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: May 14, 2022
Vehicle center screen freezing multiple times per drive. Speedometer, turn signals, autopilot, battery percentage, backup camera, blind spot monitor, parking sensors, HVAC and garage door opener all repeatedly inoperative. Audio chimes also freeze up and previously-engaged “navigate on autopilot” functions continue to operate without any visual or auditory alerts.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
(2022) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 16, 2022
Incident date: Nov 10, 2021
- Acceleration hesitates from a stop. - If making a left turn or cross traffic turn, when vehicle hesitates it can cause a collision. - Have an appointment 5/20/22 (however VW forums have others reporting the same experience.) - No - No This have been an issue since purchase. From 10miles to the now 3200miles.
Incident date: May 15, 2022
I was driving down the highway from the airport headed back home, and the car started to lose power. My foot was pressing the pedal to accelerate but the RPMS went past 3-4K and the speed kept going down. No engine lights showed up on the dash or any type of warning. I pulled over on the brim of the highway, I called someone who said to let it sit for a while and try again - i checked my radiat... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
The antilock brake module shorted out causing the line to melt and shut down my vehicle
Incident date: May 14, 2022
While at an intersection as I was turning left across the side of oncoming traffic my vehicle completely stalled in the middle of the road the gas pedal was stuck and would not accelerate and then a code on my dash appeared Service Throttle Body, after 45 seconds the code went away and the veh was finally able to accelerate so I could move out of the middle of the oncoming traffic side of the road... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2022
The vehicle will randomly stop shifting and will keep rpms aat or above 5,000 rpm when going 50mph or 6,000 if going 60. Reports error code p1778 step motor.
Incident date: May 14, 2022
My 2010 Terrain had been been intermittent dash warnings for “Service StabiliTrac” and “Engine Power Reduced” which would force the engine to reduce the speed itself down to about 30 MPH. After turning off car and restarting, warnings would go away. Yesterday, while driving on a secondary road, with no check engine light on, the engine stalled while traveling at approx 35 MPH. I was able t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2022
Vehicle has issues where transmission actuator will stop functioning causing sudden loss of acceleration. Was doing 70 MPH in expressway and vehicle stopped accelerating. Issue has occurred two times, both times being serviced by Dealership, after receiving the vehicle back, issue still persists, vehicle lost acceleration suddenly when turning into a intersection.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
VSS Limp Mode stuck on. Will not reset. Dealer has the bike, does not know what is wrong. They have called the manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 15, 2022
Incident date: May 15, 2022
I was on the freeway going 70 mph. Red warning lights came on saying to stop car immediately. The car lost all power. I was able to get on the shoulder and called State Patrol because I was barely off a busy freeway. They advised me to get a tow truck. The Infotainment system was completely blank. All that worked were my emergency flashers. After ten minutes of trying to turn car back on, everyth... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2020
stability control has come on the engine and it have reduce speed
Incident date: Feb 24, 2022
In late February we were driving up California State Highway 5 at approximately 70-75 miles per hour. There were no cars within half a mile, and we had turned on adaptive cruise control. Suddenly, there was a strong brake applied for no apparent reason, which was very disturbing for the entire family. We have never turned on adaptive cruise control since. This appears to be an instance of "phanto... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2015) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 14, 2022
Incident date: May 13, 2022
I am having issues with my transmission. When I first turn on the truck in the morning, put it in gear, and lightly accelerate the truck accelerates way too fast then cuts out the power. It is enough to throw me forward or back in my seat and it honestly is frightening. I am also having problems with the vehicle shifting incorrectly causing me to have no power or a sudden surge of power. This is u... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
This is a continuation of NHTSA ID Number: 11463644. Secondary issue is minimal acceleration output when entering the freeways. At times, it can take between 20-30 seconds to get 0-60 mph - creating a very dangerous environment with the vehicles behind me braking hard to avoid crashing into my 2022 Honda HR-V Sport. American Honda denied my claim to replace ECU and repair body damage to the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2022
Engine light and ABS light always on, kia hasnt explained this issue or expressed concern about it.. Engine randomly started leaking oil, blowing out white smoke, stalling out upon accelerating causing safety issue in traffic. Kia has had car for 2 weeks now with no answers to resolve. Being told the recall issue is "fine" I use my car for work and this unresolved issue is affecting my livelihood.... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2022
Phantom braking while using cruise control.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and instead decelerated. On another occasion while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the vehicle was jerking with an abnormal ticking sound. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or re... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle started to decelerate without warning. After stopping and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle regained normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure recurred while attempting to accelerate from a stop light.... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2022
On two separate instances the truck accelerated on it own and the brakes were used but didn't stop the vehicle had to turn the key off and the second of these two incidences the truck hit a wall and kept accelerating digging the ground up
Crash
Incident date: May 11, 2022
Major oil consumption going on for years. Took in to dealer two years ago, they know there is a problem. They told me I could spend thousands of dollars to tear it apart to find out what is going on, and also told me to call corporate. I got no where with either, even though they recalled the engine in other Sonata cars, just not our ECO model. Slowly started having throttle issues at 4 to 5 ye... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2022
I purchased my 2014 BMW i3 from Canada in 2019. It was imported from the U.S and still is registered in the U.S. I brought it into the BMW dealership in Vancouver BC shortly after to do a vehicle inspection. At that time, the dealer printed out a list of defect codes/recalls. It also said that they were done and marked "yes" completed. Fast forward to 2022, I bring my car into the same dealer and ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the rear axle, suspension, park assist, and stability tract control warning indictor lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle fishtailed. The contact called the local dealer. A multi-point inspection was provided by the dealer, who informed contact that the power steering and transmission lines were l... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2022
Purchased vehicle 1/31/2022 from dealership with only 5 miles on it. while driving to work 2/3/2022 cruise control was set, came behind a vehicle and when switched lanes to pass. cruise control turned off and decreased speed rapidly and was unable to restart system. Almost was rear ended by traffic behind me. Called dealership and they said to bring it in to see what is going on. Confirmed issue w... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
Yamaha installed from factory a speedometer that is blatantly unreadable during daytime hours. The speedometer is simply too dim to contrast with the sun and poses a hazard when trying to read your current speed. As this bike is a daily driver for myself, I'm needing to look to the aftermarket to keep myself and others safe. Yamaha knows this is an issue given the 2015 model's new version. All 201... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2022
On May 2, 2022, the car began to power down involuntarily every time I applied the brakes. This happened 2-3 times, and I was able to restart. The final time was in the middle of an intersection, the car would not restart, could not be placed in neutral to be moved out of the intersection, and I had to have a police tow. The tow service took it to Sport Motoring, where they performed a diagnosis o... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2021
was in reverse backing into parking spot. my foot was on the break; however, the car accelerated rapidly resulting in hitting a post. there were no warnings that registered took it to Honda and reported, they indicated they were not aware of this issue and did not run diagnostics as requested
Crash
Incident date: May 11, 2022
This auto has 34,000 on it. The problem is sudden acceleration. This would be the third time this happen for this auto. If there are any questions that you might have my email address is [XXX]. Best Regards! [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Incident date: May 11, 2022
The vehicle received the recall software update but I have still experienced sudden downshift to 1st gear on a few occasions. Also have intermittent failure of speedometer and shifting issues that resolve with shutdown and restart.
Incident date: May 4, 2022
Service Electronic Braking system and Service ABS braking system messages with accompanying chimes occur every 2-3 seconds while driving. This turns off the traction control and abs as well as the speed control. Diagnosis reveals abs control module and hydraulic brake control unit needs to be replaced. Vehicle only has 60,000 miles. Parts are discontinued according to dealer site.
Incident date: May 10, 2022
Unknown. While my vehicle is set on cruise control and the weather is over 50 degrees or the air is running my cruise control will shut off. Warning lights abs, esp bas, & stability control will come on, then my cruise control won’t work anymore. Now just this morning going up a hill my car wouldn’t go pass 20 mph while my foot was to the floor basically. Then almost to the top of the hill it ... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2014) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 10, 2022
Incident date: Apr 26, 2022
When I slow down to make a turn, my truck loses power making the turn very dangerous. I lose control of the vehicle for a few seconds due to loss of power. It is very dangerous for me to make turns.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2022
I noticed the car shook at first in park or at a light. I made Honda aware 1 month in at 25K miles and was told it was a common flaw with my year make and model and there was nothing to be done. It progressed over 1 year into vigarously shaking while in reverse. I was driving on the road and my car completely cut off on me without warning. It would restart, the ac blew hot, then cut back off. I wa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2016
The contact owns a 2008 Honda Fit. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was able to restart after waiting. The failure recurred four times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2022
While in cruise control, our 2021 Tesla Model Y (WE DO NOT HAVE AUTO PILOT!) applied the brakes HARD dropping between 10-40 mph with no warning. Cruise control stays active. There were no cars anywhere near us, either in front or in the rear. Over thirty (30) Tesla bug reports were recorded on April 25 and April 26, 2022. While we were not SERIOUSLY hurt, had a vehicle actually been behind us,... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2022
While driving my odyssey it began having the air conditioner blink off and on, radio was blinking off and on and multiple lights were lit up on the dash. There were no lights on my dash and no warning prior to this happening. My car then lost all power as if it was in neutral. I was pushing the gas pedal but the car would only rev like it was in neutral. Then the car began revving itself and t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2022
EL DIA 21 DE MARZO DEL 2022 LLEGANDO A MI CASA Y PARA SER BIEN ESPECIFICA FRENTE A MI CASA ME ESTABA ACOMODANDO PARA COLOCAR EN RIVERSA MI GUAGUA Y LA MISMA SE ACELERO SOLA Y LOS FRENOS NO LE FUNCIONARON, CAUSANDO QUE ME FUERA POR UN RISCO. LOS AIR BAGS NUNCA LE ABRIERON.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 9, 2022
My 2015 Nissan Altima SV begin losing power and revving up and RPMs but would not move. When I exited the interstate to see what was going on because at that time the check engine light had also come on I came to the stop sign and when I proceeded to move forward to find somewhere safe to park the vehicle would not go but the accelerator but the RPMs went up. Putting my wife's life and myself in d... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated to 10 MPH. The contact depressed the accelerator and observed that the RPMS was elevated however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled off the road into a parking lot and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that when she restarted the vehicle, the v... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
While driving vehicle on dry, non slippery roads with slight to moderate curves, vehicle illuminates Traction Loss light, sounds alarm buzzer, and at times applies brakes and dethrottles engine, even when no loss of traction has occurred. This happens while driving on straight roads with slight unevenness. Had to disconnect wheel speed sensor harness to disable ABS/VSC system. When this happens, t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2022
Vehicle started rapidly accelerating and was unable to turn off cruise control. Dash lights flashed on and off. Had to put the car in neutral and slow to a stop.
Incident date: May 5, 2022
Extreme shake and vibration and looses all control on vehicle at speeds 40 mph or higher once a bump or uneven roadway. Very unsafe and huge risk to driver and other drivers. Ford knows of this issue as there have been many reports in past including class action lawsuit. 2019 Ford F250 16k miles
Incident date: May 8, 2022
Was driving down I-270 with family when the vehicle immediately registered a fault that the hood was open and unable to charge/condition battery. All engine power and speed control was lost at highway speeds and was barely able to get out of the way of traffic. I was able to coast to the shoulder without injury or accident with a few near misses. Opened / closed the hood at the side of the road ... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2022
May 8 2022 The vehicle was parked when I took it out of park it accelerated even when I repeatedly slammed on the brakes it continued to accelerate. It caused me to hit another vehicle and almost into a house. Airbags didn't deploy either....Prior to the incident a check hybrid system was the only warning i guess the vehicle had given. Which we had a appointment to get checked tomorrow. May 9th 20... Read more
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: May 3, 2022
Rear end started a sudden howell and shaking and grinding and the Abs and traction control light came on and brakes and suspension did not want to function properly while driving in traffic as quick as I could I pulled over and it looked like one tire was sticking out of the axel way far So I just pulled over and called for my AAA to to and got towed home thats it
Incident date: Apr 8, 2022
In early April 2022 the Body Control Module went bad. A replacement was ordered, and is still unavailable (Honda PN: 38809-TMM-A21). This rendered the car unable to be started, unless the battery was first disconnected and then reconnected (as advised by Honda Service). However, this results in several error lights, including emergency braking, hill start assist, lane keeping assist, collision w... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2022
My 2021 Tesla Model Y, when using adaptive cruise control engages in phantom braking on a perfect clear road with no obstacles. On a recent road trip the vehicle braked suddenly at least 10 times while driving at highway speeds on both divided and single lane roads. This is cleariy unsafe especially if there is a car following. Tesla is aware of this problem and has done nothing to resolve it.
Incident date: May 7, 2022
This incident happened many times on the highway and normal streets, when I stepped on the pedal for gas not responding, and I needed to wait almost 40 seconds, and looked like I had lost power, like the transmission not working correctly
Incident date: Apr 19, 2022
This accident took place on April 19, 2022 - - ten days after I took possession of my new 2022 Honda HR-V Sport from the dealership - - sudden unintended acceleration. The facts are I came home on April 19, 2022. I drove slowly up the driveway. I stopped. I inched forward. I stepped lightly on the gas pedal. Then the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning at high speed. The hard-hitt... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 4, 2022
I was using Tesla's Traffic Aware Cruise Control. I was traveling at approximately 75mph on a highway. There was a car approximately 6 car lengths ahead of me traveling at approximately the same speed. There may have been cars next to me on both sides. For no apparent reason, the Tesla braked and the speed was reduced from 75mph to approximately 35mph. I disengaged the Traffic Aware Cruise Co... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2012) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 5, 2022
Incident date: Dec 29, 2021
On December 29, 2021, while backing up my 2012 Toyota Highlander accelerated at speed that I was unable to control. One car that was packed in the driveway was damaged beyond repair. An office building where I was working was damaged and has been accessed with a loss of over $100,000. I contacted Toyota after knowing that there was a recall regarding unintended acceleration in some Toyota cars. To... Read more
Crash