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
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
My Ariya lane assist almost crashed me outside Philadelphia on I-76 (a notoriously congested and hazardous road). My hands got sweaty (I have sweaty palms, it's a medical condition) and it suddenly couldn't detect my hands. It quickly went into the "retake control" alert and I tried tapping the break to disengage it but that didn't do anything because it thought I wasn't driving the car so it kept... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
This car will suddenly slow down for no apparent reason when driving with the speed control set. I have experienced this multiple times at 2 specific intersections. It has also happened at other times but on roads I have traveled on less often. Traffic aware cruise control is always enabled on this car. There isn't an option to turn it off. I scheduled a service visit with Tesla explaining wha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
Unintended acceleration event. Initial condition: Cruise control off. Steering wheel turned 270 degrees ccw, turning left, at a complete stop, released brake, rolling forward at less than 5mph in a confined parking garage. Continuing to turn wheel to left, my right palm accidently engaged the cruise control button on the steering wheel. Cruise control automatically set to 15mph and began to acce... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
On highway for 2 hours, pulling 5th wheel trailer. Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaning alert went on. Immediately truck lost power, a few other alerts flashed on the screen that couldn't read in time then alert that truck was being put in Neutral which it did. Smoke coming out of engine compartment. Barely coasted to stop on side of freeway. Quickly turned from white smoke to brown. Barely enough t... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 17, 2024
Check engine light blinks on and off intermittently, vehicle shakes and feels as if it’s going to stall. From time to time when going to accelerate I pulled out on a main roads and the vehicle lost all power my kids and I flew forward. While idling at a red light, the vehicle started to shake as if it was going to stall and jerked forward and hit the car in front of me. I brought this to the att... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
Abs and traction control lights come on, simultaneously canceling cruise control. Vehicle speed immediately slows, and traffic behind me catches up quickly as it takes a few seconds to react and get the vehicle back up to speed. Also, no abs in wet condition, etc. Bumps in the road cause the system to go out and come back on. It's become such a problem that I've had to pull the fuse for abs, which... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
We receive a ABS/ECS, electronic brake control warning intermittently. This also makes the cruise control shutoff. We had the ABS control module replaced once at roughly 12000 miles under warranty but it now is giving the same warnings and the truck currently has 22000 miles on it. My dealer stated this was a known issue and stated it’s fairly common on my model truck
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
While driving the vehicle, the cruise control disengages, the traction control light comes on, and the ABS light comes on along with a warning bell dinging incessantly! It may stay like this for hundreds of miles or may be intermittent. Sometimes I can restart the vehicle and it will reset and sometimes it won’t. I haven’t been able to replicate it for the dealership…although it’s been occ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2024
I have a 2018 RAM 3500 with ONLY 20,000 miles on it. ABS and HUC critical parts are faulty, and I have no way to even purchase one until a recal is issued. Class Action Says 2017-2018 Ram 2500, 3500 Equipped with Defective Anti-Lock Braking Systems. No current part that resolves this issue. Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups are unsafe because they’re equipped with defective hydraulic control units (... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
Infotainment screen and instrument cluster turned off mid driving. This lead to complete failure of speed indicator. There is no speedometer available while driving. While be has an open recall it has failed to provide a solution in a timely manner.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
When accelerating from a complete stop, there will occasionally be significant hesitation in the car actually accelerating. For example, I was at a stop sign then attempted to make a left turn when there was a break in the oncoming traffic. My car would not accelerate, almost as if it shut off. It then begins to accelerate. On another instance, I was at a stop sign and when I had the right of way,... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
LED speedometer in dash showing incorrect speed or unreadable. Advised of chip malfunction.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
While driving, all the light on the dashboard come on. When this happens the speedometer is not working the windshield wipers come on. The emergency brake light is on, the car shifts out of gear and the turning signals don't work and the hazard lights won't work. This is all happening at the same time. I'm unable to inform people on the road that I'm in distress because my hazard light won't work ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
LANE DEPARTURE RANDOMLY DEPLOYS ALSO THE CARS COLLISION STOP HAPPENS OFTEN EVEN WITHOUT BEING NEAR OBJECTS AND/OR PEOPLE.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
Clock spring on vehicle has failed. This is a known issue with many VW vehicles, but I have been told my vehicle is not on the extended warranty program. 2017 VW Passat - approximately 150,000 miles. This eliminates all steering wheel controls, horn, cruise control, and air bags.
Incident date: May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated while driving 45–50 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The driver continued to pump the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond and depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle accelerated, veered across the road, jumped the curb, and stopped. There were no warning lig... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 25, 2024
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Front Camera failure resulted in failure of Adaptive Cruise Control Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance Parking Collision Warning Rear Cross Traffic Warning
Incident date: May 15, 2024
I was driving on the freeway when suddenly I heard a clunking sound. Suddenly I was unable to accelerate at all. My speed was 60 mph and I had the gas pedal pressed all the way to the floor. Nothing happened and my speed would not go over 60. Then a message began flashing on my dashboard. I cannot remember the exact verbiage, but something along the lines of Hybrid System Failure. My car began l... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The affected component is the design of the cruise control engagement button, and yes it is available for inspection. While the vehicle is below a certain (unknown) speed, if the cruise control engagement button is pressed, the cruse control engages at a relatively high rate of speed, and the vehicle lurches forward. This is especially problematic due to the design of the switch, which is a protr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
Anti lock brake module repetitively fails. First one replaced 7/2021 with 51,xxx miles. Second failed 7/2024 with 69,000 miles. Loses ABS system, cruise control, electronics affect electronic throttle and stabilitrack.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while stopped at the driveway and waiting for the gate to open, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated, struck the gate, and came to a stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the ongoing safety issues with my leased Honda, which I obtained in March 2024. Shortly after leasing the vehicle, I noticed that the sensors would frequently activate and deactivate without any apparent reason. In May 2024, while driving, all the sensors turned on, deactivating all safety features and causing th... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2023
ABS Pump failure: First occurrence July 18 2022. Mileage 24268 ABS pump replace under warranty by dealership. Second occurrence: July 23 2024 Mileage 45907 ABS pump not replaced as of yet, parts out of warranty by one week. OEM warranty out by 25 months. I am the original owner and this vehicle has been gently used and not abused. The ABS pump failure, two occasions, of a part which should be... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
My 2019 Tesla Model X suddenly accelerated as I was going to park and ended up hitting a tree. It did not stop even on braking. The car is currently being inspected by the car insurance company, Geico. I checked online and found known issues of sudden unintended acceleration with Tesla vehicles.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
1. Engine stalled and complete loss of power at low speed/during acceleration at a stop sign, traffic signal, crossing, etc. 2. Engine stalled and complete loss of power at low speed (under 35 mph) during acceleration and/or deceleration. 3. I've noticed over the last several incidents that upon initial startup the engine did not feel or sound normal to the point I have been abl... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2024) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 23, 2024
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The hydraulic control unit (HCU) and the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module, not sure which one. They will only work intermittently or not at all; this causes the warning lights/chime to come on/off or just stay on. During this action the vehicle has no ABS or traction control, this is the Third time my vehicle has needing this part serviced with out-of-pocket cost as well as wait times for the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
I purchased my car in August 2022, and the cruise control issue began in September 2023. It occurs randomly and significantly makes me feel UNSAFE in my vehicle. I have not been able to enjoy full use of my vehicle. Kia has been aware of this issue since at least April 2024 (when they first called me), even though I made my report to the NHTSA in October 2023 (NHTSA ID: 11549711). Today, Kia infor... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 23, 2024
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Uncontrollable acceleration increase; Difficult and rough starting; Engine overheating warning lights and message alerts; Coolant empty and no visible leak; Continued loss of coolant; Copious moisture smelling of anti freeze coming from exhaust; Check engine light codes: P1450, P1450 pd, PO302
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
My vehicle just stops and the Terrain management system fault comes on no matter what speed I’m going. It’s been doing it off and on for three years now. The dealership can’t figure out why. I’m thinking after doing some research that it’s the throttle body.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
Back on February 27, 2024, my car was taken into the dealership due to a malfunction the oil pump gave out and dealership said that due to those issues "shavings were going into the transmission" which could cause further damage to the vehicle in increased risk of an accident. It is not going on to 5 months and nothing has been done I get calls that since it has been park for so long the vehicle i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2024
The shifter turns all red lights and service shifter appears in the warnings. There was a recall for this on certain vin #s for the same make and model but Chrysler refuses to acknowledge the wider problem effecting others. They advise you to pay out of pocket and I can’t afford that. This is clearly an issue that is wide spread and the danger is unknown what can happen but I don’t feel safe d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
The vehicle is available for inspection immediately by all parties. While driving down the highway, the truck started a vibration, without any warning indicators. The vehicle was taken to the next travel center truck shop. The writer acknowledged the vibration like a misfire, but no codes were present. He recommended another shop or dealer. A detour was made to the nearest Nissan dealership. On th... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
G 550
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 22, 2024
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Started car normally this morning, engaged transmission, car would not accelerate. Pressing gas pedal had no effect. After a couple of blocks, shut off engine. Then restarted, same problem. Had to get to appointment, so stopped and restarted twice more, second time ran normally and I reached my appointment. Started car to return home, same problem for some seconds, then normal. Later taking ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2024) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 22, 2024
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
Service ESC flashing on the dash intermittently. If I am in cruise control when it happens vehicle abruptly disables cruise control. Codes when ready are U0002 and U0212. Same problem happened about a year ago, dealer reflashed ABS and sent me on my way. I informed them of other similar trucks experiencing the same issue and that it wasn't a reflash issue. Had them document my concerns that it wou... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Hello, on my 2013 ford f150, why driving the vehicle will at random shift from 5th gear to 1st gear, creating a massive loss of power and forcing me to loose speed rapidly. This puts my self, my family and those around me in danger. I have reached online that there is a current recall for 2014 models that do this, but not 2013 models. This seems outrageous to me. This is just as much of a safety ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2024
Intermittent MIL stating ABS and TCS service required, started has been going on since I bought the truck in January 2023 at about 50k miles (currently about 75k). Often happens when driving over any sort of uneven terrain - bumps, potholes, seams between concrete and asphalt surfaces, milled asphalt surfaces, speed bumps, debris, etc. Dealer says the ABS module needs to be replaced, and that ther... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
I was driving the car, towards the end of about a 40-minute drive the car, I can best describe, lost its mind. Without any prior signs of symptoms, in about the span of 5-10 seconds, the check engine light came on, then eyesight warning came on, then traction system error appeared and I lost all power. It started braking on its own and completely acting on its own. I could still steer, but I had n... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2015) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 21, 2024
Incident date: May 21, 2024
While driving on the freeway at 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly began to quickly decelerate. Pressing the accelerator pedal had no effect. The car behind me quickly swerved to avoid hitting me. I was able to maneuver the car onto the shoulder and very slowly exited the freeway. I noticed a warning light shaped like a turtle on the cluster display flashing. I stopped fully and turned off the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
When 87 fuel is put into the vehicle, the 2023 highlander is jerky/has hesitation, RPMs jump around. Trying to slow down to a yield then go again it jerks and almost feels like engine is cutting out. Seems worse when car is being driven on warm day with a/c on or under a “load”. Very dangerous in intersections. Current fix is to put 93 octane in the vehicle to remedy the issue. Putting 93 octa... Read more
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY SPORT
(2016) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 21, 2024
Incident date: Jun 29, 2020
Hi, I was driving on the freeway and suddenly my car stopped accelerating. I would push the acceleration pedal but it wouldnt speed up. And for a few times it would speed up very much. This was very rapid fluctuation. I also noticed that the cruise control was not working. This was very scary being on the highway with this kind of speed fluctuation. After i came back home, i noticed that the brake... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
Car can move forward automatically itself from stop position
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
Got in my car today and have NO DASHBOARD INFORMATION, no speedometer, no battery information, no back up camera, no access to any software related information.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
The transmission on this vehicle regularly hesitates, lurches and shifts gears unexpectedly. I have had multiple incidents of not being able to accelerate without a delay while in traffic and once the transmission downshifted incorrectly on the freeway which nearly caused me to lose control of the vehicle. The unexpected lack of acceleration while in live traffic and the erratic gear shifting on t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2024
Multiple times I have pressed the gas pedal and the car has not responded, as in did not accelerate. I was almost T-boned one time because of it since I was turning left and could not accelerate above 5mph. This is a frequent issue among GH Hybrids from talking to others.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The car is not accelerating or needs hard acceleration to move. It is also losing power intermittently. The car can not accelerate to pass a vehicle. The transmission is behaving erraticly. Causing severe back pain accelerating the car in normal city driving. The RPMs exceed 4000 reaching a speed of 45 miles an hour making the car engine very noisy.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
The wrench 🔧 light came on in my car. and when I put it in drive the car took off without me putting my foot on the gas. and it was like I had no control over the gas pedal. I tried hitting the brakes and it was still wanting to accelerate.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Driving very slowly into my 36 foot deep garage I took my right foot off the accelerator pedal when the 2021 Toyota Camry suddenly unintended accelerated forward 15 feet and crashed through the rear garage wall, the automatic brake didn't work,. Then with my foot on the brake pedal, it continued at high speed across 35 feet of concrete patio and came to rest on top of thick hedge with front whee... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The ABS module has failed. There aren’t any available across the entire United States in order to fix our vehicle. We have no ABS, no cruise control, no trailer brakes. We can’t get any help or answers from Ram. We have started a case with them and cannot even get a call back. The dealer cannot even order the part.