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.

2,215,138 Total Complaints

138,663 Reported Crashes

56,255 Reported Fires

8,561 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›

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Showing 72,878 complaints — component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

While driving the vehicle at 55 mph, it suddenly lost the ability to accelerate even when I pressed down on the accelerator. The RPMs went up to 4 or 5 but I could not go over 30-35 mph. Fortunately, I was able to move into a left turn lane to get away from the flow of traffic and avoid an accident. A semi-truck was behind us when I was unable to accelerate. We had to have the vehicle towed to a l... Read more

Incident date: Feb 11, 2026

COMPONENT/SYSTEM FAILURE: Timing chain and timing chain tensioner/guide assembly failure. The timing chain has stretched prematurely, causing the vehicle to fail to start, loss of acceleration response, check engine light illumination, and audible rattling noise from the engine compartment. The failed components are available for inspection upon request at the dealership. SAFETY RISK: The vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2025

My vehicle lost reverse. It can not reverse what so ever. I was in traffic when it happened thankfully someone where there willing to help. I was told I needed a valve body, after spending 3k plus I was then told the transmission has to be replaced. And its a common thing with these vehicle losing your ability to reverse while driving is very very dangerous.

Incident date: Sep 10, 2023

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: Dec 4, 2025

I was stopped at Starbucks in a small business area. I needed to make a sharp left turn to get out of there to get back on the highway, I would typically go very slow as to not hit any parked cars etc. As soon as I went forward the car took off so fast I put both feet on the brakes. The car usually sets alarms off for everything! I looked for somewhere I could go to each side so as not to go on th... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Oct 11, 2025

Back on October 10th, 2025, I took the software update related to the A7C recall. On October 11th, my vehicle became totally bricked and undriveable due to this update. I had it towed to a dealership where they supposedly "fixed" it by rolling the software back. However, my recall letter stated that this was not a permanent fix and there currently is none. It has been 4 months since this began and... Read more

Incident date: Feb 4, 2026

The vehicle has a speed limit sign feature where it displays the speed limit of the road you are on in the windshield. However, this is displaying inaccurate speeds limits which is very dangerous. I have contacted Volkswagen about the issue and they advised that there is nothing they can do. If someone where to use my car and trust the information that Volkswagen it could be very dangerous.

Incident date: Jan 1, 2023

Component or system that malfunctioned: The braking system on my 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, specifically the transition between regenerative braking and hydraulic friction braking, appears to malfunction intermittently. During braking, the vehicle sometimes lurches or surges forward instead of slowing smoothly, especially at low speeds or when braking downhill. The vehicle is available for ins... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

When running the vehicle in electric mode (and sometimes hybrid), there seems to be an issue with acceleration. When pressing the pedal, the vehicle begins to accelerate until it reaches around 50% power. Once that happens, it either barely accelerates or doesn't at all - even if you are pushing the gas pedal completely to the floor. After a short period of time, the engine kicks on to compensate,... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Ram Promaster 3500. The contact stated that while driving 65-70 MPH, the brakes independently activated. The cruise control was set to 65–70 MPH when the failure occurred. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated unexpectedly. The contact stated that the failure occurred while traveling on a busy highway, with the family inside the vehicle. The contact stated that ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2023

I am reporting a persistent safety defect involving loss of intended drivability in my 2017 Ram 1500 with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For the past 3 years, on almost every use of the vehicle, the transmission enters an abnormal operating state where it becomes stuck in a single gear (most often 3rd or 4th) and will not upshift or downshift. When this occurs, the vehicle experiences reduced... Read more

Incident date: Mar 3, 2025

2018 Toyota Highlander Platinum started with a whine noise, vibration, and went into limp mode. The transmission has been noted to needing to be replaced. I am currently at 75,453 miles and started to hear the whine at around 65,000 miles. This car is not safe to drive.

Incident date: Feb 16, 2026

My speedometer was jumping from 0 to 20 mph while in park. A couple weeks later it did it while I was driving, I was going 25 mph and it jumped to 55 mph. I took it to the shop that day and all 4 of my wheel speed sensors were out, which wasn’t accurately measuring my speed. The shop said it was common with this model and year. Also, my headlights do not work in auto mode. I will have shut my ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2026

Catastrophic engine failure within 700 miles Requires full engine replacement Problems began around 150 miles on odometer Message: Reduced accelerated speed Check engine light Service transmission system Service variable valve timing system

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

I bought the car in November 2025. I was on a highway, going at a comfortable, 65 mph speed (a few weeks after purchasing this happened the first time ). Suddenly, the car stopped accelerating, of course I panicked, slowly pulled off to the shoulder, and shut the car off. Luckily, it was not rush hour . I restarted the car, and it was normal driving. I texted my salesperson and asked if he had he... Read more

Incident date: Feb 17, 2026

Multiple times the vehicle will drive very jumpy even if not pressing on the gas or brakes. When accelerating or braking the car will randomly drastically respond to the pedals or barely respond almost making it impossible to stop at times. The inconsistency of breaking and gas power has caused me almost be hit or hit someone else repeatedly.

Incident date: May 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. While the contact's wife was parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted to park(P), and the engine revved very high. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undis... Read more

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

The vehicle has repeatedly experienced a sudden loss of acceleration, entering a reduced-power state while driving. Most recently, this occurred less than one week after I was advised that the issue had been fully resolved through a relay replacement. Critically, these incidents have occurred while my [XXX] child was in the vehicle, creating an unsafe and unacceptable situation. Below is a summ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 17, 2026

While driving at speed, I heard a pop noise from the car. A few seconds later, I received notification to check vehicle electric system. The vehicle slowed down despite my increasing throttle input. I was able to limp to a parking lot where it was flat bed towed. This experience matches a previous issue I had when it was diagnosed with an ICCU failure with the same vehicle.

Incident date: Feb 17, 2026

I am an automotive engineer. I have been involved with vehicle development programs in the disabled vehicle conversion community for over two decades and have numerous patents in that space. I have been involved with vehicle testing and calibration as well. My vehicle demonstrates a SIGNIFICANT HESITATION when the accelerator is pressed that is not consistent. I live in a roundabout dense l... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2025

Received a recall letter Jan 2024 concerning C4B/NHTSA24V-896. I have contacted the FCA recall assistance center several times since then. They say there is no parts available for this recall. Yet they have not seemed to have this problem with 2019-2026 models. They say I can have the HCU replaced at my own cost and they will reimburse me for the cost. But there is no guaranty it will fix the pro... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2026

1: The accelerator was sticking and i could not get the car to stop even when i was pressing on the brakes . Unfortunately, due to this scary event i hit the car in front of me injuring the the gentleman. the vehicle has not been inspected by the insurance as it was a total loss withn damages more than 14k

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Dec 31, 2024

One day five different warning lights appeared. Since, air bags, seat belt tensioners,traction control,abs,and 4x4 have been disabled

Crash

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

While driving I get a reduced acceleration warning on my dash cluster, drastically reducing horse power. My check engine light came on. This has happened before. I checked the code and it was a P1098 code. After researching I found out it was the Engine coolant control valve. My fan is constantly running. This issue is ongoing. This seems to be a common occurrence with my vehicle year.

Incident date: Jan 15, 2026

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The failed component is the drive motor inverter cooling system, specifically the drive motor inverter cooler (OEM part number 87821986). This component is responsible for regulating temperature within the high-voltage electric drive system. The vehicle is currently at the dealership with the re... Read more

Incident date: Jan 9, 2026

While the cruise is set, traveling on I44 with no other car in front of my Kona, the adaptive cruise control will start to flash and apply brakes immediately. The speed will drop instantly. Thankfully no other vehicle has been behind me, otherwise it would have caused a massive wreck. I have taken the Kona to the shop 5 to 6 times for this situation, but they will not do anything since they can n... Read more

Incident date: Oct 9, 2025

1. Loss of motive power at freeway speeds (drops to ~40 mph) despite >40% battery charge 2. Uncommanded switching between electric and gas propulsion; driver cannot control the transition 3. Unintended acceleration in reverse / tire spin even after releasing accelerator 4. Steering wheel shaking at highway speeds → potential loss of control ***All of these items create a high risk... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2026

The transmission downshifted while driving 60 to 65 MPH and needed repairs. Transmission Specialist changed out transmission electric control unit.

Incident date: Jan 22, 2026

The transmission does not shift properly.\n And causes it to overheat, this has been a known problem with Ford motor company. I have called and can get no help with them. The repair cost way more than my vehicle is worth. I can't find a transmission company to even do it. There have been buybacks and extended warranties for this very issue. However, my car has more miles. Than the extended more, ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 3, 2026

I was pulling into an open available parking space in a hospital parking garage and the car just all of a sudden accelerated ON ITS OWN and hit the wall of parking spot. I tried to apply the brake several times before I could finally get it to stop and during this time the car was slamming into the wall area and slinging me back and forth a few times before it stopped. My life was put at risk be... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

Since the release of V14, the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system automatically defaults to operating approximately 7 MPH above the posted speed limit. This occurs on all road types, including city streets and highways. When FSD is engaged, the vehicle sets the cruising speed above the detected speed limit without driver input. There is no setting that allows the driver to enforce strict compliance wi... Read more

Incident date: Feb 12, 2026

On multiple occasions, the transmission does not respond to gear changes such as moving from drive to reverse or park into drive. On those occasions, the D for drive would be blinking. More concerning and very dangerous is a lack of propulsion mid drive, the transmission would not go into gear. The engine would rev high, and it would not move forward, except by whatever momentum it originally had.... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2026

The forward facing camera on the windshield is failing and warning lights on the dashboard keep going off making the ADAS system inoperative. This is also draining the battery. I am told that only Honda has the capability to troubleshoot and repair / replace this camera.

Incident date: Jan 10, 2026

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report serious and ongoing safety concerns regarding my Mazda CX-90. I believe this vehicle presents a significant safety risk to occupants and other drivers on the road. Since the date of purchase, this vehicle has been subject to numerous recalls, repeated software updates, and multiple mechanical issues. The number of recalls alone rai... Read more

Incident date: Feb 7, 2026

While stopped our 2019 Kona EV at a traffic light with my foot on the brake, the car spontaneously accelerated and crashed into the car also sitting at the light about eight feet in front of us. If there wasn't a car in front of us, we would have gone through a busy intersection at very high speed. The front end of the car was destroyed and both airbags deployed. The car was towed to a collisio... Read more

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: Feb 15, 2026

I was driving on the highway and had set the cruise control to 76. I then pushed the plus button once to increase the cruise control speed and the cruise control increased immediately to 110 mph. I braked right away which stopped the acceleration but could see it was still set at 110 mph. I pushed the button to turn the cruise control off. When I pushed it again, it went immediately back to 110. I... Read more

Incident date: Dec 15, 2025

I drive a 2023 Ford escape active, 8F35 transmission, with 111,114 miles on it. I purchased my car in July 2025 from truauto of Ladson SC with 93,000 miles on it. Had a transmission complete failure in December 2025 (5 months after buying). Ford dealership in Valdosta Georgia (where I lived) was no help in trying to get it fixed and it sat on there lot for a months or so, because it was undriveabl... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

Cruise Control Significant safety. 2/13/2026. The first time I experienced my car made sudden high-speed acceleration, brain starts scrambling, what's going on? Ok cruise controls on, turned it off, tapped brake. Now with Cruise Control Off, I had to keep in contact with the accelerator to manually maintain speed. I had to pay much attention to my speed. Was towing a very small travel trailer, abo... Read more

Incident date: Feb 14, 2026

The system that failed was the acceleration. This how it happened the first time, because after that it has happened at least two more in one year. I was leaving my office parking area, and I was waiting for the cars in front of me to continue moving. Then I was ready to start moving and put my foot on the accelerator and just went to a high acceleration. Which I immediately slammed the brakes bec... Read more

Incident date: Sep 2, 2025

The vehicle has been in to the dealer multiple times for electrical system failures. The car is not safe to drive and has stalled multiple times while driving. The system has errors that light up stating there is an electrical system failure. The car has stopped driving in the middle of a trip, I have been stuck with my family multiple times while on short trips and long trips. The vehicle has bee... Read more

Incident date: Jan 28, 2026

The transmission is slipping my car is only has 53,000 miles on it, the radio doesn’t work I had to pay over $1000 to fix the trunk latch and my brakes are fine but not working properly

Incident date: Nov 11, 2025

While pulling out, vehicle decelerated as I was pressing the gas. Almost hit by another vehicle. Managed to avoid being hit and car still would not accelerate. Ultimately, pulling over at store and parking. Contacted manufacter because it was related to the recall, but they wasnt able to do anything about it. Im unable to drive it and im still paying for it. no remedies were offered

Incident date: Dec 27, 2025

Car took off after going over railroad track, and accelerated without driver being able to control it. The breaks and steering went out as well. It’s like car was being driven remotely. Crashed into fence, and there was no warning. The car accelerated. The car bounces back and forth when brakes are on, and again last year stopped in the middle of traffic. Water damage was leaking in as well afte... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Dec 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approxim... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2023

My 2018 Ram 2500 has an active safety recall for the ABS/EBS system that has been open for over two years with no remedy or parts available. The issue was first noticed in August of 2023. I contacted CDJR dealership on how to repair this issue. This is a serious safety defect that directly affects braking stability, trailer brake communication, and emergency handling. Because the ABS module and... Read more

Incident date: Nov 21, 2025

The truck has approximately 5,000 miles. When adaptive cruise control is engaged, the vehicle accelerates on its own to 85 mph whenever the posted speed limit changes, and there are no available settings to prevent this. For example, if the speed limit is 55 mph and adaptive cruise control is set to 55 mph, when the limit changes to 65 mph the truck automatically increases speed to 85 mph without ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2021

While driving not able to accelerate , loss of power and check engine light . By turning the engine off sometimes resets and sometimes doesn't.

Incident date: Jan 28, 2026

According to my research the part that has failed in the CV joint for my right front wheel. This was made evident to me by an occasional clicking noise when I turn and accelerate. The part is not available for inspection. So far, it has not put myself or others at risk. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer. Neither the vehicle nor the component has been inspected by those you listed... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to slow down to approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact believed that the sound was caused by ice buildup on the mud flap, but shortly afterwards, the engine revved unexpectedly, with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “Red... Read more

Incident date: Feb 10, 2026

On Feb. 10th 2026 I was driving north I405 (Los Angeles). The car suddenly applied emergency breaks in the middle of the freeway, while there was no car in front of me, at least for 100m. I was lucky that the car behind me didn't hit me. It could be a serious multi-car collision.

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Consumer Safety Complaints

What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?

How to interpret what you read

If you've experienced a defect

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