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: Dec 15, 2023
While driving, a warning came on my dashboard that I was unfamiliar with as it had never come up before. It informed me my oil pressure was low. I called someone familiar with cars and they told me I may need an oil change. As there were no gas stations near where I exited, I continued to my destination another ten minutes from when the warning came on during which my car began making a rattling/g... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
In some cases when slowing down to a very low speed an trying to to accelerate again. There can be either a brief (1/2 second) or a very long ( > 1/2 second) delay between pressing the accelerator and the engine responding. Because of this delay its very hard to gauge when and how the vehicle will respond. In some conditions this can be a safety concern as the vehicle behaves unpredictably. I wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
UNKWOWN: ASSESSMENT: Date of Event 19 December 2022 Upon taking delivery from Tesla for 2023 Model Y vehicle with the above or contained VIN, driver experiences a series of events that result from a autosteer activation. Approximately seven (7) calendar days after receiving the vehicle a FDU (Front Drive Unit) was replaced. At approximately another twenty-one (21) calendar days after the FDU was... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
Hello, I took my Nissan Altima into my local Nissan dealer for a hood latch recall on 11/13/2023. On 11/21/2023 at about 6:40 pm I was driving my car at a speed of maybe 45-50mph and my hood flew open hitting my windshield causing damage to my car, and scaring my son and I. I called the dealer the next morning and spoke to Anthony from the service department regarding this situation, and he stated... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 18, 2023
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Dec. 16 2023 / 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz(Daily Driver) VEHICLE SAFETY CONCERNS / DANGEROUS DRIVING SAFETY ISSUES INCREASED RISK OF CRASH (HIGHWAY) Transmission: Problems started Dec. 11,2023 Monday Having trouble gaining any speed. The engine revving when getting on freeway when practicing normal function acceleration, slow having hard time gaining speed, car jerking. Transmission gauge will go be... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2018) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 18, 2023
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
This vehicle has an automatic transmission. It will not shift out of first gear in the drive setting and the speedometer registers 0 mph when moving in first gear. If I shift to the manual setting, I can shift up. I did not notice if the speedometer registered my speed at that point.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
Power steering very stiff and difficult to steer vsc light on and air bags light goes on and off and unknown cause.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The ABS and Traction control lamp keep flashing on and off intermittently. When those warning lights are not lit up, I can use the truck normally. However when they do light up cruise control no longer functions. I have not tested if ABS or Traction Control is not functioning, but I am not going to take a chance. This endangered my family, and surrounding drivers as I was towing our trailer on... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
If I'm in city traffic with lots of traffic and a red light for a while or in a drive thru, my car takes longer to accelerate after coming to a complete stop. I'll push the gas pedal in to go and it takes a few seconds to get moving up to normal acceleration speed. The first few seconds of pushing the gas pedal my car barely moves, similar to idling forward without gas, even if I floor it, but onc... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The ABS and Traction Control lights flash and ding on/off intermittently. Sometimes the lights on the dashboard come on as soon as I leave the driveway and sometimes it takes several miles. But once they flash on and ding on the dashboard, the lights flash on and off intermittently for seemingly no reason at all. I am not sure if this is due to an electrical issue, a hydraulic control unit issue, ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
Approximately 2 weeks after purchasing the truck I noticed some harsh shifting, jerking, and sudden acceleration, and hesitation issues. They were intermittent and I was advised this is not uncommon with this model vehicle. However, these issues have become more frequent and severe. Next, I noticed the gears began slipping and the truck seemed to not be able to “find” the gear it needed to be ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2022
On December 12, 2023 at 6:50 AM my Check Engine light came on while I was driving, the battery gauge went to two bars, and the car powered down on Route 24 (a state highway). I took it to the dealer later in the day and they could not find anything wrong. Unfortunately, this is the third time my car has powered down/gone into limp mode on a highway. On August 8th almost the exact same thing happe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
While attempting to accelerate at an intersection, the vehicle lurched forward. The gas peddle stopped working completely, leaving my vehicle stranded in the middle of the intersection with traffic coming from both directions. The engine was not revving when the gas peddle was being pushed. After repeatedly slamming on the gas peddle, the vehicle quickly accelerated forward, fishtailed, and sent m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
The car was behaving like in “rolling” mode even though it was set to “hold” mode. The modes refer to the stopping modes. I have reported the incident to Tesla and it’s been in the shop for over 1 week.
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 2500
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 16, 2023
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
I am writing to bring to your attention a critical issue affecting my 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA 4 DOOR SEDAN, that warrants investigation and public awareness. Hyundai cars are currently plagued by ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEMS that ultimately lead to ENGINE FAILURE, due to there being NO WARNING LAMPS, MESSAGES, or OTHER SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. This is a concerning issue that r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
Traction light will come on intermittently and abs and brake lights will flash and go away intermittently and all lights on dash and headlights will dim, radio shuts off, rpms will drop to 0 then go back to normal all while driving. Both camshaft sensors have been replaced twice in under a year. All spark plugs have been replaced twice in under a year as well as the crankshaft sensor. Something is... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
both digital and analog speedometer also the tachometer shows 0mph even through the car is being driven , also the fuel gauge shows Empty even though fuel is full.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 15, 2023
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
I have a 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5SR and have noticed every time I'm on the interstate and I have driven at least 70 miles of driving distance, the vehicle will all of sudden lose power and the accelerator will be all the way down and it won't go any faster. So, if the speed limit is 70mph and will automatically drop down to 60 and it has done this in front of an 18-wheeler one time scared me to deat... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
On multiple occasions when traveling at a low rate of speed when the accelerator is pushed there is no response for up to 2-3 seconds then the car suddenly accelerates forcefully because the gas pedal has been pushed to the floor with no response. It has mostly happened when we are making a left hand turn and have slowed. Due to the seconds of delay we have been almost t boned and are hesitant to ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 15, 2023
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
While driving with cruise control activated the Service ABS light came on and made an audible ding and the cruise control deactivated resulting in a loss of speed traveling along an interstate highway. This has happened several times, and no time frame to get fixed.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
ABS electronic braking system failure.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
On 3/11/2023, I was heading home when my vehicle lost power in the middle of the freeway. Luckily, I was able to safely pull over to the side of the freeway. Since this is a plug-in hybrid, there are two gauges showing how much electric and gas is in the car. When I checked, both showed were empty; however, although I knew that I did not have much electricity in the battery, I had nearly a full ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
When slowing to park, with foot on brake, vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly surged forward going up an incline, side-swiping the parked car to the right of the driver, without any action taken by the driver. Safety at risk from uncontrolled car during sudden unexpected acceleration. Reported hours after event, police report filed, insurance claim filed. Dashboard during the event light up with ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owned a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that after reversing out of a parking space, then shifting to the drive position and lightly pressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward at a very high rate of speed. The vehicle drove across a street and crashed into a building. During the crash, the driver sustained an upper t... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
Bought the car in July 2023. Nov 23: I had a check hybrid system followed by check engine + red battery warning while driving in the interstate. The car lost power abruptly. Coasted out of the interstate, took the exit, and turned it off. Restarted after 15 mins. Only the check engine light came back on. We drove it back home. Just as we were entering the garage, the sequence happened again: Che... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Frontier. The contact stated that when applying the accelerator pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and lurched forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. While leaving a store and entering traffic, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into an unknown vehicle, which spun and crashed into another unknown vehicle. The driver was able to drive the vehicle awa... Read more
Crash
1 injured
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 14, 2023
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
ON ACTIVATING AND SETTING CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE CORRECTLY MAINTAINS STEADY SPEED. WHEN PRESSING THE (+) BUTTON TO INCREASE SPEED, VEHICLE ACCELERATES BUT UPON REMOVING FINGER THE VEHICLE CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE UNTIL APPLYING BRAKES OR YOU DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION. I'VE BEEN TO JEEP DELEAR TWICE AND THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE WHICH IS ABSURB. THEY SAID THE COMPUTER CONTROL UNIT WOULD HAVE... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 14, 2023
Incident date: Dec 14, 2021
When attempting to accelerate, the vehicle idles down and fails to accelerate for a period of 2-3 seconds. To initiate normal acceleration, fully depressing the accelerator pedal is required vs. a gradual depression of the pedal.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
My wife and I were returning from a Thanksgiving trip to relatives in Virginia southbound on I 95 She was driving and we both felt the car shudder as we began to lose speed. There was no acceleration even though the Tachometer was in a high range. We limped into a Rest Area ,shut down the car and called a tow service. We were towed to Deacon Jones Nissan in Golsboro, N.C. where we were told w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
A common problem with these Lexus ct200h, as well as Toyota Prius V models, are that the brake accumulators begin to leak internally, as they share the same part numbers. Therefore, the actuator pumpwill buzz every few seconds trying to keep pressure in the braking system to a safe operating level of gas pressure,to no avail due tothisleak inthe accumulator. After it quits buzzing, say shutting th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
I submitted this form earlier, but I’m unsure whether it went through. If this is a duplicate, please disregard. An incident of sudden, unintended acceleration occurred while pulling into a gravel parking area on a hillside at dusk. While turning, the vehicle suddenly lunged forward and struck a tree stump. It would have been avoided without the sudden acceleration. The driver slammed on the br... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
having an issue with the warning light saying Secure Vehicle from Rolling. gear selector replacement Needed. Shifter Linkage needed replacing
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
All systems failed, including all lights, speedometer, ALL ADAS - this happened in more than one occasion. When I put the car in park it still registered to be in drive mode. Safety of myself and others at risk- the headlights and brake/taillights went out while driving in the dark. Brake assist went out while I was on a steep downgrade, the speedometer went out completely. Also the car indicated ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle was idling abnormally rough. After shifting into driving and releasing the brake pedal with his foot off the accelerator pedal, the vehicle briefly independently accelerated. Upon reaching an undisclosed speed, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurre... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2020
We had Model 3 with instance of unintended acceleration at the gate of a parking lot. This car was bought in May 2020. On December 6, 2020, she was on the way out of the parking gate and suddenly the car accelerated, hitting the side wall of the gate. The car flew over a two-way street, resulting in a compound fracture of her right hip requiring internal fixation and transfusion. The vehicle was i... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The Model S, which was bought in 2015, had a sudden acceleration while I was trying to park near the entrance gate of the parking lot. The accident happened on May 25, 2023. Fortunately, nobody got hurt and the car was totaled. I feel strongly that this should be investigated, as this can be a very serious public safety issue. It was inspected by the insurance company. There were no warning messag... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
First time - While stopped at a traffic light and foot off both the accelerator and brake (the car holds itself once stopped) the car started to accelerate until I stopped it with the brake pedal. Second time, a few days later - while coasting to a stop and foot off both the accelerator and brake the car started to accelerate until I slowed it with the brake pedal. Both incidents happened within... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
The vehicle is a 2019 Hertz rental RAV4 Hertz. On October 12, 2023, when I moved the gearstick to reverse the vehicle accelerated uncontrollable at extremely high speed and crashed into a wall. Braking did not stop the vehicle.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Vehicle changes gears on its own. Vehicle goes in and out of gear on its own when driving. Very unsafe and had to stop using this vehicle so myself or anyone else does not get hurt.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
Issue 1 : The car over bumpy roads loses the regenerative braking and accelerates. During this time (~1-2 sec), the manual brakes don't function and response is delayed but ultimately comes to life followed by the ABS functioning. Frequency of event occurrence: Multiple times. Issue 2 : The car detects false collision and automatically brakes itself coming to a full stop even if there is no car/o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2019
Ever since I purchased my 2023 Tesla model 3 I have periodically experienced a phenomenon widely referred to on the web as "phantom braking". Google it (though you probably already know about it). When it makes the biggest impression on me is when I am driving at over 50 MPH on an open highway and the car suddenly slows down, to the extent that it feels like someone is applying the brakes. Every t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Rainy road, 60mph on the hw with my family. Truck decides to engage stabilitrak or something to that feel and locked up the brakes. Talk about a scary moment with an 18 wheeler coming in hot behind you. Obviously, in the moment, I had no clue what was happening other than something with the truck was malfunctioning. This scenario could have gone wrong in so many ways. I'm honestly in shock s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
A “ engine oil pressure” message popped up on the dashboard of the vehicle while I was driving. The vehicle won’t not accelerate fast enough to keep up with traffic and when it did accelerate it was impossible to slow it down. The engine is defective and failed in this vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Abs brake light is on and cruise won’t work with brake light on told by dealer ABS MODULE HAS FAILED manufacturer has no idea when parts will be available This needs to be a recall don’t know if abs brakes will ever work
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
At 35-40 and 55-65 mph, the car slips/ pulls back. I took it to the dealer, my rep said it is a known issue and GMC issued a bulletin but will not recall it because it's too expensive. There are thousands of reports online. Please investigate.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Available for inspection upon request. Please do! Loss of power. Reported same issues a year ago. Brought to dealership, sold on other services that did not solve problem. Opened a case with Hyundai. No solution. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Random loss of power. Hyundai ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
The truck randomly started flashing service electrical anti skid braking system. It will go on and off randomly and other times stay on all the time. It will not allow cruise control to work and I’m guess my ABS will not work either if I need it. I bought the truck with 132K miles on it and the light starting coming on at 134K miles. I don’t want to possibly injury others or myself is the ABS ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Traction control and abs warning lights flash on and off intermittently also cruise control not working when this happens. It is sporadic
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
I heard fluid from what seemed like my dashboard and a puff of white smoke, no sensors came on. My Ford fusion continued but ran rough. I was pulling out of a parking lot onto the street and my Ford fusion was nearly t-boned because it would not accelerate. Later that day my overheat sensor came on and my fusion left me stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere with a baby in 100 d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
Vehicle fails to accelerate when the accelerator is pushed all the way to the floor. Maximum acceleration is 20-25 mph. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety is greatly put at risk in normal traffic conditions due to the inability to accelerate. I am also unable to drive on the highway or anywhere requiring higher rates of speed. I am also unable to quickly remove my... Read more