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: Jan 3, 2024
Saturday morning this is now the 3rd time it's been fixed and safe to drive. Once by the dealership in Baltimore Towson area. Check engine light came on I ran diagnostic I bought at the store to get the codes come to find out class actions for wrongful death because company knew about it. As I also see hundreds of he same complaints here. My wife on [XXX] Baltimore MD at the merge. She went f... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
TONALE
(2024) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 18, 2024
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
Car was coasting into a resteraunt chain drive-thru lane, coming to a slow when the car very quickly excellerated. A quick application of the brakes stopped the rapid acceleration. Neither foot was on the gas, one was resting over the brake pedal in order to stop the car before reaching the car ahead of us. I have OEM floor mats that do not sit on the pedals. I was not using the Paddle shifters. ... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE
(2015) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 18, 2024
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Air duct tube was broken when driving on interstate 94 east. stepping on gas pedal there was a buuuuuuzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz noise. Also, the check engine light is always on, a mechanic said that the PCM programming is mis-communicating.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
Cruise control button only requires 1 touch to engage. old system required to turn on and then set. it would be to bad, however button is on left side of wheel and is easily accidently engaged. It has happened many times in 2 months of ownership. Dealer and ford won't act. this thing will engage i have had approaching curves and even stop signs. I'm very disappointed with 2 aspects of truck remote... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
Snow Mode caused the vehicles accelerator and brakes to be unresponsive after stopping to turn. Kia could not duplicate the issue through service inspection and test drive. Since no alerts or sensors were tripped they ignore the safety concern. This major safety issue is is very very common problem among Telluride owners. A simple google search will reveal hundreds of complaints. Note: A child was... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
The vehicle's primary Autopilot processor randomly and completely failed while in active use on February 10th, causing the vehicle to immediately change course towards a highway barrier at high speed. Since that moment, every time the Autopilot DAS computer is reset, the primary processor refuses to transition from the INIT state to the NOMINAL state and instead transitions to CRITICAL state. Th... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 18, 2024
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
I was driving on the interstate in cruise, the car engine started revving hard. My speed jumped up to 85mph. Then all of a sudden the vehicle jerked hard and I lost all acceleration. The car rapidly decelerated. Then, the power steering, check engine, vehicle stability assist, electric parking brake, and low tire pressure lights all came on. As well as the gear indicator was unable to show if I w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Car decelerated drastically to a low speed when driving on the highway using cruise control.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Loss of power to speed unable to acceleration had to pull over
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Cruise control is messed up and is constantly and continuously surging on straightaway highways or on hills between 500 to 1000 rpms. A very uncomfortable ride that makes me nauseated. No dealership is acknowledging a problem or finding a diagnosis. Also, aa soon ans you turn on your cruise rpm’s will raise immediately even on a flat terrain negatively impacting fuel economy. Investing over $30,... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA 250
(2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 17, 2024
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Switching gears is weird sometimes and sport plus mode revs engine
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
The vehicle was crawling to a stop in preparation to park in front of my garage door. When I move my hand across the steering wheel, my hand must have come in contact with the toggle/scroll for the “resume speed” function of the cruise control. The vehicle abruptly began accelerating towards my house. I was able to press the brake pedal to deactivate and stop the vehicle safely. I note that ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
I was driving less than 55mph on freeway on February 5, 2024 when my vehicle went into an out of control spin, Brakes did not seem to work and unable to control vehicle until hit center divider on freeway, Spun 180 degrees and kept going back with no braking until hit center divider.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
I was driving on the highway at 65 mph and the truck downshifted on it's own from 6th gear to 3rd gear causing the truck to loose power. This has happened twice while driving on the highway and the transmission recall has been updated prior to this.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Service Antilock Brake System Service Electronic Braking System Illuminated warning lamps. Impacts Braking and cruise control. Started 10/2022, and appears to trigger randomly and frequently.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
Instrument panel turns off on and on during driving. No ability to see speed, acceleration, engine heat, fuel, or any lights at all (unable to see warning lights like engine light or airbag or tire pressure and not even able to use blinkers or high lights). Problem occurs during driving (will even turn off and on many times within same driving session) but will also happen while car is sitting jus... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Driving through my neighborhood. Went to enter a Hwy and tried to accelerate. Could only go about 25 mph. with engine speed fluctuating. Checked to see if I had hit paddles by mistake. That is what it felt like. Pulled over put in park. checked for dash notifications none. Got up to about 45, speed fluctuations again. Pulled over turned off ignition. That fixed the problem. Safety concern if traff... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Speed control sensor allows brake fluid leak through the plug connector and run down the wiring harness, allowing brake fluid to splash on the exhaust manifold and cause a fire.
Fire
Incident date: May 1, 2023
ON [XXX], at [XXX], i was driving the vehicle in electric Save mode, where the temperature was around -19 degree on that day and i was heading for car wash, During that time, the vehicle in front of me applied a break. i was at safe distance i applied the break as the distance was close Even the anti-breaking system did not work on hitting the vehicle at that time, and then it bumped three times. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Slowed down entering a driveway when car sped up on its own , Forward Collision Warning/Emergency Automatic Breaking did not warn or do any breaking. NO SOUND or WARNING on the computer screen. I brake but the car still hit the post. I do not know what speed it accelerated to. I am not sure if Autop... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
I see that the recall notice was issued in September of 2023 but I have to say that for no recall remedy to be available yet is disheartening. I drive my car every day and it is the only car I have, because of that I risk my life everyday. My car loses power because of this recall daily and it ranges from 3-6 times a day. I lose power on the highway, the main roads and back roads, it does not matt... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2023
Vehicle does not have the proper software updates needed to clear the two NHTSA recalls for my VIN.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
Car all of a sudden started to slow down on the highway throwing all kinds of codes like service stabillitrac, throttle body position sensor, pressure intake manifold and lots of other ones
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
When I drive my car shuts off in the middle of driving in traffic I almost got into an accident with my kids in the car The dealership doesn’t know what’s the problem they fixed a code of p0011 can anybody help because it’s a safety hazard with me and my family in the car please help feel like I’m just wasting money
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
My 2016 Tucson Sport with Eco Shift has a dangerous problem with the transmission. Intermittently It will not move when I give it gas. The RPMS go up to 6000 but the car wont move. Its the DCT transmission. Today I took it in for the 3rd time and I don't want it back until its fixed. This is a very unsafe vehicle to drive since you would not know when it would just stop shifting and driving. Have... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM HAS AN INCORRECT CALIBRATION THAT MAY CAUSE THE SYSTEM TO NOT PROPERLY DETECT IF A SENSOR WERE TO MALFUNCTION, AND THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATING THAT THE SYSTEM IS NOT OPERATING WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE, AS REQUIRED IN THE SAFETY STANDARD. THE STABILITRAK SYSTEM FALSELY ACTIVATES RESULTING IN SUDDEN CHANGES IN VEHICLE HANDLING AND DECELERATION, PARTICULARLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, WHIC... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
ABS light came on at 13,000 miles and was repaired under warranty. At 27,000 miles (2.5 years later), ABS has failed again, code C-020, but vehicle is out of warranty. Contacted FCA and was told "sorry, its out of warranty, pay for it yourself and keep your receipts, just in case it goes to recall". This is a know safety issue as cruise control and traction control are also tied to the ABS. Driver... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 15, 2024
Incident date: Apr 20, 2020
I am driving on the highway and my vehicle goes into neutral on its own it’s very dangerous and almost caused an accident from what I was reading there was a recall for the software for the transmission this happened quite a few times and needs fixing
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG C43
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 15, 2024
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
When vehicle is in Snow Mode and I begin accelerating after a complete stop or turning the vehicle from park to drive, the accelerator does not respond. Once I move the dial to any other mode the issue resolves. I can then go back to snow mode and the issue doesn’t occur again until I start accelerating after a complete stop. This has happened four times. This is dangerous. If I am merging into... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
On 6/25/22 our 2021 Tesla Model Y with 16,163 miles had a sudden unintended acceleration, it didn't responded to the breaks and within seconds hit a parked car and finally stopped when it crashed to a large tree. It was a "Total Lost" by the insurance. Around 1pm on a clear sky day, driving out of a small gated residential community, before exiting I pulled over the side of the road for a few min... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
I purchased my vehicle from Lithia, Inc. d/b/a Wilde Honda in Waukesha, Wisconsin new. Wilde Honda serviced the vehicle on [XXX], after I reported that all lights in the vehicle were coming on. In addition, I experienced an incident on the highway where my car failed to accelerate, putting me in extreme danger. On [XXX], after my vehicle was returned to me, I experienced substantially similar i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
Vehicle was taken in for a oil change. At check-in I was told that I would be given a rental vehicle due to the overhead rails recall, leaking inside the vehicles at that time I advised of a gas smell which I have been smelling for several years and it was getting stronger. I was told that there was something wrong with the fuel pump and it would need to be replaced and they would also be replaci... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
My 2021 Wrangler began experiencing a violent shaking and reduction of steering control in July 2023. The violent shaking would begin if my vehicle hit a bump while traveling at 65 mph or more. To regain control, I would have to brake and reduce speed to under 65mph (which also is extremely dangerous to do on a freeway). Thunder Jeep in Bartow, FL replaced a broken steering component that temporar... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
Hcu, hydraulic control unit, no abs, no traction control, no cruise, no 4x4 and emergency brake light on won’t go off and part is not available been waiting for over a year and a half
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
This Hyundai Tucson was 3 months old when the transmission started to shudder and miss gears. I immediately took it in to Ken Garff Hyundai and the service advisor drove the car and said nothing is wrong with the car and that the transmission needs to break in and sent me on my way. The Tucson did it again while in traffic and the vehicle would not go and I had to put my hazard lights on and let t... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2011) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 13, 2024
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
The truck flashes service antilock brake system, service eletronic brake system. It cancels the cruise control on truck. On several occassions it shuts off cruise while on the interstate. You have to react very quickly to avoid having an accident. A couple of times its happened while pulling a travel trailer and nearly got rear ended by semi truck. Thats really scarey. It started about 8 months ag... Read more
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
(2014) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 13, 2024
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
1 abs warning light and buzzer come on every 2 mile which is a distraction 2 if warning does stay off for 5 miles and speed control is set will work but when warning goes off speed control kicks off causing traffic flow problems almost got hit from rear got honked at and finger 3 been waiting for over a year for part dealer says it is not available 4 called dodge ram phone number for compla... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2014) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 13, 2024
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
I am writing to report a series of safety concerns regarding my 2017 Chevy Volt, which have persisted despite multiple attempts to address them with the dealership. These issues pose significant risks to my safety and that of others on the road. On January 18th, 2024, I brought my vehicle to the Provo Utah Chevrolet dealer after experiencing reduced propulsion power while driving on the highway, ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
My dash Cluster quit working,the only part that works I can read my miles but I don't have the PRND321.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
When driving the car abruptly slows down. This also happened on the freeway. I get an error message that says “power limited” and a turtle symbol. This is the second time this issue has happened. Tesla service center has not been able to confidently diagnose this issue. They say it’s resolved and once I leave the service center and the problem comes back.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
After making a right turn, the car accelerated automatically and drove onto the sidewalk. The driver was hitting the brakes and attempting to redirect the vehicle with the steering wheel but both components of the vehicle were locked, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash into several things on the sidewalk (flower pot, parked cars, building pillars). The Tesla is completely dead so we are... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
While driving, the throttle body valve malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to rapidly lose power and go into an engine "safe mode." The check engine light appeared on the dash. I was luckily able to pull over to the side of the road. Restarting the vehicle cleared the error, but the issue continued to recur until I was able to get home. Luckily the sudden loss of power did not cause an incident... Read more
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 12, 2024
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
While driving my Pathfinder, the transmission hesitated, jerked, and spuddered while trying to merge into traffic. Almost caused a severe accident. This was not the first time this has happened and Nissan refuses to do anything about the CVT transmission that apparently has been recalled in the past as well as had lawsuits against it. There are no warning lights or notice at all before this hap... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
NHTSA recall # 23V-411 (FCA#66A) was performed, but did not fix the issue with lost power. Even though the recall "fix" didn't work, FCA said that the proper fix wasn't covered, because the vehicle isn't under warranty. According to the dealership, the tone wheel needs replaced, and they said FCA should cover the cost.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
Recent cold weather starts in the morning (40-50 degrees fahrenheit) have caused my car to have poor or stalled acceleration. It will occasionally not go past 20 or 40 mph while the RPMs rev high. The DTC error code would read P2565 as a pending code. An independent mechanic changed out my transmission fluid and switched out my boost pressure sensor but the problem is still there. Hyundai says tha... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
1. Uncertain which part failed. 2. safety was put at risk due to car not able to accelerate. Car would not go over 20 miles an hour on the interstate access road where traffic was going by at 50 –60 mph - four-way flashers were on and had to pull off at the first available turn but it was scary 3. Contacted local Hyundai; they are investigating a possible loaner, but haven’t said what they wi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
The 2021 Subaru Forester had been functioning normally with no warning lights. About 25 minutes into the drive I had come to a stop light on an upward incline. When the light turned green I moved from the brake to the gas as usual. However the auto-start function on the car failed, causing the engine to stall. A loud clunking sound was heard and the dashboard lit up with multiple lights, although ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Battery failure due to parasitic draw from Ignition IOD fuse ( J13fuse) reads 0.9 draw and M11 fuse ( hvac system) reads 0.6 draw. First occurrence 2/10/24 and second occurrence 2/11/24. Informed auto repair shop on 2/12/24 and goes in for diagnostic 2/15/24. Abs control module failure( intermittent ) Egr valve replacement (8/9/24 due to overheating but no warning lights due to overheating was di... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Vehicle loses power every gmc vehicle I have owned (3) seen to have this issue throttle pedal position sensor while driving on the interstate vehicle speed drops to reduce engine power which is very scary and dangerous
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I was driving my car when suddenly the speedometer started going from 0-60 back and forth, the rpms was all over the place, the brake light came on and stayed on and the lights was going from bright to dim, there was a couple more lights aluminized on my dash. After googling the problem that nearly caused me and my children to crash, there is so many people affected by this same problem in the 200... Read more