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: Dec 1, 2019
1. Cruise Control 2. Unknown 3. No 4. No 5. No I first reported this to the dealership shortly after I purchased the vehicle. While driving with the cruise control on the rpms begin to jump to 5000 all on it's own but the car isn't speeding up when it happens. I know it's wearing the engine down every time it happens. It happens when I'm driving on flat freeways as well as when driving down hills... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
While driving on the highway traveling about 70 mph in the middle lane the car went into a "limp mode" and the vehicle started decreasing speed and I was not able to accelerate using gas pedal. I was able to move over to the slow lane to exit. At traffic light, I had to shut car off and restart. I brought to the car back to the dealership Bourne Auto Sales in Easton MA where I purchased the veh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
2013 Ford F150 in the past week has experienced sudden downshift with speedometer dropping to 0 with electronics failing in the vehicle while being operated. I started to research and there was not an official recall but instead treated as a Customer satisfaction program 19N01. I have never received any emails thru the ford app, although my email is registered, never had this brought to my attenti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2022
while attempting to come to a complete stop, depressing the brakes, the vehicle continued to accelerate even though the brake was depressed to the floor. At no time was the driver's foot on the accelerator. This is one of 2 incidents with the vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 7, 2022
Vehicle idles low when driving and RPMs rev at stops, then almost stalling. When applying the break the vehicle lunges forward. When accelerating vehicle doesn’t want to move. Near misses when making left turns and in heavy traffic. Repeating and ongoing issue. Steering wheel goes limp and fails to respond.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
Dash is cracked scared that sharp objects may fly into my family face if air bags are deployed the truck lost all power and left me and my daughter stranded right in the middle of traffic about got hit thank God we didn't GM needs to take care of these matters and take it seriously people could be seriously hurt or killed And if I hit a bump my cruise control will shut off automatically as if i pu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
When making a turn and accelerating the gas the vehicle pops. This vehicle is a 1 time owner has 36,385 miles and is the rear differential and electric clutch assembly on rear differential is out. This vehicle should not have something this major occurring with the low mileage. So far no recalls. However I have seen multiple complaints within google search. This is a safety issue as it feels as th... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2022
Hi I bought this Dodge Journey on May 24 2021 since the First day I bought it the car started giving me problems the dealer wouldn't take the car back and in stuck with it the engine from the car is Giving me problems it won't accelerate is very scary I'm very concerned because I got kids and also the car started smoking .
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2020) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 6, 2022
Incident date: Dec 3, 2022
I was driving the car around 70 mph on a highway with charged batteries and a 3/4 full tank of gas when the engine shut off a red dot appeared under the check engine light and a message appeared saying charging system fault, shift to park. Before this the van had been in the shop multiple times for a periodic check engine light that have a "cam shaft position sensor fault"message but the dealershi... Read more
HONDA
ACCORD HYBRID
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 6, 2022
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
I saw the investigation of hat the NTSB is opening into problems with the CRV and a handful of other vehicles. I think you should add the Honda accord hybrid (touring) to this investigation. I was driving on a road with speed limit of 55 mph. In full evening traffic. My check engine light flashed on, and I immediately called the dealership to set an appointment. Within one minute of that light co... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2023) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 5, 2022
Incident date: Dec 3, 2022
While I was pulling into a parking space in a parking garage, the car suddenly accelerated to a high rate of speed and crashed into the wall of the parking garage. The front and side air bags deployed. The crash caused significant front end damage to the car. The passenger (my husband) was not hurt but I have bruises on my head, nose, chest, and abdomen from the steering wheel and seat belt. I... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 11, 2022
The brakes failed while traveling 72 miles per hour on cruise control, and controlled distance. I was traveling behind a semi truck in the third lane from the right on Interstate 5 near Stockton, calif. coming upon the truck the Tundra started to accelerate, I hit the brakes numerous times yet tundra continued to accelerate, so i hit cancel on speed control, thru into park, and navigated three lan... Read more
CHRYSLER
PACIFICA PLUG-IN HYBRID
(2020) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 5, 2022
Incident date: Dec 4, 2022
Driving on the road and vehicle lost all propulsion. Warning comes up on the dash saying Service Charging System and Shift to P. At that point, one has to coast to a stop on the side of the road. Vehicle would not restart. After waiting and completely shutting down the vehicle, it did restart. This is the second time this has happened over the past two months. The dealer updated software as a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
I will be driving and suddenly the car stops. The parking break comes on and the car won't start. Takes awhile to get it restarted. It seems dangerous and as I've googled seems like a problem all across the board not just me.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2010) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 4, 2022
Incident date: Dec 4, 2022
I got a code p2138 Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch. Upon doing my own research on this code I found out it is a manufacture defect. And they are aware this is caused because the manufacturer did not seal the antenna correctly so water gets in and damages wires and sensors
Incident date: Dec 2, 2022
While Driving in normal Driving conditions, The Auto at 30 mph will Rev the RPMS up to as much as 5000 rpm before the Transmission will catch and accelerate loosing the ability to accelerate on demand when needed such as merging on to a Highway of speeds of 55 mph or higher. This behavior happens almost every single time acceleration is demanded and is not due to a lack of ATF fluid in the transmi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2022
When using Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Traffic Sigh Assist (TSA) engaged (the default) on an interstate or other high speed road - for example the current highway speed limit is 65 and the ACC maximum speed is also set at 65 MPH, the TSA (wrongly) detects a much lower speed limit, say 25 MPH, the system flashes a warning AND AUTOMATICALLY APPLIES THE BRAKES without allowing the driver to re... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2022
While driving on highway using cruise control, the vehicle (without the driver's assistance) applied brakes to quickly slow the rate of speed. This occurred three times in the span of ten minutes. The weather was sunny and no other vehicles or objects were in the vicinity of my vehicle. After the third occurrence, I stopped using cruise control for the remainder of the trip.
TOYOTA
REDUNDANT SIENNA
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 3, 2022
Incident date: Dec 3, 2022
The vehicle gets a jolt of power or speed while braking slowly or coming to a stop. This could result into an accident. This was addressed to multiple Toyota dealers and the problem was unidentified or undetectable to the technician multiple times. The problem is reported by several Sienna forum users but it is not being fixed by Toyota dealers.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2022
I have a used 2019 Niro PHEV. I started getting a loud jerk when starting from a full stop. At first it started happened in EV mode only but I've had it happen in Hybrid mode a couple of times ( not sure if the engine is actually working or just on for Heating). The sound and jerk can best be described as what happens when you drive a stick shift and you pull the clutch too quickly in first gear w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
My check engine light came on and I had reduced power and could not speed up. I have seen other with same problem 2017 chevy Malibu. This needs investigated big time before someone gets hurt. Should be a recall on this.
Incident date: Nov 19, 2022
On a 900 mile drive, in one day, the “speed cruise control” would abruptly brake, as if it were seeing someone in front of us. It did this at a minimum 5 times. Never was there a car closer than 1/4 of a mile in front of us. Once it went from 78mph to 38mph in about 3 seconds, when there was a car about 3 car lengths behind us. On the return 900 mile drive it continued, at a lesser rate. I h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
When driving it feels like I'm slowing down when I'm not. The lights inside, the headlights, & on dashboard flicker & sometimes go out while driving. My seatbelts on the driver, back seat behind driver not working. The driver seat does not adjust so I can position myself correctly. The truck rocks side to side while driving as if it will tip over on its side if I drive over 30. I just recently acq... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
THERE HAS BEEN A ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION FOR 5 YEARS AT LEAST AND AS OF 2 WEEKS AGO, THE TRANSMISSION COMPLETELY WENT OUT.
HONDA
CR-V HYBRID
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 1, 2022
Incident date: Nov 21, 2022
2021 Honda CRV Hybrid. 11/9/22: When accelerating to merge onto a highway, moving at approximately 50 mph, the vehicle rapidly decelerated as driver tried to accelerate (went into limp mode), the check engine light came on and the engine made a continuous clattering sound. The vehicle would not go above 15 mph in 55-60 mph traffic. Driver put flashers on and drove 1/2 a mile to the first exit, l... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Dec 1, 2022
Incident date: Nov 30, 2022
General: While driving this rental vehicle over the span of three days, I noticed and confirmed over a dozen times that the vehicle's speed control would dramatically increase with NO driver input or actions. Specific: The vehicle's cruise control would be on and active, set at various speeds; 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 (long, straight road with varying speed limits). In different circumstances (sometim... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
I was on the entrance ramp for the freeway and the gas pedal disengaged. I could not accelerate and my car slowed down. A message on the display said to service electronic throttle. This has happened to me twice. My car is barely six months old. I was going 40 mph at the time. Today, I was getting into my car after picking up lunch and as I sat down, the alarm went off for close to 4 minutes. I u... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2022
During cruise control on straight highways with no other cars nearby, the car would brake for no reason. Very scary.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH and approaching a stop light, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
I have done lots of research and have noticed that there is a lot of issues that the F-Pace has been experiencing with the turbocharger. At some point Jaguar needs to take responsibility and call for a recall. Its a shame that a vehicle that represents prestige has been found to not be a reliable vehicle and to top it all off the parts are over priced. $2500 cost is a lot of money to spend for a v... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2022
Everytime i put m y car in reverese, back up, stop, and then put my car in Drive mode, the car will just stall out, The whole car turns off, Occasionaly, the car will not even shift and will be stuck in Reverse. When that happens, i am unable to turn the car and obisouly i am not able to restart the car. I then have to initatite the emergency brake, then wait sometimes up to an hour. Then try to s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2022
Electrical transmission problem. Car stopped working in the middle of street almost got in accident. Won’t accelerate over 20 miles. Problem turning on after turns off automatically. Seen so many people with this problem. This car needs to be investigated is not safe.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2022
Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance, Eye Sight, RAB, some ! Symbol, and check engine light are all on and not working. You know everything that makes a Subaru. This is not the first or even second time. We are on the fourth instance of this happening. We live 2+ hrs away from the closest dealers. The fi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2022
Vehicle is approximately 9 months old with 13,488 miles. Starting today, the cruise control system which includes the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist features has failed. It will not activate, and attempts to activate it result in an error stating "cruise control unavailable." As a result, the car will not brake as it approaches other vehicles; will not maintain its speed; and will... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
when accelerating the car jerk before riding smooth
Incident date: Nov 29, 2022
The gauges are acting crazy which causes the engine to jerk or the transmission and then it starts making the lights flicker in the interior and the gauges start sticking. It seems to make the overflow on the radiator to empty more because it is causing the sensors in the electrical for the parts to go crazy and run hot. Sometimes it only does it every so often but after getting the reserve hose o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
The low oil pressure - cut engine off notification appeared on the speedometer & as i was getting on the freeway the car literally cut off. All the electrical worked but power to the engine & everything stopped completely.
TOYOTA
CAMRY HYBRID
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 28, 2022
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at highway speeds exceeding 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to slow down when the accelerator pedal was released. The contact indicated that the vehicle would continue driving at the same speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the mechanic found no failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted, and an ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated while parking the vehicle and the vehicle accelerated without any warning, causing the vehicle to strike the building in front. The air bags deployed. No one was injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Crash
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
With cruise control on going down hill the cruise control will cause the RPM's to race and my 16 year old has the push hard on his brakes to get it to release. This could end up causing him to crash. Apparently it is an ongoing issue with this make and model. Please help. Thank you.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2022
During driving on the highway, the car went into reduced power mode and speed was limited to 30 MPH. This was during driving on highways with 55 MPH or 65 MPH speed limits and could have resulted in an accident. My daughter was driving the car on all 3 occasions which makes this problem even more upsetting. The same part has been replaced 3 times (refer to receipts) relating to the accelerator ped... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2022
I was driving my car on the interstate at 75 mph and had the cruise control on when the wrench light came on and the car started slowing down and losing power. I pulled over and shut the car off for a few min, started driving, and it did it again. A couple of mechanics I've talked to said it could be the throttle body positron sensor or the throttle body itself. I've had the fuel pump and fuel pum... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2022
My 2012 Hyundai Elantra has been subject to various recalls – such as number 20V393000, "12V outlet may overheat" – but that seems trivial compared to a safety issue I've been experiencing. There are buttons on the Elantra steering wheel that control radio settings, cruise control, etc. For the past several years, these buttons have been malfunctioning (having effects as if you had pressed a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
I was driving my 2010 Toyota Prius and my car started beeping when I was driving when I tried to slow down the car was not able to stop the breaking system ABS started displaying and my car started to beep and it won’t stop beeping. I did take my car to the dealer for a recalled inspection after my car broke down and I was no longer able to drive for my own safety. After I took the car to Downey... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
I only had my vehicle(2016NissanAltima) for less than 2 weeks before the vehicles major problems started. The engine consistently Stalls, Surges and Shudders. As well as the Shifter locking itself to where it wont shift out of park. There are no and have never been any warning lights to alert me. The CVT and the Computer are very faulty. To the point the vehicle is now a Death Trap. When driving t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
I am the owner of a 2014 Hyundai Sonata. That car is 8 years old and has 69K miles on it. At no time did Hyundai Motor Company notify that my car was impacted by an engine failure recall. On November 10, 2022 the car was being driven. At no time did it give any potential warning, instead the car fully stopped while in motion at 25 mph. There was no warning, no lights appeared on the dashboard un... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2022
Driving on a freeway when check brake warning appeared. Car speed dropped down to drastically. Alarm was chirping and brakes made a bad grinding noise
HYUNDAI
ELANTRA HYBRID
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 23, 2022
Incident date: Nov 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while slowing down and making a left or right turn, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact also stated that while at a stop, he depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle accelerated at an abnormal speed. The contact stated that he applied extra pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. No warning light was il... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
Hello NHTS, I have been dealing with my vehicle stalling & losing power while driving on the freeway. This is a very dangerous issue with my Honda CRV. I have had this happen several times now and it was reported to Honda. Honda has not yet placed this issue on recall status. This needs to get looked at before someone gets injured or killed.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2022
Car took over the control from the driver. Major crash could have happened NO Manufacturer No