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
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2017) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 21, 2023
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
Car looses power out of no where. No lights are on or anything
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2017) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 21, 2023
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The ESP and ABS warning lights went on suddenly after what sounded like a thud. The car had not run over anything. There was some initial brief chattering of the break pedal, and that subsided. The car was not near a suitable and available repair shop at the time. It was driven to complete a trip. There were several instances of break pedal chattering that led concern about the controllabilit... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
Car does not accelerate from stop at a traffic light intermittently. THis poses a risk/hazard as the car behind it closes on it and expects the car to move forward . The vehicle was recalled a year ago for a fuel pump that was supposed to cause the same issue. Its been replaced and the issue has shown up again and now cannot be reproduced by the manufacturer.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
While slowing to turn into a turn lane, my care unexpectedly accelerated to a very high speed, causing me to crash straight into a signal light post. The light post was knocked over by the force of impact. The car ended up around the corner, facing the opposite direction and having hit another car. Police responded to the scene and inspected the vehicle, which was towed away. An insurance clai... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Service electronic braking system light comes on intermittently every 1-5 minutes while driving. Also, a light indicating issues with the traction control system comes on. ABS system seems to be failing or indicating failure almost constantly. Cruise control is disabled during these times. I've read this is a common problem with these vehicles. There really needs to be a recall issued for this. Is... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
It is a transmission control module wear a lobster transmission into a Garin. Will not let you speed up or speed down and it is unsafe and GM IS making us pay for the bill. The contact stated transmission control module all across the country on back order, you cannot get a dealer to get you one within six months GM should have to do something about this.
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 21, 2023
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
I had my 2021 Mustang Mach-E updated with the recall software last year. In July of 2022, my High Voltage Battery Junction Box (HVBJB) still failed, giving me a service vehicle soon and SEVERELY reducing power WHILE driving. I was on the freeway and my car just started reducing speed since I was trying to pass someone and I almost hit them. I received the new HVBJB from my dealer and had been fine... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
I was driving west bound on I4 August 12th 2023 at 1236pm at mile marker 45-47. I was in the left hand lane with the cruise control set at 73 mph. all traffic was moving well. there was no car in front of me. there was a car passing me slowly on the right. there was a retaining wall to my left. My car for no reason changed the setting on my cruise control from 73 to 35mph. this caused my husb... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER
(2018) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 21, 2023
Incident date: Aug 27, 2020
When putting the vehicle in "Drive" it unexpectantly rapidly accelerated causing me to aggressively brake the vehicle. It's happened twice and could easily have crashed into surrounding property or pedestrians. I brought the vehicle to the Dealership but considering it is an intermittent problem they couldn't duplicate the situation. Acura said they have no record of anything like this happenin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and attempting to pass a slower vehicle, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the pedal suddenly extended to the floorboard causing the vehicle to immediately accelerate faster than intended. During the failure the speed increase... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
I believe the autopilot and cruise control systems are affected. On 6-8 occasions, the cameras have picked up a non- existent hazard along the road causing the cruise control to disengage, rapidly slowing the car approximately 20 MPH in about 3 seconds. This has occurred on highways and freeways at speeds of 65-75 MPH. If there had been another vehicle traveling close behind, an accident would lik... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
Purchased vehicle 7/29/23 While driving 8/19, vehicle auto-shifted from drive into neutral and the check engine light appeared. I was in the process of accelerating from the on ramp & moving to the left lane. Attempts to return the vehicle to drive were unsuccessful & I coasted to the right shoulder of the highway. The brakes were functional. Once stopped, the vehicle functioned as if it were ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
As I was driving down the highway in the rain, my check engine light came on and I was unable to accelerate my vehicle over 30mph and the speedometer stopped working. I was turning onto the road I live on, so I was able to make it home. I then shut my car off and turned it back on about 5 minutes later, and that issue was no longer happening. I had an upcoming appointment for an oil change at a Ki... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
I was driving down the interstate with my cruise control on, and all of a sudden the motorcycle lost power and began to slow down and I couldn’t accelerate and had to make an emergency stop on the right hand side of the highway
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
The engine light came on and it started making loud noise, then the car started pulling on its own and it stop in the middle of the road. My safety Issue was I had to keep my driver hood open so other visible drivers could know my car had an issue. later on, that day I took my car to the mechanic and the mechanic said I have an oil leak and that's why my car started acting like that. The mechanic ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
I was involved in an accident last year where I took out a gaurd rail next to a building. My air bags never deployed and now my car will not run.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
My rear camera does not work in my car. I received a recall notice regarding this. It was unable to be completed because my Infotainment system is completely non functional at this point. This is an on going issue that I have had with this car almost immediately after purchase. My speedometer also disappears while driving… the screen goes completely black and I have no idea how fast I’m going.... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2014) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 18, 2023
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
Sudden acceleration while driving and at stop sign
Crash
LINCOLN
CORSAIR PHEV
(2023) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 18, 2023
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
When driving the forward collision avoidance system acts up. It will randomly slam on the breaks when nothing is in front. It also happens when cruise control is on, it will slam the breaks with an empty road ahead. It also thinks that there is something ahead when the road is clear ahead. This needs to be looked at because the number of complaints in regard to this is silly.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My ABS / Electronic Stability control warning lights keep coming on intermittently and also sometimes staying on for hours at a time. I cannot use my cruise and my ABS will not work with these problems making this a very dangerous truck to drive. I have read that there are many other trucks with this issue. More specficially the 2017-2018 Ram 2500's. I believe there should be a recall for thes... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I was at a toll booth paying for tow. All of a sudden the car accelerated forward by itself, ramming into the toll bar. At that time, my arm was still sticking out the window while interacting with the toll terminal. This incident is something that needs to be looked at. It certainly looks like this is a result of the accident avoidance feature. Not sure why it activated either. But I am 99.9... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
2021 Tesla Model 3 RWD; 21,000 miles I pulled into a parking spot creeping in like I am about to park the car. When I tapped on the break to stop the car, it suddenly accelerated forward. It jerked so quickly forward that the back of my head was pushed into the headrest like a whiplash. Luckily, there was not a car parked in front of me because I generally park away from other cars. I quickly hit... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2023) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 18, 2023
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
Active Emergency Stop Assist Currently Unavailable and Active Blind Spot Assist Inoperative.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while slowing and then attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the delay was approximately two seconds before the vehicle accelerated as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure but no cause for the failure was found... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
While on highway service brake system warning light came on,brake became hard to apply almost causing an accident. Vehicle had to be towed to a repair shop(dealer).after paying over $1600 the problem was not resolved and found there are numerous complaints about issues with the terrain and no recall issued.are they waiting til someone dies before a recall?
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
While we were at a speed of about 55 mph on a state highway, I had just selected cruise control when all the lights went on in the dash--including the warning lights for the brake, the check engine light--and power shut down in the vehicle as if we'd run out of gas. We were able to keep a very slow speed of about 20-25mph, but had to activate the 4-way flashers to alert other drivers that we were... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
I was trying to make right turn from Mcdonald's but suddenly, unintended acceleration, Tesla went into the intersection and hit the other side of car. - The emergency brake did not work and as a result of the accident , there was a severe damages in the front of the Tesla.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
My steering wheel sticks after driving and the engine has a change to get warm. Once I go over 25 mph and the sticking begins I have to constantly over compensate to stay in my lane. This issue has made it nearly impossible to stay in my lane on highways and speed above 55mph.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My 2016 Jeep Patriot 4X4 engine light is staying on. When I took it to a mechanic to have it read it stats faulty cramshaft and camshaft position sensors. My engine has stalled, loss of acceleration and power, shuddering, and jerking that is continuously happens. Jeep manufactures said its not there problem. I need help with my vehicle, not just for my safety but for the safety of my kids. Also th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. As a result, the vehicle jumped the curb and crashed into a barrier wall. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A Police report was not filed. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent me... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
Cruise control works erratically when turned on at times I can't set the speed, othertimes it won't cancel using the cancel button the only way to cancel it is to tap the brake pedsl or turn the cruise off, sometimes it will not turn on and at other times it works as it should.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
Driving on the highway, my car will suddenly lose power momentarily and the speed drop 3-5 mph. My accelerator is unresponsive. Then the car will accelerate quickly with a jerk to accelerate to the set speed. May occur on level ground but often occurs at the bottom of a hill. I have no control during this loss of power.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Purchased as a CPO directly from a local dealership. Vehicle has experienced multiple (10+), seemingly random failures of the Electronic Stability Control, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Break Assist under varied driving and weather conditions. On two separate occasions (one at 15+ mph and the other at 65+), these system failures were accompanied by a brief "limp mode" and immed... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The car shook and then lights and alarms went off indicating something went wrong with the hybrid system. The car stopped accelerating, would shake, and then accelerated no more than 10 mph. It was absolutely crazy! Luckily, the highway that I was traveling on was not a busy one at the time because all I thought was this could have been a major accident if on a fast moving freeway. I managed t... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2023) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 17, 2023
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
On 2 occasions, my 2023 Tesla Model Y, accelerated more than expected with the slightest pressure to the accelerator pedal. No one was injured and no damage done, however, damage and injury COULD have resulted if this happened at a different place and time. At this time, I have not contacted the dealer as recent Google searches revealed other such complaints having been reported. The outcome w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The car has never been in an accident or flooded. Mechanics have been unable to computer diagnose the problem. Warning lights depend on what is happening at the time. However the rear camera light remains on as that feature ceased to function within days of the warranty expiring. Vehicle has begun to intermittently shake violently.Other times the RPM’s are highly erratic, revving up and slowing... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 16, 2023
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
I was going on my way to work on the freeway at approximately 65 miles per hour, suddenly I felt as if my car shut off will driving and I lost power. I pressed on the gas Pedal as I was pulled into the emergency lane to the right of the freeway, the gas pedal did not work. I pulled to the side and I shut the car off. I waited about 20 minutes and I turned the car back on.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
Fuel gauge on 2022 CFMOTO 700cl-x displays either empty, or partially full of fuel when the vehicle fuel tank is at its fullest state marked by the reference bar located inside the fuel tank. Cruise control randomly disengages while the vehicle display reads the incorrect gear position. Example: Cruise control set at speed limit, gear indicator “flickers” between 1st and 6th gear while vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
I've taken my car for repair service 4 times due to a malfunction warning and front driving aids off warning. They replaced speed sensor as well as cv axle as well as a hub and bearing and it still is not driving right and has almost caused me accidents with my children in the car to where I pulled over and cried I was scared to continue driving. They cannot figure out the problem.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
while driving in highway, all dash light slit up like a Christmas Tree and vehicle lost power. I was not able to go over 30 mph and was in danger of being rear ended on freeway. I was able to pull over to safety and turn vehicle off. Upon restarting the vehicle, I was able to make it back home. This has happened on 3-4 diff occasions. Honda is not accepting responsibility. They continuously refer ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The first issue is that of the fuel gauge displaying wrong and/or acting up. Sometimes it'll go directly from full to 1/4 tank, then randomly go back up to full or anywhere between. It's pretty spontaneous. The second issue is that of the cruise control. While travelling at interstate speeds and after passing another vehicle, I turned cruise control on only for the bike to die right after. I had ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
From the Last 1 months, I can see sometimes when I accelerate my car it's not accelerating properly but the RPM is increasing, and sometimes after I stop in traffic when I accelerate my car it's not accelerating immediately and when I press the gas paddle hard suddenly it accelerates. It's a safety concern for me.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 16, 2023
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
When the vehicle gets hot, above 85 degrees Fahrenheit the electric system including, speedometer and other internal lighting as well brake lights and turn signals completely stop functioning. Windows and locking system is also affected. The engine remains on. But if the car is turned off, it will not turn back on.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
Four incidents of unintended acceleration , in all instances foot was on break petal NOT on gas petal, 3 instances vehicle was stopped at traffic light, last incident was pulling into a parking space foot on brake, in all instances braked hard and shifted vehicle into neutral and turned vehicle off to avoid collisions, personal injury and property damage
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle accelerated at high-speed without warning, causing the vehicle to drive over a curb and into oncoming traffic. The contact desperately depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact was able to regain control and stopped the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the resid... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
2014 F-150 has issues with shifting while driving and losing voltage to the transmission lead frame. Safety issue for driving and changing to incorrect gears. When stationary in park, the truck will not start due to loss of voltage and parking sensor issues. Odometer display shows wrench icon shows while driving. Error codes P0706 and P0707 codes show up while driving. Ford dealership has done... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Vehicle will not idle at the correct rpms. Replaced battery and alternator had everything checks by a certified mechanic. The battery light will come on while driving and the car will begin to stall out while driving. Cannot run ac or any electric component in the car. Really scary when you have kids in the car driving down the road and it begins to shut down but still going the same rate of speed... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
While traveling experiences slight vibration in which passenger side tire PULLED oncming lane, nonemergency brakes were applied not notification of crossing outside of lane, passenger side tire blew out, causing to hit a Culvert and all airbags deployed with passenger air bag off. The vehicle would not start.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
Check electric charge error displayed, alarm sounding, loss of power to the vehicle while driving (limp mode).
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 16, 2023
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 65–70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehi... Read more