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 2,690 complaints for PORSCHE
Incident date: Jun 26, 2021
This has happened more than once now. I got in the car and as soon as it attempted to start up, I received the following error: “ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ERROR” I was not able to put the car in R or D. There was no other option to start the car. My car is 2 weeks old with less than 750 miles. Porsche has experienced a lot of these problems over the last 12+ months, yet this issue has not been re... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
Car has 65,000 miles when water-pump failed catastrophically (pump drive shaft sheared) while driving causing breakdown. Needed to be towed to repair facility. 1. Water Pump failed - shaft connecting pully system to impeller sheared in half. Part is available for inspection. 65,000 miles on the engine 2. Car stopped running due to overheating and loss of electrical power - I had to stop in... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
I was informed by a mechanic that when the passenger seat is adjusted to a low position, it causes the seat to damage the airbag control module, thereby causing the airbag to be disabled.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
Complete battery failure. Luckily occurred in a safe location and while parked.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2021
Complete battery failure. Luckily occurred in a safe location and while parked.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2021
April 27 I tried a launch control and a few seconds into it I got "All wheel drive error. " Engine performance limited." The car slowed and would only drive a maximum of 20mph. It cycled through several screens, one said "Visit workshop". I tried to attached movie and photo, no luck. I let car sit turned off for about 10 minutes, drove it again, no errors. Tried launch control again, no errors.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2021
I got a bright red electrical system failure light on my dash in my Taycan and the car is completely inoperable. It won’t even go into D or R. I tried to charge my Taycan the night before and I got an error electrical message. ElectrifyAmerica had to override my system to get it to charge.
Incident date: May 9, 2021
I bought the car on April 22, 2021 and driven the new car approx. 250 miles and on a short trip of 2 miles, the car stuttered and shook briefly and a yellow warning light appeared on the main dash. It said something like "engine control issue, is drivable, take to workshop" so I proceeded, a mile later I pulled into the driveway of a relative and the yellow warning turned red and started beeping r... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2021
I returned after being away for a few weeks, in May 2021. The solar panel had been on the inner windshield of the car following installation a few months prior. I found the car's 12V battery was almost dead (about 4 Volts), and the solar panel's plastic frame was severely melted, causing it to deform and lift away from the glass solar panel. Photos uploaded below. From reading reviews on this pro... Read more
PORSCHE
CAYENNE
(2015) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM: CABLES:FASTENER/CONNECTOR
Jun 14, 2021
Incident date: Jun 13, 2021
The 2015 Porsche Cayenne e-Hybrid has a charging port for charging the electric drive battery. The electric plug does not disconnect from the vehicle. Based on the OBD-II software used for diagnosis Error Code - P0D9400 Error Description - High-voltage charger - charging-plug lock fault (00A93D)
Incident date: May 30, 2021
Total electrical shutdown of the drivability of the car. The car in driving traffic came to a sudden stop and doors were lock and would not start until we tried 3 times. A truck behind us had to come to a quick sudden stop to avoid hitting us in the rear of the car! The car was taken to Porsche South bay for understanding the cause of the problem the manufacture was alerted ,Porsche customer care ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2021
Car completely shut down in an intersection, lost all power and would not move, error read: Motor control error stop vehicle in a safe place. prior to shutting down the vehicle jerked and slammed on the brakes in a busy intersection.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2021
Car completely shut down in an intersection, lost all power and would not move, error read: Motor control error stop vehicle in a safe place. prior to shutting down the vehicle jerked and slammed on the brakes in a busy intersection.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2021
Car completely shut down in an intersection, lost all power and would not move, error read: Motor control error stop vehicle in a safe place. prior to shutting down the vehicle jerked and slammed on the brakes in a busy intersection.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2021
2021 Porsche 911. Consumer writes in regards to missing computer chip for proper steering.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2021
I was driving on an Interstate highway and saw the "Engine Control Error" message and advised to find a place to park. The car began decelerating and would not respond to pressing the accelerator pedal. An exit was coming up so I managed to get onto that exit and roll through the stop sign at the bottom of the ramp so that I was half in and half off the shoulder. The car wouldn't move forward o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2021
The cam shaft actuator has gone out.. Recalled on newer vehicles mine is 2004. Front airbag is also non operational
Incident date: Jun 9, 2021
The cam shaft actuator has gone out.. Recalled on newer vehicles mine is 2004. Front airbag is also non operational
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
While driving i experienced a sudden loss of power, I was traveling on an interstate going approximately 75 mph when the car suddenly and without warning came to a sudden stop by itself causing multiple cars to swerve and endangering myself and multiple other drivers. The car restarted shortly afterwards however I was at a complete stop in the middle of traffic, I then experienced this problem yet... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2021
My complaint is that the car will not move. I get in the car to drive and the car displays the following message, “ Electrical System Error. Stop vehicle in a safe place.” This has happened on numerous occasions(at least 7) since I received the car on February 10, 2021. Mind you I work from home so I don’t drive it but once a week. I am quite fortunate that thus far it has only happened in m... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2021
I was driving at a low speed and the car suddenly stop and couldn’t move. The front screen of the car said engine failure error. It was like when you drive shifter cars and you do not press the clutch the car power out. I need to turn off the car and restarted. The car continue to work properly. I also notice that my car have been having charging issues. I do not know if this is related to th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2021
My husband and I were driving our car last night and our car suddenly displayed an error code and shutdown. This has happenned a few weeks ago andbthe dealer could not find the issue. We took a picture of the error code, pulled over and restarted the car. This is very concerning because it doesnt give you more than a few secs after the error code that the car just dies. Again we were in a pos... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Porsche Taycan. The contact stated while his wife was driving 35 mph, the service engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle sputtered and loss motive power. After approximately ten minutes, the vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The failure recurred and persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2021
On April 26 2021 performed routine oil change and noticed oil leaking from valve cover gasket onto side of engine. Took to Prestige Imports Inc, in Lakewood Colorado April 30th 2021, mileage is 22,851 and dealer told me: "Inspect for engine oil leak, no leak present although a slight wetness is visible at valve cover, no drips present. No repairs necessary per Porsche warranty guidelines." Deale... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2021
I was stopped at a red light on a busy street with no-one behind me, one or two seconds before the light changed to green the car shut down with no error message or warning. By then vehicles had caught up to where I was stalled out at the light and had to swerve to go around me. After about ten seconds I was able to get the car started again and to drive off safely. The vehicle has been at the P... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2021
While driving normally on a highway, the car suddenly reported "Electrical System Error, Stop vehicle in a safe place", which is followed by a complete loss of power, even pressed on acceleration pedal. I immediately pulled over to the side of the highway, the car slowed down quickly and stopped. The car was unable to restart ever since. After 1-2 hours, the vehicle's power was completely lost.
Incident date: May 27, 2021
While driving normally on a highway, the car suddenly reported "Electrical System Error, Stop vehicle in a safe place", which is followed by a complete loss of power, even pressed on acceleration pedal. I immediately pulled over to the side of the highway, the car slowed down quickly and stopped. The car was unable to restart ever since. After 1-2 hours, the vehicle's power was completely lost.
Incident date: May 27, 2021
While driving normally on a highway, the car suddenly reported "Electrical System Error, Stop vehicle in a safe place", which is followed by a complete loss of power, even pressed on acceleration pedal. I immediately pulled over to the side of the highway, the car slowed down quickly and stopped. The car was unable to restart ever since. After 1-2 hours, the vehicle's power was completely lost.
Incident date: May 15, 2021
My 2020 Taycan Turbo was purchased brand new by myself July 07/ 2020, and has had a tremendous amount of problems and issues. All are documented and have photos as proof. The car is available for whomever wishes to inspect it. One of the more recent issues was the car - without warning - while I was driving, not functioning and I wasn't able to turn the wheel, use the gas pedal, the brake or any... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2021
My 2020 Taycan Turbo was purchased brand new by myself July 07/ 2020, and has had a tremendous amount of problems and issues. All are documented and have photos as proof. The car is available for whomever wishes to inspect it. One of the more recent issues was the car - without warning - while I was driving, not functioning and I wasn't able to turn the wheel, use the gas pedal, the brake or any... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2021
My 2020 Taycan Turbo was purchased brand new by myself July 07/ 2020, and has had a tremendous amount of problems and issues. All are documented and have photos as proof. The car is available for whomever wishes to inspect it. One of the more recent issues was the car - without warning - while I was driving, not functioning and I wasn't able to turn the wheel, use the gas pedal, the brake or any... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2021
Was driving on freeway at 70mph and car suddenly lost power ....we were in furthest lane and had to attempt to get the car to safety on a busy LA freeway by crossing 4 lanes Extremely scary as had my children in the car... My family now refuse to get in the car for safety concerns Thankfully traffic wasn't at its peak as if it was i dread to think what would of happened
Incident date: May 9, 2021
Was driving on freeway at 70mph and car suddenly lost power ....we were in furthest lane and had to attempt to get the car to safety on a busy LA freeway by crossing 4 lanes Extremely scary as had my children in the car... My family now refuse to get in the car for safety concerns Thankfully traffic wasn't at its peak as if it was i dread to think what would of happened
Incident date: May 9, 2021
Was driving on freeway at 70mph and car suddenly lost power ....we were in furthest lane and had to attempt to get the car to safety on a busy LA freeway by crossing 4 lanes Extremely scary as had my children in the car... My family now refuse to get in the car for safety concerns Thankfully traffic wasn't at its peak as if it was i dread to think what would of happened
Incident date: May 26, 2021
As I was driving on the freeway at approximately 50 mph, the car lost power and would not accelerate. A warning appeared on the dashboard reading: “ Engine control error — park vehicle in a safe place“. There was no roadway shoulder, but fortunately I was coasting downhill and was able to exit the freeway onto an exit ramp, where I parked the car on the shoulder. I called Porsche roadsid... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2021
I had just entered Interstate 15 about a mile from my home. I was in middle lane going approximately 65 mph, error message "engine computer failure, please pull over to safe place and call for service" appeared on screen and car lost all motive power. I was able to pull over to side of road, shut car off and then restart car. I was then able to drive home. Had car towed to dealer next day. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2021
The safety risk of having the car’s motor completely lose power on the road/highway is high, as you are then left powerless. We have not reproduced this issue ourselves. Our local Porsche dealer has looked at it and said it was a “one off” type of malfunction and could not find any issue with the car when we brought it in. The car shut off while driving and gave a “Motor control erro... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2021
The safety risk of having the car’s motor completely lose power on the road/highway is high, as you are then left powerless. We have not reproduced this issue ourselves. Our local Porsche dealer has looked at it and said it was a “one off” type of malfunction and could not find any issue with the car when we brought it in. The car shut off while driving and gave a “Motor control erro... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2021
At approximately 3:40 PM on 5/24/2021 I was travelling W bound on the 10 freeway. The vehicle experienced full power loss. Fortunately I was in the L most lane and could pull to the side. Had I been in the center lanes I would've had serious safety issues. Vehicle is being towed to Beverly Hiss Posrche. I took a photo of the error message and can share it if needed. This was a particularly trauma... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2021
The day after receiving my Taycan 4S I took it for a drive and during the drive electrical system error popped up on the dashboard. Before we were able to pull over off the highway the car suddenly shut off and came to an instant stop. Being stuck in the middle right of the highway without even hazard lights working meant multiple cars had to swerve out of the way to avoid hitting us. I am not exa... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2021
- Parking Assist has failed several times with message "ParkAssist not available. Continued driving possible, Service necessary" - Forward collision warning (aka Warning And Break Assist) has disabled itself several times for no apparent reason with message "WBA Limited, See owners manual". The sensors and windshield was clean so nothing was obstructing the system. - Headline Control error while... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2021
While driving at approximately 40mph, a red message suddenly appeared in the dashboard saying “Engine Control Error- Park vehicle in a Safe Place”. Simultaneously, the car became unresponsive - for example, pressing the gas pedal had no effect. I was able to brake and drift to the side of the road, but the car kind of bumpily ground to halt, feeling almost as if I had a flat tire (which I did ... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2021
Driving at 60 mph on I 95 near Boston; Car suddenly reported Motor control Error on the display and all power was lost; in the right lane of the highway was able to steer off the road onto the breakdown lane and come to a stop; just before the full stop the car shuddered jerkily. After shutting off the car and waiting briefly I was able to restart the car, the error had cleared and driving was a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2021
My car on two separate occasions lost power and took several seconds to recover while fighting it. It would suddenly state "Drive Attention Required" and seemed to hit the brakes hard and ignore my inputs. This occurred twice within a week roughly 3 weeks ago. This could have easily caused an accident as the car begins to slow quickly. The issue was not reproduced by the dealer and they claim it w... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2021
After a software “upgrade” the speed control features were stated to be “unavailable” however the car still was in cruise and accelerator was depressed without indicating that to me as the driver. Car accelerated unintentionally on highway and emergency action had to be taken to avoid accident.
Incident date: May 22, 2021
Car displayed the following message: "Electrical System Error" and simultaneously lost all drive train power and mobility. Would not restart.
Incident date: May 22, 2021
As per the recently announced investigation on 5/21/21 into the 12 volt battery issue that rendered the car unable to drive, I had the same issue arise today (5/22/21) where an electrical error made the car inoperable and unable to power on any systems. In order to get the car on flat bed tow truck, they had to charge back the 12 volt battery to get car into neutral.
Incident date: May 8, 2021
While driving in a particularly curved section of highway 1 the vehicle lost all power and control. I had to wrestle the vehicle to the side of the road and narrowly avoided a cliff face off into the ocean. My entire family was in the car and could have been killed. This was after Porsche was unable to fix safety systems like my active cruise control and lane keep assist which were bugging out a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2021
Front Passenger Seat occupancy sensor mat recall has not been remedy by my porsche dealership within a reasonable amount of time. I have made several attempts, calls, emails, and subsequently reached out to Porsche customer services and Porsche USA --- all advising someone will reach out and it will be rectified. Subsequently, all I received was a letter with regards to the recall April 30, 2... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2021
ON 4/18/2021 I WAS DRIVING MY 1991 PORSCHE C2 ON THE 10 FREEWAY IN MONTEREY PARK, CA WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD BANG SOUND FROM THE ENGINE. I GOT OFF THE FREEWAY AND STOPPED AND FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE COOLING FAN HAD COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF AND BROKE APART ALONG WITH THE FAN BELTS. LESS THAN 5 YEARS AGO THE SAME ENGINE COOLING FAN HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT BROKE APART. THIS FAN ALSO BRO... Read more