Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 72,878 complaints — component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
No warning light presented to warn of transmission issues. While driving is hesitating sluggish when accelerating and stalling around 60mph then shifts . Putt Putt then pick up a bit then back down.
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
My dashboard screen has turned off completely 3 different times in the 14 months I have had the vehicle. It is normally off for several days at a time. When it is off, I have no access to my speed, gas, or any other controls shown on that display. When I run the KIa diagnostic tool, it tells me there is an issue with my airbags. Kia has a recall for this issue but refuses to apply the recall (sof... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
When starting car you can smell gasoline the smell stays while driving
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle in a driveway, it failed to turn over and start. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the start-stop button again, but it failed to start. After another attempt, the vehicle restarted, inadvertently accelerated, and crashed into a wooden fence. There were no reported injuries. There was no air ba... Read more
Crash
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 8, 2024
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
*To be honest, I'm unsure of what systems are failing, but there are multiple. The dash shows Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA problem), Hill Start Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control Problem, Collision Mitigation System Problem, Road Departure Mitigation System Problem, Power Steering (EPS) Problem, Electric Parking Brake Problem, Emissions System Problem, Brake System Problem. *These systems are inte... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
My vehicle transmission valve body shift solenoid D has malfunctioning causing my engine overheat and nearly explode
Crash
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Abs/traction control lights keep pooping up on the dash. The dealer has changed the abs module and it didn’t last long. The truck has 28k miles. It definitely can cause an accident because I haul heavy loads a lot. If the abs brakes doesn’t work correctly I will crash into another vehicle. And it dings/ beeps every time I push the brakes or every time I hit a bump or something. I hope Ram can ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while accelerating, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The mechanic completed a road test and indicated tha... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The anti lock brake system has failed on my 2018 Ram 2500. This has been confirmed by the dealer as well as an independent shop. First case was hauling a trailer full of wood, a car pulled out in front of me, I slammed the brake and the anti skid failed, brakes locked up. The only reason I didn’t completely lose control is my trailer brakes worked and stopped the swerve. Since that day the ABS ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
A warning popped up "Check electric vehicle system", then a few minutes later an error popup appeared "stop vehicle and check power supply" and the car would no longer go above 27 mph.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The vehicle was purchased brand new on Feb 1st 2024. While driving on the highway on Feb 5th 2024, with only 105 miles on the odometer, and no prior warning messages/lights, many warning messages were suddenly displayed on the dashboard, repeating one after the other, instructing that various safety features were disabled, displaying: "Parking brake not available", "Brake system problem", "Brake p... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2015) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 7, 2024
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
In the past two years, my car has had 3 wheel sensors fail. When a wheel sensor fails while driving, things can get dangerous. When this happens, the following systems immediately fail in a chain reaction of events: ABS system, ESC Control, tire pressure monitoring, and loss of power. It’s dangerous when it happens on the road because the brakes are not working and the accelerator won’t accele... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The contact owned a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH there would be a loud noise emitting from the rear-end of the vehicle that seemed as if the vehicle was running rough. The contact stated that while being idle at a red light the vehicle suddenly surged forward crashing into the vehicle in front. The air bags in the front and rear of the vehicle de... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
I have had the ABS checked by Hyundai dealership per recall and they told me there was no issues, but I’m having a lot of problems with accelerating, and it shifting gears, I don’t think the system is really diagnosing, whenever I turn my car on sometimes it will do a diagnostic read, but it can’t send data, and it will take a while for the system to reset itself. It does smell like my car i... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
I was driving to work this morning, February 7th, 2024 driving at freeway speeds. My Tesla touchscreen dropped out and went completely dark. The reset process is to press and hold for about 30 seconds and another 30 seconds for the full restart. I attempted this twice and proceeded to pull off the highway. During this period, I could not see how fast I was driving, whether my brake lights, turn si... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
The engine died while I was driving with my fiance, and the steering gave out. There was a loss of power to both the engine and brakes. The timing of shifting was inconsistent and I couldn't keep up with speed of traffic. Ford has confirmed that there is a problem with my vehicle and that the engine could explode. This is from their recall live on their site: "The engine oil pump drive belt tens... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 6, 2024
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
While attempting to merge into 70mph traffic on the interstate, the vehicle suddenly lost all acceleration capabilities. I could have been in an accident due to the sudden loss of acceleration and eventual power to the engine. When I pressed on the gas pedal, there was no resistance and the pedal went all the way to the floor. The vehicle slowly accelerated on it's own from 20MPH to 55MPH witho... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
Vehicle accelerates at low speeds when applying brake. It has happened 3 times in the past 6 months. Dealer was contacted and said no reports of this issue were on file. Most recent incident resulted in a minor collision.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 6, 2020
My car doesn’t accelerate. I was driving and a car behind me almost hit me because I pressed on the gas but it didn’t go
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
One pedal speed control was used to slow down and stop the car approaching a busy intersection. The car came to a complete stop and was idle at the intersection. While stopped at the red light, the car suddenly accelerated into oncoming traffic and was directly heading towards a head-on collision. The driver turned the car to the left, avoiding injury, however, a party in the other vehicle was in... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
This complaint is about difficulties with the horn sensor on the steering yoke under emergency situations. After 14 months of driving the car, I have these safety issues: 1) The horn sensor is difficult to find in emergency situations. It is a single, small area located farthest away from the right-hand rest position and touching it requires a long stretch with the thumb. When turning, it is easy... Read more
LINCOLN
CONTINENTAL
(2017) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 6, 2024
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The transmission went out, when going out it causes the vehicle to jerk while at a high speed of 60mph and then after the jerking it stops in the highest gear almost causing a wreck and this all suddenly happens on an interstate.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the low oil pressure message was displayed. The oil and engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle failed to accelerate and coasted to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the drive belt had fractured, causing the engine to seize. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Cruise control will apply brakes when lane ahead is clear. This happens multiple times per trip, every trip. Automatic emergency braking way too aggressive. Has nearly caused me to be rear ended twice. I try to remember to disable it every drive. I wish I could permanently disable it.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
ABS and traction control lights intermittent flashing. Service ABS warning flashes and chiming occur. Very distracting and makes me unsure of failure of system .Codes and stored messages clear and repeat. Cannot go to dealer every day to have codes read that don’t exist. Parts not available at dealer. How is this fixed?
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
I was sitting at a red light with my foot resting lightly on the accelerator. I was completely stopped waiting for the light to turn and suddenly my car began to accelerate quite fast. I had to slam on the brakes which seemed to be malfunctioning. I managed to stop before I hit the car in front of me. I took it to the Teslas service station and was told by their engineer that nothing was wrong wit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
Sunday 2/42004 the car just shut off on me brakes stop working could turn could stop
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
ABS, electronic stability control and speed control not working. Code C0020-01 ABS Pump Motor Control.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The car continues to have serious engine issues. I keep getting a service Stability track and Engine Power Reduced warning. It has happened to me on the expressway and the car will not accelerate past 20 miles per hour. I had the car repaired on October of last year (3 months ago) and the issue persists. I decided to research online and this seems to be a major issue going on with Buicks. It sound... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The ABS/HCU module has experienced a premature failure which is a huge safety risk as it controls my vehicles' Anti-lock Braking System, Traction Control & Cruise Control systems. Since experiencing this failure, my vehicle has had numerous safety incidents where Braking would lockup, traction with the roadway is lost etc. Please initiate a recall for this issue for these generation of trucks so t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
The vacuum pump recall was replaced in 2016 and it’s bad again. I have the emissions warranty with ford I am 6 owner the other 5 owners were resale so I get the one time lifetime emission warranty. the truck is doing all kinds of crazy stuff
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
While driving in snow mode the vehicle loses acceleration after coming to a stop and demanding acceleration again. The vehicle will roll using idle power however there is no increase to the RPM's. The vehicle has to be stopped and moved to ECO mode for the vehicle to go back to working. KIA Dealership has been notified however stated if there is no Check Engine Light and no snow on the ground the... Read more
MAZDA
CX-90 PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2024) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 5, 2024
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
While driving CX90 PHEV vehicle, a "HAZARD" error displayed on the dashboard and the vehicle stopped driving/accelerating completely. Displayed error reported a Hybrid System Malfunction and instructed driver to switch from hybrid to normal setting. Vehicle would not accelerate despite switch to normal setting and power remaining. Driver powered off vehicle and error remained on display. Drive... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
This has a major recall and won’t pass inspection. Engine light is on . I’ve called dealership and was told parts are on back order . Last year I was told the same thing before I received a letter in the mail.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
I was driving along at 35-40 mph and the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating when I gave it gas. Nearly empty at the time so I thought maybe it was a gas issue. I drove it a couple of days after that and it drove just fine. I filled her up with premium gas, thinking that it would fix the problem. The third time I went to drive it was last Friday, [XXX] It would barely accelerate. it took about... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle jerked and went into low-power mode. While at a stop, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle surged forward. After using the phone charger, the phone charger overheated. The contact unplugged the phones. The contact stated that the steering wheel was hot to the touch. There was an abnor... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
ABS mogel is defective and needs to be replaced. ABS light and chimes come on constantly. Affecting braking and lose of cruise control ability. This is a know fact that it is a defective part on ram trucks.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
Vehicle ABS system, brake, and towing problem warning lights are on as well as loss of cruise control. I started noticing my cruise control not functioning properly about a month or two prior to total failure. The local RAM dealer in Live Oak, FL. verified problem and admitted this has been an ongoing issue. Replacement parts are not available with a tentative availability date in March. In my res... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
I took my car into the dealership because my crash sensor light kept coming on & my cruise control wouldn’t work. The dealer said that the crash sensor bracket was fractured & the dealer wouldn’t repair it under warranty. The bracket wasn’t repaired, they wanted $595.00 to repair it. This is the same complaint as NHTSA ID# 11506284 on [XXX]. VIN# [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2020
I have had 14 incidents over two years where this vehicle suddenly, rapidly accelerates from slow speed, usually less than 15 mph, and six of those incidents had a near collision. Most of the incidents happen in a parking lot or drive-thru and require immediate fast braking to avoid collision. This sudden, unexpected acceleration has been widely discussed on the Mach-E Forum and there is general a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
I was driving 72 mph, and went to accelerate to 75 mph to set my cruise control. As soon as I stepped on the accelerator pedal, my 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV jerked violently and immediately applied braking to car to take it from 72 mph to about 30 mph within 1 second. Had someone been behind me I would have been rear ended. I was able to pull over to the shoulder of the road, and put my car into park... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the contact enabled the snow traction feature. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
At 9:37 a.m. on January 26, I was driving on Freeway 60. The three cars in front of me braked suddenly. I stepped on the brake quickly, but after I stepped on the brake for 3 seconds, the speed of the car still did not slow down, and it directly hit the rear of the car in front.Afterwards, on the Tesla app on, an alarm was displayed, saying that at 9:37, there was a problem with the steering wheel... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
With cruise control engaged, the set speed would randomly change up or down changing vehicle speed rapidly. Most dangerous part was some times the speed would set itself from around the speed limit where I set to as much as 20-30 mph above the posted speed limit up to 90 mph. The speed would instantly increase by 5,10,15,20 mph all of a sudden which is not possible to set with the cruise control b... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
I bought a new jeep wrangler 4xe 2024. I drove the wrangler first day to city , and the dashboard suddenly popped up red little turtle warning light, vehicle started lost power in the middle of the street, it was crawling no more than 5 MPH. I randomly pressed the cruise control ACC couple minute the warning light went off, and I continued to drive on the road, the wrangler dashboard popped up the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 mph, the vehicle suddenly and unintendedly accelerated and continued to accelerate. There were no warning lights illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop, crashed into a building, and a brochure bracket stand, and hit a pedestrian who was transported by ambulance wit... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to surge forward. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions while at a stop light. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Freestyle. The contact stated that while at a stop, the vehicle lunged forward. While starting the vehicle, the vehicle revved high. While driving at high speeds, the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that several times, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, wh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
1. Dashboard has been cracking for years, now the defrost vent fins are breaking off. Happens when I clean the inside of the windshield. Makes flapping noise when I use defroster. 2. The interior light switch on the passenger side front door does not work anymore. 3. The cruise control will randomly turn itself off and other times speed up by itself.
Incident date: Mar 29, 2021
Vehicle has been having accelerator issues. Car has not been registering acceleration. This has happened on 6 separate occasions. The first occurrence happened when I was at an intersection and I took my foot off the brake and put my foot on the gas pedal. No acceleration besides the torque received when not applying gas (1-3mph). This lasted for about 7-10 seconds and then I jolted forward due t... Read more