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 519 complaints for RIVIAN
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
On 9/24/23, I was driving both locally & the highway in S. I., NY. Suddenly the Adaptive Cruise Control feature shut off & on repeatedly & kept flashing (Adaptive Cruise Control unavailable) almost causing an accident, then I pulled over and shut off the system. The next day on (9/25/23) I brought the car to GMC & Buick Dealership at 1855 Hylan Blvd, S.I. N.Y. 10306. After a couple of hours, the m... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
My SRS System's light came on. When I went to the dealership to have it checked, they stated it was an Airbag Seat Sensor that was bad in the passenger side seat. I talked to the warranty people and they stated it was not covered under the warranty and it would cost me over $2000 to repair. I reached out to Honda and I have received nothing back from them. I don't have that kind of money. I purcha... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked with the speed sensor and service engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter was only operable in 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
Loss of steering power while driving on the highway. Came out of nowhere
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
Today I parked my car front of my house after couple ours I heard the voice and when I come close to my car I see the airbag is deployed I want you know the car doesn’t have any impact any accident when the airbag is deployed the car was off
Incident date: Sep 6, 2022
I received a letter from FCA concerning recall 97A NHTSA recall 23V-654 and the directions for the recall suggest that I can do an OTA update or as the video linked in the recall suggest a download from [XXX] to correct this issue. I cannot get either resource to work to correct this issue described in the recall. This website and OTA updates for issues is a known problem with FCA products and ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
When I drive a Tesla Model Y under Self-Driving mode at night inside YellowStone NP, there is another car on the opposite side with a high beam turned on, and just near that car there is a bison on the road, the Self-Driving computer fails to detect the bison in the beginning, and too late to do emergency break, the car hit the bison after passing that car. The bison died but driver is safe, the f... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I was driving and all of the sudden engine overheated and car could not drive over 10MPH during an extremely bad storm at night on the highway putting me in extreme danger if someone were to have been behind me. There were no engine lights on or warning signs of this happening and just happened out of nowhere car was driving fine before it happened. Issue happened on September 26th, 2023. This is ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I was driving and all of the sudden engine overheated and car could not drive over 10MPH during an extremely bad storm at night on the highway putting me in extreme danger if someone were to have been behind me. There were no engine lights on or warning signs of this happening and just happened out of nowhere car was driving fine before it happened. Issue happened on September 26th, 2023. This is ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Brakes became soft and pedal then went down to the floor while driving. I was able to pump the brakes back up and I took it to the Ford dealer and they could not find an issue they said the brakes were fine.
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System/Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the check engine light had appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic showed the warning light ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
I was traveling on VA 286N/Fairfax County Pkwy, prepared to take a left turn to Franklin Farm Road at 7:54am on October 5, 2023. 1. Left arrow were green for a while 2. When it turned to orange and red, the car infront of me slowed down and stopped 3. This is when I had the false and faulty forward collision warning 4. I stopped without any problem
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The hybrid system failure. Chrck engine light is flashing. Abs system failure. Battery failure. Car can't go over 45mph, lost a job because of the issues. I'm afraid the car is going to blow up or catch fire. I'm afraid to drive it. The acceleration is barely there. It's like the car doesn't even wanna go. It sucks through gas like no other.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The hybrid system failure. Chrck engine light is flashing. Abs system failure. Battery failure. Car can't go over 45mph, lost a job because of the issues. I'm afraid the car is going to blow up or catch fire. I'm afraid to drive it. The acceleration is barely there. It's like the car doesn't even wanna go. It sucks through gas like no other.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
Today is 41 days with noises coming out of my car to 41 days to shift to park message again today my car wanted to turn off at the stop luckily I made it home to parking and again shift to park message came on GM supervisor never called me to NHTSA never helps so who do I run to for help I don't want to be injured or killed in this car on August 18,2023 while driving lost power to no gas no brakes... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V142000 (Visibility), 23V163000 (Visibility), and 23V509000 (Parking Brake) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
Transmission goes into limp mode Please note this is an N line and shift points are low taking off from a light vehicle goes into limp mode in first 150' cars to the rear almost ran into the back of the vehicle. Car is 2 days old and I have an appointment tomorrow to have it looked at. This sounds like similar problem that caused a recall last year on the 2022. This is a dual clutch auto.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the engine had misfired and that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired shortly after that the misfire reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic who then r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
While driving home on the evening of June 27, 2023, a distance of about 15 miles, the low coolant light suddenly came on, and as we tried pulling over on the next freeway exit, the engine appeared to seize and cut out. It was difficult to brake and steer the car and we were nervous to get in an accident. We came to a rest off the freeway and then officers helped us push our car into a nearby Aut... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
When I was driving all a sudden it started having a weird chugging feeling. I was going 40 MPH. Then when I got to a stop sign, my vehicle completely shut off. I have to hit the button to turn back on as it was not the Auto Start and stop feature. I made it home and as I pulled into my driveway it shut off again. When I start it, just it warming up it shuts off. When I come to a stop sign or traf... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
When I was driving all a sudden it started having a weird chugging feeling. I was going 40 MPH. Then when I got to a stop sign, my vehicle completely shut off. I have to hit the button to turn back on as it was not the Auto Start and stop feature. I made it home and as I pulled into my driveway it shut off again. When I start it, just it warming up it shuts off. When I come to a stop sign or traf... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Emergency brake will not disengage and is effecting braking and driving. It has been inspected but 2 different mechanics who have been unable to resolve issue. This has ruined my brakes and has made the vehicle difficult to drive.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
In March 2023 car stopped in the middle of an intersection with no warning. “Hybrid system warning” on dashboard lit up as well as all other lights. Dealer said repair was under warranty because of faulty spark plugs which were a safety recall. Prior to this all safety recalls were taken to dealer yet the problem still occurred. On July 2, 2023, the car stopped on the freeway. All lights lit... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
To address the General Guidelines questions, the responses are identified below: 1. Charging System problem appeared on dashboard. Took the vehicle for inspection 9/18/23. 2. Possible vehicle crash/death if stopped suddenly, highly possible 3. Yes, see uploaded 2nd file 4. No, the vehicle has not been inspected per entities noted above. 5. There appears to be hesitation in the vehicle operation.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
COMPONENT: FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP FRAME "T-SLOT" BRACKET CORRODED TO THE POINT WHERE METAL WON'T HOLD THE LOAD OF THE FUEL TANK AND FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP IS DETACHED CAUSING THE FUEL TANK TO DROP. SAFETY CONCERNS: IF THE FUEL TANK WERE TO DROP AND CONTACT THE GROUND, THE FUEL TANK MAY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING ENGINE STALL, AND IN THE EVENT OF CRASH, THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT REMAIN SECURED TO... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
I was driving down the road going Bout 29 miles per hour when I heard a big boom. It sounded ND felt like I had hit something . So I slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road put the car in park looked underneath nothing was there . I then preceeded to my at. Which thank God was only another block away .I started going only going maybe 5 miles per hour at this point because it sounds lik... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
I was driving down the road going Bout 29 miles per hour when I heard a big boom. It sounded ND felt like I had hit something . So I slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road put the car in park looked underneath nothing was there . I then preceeded to my at. Which thank God was only another block away .I started going only going maybe 5 miles per hour at this point because it sounds lik... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
The Water pump failed causing my car to almost stall out and overheating losing power and almost causing me to get hit
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The low engine oil warning light keeps coming on, and there’s appears to be no visible leak. I add about a quart each time this happens and it does fine for a while. The last time I took it to the dealership, I told them about it. They just said they didn’t see a leak and not to worry about it. Ultimately the issue is how will this impact the longevity of my engine?
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
Transmission becomes unresponsive and unreliable in high temps and locks into whatever gear it was in IE if left in the sun in park the shifter won’t budge until enough time for it to cool down has passed
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
Vehicle has been experiencing electrical failure that dealers have been ,so far, unable to diagnose..when the electrical failure occurs we experience a loss of steering.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
In Jan/Feb 2023, my 16 year old was driving her 2013 ford focus which we have had problems after problems… this particular time she was at a red light and it would not go! She quickly put in park and switched back to drive and it went… a day or 2 passed and it did it again and started shifting gears weird and jerking at certain speeds! Took it to the mechanic he basically said he wouldn’t to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
This vehicle is just two years old and has 38,000 miles. Meticulously maintained from day one. It is equipped with the start/stop feature. On July 8, 2023 when stopping for traffic at a U-turn lane on a heavy traveled highway the engine shut off and the entire vehicle went dead, leaving the car unable to re-start or move. Since there is no fail safe means of taking the vehicle out of gear (automat... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2023
Phantom braking at highway speed. Maybe a shadow or line on the road confuses the system and slams on brakes. Is more common if the cruise is engaged. Happens every day. My commute is about 30 miles happens once or twice every drive. Increases risk of being rear ended. The car is not FSD enabled.
Incident date: May 27, 2023
Phantom braking at highway speed. Maybe a shadow or line on the road confuses the system and slams on brakes. Is more common if the cruise is engaged. Happens every day. My commute is about 30 miles happens once or twice every drive. Increases risk of being rear ended. The car is not FSD enabled.
Incident date: Apr 23, 2023
Tire size P 245/75 R 16 Was transporting church members (8) to church function on enter state when the tire blew out for no apparent reason. No more than 1000 miles ware on tires. The blow out caused damage to rear radiator causing overheating and damaging engine
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
Was driving in middle lane eastbound I-84 with cruise control set at 65 mph. Upon a lane bump from paving construction, the truck began a violent shaking, which is consistent with a problem know as "death wobble". slowed down immediately and stopped at side of interstate. Inspected tires, and there was no flat tire. No outward signs of tire damage . Drove at 20-25 mph to next exit. Was able to dri... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
The cruise control on this 2023 Kona has not worked since the day I purchased it. When the cruise control is engaged it will suddenly decelerate, but the cruise still appears engaged. It sometimes then suddenly reaccelerates. This causes traffic to suddenly back up behind me, and also to be in danger in front of me when it reaccelerates rapidly. I informed the dealer immediately of the issue. They... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
The cruise control on this 2023 Kona has not worked since the day I purchased it. When the cruise control is engaged it will suddenly decelerate, but the cruise still appears engaged. It sometimes then suddenly reaccelerates. This causes traffic to suddenly back up behind me, and also to be in danger in front of me when it reaccelerates rapidly. I informed the dealer immediately of the issue. They... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2023
Actuator for driver side sliding door lock making loud noise when operating which will lead to failure
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Vehicle jerking while driving and breaking
Incident date: Jun 14, 2022
We purchased this used vehicle, a Ford Edge Titanium with an Ecoboost 2.0 engine on January 19, 2023 from the Kia Store in Clarksburg, Indiana. During the first 30 days while still under dealership warranty the Check Engine Light (CEL) lit up. A scan at a local repair shop on January 31, 2023 indicated a misfire on Cylinder 3. (p0303) When the CEL lit up again tech at the Kia dealership examined... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Sienna. The contact stated that the sliding doors inadvertently opened while parked with the doors locked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage... Read more
Incident date: Mar 2, 2023
ABS light and Tracking control lights flicker on and off constantly. No warnings just came on one day. I have 38,000 miles on my truck not very many for warning lights to come on. I cannot use cruise control as well as about half of my controls. Including tracking control which is now permanently off and is a major hazard! Took it to the dealership in Concord, CA and was told the control module is... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2022
My car has 65,000.00. I keep the oil and filter maintained every 7,500 miles. I was driving the other day and went to exhilarate and my car starting shacking and made a loud bang, smoke came out everywhere. I was able to make it to the side of the road before it died. No check engine light, no oil heat indicator came on. I looked under the hood and there was oil everywhere. I have now been t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
Porsche and VW has a drainage issues with certain model vehicles. The drainage plug is set in the trunk near the battery, main system cpu and amplifier. Water gets drain into the lower compartment of the trunk and causes electrical issues with the vehicle. It's been a design flaw from porsche since before the Cayenne was created. To repair the damage it cost upwards of $3,000 per damage battery, e... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2023
2018 Kia Sorrento died suddenly on the highway. We heard a loud rattling noise, then a pop followed by the engine stopping with some smoke coming out under the hood.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2023
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11504269*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Genesis G70. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the Adaptive Cruise Control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking without another vehicle being nearby. The contact stated that the system would be activated by a shadow within the detection zone of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of t... Read more