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: Nov 15, 2023
I was driving north on I-5 in Northern California when the car braked twice for no apparent reason. I was using the traffic aware cruise control. The first time the car was on a slight curve to the left and there was traffic in the right lane. About two hours later I was on a straightaway with no nearby traffic.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
I experienced a sudden unintended acceleration while parking the car in my home garage, something I have done thousands of times with no difficulty. I had this brand new car for a 12 days before it smashed through my garage wall. My garage is a fairly tight fit, so as I always do, I partially entered the garage and stopped to make sure that the side mirrors were going to clear the garage entrance... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
Phantom braking occurred while traveling eastbound from Austin to Houston on US 290. Vehicle was traveling 76mph and slowed to quickly to 55 mph for no reason. There was a highway overpass about 75 yards away which may have triggered it, but no vehicles around us. Scared my wife and kids!!!
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Systems failed. Recalls incomplete
SAFETY 1ST
ONBOARD
(9999) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 22, 2023
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
I have experienced this issue 4 or 5 separate times. The issue seems to occur while driving over rough, uneven/bumpy roads. While driving over a bumpy road either with foot off of both pedals and regenerative braking engaged OR with foot on the brake pedal and actively/physically braking, suddenly and without warning the brake disengages and the car lurches forward with such force as to snap m... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 22, 2023
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
UNKNOWN Was driving while decelerating when engine stuttered and emergency brake light came on. The car then stalled and would not restart until 3rd try. This is the second time this incident has happened.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
While driving the vehicle it will slow automatically as if there is something in front of the vehicle when there is nothing there. It has happened twice on the highway at highway speeds causing driver to take action. While driving the vehicle, the emergency brake automatically set itself while in drive. Electrical accessory issue with radio; cutting out and losing signal, unable to control volume ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V589000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control) and the recall repair was completed by a dealer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH with the cruise control activated, she momentarily disengaged the cruise control to slow for traffic. The contact stated that when the c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
Respected Authorities, We bought Tesla Model Y in May of 2023 with our hard earned money, and next day or so we noticed a big paint mark on this brand new car.. Upon following up few times, Tesla agreed to repair this but they damaged further and after repeated visits, they agreed to replace the seat cover.. However, while replacing the cover, they damaged the side door coverings. Again after lot... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
Issue where multiple dashboard indicator lights coming on. Tire Pressure, ABS, Power Steering, and Traction Control lights specifically all on at the same time. Car typically drives fine but will intermittently not want to accelerate and/or brakes are trying to apply themselves while trying to accelerate. This is a dangerous safety issue as I could be driving on the highway the car all of sudden w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the tailpipe. While driving, the vehicle was slow to respond. Additionally, the contact’s son, who is a mechanic, informed her that there was water entering the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the vehicle was built with... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
Received error code P2682, a faulty Thermo Control Valve. This happened on 11/17/2023. Car potentially could have quit running in traffic. Subaru has identified the issue with TSB 09-80-21R. They have changed the design of the valve due to the many failures. My car has 74,000 miles. My brother in law has the same vehicle with 57,000, and his car is in the shop today for the same issue. The servi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
My 2018 Dodge Ram with 7175 miles on it has a continuous service anti lock brake and service electric brake light go on and off.Cruise control inoperable as it shuts off when the warning lights go on and off.Dealer did a $160.00 diagnostic on the system that I had to pay for only to tell me the hydraulic control unit needs to be replaced at a total cost of $825.00 that I am responsible for.Additio... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 21, 2023
Incident date: Nov 19, 2023
Vehicle has abrupt, unexpected power failures and/or issues with "Stabilitrak" that causes immediate engine shut-off at highway speeds and/or causes the steering wheel to jerk unexpectedly potentially causing a run-in with traffic
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
I was going approximately 60 mph on MN Highway 100 S in the far right lane, driving with a half full tank of gas and <1% battery in “hybrid” mode, when suddenly and error message saying “service charging system” error appeared in red on the driver console and all engine acceleration stopped working. The vehicle then displayed a message to shift to P to start the engine. But it wouldn’t l... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
My car started jumping while driving we had put oil in my car 3 weeks prior. It also smelt like my car was burning while the heat was on I had 2 babies in the back seat and I was scared to death. I haven’t received anything in the mail about any recalls what so ever. I had to hear by a family friend the day of the incident that he thinks they’re recalls on my call so I looked it up. My car is ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2021
The throttle and accelerator pedal is very HOT- highly sensitive, resulting in jerky lunging upon start off in 1st gear from a dead or 1 mph stop. The vehicle has been into the dealer 2 times for this issue with the same repair comments, vehicle meets all factory specs and all XT 4 react this way- well that's not safe. If that's the case, then this is a design defect which is unsafe as the acceler... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
While using cruise control and traveling at a speed of approximately 70 miles per hour on the highway, my car accelerated on its own and ai had I had to hit the brakes. I was thankfully able to slow it down, to which the entire car shuts down. The vehicle completely shut off and would not start. I had to have it towed to Jeep and they told me it was not one, but BOTH fuel pumps had failed. They ch... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2015
Since I have owned this vehicle (bought used with 68,000 miles) it has had an issue that over 10 mechanics have not yet solved. It has slowly escalated to the point it is now unable to be driven at 250,000 miles. It is an idle issue, the car started revving up to around 3,000 rpm’s (on hot days it seemed but it also started to happen in the winter ) whenever I would put the car into park after d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
The Hydraulic control unit has failed. It has been taken to a mechanic and diagnosed. The electronic part has been replaced per my warranty info and mechanic recommendation and it is still failed, meaning the main HCU is the issue. The cruise control will shut off automatically and the ABS and traction control do not work while in fault. While towing a trailer up an on ramp, the HCU went into faul... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 21, 2023
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Brake, ABS and traction control lights all came on and according to Dodge Dealer the cause is the ABS ECU control module and /or ABS hydraulic system. Dodge indicated ECU Control Module is on backorder pending engineering review so it does not make sense to replace only the hydraulic unit without replacing the ECU Module., They say it is safe to drive, however ABS, traction control, and cruise con... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while attempting to park at 5 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however the vehicle accelerated independently. As a result, the contact crashed into the two parked vehicles on the side of the parking space she was attempting to park. No air bags were deployed. One parked vehicle had an occupant and the other was unoccupied. There were... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Engine stopped smoking no power turbo out motor blown truck is junk since we bought it .
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
This vehicle decelerates or loses power while driving . This has happened 3x. Also vehicle is lag in accelerating from take off, my fear of getting t-boned if it stalls Most recent date below. Has been taken to dealer numerous times
COOPER
COOPER DISCOVERER A/T
(9999) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 20, 2023
Incident date: Nov 12, 2023
The ABS and HCU are bad in my vehicle. It appears to be a widespread issue with this year model. A recall should be issued by the manufacturer to correct this safety issue. I recently collided with a barrier wall because my ABS system was not functional.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
An electrical issue of uncertain origin involving the stabilitrack system that causes the truck to jerk a different direction or stop completely in unexpected fashion
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I believed the spark plug or the condense coil has an issue with my vehicle. The engine lose power at stop when I stepped on the accelerate pedal the car takes about 2 seconds idling then speed up suddenly. I am not a mechanic. Therefore, I am not so sure. It's available for inspection. How was you... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2023) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 20, 2023
Incident date: Nov 12, 2023
Car keeps malfunctioning the airbag light won’t cut off it keeps picking up speed after i use cruise control it’s jerking .
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2024) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 20, 2023
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
while driving my car lost power and slowed on its own from 65 mph down to 45 mph. i had to power/acceleration and all the dashboard codes lit up and the infotainment system had an error messsage. i was force to pull over on the freeway and restart the car to get power to it. this is the 2nd time this happened within 2500 miles of the new vehicle.
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 19, 2023
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
11/19/2023 - About 8 pm. on November 17, 2023, I was parking at my condo parking lot and slowly drove the car into the parking space when all of a sudden the car accelerated on its own. I immediately pressed on the brake pedal and it stopped. I felt fortunate that nobody was on the sidewalk. The same thing happened about a month ago but I thought it was just something unusual but now that it hap... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
I was at a stoplight on 11/16/23; when it was my turn to go (green light) I went to accelerate, and my engine seemed to sputter/choke or misfire before accelerating at a slower than normal rate and then the engine light came on -flashing- and then the traction control/VSA system indicator light came on my dashboard. I was able to make it home, but when we googled the symptoms: Rough idling Lack ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
On the highway I set my cruise control. It registers as the max speed on the tesla screen. Regularly the max speed changes very suddenly and the vehicle brakes. For my most recent trip drove on the highway and this happened 3 times. The max speed changed from 78 mph (the speed I set it at) to 40 mph. Another time it changed to 45 mph and a third time to 55 mph. Sometimes there are cars directly be... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The adaptive cruise control (Autopilot) suddenly applied the brakes while I was traveling about 70 MPH on a major interstate highway. There was no reason for the sudden and rapid braking. No obstacles of any kind. I suspect the Autopilot was confused with the shade of the road from asphalt to concrete as I approached a small bridge. Software version on the vehicle is 2023.38.6.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
On the outlanders speed control sensor on the back hubs the lil ears that hold the sensor in place have broken off both sides of my car there's is no way to replace them makeing my car shift different drive funny and it's just about made me wreck a few times and cause when they pop out the car downshift and the engine reves at 9000 rpm and now I have a tick in my engine but i have had to try and ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
My Ioniq6 slowed down to 20 mph for the second time tonight. No matter how hard I pressed on the accelerator the car would not speed up past 20 mph. A message on the dashboard said “Limit: 20 mph”. Eventually the car picked up speed then said “Limit: 43 mph”. (The speed limit on University Blvd at this point was 35 mph). I did not test that, as I was almost home. This happened around ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
My ABS and Traction Control components in my 2018 1-ton Ram are intermittently setting codes with the ECU, leading to loss of ABS, Traction Control, and inability to use my cruise control. I am concerned that I have a loss in braking performance without those components operating as designed. I have brought my truck to the local Ram dealer only to be told that the module will not be available for ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
My car has had a problem with TACC since the day I bought it. Brakes aggressively in what should be a normal driving situation. For instance, when I pass a semi truck on the interstate with my own lane in front of me, the car will slam on the brakes when it is beside the truck. Highly likely to cause a rear end collision.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
This started in May 2023, warning lights "Service Electronic Braking System", "Service Anti-Lock Brakes". It is an intermittent issue, cannot duplicate. Appears at random, with Cruise control on,, if the issue message appears the cruise control disables. This can go on for several minutes, then all of a sudden stop. Could resume minutes later. Again Random. Don't rely on your anti-lock brake... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
This is the 4th time it's happened and also the 2nd time iv almost been killed!! I have a 2014 ram 1500 which iv grown to love. Iv have alot of issues but never complained and just took care of ... yet the gauge cluster display decides to go into a party mode (strobing) and flickering or just flat out going black!!! I have bad eyes and twice now within 2 months driving at night iv gone off the roa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
Transmission programming recall, clutch recall, fuel cap recall and many more recalls were not performed at ford dealership! Had to pay out of pocket at dealer for “labor” task was never performed at dealer for all recalls!
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
The contact owns a 1994 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V399000 (Vehicle Speed Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distributio... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
On October 24, between 8:45 and 9:05 am, I was traveling on the highway with cruise control on and the car suddenly braked going from 75 to 30 rapidly. It was only me pressing the accelerator that kept it from coming to a complete stop. Fortunately, there was no one close behind. There wasn’t any traffic around me. I was passing an exit. I reported this to Tesla and they remotely investigated bu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
The vehicle will not accelerate, seems to be a problem with the transmission
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
I was stopped at a major intersection (very busy) at a red light when my car quit. I tried to restart the car but nothing happened. I was at the bottom of a hill, which has a turn not long before you reach this intersection, the speed limit is 45 mph but its normal for cars to average 50-60 mph. I put my flashers on and called AAA. Cars were piling up behind me trying to get in the other la... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2023
UNKNOWN: ABS INOPERATIVE Light, Traction Control INOPERATIVE Light, Hill Assist Unavailable Message, Cruise Control unavailable. I have also reported this under the Ford F53 Chassis, since I have found that many different makes and models of gas engined motorhomes built on the Ford F53 Chassis have the same issue that has been unrepairable for several years.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
UNKNOWN issue causes safety features Anti-Lock Brake System, Traction Control, and braking feature Hill Start assist to be inoperable. In addition, cruise control system is inoperable.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
The ABS module/HCU is faulty just like thousands of others who are reporting this same issue. Tested with an expensive scan tool by a certified mechanic AND the local dodge dealership in Greenwood SC. Dealership doesn't have the parts to fix it and can't tell me when parts will be available. The warning lights on the dash come and go but are on 75% of the time. This is EXTREMELY dangerous be... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
Abs pump failure intermittent loss of braking system and traction
Incident date: Oct 19, 2022
When going into curves on interstate, car thinks its gonna hit something and slams on the brakes when cruise control is engages. When passing a semi (semi slow lane, passing in passing lane), vehicle detects something in front of it and slams on the brakes. Does this on straight stretches. Slows down extremely fast to mabye 40 mph, then floors it once it thinks the "obstacle" has disappeared an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
I was driving down the highway coming up on a traffic jam put on the brakes and several warning. Lights came on the dash and my power brakes failed. I was barely able to stop the car without hitting someone. From that point forward the brakes did not work properly, the regenerative braking system did not function. also, the cruise control stopped functioning. I took the car to the Lexus dealer, ... Read more