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: Sep 12, 2023
Vehicle accelerates rapidedly or sluggish from stopped. Unable to anticipate which response you may get operating the vehicle and is therefore a safety in my opinion. Also the drop pad overheats my android phone to the point the phone shuts down and is so hot you can't pick it up.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
While I was driving with my family on a highway, I deployed the drive assist function that controls the speed of the car and keeps car in lane, out of a sudden the car itself deployed a sudden quick brake without any immenant risk in fron of me ( there was no car in front of my car for at least more than half a mile) this caused a very close threat from being hit by the cars behind me amd all of ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Today the vehicle was hesitant to start but did. After two stops I turned car off, went into a business. When I came out the car would start but would not go forward or backwards but rev up. I nearly slammed into a curb in the process. I have a video of this.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
I have no back tail lights , mechanic says it's an electrical issue yrans module needs fixed right front hub bearing and head light switch, my air bag system is constantly on my car cruise control system is messed up the cruise control steering switch needs to be replace my cars control panel all messed up.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
unintended sudden acceleration defects without warning without driver input. I could kill & be killed. It can happen again! I backed up a little in an angle moving away from parking. Suddenly, without any warning, the car took off and frantically flew backward, passing a stop sign (offense), crossing the main road 4 lanes, perpendicular to the marked lanes (offense), mounted on the sidewalk and la... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
My car had engine seized while driving on the road with no warning light prior nor other mechanical issues. When the engine seized, all mechanical powers are have lost power including brakes and power steering in which have almost caused a near accident at an early morning rushed hours. The vehicle's odometer reading at 120,836 and was up to date on all normal tune up performances. Other issues th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
I took a recent road trip of 1,200 miles across the southwest. Numerous times while using adaptive cruise control the vehicle suddenly and violently braked for no apparent reason. This was particularly concerning when passing trucks. One particular event was on interstate 5 when passing a big rig truck, I was along side the truck with a following car tailgating me, my car suddenly braked hard, cr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
These vehicles are equipped with an automatic start/stop feature to save gas. This feature automatically turns off the engine when stopped at lights, traffic, etc. the problem is that once you apply the accelerator, it can take up to ~5 seconds for the vehicle to start moving and depending on how hard you depress the pedal, the vehicle can start very abruptly accelerating (almost to the point of w... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2012) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 29, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Horn only occasionally works when honking and/or locking car, which increases the risk of a crash since I can’t always use my horn to alert other drivers of presence. One front headlight only occasionally works (lightbulb is not the issue), which increases the risk of a crash since other drivers may not be able to see me as well & I am not able to see the road as well in the dark. Cruise control... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
My wife pulled into our driveway at 5 mph. Suddenly our Tesla Y. Auto accelerated,before my wife could realize it ramped into our garage through the door and collided on the wall of our Laundry room and kitchen damaging Foundation of the laundry room.My wife was also injured badly. This incident has shaken my wife. We complained to Tesla and filed the complaint but they are not even following up. ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
Breaks locked or failed and was forced off road into a ditch, car totalled
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Driving on the freeway with my foot on the accelerator, the car lost power even thought the engine was running. The engine light came on as a static light - it was not blinking. I pulled off the freeway, put the car in park, and shut the engine off. When I restarted the car the engine light was off and I was able to accelerate again. After the first incident, I took it to a Honda dealer who re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Honda Odyssy 2018- While slowing down and then trying to accelerate does not accelerate and stalls in the lane and requires pumping of accelerator pedal before gear is changed. some time when this happens you can heard grinding noise of gear change. Last time it happened it showed 'Transmission system Problem' and 'Blind Spot Info system Problem' on screen. This is after dealer has looked at the p... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
ABS and Traction Control warnings cycling on and off randomly. Warnings are off only for short periods and are on most of the time. Cruise control is not working when the warnings are on which causes a sudden unexpected drop in speed on the highway when a warning cycle occurs. Two dealers have advised that the unit is faulty in manufacture and design but no replacement parts are currently availabl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
On 32600miles abs and traction control start glitching. Happened to me on the highway pulling a rv and using cruise control, all of the sudden I lost cruise control on 70 mph and ABS with traction lights came on and off several times and end up go away, I stopped in the safe area and check all related parts on the vehicle that related brakes and abs, fluid was up to level all parts, brakes, wiring... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
While driving the MB sprinter with distronic cruise control and there are no vehicles around the cruise control option on the sprinter will disable itself and fail to restart until it senses another vehicle object around. I have noticed this many times while driving long distance on the interstate.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
While driving down the highway, a wrench appeared on the display, then the speedometer went down to zero and the truck wasn’t shifting or accelerating. I took it to the Ford dealership and the diagnosed it as an issue with the Leadframe sensor assembly. They also let me know this is a known issue and there was an extended warranty program that my vehicle is over mileage for. The repair cost est... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
My clock spring has failed three times now the first few times I had it fixed at the dealership but my warranty is now no longer valid once since I bought it from the dealership and it has failed again saying my airbags deployed and none of my features on my steering wheel work at all not even my paddle shifters and nor does my horn. And this has happened every time all those things have not worke... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
ML350
(2013) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 27, 2023
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
ABS and traction control is not working intermittently Blinkers are not working Windshield wipers are not working Cruise control is not working Gear electronic (+/-) is not working -Service electronic stability control light is on intermittently -Service trailer brake system light is on intermittently -When towing heavy load I see a leak under hood. I'm extremely worried about driving my truck.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
I have a 2018 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck and my ABS engine light came on back in February 2023 indicating that I have a problem with my braking and traction control system. It was because of the Hydraulic Control Module was bad. I Contacted a Factory Chrysler Parts supplier to obtain a new part to have it replaced but they were on backorder until June. In June I contacted them again and was told ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
This warning light has been present since I test drove this car in March 2023. The dealership stated if I purchased the vehicle they would fix the issue before I took delivery after purchasing the vehicle in March 2023 the warring light came on several times within hours of picking up the vehicle. I took the vehicle back to the dealer at least twice within a week or so to have them fix the issue, ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
this system is malfunctioning and braked suddenly twice and I almost got rear ended. now the system is not working and the dealer at diamond honda wont repair.
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
On 9/14/23 after starting car parked on level surface, I placed car in Drive, but it went in Reverse. The vehicle was supposedly repaired for Safety Recall Notice 22S43 by dealer. I placed car back in park, then shifted back to Drive and it moved forward as expected. Later in day while my wife was driving, she experienced difficulty in disengaging cruise control and when she tapped brakes, vehi... Read more
Crash
2 injured
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 27, 2023
Incident date: Apr 22, 2022
When cruise control is engaged, the vehicle suddenly decelerates, (at times dropping speed by more than 20 mph in less than 2 seconds). This occurs as often as 5-10 times in a single 60mi trip, and occurs at least once per trip on this same route (divided highway, sometimes with hills, often with no other cars ahead of or around the vehicle, speed 60-70mph) These events are unsafe because unexpect... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
September 26th 2023 i noticed my traverse accelerated by itself while in park i reported the evap issue made my check emgine light come on and stay on i noticed gm recalled 2019 traverses and up a year models for the same reason but not 2018 models on september the 7th 2023 i also got a code saying control moduoe communication chassis expansion can bus offf when the check engine light ccame on als... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The abs brake light, traction control, and downhill assist lights all came on at the same time. This is being caused by a faulty speed sensor. This item was recalled on the two wheel drive kias, but not the all wheel drive models... hiwever.. looking for answers in the forums show that there is a systemic problem in the kia system, just Google search it and watch all the other car owners stories p... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
This vehicle has problems with the ABS Module, they have been replaced 3 times, and now the exact same thing is happening again, it is pulling same code from times before C0020-01 ABS Pump Motor Control General Electrical Failure [brake module] will attach work orders first one 10/11/2018 where module was replaced twice and again on 06/17/20
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The vehicle will show that it is overheating when it is not and it will power down where you are only able to go around 50. When going over mountain passes it will do this and sometimes it will totally shut down. It will do it in town and any time it is at a traffic light. Sensors, water pump have been replaced. Antifreeze does not leak stays at the same level it is not actually overheating. W... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
Unintentional acceleration. After making right turn, vehicle accelerated for approx 1/2 mile until crashing into wall. Several attempts at braking and trying to shift into neutral did nothing.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
Over the past year, the car has had 4 crank position sensors, new pig tails/connectors on the wire harness, a new throttle body, and a new MCM. The Jeep will randomly shut off without warning either at stoplights/traffic or on the highway at speed. While at speed, the car will "restart" itself, but if it stalls while stagnant a manual restart is necessary. When the stalling occurs, warning lights ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 25, 2023
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
My 2018 Ram 2500 has an intermittent ABS/ Service Electronic Braking System light. If I am using the cruise control when this light, comes on the cruise control turns off and the vehicle slows in front of moving traffic. I seem to also loose traction control which is dangerous when towing heavy loads.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The Stability Control System engages on low speed left turns when it is not required. It does not engage on right turns at similar speed and sharpness of corner. Power is cut to the rear wheel and the right brake engages, causing a "wobble", unsteady, and jumping sensation. This creates unease and the sense of losing control. I've been told this is a common problem that the YAW sensor and sas syst... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
My truck accelerated on its own , repeatedly, while highway driving . Had to drive with brakes on until I was able to pull over . Turned off truck , waited a few minutes , turned back on and without having my foot anywhere near the accelerator, the truck accelerated on its own , as if someone was gunning the engine - while still in park . Turned off again . NOTHING was near my accelerator to cause... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
While driving on the highway between Nenana and Fairbanks, AK, on August 9, 2023, I attempted to pass a slow moving RV towing a trailer. While in the passing lane, I accelerated and my vehicle suddenly loss power. I was forced to swerve out of the passing lane to avoid a collision with with oncoming traffic and the vehicle being passed. After that event, the vehicle would not exceed 3000rpms or 35... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
My vehicle has been making a very loud rattling sound upon starting. I reached out to the Ford service department about this and they said the cam phaser is failing but the customer satisfaction program has expired and they will no longer cover it. I never received a letter from Ford regarding this customer satisfaction program (I hadn't moved since buying the car, so it wasn't an address proble... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2023
ABS HCU/and pump failure. Truck dies. no Brakes
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
While driving at freeway speeds of 80 mph, and while passing a vehicle, Engine wants to temporarily slow (like it's dropped a cylinder or two), and the car will NOT speed up. Then engine warning light starts to blink, Emissions Problem light starts to blink, then car downshifts several gears and slows dramatically - or will rev at 4500-5000 rpm. ON THE INTERSTATE! DRAMATICALLY UNSAFE. I've rep... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
Unknown, car will shut off while driving and turn back on while flashing service traction control. In some cases it will completely turn off and I will have to put transmission in park and re crank it in the middle of traffic. Power steering goes out while driving aswell as other issues. Locks go in and out while driving. No known cause to this as battery and alternator is good and I've replaced B... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Antilock brake and traction control stop working randomly. Alarms pop up on Dash board. Seems to happen more when it is humid out. With these safety devices not working the truck is not safe to drive and since the problem is random dealer can not find the cause.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2023
When stopped at an intersection, waiting to turn left, vehicle sometimes will not accelerate when gas pedal is pushed. If I do a very light acceleration, then let go of the gas, then try to accelerate, it is as if the transmission is in 5 gear or something. After a 3-4 second lag, the vehicle will then seemingly find 1st gear, and will accelerate. As you can imagine this is extremely dangerous i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2023
Car was traveling from Atlanta and the speed odometer on the car showed it was dropping then knock noise pull over then I made to exit and check oil Guage the sensor lights never showed when I had picked up the person house I took to said it was crank sensor and started it heard knocking sound and I call NHTSA reported incident and was giving a claim number haven't heard anything since I no its r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
On April 18, 2023 driving thru shopping center parking lot, WITHOUT WARNING car suddenly jerked right, accelerated, while brakes, steering wheel, gears locked. Ended crashing thru the wall of a structure. Airbags did NOT deploy but seat belts tightened firmly keeping us from going thru windshield. Episode of "UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" was reported to Honda Motors whose agent, Jason, checked the car... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
Car spontaneously stops accelerating. Sometimes a restart is needed. It jerks as you're trying to gain acceleration. Sometimes it stalls after non acceleration. Safety is compromised due to traffic behind me going speed limit or worse. First appeared 2 months ago. Mechanic could not detect anything on diagnostics. Then we took it to the Chevy dealer where purchased and after 5 days could not diagn... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
The vacuum pump on my 2017 hyundai has a faulty cap resulting in an electrical error to the CAN system. This causes dash lights abs 4wd parking break stability control tpms sensor check engine light to eliminate and the speedometer to not work. All of the systems are not opperating due to the system not being able to communicate. It is illegal and a safety issue to not be able to use the speedomet... Read more
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2023) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 23, 2023
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
During normal highway driving, the vehicle abruptly went into "limp mode" with a complete loss of throttle control. The engine remained running, but I was unable to increase the speed of the vehicle. Once stopped, the vehicle showed several alerts on the dashboard: "Service Advancetrac," "Hill Assist Not Available," and "See Owners Manual." I was able to scan for fault codes and returned DTC P2112... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
The cruise control was set at 70 MPH. The car braked itself and tried to stop itself even though I had no cars or objects in front of me. I had to apply the accelerator to get it to out of stopping itself. It happened twice in a short amount of time on that morning. The car is available for inspection. This is a safety issue as it could have caused an accident if I had someone too close behin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
I have a 2019 Odyssey Elite and the following lights come on: Adaptive cruise control problem (ACC); Auto high-beam problem (A); Road departure mitigation system problem; collision mitigation system problem; lane keeping assist problem (LKAS); brake system lights. My problem is intermittent. I can make it go away most of the time by pouring water over the camera or spraying it from the windshield ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
lOSS OF PRESSURE IN BRAKES AND FUEL FOOT PEDALS AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE. PRESSURE WAS SO LOW IN BRAKES I HAD TO PRESS BRAKE PEDAL TO FLOOR TO COME TO A JERKING STOP. IT FELT AS IF THERE WAS NO BRAKE AT ALL AS IT WAS SLOW TO BRAKE COMING TO AN ABRUPT STOP ONCE PEDAL FLOORED. I DO NOT HAVE DOCUMENTATION FROM SERVICE CENTER AS I HAVE NOT HAD IT LOOKED AT SINCE THE ISSUE HAPPENED YESTERDAY MORNING, ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
While driving on Sept 22 2023 I hit a pothole and immediately felt a change in the pressure in the gas pedal, upon braking I noticed a loss of pressure in the brake system. Vehicle was slow to respond to applicsation of brake pedal to where I had to move my seaty forward so that I could depress the pedal to the floor ( im 4'10" and could not apply the brake to the degree needed to stop my vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
ABS and HCU modules are not operating properly. Resulting in no abs and no cruise control.