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: Oct 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power while accelerating. Additionally, while driving at approximately 65–70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal and decelerated to 45 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2023
The ABS pump has failed for the second time, my vehicle has less than 80000 miles on it. The first replacement was covered under factory warranty. I have researched this issue and have found this to be a common issue and at this time the factory is not issuing a recall. Dodge/Ram is well aware of this issue and the repair should be covered as a factory defect.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Service Stabilitrak & Power Steering light comes on after initial start up or in the middle of driving intermittently cause car to jolt back & forth while driving which can cause an accident if someone or car is near, could hear that car was attempting to lock & unlock doors while errors appear on dash. When changing gears a jolt and loud knock sounds occurs, now check engine light appears, this h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking brake light illuminated, and the vehicle experienced phantom braking, causing the tires to skid and the speed to abruptly decelerate. Moments later the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking light turned off, and the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
During vehicle operation, on occasion, entire vehicle instrument panel goes dark and shuts off, which includes speedometer and warning lights. Cruise control deactivates and all displays and warning indicators de-luminate. System will turn back on and flash multiple error codes before returning to normal. Sync/navigation system will also go out.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
Whenever it rains or is high humidity, my dashboard lights up and repeatedly chimes with ABS lights and Electronic Braking System error. The error repeats itself on and off again every few seconds. It is a dangerous distraction of error messages. Since it is raining, all traction control and ABS systems deactivate themselves with this error. I spun out this morning due to the error. It is absolute... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
This morning I was driving to work (65mph cruise control, 45 degrees F outside, heated seats ON), out of nowhere I felt myself slowing down right after I went over a railroad track (pretty decent bump) on the highway. As I was slowing down I noticed that my cruise control had turned itself off and when trying to turn it back on (pressing set+, set-, and the toggle CC on/off button) it wasn't respo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
The contact owned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 45 mph, the check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle began to shake, lost power, and failed to accelerate. The driver pulled over and noticed smoke, and the vehicle caught fire. The fire department was on the scene and extinguished the fire. It was unknown if a police report was ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
Check engine light came on Friday and 24 hours later started making a whirring sound lost power on the highway started smoking and smelled like it was going to catch fire. Was impeding traffic and almost caused an accident. Had it towed to Ford dealership where a diagnostic test was run. They determined that it was engine failure and Ecoboost failure. Coolant was leaking into cylinders 2&3. They c... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
UNKNOWN. abs pump problem
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
My truck is experiencing the “hemi tick”. Upon research, this tick is a common defect in RAM trucks that was supposed to be fixed in later models. Not true. Not only do I need to pay thousands for replacing the manifold, it will be a problem again. The hot/cold engine melds the aluminum and steel, creating a warped or split manifold. To replace it is immense labor, hence costly fees, as t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
On July 15, 23 was driving home from Dr appt n my rpm was going crazy, the engine was whining while I was driving rogue and didn't hardly move. I had it towed and mechanic said was totalled. Transmission is out. 3 mechanic said same was totalled. There needs to be recall on 2016 nissan rogue transmission!!!
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
while i am driving my cruise control will just stop working causing the auto braking feature to stop also
MITSUBISHI
LANCER
(2009) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 24, 2023
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
On October 13, 2023, I was driving on the highway when my 2014 GMC Terrain power was reduced. Suddenly, the engine light came on and car began throttling. Second, an error message appeared on my dashboard indicating “ engine power is reduced.” Then it stopped in the middle of the highway. I was able to restart my vehicle and drove it to a nearby mechanic shop. The mechanic said the problem wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My husband and I were driving from Cincinnati Ohio to Harrisburg, PA on Monday, Oct 16, 2023 on the highway (turnpike). At least four times the car tried to kill us by starting to slam to a stop ON THE HIGHWAY when using cruise control. Fortunately each time there were no cars immediately behind us or we would have had a major accident. We stopped and called Tesla in Mechanicsburg who consulted ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
ALL recalls and updates (including the NHTSA steering rebuild kit, and the fender kit) have been performed on this vehicle, yet it has a persistent issue. The vehicle stability system engages with zero warning and at any speed and road condition. This immediately restricts the RPM to 5200 maximum, or approximately 57mph on a flat, 54 on an incline, 60 on a downhill. I have nearly lost my life due ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
The ABS control pump motor is malfunctioning causing loss of the anti lock braking, four wheel drive, and cruise control. The dealerships have no ability to get parts to repair and they have been on back order indefinitely.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
I am experiencing intermittent warning by dash red light, warning dings & digital warning. Check brake system. The issue seems to be increasing in frequency as the last time I used the vehicle-it dinged every few miles. I understand that the ABS & TSC systems are inactive when warning displays. I called my local dealer to have vehicle inspected/ repaired and was told to come in for diagnosis but t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 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: Oct 4, 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
Incident date: Jan 1, 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: Aug 30, 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: Oct 22, 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
Incident date: Oct 7, 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: Aug 28, 2023
Gear shift knob button broken. Cheap plastic and fell off
Incident date: Oct 23, 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
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 23, 2023
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
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: Oct 21, 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: Sep 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 18, 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 20, 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: Sep 29, 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'.
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA HYBRID
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 21, 2023
Incident date: Oct 19, 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 21, 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: Jul 1, 2023
Service electronic braking system stop working. Light and message on dashboard.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
Sudden deceleration due to P2112 code, electronic throttle body stuck closed.
Incident date: Sep 29, 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: Aug 20, 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
Incident date: May 1, 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 5, 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 5, 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: Sep 1, 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 19, 2023
System failed to pick up speed.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2012) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 19, 2023
Incident date: Sep 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
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 19, 2023
Incident date: Oct 19, 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: Nov 10, 2022
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: Jun 10, 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
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA250
(2014) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 18, 2023
Incident date: Jul 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.