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
FOREST RIVER
GEORGETOWN
(2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 29, 2023
Incident date: May 29, 2023
Warning light for airbag continues to stay on , and cruise control does not work at all.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2003
On 10/17/2021 my son was killed along with his passenger in this Tesla. The car was thought to be going over 100 miles an hour on a city road Coconut Point Road in Estero Florida. The car was thought to have hit a tree with the rear tire and was sent flying through the air and hit another tree and split in half. My son knew this road well as it was close to his home and drove it on his way home... Read more
Crash
2 deaths
Incident date: Apr 1, 2019
First occurrence happened in October 2022 when I was on the freeway at speeds over 65mph. The vehicle suddenly lost speed, all dash lights came on, a loud helicopter like sound started and would not go more than 40mph. I was lucky enough to exit the freeway without causing a collision. Dealer could not duplicate the incident and no computer codes. Second time was almost identical to the first ... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
I live in a mountain area, many steep hills. When driving down a steep windy road (speed under 30 MPH) I use the exhaust brake so I don't have to ride my brakes. However, the exhaust brake keeps going off and on. Worse yet the engine throttles up increasing speed. I have to then press my brake peddle to slow the truck down. Once I release the brake the truck repeats the same process of speeding up... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2015) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 29, 2023
Incident date: May 29, 2023
I've noticed that while driving the vehicle maintains speed/accelerate (without gas pedal pressed, and with cruise control off). I have to constantly fight the vehicle's constant acceleration with brakes. While idling, it keeps going to high RPM and then reduce and then high RPM.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E300
(2017) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 29, 2023
Incident date: May 20, 2023
brake lights do not come on when the car is in regenerative braking or driving mode and the driver is touching the gas pedal. Drivers following the car are not aware the car is actually braking not coasting. This is causing a rearending hazard. Mfr needs to correct issues so brake lights come on when car is in regenerative braking mode and the car is deaccellerating regardless of gas pedal activit... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
Repetitive phantom braking. Happens quite often. Three time today on the intestate. I had cruise control set at 71mph and without any vehicle or obstacles in the area the car hard breaked from 71 down to 40. I have it on video.
MITSUBISHI
LANCER
(2016) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 28, 2023
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
HCU / ABS module issues. Truck while driving has no cruise control my lights stay illuminated all the time, truck only has 57,000 miles and already repaired all 4 abs wheel speed censors, spent countless hours visibly checking all wires and fuses make sure no defects there. This could be a very dangerous and life threatening situation and I would think it's only right for Dodge Ram to recall the ... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2023
During a 30 mile trip on a two lane highway I activated the cruise control. A number of times the car made significant slow downs. They seamed to be associated with oncoming trafic. I then shut off the cruise control. Later on when I could see there where no oncoming cars I again set the cruise control for 65 MPH. After only about 15 seconds the car made a rapid deceleation. The deceleration... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2023
We have had our car for under 3 months and have had repeated episodes (easily 2 to 3 dozen) of extremely rapid braking when the car is in cruise control on the open interstate road when there are no cars ahead of us or any other obstacles that might have triggered the camera sensor. Tried turning off the forward collision avoidance option and the events still happen. Have kept the windshield over ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2022
On a trip from Spokane to Seattle on 5/27/2023, while traveling at 72mph on I-90, we experienced “phantom braking”. This resulted in the vehicle rapidly decelerating based on its detection of something in front of the car to avoid a collision. This occurred 3 times on the trip, and in no case was there anything for the vehicle to avoid. Weather was clear and road conditions were dry. Our bigge... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2022
I have owned my new Tesla for about a month and it has had a recent software update. Today, I had the cruise control set to 75mph on the freeway and the car very suddenly reset the speed to 50 mph for no apparent reason, making the car rapidly and suddenly slow down. I figured this was just a fluke and later tried to use the cruise control again. This time the cruise control was set to 75 mph o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2023
I first started noticing this transmission acceleration problem about a year ago when my vehicle has been in stop-and-go traffic for at least 30 minutes or more, the transmission feels like it is going to stall. Pressing on the gas won’t accelerate the vehicle or it is very slow to start moving no matter how hard the gas pedal is pressed. The rpm speeds to 4-5 x1000 but the transmission gear fee... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2022
When truck is in cruise control on with driver assist on, if I run off side of road and go over the ridges on the side that alert driver my ABS light comes on saying my driver assist and my cruise control can no longer be used and my ABS breaking system requires a mechanic. If I reset my system all goes back to normal till I go over rough road or ridges. I have less than 10,000 miles on truck. Fro... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2023
At approximately 69000 miles my engine stalled as I was pulling onto a highway and would not accelerate beyond a low mph. I turned back into gas station I had left and checked the oil. It did not register any oil and had a burning smell. There were never any dash lights indicating low oil. I put almost 2 quarts in vehicle. I then proceeded to drive as it seemed okay. I have had oil changes wh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2020
On my way to work this morning 4:30 ish the same way I always take. My car decided to drive itself, every light on the middle console lit up, and the dashboard. I was going 50 when my car completely lost control while I tapped my brakes no response its locked, my steering wheel locked up, my brakes locked everything went haywire it would not let me steer or even shift to neutral all I could do was... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 25, 2023
repeatedly, i have had my car brake harshly when travelling anywhere from 30-55 mph while using adaptive cruise control. there is nevere anything in the road or a car anywhere nearby to warrant a dramatic braking. the decelertion is harsh and alomst caused someone behind me to hit me on 2 occasions. i have repeatedly told Tesla about this and mostly gotten a nebulous response about "hardware" or '... Read more
FORD
ESCAPE HYBRID
(2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 28, 2023
Incident date: May 27, 2023
My car engaged the automatic emergency braking (AEB) when the car in front of me lightly tapped on their brakes-- When the AEB engaged, my car come to a complete stop... I tried to accelerate to prevent being rear ended, but my accelerator was disabled and I had no control of my car... Nearly causing me to get rear ended and probably causing a 5+ car collision. MANY Tesla drivers have experience... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2022
While driving on a relatively straight, 2-lane highway with cruise control set and no autopilot, the car started to brake suddenly and aggressively. This caused the car behind me to almost rear end my car. Luckily I was quick enough to press the accelerator to avoid the accident. This same sudden braking happened a total of 4 times within a 200 mile trip, one of which almost caused an accident.
Incident date: May 20, 1989
While in cruise control, the car suddenly reduced its speed; there is no obstacle in the path of the cat that would warrant such an action. This deceleration is sudden and violent and when it happens is dangerous for following drivers.
Incident date: May 2, 2020
The car is accelerating by his own, without having the cruise control on and this happened a couple times, mostly after a full stop on a red light, until you don’t make a manual full emergency break it won’t stop. It can cause death if it accelerate it by his own, also couple times the front camera has a fall out and he’s warning the pre collision even no car is in front of you
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
I was experiencing shaking and guttering during acceleration. I was coming from a full stop (red light, stop sign). It shakes, and I have back off the accelerator. When it happened, I had my children in the car on a busy roadway. I would hate to think of what could have happened if my vehicle had stopped on the busy road or crossing railroad tracks. Thankfully, we were close to home, roughly 2-3 m... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2023
While reversing out from a drive way and turning to get into the lane the cars velocity massively increased from no throttle coasting to approximately 20 mph. Panic braking and enough space due to it being a cul-de-sac saved us, but we were launched forward in our seats and slammed back during breaking. we were very fortunate not to have anyone or anything behind us as we nearly went over a curb... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The truck will jump from sixth gear to first gear, or will go from first gear straight to fifth and be stuck in fifth , or be stuck in first, the truck will randomly take off on its own or come to a screeching stop on highways going 60 mph, the gear indicator will stop working, alongside all other gauges on the dash, such as gas mileage, RPM, speedometer, heat and oil gauge will all stop working, ... Read more
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 26, 2023
Incident date: May 26, 2023
Driving sometimes with cruise on and sometimes not or going up a slight inclined the car will lose RPM goes down and then back up. I Was merging on to a highway went to give it gas and RPM goes down and I had 2 semis coming up on me so had to pull over to shoulder. It is very unsafe because you just dont know when it is going to do it. Have had it in to dealership computer and no code. But very v... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF R
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 26, 2023
Incident date: May 26, 2023
When driving approximately 65 mph on the highway, alert on the vehicle display came on saying to pull over the engine would shut down soon. We were able to pull over and the car no longer worked. We were driving with our family of young children in the car, had there been no shoulder to pull over on the highway we would have been extreme danger.
Incident date: May 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to approximately 30 MPH and went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light, the service power steering warning light, the service transmission warning light, the low tire pressure warning light, and the traction control warning light were illuminated. The conta... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The Ioniq 5 when using level 2 regen, level 3 regen, and i-pedal (one pedal driving), does not turn on the break light when decelerating, even if coming to a full stop unless the driver removes their foot completely from the pedal or hits the break pedal. These driving modes allow the driver to perform regenerative breaking almost to a complete stop without turning on the break lights and warnin... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
Any time I am coming to a stop from 40/45 mph the car would accelerate although I am breaking! This is not safe. It happens randomly while driving I could be in traffic and it will accelerate soon as I put my foot on the break.
Incident date: May 24, 2023
VEHICLE STALLS OUT AND SLOWS DOWN WHILE IM DRIVING AND WANT SPEED BACK UP. ONLY GOES 30 IN A 70 ON THE HIGHWAY.
Incident date: May 20, 2023
When driving at certain lower speeds the vehicle is jerky. The car will go into high RPM's when excelerating even when not fully pressing the gas pedal. The engine is burning through oil very quickly. In less than a month from my oil change I have had to put 5 quarts in. When the cruise control is on it sometimes excelerates faster than what it is set for. This has been ongoing for about a year.... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
I have been experiencing serious safety issues with the 2019 Hyundai Tucson I purchased that have been ongoing since February of 2023. The check engine light comes on, begins to flash, and the car goes into 'limp mode' and will not allow me to accelerate faster than 45/50 mph. Consequently, it will further stall on hills due to the inability to accelerate. Below is a brief timeline of this inciden... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2023
The Anti-Lock Brake control module along with the Hydraulic control unit is failing. At any rate of speed, the traction control light and the ABS light comes on and off repeatedly. When this happens, the cruise control disengages which has cause the truck to slow down rapidly in heavy traffic causing other drivers to almost rear end my pregnant wife, 3 year old son and I. I had my local ram dealer... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2015) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 25, 2023
Incident date: Aug 1, 2018
I have a 2019 Audi Q5 with under 24k miles over the past 4 years of new vehicle ownership. There have been 5+ instances where I am driving under normal conditions and suddenly the vehicle jerks abruptly, slows down to half the original speed (from 65 mph on freeway to 30 mph), gear shifting becomes irregular and the following indicators appear on the dashboard: 1) check engine light, 2) vehicle r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
Car was in autopilot multiple times and sharply applied brakes with nothing in front or obstacles. This is dangerous and almost caused an accident.
Incident date: May 20, 2023
while driving on the highway/freeway system in the Portland Oregon area on several occasions one of which i initiated myself activated the cruise control immediately after initiating the vehicle began to increase its speed to the continuing to speeds well beyond the 100 mile per hour mark I was not able to deactivate the cruise control in the usual ways pressing the brake pedal did not work c... Read more
LINCOLN
MKZ HYBRID
(2014) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 24, 2023
Incident date: May 2, 2023
The ABS and Traction lights intermittently come on and blink non stop. Also, a "Service Antilock Brake System" and a "Service Electronic Braking System " message scrolls through the dashboard screen with an audible alarm. The truck was inspected on September 2nd of 2020 and parts 05400701- Control unit, Brake anti-lock hydraulic and part 68143491AA- Control Antilock Braking System were replaced un... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2023
The ABS, traction control, cruise control and 4x4 no longer function. It started intermittently and now is constant. The vehicle is available for inspection. After a hard stop the abs won’t engage and I lost traction of the truck. There are two warning lamps that are on at all times (abs and traction control). It has been ongoing for almost 1 year and 10,000 miles or so.
Incident date: May 10, 2023
Son was driving truck in a straight line when it lost all power. Although we have experienced issues during turns that I have noted before here, this is the first incident while driving in a straight line.
TOYOTA
REDUNDANT SIENNA
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 24, 2023
Incident date: May 22, 2023
Lifter randomly went bad while driving down highway. Safety concern is being put into low power mode on an interstate and vehicle running rough. No warning lights and perfect performance before it happened.
Incident date: May 22, 2023
While stopped at a “STOP” sign, the Subaru Forester unintentionally accelerated into a tree although the brake pedals were repeatedly utilized; it was totaled.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
2018 Tesla Model 3 was in cruise control (not self-drive) on an interstate with no other vehicles in the near vicinity. The car repeatedly applied brakes unexpectedly. I have traveled with this vehicle before and did not have unexpected braking problems. I have requested a Tesla service appointment but do not know if Tesla has an answer to what I hear is a widespread problem.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2017) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 23, 2023
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Driving I-80 on May 9 between 2 - 4 pm going approx 70mph using autopilot. Sudden, unexpected, rapid deceleration causing back seat contents (suitcases & my dog) to fly forward. Nothing in front of me, no visual obstruction, weather clear and sunny. Luckily no one behind me. It felt like I had slammed on the brakes. I did get off highway shortly after to get dog out of where he lodged in back seat... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently swerved in and out of the lane and accelerated unintendedly for approximately 8 to 10 seconds and then performed as designed. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
On May 22, 2023 around 19:00 after driving my vehicle for nearly 90 minutes the vehicle no longer responded to the gas pedal being depressed by increasing acceleration. The vehicle would not go over 2,500 RPMs even with the gas pedal fully depressed. No warning were shown on the driver display or in the messaging system. The manual gear shifting did not work to raise or lower the gears while th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
Car shut down in the middle of the highway at around 30 mph. While using the adaptive cruise control, i stepped on the gas to accelerate. The car then shut down and many warning lights came on. The car did not respond to restarting, shifting or anything. Screen just said charge fault error.
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2017) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 23, 2023
Incident date: May 9, 2023
Vehicle steering sticks and at times and locks while vehicle is in motion on highway and roads. Requires max effort to return to center and at times vehicle tries to follow lines on highway even with adaptive cruise control and lane departure system turned off. Very unsafe steering with almost a few accidents due to loss of control.
Incident date: May 23, 2023
While driving on the highway the vehicle began to shake and the stability track light came on. It felt like it affected the transmission. We had to get it towed 30 miles to our home area. Shop Calibrated the brakes and says that took care of it. This vehicle only has 30,000 miles on it.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The vehicle suffers extreme throttle lag. Pulling away from a stop sign, or turning into traffic the vehicle does not respond to gentle acceleration. After a few seconds the vehicle jumps forward almost as though it jumps into gear. This has left me sitting in intersections and has placed me in several dangerous situations. This is a safety hazard.
Incident date: May 15, 2023
With the cruise control set at highway speed (65pmh, etc) If you push the foot controlled parking brake it will not cancel the cruise control. The vehicle increases the acceleration to maximum and overrides the parking brake input. If using the parking brake in an emergency you would stomp on the parking (emergency brake) and not be able to slow down unless separately cancelling the cruise control... Read more