to see when driving. I have seen other reports that make the same observation, , but there apparently is no safety or production recalls by Volvo. This is definitely a production and a safety issue!
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
After receiving Recall#26S28/NHTSA Rcall#26V237, I made appointment for the transmission module remedy upgrade.After getting upgrade, I didn't go a mile when it stuck in 3rd gear and wrench light came on..I took truck back to Ford garage and had to leave it there.A few days later I picked truck up and made it about 5 miles.I took it back ,as they wanted to drive it and try to get correct codes to ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2026
While driving the truck suddenly shifted into first year with the automatic transmission. This was the third time that this has happened.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
What is happening with my car are the exact symptoms of the known Mazda Recall 6824H - where the Smart Brake Support suddenly engages for no reason and when it does not need to - which has almost caused me to be rear-ended a few times. This has happened at least 7-8 times since I have owned the vehicle. Apparently, my VIN does not fall under the cars that Mazda reports for the Recall, but nonethel... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
What is happening with my car are the exact symptoms of the known Mazda Recall 6824H - where the Smart Brake Support suddenly engages for no reason and when it does not need to - which has almost caused me to be rear-ended a few times. This has happened at least 7-8 times since I have owned the vehicle. Apparently, my VIN does not fall under the cars that Mazda reports for the Recall, but nonethel... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
I drove to work just fine on May 19th, 2020, when I got off work around 3pm. I started the car and as I was about to pull out on Brightleaf BLVD in smithfield, NC my car just stopped. I contacted OnStar and they pulled many codes P02AD,P0300 x2, P0305 x 2 at 126,362 miles with 73% oil life remaining. I contacted by Mechanic and was able to have it towed to his show for him to inspect it and the e... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Recall letter received dated AUGUST 2025 advising of fire risk. To date NO PARTS AVAILABLE. UNACCEPTABLE. Recall 25S76/25V467
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
I purchased this used 2016 Buick Enclave in July 2026. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began repeatedly jerking and hesitating while driving. During occurrences, Traction Control/StabiliTrak warnings appeared and the vehicle experienced loss of power and difficulty accelerating normally. I reported the jerking/drivability problem to the selling dealer. On July 27, 2026, the selling dealer att... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
I purchased this used 2016 Buick Enclave in July 2026. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began repeatedly jerking and hesitating while driving. During occurrences, Traction Control/StabiliTrak warnings appeared and the vehicle experienced loss of power and difficulty accelerating normally. I reported the jerking/drivability problem to the selling dealer. On July 27, 2026, the selling dealer att... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
I purchased this used 2016 Buick Enclave in July 2026. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle began repeatedly jerking and hesitating while driving. During occurrences, Traction Control/StabiliTrak warnings appeared and the vehicle experienced loss of power and difficulty accelerating normally. I reported the jerking/drivability problem to the selling dealer. On July 27, 2026, the selling dealer att... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that during the initial start-up, the vehicle would sputter. The Check Engine Light illuminated. While driving at approximately 45 - 50 MPH, the vehicle displayed the message, "High Heat,' meaning that the engine was overheating. The contact had pulled over and turned on the fan, which allowed the engine to cool off. The contact put antifree... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving 79 MPH, the thermostat displayed that the engine was running hot and there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that a hose underneath the radiator was disconnected, and coolant was leaking from the hose, and the dipstic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
Vehicle: 2012 Toyota Tacoma VIN: [XXX] Toyota Special Service Campaign 20TC01 was performed on September 19, 2024, at approximately 103,417 miles. The campaign addressed the secondary air injection system, including the air injection pump and air switching valves. According to Toyota's repair records, the dealer installed an air switching valve kit, air pump repair kit, and air pump cover under ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the engine and the vehicle lost motive power and was violently shaking. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a collapsed lifter in cylinder #7. The contact was informed that the engine needed t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperative. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V438000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
After my husband replaced the 12V battery in my 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring ($90,000, fully paid off), Apple CarPlay stopped connecting via USB entirely. Android Auto and Bluetooth continued working fine on the same phone, cable, and port, proving the defect was isolated to Subaru's CarPlay system, not my device. I spent significant time and money troubleshooting this myself: multiple cables (incl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2026
After my husband replaced the 12V battery in my 2021 Subaru Ascent Touring ($90,000, fully paid off), Apple CarPlay stopped connecting via USB entirely. Android Auto and Bluetooth continued working fine on the same phone, cable, and port, proving the defect was isolated to Subaru's CarPlay system, not my device. I spent significant time and money troubleshooting this myself: multiple cables (incl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2026
Engine making a loud ticking noise. Lifters broke in the engine. No warnings, no lights. I turned on the vehicle and it started making the noises. Dealer wanted to do an engine swap. Independent service center is changing out the lifters.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
My 2016 Honda Civic has developed a steering problem in which the steering feels sticky or notchy while driving. The steering wheel does not move smoothly when making small corrections and can feel like it catches or resists movement before releasing. This is especially noticeable while driving at higher speeds and makes it more difficult to make normal, smooth steering corrections and maintain th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
Tesla on autopilot crossed over the double yellow line and hit our red jeep head on. Both vehicles were totaled and all passengers were injured.
Crash
9 injured
Incident date: Aug 30, 2026
Power sliding door on driver side cable snapped. After closing door and trying to use the door without power unable to open or close the door at all. Passengers forced to use alternate door for exit of vehicle.
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQS 580 4MATIC
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Aug 30, 2026
I would like to report 3 issues. One, happened yesterday, XXX. Driving on [XXX], in clear weather, no obstacles, no vehicles around, the vehicle engaged emergency breaking and pulled seatbelts as if there was an imminent crash. Second issue, the carpet behind rear doors is separating on both sides, preventing the rear doors from closing normally and it is catching the seatbelt prong. Third iss... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQS 580 4MATIC
(2023) - SERVICE BRAKES
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Aug 30, 2026
I would like to report 3 issues. One, happened yesterday, XXX. Driving on [XXX], in clear weather, no obstacles, no vehicles around, the vehicle engaged emergency breaking and pulled seatbelts as if there was an imminent crash. Second issue, the carpet behind rear doors is separating on both sides, preventing the rear doors from closing normally and it is catching the seatbelt prong. Third iss... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
EQS 580 4MATIC
(2023) - STRUCTURE:BODY
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Aug 30, 2026
I would like to report 3 issues. One, happened yesterday, XXX. Driving on [XXX], in clear weather, no obstacles, no vehicles around, the vehicle engaged emergency breaking and pulled seatbelts as if there was an imminent crash. Second issue, the carpet behind rear doors is separating on both sides, preventing the rear doors from closing normally and it is catching the seatbelt prong. Third iss... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
I have reported car jerks while driving as though pushing to go. Car service said never heard of something with Prologues and brushed it off. I want it documented. The safety features such as listed above do not always effectively work either.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
I have reported car jerks while driving as though pushing to go. Car service said never heard of something with Prologues and brushed it off. I want it documented. The safety features such as listed above do not always effectively work either.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2026
I have reported car jerks while driving as though pushing to go. Car service said never heard of something with Prologues and brushed it off. I want it documented. The safety features such as listed above do not always effectively work either.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The transmission failed causing the car to sputter and stop. My daughter was driving the car at the time and it died while she was waiting for a light to turn green at a major intersection. She had to wait for my husband to come assist her. We had it towed to McCree Ford in Dickinson, TX. They indicated it was the transmission and it would need to be replaced. No indication of any issues prio... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); the vehicle was inspected, and the engine oil was replaced with a higher viscosity oil. The contact stated that later while operating the vehicle, the engine was knocking, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The cont... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
purge pump failing confirmed at dealership this part has been recalled on same truck but not specifically this vin . I was told I need to report it to you guys so that it could ge added.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
On my 2021 Porsche Cayenne Base, which is equipped with the 3.0L V6 EA839 engine, I brought the vehicle to the dealership for a recall service. During inspection, the dealership found a leaking water pump and quoted $8,500 for repairs. There were no visible signs of a coolant leak on the ground, indicating an internal seal failure. My independent technician confirmed that coolant is leaking inter... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
On my 2021 Porsche Cayenne Base, which is equipped with the 3.0L V6 EA839 engine, I brought the vehicle to the dealership for a recall service. During inspection, the dealership found a leaking water pump and quoted $8,500 for repairs. There were no visible signs of a coolant leak on the ground, indicating an internal seal failure. My independent technician confirmed that coolant is leaking inter... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
The contact’s son owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the vehicle was repaired. A day or two after the recall repair was completed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was returned to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel tank could expand a... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact had experienced several catastrophic failures with the engine and transmission. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning, and lost power. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for an engine replacement. On another occasion while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning and the wheels locked up. T... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - ENGINE
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact had experienced several catastrophic failures with the engine and transmission. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning, and lost power. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for an engine replacement. On another occasion while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning and the wheels locked up. T... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2012) - SERVICE BRAKES
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Aug 16, 2026
This vehicle was subject to NHTSA Recall Number 19V003 involving failure of rear wheel speed sensors. The recall was completed by a dealer in April 2022 at 70,466 miles. At just under 90,000 miles in August 2026 a failure was indicated for the right rear wheel speed sensor. Error code C003A indicated on OBD-II scanner. This failure triggered ABS, ASR/ABS and EPS warning lights for functions includ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
I am the owner of a 2017 Cadillac Escalade and am reporting premature and widespread deterioration of the factory exterior paint/clear coat. The condition is present over large areas of the roof and hood and is not limited to normal isolated scratches or rock chips. The finish has developed extensive hazing/cloudiness and a severe pattern of surface deterioration that is particularly visible in di... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Aug 21, 2026
My 2022 GMC Sierra started hesitating two weeks ago between the speeds of 17-35 mph. It also hesitates going downhill. When I try to accelerate it hesitates causing a serious safety issue for me driving. I cant trust to move when I need to move across a busy intersection with semi tractor trailers coming at me. I can trust it to tow or haul anything anymore. This is well known and documente... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2022) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 31, 2026
Incident date: Aug 21, 2026
My 2022 GMC Sierra started hesitating two weeks ago between the speeds of 17-35 mph. It also hesitates going downhill. When I try to accelerate it hesitates causing a serious safety issue for me driving. I cant trust to move when I need to move across a busy intersection with semi tractor trailers coming at me. I can trust it to tow or haul anything anymore. This is well known and documente... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2026
Rear differential failed, internal gears compromised. Noticed problem when going into gear. Vehicle no longer is able to go in gear and will shut off engine. No indication lights prior to failure. Vehicle showed drivetrain error as soon as it had failed. Vehicle was in main road when failure occurred, placing vehicle at risk. Upon BMW technician inspection, there were no leaks, fluid was clean b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
i HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2011 AND BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY OR SOMETIMES STAYING ON DURING TRIP WHETHER A PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT OR NOT. HAD TO INSTALL A NEW MOTOR IN 2025 DUE TO ANTIFREEZE OVERFLOWING INTO ENGINE COMPONENTS APPARENTLY AFTER OVERHEATING EVEN THOUGH GAUGE ON DASH NEVER INDICATED ISSUE. SQUEEKING SOUND WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
i HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2011 AND BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY OR SOMETIMES STAYING ON DURING TRIP WHETHER A PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT OR NOT. HAD TO INSTALL A NEW MOTOR IN 2025 DUE TO ANTIFREEZE OVERFLOWING INTO ENGINE COMPONENTS APPARENTLY AFTER OVERHEATING EVEN THOUGH GAUGE ON DASH NEVER INDICATED ISSUE. SQUEEKING SOUND WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
i HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2011 AND BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY OR SOMETIMES STAYING ON DURING TRIP WHETHER A PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT OR NOT. HAD TO INSTALL A NEW MOTOR IN 2025 DUE TO ANTIFREEZE OVERFLOWING INTO ENGINE COMPONENTS APPARENTLY AFTER OVERHEATING EVEN THOUGH GAUGE ON DASH NEVER INDICATED ISSUE. SQUEEKING SOUND WHEN PUTTING VEHICLE IN... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2026
Cold-Start Hesitation & Rough Shifting: Following the 9C2 ECU update, my vehicle is experiencing a brief period of throttle hesitation, rough shifting, or jerky transmission behavior specifically during cold-start operations.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2026
Cold-Start Hesitation & Rough Shifting: Following the 9C2 ECU update, my vehicle is experiencing a brief period of throttle hesitation, rough shifting, or jerky transmission behavior specifically during cold-start operations.