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: May 26, 2023
We have recently experienced a significant and concerning increase in incidents of phantom braking and have thus far been unable to receive an adequate response from Tesla. We have had at least six instances of this occurring today, 16-Jun-2023 in the first 6-7 hours of our cross-country drive, and I’ve shared these time stamps with Tesla service. This is because we experienced this same thing... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle violently lunged forward. Additionally, the contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle violently jerked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mec... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Infiniti QX60. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
The contact’s relative owns a 2010 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed while turning; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle was dragging and hesitating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who were unable to determine the cause of th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
It doesn't make sense how much oil this thing burns. We just had the oil changed last month and prior to that we've replaced the solenoids. Why in heavens did this vehicle stall out yesterday when my husband was driving on the highway saying engine power reduced. This vehicle is costing a fortune. There is truly something wrong with these engines! This could have cause a major crash. Thank goodnes... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Odyssey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,... Read more
HYUNDAI
SONATA HYBRID
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 15, 2023
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
ABS Unit failure (may also be called ABS CONTROL MODULE ACTUATOR AND PUMP ASSEMBLY). Three mechanics, including a Toyota dealership, is unable to reset the system to correct. The PCS system cannot be disabled which, in turn, means cruise control is no longer operable.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
On June 1st, I was put in a very dangerous situation while driving on the highway. Out of nowhere, my vehicle’s engine started clicking and immediately converted to a rough in the middle of highway traffic. I was terribly afraid from my life. I was headed to Duluth, GA for a meeting but had turn around and drive 31 miles back in rush hour traffic to Steve Reyman Chevrolet Dealership, in cobb cou... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
As driving down the interstate. My car was on adaptive cruise as well as lane assist. It was like a nightmare! The car took total control. Throwing me from right to left to right to left and finally into a concrete barrier. The vehicles suspension on the drivers side both front and back failed. It was a nightmare you could not wake up from. I could have easily rolled the car over. And easily hit o... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 16, 2022
Vehicle drives very "rough" at low speeds less than 30 mph. The car feels like it is jumping and can't tell at what year it should be driving in. This is very noticeable when driving around residential areas. This is a common issue with the Mazdas with the Skyactive engines. Dealership in Raleigh knew about this problem and said that there is nothing they can do except possibly provide an update t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2023
The issue only occurs when holding down a +/- button to move the speed control to a high/lower set-point greater than a one mph increment. When, after being held, the button is released at the desired new speed level, it continues to increase/decrease speed until the speed control is turned off, cancelled, or the brake is actuated. (The manual for this vehicle reinforces my understanding that rele... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
My Tesla Model Y is experiencing phantom braking, due presumably to a faulty collission avoidance safety system. With cruise control enabled (not autopilot with lane keeping, only cruise control by depressing the stalk once vs. twice for lane keep) the car will phantom brake, where it slams on the brakes thinking their is a vehicle in its path when there is no vehicle in the front lane. This has ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
The ABS control module has failed over a year ago and factory replacement parts are unavailable. Mopar dealers advise they are on backorder with no expected delivery date. The failure of this unit disables the Anti-Lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control and Electronic Speed Control.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
Car took off. Zoomed. Out of control, my safety was put at risk since car speeded off. No one else safety was at risk since no one was around. The car is currently at a collision shop. Car has been inspected by insurance and being fixed. No warning signs and air bags did not come out.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
While driving on 15 freeway between Riverside CA to Las Vegas NV, I put the car in cruise control. While near Barstow, the car hard brakes dropping speed quickly. Luckily no other car was near. I changed lanes to pull on the side as I wasn’t sure what was happened, as it actually felt like the car had locked up. I did take the car out of cruise control and that seemed to fix the problem. I’ve... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 13, 2023
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
I was turning at a intersection, there was no car in-front only on the side , as I was turning , my jeep suddenly made an emergency beeping sound and break as if I was goin to crash into a car or something. Clearly I was just turning . The break was so hard I even thought I had gotten hit in the back or I had hit something in the front ! The car behind me had to stop and act fast as well otherwise... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2022
When taking off, sometimes the vehicle does not want to excellerate. It seems like the transmission is slipping or not switching gears-it makes a loud clicking gear sound. The vehicle also revs up really loud. It also sometimes feels like the vehicle sulks back when lifting your foot off the gas peddle when accelerating, more than it should. These mishaps make it nearly impossible to excellerate a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
Hi I'm in the car with my granddaughter 9 years old We will ready to visit my oldest son his daughter my 3rd grandchild 9 months old.my 9 year old granddaughter we were on I75 north ready to change lanes into the right slow lane as I am ready to merge onto exit 275 Ramp Land o lakes. I notice my rpm numbers are at zero, my SUV was losing speed, I had a green 18 wheeler tractor trailer exactly on m... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Car has been knocking for a couple of months now, check engine started flashing and it lost acceleration. Towed to shop and code for knock sensor was reading bad. Shop replaced knock sensor, I picked car up and drove away and it happened again. Engine light flashing and lost acceleration, took back to shop and the next day which would be today they said take to the dealer cause it's still reading ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
Transmission failure was diagnosed. The car stopped accelerating on me on winding back roads putting myself and others at risk. Nissan told me there are no recalls so they will not repair it. This is the second issue I had with the car, however the first was not related to safety concerns. This one most certainly is! My life was at risk as a curvy road has blind spots other vehicles will not expec... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Genesis GV70. The contact stated while driving into a parking space, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle was pulling and failed to drive straight in the middle of the lane. The contact turned off the Lane Keep Assist feature however, the feature independently reactivated.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
The incident first happend (and has been happening ever since) on I-8, I-10, I-20 east bound 2 days ago. Driving on EB I-8 with speed limits 75MPH, engaged Tesla's well touted onboard Enhanced Auto Pilot (EAP) with Auto Steer control. There was no one ahead of us for over a mile. The weather was clear and sunny, time of incident around noon. Max speed was set to 75 on EAP. All of a sudden, we fe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
Since buying my vehicle new, it has had three ignition coils fail at different times. The car begins to shudder, rough idle, not accelerate and all of a sudden just will not respond to giving it gas. This happens at any speed therefore it is a danger especially entering or exiting highways or switching lanes. It has been unpredictable. The check engine light does come on some of the time as this p... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The most major problem that occurred on 2-3 different occasions is that the emergency braking system activated for no reason on one occasion, almost causing a Rear end collision with a person behind me. No one to my sides, and in front of me on all of the occasions. Headlights on the automatic, setting on a bright sunny day, will turn off and on no change in lighting which annoys other drivers bec... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
When engine is cold, the transmission hesitates/stutters and then slams into gear. After a couple of minutes of driving, the issue stops. Turning the auto start/stop off does not have an impact on the hesitation/stuttering. This is a safety issue. Dealership claims they cannot replicate and no issues on computer diagnostics. Issue has been on going since it was purchased.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
My 2021 Kia Sorrento has shut down and died while on a Highway drive 2 days in a row. The engine light comes on, the oil light comes on, and and the phrase “Engine Off. Shift to N then start engine” comes on. Prior to this, other issues were happening. Originally, my automatic start wasn’t working properly, and a Kia service advisor told me to “turn that feature off”. After that, while d... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
ABS Hydraulic Control Unit C0020-01 ABS Pump Motor Control Has been in for repair once and diagnositc 2nd time. Awaiting parts. Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light, Traction Control Warning Light, Service Electronic Brake System Message - Continuous Lit and Intermittent Chime
Incident date: May 17, 2023
Had vehicle worked on, on 4/11/2023 ( oil change &tuneup). On 4/17/2023 exiting 151 Hwy vehicle slowed down on me, then regained speed to safety at a Shell gas station. Vehicle started with a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. Got worried, had vehicle towed home. Have been trying to get a hold of kia but they don't answer phone or hang up on me, since I have no warranty on vehicle cau... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
Braking power was diminished. ABS and Traction Control lights illuminated on dashboard and did not go out.
Incident date: May 29, 2022
Truck transmission shifted into 1st dear from 4th while driving on a large 4-lane road in the middle of traffic while i was going approx 35 mph. When the downshift happened the tired locked up and the rear end slid sideways. I was able to regain control; however, as I stepped on the accellerator, the truck bogged down for a few seconds before reving to high RPMs and shifting roughly and then went ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
I was driving my car at a normal rate of speed when all of a sudden it slowed down to a crawl and almost caused an accident, reduced engine power and engine came one after getting the codes they were 2122 and 2097
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The acceleration of my vehicle has failed several times. The first major incident was when I was driving home across Main St and attempted to go on green as the stoplight changed. Initially, the car jerked and coasted a little bit but after several attempts to press the gas, it still did not go. Shortly after on 04/16/2023, I set up an appointment for my vehicle to be serviced on 05/01/2023 (this ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2021
2018 Dodge Ram 2500 with Cummins turbo diesel. When driving, the dash warning light for the ABS and the Traction Control System intermittently come in and spontaneously reset. If the cruise control is on and set, it turns off without driver input. Dodge dealer states that the hydraulic control unit needs to be replaced, but they have been on back order for over a year.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highland. The contact stated that while at a traffic light, and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000. The contact s... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2019
The day I bought the vehicle in 2019 the engine light came on, I took the car back to the dealership and was told they couldn’t do anything. I took it to them and the shop here in town and I was told by both shops on multiple occasions they could not fix any of the issues. They treated me like I’m just a paycheck for them. My car for 3+ years now shuts completely off when I slow down or stop, ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 11, 2023
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
Car under adaptive cruise control braked hard after changing lanes from behind another vehicle to an open lane with no traffic. Went quickly from 65 to 20 mph until driver started accelerating manually
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
The van won’t throttle when requested and will lose power going uphill. I can set the cruise at 70 but the van will only accelerate to 55 to 65. When going uphill it will drop all the way to 45 mph with no ability to accelerate. Mercedes in Missoula has looked at it and said it’s the way the new update “fixed” the limp mode and there is nothing wrong with it. Our personal mechanic has al... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
The ABS and Electronic breaking lights keep go on and off each time it does it it turns off the cruise control
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
The Adaptive Speed Control will randomly, abruptly decelerate the vehicle for absolutely NO reason. This certainly is safety item if a car were following me. With the Tesla set in the "Hold" setting for regenerative battery charging purposes, this is the same as slamming on the brakes. Also, this vehicle now only utilizes cameras for sensing everything and it falls short in this area. Other ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2023
In July 2022 our 2018 RAM 3500 Diesel 4 by 4 truck started having an intermittent alert. Service electronic brake system, ABS, traction control. Cruise control is disabled during this alert. May 2023 the vehicle was taken to local dealer for a diagnostic. They revealed no codes were revealed answer was to replace the ITBM at a cost of 921.00. And the diagnostic charge was 233.00. I tried to contac... Read more
CASTLE ROCK
CASTLE ROCK ST
(9999) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 10, 2023
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
problem with speed control,will not turn on sometimes,turns off by itself while being used and then can not be turned back on. sometimes after it shuts off while using it will let you use the resume button but you can not adjust the speed and after using it like this it will shut off again and then it will not rest until you turn off the engine and restart it , then the whole process starts over a... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2023
can't use eco sport motor is accelerate and the car can't read the sensors a/c stop working brakes hard to press
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
Analog speedometer needle gets stuck at a certain speed OR increases beyond actual speed without limit OR displays incorrect speed OR remains stuck at a certain speed when parked. Digital speedometer functions as intended.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
Phantom braking at highway speed. Maybe a shadow or line on the road confuses the system and slams on brakes. Is more common if the cruise is engaged. Happens every day. My commute is about 30 miles happens once or twice every drive. Increases risk of being rear ended. The car is not FSD enabled.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
Dates of problem may 18 and June 9 The Jeep has engine light on the throttle control light is on I was driving on a highway and the vehicle completely went into limp mode would not go above 33 mph and almost caused an accident since the Jeep went into limp mode brought it to dealership they said the fixed it then a 2weeks later it happens again this time with my son in the car going 60 mph it does... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
While I was driving, the entire accelerator pedal mechanism fell to the ground. My mechanic told me it is because the accelerator pedal mechanism is a bad design, including too small of a bolt, and I had to have it reattached to the car. The accelerator pedal functioned, but it was incredibly dangerous because it was on the floor and couldn't be practically used.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2022
On the last week of May, my car started experiencing sputtering and stalling out problems. I made an appointment at Mazda dealership for june 6th.meantime my husband checked all fluids and coolant was low so we topped up. Car was being driven very limited due to safety concerns. Then While driving on the freeway my car displayed a “excessive engine temperature, engine output will be limited” i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
Upon acceleration from a stop the transmission seriously shutters and stalls the vehicles engine seriously putting the occupants life and safety at risk as well as others. I also noticed that the vehicle shutters badly at speeds 3mph through 25mph bucking and stalling the engine all the way through making driving the vehicle a real danger and threat to the safety of others on the road. This is a s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
My wife was pulling into a parking space and braking. All of the sudden, the car accelerated. Fortunately, she was able to brake enough to stop it. We have a dashcam and you can see it a bit in this video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10CzPCDWEwxmfKK4siRRTRez3YUxusMFR/view?usp=sharing