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: Nov 30, 2022
I started to having "Faulty Restrain system fault" around 49k miles on Tesla Model 3. Error pop up "service needed". Consult Tesla for repair. First they ask for $384 for repair harness wires attach for driver front seat. Upon checking warranty on Tesla.com, it provides 60000 miles and 5 years warranty for Restrain System coverage so tesla agrees to fix error for "$0". Upon taking car for ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2022
The location of the sensors for the forward collision, adaptive cruise control and lane departure are located too low in the front grill. During snow conditions ice and snow cover the sensors and they do not operated properly. I purchased my vehicle in August 2021 and last winter as well as today (December 16, 2022 while driving near Chicago I encountered several instances where the above system... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
The vehicle shudders when switching from 2nd gear to 3rd gear at average acceleration and light load. It is an ongoing issue. Upon researching I found TSB SB0034-14R2 which appears to describe my issue. I took it to the dealer and they said I had to change the entire transmission, the torque converter and update the ECM software. When I called Toyota HQ customer service, they said the previous... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2022
My vehicle took off and accelerated without me depressing the gas pedal and it was very scary and hard to get stopped I was doing almost 80 mph. It had a safety recall for the throttle cable for this but you show no open recalls yet Mazda does and told me if recalls we're taken care of they would show up on the car fax which they do not my vehicle is a 2002 but this doesn't mean it was ever fixed... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
I was driving my 2012 Jaguar XF on Highway 75 my car began to go from drive to neutral and changing gears on his own and I almost got hit by a semi-truck with the vehicle slowing down eventually I made it home with the vehicle and put it in park and never came out park again, the gear box had locked up that I was told by a local Jaguar repair shop. I could have lost my life that day with that car... Read more
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
The contact called on behalf of her son who owns a 2010 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that she had taken her son's vehicle to the car wash. The contact stated while at a complete stop, in the carwash drive-through, the vehicle accelerated independently and the driver's side of the vehicle crashed into the wall on the left side of the carwash bay. Heavy metal structures fell on the vehicle. As a ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
(2013) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 15, 2022
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
The contact owned a 2013 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph on the highway, the brake pedal was applied but was slow to respond and the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact crashed into the rear of a Ford F-150 which crashed into the rear of a Ford Mustang. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The contact sustained a lump in t... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota. The contact stated that while driving forward into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into a building wall. During the incident, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained a neck injury and the front passenger sustained a bruised rib, both required medical... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
I experienced a sudden unintended acceleration of my 2013 Subaru Outback while braking to make a left hand turn at a stoplight on Federal Road in Brookfield, CT. I was able to squeeze the brake hard while shifting into neutral to avoid slamming into the car in front of me while the engine raced. The car would have gone out of control had I not been able to press very hard on the brake pedal. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
My nissan keeps slipping when I try to accelerate. I noticed everyone is having the same problem there needs to be a recall some people don't have money for a new transmission. The dealerships have to take care of this issue and I need a car to get back and forth. I bought this car brand new in 2017. I need this issue addressed
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
Our van regularly hesitates when to accelerate from a stop. Example, when turning left across traffic, depressing the accelerator will provide some speed to get into the intersection, then it becomes unresponsive. Letting up and pushing the accelerator will cause the van to move again after about .5 to 1 seconds. Often the accelerator has to be pushed all the way to the floor, which causes the va... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
Cruise control on the 2022 Kona is not viable. In the standard cruising gears the cruise control is unresponsive for a long duration resulting in reductions of speed of up to 11 MPH at highway speeds, in traffic. The response of the cruise control to following a car can take up to 1 minute to actually try and recover speed.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2022
Lost braking power. Anti-Lock brakes quit working. Lost cruise control. Unable to use anti-lock brakes. Brakes locked when stopping. Flashing dash alarm saying service ABS/Electronic Braking System. All occurring without reason, just randomly. This puts my safety and the safety of others at risk as the brakes lock up when depressed at times as well as loss of braking power.
Incident date: Dec 7, 2022
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle accelerated to 40 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. There was smoke coming from underneath the hood, and then flames came from underneath the hood. The parking brake was applied, and the vehicle was abl... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
In Traffic Aware Cruise Control (aka Autopilot) car randomly changes the maximum set speed. This has caused a dangerous dramatic slowing of the car when highway driving. Car should not change speed setting without human input. I have video of this occurring.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2022
When accelerating, gas pedal is sticking to the floor, and continues to accelerate on its own, at high rate of speed
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 14, 2022
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
Just purchased this used vehicle in December 2022 with high miles (202000) with a dealers extended warranty. Problem has happened twice in 2 weeks. While backing up slowly and turning my wheel the vehicle stalled and Service Stabilitrak came across the dash as it died. Then upon restarting it told me to roll drivers window down and up and the memory seat function cleared as did my clock. Like it h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
Power steering suddenly went out on right turn onto residential street at approx 10 mph. No warning lights. When car was restarted, power steering back on. Paid dealer to scan. Failure code B2278-2F. Replace steering shaft torque sensor (internal to steering column), steering shaft must be replaced, too, due to play. Just two parts: part cost $2272, labor $886. Part back-ordered for unknown period... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Brakes seem to be intermittent. Check Electric Brake warning comes on every time you start the truck and has shutdown the ABS and cruise control options. This is a very big problem if you research it on the internet on Ram and Mopar forums.
TOYOTA
REDUNDANT SIENNA
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 13, 2022
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
when braking the car lunges forward on its own. this has happened multiple times and others speak of it too
Incident date: Aug 21, 2022
8/21/2022 While driving on IH 30 eastbound during a heavy rain storm the Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning system, anti-lock brakes and traction control light came on. The loss of the anti-lock brakes and traction control systems make driving this Nissan truck hazardous as braking distance is now increased during in-climate weather and traction control loss on a truck which is alread... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2022
The engine is the system that is malfunctioned and yes it is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle accelerates at a slower pace than actual acceleration pressure put on pedal and then it lurches/jerks forward at a fast pace and then slows down and repeats that process over and over. Yes the problem has been confirmed. It has been inspected by the dealership. Yes the warning lamps th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2022
Was driving to work when suddenly my check engine light comes on and I get a warning reading “reduce power to engine” could feel the power literally reduce. Car won’t go pass 30MPH could hear the engine trying to accelerate but struggling too. This is the second time it happens, have noticed other complain about this on going issue with 2016-2018 models
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 13, 2022
Incident date: Dec 11, 2022
Driving the vehicle between on a highway and, repeatedly, the control panel would completely shut down with the warning that the battery was running low on power. It doesn’t make sense since the vehicle is less than two years old.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
ABS Control Module and/or Wheel Speed Sensors is causing the abs warning light and traction control module light to go on and off intermittently for over a year causing the cruise control to not engage or to disengage…
Incident date: Dec 9, 2022
Had car looked and i was told that the break box is defective
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
I keep getting a reoccurring message saying Engine Speed reduced, I can be driving going 60+MPH and randomly My car speed is reduced. This is becoming a safety issue as i have noticed this is a ongoing issue wit the 2016-2018 Chevy Malibu's.
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
On three recent, separate occasions, the vehicle has lost acceleration while making a left hand turn from a stop (date listed for this incident is most recent). No visual or aural warning indications have displayed on the dash during or proximate to these incidents, but the car felt like it went out of gear while making a normal left turn. Pushing or releasing the throttle only affected engine R... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2022
The check engine light came on and the stabilitrak came on. I went to nearest car mechanic and the mechanic told me it was safe that’s normal and it was safe so I proceeded to goto work the next day. The next day I’m on my way to work and 30 minutes on the highway my check engine light come on this time saying engine power reduced I went from driving 60mph to 20mph with four wheelers speeding... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
Due to the failure of the secondary air pump system vehicle will experience a sudden loss of power and could cause a loss of control. Toyota is aware of the problem but will not issue a recall.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2022
2017 Chevrolet Trax mileage 35,703 November 20, 2022 ( second incident)while driving 50 mph on a highway, I lost power steering, acceleration, and dashboard instruments( speedometer & tach) failed. Dashboard message advised of loss of power steering. I was able to drive about one mile before I could safely pull to the side of the road and after stopping the issue resolved itself but check engine ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while pulling into a parking space, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning, causing the vehicle to drive over the curb. The contact desperately depressed the brake pedal several times and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage w... Read more
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2017) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 12, 2022
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
My car recently started making a grinding noise that got bad really fast. I had it towed to the dealership to get a diagnostic test done. I was told that it was my transfer case that was making the noise. Now this caught me by surprise because I had no warning lamps on my dashboard or no messages alerting me of any problems that would point to it needing servicing done it just happened out the blu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2022
To whom it may concern: I am sending this email as an owner of a 2019 Kia Sorento for just 15 months, yet I am already experiencing significant mechanical issues. 3 weeks ago my car stopped accelerating while driving across a bridge, began shaking a making a weird noise once idle, and as expected my engine light came on. After calling endless Kia dealers I was able to get it towed 2 weeks later to... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2020
Intermittent failure of the electronic braking system. Audible Warning tone and indication "Service Electronic Braking System" followed by "Service antilock braking system" experienced intermittently. The multiple warnings automatically disabled the antilock brakes, stability control, and cruise control as well as producing annoying audible tone. This failure originally began occurring in Augus... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2022
Vehicle proceeded from a stop at intersection when it unexpectedly decelerated and holding the brakes down seem to do nothing, tried turning corner at next stop sign to maybe slow it down and hit utility pole and parked car in driveway. A resident that was outside on porch by stop sign said they heard it just loud exceleration. This was a short street block in a residential area. No warnings, v... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 25, 2022
I was driving a longer distance from Las Vegas Nevada to California Victor Ville and was coming down in speed and vehicle claimed a sudden stop in power and turned off. After a min of attempting to pull into a close parking lot the Jeep 4xe alarms were going on and off uncontrollably with zero power or capability to shutting off. After a few times of attempting to turn the jeep on and off and no s... Read more
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2019) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 9, 2022
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
On Dec 5th, as I was driving downhill on Hwy 54 in Peachtree City, GA, the van jerked, made a beeping noise, and the dash lit up. The van had completely shut off. It said "service charging system" and "shift to park". I was able to get the van off the roadway and into a parking lot by coasting. Despite turning it off, it kept turning back on with the ac on full blast. It finally stopped turning ba... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
The vehicle is shutting off while in transit. All warning lights come on and the parking break engages. Dealership says no error codes recorded and can’t recreate. Issue captured on video.
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLA 250
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 9, 2022
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
Dec 2- filled car with gas, check engine light illuminated and then three more errors displayed on the dash. See list below. Errors displayed on dash… 1-INOPERATIVE -- SEE OPERATOR’S MANUAL (Shows ABS and skid icons) 2-COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS INOPERATIVE 3-ABS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE – SEE OWNER’S MANUAL 4-CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON Later that same day, Dec 2, we started the car ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2022
In two, separate, instances the vehicle exhibited sudden acceleration with the brake pedal depressed. The first instance was, as the 2020 Honda Pilot was pulling into a driveway and was approximately 10 feet behind another vehicle parked in the driveway. With the brake pedal being depressed, as one does when parking, the 2020 Honda Pilot suddenly accelerated and struck the rear of the other vehicl... Read more
Crash
TOYOTA
PRIUS PRIME
(2020) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 9, 2022
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Prius Prime. The contact stated that while driving slowly into a parking space the vehicle suddenly experience unintended acceleration and accelerated forward before crashing into a building. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged but the air bags did not deploy. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed from the scene. No police r... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
ABS, Traction control and Brake lights came on. Veh has 45000 miles on it. Was advised the ABS module is bad. Part is no where to be found, and no dealer can order it. Basically the vehicle braking system is questionable on the road without ABS or traction.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
I’ve only had the car since Aug. Im the second owner, it drove just fine. Then I got an oil change. Then the car began to rev down hill and struggled to make it uphill. Then my exhaust became excessively loud. Then the wheel became loose ,and started pulling ALOT. I was on my way to get an alignment this morning and the whole front end began to buckle not even a minute down the road. I tmade it ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
1) Engine failure - Several times our 2016 Touring has stalled at a stoplight. It takes time to start back up. I have to turn on hazard light, and it is getting worse every occurrence. This has happened since I bought new, and when it happens, all of the lights come up on the dash. There is a investigation in the state of California, but nothing in Ohio yet. 2) I just had to replace my drive shaf... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2022
Please recall electrical system, started out the doors not locking and trunk wont open then inside lights would not come on. I put my steering wheel down lower and when I did the car would not start. The inside lights come on when the car wont start then when I move steering wheel back up the lights go back off and the car will start again. The all wheel drive lock button will not work and the all... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2022
The vehicle drops to low gear without warning (check engine light comes on). Causing speed to drop to less than 20Mph max.
Incident date: Dec 7, 2022
Car was stopped at a stop sign. When it was clear I attempted to proceed and turn left. The car began to roll then wouldn't accelerate causing me to block both lanes with oncoming vehicles. The rpms revved and the car wouldn’t move. Finally, the car started to go forward and without me pressing the gas it accelerated. I reported the situation to the Nissan Dealer and the Nissan Consumer repair.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
The car is set at a speed for cruise control. For no reason it loses power, after a while it returns speed as set. At the beginning the doors weren’t working for locking and unlocking by the handle. Seems okay now but I made a video showing the rear camera staying on while driving. Also included, two pictures of maintenance reports with different results.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2021
My car was recalled for problems with fuel system or something of that nature, I took it to get repaired not once but about 3 times and problem is still ongoing. When I press the gas, the car shoots all the way to the 3rd gear and gets stuck at about 27 miles which is very dangerous, especially when I’m on the freeway. It will also cut off in the middle of the road making me have to put my car i... Read more