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
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 8, 2024
Incident date: May 1, 2024
I have experienced a dangerous bug where cruise control shoots immediately to 110mph. I have experienced three incidents in the last 15 months. Too busy trying to disengage the accelerating vehicle to get a video, but many others have documented this bug: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 8, 2024
Incident date: May 1, 2024
At 40,000 miles Transmission skips gears going from 3-4 4-5 and 7-8. Transmission jolts hard when put into reverse. Valve body was replaced which fixed the issue for a couple of months and now the same issues are occurring.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Stalls stops, with Engine power reduced, stabilitrak off. After turning or braking. Engine light with down arrow. Accident probability. DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY IF ON HIGHWAY OR COUNTRY RD!
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The traction control turns on and then the shifts don’t work and I can’t drive since there is no speed also the rpm and the gas the speed and the battery gages start flickering up and down then I turn off the truck and it continues to work fine but after 40 miles or so it does it all again
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
Brake module is not working traction control not working and cruise control not work because of brake module not working
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
In all assisted driving modes except Full Self Driving (FSD), the car properly displays the speed Limit it has determined either by Map data or visual confirmation. In FSD, apparently only on pre-2021+ Model S cars, the determined speed limit is not displayed. In my town we have a US60 route. The car sees these signs and determines the speed limit is 60, even though it is only 35. The driver no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Intermittent loss of anti-lock braking system and cruise control. code C0020-01 ABS pump failure. First occurred at approx. 47,900 miles.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn, the accelerator pedal was depressed and became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
I have been notified that I am in need of a new engine due to possible complete engine failure which is on the near horizon. I have the Lambda II V6 3.3L engine. It is knocking, making noises, hesitates to go, feels like it will stall out at all speeds, and is scaring me terribly. My certified local mechanic replaced a part for failed emissions, which cost almost $900. However the check engine... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
It is far too easy to accidentally hit and activate cruise control button on the steering wheel when turning. If your thumb brushes up against the button the car can continue moving when you expect it to be slowing down either coasting or staying at the same speed when using 1-pedal driving. This could easily cause an accident when coming up to a turn and someone is crossing the street or similar ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
While driving my car just started accelerating in traffic and I couldn’t get it to stop even while hitting brakes trying not to hit another vehicle. Fortunately found a way to pull to side of road and throw in park and it was still revving up and didn’t stop til I turned off car completely. So terrifying. Now I’m [XXX] trying figure out how I’m going to get back home in this dangerous vehi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
The engine appears to have a malfunction, particularly related to acceleration and oil consumption. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle experiences sudden jerking during acceleration, which can lead to loss of control and increase the risk of a collision. Additionally, stalling can occur unexpectedly, posing a significant hazard, especially in traffic. Yes, the issue ... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2018) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 6, 2024
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
Driving with adaptive cruise control engaged in 45mph zone. Without intervention the cruise setting jumped to 90mph. I was able to press the pause bar to cancel it. Next I was able to re engage cruise normally without a repeat issue. There's been no outside inspection, or assessment. So far it's happened only once. The runaway speed was controllable. We're driving with extra care.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2021
When I had to slow down or suddenly stop because there were other cars in front of me, I. stepped on the break, but it did not stop; maybe it slowed down a little, but the acceleration seemed to accelerate faster. I could hear the acceleration sound. I had to push the gear to stop. The car finally stopped. But I almost hit the front car. Similar occurrences happened when I came to a stop signal... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2017
1. Consumer is a Permanent and Total Disabled Vet (Unemployable) and this vehicle is the only vehicle Consumer has. 2. I have a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk KL (XXX) I have owned since day one with 56k miles. 3. At all times I did not receive any recall notices for correct known safety issues. 5. I have OBD-II tools of vLinker (use everyday for LiveData), BlueDriver and TogDog. 6. For almost as lo... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT
(2016) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 6, 2024
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Air bag error light is on and steering wheel controls/horn are inoperable. Cause is most likely a clock spring failure as has been reported in numerous VW vehicle models including the 2016 VW Passat but the current recall 69L2 doesn’t appear to cover our vehicle. With recall problems on numerous other vehicles, it is hard to believe this isn’t caused by the same issue. Repair cost is estimated... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I turned into my driveway and the Jeep accelerated significantly and the brakes did not work even when I pumped them. The result was that the Jeep crashed into my garage door and house!
Crash
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
During any precipitation, primarily rain, the adaptive cruise control fails to sense vehicles in front of it. This became alarming as the vehicle began to speed up and get alarmingly close to the other vehicle, causing driver to slam brakes. When looking at the cruise control display, the vehicle never showed another vehicle in front of it.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
ABS and TRACTION CONTROL warning lights appear and disappear. Timing of warning lights have no discernable pattern. Vehicle has had no collisions and only 120,000 miles. Vehicle will be going in for inspection at garage.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
My vehicle made 3 ringing sounds and began to decelerate from 67mph to 0 in less than 2 minutes. I had to pull over quickly to avoid getting rear ended. This incident happened twice already. I took it in to the dealer and they were not able to recreate what happened. This occurrence happened 2weeks ago.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
Hello, so far 4 to 5 times my MDX automatically shifted to Neutral gear at traffic signals. THen vehicle stops and not moves, i wouldn't be able to change the gear, the vehicle just seems stuck. COuple of times the cars behind almost crashed with my family in the car. ONly options is to power off the car and restart. I took to the dealer, they ran all the tests and nothing found in the debugging. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Started car. Would not accelerate past 30-40 miles an hour even when I pressed the Gas Pedal to the floor. I pulled over and turned the car off. On restart it seems to be fine. The Genesis GV 70 forum is replete with owners having the same issue. This is a 2022 with less than 25,000 miles on the Odometer. There are not many of these cars on the road and probably many owners are unaware that this ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Full Self Driving prominently suggests the user enable “automatic set speed offset”. When enabled it tries to guess the speed it should be going, and goes that speed. On city streets and rural highways the driver is unable to lower the speed with the normal cruise control speed dial. it is disabled. It recognizes when the speed limit lowers on the road, but does not adjust to that new limit.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
I was coming home. As I pulled in my garage, hit the brake to stop and put in park. The vehicle started winding up to a point where my foot on the brake didn't matter. It accelerated forward, going through the wall of my garage, through my backyard, thru a chain guard, and into the corner of the museum wall next door. I was finally able to stop it completely by shutting the vehicle off. Despite th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Engine control unit failure
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
All at once I have an ABS , Brake, Traction Control on instrument panel illuminated.Service Trailer Brake diagnostic message. Will not set cruise. 06/03/24. Am not driving for fear of failure and presently cannot afford diagnostic repairs. Just turned 100,000 miles and is not used for daily uses. Cannot believe a failure of this magnitude happened with very low mileage
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
Front Camera Fault causing Adaptive Cruise Control not to work therefore forfeiting any added measure of safety at highway speeds. The issue was investigated and was fixed at the local Ford dealer by installing a new camera, camera control module, and wiring. Warning message came on every time the truck was started and warning light came on saying that adaptive cruise control could. not be eng... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 3, 2024
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
For the past couple of months, noticing an issue where the main Display in center and also Dashboard above the steering wheel goes pitch black with nothing being displayed while driving. A few times, I was driving on the highway and all screens were black, I could not see what speed I was going at. #2: CarPlay is constantly rebooting every 2 seconds, disconnecting and connecting but e not continuo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The instrument cluster malfunctioned and turned the dashboard off repeatedly in 2023 and now again in 2024. This part controls the cruise control, as well as the electrics on the dashboard. When it malfunctions, it deaccelerates the cruise control and you don't know what speed you are driving. The component was replaced in 2023 and is scheduled to be replaced, again, in two weeks. There is no ... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2024
The issue is with the auto-braking or pre collision system. Have had multiple instances where system has engaged at low speed which also engaged the auto engine stop feature when it was not necessary. Have noticed system engages on roads with curves where it thinks the vehicle in the other lane is in front of me when its not. The most unsafe thing that happened was when a vehicle quickly changed l... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2021
We have had 4 transmissions since we bought the vehicle. It slows down to almost a stop after it hits 30 mph and makes weird noises all throughout the vehicle. The back right tire sticks to the pavement and jerks when i start to drive. The key ignition has been fixed several times and still sometimes won't turn with the key or come out. Yes Warranty told the repaid service company to fix whate... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2024
I was traveling on the highway at a speed of 70 mph, when out of nowhere my truck downshifted to first gear; causing me to swerve to the side of the road. I had my vehicle towed to a shop where I was informed it was a module for the transmission and lead case which caused the malfunction. Upon doing the research I learned that it was a recall from the plant which my truck came from. Had repairs do... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
My jeep would suddenly jerk forward almost rear ending people at red lights without any warning. While traveling at approximately 45 mph the engine light came on my jeep. As I went to pull over the engine started bucking/jerking then the engine light flashed. I was barely able to pull over on the side of the road before the car completely stalled. I had to have towed to a dealership as it was no l... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
While in operation the dash cluster goes completely black. Aprox 45mph. Dealer had to replace entire dash cluster
Incident date: Apr 13, 2022
Car parked in driveway; started engine, shifted into gear, and before I even accelerated, the engine roared and the car lunged forward. Lexus traveled approximmately 50 feet and crashed into the neighbor's concrete wall across the street. I was injured (broken ribs, etc.) and the car was totaled.When reporting accident to insurance company (USAA) I asked representative to have car inspected due... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
I took my 2013 Ford F150 in on Feb. 15, 2019 due to a recall. They reprogrammed the software, only took a few minutes. This is recall #19S07. It was due to the truck possibly shifting from any gear into first gear suddenly. Very dangerous. I did not have that problem before or since the recall until one week ago. Pulling onto the highway, RPM's went very high (3500-4000) even though I was on... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
car would not speed up no matter how hard i pressed accelerator, vehicle wouldn't speed up kept going at slower speed had to have towed to dealership. Don't know what is wrong. I was scared someone would hit me, or my speed would cause an accident. Only after issue started did engine light come on.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The vehicle shut off while on a freeway. Leaving me completely without power to navigate through fast pace traffic.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The problem first started on 8-8-24 when I cranked up my car & the dashboard lit up with all of these different sensors. I called Leith Honda dealership in Aberdeen, due to that is where I take my car to be serviced at, my customer service rep (Brian) stated to wait to see if they would stay on, because of that type of car will reset itself. So later on, that day they did, go away after driving it... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
On three separate occasions, the car started accelerating by itself while speed control was engaged. Once I noticed, I stepped on the brakes and the speed control was disengaged before any accidents happened.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
Loss of ABS, Traction Control
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLA 250
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Oct 1, 2024
Incident date: Sep 27, 2024
I have been getting a number of safety warning lights since about 6 months after buying this car. It is new, under warranty and I am first owner. They were intermittent initially, but have become increasingly frequent and are now associated with a constant warning ping. I have taken the car to FitzGerald Genesis in Clearwater Florida 7 times for this problem. They can reproduce it (and have th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2024 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and became stuck under the floor liner. The contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle however, the vehicle failed stop as needed. The contact pressed the park button and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that the engine was smoking. The co... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2024
Speedometer, fuel gauge, mileages, Temperature, not showing up on the dashboard! It’s dark when the car it start up! Just dark screen on the odometer side. It’s start blinkering when you drive for while. It’s happened to the las 3 years and getting worse this year. It’s happened every morning and fewer times in the evening.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
●It makes a lot of vibration uphill 25-40mph. ●It feels like hunting gear when itñs shifting to the second gear. ●it got stock in second gear in the middle of the traffic and there was risk because cars where behind me yelling me.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
Heading westbound on I-70, taking Exit 29 off ramp from highway, I drove over uneven pavement. My traction control, ABS and brake lights illuminated, the brakes suddenly felt mushy. As I approached the stoplight at the end of the exit ramp, I questioned whether I would be able to stop. Scared me immensely. Luckily no cars were near me. I now do not have ABS, Traction Control, stability control OR ... Read more
TOYOTA
COROLLA CROSS
(2024) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 30, 2024
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
I have a 2012 f 150. I am the second owner of this truck. going down the road a wrench appears on my dash board. The issue seems to be Safety recall notice 16s19/ NHTSA recall 16v-248. The software update was done in 2019. The problem started 4-5 months ago. Ford tells me they dont have to fix the problem now because the it is out of the extended warranty they put on the vehicle. They admit the... Read more
TOYOTA
HIGHLANDER
(2023) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 30, 2024
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
On 9/18/24 I was driving my Chevrolet 2018 Volt on a freeway, traveling at approximately 55 mph while starting to exit the freeway. In the middle of fast-moving traffic, on the freeway offramp and starting to decelerate, the car suddenly displayed a message saying "Propulsion Power is Reduced." A micro-second later, the displayed message changed to read "Action Required: Shift to Park" and in that... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
Loss of Acceleration in 2022 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid I am writing to report a safety issue with my 2022 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid, which has been experiencing acceleration lag and loss of power during regular driving conditions. Component/System that Failed: The powertrain system, specifically related to the integration between the electric motor and gasoline engine, appears to be malfun... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
While driving the car will not accelerate past 49mph in turbo mode and 61mph in regular mode and rpm will not go above 1800. And it jerks and studders. Blinking check engine light and consumes a ridiculous amount of oil even though regular maintenance performed. I have read several engine issues with this model and cannot find recall info