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
DODGE
CHALLENGER
(2013) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 19, 2023
Incident date: May 25, 2023
While driving on the interstate my 2023 Ioniq 5 SEL RWD experienced a failure with the front radar system stating that it was blocked. In reality there was nothing physically blocking the system which was verified on multiple pullovers to check the front of the vehicle. This caused the critical forward safety functions, HDA system, lane change assist functions, regeneration system, and smart cruis... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
Knock sensor detection system. Driving and all the sudden felt like it hard down shifted… car behind me almost hit me. Engine light started flashing so I pulled into autozone and plugged it in and got the knock sensor code. It’s had oil consumptions issues for a while. It’s so dangerous to drive with limited power and speed
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
On June 18, 2023, my throttle unexpectedly stuck open after intentional acceleration, causing the car to continue to accelerate uncontrollably after releasing the accelerator pedal. The engine continued to increase RPMs and speed. After using all of my leg strength to apply the brakes to fight the uncontrolled acceleration, the throttle unexpectedly eased up and returned to normal. This was the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
Cruise control quit working when towing my trailer with tractor loaded. Service antilock brake system and service electronic brake system messages and lights on dash showed. Would occur intermittently, then became more steady. Took to dealer today, 6/19/2023, and was told no part could be ordered to fix this. Dealer advised they do not have an answer/fix. May have by August 16. Seems a long ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
After using adaptive cruise control, driver pulled into a spot to pick up a pizza. Car was parked then lurched forward without pedal input, jumping over parking parking block and then crashed through front window of a store. Took out retaining wall and came to a stop at the back wall. Thankfully no one was injured. Police report was filed and manufacturer was alerted who interrogated the vehicle b... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
Car unexpectedly brakes while using the cruise control. This can occur multiple times on a long drive without warning and for no apparent reason.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
The Column Shifter that is installed on all 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HDs and 3500HDs poses a potential safety risk to its passengers and other drivers on the road. When the column shifter of the vehicle is in the standard drive position the shifter covers part of the screen and the direct path to the radio volume control dial and infotainment home button. It has been found and replicated that attemptin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
When driving the Tesla model 3 in cruise control, It will without warning apply the brakes. I have to then accelerate and then take it out of cruise control. The issue has happened about a dozen times and only happens while in cruise control. It happened most recently today but has happened in previous days.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
Accelerator failed to engage on two occasions. 5/18/2023: First while driving on highway at 70MPH. Car slowed down gradually and I pulled onto shoulder. 5/19/2023: Again the next day driving 35 MPH. Pulled off road onto private driveway. On both occasions I turned car off and back on and it resumed normally. Fortunately no accident or traffic problem. I brought car to the dealer (Country Hyun... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
While driving the car at aproximately 25mph, the engine and the car stopped running. All dashboard warning lamps were off prior to the engine failure The car rolled to the side of the road to get out of the way of other traffic. The service engine warning lamp was on after the engine shut off and stopped running. The car was towed to a service station, and they too could not get the car to sta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
I was driving my vehicle, slowing down to turn left, when my car shifted into neutral all by itself. The satellite radio went off and the collision warning appeared on the dash. This could have happened on the highway and I could be dead. I called the Markley Honda Dealership here in Fort Collins however their service department was closed for the day. I plan on calling them first thing Monday mor... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
When driving at highway speed and using cruise control, the car periodically applies its brakes. Sometimes it will only do so for a second or two, then return to the cruise control speed; other times it will continue longer and I will have to intervene by applying pressure to the accelerator pedal. In shorter "phantom braking" episodes the speed may only be reduced by five or ten miles per hour; ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
While driving at 70 mph my car just shut off. The radio and lights stayed on. The oil and battery light came on before it just shut down. Steering locked up. When safely to side, and turned key off it starts right back up, but now traction system is off. Has gas and nothing is broken.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2023
Tire wobble and stutter on left hand turns. Throws VSS fault code C600c and C60063
VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 17, 2023
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
My transmission failed. There was a recall on the transmission, that I am not sure I received. Nissan Consumer Affairs opened a case but will not assist me with the cost of the transmission. I have to pay 5621.00 to have a new transmission installed. Nissan admitted had a faulty part in the 2014-2017 Rogues - the CVT. The transmission was slipping and it could have led to an accident, but did... Read more
HANKOOK
VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2
(9999) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 16, 2023
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
ABS light on when braking had to apply full force , truck would not stop for about 20 feet was moving slowly so no accident.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2023
On my 2018 RAM 3500 beginning on Memorial Day 2023, the instrument cluster began flashing with a loud door type chime. The cluster began cycling through messages including Service Electronic Braking System, ABS Failure, and illuminating alarms. Upon testing with a code reader I was presented with the following codes: C0020-01 ABS Pump Motor Control - General Electrical Failure and U0402-00 Implaus... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 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 16, 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: Apr 19, 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: Jun 15, 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: May 31, 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
Incident date: Feb 27, 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: Mar 24, 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: Jun 3, 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: May 19, 2023
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: Jun 13, 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 14, 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: Jun 14, 2023
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
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 14, 2023
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
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
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 13, 2023
Incident date: Jun 8, 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: May 8, 2023
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 11, 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 27, 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: Jun 13, 2023
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: Nov 1, 2022
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: May 26, 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
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Jun 13, 2023
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 31, 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: Nov 1, 2019
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: Jun 13, 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: May 18, 2023
Braking power was diminished. ABS and Traction Control lights illuminated on dashboard and did not go out.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2023
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 2, 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