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: May 14, 2025
The car is not shifting properly and will "jump" or "lunge" forward while driving. I have noticed that the RPM's will jump and bounce around, seemingly down shifting, then shift again, and then down shift again, which causes jerking motion.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
multiple times this has been an issue. I stepped on the break and the car essentially leaps forward typically when going up down or straight. In November 2024 it happened while going up a hill slowly and I bumped into the vehicle ahead of me. My vehicle had no damage, but the car in front of me had to get a new skid plate and my insurance doubled because of it. Since the incident in November 2024,... Read more
Crash
GMC
SIERRA 2500
(2016) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 14, 2025
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated while shifting into gears to pull out of a parking space, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the TCM was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing out of a parking space, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but fai... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 14, 2025
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated the vehicle had been driven for three hours and parked. Moments later, the vehicle was restarted and while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration. While pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle did not stop and continued to accelerate forward, and the speed increased. While attempting to a... Read more
Crash
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2024) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 14, 2025
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The Ford F150 has suddenly downshifted at highway speed and gone into limp mode. A maintance light shows momentarlly. I am working with local Ford dealerships to have the issue addressed. They suggest that it may be addressed under a field campaign that has expired. The sudden downshift and limp mode is a safety issue in traffic. The problem happens then goes away.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
In February of 2025 I was driving on the highway and my car stopped accelerating and the “ASC system required” light turned on. The RPM stayed at 4,000-5,000 and my car dropped from 60MPH to 20MPH. I had to drive on the side of the highway 20 minutes home like this. I took the car into a shop and they said the exhaust and catalytic converter was clogged and replaced it. It ran okay after that ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
I have a manual transmission and can usually go up a steep hill by my house in 3rd gear. But on this occasion in 2nd gear I was unable to maintain speed even with the gas pedal all the way to the floor. It was also having trouble maintaining speed on less steep highway hills. The dealer replaced the alternator which helped, but I feel this puts my safety and others at risk because I was going much... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
I’m reporting a recurring safety issue with my Infiniti Q50 involving the brake, steering, and acceleration systems. While driving, I’ve experienced the brake pedal becoming unresponsive, the gas pedal not reacting, and the steering wheel locking or feeling stiff, making it extremely difficult to control the car. The most recent incident occurred today, [XXX]. I had to stop driving immediatel... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
I was driving on the freeway at 65mph and experienced a sudden loss of power. I depressed the gas pedal but the car would not accelerate past 45 mph. I had to drive all the way home with my hazard lights on. There were no lights on the dashboard to signify a problem. This happened several times. I took it into the Hyundai Service center and they could not replicate the problem. It happened again. ... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
My 2022 Kia EV6 has repeatedly shut off while parked and while in motion, placing myself, my [XXX] child, and other drivers at serious risk. The vehicle’s Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) failed and was replaced, but the replacement ICCU also malfunctioned. This second failure caused a near-collision involving three vehicles. A Ford F-150 had to swerve off the road to avoid hitting me. ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
The vehicle has acceleration hesitation. Sometimes when trying to go from a complete stop the vehicle is almost dead and doesn’t move then it feels as if the “clutch was popped “ in a manual but it is an automatic.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2020) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 13, 2025
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
My transmission can accelerate with the cruse control on, transmission also sputters at lower RPM. Lastly my shift to park issue kills the battery.
Incident date: May 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated the transmission was slipping while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact stated that on one occasion, while her daughter was driving 60 MPH, the transmission started slipping and the vehicle failed to accelerate above 60 MPH. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to TSB: 23-2120.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
My ABS and Traction Control lights keep going off, intermittently. They have been doing it for several years.It can be for hours or for days. I took a video of it happening a couple years ago, and photos, also. More recently my speedometer has started jumping. I had the ABS recall performed when it was first implemented. When I've taken my vehicle to Hyundai (twice now specifically for this) they ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
While parking in a parking lot of a local store I pulled into a spot and stopped about 2 feet from a bumper post. I removed my foot from the brake pedal to pull closer to the post. The car began to idle forward. When I was as close to the post as I intended I stepped on the brake. The car continued to idle forward until I hit the post causing very minor damage to the hood of my car. After hi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 4, 2025
Dash panel started flashing all gauges went to zero. All warning lamps lit ABS failure, power steering stopped, service antilock breaks, service electronic stability control, auto park disabled and service shift warnings started popping up. I was going 70 mph on the highway when the power steering went out. Luckily I didn’t hit anyone.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 12, 2025
Incident date: May 11, 2025
My 2015 Hyundai Sonata has demonstrated multiple instances of unintended acceleration and braking failure: April 20, 2024 – While idling in a drive-thru line, the vehicle suddenly lurched forward without any attempt to accelerate and crashed into the vehicle in front of me. I was unable to stop it. This resulted in the other car being totaled. I took it to a Hyundai dealership afterward, but t... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The car has turned off at idle and at low speeds, almost causing accidents and to be rear ended in busy streets and during stop and go traffic on the highway. After numerous mechanic diagnostics at both Volkswagen Dealership service departments and third party mechanic shops, no one seems to be able to give me an answer or condition to what is causing the problem. With no error codes being brought... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Harley-Davidson FLHXSE Motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding at various speeds, the motorcycle experienced unintended acceleration. During the failure, the check engine warning light was displayed along with a triangle flashing on and off. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
What happened? While driving at highway speeds (approximately 60-75 mph), the vehicle exhibits a pronounced up-and-down motion at the rear, commonly referred to as “porpoising.” This motion is especially noticeable when traversing uneven road surfaces or expansion joints. This issue compromises vehicle stability and passenger comfort, posing a potential safety risk during high-speed travel. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
We leased a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe in June 2023, and since that time the vehicle has been a chronic source of mechanical and electrical failure. Over the past two years, it has been in for service 11 times, spending more than 115 total days in the shop, with at least 9 repeat issues—largely related to high-voltage interference and hybrid system instability, from our research. The problems... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after exiting a store and entering the vehicle, the contact secured the seat belt, depressed the brake pedal, and shifted into reverse(R), and the vehicle unintendedly accelerated across the parking lot. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was not depressed during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle came to a stop a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 10, 2025
Transmission is changing out very hard in each gear. On tonight while I was driving, I lost speed on the interstate and when I push the accelerator, It was like back wheels were locked up. I left it at the next exit gas station and came back and towed it home. Lucky I was able to put hazard lights on and get off the side of the road but it was very slow speed. Yes I have had it look at certified d... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The engine coolant flow control valve position sensor is faulty. I brought mt truck in to my dealership and I have been waiting for over a month to get the issue fixed because “the part is on backorder”. This issue makes my truck sound like a jet engine because it makes the truck think overheating and causes the fan to come on at full blast. After drivinf for awhile it goes into “ reduced en... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 11, 2025
Incident date: May 7, 2025
There are no messages/warnings. The vehicle will surge at very low speeds such as when I am coming to a stop, trying to avoid a person in a parking lot etc. It was SO scary this evening as I accelerated into a very very busy intersection...I pressed on my brakes harder and it was instant - but about 1 second (which is a LOT in this scenario) later it then slowed instead of accelerated. I have owne... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The car broke down the very first day I got it! The alternator had to be changed I took it back to Auto connection where I got it from and they replaced it. Since then the car has been breaking down, I have had to pay for out of pocket for a new thermostat, another alternator, hoses, fuel pump, and I have only had the car a yr. Now it’s making a loud hissing noise after I just paid for brand new... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
Unexpectedly downshifting into first gear result in a loss of vehicle control happened on September 20, 2024 and continue on and off.
BRAKE PARTS
DISC BRAKE ROTOR
(9999) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 10, 2025
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
On 5/8/25 when the light turned green at the stop light, my car shut down while the gear was on drive. It immediately came back on with the dashboard showing warnings for the (TPMS), brakes system, stability system, among others. I accelerated while on drive but the car did not move forward. I turned the flashers on. I had cars behind me honking and going around me. I put the shifter in Park. A ca... Read more
CADILLAC
ESCALADE ESV
(2023) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 10, 2025
Incident date: Apr 30, 2025
The engine in my 2015 Kia Forte (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced failure tied to recall code P1326, which is associated with bearing wear and potential engine seizure. The vehicle entered limp mode around [XXX] at 152,170 miles, despite early signs of failure starting at 131,000 miles. These included loss of power, rough idle, and a check engine light (CEL) which triggered the P1326 code confirmed by bot... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Hesitation on accelerator going from reverse o drive or park to drive
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2016) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 9, 2025
Incident date: Jun 15, 2016
Every so often there is a hesitation when I’m trying to accelerate.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The truck has a very pronounced hesitation to accelerate after slowing down or coming to a stop. Example: slow down, come to a stop at a stop sign and then accelerating to start moving. This situation happens daily and almost on every occasion after slowing or stopping. It has gotten worse over time and this issue has put me and my family in very dangerous and scary situations as the truck does n... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
Unknown what component failed. Safety was at risk because the delay in the throttle response can result in get in an accident. I can't reproduce the problem. It happens at random. The vehicle has never been inspected by anyone about this issue. No warning whatsoever. It doesn't happen ofen. Some times it's worse than others.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
The major throttle lag. When leaving from a stop it takes a few seconds of pressing the gas before the truck even begins to accelerate. I have had multiple issues with throttle lag when dealing with oncoming traffic. No lights have indicated any issues and all the dealerships can tell me is it’s a common issue.
Incident date: May 8, 2025
Lack of throttle response. Takes 5 seconds for the throttle to respond to legal input making it dangerous when accelerating.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
The vehicle has a hesitation when accelerating or when I turn a corner and then try to accelerate it lags. Had a few incidents where I almost got rear ended due to the issue
Incident date: May 9, 2025
I was driving and the car started making a weird noise. It then started to slow, the temperature went to red and the car started beeping. It kept going slow and then just stopped in the middle of the road. I could not move and was almost hit by multiple cars.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
The Kia Carnival Hybrid wouldn't allow me to accelerate, topping out at 30/31 MPH despite me fully pressing down on the accelerator. It has happened twice now (a few days apart) and can only be resolved by turning the car off and then back on. Compared to similar complaints logged on the NHTSA website, the difference is that this happened when it was roughly 50-60 degrees outside--not during extre... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
Constant emergency braking when I’m not near another vehicle.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
The vehicle has experienced ongoing failures with the DPS6 PowerShift transmission system. Symptoms included slipping between gears, failure to engage 6th gear, jerky shifting, and bucking during acceleration. A transmission warning light appeared multiple times. These issues occurred daily and worsened over time. Eventually, the vehicle became unsafe to drive—it would over-rev, buck violently, ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
As of today 05/08/25 car will not start, it was also chugging while i was on the freeway and would not go over 50mph
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 8, 2025
Incident date: Apr 16, 2025
Major transmission failure that causes sudden unintended downshift to first gear, even at high speeds. This occurs often and randomly without warning, causing the engine to "redline", rear tires to slide and the vehicle to come to a near sudden stop. This is an extreme safety concern, especially in slippery road conditions as the vehicle could overturn or slide off the road or at a minimum be re... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2019) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 8, 2025
Incident date: May 7, 2025
Sudden shift into first gear at any speed. Dash lights flickering between p,r,n,d. Tool light coming on dash.
Incident date: May 1, 2022
Hi! This vehicle stopped twice in the middle of a road on its own. Vehicle was driving fine and the next second it slowed down and wouldn’t accelerate as I would push the gas pedal. It’s as if the engine shut down due to the car signals not transmitting correctly. The screen started blinking on and off giving me warnings and one of them said “Service Shifter!” My safety and my children’s... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Driving at 55MPH and suddenly the car starts to shack and warning/notification lights copme up on the dash. Check Engine Traction Control Service light Suspension service Was able to drive it to GMC dealership nearby 2.6Mile
Incident date: May 5, 2025
For 1.5+ years, the transmission will unexpectedly and suddenly downshift into 1st gear without warning. Which causes a sudden deceleration. No warning lights before it happens. It occurs randomly and at different speeds. It has happened over 20 times. I've experienced it happening at speed ranging from 35mph to 65mph. The gear shifter was in the drive position each time this issue occurred. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
Cruise control stopped working while driving interstate speed. Would not work and all lights on dashboard came on . Proceeded to Nearest dealership and was informed that I needed a brake switch. Did not fix the problem. Have been informed that I need a wiring harness! About to spend a total of 400.00
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to express my deep frustration and serious concerns regarding the repeated and dangerous failures I have experienced with the battery systems in three separate Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles – model years 2022, 2024, and now 2025 4xe. In each case, I encountered a complete battery failure within the first 3,000 miles of the car’s life. These failures have no... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
We are driving cross country. Three times the adaptive cruise control has accelerated and showed a new speed going as much as from 74 mph to 107 the third time. The second it went 75 to 88. I can’t remember the first but I know we had a sudden acceleration and quickly disengaged as we did all three sessions. Now we are finishing our trip to our summer home in Maryland without engaging becaus... Read more
FORD
BRONCO SPORT
(2021) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 6, 2025
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 45 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle also hesitated while driving. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling and decelerating unintendedly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The c... Read more