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: Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to respond. After the accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, the vehicle responded. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who test drove the vehicle but was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnos... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2021
I was driving on the freeway at approximately 67 MPH using the advanced cruise control. There was no car immediately in front of me or directly beside me. All of a sudden, the car decelerated quickly, as if it slammed on the brakes. I was able to react quickly and override the deceleration, but had there been a car directly behind me, I very likely would have been rear-ended. It all happened s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
driving from Albuquerque NM to Farmington NM, in approximately 1 1/2 hours of driving on hwy 550, 4 lane divided highway, encountered no less than 12 hard shadow breaking events. in all instances there were no vehicles, animals or debris in front of the vehicle. It was a cloudless day, starting around 9am, clear no fog, temperature in the 40's. high risk of being hit if a car was following close... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
Experience judder and stall of vehicle while driving, pulling off and coming from a complete stop. Vehicle will lose power while driving which is unsafe when getting on the freeway or driving in high traffic areas. Vehicle has been taken to the Nissan twice and to other repair shops for related concern and all have stated that the trans needs replacing. There were no lights or warnings before prob... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
When travelling with adaptive speed control enabled the car will suddenly and violently decelerate 30 to 50 MPH below the set speed. This happens frequently and does not appear to correlate with anything specific. Sometimes it happens when passing a large white truck. Sometimes there is no other traffic anywhere near me. At the very least I would like Tesla to give me the option of disabling the "... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
I have had my car in the service center 5 times for the same reason they tell me it is fixed but the problem keeps happening. I have tried to be cooperative . the car has been in the shop on and off since the 18 of July at one point they had it almost a month. This last time they gave it back to me said it was fixed. This is why i'm writing to you I had the car a week and I was driving on interst... Read more
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 4, 2023
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Code P0101 came on, service Bulletin from NHTSA.gov was done. Car came back worst. Engine stalled in the middle of the street. It wouldn’t turn on, we had to push it to get it out of the street. Car will accelerate on its own when turn on. Sometimes car will accelerate when put on Reverse on its own….. RPMs will be at 7 and 8 when going 45MPH. I notice this has been an issue for Nissan Sentras... Read more
FORD
MUSTANG MACH E
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 4, 2023
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
As I was driving in March 2023 every light on the dashboard came on in the car. The car started shaking, the engine was very loud, the car speed slowed down than stopped, as I pressed the gas the car would not accelerate. After the car was parked overnight it started than I drove it to a Dodge dealership for repair, after being at the dealership for 7 days nothing was found by the technician to be... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
ABS light and traction control light comes on all the time and when lights comes on curse control stop working, by lights coming on all the times don't feel safe to drive truck.
TOYOTA
RAV4 PRIME
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 3, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
Problem #1- I had to replace the ABS module and HCU on this truck at about 10k miles. (this was completed under warranty). Then at 50k miles truck was diagnosed with the same problem. I had to pay out of pocket for this repair. I ordered these parts from the dealer in November 2021, and they did not get me in until August 19, 2023. I had to pay ($1152.33). This is very dangerous when it has this e... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while pulling into a bumpy parking space, the vehicle shuddered violently, unintendedly accelerated, and crashed into a stone wall. As a result, the hood of the vehicle was bent and the bumpers were damaged. The air bags did not deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The contact was able to drive to an unknown dealer, where the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
High Voltage battery failed twice. At highway speeds and during failure vehicle resorts to turtle mode.
CONTINENTAL
PRO CONTACT
(9999) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 3, 2023
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The incident happened on 11/2/2023 at 8:40 AM ET. I was at the speed of about 25-30 miles/hour to drop my daughter at preschool. Suddenly, I received an alert on my dashboard saying "Brake System Problem". When I applied brakes, the vehicle wouldn't stop. I pressed brake pedal very hard and kept it that way for a while. The vehicle gradually came to a stop but it took long for a vehicle to come to... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
I've had the car since December 2019. The car will "phantom brake" when the autopilot adaptive cruise control is on. This happens intermittently, ~1 time per month on my normal commute. I will be going along, cruise set to 75 and out of nowhere it'll slam on the brakes and lose 10 MPH in a second before I can take over. This occurs with absolutely no traffic or reason, it'll be an empty highway an... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
Approximately mid May 2023, 5:15 PM +/_, while stopped at a red light while leaving the work parking structure, the engine revved up and wanted to move forward. Forcing the driver to apply heavy pressure on the brakes to avoid being forced into the intersection. An opening presented itself, the brakes were released and the car entered the intersection. Once moving forward the "unintended accelerat... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
I have less than 60k miles on this truck, and the hydraulic brake module and pump has gone out. Truck has been parked for about 2 years now due to this issue, bc of unreliable brakes. Parts are unavailable .
FORD
FUSION ENERGI
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 2, 2023
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
My car lost power & completely shut down at 70 mph on the highway. My dash lights went place & I had no control of vehicle other than to go straight & come to a rolling stop. It has shut off repeatedly while driving
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
Runaway acceleration. Three times now in the last two weeks the RPMs went to maximum redline without my foot on the accelerator pedal. Fortunately all occurred when I was at very slow speed and either in a driveway or a parking lot. Each time I immediately put the transmission to neutral and shut off the engine. For the first occurrence, Restarting the engine all went back to normal. But for ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
The hydraulic control unit for the antilock braking system failed, causing a repeated dinging and loss of all antilock, breaking traction control, and cruise control capabilities. Dealership quotes parts are almost a year out, and I will be stuck driving the vehicle in an unsafe manner until it is repaired.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Steering becomes very hard to control with no slack and in the wheel and occasionally it feels like you hit ice and sliding when you change lanes, happens on dry paved road without warning. Also when using cruise control hitting button to slow down the headlights and dash lights fade out and then brighter when acceleration
Incident date: Apr 1, 2018
Every so often when I am driving on the highway, the car just looses power and I may catch a message that flashes on my display, "Emergency Braking". The event last no longer than about a second. When this phantom braking happens, so far, it has not been so severe to feel dangerous just unsettling!
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The car takes off late (delayed) after pushing on the gas pedal. The shifting is also not responding, for example, I placed the car in “REVERSE” gear and the car actually went forward like it was in DRIVE.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
found me driving on I 75 and I put the Cruise Control at 70 miles, instead of maintaining the speed at 70miles the vehicle accelerated to more than 90 miles per hour I had to quickly put my foot on the brake otherwise I could have an accident with the vehicle from the front, after all this happened, I felt the car was losing speed, I tried to accelerate but it did not go over 60 miles per hour. I ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
I keep getting warning lights for ABS problems. Saw there was recalls for the 2019-2022 and saw there was a class action law suit for the 2018 models.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 31, 2023
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
When I am stopped at a red light, once the light turns green I go to accelerate and the vehicle stalls. The car is still on but the engine completely shuts off. The only way for the vehicle to move again is by turning the car off and then on again. It is extremely dangerous and I have almost been rear ended because of it. Another issue I am having is when I go to accelerate the car jolts and has a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The anti-lock and traction control light and service light came on shortly after purchase, this happened while towing a 10,000lb camper in the N. GA mountains. this was a challenging situation with that much weight pushing the truck and the brakes weren't working properly. After getting a code reader, I found out the HCU has been listed as a service problem. You try to find the part and there is a... Read more
CHEVROLET
TRAILBLAZER
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 31, 2023
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
The clutch plate has failed on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. I brought it into the dealer to take a look at it when I was experiencing the clutch slipping while shifting into first gear and also the "Service Auto Start Stop" indicator illuminating. Once the indicator illuminated, it also prevented by cruise control from working. After the dealer conducted troubleshooting of the issue, they told me that i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Leaf. The contact stated that while in the drive position, the vehicle erroneously accelerated backward and crashed into a second vehicle that was also parked in the driveway. No injuries were reported and no police report was taken. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the vehicle was included in... Read more
Crash
FORD
ESCAPE PHEV
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 31, 2023
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
While driving home from work, my wife was attempting to merge onto the on-ramp to the highway, and the vehicle jerked violently and RPM's skyrocketed but the speed was barely climbing. The speed didn't rise above 20mph until RPM's reached 4k. We had to creep all the way home with the engine whining and juddering and couldn't go above 45mph. This is extremely dangerous and the mechanics are saying ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
While traveling on an open highway with no obstructions, the vehicle applied the brakes very hard causing all passengers to slide forward in their seats activating the seat belt locks. All cargo became airborne and flew forward. Had a car been following, it is highly likely that we would have been rear ended.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
Intermittent ABS and traction control lights. Service lights come on and go off when braking or driving over bumps. Code C0020 - ABS Pump Motor Control General Electric Failure. Issue is so random I haven’t taken the truck to a service center.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
I AM EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THE GAS PEDAL GETTING STUCK AND I HAVE TO MANUALLY BEND DOWN AND PULL IT UP WITH MY HAND. I HAVE BIN GOING BACK AND FOURTH WITH NISSAN FOR A YEAR NOW. I HAVE VIDEOS TO SHOW THE PROOF. I HAVE 2 KIDS TO DRIVE IN MY CAR. I AM REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY IN THE CAR. I ALMOST CRASHED A FEW TIMES. I REACHED OUT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THEY ARE STATING THAT I SHOUL... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
Vehicle stops accelerating randomly and loses power. Service electronic throttle control light comes on and engine light and traction control light and vehicle will not accelerate or stalls. Had vehicle towed to dealership and the code is saying the PTU is bad and needs to be replaced. This happens all the time, thankfully I’ve been very lucky thus far not having my children in the vehicle with ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated and then decelerated. The contact also stated that the back over prevention camera was inoperable and displayed a black screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that she had previously experienced the failure with the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. As a result, the vehicle proceeded over the side curves then stalled. All the air bags deployed. No warning lights was illuminated. The contact sustained injury to his left arm that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLC 300
(2018) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 30, 2023
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
After coming to a complete stop at a Stop Sign with the Honda Civil, my husband (he) started to accelerate, but he could only go up to about 20 mph in a 55-mile zone. Next, the car made a bump noise when his foot was on gas pedal. The car went about 100 feet before it started to slow down on a busy highway. The car was not going the speed limit because it couldn't pick up speed. Multiple cars a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
ABS service warning and Traction control light shows intrmittently and disapears Planning to take to dealer
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
The vehicle went into limp mode while driving on the interstate but the dealership is telling me there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. They are also telling me that there is no powertrain coverage on this vehicle since I am the second owner. With as many problems as Kia has had, I think it should be across the board for coverage on these so no one else suffers irreparable damage. I’ve had the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
Continued failure of hydraulic control unit (HCU) and Anti-lock brake system (ABS) module causing fluctuations in brakes at times (have to press harder on brakes) and lights go on and off, sometimes staying on for lengthy periods (usually on highway) or while driving and disables the cruise control. Second time in just under 3 years (fixed in Nov 2020 and reported to dealer Sept 2023), same issue... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLK350
(2011) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 30, 2023
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
The truck started intermittently throwing code for C0020-01 (service Antilock Brake system). I will intermittently lose ABS/Cruise/trailer brakes, and being the primary vehicle in our family, the truck has become unsafe to transport my wife and 7 months old child. I've aware the HCU/ABS module both need replaced, but some of these parts aren't available from the dealer, and it will be multiple tho... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
There is a cap on the mph needle that fell off and rolls around the bottom of the speedometer inside. I was riding and all the sudden a red light is illuminating which caused me to lose focus on the road wondering what happened and why this light is now on. No inspections have been made yet. No warning the cap just fell off and rolls inside of the speedometer.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
I was pulling into a parking space at approximately 5 mph and the car unintentionally accelerated causing me to jump the curb, go over a grass median and land perpendicularly onto a one-way active road. There were trees and other items on the median I could've hit had I'd been pulling into a different parking space. I also could've hit cars on the road. I quickly got off the road and parked the c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
My Genesis is going to get me killed! The dealership has informed me that since it doesn't give them a code, they can't fix the issue. Here is a brief summary of my issue. On 8/2/23, while in the process of a lane change, my vehicle goes into limp mode, and I am almost rear-ended by a large Ford truck! I immediately look at the dash and see it is displaying "Park" and I switch it to "Drive". My ve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2022
- Valve cover needs to be replaced - Spark plugs needs to be replaced - Power reduced message pops up probably from spark plugs - Says transmission fault probably from valve cover leaking transmission fluid - Left rear speed sensor - Turbo charger/super charger underboost - invalid data received from steering angle sensor module message popped up
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
Unintended Acceleration in a Tesla
Crash
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Transmission Fluid Pump failed, and is needing to be replaced. The car only had 200 miles on it and was bought 5 days prior before the issue began. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car immediatley reduced my speed to 30mph. I was driving on an expressway, and caused ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
WAITING IN LINE TO PICKUP PRESCRIPTION, STOPPED WITH FOOT ON BRAKE AND VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO CAR APPROX 15 FT IN FRONT OF ME. EYE SIGHT BRAKING DID NOT STOP CAR, NOR DID IMMINENT COLLISION WARNING ENGAGE. CAR IS AT DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONDUCTED TEST; FOUND NOTHING. AWAITING SUBARU ENGINEER TO PULL AND CHECK "BLACK BOX".
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2018) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 27, 2023
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
Suddenly car entry stopped working. Warning messages on display about start/stop, engine starting malfunction, every single light. I found the driver rear side full of water where the fuse panel and control modules are located. There was water soaked into the insulation at the bottom of the space as well as the insulation over the wheel well. Water drops were viewed on the controllers in that... Read more