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: May 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
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2018) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 18, 2023
Incident date: Feb 11, 2022
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: Jun 14, 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.
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2009) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 17, 2023
Incident date: Oct 5, 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: Sep 22, 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: Oct 16, 2023
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
VOLKSWAGEN
GTI
(2015) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 17, 2023
Incident date: Oct 12, 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: Oct 10, 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: Jun 1, 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.
FORD
MAVERICK HYBRID
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 17, 2023
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
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
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 17, 2023
Incident date: Oct 15, 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: Apr 3, 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 16, 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: Sep 1, 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
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 16, 2023
Incident date: Oct 14, 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
MERCEDES-BENZ
A 220
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 15, 2023
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
My abs brake light goes on and off cruise control just stops in the middle of the highway. I was almost hit by an eight wheeler while commuting because of it. I loose traction driving on wet roads. I have taken it to the dealership more than twice to fix the problem. So solution in sight.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
My Anti Lock Brakes, Traction control and power steering have gone out repeatedly on this vehicle. The ABS pump HCU unit has failed at 8,433 miles. The same thing failed again at 12,924 miles. As of this complaint the same thing has failed again at 20,000 miles. I have not had it repaired because Ram will not guarantee the new part they put in is not defective, like the original part and the 2 oth... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2023
When parked letting the car warm up constant shaking kinda a rough ideal at times. From park to reverse it shifts hard the to drive its ok I guess then on the go it's like driving a boat on land loud knocking sounds seems like the tires are flat or about to explode off the car really nerve-wracking
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
Driving on the highway at 65mph, engine light started blinking then stayed solid and my speed declined to 40mph and would not go higher. Had to stay in slow lane to get off and get back on to make it home. I was unsure as to what was happening.It was the weekend so had to wait until Monday until i could find out and the dealership told me it was the valve cover gasket (which is brand new). I was a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
I have had my 2014 Chevy Cruze for 2 years now and have kept up with regular maintenance. My vehicle rocks back and forth while on the brakes, there’s an constant issue with the traction control system, my automatic lights don’t work (I have to many turn on the light in order for the brake lights to turn on), the vehicle shakes side to side when braked, and so much more. When I take the vehicl... Read more
HYUNDAI
SANTA CRUZ
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 14, 2023
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
have a 2013 Scion IQ (auto/cvt). I had the 'check engine' and 'trac control' lights come on a few years ago.. I was driving on city streets. All I noticed was that the car didn't respond as it should when I gave it gas. ( nothing drastic ) I ran the codes. It said the gas pedal was the problem. I removed the pedal assembly. (it's easier to unplug it that way. I unplugged it and looked at the ... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 14, 2023
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
At around 50,000 miles my truck began to turn off cruise control while driving, ding, and the ABS ,as well as, the traction control light came on. It goes on and off repeatedly while driving. This is incredibly distracting and quite possibly dangerous for braking and handling. The local dealership is aware and have stated that even though it is still under warranty, there is no available part to f... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2023
The Highway Drive Assist (HDA) designed to auto change cruise speed according to posted speed limit signs - at 80mph limit will auto change to 83mph and 85mph limit will auto change to 95mph. Hyundai has said this is not available to inspect.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
Engine blinking and smell burnt while driving, ABS button turn on automatically
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Without warning while driving my vehicle loses the ability to excelerate. I am lucky I haven't been hit by another car. I patiently wait and after a few seconds it will move forward into the turn. I do not get a reading or warning lights of any kind. This has just started happening and it has occurred 4 x this week. I have an appointment to have it serviced. After reading countless on-line repo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
On 4/10/2023, I took my vehicle to a local GMC dealership because it was stalling and didn't have any power. Upon accelerating the vehicle it would stall and take off at a high speed. The dealership has had my vehicle periodically from April 2023 and it presently sets at the dealership because they ain't getting a code, But after the dealership drove the truck for over 200 miles, they were finall... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2021
Two times in one week with two different drivers driving the same vehicle the vehicle experienced sudden unintended acceleration while parking. In the first incident this resulted in damage to the bumper into a wired fence which the vehicle did not alert but rather accelerated instead of applied regenerative breaking. Four days later the same incident happened with sudden unintended acceleration o... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
ABS module and HCU failure. Constant service ABS, traction control, and service brake system warning lights. I lost control of truck on snow covered road when warnings came on causing me to go into the ditch. Knowing that FCA refuses to address the safety concerns, I have not brought the truck to the dealership.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
I've owned this car less than a month and this has happened to me twice. I start to drive the car and experience a severe loss of power. The accelerator is pushed to the floor and the car barely moves. This happened when I was attempting to pass another vehicle. Could have had disastrous consequences. No indication on the dashboard that anything is wrong. If this happened while trying to merge ont... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
the car shut off doing 60mph it was very scary took it to mechanic it had 2 codes the check engine light was on they cleaned the throttle body it ran but was struggling and rough idling drove to work and it wanted to stall multiple times put it in neutral to get idle up at a light then it stalled at a light drove home very afraid that it would shut off again took to the same mechanic to explain wh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
On June 30 2023 my 2018 Ford eco sports “oil engine pressure low” light turned on while I was trying to get on the freeway. Only seconds later my car will hardly accelerate, and I was forced to pull over right after merging onto the highway at about 35 mph. Thankfully I did because when I got to the shoulder I noticed the brakes were extremely hard to push down. Even after when I tried to res... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
I was sitting at a traffic light stopped when all of a sudden the truck tried to accelerate, I stood on the brakes to get it to stop then all of a sudden it was like i was giving it gas again and I hit the car in front of me again but harder the second time.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 15, 2023
Car jerking and started to not move forward when step on gas pedal then had to pull over and stop car. Was on local road. Brought car to dealer and they found it was due to TCM mail notice saying this car year / model needs replacement, but they have ordered parts 6 months ago and none has been received nor do they know when they will receive. This would be covered by Ford. Dealer also said Clu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2023
ABS & TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS KEEP COMMING ON, THEN THE CRUISE STOPS WORKING,
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
When I achieved my desired speed while driving on the highway, I turned on my adaptive cruise control as I usually do. This time, the car began accelerating dramatically, set on 110mph instead of my desire 55mph. It did this twice, even after I turned off the cruise control. I parked on the side of the street and restarted the car before it returned to normal. My life was very much threatened whil... Read more
KIA
SPORTAGE HYBRID
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 12, 2023
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
Phantom braking continues. This time the vehicle was traveling on an Interstate highway at 70mph, until the phantom braking occured, which caused the speed to drop immediately (within a few seconds) to less than 30mph. This safety problem was extremely prevalent when the car was within its first six months of use. It has improved, but has not gone away completely.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Having issues with my car upon accerlation. 35-38 mph I hear a noise briefly that is hard to pin point as it doesn't happen every time I accelerate. Took it in to find the cause and was told that its just my tires making a noise. however I have taken to a few mechanics and tire shops and told me that it wouldn't cause my car to be sluggish. tires are basic wear and tear.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
I purchased a Certified Pre Owned Mercedes 2019 GLE 43 AMG from West Covina Mercedes-Benz Dealership in 2020 with 8,252 miles on it. This year I started to hear a noise upon accerlating which later lead to a rough acceleration. It feels like my car is struggling to get going. I took it to get diagnoised by three different mechanics and they have all mentioned that; Directory Control Valve & harnes... Read more
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
(2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 12, 2023
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
1.) Throttle Control failure, and is available for inspection 2.) My and the public saftey was put in risk, as I lost control of the vehicle an almost had an accident, and could have hit another vehicle or person or building. 3.) The problem has not occured again other than the multiple times on 10/10/2023. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. I had O'Reill... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I was driving on the freeway on the fast lane and the vehicle slowed from 65mph to zero in about 30 seconds and came to a complete stop. It happened so fast I couldn’t change lanes to get to a safe spot. I was left stranded on the fast lane of the freeway with traffic coming right at me. Vehicle displayed a Hybrid system malfunction message.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2023
On four occasions in the last five weeks, I have been driving at relatively low speed (20-30 MPH), and when I attempt to accelerate, the vehicle will not accelerate when I press the gas pedal. The tachometer shows the RPMs are maxed out, but the vehicle does not accelerate no matter how hard I press the gas pedal. I have to pull off the road, turn off the vehicle, and restart to fix it. I am ce... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
I turned my vehicle on and noticed the instrument panel screen was completely off. I tried to turn it off and on again and it stayed off. I had to drive home with no instrument panel. after 5 hours I turned on the truck and it finally came on
DODGE
GRAND CARAVAN
(2018) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 12, 2023
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
My car is loosing oil, I have to keep putting oil in my car. I think this is affecting the performance of the Cadillac converter that makes the car lose power, make noise and overall make the car not run correctly.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
Anti Lock brake system and service electronic brake system message keeps going on & off every 30 seconds & will shut down cruise control if it is engaged. Happened in 10/11/2021 & now 10/8/ 2023.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2023
My vehicle speed up and slow down all that itself. It will not maintain speed even with my foot steady on the gas. It will not accelerate, but the major problem is my seatbelt gets stuck all the time I’m afraid to get buckled. I am unable to remove my seatbelt multiple times so now I have buckled my seatbelt behind me so I can start getting tickets. I’ve gotten like four tickets because I’m ... Read more
Crash
KIA
SORENTO HYBRID
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 11, 2023
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
I received this new car 11 days ago - it has none of its safety assist driving features and Tesla is not responding to my requests for assistance. I can't get a response to my requests for help. The clearly is absent of multiple points of functionality. Thank you