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: Apr 19, 2024
When on a cruise control it started accelerating on its own to an extremely high speed. Happened a few time to me. Clears only if you restart the vehicle. Scary. I have a video to proof, it won’t let me attach the video. I know that some other people had experience same, I seen comments on Facebook group for Kia sportage hybrid 2023. I filed under lemon law for this vehicle for a different rea... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
When starting from a stop - either dead stop or coasting stop, but after applying the brake, when you start gently pressing the accelerator, nothing happens for an excessive amount of time. Likely only a second, but feels much longer when you're trying to make a left hand turn in front of oncoming traffic. The van may be barely rolling, because the brake isn't engaged, but you're only coasting wit... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
When driving at high way speeds my steering wheel has been sticking which makes minor corrections much more difficult while at speed. With having to put in more effort to steer this could lead to an overcorrection in the turn which is a huge safety concern. This is a different issue than the current recall of the faulty EPS repair part being faulty. This is the original part in the car that is hav... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
On April 2nd, my cars dash said “low oil engine pressure” with a severe dinging noise. I got an oil change and they said to take it to a mechanic, my local mechanic said the oil pump belt drive was at a loss of pressure, resulting in damage to my engine and oil pump. On 4/2/24 My local mechanic refused to fix it due to the recall and said that it should be fixed at Fords expense. On 4/14/24 I ... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 20, 2024
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
the turbocharger went out at 75k. had it replaced just after the #2 cylinder went bad. vehicle is unable to get to highway speeds and is very slow to accelerate. it is not due for an oil change for another 5k miles.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Honda CRV Hybrid, 6 months old, purchased new from the dealer. The car was parked on level ground. I started the car, shortly after I shifted it into reverse. Reverse camera turned on and the audible reverse sound turned on. I let go of the brake, car drove forward. I applied the brake, shifted into drive, then back into reverse. When I let go of the brake I had the same issue, the reverse camera... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
While driving around [XXX] PM on Thursday, [XXX], the Focus Electric displayed a "Stop Safely Now" message and proceeded to cut power going to the electric motor, allowing the car only to coast as if it was in neutral. Luckily no vehicles were around in my lanes, as that easily could've caused an accident. Electric steering, regen braking, and air conditioning were all disabled. I was able to coas... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
RABBIT
(2007) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 20, 2024
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Driving on the highway coming home from brother in laws house and the truck suddenly popped check engine, brake service and ESC lights came on dashboard while engine power was reduced causing sluggish performance. Made it home and put a scan tool and pulled a cylinder 3 misfire. Replaced spark plug and confirm it’s not an ignition coil problem. Brought to dealer and was confirmed the DOD lifter ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
While driving it's difficult for the car to shift gears, also a burning smell comes from the engine after driving long distance.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
While coming off the highway on an exit ramp, several car warnings/lights appeared and the car abruptly decelerated such that I could not drive more than ~30 miles/hour. The warning message said "performance extremely limited" and two warning lights (an engine and a turtle) came on. This problem has occurred on three separate occasions and after each incident, I took the car into the dealer for ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
see all over the internet that 2010 Prius have a recall for Inverter. I called the dealer they said no recall with my vin. I was told that a new inver is almost $5000 dollars. i NEED HELP i HAVE BOUGHT 3 TOYOTA ALREADY. Please help me with good will or warrenty the inverter like you have so many other people with 2010 Prius. If not I willand my family will never buy a Toyota again. Please call or... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The CVT can cause the car to shake, judder, stall during sudden acceleration, or completely lose power. My car jurked and stop completely while at a turning signal in the middle of the street . This was cause by the recall on their cvt. I’ve called a Nissan dealer and they said they can’t fix the recall problem for free because my car is over 80,000 miles. No it hasn’t been inspected . Yes m... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 19, 2024
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
Vehicle lost power while driving at highway speed. Pulled over and restarted vehicle. Vehicle proceeded to accelerate without driver input. Multiple warning lights/systems activated including: POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION / REDUCED POWER; SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING; PRE-COLLISION ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE. Similar to issue described in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V267000
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
While driving, the 'check EV system' light comes on, intermittently what will happen is that when stopped the car will put itself in park, when it is in park I can not get it out of park, thus unable to move forward, it has also happened while reversing (and not stopped). I need to cycle the car on and off a bunch of times in order for it to finally turn back on. This is very dangerous while on t... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2024) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 18, 2024
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I tried to park in the parking space next to it by making a slight right turn. As soon as I stepped on the brake to park, the car began to rush forward. I noticed again and again that my foot was slamming on the brakes, but the car didn't stop. My car went over the ledge between the parking lot an... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
Climbing a hill the cruise control goes crazy and the RPMs suddenly exceed 5000+. Scared the hell out of me and could certainly be dangerous especially on rainy roads. Many owners are reporting this issue on the Nissan Frontier Owners forum - example here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
While accelerating onto a highway, my engine overheating light flashed then stayed on and my acceleration suddenly throttled back and my car started slowing down. I was able to pull over on the shoulder, but there was a close call with a semi bearing down. I had my car towed to a repair shop, where they told me the water jacket had cracked and the overheating caused a blown head gasket. This was r... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
Power steering went out, impossible to steer, no warning, able to force off road. H ad happened several times before at intervals would return after several minutes of car motor off. Saw at dealership originally but no answer found till yesterday when it happened again. Dealer" internal fault with steering gear".
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
My ID4 windshield chips very easily and in fact i have had it for less then 1 year and small rocks on freeway damaged windshield and had to replace it out of my pocket. Even after getting new windshield it’s chipping again. The glass is hazardous as i am afraid it will break easily when compared with other cars. Cars speedometer turn off due to VW software glitch while driving so in the middl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The gas pedal is sticking
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
I was driving about 45 miles an hour and my car suddenly ramps up in rpms. Might’ve been a sudden down shift
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
It only happens when I have the car in cruise control mode. The car dramatically slows down for no apparent reason. It has happened 3-4 times in the 3300 miles I have driven the car. It may be related to changing lanes while on cruise control.
MERCEDES-BENZ
S550
(2015) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 17, 2024
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Powertrain failure, low oil pressure light came on, occurred while driving 70 mph on freeway with moderate traffic my car suddenly decelerated to 35-40 mph with a semi truck behind me almost slamming into me and I couldn’t get the car to accelerate to get the the side of road to safety. Loud engine noise now when car is on, not able to accelerate past 30-40 mph. I feel it is not drivable. All de... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
I experienced sudden acceleration in downtown and almost hit three cars, caused me to run three red lights and almost hit pedestrians. I had the car, 2017 outback Subaru towed to the dealer and was told there are no recalls, but saw many problems listed on the NHTSA website. It was terrifying and still shakes me up when I think what could have happened. Subaru told me this was the first they have ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Car in reverse and going forward when foot on gas the car will take off at a high speed. Need to hit brakes quick to stop the car. Could cause an accident if other cars are around or pedestrians walking. I nearly hit a building.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rumbling sound detected. The vehicle was slow to accelerate, then lunged forward. While accelerating, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and dete... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
I pulled the vehicle out of my garage yesterday and drove it out and turned it around and put it in reverse to park it on a very slight incline on my driveway close to the garage to clean it, put it in park, and shut if off. I spent a couple hours vacuuming and cleaning it. I then went to turn it on to back it into my garage for the night and it lurched backwards in an alarming scary way - I rol... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Took vehicle for state inspection on 2/13/2024, failed inspection because of brake warning lights. Slip indicator, Electronically controlled brake warning light, Brake warning light, Anti-lock brake system, and Low tire pressure lights are all on. I have looked into it, and it seems the brake actuator/booster used to be under warranty, however since this is a 2013 in 2024 with almost 210k mile... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 16, 2024
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
Infotainment center will randomly go into "component protection" mode, and the center console will become stuck in a loop of rebooting. While component protection is active, the following systems become unavailable: Backup camera, radio, climate controls, advanced driver assist systems, park assist system, drive mode button, cruise control Situations that have occurred to me personally: Climate ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The truck is unexpectedly downshifting to first exactly as the safety recall states .at this This happened while my son was driving the truck the attached picture shows the errors on the dash at the time and also the speedometer read zero when the truck was in motion. Tooele ford claims the safety recall was completed , however nhtsa website states it is an unresolved recall. Tooele ford and ford... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
My cluster panel went dead and there was a recall for it but the first owner got it fixed and ford wouldn’t do it for me. I couldn’t afford to get it fixed and so it stayed dead. My car eventually broke down on me while driving because I was unable to read the transmission fault warning (because the cluster panel doesn’t work). I just had to buy a whole new transmission and ford is still ref... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 16, 2024
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The traction control light and ABS dash lights will come on and the vehicle will jerk and bog down while driving. It is very dangerous and needs to be fixed. I looked on jeep forum to see if I could see what's going on with it and there were a bunch of jeeps that have the same problem.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
Reporting my previous VIN in case it helps the new vehicle owner since I am sure they are facing similar defects that I am with my "brand new 2016 Hyundai Elantra". I previously owned a brand new 2015 Hyundai Elantra and had to file a claim after flooding occurred in Kyle, Texas. The 2015 Elantra title was transferred to USAA after filing a claim for TOTAL LOSS due to engine flooding on [XXX]. Od... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
ON 3/21/2024 while traveling HCU/ABS Control module failed prompting intermittent dash lights and disabling ABS/TCS and Cruise Control. This was the first time this occurred and came without warning creating a very dangerous situation. As a result, hile traveling down the interstate during a rain event the truck lost traction at high speed (65mph in 70mph zone). This was instantaneous under mediu... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
I am trying to get an appointment at the Nissan Service in Clarksville, MD about the safety concern. They haven't returned to me after I left numerous messages via text and their office answer machines. My truck acts very oddly at around 40 mph which is very hazard and I did send the video link but they rather not view it until I get an appointment. I did reach the Nissan Consumer Affairs that ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
Tesla Model 3 autopilot engaged. The car steered itself off the road and into a tree as it was accelerating on a residential street from 8 mph to approx. 30 mph.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
While Driving on I-79 on Friday April 12th around 3pm my Ford Maverick would not accelerate when I pushed the gas pedal. I attempted to pass a tanker truck and as I pushed the gas pedal nothing happened. No acceleration whatsoever. As I looked down at the instrument panel I do not recall if any dashboard light lit up. I quickly pulled over on to the left hand shoulder of the interstate as I had... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2022
The most recent software update v11.1(2024.3.10 9d92fb944d7f) was downloaded automatically and I installed it. The next time I drove, the car made uncommanded and unwanted lane changes, apparently because I could "go faster" if I passed the traffic in front of me. I did not want to go faster due to congestion and aggressive drivers where I live. I then discovered that "Full Self Driving" had be... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
Third tail light and rear tail lights remained illuminated after the car was turned off. Driver discovered the brake light switch (rubber/plastic piece) had crumbled into the floor board preventing the tail lights from turning off, thus, becoming a hazard to other motorists on the road as the tail lights remained illuminated even while driving. While the vehicle was being driven, the driver could ... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 16, 2024
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
The steering rod from the steering wheel came out of the knuckle under the dash lucky i was going about 30 miles and hour it could have been 2 people killed. i having to pay $1,200 to fix the problem but i think this is something that Dodge needs to help me on cause this could have been a lot worst. I have 68,000 miles on it. i missed a telephone pole by 6 inches.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Occasionally engine revs up while braking. The most incident was when braking for a stop sign. I took my foot off the accelerator and depressed the brake pedal. The engine speed increased and I had to step harder on the brake. Briefly a message appeared warning the brake and accelerator pedals were both depressed. I looked down and I could see nothing was touching the accelerator peddle. My foot w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Instrument cluster is not starting up - completely dark.
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 15, 2024
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Car was being driven into a car wash. Driver went to put car into neutral and car lurched forward and crashed into car in front of it without gas pedal being engaged. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer or others. No warning lamps or other messages. May have been related to recently installed full self driving software that was automatically installed but was not requested by vehicle ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
Vehicle is slipping back into natural when driving. Vehicle losses power and won't move almost causing me to get hit from incoming traffic. It's a known problem with ford and should be responsible for the 7k cost for new transmission.. please investigate this. It's too early for a transmission a fault on a 2020.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
Adaptive cruise control does not work usually gives warning signals when it does activate only goes for a short time then says camera is blocked and other issues. Brought into dealer they said that it is a known issue that Benny people are having and there is no solution yet.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
See attached document for complaint
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 15, 2024
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
Loss of power and unable to accelerate to speed once car stalls while in gear (manual)
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
I engaged the speed control (NOT adaptive speed control, also equipped on this car), and set my desired speed. I pressed and held the SET+ button to increase speed, as demonstrated at 1:27 on this video [XXX] from Mopar for an older model of this vehicle. When I released the button, the car continued to accelerate. Pressing Cancel or disabling speed control stopped the acceleration. This behavior... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Abs comes and goes most of the time it doesn’t work had the issue for over a year when it’s not working no cruise control. I had rydell deal ship look at it and said it’s either the module or the pump.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
Issue is with Tesla Full Self Driving subscription for $199/month and is available for inspection. No warnings or symptoms were indicated. The vehicle recommended I re-enable the service every time the vehicle restarted after it was shut off. Tesla's phone support stated the following is normal expected behavior, so an inspection isn't needed: 1. Automatically changed lanes on interstate into th... Read more