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 96 of 44,908 (2,245,377 complaints)
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2021) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 4, 2026
While the vehicle was being operated normally, it caught fire. We were driving on a summer day in August. Conditions were humid, with temperatures in the mid-80s. The vehicle was on the return leg of an approximately 30-mile drive. Traffic was somewhat heavy, with speeds generally below 20 mph and occasional stops. We first noticed a slight burning smell, followed shortly afterward by a distinct ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while the mother was driving, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was later diagnosed by an independent mechanic, who discovered metal shavings in the engine oil pan and informed the contact that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
While I was driving on I-75 in Cincinnati OH my vehicle suddenly lost all power with no advanced warning. My car was working fine on the way to work and even when I began my commute home but then suddenly every light on my dash illuminated, my steering wheel became almost impossible to steer and the car stalled. I was on a bridge overpass with little shoulder and I had to call 911 to get a ODOT t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
Coolant intrusion the engine is ruined by a design flaw
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that while attempting to exit the vehicle, the front driver's door became inoperable. The window and door actuator failed to function during the failure, requiring the contact to repeatedly pull the door handle and engage the actuator to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that a piece of plastic near the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2026
At approximately 67,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a sudden vibration when accelerate and decelerate. Engine light was on and vehicle had a hard time to maintain speed above 40mph. Cars were honking behind us due to the lack of speed on road. It happen all of a sudden and cause me and my wife panic at first. The car was took to the closest dealer ([XXX] Hyundai [XXX]) and they found the proble... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
Since I purchased my 2022 Cadillac XT5 which was on 5-9-26, I have had issues with the performance of the transmission. Every time I slow down, the car down shifts very abruptly and roughly until the car comes to a complete stop. I also experience rough gear shifts when accelerating as well. This vehicle should have a smooth transition through gears not harsh and rough especially in a luxury vehic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
I had a new windshield installed by a official Tesla Service Center that has a large distorted area in the center of the windshield. I complained about the large distortion and I was told that all the of stocked parts for my car are affected by the issue and they don't have any estimates or information that the items in stock will be replaced or updated. I am attaching a video of the distortion th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driveshaft detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V038000 (Power Train) however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle pinion n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2026
The car has stalled numerous times on the roadway while driving. The issue has been identified as an oil consumption issue. There was no low pressure warning light or other warning indicating that there is an oil pressure issue or any other early warning of an engine stall. The dealer has indicated that a complete engine replacement is required to correct the problem. Based upon research, there... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
I purchased a new 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 from the John Heister Dodge Ram dealership, in [XXX] on XXX. The following day, I day i was notified of an open safety recall (NHTSA 26V-531) affecting the vehicle's rear visibility/backup camera system, which under certain conditions may fail to display the rearview image during a backing event. I later confirmed that this recall was posted on XX... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
I purchased a new 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel Crew Cab 4x4 from the John Heister Dodge Ram dealership, in [XXX] on XXX. The following day, I day i was notified of an open safety recall (NHTSA 26V-531) affecting the vehicle's rear visibility/backup camera system, which under certain conditions may fail to display the rearview image during a backing event. I later confirmed that this recall was posted on XX... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2026
The contact owned a 2024 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to the floor with no resistance. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle independently accelerated and rear-ended another vehicle, resulting in a multi-vehicle crash. ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
When traveling home from work 8/27/26, my cruise control shut off and my car immediately went into “limp” mode. This almost caused me to get into an accident with a tractor trailer, in which, I may not have survived. Immediately pulled over and tried to find out what had caused this and how to get it fixed. Nothing worked to get it out of “limp” mode. There were no warning lights or messag... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
When traveling home from work 8/27/26, my cruise control shut off and my car immediately went into “limp” mode. This almost caused me to get into an accident with a tractor trailer, in which, I may not have survived. Immediately pulled over and tried to find out what had caused this and how to get it fixed. Nothing worked to get it out of “limp” mode. There were no warning lights or messag... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
When traveling home from work 8/27/26, my cruise control shut off and my car immediately went into “limp” mode. This almost caused me to get into an accident with a tractor trailer, in which, I may not have survived. Immediately pulled over and tried to find out what had caused this and how to get it fixed. Nothing worked to get it out of “limp” mode. There were no warning lights or messag... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
While my own 2026 Volvo EX90 was in for warranty repair (air conditioning compressor failure, believed related to a recent over-the-air software update), the dealership provided me with a loaner vehicle that exhibits its own intermittent climate control malfunction: the air conditioning shuts off completely when the vehicle comes to a stop and resumes when the vehicle is put back in motion. This o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
While my own 2026 Volvo EX90 was in for warranty repair (air conditioning compressor failure, believed related to a recent over-the-air software update), the dealership provided me with a loaner vehicle that exhibits its own intermittent climate control malfunction: the air conditioning shuts off completely when the vehicle comes to a stop and resumes when the vehicle is put back in motion. This o... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2024) - ENGINE
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
I own a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan with approximately 72,441 miles. While traveling on the interstate, the vehicle displayed a “Check Oil Level” warning. I stopped and checked the engine oil dipstick, which came out completely dry. The vehicle’s previous oil change had been performed by Walmart, and the service sticker stated that the next oil change was due at 72,240 miles, meaning I was only ... Read more
AMERICA EV
MOKEE
(2026) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Issues Discovered After Delivery from Prime Golf Cars - Florida - 561-383-1435 The vehicle was delivered at approximately 6:30 AM on May 24, 2026. Upon further inspection later that day and shortly thereafter, multiple defects and concerns were discovered. Cosmetic Defects Rust and paint damage on the hood/body. Exposed metal showing signs of rust. Tears/cuts in multiple seats. Operational Defect... Read more
AMERICA EV
MOKEE
(2026) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Issues Discovered After Delivery from Prime Golf Cars - Florida - 561-383-1435 The vehicle was delivered at approximately 6:30 AM on May 24, 2026. Upon further inspection later that day and shortly thereafter, multiple defects and concerns were discovered. Cosmetic Defects Rust and paint damage on the hood/body. Exposed metal showing signs of rust. Tears/cuts in multiple seats. Operational Defect... Read more
AMERICA EV
MOKEE
(2026) - SEATS
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 17, 2026
Issues Discovered After Delivery from Prime Golf Cars - Florida - 561-383-1435 The vehicle was delivered at approximately 6:30 AM on May 24, 2026. Upon further inspection later that day and shortly thereafter, multiple defects and concerns were discovered. Cosmetic Defects Rust and paint damage on the hood/body. Exposed metal showing signs of rust. Tears/cuts in multiple seats. Operational Defect... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
COMPONENT THAT FAILED & AVAILABILITY: The vehicle's primary electrical architecture and data communications network (CAN bus) failed during a safety recall service for the SRS ECU and rearview camera. After attempting to complete the recall work, the vehicle is no longer able to start. SAFETY RISK: The manufacturer's federally mandated safety recall remedy compromised the vehicle's critical safet... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
COMPONENT THAT FAILED & AVAILABILITY: The vehicle's primary electrical architecture and data communications network (CAN bus) failed during a safety recall service for the SRS ECU and rearview camera. After attempting to complete the recall work, the vehicle is no longer able to start. SAFETY RISK: The manufacturer's federally mandated safety recall remedy compromised the vehicle's critical safet... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2026
COMPONENT THAT FAILED & AVAILABILITY: The vehicle's primary electrical architecture and data communications network (CAN bus) failed during a safety recall service for the SRS ECU and rearview camera. After attempting to complete the recall work, the vehicle is no longer able to start. SAFETY RISK: The manufacturer's federally mandated safety recall remedy compromised the vehicle's critical safet... Read more
TOYOTA
GRAND HIGHLANDER
(2024) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 22, 2026
I currently own a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander with the 2.4L turbo engine, which I purchased in July 2023. I have been experiencing a strong gasoline/fuel smell coming from the vehicle. I took the vehicle to Fox Toyota in El Paso for inspection. According to the dealership, the smell was caused by the gasoline I was using and they stated that the fuel contained too much ethanol. However, the gaso... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Edge. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the center console display overheated, causing the cabin temperature to become extremely hot. The air conditioning could not be operated due to the center console display being inoperable. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the center console display wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
I recently purchased a used MINI Cooper with incomplete NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-337 involving the Footwell Control Module (FRM). The previous owner did not complete the recall remedy. The vehicle's turn signals and brake lights are currently inoperative. The FRM controls various vehicle lighting functions and is the component involved in Recall 23V-337. Because I purchased the vehicle with these ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
I recently purchased a used MINI Cooper with incomplete NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-337 involving the Footwell Control Module (FRM). The previous owner did not complete the recall remedy. The vehicle's turn signals and brake lights are currently inoperative. The FRM controls various vehicle lighting functions and is the component involved in Recall 23V-337. Because I purchased the vehicle with these ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2026
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, jerked, and felt as though it was about to stall before resuming normal operation. The failure occurred more frequently while making left or right turns. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission fa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 3500. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle brand new and filling the fuel tank on December 3, 2025, the DEF depth gauge failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the module was reprogrammed and the physical gauge was replaced. However, the contact obtained internal service notes revealing that the urea pump, the DEF tank, the urea tank wir... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 3500. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle brand new and filling the fuel tank on December 3, 2025, the DEF depth gauge failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the module was reprogrammed and the physical gauge was replaced. However, the contact obtained internal service notes revealing that the urea pump, the DEF tank, the urea tank wir... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 3500. The contact stated that shortly after purchasing the vehicle brand new and filling the fuel tank on December 3, 2025, the DEF depth gauge failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the module was reprogrammed and the physical gauge was replaced. However, the contact obtained internal service notes revealing that the urea pump, the DEF tank, the urea tank wir... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2026) - SERVICE BRAKES
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
On XXX, my Chevrolet Silverado experienced a sudden, severe loss of normal braking shortly after I dropped my child off at school. When I attempted to stop at a stop sign, the vehicle would not stop normally. The brake pedal remained firm, but braking effectiveness was drastically reduced and required extreme force. The dashboard simultaneously displayed multiple warnings involving the brake/ABS s... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2026) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
On XXX, my Chevrolet Silverado experienced a sudden, severe loss of normal braking shortly after I dropped my child off at school. When I attempted to stop at a stop sign, the vehicle would not stop normally. The brake pedal remained firm, but braking effectiveness was drastically reduced and required extreme force. The dashboard simultaneously displayed multiple warnings involving the brake/ABS s... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2026) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
On XXX, my Chevrolet Silverado experienced a sudden, severe loss of normal braking shortly after I dropped my child off at school. When I attempted to stop at a stop sign, the vehicle would not stop normally. The brake pedal remained firm, but braking effectiveness was drastically reduced and required extreme force. The dashboard simultaneously displayed multiple warnings involving the brake/ABS s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2026
the water pump failed on my 2020 Audi SQ 8 at approximately 42K miles. before diagnosis the engine temperate gauge repeatedly fluctuated while driving. An Audi specialist shop diagnosed the issue as a failed water pump. A failure at this mileage is premature and presents a safety concern as this could result in a catastrophic engine failure. I am requesting that NTHSA evaluate whether similar ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
Emergency parking brake came on and would not turn off even when I tried to do a reset. We had to have the truck towed.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
Emergency parking brake came on and would not turn off even when I tried to do a reset. We had to have the truck towed.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
VEHICLE: 2025 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX]) KIA CORPORATE CASE #: XXX SAFETY DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The central ccNC infotainment display screen suffers from recurring, thermal-induced flickering and complete blackouts while driving and parking. When the screen blackouts, the FMVSS 111 federally mandated Backup Camera, navigation, and critical vehicle safety displays are completely lost, posing an immedi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
VEHICLE: 2025 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX]) KIA CORPORATE CASE #: XXX SAFETY DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The central ccNC infotainment display screen suffers from recurring, thermal-induced flickering and complete blackouts while driving and parking. When the screen blackouts, the FMVSS 111 federally mandated Backup Camera, navigation, and critical vehicle safety displays are completely lost, posing an immedi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
VEHICLE: 2025 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX]) KIA CORPORATE CASE #: XXX SAFETY DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The central ccNC infotainment display screen suffers from recurring, thermal-induced flickering and complete blackouts while driving and parking. When the screen blackouts, the FMVSS 111 federally mandated Backup Camera, navigation, and critical vehicle safety displays are completely lost, posing an immedi... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
A 220
(2019) - LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front driver's door failed to latch as intended. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V481000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the part to perform the recal... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Jul 16, 2024
Rear wheel lock up. Very unsafe. I am on my 3rd valve body for my transmission. GM doesn’t want to replace transmission but will warranty for 150k miles. I bumped a semi during one of my lock ups.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2026
Transmission, temporally could be available but to replace it there is a $1500 core charge The transmission catastrophically failed, which lead to the rear wheels to lock up while driving, putting me and others at risk, had i been going faster when it did lock up No the problem has not been reproduced by a independent service center as i am going to replace the transmission myself I have inspected... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
10 speed cvt transmission. Truck was struggling with 1-3 shift, reving, hesitating, and then jumping. Hard shifts, and clunking. Took it to transmission shop got valve body replacement... less than a week later transmission could not hold 10th at highway speed kept down shifting to 9 and then going back to 10 again and again. After 15 min the display showed it in NO GEAR then 1st GEAR at highway s... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2023) - AIR BAGS
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
Airbag warning light is ON. Dealer states that this is caused by the wire harness under the seat getting caught when seat moves and breaks the wire continuity. Dealer states that several of these incidents have been observed in many vehicles as the harness design is prone to being trapped in the seat movement mechanism. Dealer states that the passenger side Airbag will NOT deploy if harness not re... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2025) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Vehicle demonstrates an intermittent lag during acceleration, particularly during throttle position changes. Typical throttle response is appx 0.5s as measured by stopwatch. When the issue is replicated the delay can exceed 1 second. This is most concerning during situations where moderate to brisk acceleration is needed at a specific time such as turning across traffic at an intersection or me... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Vehicle demonstrates an intermittent lag during acceleration, particularly during throttle position changes. Typical throttle response is appx 0.5s as measured by stopwatch. When the issue is replicated the delay can exceed 1 second. This is most concerning during situations where moderate to brisk acceleration is needed at a specific time such as turning across traffic at an intersection or me... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2025) - POWER TRAIN
Aug 28, 2026
Incident date: May 6, 2026
Vehicle demonstrates an intermittent lag during acceleration, particularly during throttle position changes. Typical throttle response is appx 0.5s as measured by stopwatch. When the issue is replicated the delay can exceed 1 second. This is most concerning during situations where moderate to brisk acceleration is needed at a specific time such as turning across traffic at an intersection or me... Read more