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: Mar 16, 2024
The thermo control valve on vehicle failed on 2020 Subaru Forester which is causing vehicle to loose acceleration, multiple errors codes displaying on the vehicle instrument dash panel and no heat in the vehicle (see attached photo for reference). The failure of this device could cause a vehicle fire depending on what position/ and or state the thermo valve failed in. There needs to be a manufact... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
The ABS/EBS errors lights comes on and cruise control won't work. Did some research online seems like a common problem. Hoping to see a recall by Ram.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
2016 Ford F150 Platinum 5.0L V8 with automatic 6R80 transmission. Erratic gear shifting while driving. Sometimes not getting out of/stuck in 3rd gear and sometimes not downshifting below 3rd gear. Orange wrench or illuminated MIL light came on followed by a solid check engine light. Took it to dealership - DTC P0720 and P0722 appeared. Dealership tech states that he reprogrammed the PCM and ou... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
Apparently the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) which is built into the gas pedal on this 2014 MB CLA250 only lasts so long before it becomes defective under highway conditions and causes the vehicle to go into LIMP MODE. When full acceleration is necessary, the unit will work for perhaps a few months or less, and then continue to fail worse and more frequently with each attempt at full acceleration... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
I was driving home from work when all of a sudden I got error messages: Electrical system malfunction! Please contact service; Start/ stop system: malfunction! Function unavailable. Please contact Service, yellow battery light and the car died. None of the safety features, locks, engine, or air condition worked and the car had to be towed to the dealership. Within 1 mile of the lights appearing t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2023
I was driving 2 hours on highway trip (65mph) using cruise control. (20 degrees, light flurries, dry road, windy.) I then slowed to make left turn from the center turn lane. While beginning to cross oncoming lane while making the left turn, the vehicle suddenly lost power and check engine light started flashing. No prior warning to power loss. I barely cleared oncoming traffic, limped to shou... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
The anti-lock braking system, traction control and speed control system continue to flash on and off. While driving here in Huntsville, Alabama it snowed and my braking system failed causing me to nearly crash.
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
My vehicle problems started on February 6, 2024 while my daughter was driving back to her house. My 2016 Honda Odyssey EXL started shaking violently at 55 - 60 mph. Upon towing my vehicle to have my certified mechanic to check it out, check engine light was on with codes and misfires. He determined that the variable timing valve solenoid was bad. He replaced faulty part as well as both oil pre... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2011) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 20, 2024
Incident date: Apr 27, 2020
I pulled into a parking spot and to ensure I stopped when I wanted to, I braked. The car accelerated, smashing into a building. I always drive in eco mode and generally use the e-pedal which was on at the time. I’m not sure if either or a combination of those may have been a factor in what happened. The car is available for inspection upon request. I was fine, but very shaken. The car is d... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
In February, while I was driving on the interstate, I started to lose the ability to control the speed of my car. I pulled over and shut off my car. When I tried to start the car again, it wouldn't start. After I towed it home, I tried jump starting and an error message popped up stating it was the engine oil pump belt tensioner. After speaking with Ford customer service and a Service manager,... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
My vehicle was fully charged. About 1 mile after leaving my house, I received a warning message on my display (vehicle electrical system error or similar). Shortly after I received another message that power was reduced, then finally, "stop driving". I pulled into the nearest driveway and called roadside assistance. At that point, the vehicle was COMPLETELY dead. No lights or power whatsoeve... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
We experienced engine failure of a 2013 Hyundai Tucson on 2/20/24. There were no warning lights displayed on the instrument panel. There was an unidentified noise and a loss of power/compression. We are in the process of learning the difference between a Service Campaign and a Recall Notification and I can’t say we understand it yet. We were not notified nor aware of potential engine failure is... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
Was traveling at around 60 mph and multiple lights and warnings came up on the dash “powertrain malfunction” and “service advancetrac”. Power was reduced to a limp mode and I was forced to pull over on the highway. This happened within a week of having multiple software recalls carried out by a ford mobile technician. I was able to reset the codes with an obd scanner and haven’t had an i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
I changed my oil on Saturday and it now has no oil. The engine light started flashing and my engine seized up. Now it does not run at all. It turns on halfway where the dashboard turns on but the motor/engine does not turn. It appears to be white smoke coming out of the car after trying to turn it back on.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
My car started accelerating on its own, out of nowhere. There were no prior indications. No prior damage. It began accelerating on its own. After shutting the vehicle off and turning it back on, the issue has persisted. Anytime it is in drive or reverse, it accelerates at an extreme rate. It also disabled the brake, when the acceleration began.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2014) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 19, 2024
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
- The truck attempts to accelerate by itself. No gas pedal pressure is required. - The brake still (thankfully) slows down and stops the truck, but if those brakes had failed, my spouse and children would have been in a wreck for sure. - No one has yet inspected the vehicle, but a service appointment has been requested. - MANY warning signals suddenly flashed: something about "hill climbing," some... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2013) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 19, 2024
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The ABS controller on my truck has gone out for the second time. where do i take it to get RAM to fix this issue this? i paid out of pocket for this repair the first time. please advise.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E350
(2013) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 19, 2024
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that while the vehicle was approaching a building ahead, she veered to the right and... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
My 2018 RAM 2500 has 30,176 miles on it. Two years ago the HCU and module controlling the ABS system failed and was replaced. When the system fails numerous lights and warning chimes activate and the cruise control stops working. The system has failed again and the dealer tells me it will take 45+ days to get the parts necessary to repair the ABS system. After researching online I discovered an op... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. Additionally, the vehicle jerked and hesitated. The contact stated that an unknown warning light illuminated with a message not to drive the vehicle until the vehicle was serviced. The vehicle was taken to a... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF SPORTWAGEN
(2016) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 19, 2024
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
Vehicle had a sudden loss of power at ~40mph and began rapidly decelerating. Had there been a car behind me, the sudden deceleration could have caused a collision. Warning lamps and messages displayed on the instrument cluster instantly. I pulled the OBD codes and received U1011 and U1028 as active codes. These codes indicate a PCM software issue. It is important to note that this issue occurred a... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
My 2018 Chevy Volt displayed a warning message of "Propulsion Power is Reduced" on the dash when I started the car in a parking garage on Saturday, March 9th around 10am. The car would not drive normally and made a strange noise. I had to stop and start the car six or so times before it drove normally for me to get home. Had this happened at high speed, it could have caused an accident or worse. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
Ford 150 2011 has had acceleration issues for the last 2 years. I heard there was a recall on this model of truck with the Eco boost but mine was not on the list but I am now having issues and mechanics are having a difficult time figuring out what has been happening. Code light doesn't specify a problem.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 18, 2024
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
My dash went completely blank while driving at night. The center console was still functioning normal. The headlights and blinkers were still functioning normal. I could not see my speed or any other data on the dash. It was still backlit, but the screen was completely blank. Turning the vehicle off and on did nothing. I found on a forum that this is a fairly common occurrence. This is very... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2012) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 18, 2024
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
When I started the vehicle the virtual instrument cluster was blank, therefore I could not tell how fast I was going, how many miles I could go before I needed to charge, start cruise control, and many other features only available on this screen. I tried to restart the vehicle, but the screen was still blank. Fortunately the screen worked again after I parked to go shopping for a period of time.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
My ABS and Traction Control lights go on and off while driving. It happens at different times and all different speeds.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 18, 2024
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
The torque converter is malfunctioning to where I have been unable to use my vehicle for almost 2 months. It is available for inspection, but is currently at a repair shop pending inspection to get an estimate on costs to fix the issue (if it is something that can be fixed). My safety along with my family's safety were put at risk due to the inability for the vehicle to pick up speed while drivi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
This vehicle has been intermittently displaying shift to park, reduced propulsion and loss of power. Chevrolet will not address its problems utilizing the March 6, 2024 service bulletin that covers this model year despite it exhibiting these dangerous warnings and reduced power and stoppage. Please help!
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Many times, when I back out of my driveway into the intersection in front of my house the vehicle hesitates for several seconds when shifted from Reverse to Drive. I am in a situation where I cannot accelerate if needed out of the intersection. This is a safety issue in my opinion. The dealer was not able to replicate the problem, even though it happens frequently and has not provided a solution. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
The horn, cruise control and radio controls on the steering wheel don't work. The dealership has advised that this repair will cost $1,400 plus if it is not covered by a recall. The diagnostic does not show any codes, but the general consensus is that the symptoms are caused by a failed clock spring. I bought the jeep in this condition.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Component: powertrain. It is unintended braking and acceleration. It is available for inspection. This has happened on multiple occasions: when going over bumps the vehicle jerks and lurches, applying braking or acceleration without input from me. While the braking is causing stability concerns at high speed, it is the unintended acceleration that is most troubling. This happened again this morni... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
I was driving on [XXX] where the speed limit varies from 65-75 MPH. I hit 70mph and randomly the truck jolted and dropped down to 40mph without warning. Cars swerved to avoid hitting me and I was shaken. I called the dealership who said there are no recalls and nothing to worry about, but call if it happens again. Two days later I was driving up to Pa from TN. 7 hours away from home and also on [X... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
Loss of power/turbo. I was hauling a heavy load when I had a loss of turbo power on highway. Causing my truck to loose mph up a hill and almost getting struck by a semi vdd into my trailer. Check engine light is on and turbo don’t kick on anymore. I haven’t had the money to fix the problem but I’m certain it’s the turbo/turbo actuator.
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
Driving and service active control system can on feel like brakes locked up, very scary.
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2009) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 17, 2024
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
I was driving around in city traffic and all of the sudden a message popped up on my screen that said "gear will engage at lower speed" and lost all power. I coasted into the nearest parking lot and it slammed me to a stop when i got slow enough and put the parking brake on. It then thew a bunch of codes saying service soon, something regarding advancetrak, and the check engine light came on. I th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
Moisture in the APP sensor connectors causing reduced engine power code affecting acceleration randomly very dangerous on the road
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
VEHICLE: 2018 RAM 3500 Dually ISSUE: ABS Module failure RESULTS: Loss of traction control, cruise control, and brakes locking up while pulling heavy loads. A constant chiming from check engine light. INSPECTED: By several independent garages can not find replacement module. Willing to let be inspected if need be. CONCERNS: Brakes lock up and loose control,Cause a accident by rear-ending someone, ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
I have had several incidents with my Alfa Romero Stelvio losing power while driving, This problem has been going on for quite some time, i have had several parts changed out with the same results a few weeks or months later. I took the vehicle to Jim Ellis Alfa Romero for repairs and told them the vehicle was losing power while driving and was told that this problem has occurred on several Stelvio... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
My car was a total lost after car did not break, and instead the accelerator got stuck. My car went straight into a pole, causing the accident. Car was purchased 2 weeks prior, the dealer did not acknowledge it was a defect, and I lost my deposit of $7000.
Crash
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
Basically it has the recall for clogged cats and O2 sensors it has [XXX] my pistons I use quart oil every 100 miles I talked to customer service last night was told all ve fixed and I could have rental went to get it cause my car dies at every stop from not having right fuel mixture. Now they changed story . Lawsuit ? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 16, 2024
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Vehicle was driving on a slow traffic local street at roughly 10MPH. Spacing between car in front of me was around 30 ft. I was gliding towards front and ready to brake. Suddenly the vehicle start to accelerate hard by itself without driver’s operation. I tried to engage brake / gas pedal and was not helping. Front collision system did not activate like it suppose to. I ended up turn sharp right... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 10, 2024
My abs module has malfunctioned so I lost anti lock brakes traction control and cruise control. The dealership has no parts and don't know when they can them. I also have another vehicle from chrysler with same issue They have no idea when they will get parts and want me to pay up front before they order it. I find that wrong in so many ways. I called chrysler and they didn't give a darn. I asked... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
While driving on a road with a speed of 55, the driver pressed the cruise control bottom and set the cruise speed with the steering wheel cruise setting buttons (up/down). However the car set the cruise speed at 110 MPH, the driver noticed this as the car started rapidly accelerating past expected targets for cruise control. The system clearly displayed a target of 110MPH, but it is unclear why t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
This has happened twice now in the 3 months that I have owned the truck. I was driving at the speed limit, 55 mph, went down a hill and as I started to come back up the hill the gas pedal went to the floor and the rpms topped out at 4000, I shifted to neutral and managed to get into a driveway. I turned the truck off and back on 3 times and it immediately idled at 4000 rpms, in drive, neutral, re... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Unintended acceleration after I tried to park take off before I can parked it violently crash into the wall.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
While driving at about 45mph a warning flashed on my dash. I couldn't read it before it disappeared, but it was something about front collision., contact dealer. the car immediately lost all power. Everything was still running, but I had no acceleration. I had to back down a busy road into a vacant lot. I had just come off of the highway when this happened, if I had still been driving on the ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 14, 2024
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Phantom braking has occurred on 4 different occasions nearly causing a rear end collision during one of them. On all occasions it occurred with no other car in front of us. Tesla Service was contacted through their app for service and we were told this is a known issue and to simply apply pressure to the accelerator. No warning lights or other was given before the incident. The problem has not... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
In May of 2023 while towing my boat I got warning bells and flashing lights, alerting me of the failure of the ABS brake system. In a few miles the warning went away. Then came back on, about 12 times in 20 miles. I also lost my cruise control and traction control. I took to the dealer, about 10 times before they were able to have the episode happen. It was intermittent at first but VERY anno... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2017
Reference Number: 11520065 This is a follow up to a previously submitted incident involving this same vehicle. My first submission was May, 2023, This vehicle experienced the exact same hazardous condition on February 26, 2024. on I-75 south. After driving on an interstate highway for about 1 hour, I noticed a traffic backup and proceeded to slow down as the traffic was nearly stopped. As I s... Read more