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: Jun 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Piaggio MP3 530 Exclusive Motorcycle. The contact stated that while his feet were on the running board with the wheels locked, the motorcycle jumped to the right and he fell to the ground and sustained injuries to his elbow, muscles, and arm. The driver was taken to the hospital and was provided medical attention. There were no warning lights illuminated. While at a stop li... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
Can not use cruise control on my Tesla model three 2022 because a phantom breaking
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
Numerous problems with engine overheating light coming on, leaking coolant, going up hill, car hesitate, car shakes at times.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2017) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 11, 2023
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I.The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated at high speed before the vehicle shut off with the message “Transmission Not in Park” displayed. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road, and after the vehicle cooled down the contact was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
April 2023 - While driving at ~ 35mph multiple warning light on the dashboard came on, (including traction control, AWD needs service, drive mode unavailable, emergency brake and several others) the speedometer stopped working (both the digital and analog) and a sluggish sensation was immediate (like the brakes were applied rapidly.) The car was stopped and further investigation showed that the re... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2019
I own a 2019 Ford Expedition Max (10R80 trans) & have experienced intermit. issues with the vehicle failing to shift into a higher gear when accelerating rapidly & getting stuck in a high RPM unless the accelerator is released. When releasing the accelerator there is a violent clunk & jerking. I have expressed this issue to Ford’s Service Department at the dealership. When intaking my vehicle t... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
I was driving normal speed on a highway and all of a sudden my speed slowed to 0 and I had to hurry and pull over fast. I was so scared and it was so dangerous. I took it to a shop and they said I need a new transmission. The car never indicated there was an issue prior to this incident.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
I'm emailing due to issues with my 2023 Cross Sport I purchased. It's a dire situation, as I had issues with my 2021 Cross Sport and VW ended up repurchasing the vehicle from me due a number of safety concerns. During my search for a new vehicle, I could not find anything that I liked so I ended up contacting Hawk VW in Joliet, IL to ask about the new 2023 Cross Sport and asked if they were aware ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
I was slowing at a stop sign and the car suddenly accelerated. My foot was not on the gas pedal but it continued to accelerate causing and accident at an intersection.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 10, 2022
While driving slowly less than 5 MPH into parking stall the vehicle accelerated excessively while trying to brake the vehicle it continued to accelerate and jumped the curb while I was still pumping the brakes to try to get it to stop and the car finally stopped after hitting the front of the establishment building. No collision warning went off at this time as well. I checked the mats to see if... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
I have made sure that the oil was changed on my 2015 Hyundai Azera. It has consistantly used oil. And now , I noticed a disturbing sound under the hood. Now, i have found metal shavings in my oil. This is a Theta engine. 6 cylinder. And according to the internet. Since 2011, Hyundai engines have been consistantly complained about and this engine needs to be added to the recall list for having the ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2013) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
While driving on the highway at about 60mph my 2016 Outback suddenly accelerated much faster. The only way to avoid collision with another car or cars or end up in a ditch was to drive around them. The brake did not work! After a minute or more(?) I eventually was able to stop using the brake.
VOLKSWAGEN
BEETLE CONVERTIBLE
(2016) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 10, 2023
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
was driving at 11mph and car would not Accelerate almost causing and accident issues with engine sparking flames fuel system problems, transmission issues when putting the vehicle into park. Engine problems check engine light keeps blinking on an off system says park vehicle do to diagnosed problems. suspension issues afraid to drive vehicle do to so many safety problems.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
In my 2020 plug-in Fusion, Stop Safely Now appeared on the screen as I drove on the freeway. While driving 70 mph, I suddenly had difficulty accelerating, and my air conditioner stopped working and began blowing hot air. By using hazard lights, I was able to slowly exit the freeway. The system disabled the engine and prevented the vehicle from starting. After being stranded on the off ramp, we wer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
Accelerating from hard stop causes vehicle to jerk. There is a lag that is dangerous when sitting in traffic. I was sitting in bumper to bumper traffic when I accelerated. The car has no response and then will have a sudden acceleration seconds after pushing the pedal. This only happens when accelerating from a hard stop. I have called 2 local dealers and they confirmed they have seen this issue. ... Read more
DOUGLAS
ALL-SEASON
(9999) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 9, 2023
Incident date: Oct 21, 2021
Hard braking on its own while using cruise control. Nearly rear-ended multiple times.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
Drove thru multiple states in spring and Tesla autopilot would come to abrupt sudden slow down without warning. Bad enough that I would disable the system and drive manually. This problem occurs regardless of one lane or two lane roads. With or without cars in front or behind me. Sunny or cloudy skies. Hot or cold. Straight or windy roads. With autopilot or even adaptive cruise control. I have no ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
Engine suddenly went into limp mode and jerked steering while on the highway (engine light happened AFTER). We started about 60mph, then vehicle slowed to about 30mph in a few seconds. Almost crashed into a semi-truck trying to get my car under control, then almost caused a pileup collision behind a slow-moving traffic control vehicle. Limped into town. Engine was rattling. Found the engine to be... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 9, 2023
Incident date: May 21, 2023
1. My brakes locked up on my and the warning light came on saying I hit something 2.the only windows that works is the drivers identified 3.my warning lights came on and it started smelling inside the car I shut the car off and the warning light went off so I thought it was OK finished driving home and became sick opened the hood and my battery had smoke pouring out of each side my sinuses were b... Read more
1 injured
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 9, 2023
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
While driving suddenly falsely detects obstructions and auto brakes , the acc system entirely turns on and off while driving , same with forward collision and lane keep assist. The dangers I’m having of auto braking on false obstructions is unfit for driving daily and is causing a road hazard as it almost has made me have accidents.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
Car stopped accelerating on the highway and held me at 40mph. This happened twice. Then before being able to get it in for service while driving the car made a loud bang and came to a rolling stop again on the highway and the transmission control system alarm went off and the car would not move. Had to get towed off the highway and in a rental now. This was a brand new 2023 hyundai kona sel limite... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
control module,left and right rear wheel speed sensors
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
Happening within the first few weeks of purchase from new in November 2022. Delay and wildly inconsistent acceleration from a stop. This is most noticeable within the first 10 minutes of driving and is much worse when cold. Often, when accelerating from a stop, the vehicle does not move for several seconds; when the car does begin to move the acceleration is erratic and often results in wheel s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
While driving in cruise control, the car suddenly decelerates periodically from 75 mph to 50 mph. No immediate safety issue but if a car had been following, we may have had a collision. We logged this with Tesla using “bug report”. No warnings. No inspections yet.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
The anti-lock braking system will fail intermittently which disengages the cruise control and traction control system as well as cause an audible chime. When this occurs, it may happen once or many times over the course of a few minutes, stop, start again, or stop altogether to reoccur a few days later. The issue appears to be the ABS control/hydraulic control unit issue others report. Loss of ant... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
Each time I drove my car the tire pressure light would flash before the ABS, brake system, power steering and traction lights would come on and the dealership could not find the problem although my car would not accelerate and the speed sensor has already been changed because only one went bad prior. 3 times to the dealership and no codes could be found and they couldn’t never duplicate the pro... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
C300
(2016) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 9, 2023
Incident date: Feb 14, 2023
I have a 2018 Ram 2500 I has second abs module failure and dealer still has failed to get my truck fix. the abs failure been failed back in 12/25/2022. with abs failure cruise control is lost also.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
While using cruise control on the highway, the car suddenly decelerated twice. Each time the cruise control was set around 78mph, and it decelerated to approximately 70mph. No warnings were issued before, during, or after the decelerations— the car continued as if nothing had happened.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
Our thermo control valve (TCV) assembly failed and caused dangerous loss of speed and control while on the highway. Subaru is fully aware of the defect in their design as they issued a service bulletin to inform their service centers of a new, fixed TCV assembly that is retaining the same part number (a notice only sent to their service centers, NOT to owners). Please see attached. Despite being ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
We have experienced several episodes of the car suddenly breaking for no reason when using cruise control. The speed is very quickly reduced a good 15 mph without warning.this is not only very alarming as drivers/passengers but it is incredibly dangerous. If there was a car following closely behind us, they would have hit us.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
Cruising on the highway and a transmission error comes up saying that there's no reverse gear. Got off the highway and even gears aren't engaring, no 2,4,6 gears. 1,3,5,7 gears are engaging. Turned off and parked the car for about an hour. Turned it on car drove fine but start/stop wasn't available and sport modes are not available. Had the car diagnosed at the dealer and the same symptoms an... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
Received this message “A possible condition with your Engine Control System Ha’s been detected. A full system check is recommended to be done when convenient. Please contact your local dealership to schedule an appointment.” at only 2,153 miles on my new 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
My turbo boosters keep causing my wastegate to malfunction and stay open. Causing my car to accelerate on its own. The pedal pulls itself down.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2023
Car suddenly accelerated and crushed into shop in parking lot
Crash
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2018) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 7, 2023
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
While driving an alert comes on that states check engine system. As soon as this happens all power in the car turns off. Engine is still running but you no longer have any turning signals, brake lights, headlights, air conditioning, etc. It happens randomly and has almost cause me to be rear ended due to car behind me not knowing I was slowing down or stopping. This happens when I am not close... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The vehicle slows unexpectedly while driving and will not go above 2 RPM causing me to slow to below 40 mph on the highway without any warning. I took the vehicle to Kia for an airbag recall and suddenly I started to have these engine problems. They never informed me there was a recall on my vehicle or that this issue could occur. I am not the original owner and acquired the vehicle from my dad, w... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2022
When you press the accelerator it won’t do anything
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
On July 5, 2023 the electronics in our 2019 VW Golf Alltrack S, stopped working, while that car was been driven on a highway. The following was no longer operational, (while the car was still in motion): gauges such as speedometer, tachometer, fuel indicator and engine temperature; controls such as turn signals, wipers, dashboard and car indicator lights, also the infotainment system, used at that... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Cruise control suddenly ceased operating and I believe that is disabling the automatic collision avoidance system.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
We are trying to make it out of the mountains of Colorado and back home to Missouri. We have the most horrific shaking on our truck. I am scared to death. This "death wobble" is TERRIBLE! I want someone to know now in case we die! We have a horse trailer loaded down with 4 horses and 2 dogs. There should be a recall for this!!!! Signed [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
After exiting a car wash (automated)on Monday-7/3/23, I was attempting to stop my vehicle so I could dry the exterior with towels. I was on the car wash property and as I approached an area that was open, I attempted to stop the vehicle, the engine revved very high and the vehicle took off at a very high speed in fractions of a second. The vehicle then climbed over a flower embankment and hit the... Read more
Crash
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 6, 2023
Incident date: Jul 6, 2023
My car was set on navigate on autopilot, and normally it decreases speed when detecting change in speed limit. But for last couple of times, it's been not decreasing speed. On july 4th, 2023, I was driving and it did not change the speed limit based on the changes on the road. The speed limit had changed from 60 to 55, and it didn't change in the car. Also, Tesla just abruptly slowed down multip... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2023
My SUV has been jerking really bad when I accelerate it almost feels like whiplash. Every time I take it to the dealer they tell me there's nothing wrong with it. It makes this knocking sound coming from the engine and when I accelerate it doesn't pick up speed.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
I am having a problem with my 2017 Honda civic SI, it has been to a Honda service center twice now and continues to have the same problem after having the transmission speed sensor replaced twice now, there was a recall that did not affect my specific VIN but I am having the same problems listed in the recall, the service bulletin number is 18-102, I also have videos showing how the EPS (Electroni... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 6, 2023
Incident date: May 23, 2022
ACCELERATOR BECAME UNRESPONSIVE. HAD TO PLACE CAR IN NUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE TO REGAIN CONTROL.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
While driving vehicle will randomly have multiple warning lights on display suddenly appear (ABS, check engine, stability control, traction control, etc.) and speedometer would either go to 0 or read blank. In some instances power steering also cut out causing vehicle to swerve or jerk without warning. Spouse was scared to drive it when this happened and pulled over to have it towed. Did not wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
I was driving on the highway and as the electric engine ran out of power (it is a plug-in hybrid), the car failed to switch to the gasoline engine. There were warning lights that flashed and the "D" on the gear shifter was flashing. Power steering still worked, but could not accelerate. I was in the far right lane and was able to coast into the breakdown lane where I turned the car off, waited ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
E 300
(2018) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jul 5, 2023
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
When driving the car and when stopping at either a stop sign or stop light, turning a corner the car will lose power and will not go for at least 10-15 seconds. when letting the brakes go and pressing the gas pedal the car does not move, pressing all the way on the gas pedal the car will take about 10-15 seconds before moving. It’s like the engine lose power and the car will not accelerate.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2022
While driving my 2020 Jeep Renegade it will just shut itself down with no warning. I was on the freeway going 60 mph when the car just shut off causing me to have to pull over on the side of the freeway (which is illegal) and then having to restart the car - this happened 6 times in a matter of 24 hours causing me to have to bring my Jeep to the dealership. I was told that there are more electri... Read more