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 30, 2022
The breaking system doesn’t take effect in speed and turn and when you leave the acceleration and the speed increase and loose control . Also the electrical system is damage not with seven month of brand new highlander hybrid . The rear cross traffic control and blind spot warning are coming . These is a serious electrical problem under 11,000 miles brand new vechile
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
Car keeps going into limp mode. The VTM and VSA light flash on and the car will not accelerate. Happens at different occasions. It has happenstance while driving on highway and I’m traffic. The only way to reset is to cut car off and turn on. Sometimes, it doesn’t work with that and you have to sit and wait. It has been checked but no one see no faults and it’s never on the dashboard if you ... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2023
When adaptive cruise control is engaged, the vehicle harshly brakes. This occurs very randomly and is abrupt. The operator needs to quickly take control and accelerate as the speed is reduced significantly. One incident, the speed was 80 mph and it reduced to less than 60.
Incident date: May 30, 2023
Abs and traction control indicator lamps have an intermittent flash and alarm that alert at random times. This is dangerous as this not only disables the cruise control but the traction control is then disabled as well as the abs system causing brakes to lock up. Mopar and ram refuse to fix the issue and it costs consumers $1200 for parts and labor that may or not fix the issue. This is reported ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2022
“Engine power reduced” service message “Stabilitrack” service message “4x4” service message Vehicle is available for inspection Vehicle jerks and loses power while driving at highway speeds causing 18-wheelers and other drivers to swerve around me, vehicle accelerates very slowly while in city traffic. Intersections and traffic lights are difficult to navigate due to reduced engine p... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The problem is with the 9 speed automatic transmission system. Yes, it is available for inspection. There is a delay in acceleration which has caused the vehicle to "stall" in dangerous situations such as pulling out onto a road with traffic, making a left turn with oncoming traffic, or needing to accelerate at a green light. There have been multiple incidents when an oncoming car has had to brake... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
I experience multiple and frequent phantom braking events when using the Active Cruise Control. This continues to occur every time I use cruise control, and occurs even on straight empty roads on bright sunny or overcast days, and creates a serious safety issue for any vehicles that are following. The deceleration is rapid because of the regenerative braking capabilities of the vehicle. There are ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
The Automatic Emergency Braking System has activated at least 3 different times while I was driving. At each occurrence there was nothing in the roadway or travel lane. The vehicle came to an abrupt stop twice and slammed the brakes on but then released them a moment later once. In each event a very near collision with other vehicles was almost caused. There are other drivers that use this truck t... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 8, 2023
Incident date: Apr 24, 2023
While driving the vehicle will just go crazy all lights come and things stop working throttle control, etc. it’s hard to control the vehicle
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Honda HR-V. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH and slowing for a traffic signal, the brake pedal was depressed, and the contact heard the engine rev before the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front of her. The other vehicle sustained damages to the bumper an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and making a left turn into a parking lot, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration driving to the opposite side of the parking lot before the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that moments later the vehicle was restarted and operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
We have been without service of the Grand Cherokee L vehicle for nearly 6 of the 11 weeks since we leased the vehicle. The four (4) incidents and ‘repair attempts’ to ‘fix’ the randomly/sudden occurring mechanical and electrical problems were inter-related and causal to the mechanical and electrical blackout troubles. 1.02/27/23 Purchase 2.03/20/23 631 total miles traveled. Dash board bla... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
SPRINTER 3500
(2013) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 8, 2023
Incident date: Jan 27, 2023
THERE IS A ISSUE WITH... ROYAL Enfield REBORN CLASSIC 350 MOTORCYCLE. THAT SPEEDOMETER STICKS AND CAN'T TELL HOW FAST I AM AM GOING. THERE IS HUNDREDS OF THIS COMPLAINT ONLINE EVERYPLACE
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
After setting the adaptive cruise control, and overriding it with the accelerator pedal when approaching a vehicle in front of me to pass it, my vehicle briefly accelerated hard while switching lanes after clearing the vehicle in front of me. This happened even though I had taken my foot off the accelerator already. My current speed was also slightly higher than the set cruise speed. E.g. I set it... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2016
All electrical systems proceeded to malfunction with the check engine and driver safety system warnings blaring. Vehicle proceeded to accelerate from 10-40 mph on its own for approximately 400 meters on the freeway. Vehicle brake and acceleration system did not respond to any driver input for approximately the entire length. Vehicle then proceeded to respond normally temporarily allowing us to pul... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
Car has been hesitating to start this last week, Friday 6/2/23 warning lights came on & air conditioning stopped working. My local Hyundai shop is booked 2 weeks out so I already have an appt for 6/13/23. But on 6/2 I barely made it to a shop close to my home for a diagnostic check. Code P1111 was stored, cleared & retested. It's for fuel pump, circuit was tested & no faults were found & test driv... Read more
Incident date: Apr 27, 2023
On 5/10/23 I was driving approximately 50 mph on a highway when my car slowed to 15 mph. I stepped on the accelerator and nothing happened. On the dash screen there was a warning which stated "drivetrain malfunction. Driving not possible. Call Roadside assistance". So I was stuck with a sudden deceleration on a busy highway and had to creep over 2 lanes to the shoulder and put the car in park. It ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
Diagnosed CVT failure; Nissan refuses to replace the transmission at their cost. Took the vehicle to multiple mechanics before the issue was officially diagnosed, as the issue is difficult to diagnose. When operating the vehicle, at times the vehicle will stop accelerating; driver is pressing on the accelerator and the RPMs will increase but the vehicle will not be propelled forward and the power ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
We upgraded our auto pilot to the advanced auto pilot system and when driving from Denver to Santa Fe the Tesla would brake abruptly without notice or reason. The braking reduced speed by at least 30-40 mph in a matter of a second or two. This occurred 6 times during this drive. The concern is if this happens when other cars are driving behind our car, it will cause a collision.
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2013) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 7, 2023
Incident date: May 20, 2023
2018 RAM 2500 ABS module failure in 9/22. Dealer diagnosed & said part was on back order until 12/22. I have called the dealership multiple times checking on availability of the replacement part & each time I am told a different ship date with the current ship date a year out from the start of the problem. RAM seems to be unconcerned their product is endangering their customers with ABS failure... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
The Electronic Throttle Control light(steady) and the Electronic Stability Control Activation/Malfunction Indicator Lights came on. There are times the engine light comes on. The vehicle would not accelerate, jerking kind of movement, going 20 miles.
Incident date: May 21, 2023
Started months ago on the highway, now in the streets too. Press the gas, car goes then suddenly loses power. Going at 60 mph on highway, car suddenly starts to go slow, and pressing the gas doesn't move the car not even a mile higher. Semi trucks begin to honk horns at you. Afraid now to take highway again. Soon as I exit highway, press the gas and the car doesn't want to shift, almost as if it g... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
While driving my Subaru Outback, I encounter a problem where the Starlink Multimedia system abruptly goes black. Shortly after, the driver information center also goes black. Although the car continues to run, the cruise control, if engaged, and the EyeSight safety system shuts off as well. Both systems then undergo a reboot.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2023
This has happened several times, when cruise control is activated like 1/50 times the car will go into limp mode randomly with the brakes activating at speed. This makes it very difficult to steer and has led to me almost getting hit. I have stopped using cruise control and the problem has not happened since
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
Reduce Power Engine appears on the dash board. The car starts slowing down, I can’t speed up, I Have to park on the side of the heavy traffic in the Highway. I have to wait around 5 minutes and then drive. I still have the engine symbol on. This happens regularly like 2 to 3 times a week.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
My car has reduce engine speed. I’m driving on the highway and out of nowhere the car shots down and a symbol appears on my dashboard that says Reduce Engine Speed. Literally the car slows down to a minimal speed until I can’t drive anymore. I have to stop and turn off the car for 5 minutes until I can turn it on and drive to my destination in a reduce speed.
Incident date: May 31, 2023
I carry my family with me and in traffic the traction control light would come on and the car would loose power and not accelerate almost causing accidents I was told it was the speed sensors malfunctioning and the brakes would not work properly when trying to stop
Incident date: May 17, 2023
My mother in law contacted me and stated her 2014 ford expedition’s transmission felt like it was failing. I drove same the next day. As I was test driving the vehicle at approximately 60mph down a U.S. highway, I hear a “clunk” noise and then immediately the RPMs went up and the vehicle downshifted into 1st gear causing the vehicles’s wheel to lock up. I went sliding down the highway and ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2022
The transmission shifts hard when traveling around 14 mph then will jerk (like being rear ended), slows down then accelerates on its own. I'm afraid it will cause an accident. Chrysler said it is supposed to work like that and nothing is wrong with it. I have had 3 diagnostic tests done it and it shows nothing is wrong.
Incident date: May 19, 2023
Erratic behavior when semi-autonomous Blue Cruise engaged. Fault may be due to failures/malfunctions in side view mirror camera modules.
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF SPORTWAGEN
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 5, 2023
Incident date: May 28, 2023
While driving northbound on the CA111 freeway along an elevated ramp leading to the Interstate 10 freeway, in the evening after sunset, and on a dry road, without another vehicle beside the car, with the 'autopilot' (not full version) engaged, the car suddenly initiated an uncommanded acceleration which required the driver to aggressively depress the brake pedal to stop the acceleration and to dis... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 5, 2023
Incident date: Jun 5, 2023
While driving eastbound on the CA60 freeway and merging onto the Interstate 10 freeway, on a clear sunny day and on a dry road, without another vehicle beside the car, with the 'autopilot' (not full version) engaged, the car suddenly initiated an uncommanded acceleration which required the driver to aggressively depress the brake pedal to stop the acceleration and to disengage the automated drivin... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
This was a case of phantom braking. While on the freeway with the cruise control set to 80 mph the car suddenly and unexpectedly slammed on the brakes. I had to step on the throttle to make the car stop braking. We were nearly rear ended by the car behind us. You can definitely come and inspect the car. I have not taken the vehicle to Tesla for inspection. No accident resulted from this incid... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
No lights previous to incident. Sudden engine & speed malfunction . Yes, it happened multiple times heading to the ford dealer-2 mi away. We kept the hazard lights on. Sudden loss of power while driving, engine goes into limp mode, down hill assist light and altrack light comes on. Truck restarts but again limps unexpectedly. Took it to dealer -it was the throttle body that had been replaced ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2023
My daughter was driving the car to work. The car accelerated even thou her foot was lightly placed on the gas pedal, it was like pressing the gas pedal to race the car. This happened 4 times on her 4.5 mile drive to work. When she was turning into the parking lot, she had her foot on the brake and the car accelerated again which scared her as she didnt want to crash into the cars in front. I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
I was driving on a 40mph speed road at 45 mph and the car stopped accelerating abruptly and remained stuck at 20 mph even thou my foot was on the gas pedal. I had to put the caution lights on and get to the side of the road. I had every car behind me honk and yell when passing by. This could have been a big crash. I have the video of this when I was driving. This happened various times, in Dec... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
This has been a consistent on-going issue with my brand new 2023 Tesla Model Y. While using Autopilots Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and the Autosteer feature the car will without warning begin braking. Each time is different in regards to severity of the breaking but it is typically like letting off the accelerator pedal which in a Tesla is comparable to significant breaking. Have taken two hi... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2023
My instrument cluster is delaminating in my tesla model S. When I took it to the service center for the recall service the service center stated that the main screen was also delaminating. Service tech told me that the instrument cluster (and main screen) would eventually fail because of the delamination. I have had the car for less than 8 years. both the instrument cluster and the center scre... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving, at any speed, for any length of time (sometimes minutes, sometimes hours) the car will act like it is shifting to neutral, no matter how fast I am traveling, it’s happened at 10 mph and up. It’s random, no rhyme or reason. It has been in 4 shops since November and does not code for errors. No one has found the issue. It is unsafe as it will redline the rpm, make the accelera... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that the RPM would be elevated while the vehicle was idling. The failure recurred while the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred approximately 3-4 times within 30 days. The failure recurred approximately 15 times within 6 months of owning the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2020
The driver dashboard went blank except for randomly flashing nonsense numbers. Vehicle speed, fuel level, engine RPM and other vehicle information was lost. Additionally forward collision avoidance, lane keep and departure, adaptive cruise, emergency braking and blind spot warning systems became inactive. I am unsure if the antilock brake system and stability controls are functional. My safety was... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
I was driving on the highway with autopilot activated. There were no cars in front, beside or behind me. A car did come up behind me at a fast speed. My car suddenly started to brake (phantom braking). The car coming up behind me sped around me. There was no reason for the car to brake like that.
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2014) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 4, 2023
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
Every possible warning light came on without notice and the car came to an abrupt halt. Ultimately the front tires locked and the car could not be moved out of park. This happened at Yosemite National Park and was very dangerous. Fortunately I was able to glide most of the car to the side of the road (not all) before the complete shutdown of all systems. The car was towed to our Audi dealer. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2020
On 05/28/23 while i was trying to park my 2011 Nissan Leaf in a parking lot, the car accelerated unexpectedly and hit a pole and fence and scratched an already parked car. Applying break did not slow down my car. I own this car since 2011 and never had an experience like this.
Crash
Incident date: May 16, 2023
On the morning of May 16 2023 while making a turn at 17 th Avenue and Bayshore Drive my car continued to accelerate in spite of me trying to brake. I was projected into a stone wall and knew I was going to crash . I crashed into the wall,all my airbags were deployed and the car smelled like smoke. My accelerator got stuck and was sideways .I was unable to get out of the car from inside but a Good ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving on the NYS Thruway (I90), I started to pass a Tractor Trailer, I put my blinker on and began moving to the right to pass. There were 2/3 cars in back of me also passing. I was using cruise control and I began to put my foot on the accelerator to finish my passing and move over to the right hand lane to let the other vehicles pass me. However, upon accelerating, my car started t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
while driving in traffic with the adaptive cruise control on, the system indicated a sensor malfunction. This is a well-known occurrence for these vehicles as reported on numerous Nissan sites and other websites. This failure can present a safety hazard if the warning comes with little time to react to traffic conditions.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Complaint: Speedometer is not working, loss of function of speedometer while driving and Downshifting of the gear. The instrumental cluster showed a maintenance warning while driving in which will cause the speedometer to stop working. When trying to drive the vehicle on a stop position, there is a delay on the acceleration. Vehicle feels like it's on 2nd or 3rd gear. This may lead to loss of c... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
There have been a collection of other Vin numbers for this year make and model for the symptoms I have been experiencing since taking ownership in 2019. The vehicle will stall while running and randomly disable ALL WHEEL drive, Traction Control, ABS, and send Check engine light on causing me amdy son on infinite number of times to almost be hit In the middle of amd intersection, after a stop sig... Read more