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: Dec 14, 2021
On September 2022 (at 46K) Dealer did TSB related fix on my 2016 Prius. PFA for service record. They replaced Exhaust Front Pipe, which is suggested work from Toyota PFA for Toyota Technical Bulletin. T-SB-0135-19 At 51,747 on March 1st 2023 around 8 40 am, while we are driving on highway at 70 mph suddenly Check Engine Light, Coolant light, Hybrid related lights were on Vehicle lost the control,... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
The acceleration stopped, the lightening light, traction light and skid light all came on and would not accelerate. Car was on but no gas pedal in the middle of the highway. Oil was changed a week before and no leaks on ground but oil is low. It is very dangerous as it has done this several times over the last month and has caused me to almost be in several wrecks because speed drops and cars almo... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
At any rate of speed the vehicle stalls and looses power with no warning. No check engine lights or any indicator comes on until the vehicle is already in stall position.
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 6, 2023
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The car auto-accelerates and the acceleration is very jerky. When you put the car in gear it accelerates without control. Too dangerous to drive in the city.
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 6, 2023
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
The car on multiple occasions while driving on the highway with either the cruise control or autopilot engaged, drastically brakes and slows down for no reason. These slowdowns are drastic and have occurred when there are no other cars or conditions to cause the response. The braking is so dramatic that it is unlikely that I could have intervened in time to prevent a trailing vehicle from potent... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2022
UNKNOWN We have only had this vehicle for approximately 4 months and have had soon many issues but the electrical system has been a problem non stop
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact immediately shifted into neutral (N). There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then shifted into drive (D) and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
While driving on Highway 360 in Arlington, TX, the engine appeared to not change gears. It was between 3:30 to 4:00 PM, moderate traffic. I left HWY 360 and used the side lane. Later, the engine light came on. I checked the fluid levels and all were fine. This vehicle was last serviced in December 2022. The problem is unknown.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling in the McDonald’s drive-thru pickup line, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove over the curb causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and almost crashed into a wall. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2023
Was driving at speed down the highway (70+MPH) for an extended period of time traveling around 1.5 hours and then acceleration started having issues. I wouldn’t change the pressure on the gas but the RPM gage would go up and down wildly although I hadn’t done anything and cause a jerky forward motion. This cued me that something was wrong. Then there was an accident up ahead which caused traff... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
My car has been losing power and randomly stalling for a while now. Today as I was driving it was happening more and then suddenly my brake pedal became hard as a rock, and the hill assist warning came up. It keeps stalling and will not remain running for longer than 2-3 minutes of being on. This almost caused me to ram several cars due to not being able to stop quickly enough. No lights came on o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
Hesitation, stuttering, and lack of power have plagued me since purchasing 2022. When I put my foot on the accelerator the car should go. My car decides to take a coffee break, then smoke break, then bathroom, another smoke break then decides to go.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E320
(2003) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 5, 2023
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
Vehicle brakes suddenly while driving even when there are no cars or obstacles of any kind in front or even in the distance. This has led to several events where I was almost rear-ended because of how strongly and violently the car was breaking on the highway. Last example was on March 5th 2023 at 1:19 p.m. while driving on interstate 90 in Ohio going westbound, there were no cars in front or in t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2022
Tesla recently pushed out a significant software update version 2023.2.12. Like a similar software upgrade last year, the upgrade wipes out all user profiles and rearranges control settings. The sudden change makes it hard to find simple and necessary control features of the car. The driver is significantly distracted trying to find where the new controls are. Some are hidden. Some are no longer ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
Traveling south on I 5in CA on 2/27, weather and road were clear, speed 70 MPH, the car suddenly ceased to maintain it's set speed and decelerated rapidly. at 70 MPH with vehicles right behind me closely following, this is safety hazard. Same problem on return trip home northbound on CA 101 - destination Brentwood, CA. Third occurrence was on CA 246 - same problems but at 60 MPH.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2023
When it rains, the lights inside start flashing, it throws a check engine light and error messages about chasis control and braking system, the lights inside flicker, turnsignals and flashers stop working, the car goes into limp mode and you can't turn the car off .
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
I was driving my 2017 Nissan Altima SV, today on 3/3/23, and had just got on to a busy highway. I had my foot on the gas pedal trying to get to 60 mph. However, the car wouldn't accelerate past 40mph and was making a humming noise, even as I floored it. I looked to see if the car was in another gear but it was in drive. I had to pull the to slow lane and try to find a place to turn off. I cam... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2023
The ABS and traction control light came on and the vehicle sometimes doesn’t want to stop. The ABS kicks in and it takes a while for it to stop. It’s been twice where the vehicle ends up stopping in the middle of the intersection. Luckily no one was in front of us or coming the other direction.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while starting the vehicle the PCM warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control) and that the contact had to pay out of pocket for all future repairs. The manufacturer was contacted bu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
my car will stall randomly at stop signs and red lights with absolutely no warning. it’s super dangerous and has almost caused a wreck. i have taken it to mechanic and no codes are being thrown and it’s showing nothing is wrong. it’s a matter of time a accident happens and someone gets hurt. I would definitely like to figure this out!
Incident date: Mar 3, 2016
On several occaisions the vehicle has incorrectly detected an impending collision, disconnected the adaptive speed control and applied the brakes forcefully. On one occasion, it happened while driving in heavy slushy snow. Speed control wouldn't reengage. The dealer suggested cleaning off the Toyota logo in front and that resolved the problem. The other times the problem occured, the vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2023
While driving the car it would pop up a message saying “ENGINE POWER REDUCED”. Today while driving it home it popped up with a message saying “STARTING DISABLED, SERVICE THROTTLE” and then the car wouldn’t drive and I had to pull over on the side of the road. For months now when I drive and accelerate at times the car would almost grind. I believe it has to do with the traction control ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLK320
(2004) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 2, 2023
Incident date: Feb 10, 2023
Car begin smoking out of the back took car to dealership car oil was low. Car dealership refilled oil and told me to come back after driving 1000 miles. Car began smoking again like it was going to catch on fire took car in was told the turbo boost failed. Dealership mention that the turbo boost was previously repaired and under warranty so they repaired it. Car started smoking again I took car to... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2022
Abs/traction control lights come on and disconnects the cruise control dangerously wen pulling a trailer, code is c0020-01 this is a very common issue with these trucks parts unavailable, I’ve talk to many other owners with same issues please address the problem before someone gets hurt thanks.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
Since full self driving, beta has been turned on my car no longer slows down when I reduce the speed or when it encounters a lower speed limit sign, which it will read the speed limit. Prior to this when I decrease the speed or it noticed a decrease speed limit sign. It would use regenerative braking to slow the vehicle down. Now it’ just coasts , and actually sometimes maintains power at a high... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and while idling, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The dashboard was shaking, and the glove box was rattling. While shifting from park to drive or reverse, the vehicle vibrated. Additionally, the vehicle was hesitating and misfiring during acceleration. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was n... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
I was driving in the fast/lane of the freeway, and suddenly the car flashed red "Electrical System Error" "Park Vehicle in Safe Place". The car immediately started to decellerate on its own and I didn't have time to go over to the right so had to move into the left shoulder of the freeway. I was stuck in the middle of the freeway, with cars driving fast coming around a bend of the freeway behind m... Read more
CHRYSLER
TOWN AND COUNTRY
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 2, 2023
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
It seems like this is a common problem if you search "tesla phantom braking," which very obviously needs a solution. I commonly experience the phantom braking when there is a shadow like passing under a bridge. The car will slam on the brakes thinking the shadow is another car, which is obviously extremely dangerous especially on the highway. A simple solution would be to add a legacy cruise contr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Upon trying to enter a slightly inclined parking space in a parking garage, as I was lightly pressing on the accelerator, the car suddenly accelerated (tires screeching) and hit the concrete half wall. No time to even brake properly as it happened so fast. I had noticed a lack in acceleration that morning driving to my destination. Thankfully no injuries.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
A warning light comes on that there is a failure with the anti lock brakes and electronic braking system. The cruise control will also fail to work. When the roads where wet the other day, i was sliding to avoid hitting deer that began crossing the road. It took longer to stop than it should have. I'm concerned that living in Michigan with the inclement weather, it may cause a accident that coul... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2021
The ioniq 5 has a one pedal driving mode, where the car will come to a complete stop without needing to press the brake pedal, similar to other EV's. In this mode, the gas pedal operates differently then in a conventional car - pressing the pedal approximately 1/3 of the way down represents neutral, where the car coasts. Pressing the pedal less then that - between 1/3 and not pressing it at all,... Read more
FORD
F-150 LIGHTNING BEV
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Mar 1, 2023
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
Rear tailgate lights red and white fill up with water and stop working. Cruise control jumps up 10mph when passing signs, very scary!
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
After my test, here's what I found: If the cruise control is Off and you press and hold the cruise control button for more than 2 seconds, the speed limit function activates as indicated by the "Limit" indicator on the multi-function display. In this mode, if the vehicle speed exceeds the limit speed and you press on the gas, the power is immediately cut off, and you can't accelerate. If the ve... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2022
Fuel leaking an different problems happen do to fuel default.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 BMW I4. The contact stated while turning into a parking space, the vehicle experienced sudden unintended acceleration and crashed into a post and then into a wall. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that there were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be d... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 28, 2022
Experienced a failure of the ABS Control Module and Electronic Traction Control during a light snow storm in September of 2022. Dash warning lights come on and go off intermittently. When warning lights come on and cruise control is being used, cruise control is deactivated. Dealership confirmed ABS CPU failure on 11/17/2022. Still waiting on replacement parts and are projected to be in around 4/1... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2021
No compression in cylinder 3 due to oil drainage in spark plug panel caused Loss of motive power and Almost a wreck so to vehicle shutting down on the interstate . As I look I see that this is in investigation already and needs to be took into consideration as soon as possible if our lives really matter to Kia as your customers . So very sad how the engines and fuel systems are on kias
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
Driving along freeway to visit family, cruise control engaged, travelling 65 mph, when all of a sudden several messages flashed on the dash to "check electronic braking system", and traction control disengaged light and service light came on as Cruise control shut off. after a few seconds lights went out and system returned to normal. Repeated several times on way back home (3 hr drive) and had ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2023
The 2007 X3 BMW suddenly accelerates when stopped. This has happened multiple times' and is extremely dangerous. I have to put the vehicle in neutral and hit the gas pedal to stop it from racing. No codes come up when my mechanic scans the computer.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
While driving on the interstate in the right lane with adaptive cruise set at 70mph the cameras will occasionally read the off ramp/exit speed limit signs and brake hard to decelerate to the posted off ramp speed limit. This creates an opportunity for a rear end collision. Additionally, the adaptive cruise will “see” vegetation or guard rails on the opposite side of the road, while in a turn,... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2022
Vehicle through a "service engine" and lost partial power. The vehicle slowed considerably and was not able to accelerate as expected. Fortunately, this was rush hour traffic and it was slow. Normally, the traffic moves at 60 MPH plus or minus 5 MPH. The loss of power on I10 can be extremely unsafe. The dealer revealed that our car had a scan code P0299. They cleaned the Thottle Body and sta... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2023
My 2013 Ford F150 has been throwing wrench light while downshifting automatically. for months. Then I lose my speedometer and the airbag light illuminates. I also have had random downshifting that causes a lock up in the back end (basically giving the feeling of slamming on the breaks). I took my vehicle in to Ford dealership on 12/8/22 and they did states that it was part of the 19N01 lead fram... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN LIMITED
(2018) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 27, 2023
Incident date: Feb 25, 2023
I get "phantom braking" on average about every 2-3 hours of highway driving with cruise control enabled. All of a sudden without any road obstructions or vehicles ahead, the car will suddenly break hard even at highway speeds. Sometimes it happens when I approach an underpass or get to a section where the pavement is darker than before.
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
Forward collision avoidance; automatic emergency braking; adaptive cruise control; I pulled into a straight-ahead handicapped parking slot to park, going about 1-3mph . There was a handicapped sign in front of me on a newly installed steel pole. I pulled in within inches of the pole. When I tried to engage the brakes, the braking system failed to engage the brakes and slow down the car. The car i... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact stated that while his wife was pulling into a parking space, the vehicle abruptly accelerated, crashing into the handicap pole sign. There were no injuries. No air bags were deployed. There was no police report filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the contact was unaware of the diagnostic results, or the repairs performed. The m... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while merging onto a highway at 60 MPH, the vehicle continued to accelerate upon releasing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal to slow the vehicle; however, upon release of the brake pedal, the engine began to rev, and the vehicle accelerated to 85 MPH. The contact depressed th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
While driving my Hyndua Palisades on the Southern State Parkway at 55mph, my car shut off. When it happened, I didn't know what was going on. All of the lights on the vehicle went off, and then it shut off while I was still driving it. My 11yr old son and I could have been killed. When is Hyundai going to address the significant problem? My son no longer wants to ride in my car because he has been... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2023) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Feb 26, 2023
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
Feb 25 around 4pm PT we were driving north on US Hwy 101 using the basic cruise control feature of our Model 3. Based on our settings I believe this would be considered adaptive cruise control, but I'm not sure. Enhanced Auto-Pilot was not in use. On a largely open highway, in particular with no one in front of us, and thankfully, no one close behind us, the car suddenly started to lose speed, n... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2023
On numerous occasions the dash warning light will come on stating "Service Advance Trac". When this happens traction control, hill assist & cruise control all shut off without any warning. Sometimes the ABS light illuminates also. Ford does not seem to have a fix for this problem as it has effected many newer F53 chassis. Ford tells customers to just stop for a few minutes & cycle the key. It c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2023
I have owned my 2012 KIA Sorento since 2014 and thoroughly enjoy my car. After 9 years of satisfactory ownership which include dealer servicing, my car scared me and now I question my safety. On Friday 24th, 2023, I pulled into my driveway and the car suddenly accelerated out of control. The brakes did nothing to slow its acceleration. By the time I reached the key and turned the car off it had ac... Read more