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
Showing 73,546 complaints - component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2024) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 9, 2024
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
While driving, my truck down shifted suddenly. Already 3 times on different occasions.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 9, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Vehicle acceleration stops at high altitudes which causes the vehicle to suddenly maintain lower gear and speeds while driving on interstate/highway. Vehicle had accelerator replaced by delearship at 1,406 miles, however the issue continued. Dealership is now replacing turbocharger engine after reporting failure at 3,500 miles.
SAFETY 1ST
OTHER
(9999) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 9, 2024
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
Transmission unable to shift out of park periodically, transmission downshifting at highway speeds and engine shutting down. Speedometer and RPM guage going crazy then no longer working.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
The vehicle loses power, at a certain point it does not accelerate and does not respond well, which is a major safety problem when you need it on the road.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
On 9/6/2024 I was driving on I-10 E going about 70 mph in the left lane. I had engaged the cruise control but not the Autopilot because I’ve had dangerous experiences with the Autopilot phantom breaking and misinterpreting cracks in the road as lane markers and dangerously changing lanes. So even though Inoaid thousands of dollars for Autopilot I never use it. So I was driving approaching a bi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
To date, our experience driving the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 has been a total "NIGHTMARE." We've had 2 "TERRIFYING ACCIDENTS" within the first 6 months of leasing this vehicle, Both caused by "Unintended Acceleration Issues," the car "randomly" accelerates, on it's own! 1st ACCIDENT (4/25/2024) - As my wife pulls into our driveway, the car suddenly accelerates (un-commanded) and smashes in the garag... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
TC (throttle control) died during ride in 5th gear at 50 mph. No triggering factors. TC works after engine restart. Check engine light is now on.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
Received a front camera fault warning in the car. The fault disables the safety feature of pre-collision-collision assist. Had an independent service center check it out, they let me know there is a TSB from ford. Waiting for the a scheduled appointment.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
1. 9/7/2024, Emergency braking activated at 65 mph while merging onto Interstate. No cars immediately in front of me. Stopped dead in travel route for about 2 minutes then restarted.(route 42 and 95 North) 2. Resulted in a near miss to several rear end collisions. 3. Will take to dealer 9/9/2024. 4. No warning or prior phantom braking.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Driving on cruise control the Anti-Lock brake light came on causing the cruise control to turn off at highway speeds. The anti-lock brake system, cruise control and traction control all quit working. Warning light went out and then all started working again. Very intermittent problem at first then started getting more frequent. After research I found it is a known problem on 2017 and 2018 ram pick... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
My problem is with my Ram ABS/Traction control, cruise control doesn’t work, 4 wheel drive will not engage. Having only rear wheel drive makes it hard and dangerous to drive on snow covered roads. Almost hit a semi head on because my traction control and 4 wheel drive doesn’t work. I’ve been waiting almost 2 years for a new ABS controller. Chrysler has put the part I need on back order... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The car stalls and turns off when operating at a slow speed, both in forward or reverse. This is a serious and potentially deadly problem. With my two young children in the car, I was turning left across three lanes of oncoming traffic. When I began to accelerate, my car stalled in the middle of the first lane. I had to figure out what happened, put it in park, restart the car and finish my turn b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
There has been a recall on my mini Cooper for sometime now. Over a year and a half at least. We have been patiently waiting for the remedy and still, do not have one. Our car, at times has become inoperable due to this recall. We took it to an auto shop, they ran a test and confirmed that the issues we are receiving are from the recall. I feel like this issue is taking a very long time for mini to... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Brake module malfunction kicks out cruise control and dings constantly. Seems to be a recall for other years but this year is missing?
Incident date: Sep 7, 2024
Left out for work one morning as normal. Everything was ok no lights no warnings no problems. I was driving approximately 25-30 mph when my speed began to decelerate, a knocking noise, the check engine and oil light came on and my vehicle just stopped. After about 10-15 mins I could restart the car and drive to a safe parking lot off the street. When I started the car back up the knocking sound wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
On [XXX], traveling westbound from [XXX] on [XXX] using adaptive cruise control. Pick-up truck rapidly pulled up behind and cruise control shut off, stated "unavailable" and Tesla started to brake...manually overrode. Travelled another 1/4 mile and reengaged cruise control after pulling away from following pickup. Pickup caught up and cruise control shut off again. At 4-way stop on [XXX] , rechec... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
My transmission literally went out once on me the SECOND DAY after I financed it. Now, less than a year later, it says I need to replace the transmission again. This is ridiculous.
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
After car stalls, the vehicle enters limp mode. I’ve also randomly lost power and can barely accelerate. It’s very alarming and dangerous.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS CROSS SPORT
(2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 6, 2024
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
I have been experiencing a noticeable delay in throttle response when accelerating, particularly when attempting to slowly merge into traffic. For example, when I press the accelerator to make a left turn, my Tiguan hesitates for approximately 2-3 seconds before responding, creating a significant safety concern as I find myself stuck in oncoming traffic. I took the vehicle to the dealership for d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
The entire dashboard goes blank and then sometimes resets and other times remains blank until the car is stopped. The speedometer is out as well as all the cameras.
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2024) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 6, 2024
Incident date: Aug 11, 2024
On August 1st I was on the highway at 55 mph when my 2022 Hyundai Tucson decelerated to 20 mph and would not go faster. This occurred on the highway at 5:45 pm. This placed myself and others in danger as I was on the highway in the center lane at the time of the deceleration. After turning the car in, the dealership returned the car with no repairs but stating that I engaged a button that caused a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
In July 2024, with approximately 31,500 miles on my vehicle, I began experiencing issues with the "service electronic braking system" warning appearing on the dashboard. I brought the vehicle in for inspection, and the dealership identified and replaced the tire sensor under my extended warranty. A week later, the warning reappeared, and the dealership replaced the brake master cylinder sensor, al... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Two issues with my truck. #1. The ABS HCU was replaced under warranty once. I am now at 75k miles and it is doing the same thing again. Difference is I'm having to pay for it. #2. The Clock Springs has been replaced once already and now needs it again. I paid the first time and am now having to pay again!!! Absolutely not acceptable!!!
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE450
(2016) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 5, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Car stalled on highway. Car would not push pass 20 mph no matter how much I pressed on the gas. Eventually car stopped moving and this happened on the highway while I was driving normally and then it slowed down and then stopped. This happened before about 5 months ago and I turned car off and it drove again so didn't think of an issue until today when it happened again and didn't move. I had to w... Read more
GMC
YUKON DENALI
(2015) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 5, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Warning light came on suddenly. Vehicle lost power. Smoking out of the tail pipe. Very dangerous for other drivers. Took the vehicle to a mechanic, said I have problems with the lifters, and need to replace the engine. I don’t know why Chrysler doesn’t issue a recall for this issue, it seems to happen often. Thank you very much.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Car will not accelerate immediately from a stop; seems to happen more often when on a slight incline. This poses a safety issue when pulling out onto any road. I have asked multiple times at the dealer about and been told they cannot do anything about it unless the car gives a code. They also say it will not reproduce for them, although every time I pull out of their service location (with a sligh... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 5, 2024
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while at a complete stop and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly hesitated before responding to the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact stated that on one occasion, the accelerator pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The lead frame on valve body in transmission, most fords have this recall, truck gets stuck in gear
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
Regen braking sometimes disengages at times creating what feels like sudden acceleration. Several malfunctions of the electronic system, including faulty alarms to go off all the time. There have been recalls on this vehicle, but Fisker has done nothing to repair any of these issues. List of authorized service dealers was promised by end of August and there has been no communication. The support n... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 4, 2024
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Faulty engine design leads to head gasket failure, engine misfire and stall. Engine stall can cause loss of vehicle motive and braking by loss of vacuum assisted braking. Dealer just completed service on this vehicle and reported the failure after completing repair on another defective part, the flexplate assembly. After completing repairs advised it likely has coolant intrusion issue. Did no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
The vehicles transmission malfunctions causing the vehicle to lose complete power, now without warning. We are unable to accelerate and the vehicle comes to a sudden stop. This vehicle shuts down in the middle of the highway causing us to come to a complete stop while driving on the highway, also on back roads one lane roads, the vehicle completely shuts down causing us to block the road and becom... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 4, 2024
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
My 2019 Honda Odyssey was involved in a total loss car accident recently on Aug 20 2024. The cause was delayed acceleration due to a fuel pump recall by Honda Motor Corp from Dec 2023; and to date they have failed and neglected to provide the part to repair. For over a year I have experienced delayed acceleration issues with this auto. I purchased this auto new from the local dealer in 2019 and ha... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Unintended Acceleration: Vehicle continue to accelerate even after the gas pedal is released or not slow down as expected.
Incident date: May 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2023 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 15-20 MPH and attempting to come to a complete stop, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. As a result, the driver briefly lost control of the vehicle before coming to a complete stop by intentionally running into a curb on the side of the roadway. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were il... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
My 2007 Lincoln MKX was in Drive with the brake depressed waiting to back up into a traffic lane from an angled parking space in front of a small shop in our historic downtown area. Suddenly, the vehicle accelerated forward at a high rate of speed jumping the shallow curb and slamming into the cement foundation of the store. Continuing to depress the brakes made no difference in stopping the jar... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
I purchased a brand new Cadillac Lyriq on July 1, 2024, and have encountered several severe issues that compromise the safety and reliability of the vehicle: 1.Display Failure: The display frequently flickers, flashes, and sometimes completely blacks out, causing the loss of critical information such as speed, backup camera, navigation, and other vital systems. This makes the vehicle unsafe to dr... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
When I was driving suddenly vehicle shakes and gas/acceleration paddle stopped working middle of the road. I pulled my car side of the road, put it in park and turn off vehicle and start it back on gas/acceleration paddle work again. Problem is this happened several times last few weeks.
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA 250
(2018) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 2, 2024
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
while driving N on hwy 75 in Dallas, I was traveling at posted speed- 70- in the 2nd of 4 lanes when I was passed on either side by cars 10-15 mph faster than me. they passed almost exactly at the same time. This confused the cars auto breaking feature. The lane ahead was clear for over 100 yrds. My car braked hard and beeped a warning. There was no reason for the car to do this. This is the 3rd ... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 2, 2024
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
ABS pump motor control and anti-lock brake hydraulic unit is out again. first time replaced at dealer on 12/27/2019 second time8/10/2022 and now ABS light flashing again for about 3 weeks now with code c0020-01. This should be a recall it is very dangerous to be hauling heavy equipment with this reoccurring problem approximately every 20,000 miles or so.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
Throttle cable pulleys made of plastic have cracks. Catastrophic failure will eventually occur with zero warning, causing total loss of power. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
ABS / TRACTION CONTROL AS WELL AS SERVICE ABS SYSTEM. AT TIMES IT COMES AND GOES AND MOST TIMES NOW IT STAYS ON. DISABLES CRUISE CONTROL AND AT TIMES EVEN SAYS 4 WHEEL DRIVE UNAVAILABLE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MY YEAR MODEL RAM AND I'D LIKE TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE ASAP.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2024
There was a SUDDEN and UNINTENDED acceleration without the driver input while braking to park going approximately 1 - 2 MPH. Our safety was at risk. The vehicle was not in our control. A police report was generated. Rather than stopping we crashed into the apartment building causing significant damage to both the apartment and our vehicle. There were no warnings, no automatic braking to avoid... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
The Distronic Cruise Control stops working and then will start working again several times on long trips. After research it appears if the radar doesn't detect anything in front of your vehicle for an hour it thinks it is inoperable and and shuts the Distronic Cruise Control off and it cannot be reengaged. If it detect a vehicles in front of you for four minutes or more it will reset the radar a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Acceleration issues, this is the 3rd time it has happened since we've owned our forester in 2018. Yesterday morning my wife was pulling out of our driveway and while she put it in reverse and started to release the brakes to naturally roll back, it hard accelerated and shot us out into the road until she fully pressed the brakes in. I was already aware of this issue, so I looked over as this was h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
This happens consistently,while driving with the cruise control,the truck takes off and speeds up almost causing the truck to ram other vehicles. Then the truck shudders and surges before throwing up several codes. I have read this is a problem with many Ford trucks. I feel like our lives are in serious danger . I was hoping there would be a recall because this is leaving customers in situations t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
2023 Tesla Model Y has frequent phantom braking issues when using cruise control. Let me clarify I am not using any sort of auto-pilot or self driving options. I am simply using cruise control. The incidents that cause many braking issues are unjustified to the point I have no idea what the Tesla may have recognized to make it slam on brakes. Very dangerous
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Mazda Radar Cruise Control - while on [XXX] and passing a truck that is in the right-hand lane, especially on curves, my CX-90 PHEV system brakes, but there is no vehicle in front of me. It has difficulty determining what is in front as opposed to on the side, especially through curves. This happened more than once. I almost got rear-ended due to this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE F... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
Code C0020-01 appears and ABS service light appears - the vehicle is equipped with a defective and dangerous hydraulic control unit (HCU) module and anti-lock braking system (ABS) module. Anti-lock braking, traction control and speed (cruise) control are inoperable. Causing a safety concern
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
In heavy traffic, we were rolling slowly along, when all of a sudden the engine began revving on its own, against the brake. I quickly moved the shifter into neutral, and the engine revved wildly without my pressing on the accelerator. We couls have easily slammed into the car in front of us had I not moved the selector to neutral.