2012 CHEVROLET Corvette Problems

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

23 complaints

Recently purchase used car. Very strong a gas smell/fumes in garage whenever fuel is pumped more than 1/2 tank. Concerned over fire or explosion hazard.

Nov 24, 2024

Smelling gas fumes when parked. There were no other indicators of an issue. I took car to dealership, turns out there is a flaw with the fuel system, causing a leak at the top of the tank. Fuel was leaking through a valve and into the inside of the car frame. This issue should be a recall. The dealer would not let me leave with the vehicle due to the severity of the leak/fumes and fear of combustion! This was addressed as TSB Special Coverage Adjustment 15682 Primary Tank Module Flange Fuel and Vapor Leaks. However, my car was out of warranty/out of the range of the TSB, and I had to pay full price for the repair ($3,000 USD). This is a well documented issue on multiple corvette forums including this one: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Apr 30, 2024

Fuel smell coming from gas cap area replaced the gas cap twice. Continue to have strong fuel smells in garage where car is kept. Started about one month ago.

Jan 13, 2024

Strong gas smell after filling gas tank. This is a known issue on these cars and although it can develop at any time they only warranty the problem for 10 years. This creates a fire hazard. The attached service bulletin was just released by GM today: Special Coverage Adjustment 15682 Primary Tank Module Flange Fuel and Vapor Leaks Reference Number: N150682 Release Date: July 2016 Condition Some 2007 to 2009 model year Cadillac XLR and 2007 to 2013 model year Chevrolet Corvette vehicles may have a condition where a fuel odor is detected, fuel droplets appear below the left-hand fuel tank with fuel gauge level above 1/2, or a malfunction indicator lamp illuminates due to a leak path in the left-hand fuel pump module flange. Special Coverage Adjustment This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after July 25, 2016, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to July 25, 2016, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider. Correction Dealers are to replace the left hand fuel tank fuel pump module. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.

Nov 17, 2023

Purchased my 2012 Corvette Grand Sport used on 06/08/2023 and the first night parked in my garage noticed a seriously strong fuel smell. Have run down to half tank and parked it again and still have the strong smell. Dropped off at my local Chevrolet dealer for inspection. Research shows this is a common issue with this model year. Chevrolet has issued service bulletin15682 for this apparent issue. Mileage is only 66k but the bulletin has a year cap of 10 years from in service date. I am searching for information as to if this has been revised and if my vehicle is still covered.

Jun 08, 2023

+ 18 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

9 complaints

Airbag light intermittently comes on and goes off whilst driving. Per GM, they will not say whether the airbag will or will NOT deploy while the light is on. There is a TSB for the issue, but it only last 10 years past the in-service date. When safety is affected, there should be no limit on time to have remedied.

Jun 18, 2022

Get a intermittent red air bag light on the dash when driving. Not sure if air bag system is working properly. Would affect safety if the air bag malfunctions. Not inspected by anyone, car is for sale.

Oct 04, 2021

The air bag warning light comes on and off at various times. Sometimes it stays on and other times it goes out after a while. If i shut the car off and wait a few then when restarted it goes out Sometimes it stays off other times it comes back on. This appears to be a common problem on this generation Corvette from what I have been reading

May 26, 2021

THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH COMES ON FOR THE DRIVER SIDE FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT WHEN THE LIGHT IS ON, THE AIR BAG IS NON-FUNCTIONAL. SOMETIMES, IF I ADJUST THE SEAT FORWARD, BACKWARD, UP, AND DOWN, THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF, BUT NO ALWAYS. I'VE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE REPAIR COST $120 AND THE PROBLEM IS NOT RESOLVED.

Aug 10, 2020

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. FOUND OUT THRU RESEARCH ON THE CORVETTE FORUM AND TALKING TO CHEVY DEALERSHIPS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM.USUALLY FIXED BY UNPLUGGING AND CLEANING OR TIE WRAPPING THE CONNECTOR UNDER THE SEATS.WHICH USUALLY KEEPS THE LIGHT OUT TEMPORARILY. BUT IT COMES BACK ON EVENTUALLY AND DISABLES THE AIRBAG SO IT WON'T WORK IN A CRASH. GM NEEDS TO FIX THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM.(DIFFERENT TYPE CONNECTOR MAYBE)I BELIEVE IT EFFECTS CARS FROM 2005-2013.I FOR ONE DON'T WANT TO LOSE MY LIFE BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T WANT TO INVEST IN A COUPLE DOLLAR CONNECTOR.DO YOU??

Dec 27, 2015

+ 4 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle out of storage and starting the vehicle, he noticed that the active handling and traction control error messages were displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 15,800.

Mar 24, 2022

I WAS IN MY GARAGE, I OPENED THE DRIVER DOOR SAT DOWN AND SECURED THE SEAT BELT. I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR BY STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PRESSING THE START BUTTON BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT TURN OVER. I MADE A SECOND AND THIRD ATTEMPT TO START THE ENGINE TO NO AVAIL. THEN, I ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE CAR BUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. HAVING NOT OPENED THE WINDOWS, I WAS LOST AS HOW TO GET OUT OF MY CAR. I MADE ONE MORE ATTEMPT TO START THE ENGINE BUT COULD NOT. IN FACT MY INSTRUMENTS WERE DEAD. AS I WAS WITHOUT MY CELL PHONE, I SAT PERPLEXED AT MY PREDICAMENT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. I OPERATED THE DRIVE WINDOW DOWN BUTTON BUT NOTHING HAPPEN. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I TRIED THE DRIVER DOOR WINDOW AGAIN AND THE WINDOW OPENED ABOUT INCH. I REPEATED THE PROCESS FOR 10 OR SO MINUTES UNTIL THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS COMPLETELY DOWN. AT THIS JUNCTURE, I WAS ABLE TO CLIMB OUT OF THE DRIVER'S WINDOW TO SAFETY. I THEN REACHED INTO THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO RELEASE THE CAR'S HOOD. I DID NOT FIND ANY VISIBLE LOSE CONNECTION. THE BATTERY CONNECTIONS WERE CORRODED. I CLEAN THE POST TERMINALS AND THE CABLE CLAMS. HAVING DONE SO I ATTEMPTED TO ENTER THE CAR BUT THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN. I HAVE PURCHASED A NEW AC DELCO BATTERY AND ALL IS WELL. MY ISSUES ARE 1. I HAD NO INDICATION PRIOR TO THE EVENT THAT MY CORVETTE INSTRUMENTS GAVE ME NO INDICATION OF A BATTERY FAILURE OR ANY ALTERNATOR FAILURES. 2. I HAD NO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT ACCESS TO THE INSIDE TRUNK RELEASE STRAP FOR DRIVERS DOOR. 3. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE EVEN IF IT IS A RARE EVENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER.

Apr 27, 2020

CAR HAS 8750 MILES PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN AND WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL UP

Nov 04, 2019

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

Low beam headlights stop working while driving.

Jun 03, 2021

I OWN A 2012 CORVETTE GRANDSPORT PURCHASED NEW. CAR HAS 12,635 MILES IN IT. I WAS DRIVING INTO TOWN LAST NIGHT AND HEAD LIGHTS JUST SHUT OFF LEAVING ME IN COMPLETE DARKNESS. I WAS COMING INTO TUSCALOOSA AND MANAGED WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE ENOUGH AREA LIGHTING TO SAFELY COME TO A STOP AND PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. I TRIED WHAT I KNEW TO TRY BUT LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME BACK ON. I WAS ABLE TO HOLD THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH IN THE FLASH POSITION TO GET HIGH BEAMS TO WORK. I TURNED AROUND AND HEADED BACK HOME CONTINUING TO HOLD TURN SIGNAL SWITCH IN FLASH POSITION. UNFORTUNATELY, I WAS BLINDING THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT MIGHT'VE HAPPENED IF I HAD BEEN ON A COUNTRY ROAD WITH NO LIGHTNING. I'VE BEEN READING ABOUT RECALL ISSUES ON EARLIER MODELS OF THE C6 I'VE ALSO READ THIS COULD BE A FAULTY RELAY PROBLEM. MY CAR HAS LOW MILES AND LESS THAN 25% OF THOSE MILES WERE NIGHT DRIVING. CAR IS GARAGE KEPT AND HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN IN THE RAIN SO I KNOW HOW WELL IT HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. PLEASE ADVISE IF OTHERS HAVE HAD SAME PROBLEM

Jan 27, 2020

THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE MAIN HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS A SEALED UNIT AND CANNOT BE REPAIRED. THE SEALS IN BOTH UNITS IN MY CAR ARE DEFECTIVE AND THAT ALLOWS MOISTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATES TO COLLECT INSIDE THE UNIT AND FOG UP THE MAIN LENSES THAT THE DRIVING HEADLIGHTS PROJECT THROUGH. I CANNOT BE TAKEN APART AND REPAIRED. EACH ASSEMBLY PART COSTS OVER $1,200 PLUS LABOR. TO FIX BOTH SIDES IS $3,000. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. NOT ONLY DOES IT DIFFUSE THE LIGHT AT NIGHT AND NOT FOCUS CORRECTLY DOWN THE HIGHWAY, IT ALSO CAUSES HIGH DEGREE OF GLARE FOR DRIVES APPROACHING MY CAR HEAD ON. I DO NOT WANT TO INCREASE CHANCES OF A HEAD ON COLLISION OR CRASH DUE TO POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AS WELL AS APPROACHING DRIVERS. I CALLED CHEVROLET TO REPORT AND THEY REFUSE TO HELP IN ANY WAY. I ALSO ASKED ABOUT ASSISTANCE WITH PAYING THE REPAIR BILL BUT THEY WOULD NOT. ON INTERNET, THERE ARE MANY MESSAGE BOARDS DISCUSSING THE SAME ISSUES WITH OTHER PEOPLE'S VEHICLES. THE SAFETY BOARD SHOULD CREATE A SAFETY RECALL AND HAVE THE MANUFACTURER REPLACE AT THEIR EXPENSE THESE DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES.

May 17, 2018

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked inside the garage there was an abnormally strong gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. Upon inspection, there was no fuel leak visible inside the garage. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed of a Manufacturer’s Service Campaign that addressed the failed primary fuel tank flange leak, but the Extended Warranty coverage had expired. The failure mileage was 36,000.

Mar 15, 2023

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

1 complaint

Failure of Active Handling System with onboard computer message to have the system serviced. Other drivers (owner forums) have reported significant safety hazards related to this system failure. Reported issues include system-driven steering and braking actions that lead to mishandling of the car that could put the driver, passengers, other drivers, and property at risk. At this point in time, the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. At this time, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There have been no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the prior to the failure, which occurred on 8/12/21. Currently, the car is shifting gears hard and the engine is running in a very rough manner.

Aug 12, 2021

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM ON DISPLAY. WHILE DRIVING THE DAY BEFORE, THE CAR MADE A VERY QUICK MOTION TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING AT 65MPH. INVESTIGATION FOUND THE STEERING WHEEL SENSOR PUSHED OUT OF IT'S HOUSING AND DANGLING ON THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT UNDER THE DASH. THE POWERED TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL PUSHED THE ASSEMBLY OUT OF PLACE CAUSING THE FAULT. I DISCONNECTED THE STEERING WHEEL SENSOR TO PREVENT ANY FURTHER ACTIVATION OF THE ACTIVE HANDLING.

Sep 07, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

FUEL SMELL,REPLACED FUEL CAP, THAT HELP A LITTLE,SMELL AROUND FUEL DOOR,CAN'T KEEP CAR IN GARAGE AFRAID TO RE FUEL AND DRIVE HELP

Jun 27, 2018

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

THE WIRE TO THE STARTER MELTS OUT CAUSING THE ENTIRE CHARGING SYSTEM TO STOP WORKING AN DRAINS THE BATTERY CAUSING THE MOTOR TO SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING . THEN NO POWER STEERING OR BREAKS

Nov 29, 2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE RED SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL INTERMITTENTLY FLASH. JUST MOVING MY BUM FROM JUST GETTING COMFY, THE LIGHT WILL COME ON STEADY, THEN FLASH, THEN BE ACCOMPANIED BY FOUR CHIMES, THEN, GO OFF. A FEW MILES DOWN ROAD, AT LEGAL SPEEDS, (DOESN'T MATTER THE SPEED) THE LIGHT WILL COME ON STEADY AGAIN, THEN FLASH, THEN CHIMES, THEN IT GOES OUT -- FOR AWHILE. REPEAT THIS AFTER A FEW MILES AND YOU WANT TO DRIVE IT OVER A CLIFF...

Jul 17, 2017

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

THE CAR ONLY HAS 2388 MILES. BACKING STRAIGHT OUT THE DRIVE WAY THE DASH STARTING DISPLAYING SERVICE ANTILOCK BREAKS, SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM, SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM. THE DASH LIGHTS FROM ABS AND TRACTION STAY ON AND THE TRACTION CONTROL CONTROL BUTTON IS DISABLED.

Sep 03, 2016

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

INVESTIGATION NUMBER EA09-002 GOING INTO A SLOW LEFT SHARP TURN THE VEHICLE CUT OFF FUEL, TRIGGERED SERVICE ABS, SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL. DURING THIS TIME I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. ABS BRAKING IS NOW DISABLED AND WILL NOT RESET WITH IGNITION CYCLES.

May 22, 2016

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

UPON BRAKING TO ENTER A TIGHT LEFT HAND TURN IN THE COUNTRY THE DIC DISPLAYED SEVERAL WARNING INDICATORS, ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP (CONFIRMED BY THE FLAT SPOT ON THE TIRE). I BEGAN MODULATING THE BRAKES THINKING THAT I HAD LOST ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, BUT THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HAD LOCKED UP. THIS REDUCED THE BRAKING ABILITY OF THE CAR CAUSING ME TO GO OFF THE OUTSIDE OF A LEFT HAND TURN AND INTO A DITCH DAMAGING SOME COMPONENTS OF THE FRONT END. I WAS ABLE TO RETURN HOME SAFELY. THE CAR WAS PARKED UNTIL A MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT. A DIALECTIC GREASE WAS APPLIED TO THE CONNECTORS BETWEEN THE SYSTEM AND THE WHEELS AT ALL 4 CORNERS. THIS SEEMED TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE AS EXPERIENCED ON THAT DAY. NOW, 5 MONTHS LATER ALL THE DASH LIGHTS INVOLVED IN THE ACTIVE HANDLING SYSTEM HAVE COME ON AGAIN. SERVICE ABS, SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE ACTIVE HANDLING ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. THE CAR WILL NOW NEED TO RETURN TO THE SHOP FOR SOME MORE DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRS. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. HAVING NO ACTIVE HANDLING, TRACTION CONTROL OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DOES NOT MAKE A DAILY DRIVE UNSAFE. NOT UNTIL APPLYING BRAKES AND YOU FIND THE SYSTEM LOCKING UP ONE WHEEL CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL. IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION IT WOULD BE UNSAFE AS WELL OF COURSE. WE'VE COME SO FAR IN IMPROVING THE SAFETY OF OUR CARS IT'S A SHAME THAT THE SAME TECHNOLOGY THAT IMPROVES THE SAFETY OF OUR CARS CAN ALSO CAUSE A VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSAFE.

Feb 08, 2016

Crash: 1

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SKID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT BOTH FRONT TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED CAUSING ABNORMAL AND PREMATURE WEAR OF THE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,300.

Aug 15, 2014

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT CONTINUOUSLY TIGHTENED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE SEAT BELT RELEASED ONLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE SEAT BELT HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,100. UPDATED 06/09/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT'S RECLINER LEVER WOULD NOT ADJUST THE SEAT TO AN UPRIGHT POSITION. THE SEAT HAD TO BE PULLED UP BY THE BACK MANUALLY. UPDATED 06/11/2014 *JS

Apr 30, 2014

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

JUST BACK FROM THE DEALER. SERVICEMAN SAID "FRAYED WIRE AT SEAT BELT", CODE B0040. WRITTEN UP AS "DRIVER SEAT CONNECTOR UNPLUGGED". THEY ADDED DIELECTRIC GREASE, RE-MATED THE CONNECTOR AND NOW THE INTERMITTENT AIRBAG DASH WARNING LIGHT HAS CEASED. *TR

Apr 05, 2014

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER FAILED CAUSING THE CAR TO NOT BE ABLE TO DISENGAGE CLUTCH WITH PEDAL MAKING IT EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO STOP CAR OR REMOVE IT FROM GEAR. FUTURE ATTEMPTS TO START CAR WITH ON-STAR ON THE PHONE SO THEY COULD RUN DIAGNOSTIC CHECK REMOTELY FAILED. 3 ATTEMPTS TO START CAR AND IT WOULD NOT START. TOWED TO DEALER AND UPON ARRIVAL TOWING COMPANY HAD ASKED FOR MILEAGE OF CAR. EXACTLY LIKE ABOVE I PUSHED START BUTTON TO TURN GAUGES ON DASH, THIS TIME CAR STARTED AND OVERPOWERED EMERGENCY BRAKE BECAUSE IT WAS STILL IN GEAR AND IT RAN INTO TOW TRUCK NEARLY HITTING TOW DRIVER AND WAS INCHES FROM CUTTING HIS LEGS OFF. IN NO WAY SHOULD THIS CAR HAVE BEEN ABLE TO START IN GEAR AND I BELIEVE IT WOULDN'T HAVE, HAD THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER NOT FAILED AT ONLY 4600 MILES. *TR

Oct 21, 2013

Crash: 1

TIRES

1 complaint

MY MODEL IS EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR "EAGLE F1 SUPERCAR GEN2 TIRES" FEATURING AN ASYMMETRIC TREAD PATTERN. THEY ARE VERY HARD AND TREACHEROUS IN COLD RAINY WEATHER AND HAVE A TENDENCY TO "FLOAT" ON ANY KIND OF PONDING WATER ON THE ROAD (PARTICULARLY EXPRESSWAYS) CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ACT AS IF IT IS GOING TO MOVE LATERALLY FROM ONE LANE TO THE NEXT. IT IS DISCONCERTING AT BEST AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AT WORST. *JS

Mar 19, 2012

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4.8/5.0

91 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2012 CHEVROLET Corvette have?

The 2012 CHEVROLET Corvette currently has 52 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2012 CHEVROLET Corvette?

The most common problems reported for the 2012 CHEVROLET Corvette are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2012 CHEVROLET Corvette problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2012 CHEVROLET Corvette comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.