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: Oct 19, 2023
Same issue as NHTSA is investigating on RAM 2500 is occuring on RAM1500 frequently. ABS computer failure. Warning lights on for ABS, ESC and parking brake. My RAM dealer found defective ABS computer and told me its on back order. My issue popped up in August and apparantly back order is until at least/earliest March of 2024. This is based on multiple comments found on internet from others w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Hydralic control unit is bad causing on dash safety alert for service electronic brake system alert and anti lock brake system alert. When towing will not have brakes to assist in stopping tow vehicle. The alarm constantly going off distract your attention from the road. Upon going to the dealer for repairs I was told they are on national back order and may not be available until after the 1st ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC300
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 23, 2023
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
The cruise control switch is very intermittent. It can be difficult to get it to engage. Getting the cruise control to release with the brake or switch is also intermittent. I am very worried that it will cause a crash.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
The computer screen jumps around with the dash data when you are driving. The radio changes functions and channels. This is a huge distraction and dangerous when driving. Additionally, when you turn the radio off the screen keeps jumping around to different functions and channels.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
There is an issue with the transmission slipping or not engaging properly. There is a strong and often loud jolt with a hard shift at times. It will also simply not engage in the next gear other times. I can be pushing down on the gas and you can hear the engine revving but the truck isn't picking up speed. This has been the most dangerous part of the transmission issues. If I'm pulling out to cro... Read more
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 23, 2023
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
HEV WARNING TURN OFF ENGINE SIGN WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE MY CAR LOST POWER AND THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO SUDDENLY MOVE OVER THIS IS VERY UNSAFE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
Gear shift knob button broken. Cheap plastic and fell off
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
I was driving and the car slowed down in mid street on a busy road and started to stop then it sped up very fast then it slowed down again and sped up very fast again I had to drive all the way home 15 minutes without barley pressing the gas I went to AutoZone to get a code reader to see if what had happened would pop up on it and they said nothing but that incident was very strange because it has... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
After braking to enter drive way. The truck accelerated spontaneously causing vehicle to hit a wall. Similarly on previous occasions the truck has lurched forward when releasing the brake after coming to a complete stop at red lights or stop signs.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
Service shifter light is turning on the car at 20-60 mph and more. Car warning continues to appear over multiple periods of times and not able to see speed and determine if car is driving properly!
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
While driving using cruise control, in the space of 9-10 miles, the vehicle had 14-16 instances of sudden, unexpected braking for no reason. Most were moderate braking incidents slowing the car 15-30 mph before I hit the accelerator to get the car back up to speed. 2 incidents were where the car slowed 5-10 mph then resumed speed. Very disconcerting. There was little to no traffic on the road and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
I just bought a 2020 Dodge Durango GT PLUS AWD on Thursday 10/19/2023. On Saturday 10/21/2023 while driving this vehicle on the highway, it started accelerating on its own. I had not used the cruise control and was not attempting to use it. It accelerated from 42 mph to 65 mph with no assistance from me. I used the brake and it did slow down. However, every time that I removed my foot from the bra... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
When driving my Nissan I had stop at light/ stop sign.My car notify me with a check engine light. It wouldn't accelerate in a matter of seconds I was able to continue driving. I notice it happens every time I have to stop at lights and or stop signs frequently. It first started at about 85,000 miles. I bought it at 65,000 miles I still owe for the car I took it to Nissan and they told me that it ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
On 2 separate occasions, the cruise control set to 80 and suddenly decelerates. Very scary. Term being used in Tesla chat rooms is 'phantom breaking'.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
When I first start driving the transmission does not seem to know what gear it should be in. It will start in first, jump to four and even at a stop with remain in fourth. As I start to move it will drop back to first and then jump to eighth. It will bounce between gears like this for the first half a mile or so then seems to settle back down. When it is jumping around gears the shifting is ext... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
IN 2020 MY ABS CLONTROL MODULE FAILED AT ABOUT 20000 MILES. I HAD IT REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY WITH NO ISSUES. IN MAY OF THIS YEAR (2023) IT STARTED FLASHING ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT NEEDED REPLACING AGAIN BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE AND CANNOT GET THE PART. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE AND WORSE. I CAN TELL IT IS AFFECTING MY BRAKES ALONG WITH I CANN... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
Service electronic braking system stop working. Light and message on dashboard.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
Sudden deceleration due to P2112 code, electronic throttle body stuck closed.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2023
October 20, '23 Our recent DEAD STOP! Whistle blower! Did you know that when the alternator goes out on a Lexus, that the car draws down energy from the battery to keep the car going? That's only for about a mile or so, then the car shuts down! You can't steer and THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING and you have no power as you come to a dead stop, whether on the freeway, or one lane mountain pass road, w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
- Vehicle was operating as normal. Slowed down to a complete stop as normal. When attempting to accelerate from stop, vehicle had no throttle response and slowly idled into the intersection. Would press pedal down and nothing would happen. About 5 seconds later, vehicle gained throttle response and took off quickly. Unable to duplicate issue at this time, appears to be intermittent. - Safety was r... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2018) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 20, 2023
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormally loud sound. The contact stated upon shifting into drive(D), the vehicle accelerated unintendedly down the steep driveway. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the fai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
Speed control will not work unless you are going around 70mph and step on gas a little.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
While driving the service shifter warning has come on. The car will drive like it is not in the correct gear, and all the gear shift lights come on. It does not want to accelerate. If the warning comes on when starting up, the Jeep will not allow me to shift from park. It has to be shut off and restarted after waiting a few minutes. The auto stop-start no longer works. (It’s the feature that h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
I know it’s the transmission because it gears just goes and the car doesn’t go anywhere. Now I have my car parked
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Experienced acceleration problem with my brand new Genesis GV70, only 7 mos. old. I backed car out of garage and onto my street, put car in "drive" and pressed down on gas to move forward, but car would not accelerate. This was only for a split second, and then it started to accelerate. It was strange, though, and had never happened before. I continued on my route and as I was entering an onra... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
System failed to pick up speed.
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
* According to the different computers codes the issue is Secondary Air Injection Pump failure. *Driving on the highway I had the limp mode which created a drastic velocity drop from 70 mph to 40 mph which created a situation that almost ended up in having another car hitting me from behind. this incident occurred a coupled of times in highway but in most cases just when starting a cold engine ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
The transmission jumps in and out of gear, the engine revs on its on. I was on the highway the first time and I going between 60 and 65 mph and it sounded like the whole bottom of the truck was just ripped out, the truck went from drive to either park or first gear it locked up the back tires and there was a truck behind me he tried to miss me but he hit the back passenger side of the truck. He wa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
While driving at night with the cruise control on, the emergency braking system engaged. It appeared that the road surface went from dark to a lighter color.
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 18, 2023
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
This occurred twice both happened on the highway going 65 mph. I accelerated as usual, suddenly the check engine light began blinking and I lost the ability to accelerate (limp mode). The car instantly dropped to 20 mph. After a minute, the check engine blinking light went away. Both times I was luckily able to get off of the highway going 20 mph. The first occurrence, I turned the car off for 30... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
engine was replaced per CASE # 14397135, and PI1803Y/Z, SINCE engine repair Turbocharger Boost Control Position Sensor “A” Circuit High CODES (P2562 & P2565) continuously come and go. Check engine light comes on and off for the same codes. Knocking noise continues, loss of acceleration as if voltage or gas was lost, steering wheel speed control buttons (+/-) no longer properly function since... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Message”stalbility track needs service” while driving, speedometer and rpm hands become unstable with lights for traction coming on. Then car shuts down with no acceleration. Have brought to GM service several times and they can’t find the problem.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
I submitted a complaint regarding traction service/escape alerts at any given time of my 2010 Chevolet Malibu and have not received an acknowledgment of my complaint. Therefore I am hoping it has been resolved. Thank goodness, the car passed inspection on 10/17/2023 for which the complaint of the traction service alerts have affected my yearly inspection for at least 3 years. I am asking... Read more
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2013) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 18, 2023
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving approximately 3 MPH, and slowing to park the vehicle, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
Instrument Cluster screen blinking On/Off and showing "Service Instrument Cluster" message. Lost all indications of speed, warnings, gauges, gear selection. Could not tell if vehicle was performing correctly. All sensors appeared to be working, but indications to driver missing.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
TODAY, I was driving my vehicle when I got multiple warnings including a “electrical failure, ABS failure, start stop failure.” I was on a stretch of road where I could not safely remove myself from traffic and was forced to proceed. Within 5 minutes of receiving the error messages my car shutdown and I was unable to control the car. Horrifying experience. By the grace of god I was able to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
Since I have had the vehicle I have had to have multiple Spark Plugs and Engine Coils replaced, literally every 4-6 months. One diagnosis said there was a problem with the motor, when I told Kia, they did not come back with the same diagnosis, well they sort of did, but did not noter it as an issue. Also, my car burns oil way too fast. I'm having to put in 2-23 quarts every 2-3 weeks. I have been ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2022
Tesla Model 3 Policy #: [XXX] Claim Number: [XXX] I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to report an incident involving my Tesla Model 3 (Blue) and to initiate the process for an insurance claim. The incident occurred on [XXX], at approximately 2:15 PM. My fiancée was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident. Incident Details: - Date: [XXX] - Time: Approximately [XXX] - V... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
Less than a 6 months of having this brand new jeep, the Initial failure of transmission happened while driving down highway. Jeep smelled like it was on fire and I lost all acceleration. Th transmission literally fell into debris. I coasted off the highway and was able to make it into a parking lot, thankfully. Jeep was towed and repair of trans and flywheel took about 4-6 weeks. Around 6k late... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
On 10/16/23 I was turning slowly into a parking spot and my car suddenly accelerated without my pressing the accelerator. I slammed on the break and the car stopped. It was frightening because I could have hit someone or something but luckily the car stopped before that happened. I believe that this was a malfunction of the accelerator. This has not been checked or reported to anyone yet but I wil... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before suddenly accelerating quickly, causing the contact to brake hard and bring the vehicle to a complete stop. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The electronic throttle co... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
When on autopilot mode with traffic aware cruise control (TACC), the Tesla model Y car gets unexpected unpredictable random sudden slowing down with braking causing panic, inability to react, unsafe for the following car the rear. Appears to have unexpected unnecessary phantom braking unsafe for driver, passengers and the rear following car.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
When driving above 50mph, when I drive over a road seam, the car shakes almost uncontrollably. I have to slow down to make the car stop shaking. I have brought the car to Jeep service THREE TIMES in a period of 12 months. Still having the same issue. It is very dangerous. I cannot rely on this car (only 3 years old) to drive on a highway. Very dangerous!!
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
The contact's mother owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked with the engine turned on and the transmission shifter in the park position, the engine began to rev and the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into a brick building. During the incident, the braking system malfunctioned and did not stop the vehicle, and only the d... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
Car was on TACC. It was early evening so the sun was making a lot of shadows on the road from trees. Car kept repeatedly slamming on the brakes approaching each tree shadow. The road was absolutely clear of any real hazard. Almost caused car behind me to collide into the back of me, and then they passed me while honking and very angry. I can't blame them.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
2023 and 2024 Hybrid Accord vehicles liberally activate brake lights while cruise control is active under even the slightest level of deceleration creating an appearance of a “brake check” when there is no brake check. A traditional car’s cruise control, for instance when set to 60MPH allows you to depress the accelerator, speed up to 65MPH to pass a vehicle, and then release the accelerato... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I'm having a problem with the car going into park. When it's in park, the doors will not lock in the vehicle will Just drain the battery.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
This is an ongoing problem and it appears to be affecting other owners of this vehicle as well. The code is C0020-001. The ABS/Traction control light comes on - a message to service the Anti-Lock braking system comes on - and the cruise control does not work. This happens intermittently sometimes 20 times in a minute, sometimes it's 20 times a day and sometimes I can go 2 or 3 days without it comi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
TRANSMISSION ISSUES , STALLING, RPM REVVING.
1 injured
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2023) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 16, 2023
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The ECM in my vehicle appears to have an intermittent failure that can cause it to send the vehicle into WOT at any time at random. I was stopped at a traffic signal. It turned green, I let off the brake and my vehicle learched forward for a second, and then, all of a sudden launched into and hit the vehicle in front of me. I tried to push down the brakes, but they were too stiff, and, no, my foot... Read more
Crash