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: Apr 28, 2023
Starting in June 2018, I have had seven episodes of unintended acceleration. (I have owned the car, purchased in private sale, since June of 2013.) There were common elements to each incident:1. gradually slowing; 2. foot on brake; 3. engine accelerates sharply, a moment before complete stop in first six, a moment after in seventh and last. In each incident able to maintain control as foot alrea... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2023
Sudden Unintended Acceleration....ONCE AGAIN! I was pulling into a parking stall of a shopping center at about 2-3 mph. I started to apply the brakes. Simultaneously, the car lurched forward hitting a retention pole. In an attempt to stop the car from going any further, I continued to press down on the brake pedal and shifted into reverse. The EDR shows that the gasoline engine reached 2200 rpms, ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The problem I am writing about is not specific to my Tesla vehicle, but inherent to all Tesla's. I have read in the news about the issue concerning the full AutoPilot with drivers not paying attention figuring the vehicle will drive itself. Although, there is another inherent issue with vehicles without subscribing to AutoPilot while using the cruise control feature resulting in a problem referred... Read more
FREIGHTLINER
CASCADIA
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 22, 2023
Incident date: May 22, 2023
While driving, throttle stuck wide open. It was like I was flooring the gas pedal. I managed to pull over and stop vehicle. I restarted and was able to drive home.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 22, 2023
Incident date: May 18, 2023
parked in angle space and turned off car. went into store for about 15 minutes. got in car and started it. heard a noise sounding like a car revving engine and looked behind me to see if it was another vehicle. realized it was my car. tried to push foot on accelerator but it was all the way to floor and would not come up. immediately put foot on brake and turned off car. looked at floor mat and... Read more
NISSAN
ROGUE SPORT
(2017) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 22, 2023
Incident date: May 20, 2023
Driving down the highway about 70 mph and it started to rain so little that I had not even needed the wipers yet. Then out of nowhere with absolutely no warning what so ever the breaks locked up and the car began to slide and was completely unresponsive to any solution possible. The steering wheel was locked in place and the break peddle was so far to the floor I was not able to reach it. After co... Read more
Crash
Fire
Incident date: Jan 1, 2019
I was driving and the battery light came on with a chime, within seconds the car smelled hot, the air conditioning went out, road hazard lights on dash indicating flat tire came on, windshield wipers were going on and off at different speeds and windows were opening and closing and then did not work at all. I got the car into the driveway as I was en route to our home. As I got car to the drivew... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2023
My transmission keeps slipping. I was on freeway this time and it slipped out of gear but it was like I pushed all the way down on pedal the RPM went way up so I had to wait until it slipped back into gear to be able to continue on down the freeway. I backed up traffic for a minute because I can't put on gas until it goes back in gear.
Incident date: May 19, 2023
Motor burns oil knocks and is loosing power while driving. Constantly having to add oil between oil changes. When trying to accelerate car starts to sputter on highway. Can't get power to engine and bad rattle sounds
Incident date: Feb 23, 2023
A two-month old Tesla model Y encountered phantom braking at least 12 times in 5 days while Autopilot was activated. All incidents happened in a 4000 miles round trip on I-5 in California, I-10 in Arizona, and I-10 in Texas. The vehicle underwent automatic braking without any prior prediction. As a result of these incidents, there was a potential risk of the rear vehicle colliding with my own vehi... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2023
This car is a lemon. First the hood. Finally got that fixed. Then seat belts & fuel injection piece...got fixed. Then a whole piece fell off and was in my driveway. Took it to dealership & was told no way this was from my car because it was from and old Lancer that isn't made anymore. Then turned out it was in fact uses on my car. They took awhile but then replaced part. It was something for AC ex... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
I was driving on the highway at 65 mph when I suddenly felt a loss of power on in the car. I then saw the check engine light come on and my hybrid battery was almost discharged. I floored my foot to make sure but the car was still decelerating. I then pulled off the highway as safely as possible and shut off the car. When I turned the car back on, the check engine light was still on and the engine... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2023
Their is a recall for Ford Abs Module yet their needs to be one for 2012 Ford Fusions Se as well I have paid over 3200 dollars for my brakes alone . I have had 2 near misses and was in an unreported incident today from power loss on my breaks . Very unsafe for me and those around
2 injured
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 20, 2023
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
Car accelerated on its own, with no pedal pressure. My right foot was on the mat
Incident date: May 17, 2023
Purchase car in December 2018, had 3 engine replacement. I am currently in the 3 engine replacement. And still experiencing the same issue - check engine light permanently on for 2 months now. Issues A whistling sound from an opening vent in the hood since last engine replaced. Call stalls, reduces speed and jerk when trying to accelerate . Have reached out to Reed lallier Chevrolet they makin... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Driving down the highway with the cruise control set and all of a sudden the cruise control stops working and my dash is dinging with service ABS system and service Electronic Brake System. The truck had 78,500 miles when this first happened. Now it does it intermittently while driving down the road. I notice there’s no recalls and it sound like a large problem. Haven’t taken it to a dealer ye... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
When using cruise control the car decides to randomly hard-brake dropping instantly 40+ mph OR it increases speed higher than the set cruise control for no reason. We literally have had our bodies slammed into the seats during braking and we will inevitably be rear-ended for this faulty “phantom” braking. We submitted a service request to Tesla on 5/18/23 and were told there’s nothing to be ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The vehicle has had 2 instances of accelerating extremely fast unexpectedly. Once when I was backing up and lightly pressed the accelerator the car shot backwards in a fast speed. The second time I was parking and lightly pressed the accelerator as I was pulling into the parking spot the car sped super fast crashing my car into the pole and damaging my front car bumper.
Crash
Incident date: May 12, 2023
the transmission seems to be slipping cs when taking off rpms goes up then vehicle takes off cs when going uphill around 40 vehicle struggles and does not shifts down..need replace transmission...
MERCEDES-BENZ
E 450
(2022) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 18, 2023
Incident date: May 18, 2023
Backed out of my driveway yesterday morning on way to work, 5/17/23. Driving down my street approx 15 mph to stop sign. As i approached stop sign I pressed on my brakes to stop and my car would not stop, it immediately accelerated and proceeded toward my neighbors house which was directly in front of me. I kept hitting the brakes and it would not stop. I was able to steer away from the home, went ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
When driving and using “autopilot” or just cruise control, the vehicle will randomly brake. Sometimes it brakes lightly, but sometimes it will violently slow the vehicle down, without warning. There is no obstacle in front of the vehicle. If another vehicle is behind the car when the car randomly brakes, this can potentially cause a rear-end event or potentially cause the car that is behind to... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2016) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 18, 2023
Incident date: May 18, 2023
on cruise control at 70mph starting uphill as speed decreases transmission will shift to a lower gear as it should. almost immediatly speed control shuts throttle down to idle causing drastic loss of speed. In heavy traffic this is a danger to following traffic as it is as if I am coming to an abrupt stop. FMCo manufacturing says so what, take cotrol of your vehicle manually. This is an option but... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
At 36,000 miles have been told I need to replace ABS pump control general electrical failure. Also replace ABS module. Parts are not available and are on backorder. I pull a 25 foot camper and this issue is causing concern with vehicle stopping. Apparently is a big problem as parts are not available and dealers that have part will not release parts so my truck can be fixed.
VOLKSWAGEN
ATLAS
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 18, 2023
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Tundra. The contact initially received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V388000(Vehicle Speed Control); the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall was serviced. Recently, the contact stated that as his wife was exiting their driveway, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The contact's wife turned the vehicle into her yard where s... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 14, 2023
There was a recall on this Camry model 2012 to 2014 that the Charlotte, NC dealership refused to cover. I am having a transmission issue that causes my car to shudder and vibrate at regular speeds. “shudder comes from the transmission, especially during the acceleration of the Camry models. It can be alarming for the driver and be a safety concern when the gears do not properly change during o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at low speeds, pulling into a parking spot on an incline, the vehicle accelerated and failed to stop. Then the vehicle traveled through several 15-gallon pots with trees, a patio, elliptical machines, and a wooden fence. The driver veered to the left, went down a mountain approximately 30 feet, continue... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that after slowing down to come to a stop, the vehicle would inadvertently surged forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure had since become more frequent. The manufacturer was made aware of t... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 350
(2018) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 17, 2023
Incident date: May 15, 2023
I have experienced within 3 months two incidents of unattended, out of control acceleration when pulling into a parking spot. First I drove into some bushes, at the second incident I drove over a sidewalk almost into a building. It was very scary. I found in the internet another person who has experienced the same thing. https://www.vwidtalk.com/threads/sudden-acceleration.6037/ I have not contact... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
UNKNOWN; once the car started, it would not accelerate, the EPC and Engine warning lights came on; car still starts up The Tire Pressure sensor light has been going off/on, regardless of the tire pressure being correctly set
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Bought the vehicle beginning of March. Thought it was the battery because it wouldn't hold a charge. Coded battery. Replaced. Twice. Electrical power steering started to code. That wasn't the issue.car started to stall while on the highway or in traffic and cut out. Scary when there's semis behind you and you were just going 65 mph in a 70 and I had just got on the highway from the on ramp and was... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2023
I was parked in a parking lot backing out of a space. I was too close to the right curb so I put the car in drive to go forward to straighten out the tires. The gas accelerated abruptly and would not stop when I pressed the brake. The car jumped the curb/sidewalk and plowed into the parked car in front of me. The gas continued to accelerate pushing the vehicle in front of me about 5 feet back. The... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 3, 2023
The issues with the car happen when attempting to go over 40mph. After maybe 10-15min of driving, if attempting to go over 40mph, the car starts making a clinking sound, a lot of exhaust smoke comes out the back and there is a general inability to accelerate without the engine sputtering which even happened at lower speeds once it has already started to happen. The check engine light come on whe... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
drivers seat goes toward dash when key is turned on. have not been able to reset it in any way. cruise control wont activate. front washer pump wont pump. front wiper motor would not shut off. disconnected battery and then wiper motor would not restart. removed the wiper motor and found corosion in printed circuit board. trying to purchase a new front wiper motor. have found that the wai part nu... Read more
FORD
F-150 HYBRID
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 17, 2023
Incident date: May 16, 2023
My wife was pulling into the dentist parking lot, made a slow right hand turn to a parking space when the vehicle suddenly and violently accelerated. Depressing and pumping brake had no effect and the car slammed into a tree destroying the right front of the vehicle. She assured me that she did not depress the accelerator. She is a very safe driver, never received a ticket nor involved in an accid... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 11, 2022
Cruise control does not always brake when coming close to object. ABS, traction control and collision warning lights will come on periodically causes cruse control to not operate at all. First time it happened was Dec of 2020, was told by dealer it was faulty sensor and was supposedly fixed yet warning lights continue to come on frequently and cruise control will not work until car if shut of and ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
I was passing on a highway ant high speed and the car shut down. It gave me about twenty seconds to coast to a stop on the shoulder before it completely turned off. This happened twice.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
I was driving my 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe to my morning job, & noticed a slight trembling of the vehicle initially. Upon approaching a stop sign at a 2 way stop, I noticed that my brakes were not fully engaging so I pumped them a couple times. Immediately my car started accelerating on its own faster and faster until my brakes were not stopping the car at all even with my foot pushing the brake pedal... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
I was traveling on a neighborhood arterial road, when I heard a load thunk that seemed to come from beneath the rear seat. Moments later, I got a "Check electric vehicle system" warning, followed by "Stop vehicle and check power supply" in the dashboard. After another moment, the power was reduced to a maximum of 25 mph. I turned on the hazard lights because I was no longer able to match the flow ... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2011) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 16, 2023
Incident date: May 2, 2023
While driving on highway I got below messages “Safety Functions are limited radar block warning message” Warning message went away after 15 minutes but then “Stop Vehicle Check Power Supply” warning message appeared and vehicle slowed on highway and stopped after 2 miles. Dealer replaced ICCU and Fuse that controls high voltage (charges 12v battery from main battery).
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The speed sensor on car seems to have failed unexpectedly while driving over a bridge. The car would barely move and could have become a dangerous situation for multiple people had it been typical traffic. The issue seems to be that although the sensors are corrupted, the entire valve body or transmission must be replaced to solve the issue leaving the car inoperable. The car is currently at a re... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while entering her garage, the vehicle accelerated. The brake pedal was applied but failed to respond. The contact swerved and crashed into her house. The air bags deployed. The contact sustained injuries to her knee and leg and was transported by ambulance to the hospital for medical attention. There was no reported fire or police r... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 4, 2023
The van has a problem accelerating and also seems to stall while driving on the expressway before jumping quickly into acceleration there was a bad storm in Buffalo that I believe contributed to the problems of the Chrysler van
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
My vehicle has a faulty front camera system that began at around 1800 miles. When driving, multiple lights will illuminate on the dash. The cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane keep system, and emergency automatic brakes will shut off. It has been in the shop off and on since May 13,2022. Dealership has been replaced multiple parts, but is unable to get camera system to recalibrate and func... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2023
While crossing the rump and side walk to garage the car, as usual slowly proceed to enter the Garage but immediately the car went into extremely fast speed by itself and hit the side of the Garage, damaged the Garage wall, The garage opener, the cabinet, then hit the water softener and our other car in the front. It also smashed the bike against the wall , damaged the side wall cause a bulge to o... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 6, 2022
Automobile suddenly starts trembling while reducing velocity on its own and turn on trac off light, check engine light is on.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
I’ve went though 8 wheel bearings in the last 6 months on the drivers side tire alone. I’ve had to replace brake hoses every few weeks and I’ve had to take it to two different dealerships. Also it keep downshift from 6 gear to first with no warning. I’m afraid it’s gonna cause me to wreck.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
No Brakes, Engine Racing, & ignition would not turn off, yes available for inspection at Seth Whatley Ford. Car crashed which was the only way it came to a stop, wheels were still turning when I got out of the car, if anyone one had been around they would have been hurt or killed. Towed to dealer, dealer was unable to find any evidence on their side. Insurance adjuster came out and assess the dama... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 2, 2023
ABS module system has been replaced twice .. needs to be replaced again per Dodge tech. No parts available. Unsafe to drive vehicle with no power brakes This is not unique to my truck. various individuals having same problem with same model Electrical Instrument cluster with display has been replaced and currently working.
Incident date: May 9, 2023
My wife was dropping my kid in the school drop off line. The speed was probably about 5 mph. The Tesla suddenly went into a sudden spontaneous acceleration. When my wife tried to brake, the brakes did not work. There was no forward collision warning beeping sound that went off, which is supposed to. It hit the vehicle in front and finally hit a fence. so, both the accelerator and brake malfunction... Read more
Crash