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 23,203 complaints for TESLA
Incident date: May 2, 2024
Vehicle started making intermittent whining noise around 75,000 miles but Toyota service advisor at the time told me it was normal and since my transmission had been serviced on schedule, it was nothing to worry about. Around 135,000 miles the vehicle sometimes would operate completely normal, and at other times would suddenly seem to struggle to get up to speed especially on the highway somewhere... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
Tesla is refusing to correct this recall on my vehicle for free
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
Ball Joint broke on front passenger side 2 times at 62 mph. 1st incident occurred [XXX] at 71,699 miles. 2nd incident occurred [XXX] at 135,543 miles. Second incident caused $6,500 body damage & $2500 in towing fees. I told GM the truck was unsafe to drive, which they failed to help. Any other vehicle in my path would have caused a major accident involving injury or death. The Ally warranty covers... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
Dangerous image quality of backup camera: The red arrow in the attached picture (taken at night and in light rain) points to the wheel of a vehicle. Looking only the camera's image, you would never know that it was there. Making matters worse, the display emits a very bright, white, low contrast image that blinds you. This prevents you from seeing anything in the side-view mirrors. While i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms part... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and made an abnormal rattling sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC codes: P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold), P0113 (Intake Air Temperature Sensor), P0101, and P0102 (Mass Air Fl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
While driving the car, the drivers side view mirror constantly shakes. The corporate mechanic advised he could not fix it. Nissan refusing to correct the issue. Almost involved in two accidents.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
on January 20, 2024 I serviced my F-150 due to a malfunction. The DTC code came back as P0A1E-00. This is for the Starter/Generator Control Module. The belt and starter were reaplaced. The code appeared again on 12/21/24 2 times, 12/25/24, 12/26/24 2 times. I brought this back to the dealer on 12/19/2024. 12/26/2024, 12/27/2024. Somehow there was a TSB which I cannot acces that information, ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 24E12 however, it failed to prevent a failure from occurring. One week after the recall remedy was completed the contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where it was d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
The horn button is dangerously placed. It is near impossible to activate in an emergency situation and has been worthless when I needed it. Nearly got hit a number of times that could have been avoided if horn was operable in the center button. THERE SHOULD BE A FREE RETROFIT
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Safety was at risk when the gears switched to neutral while I was driving in car with my children. A recall was completed when bought car was not aware of fuel pumps recall issue. Says completed repair but the car is still having issues and was sold to me without telling me about the recall. First appeared about a week ago. Making a ticking noise, losing power when accelerating.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
Safety was at risk when the gears switched to neutral while I was driving in car with my children. A recall was completed when bought car was not aware of fuel pumps recall issue. Says completed repair but the car is still having issues and was sold to me without telling me about the recall. First appeared about a week ago. Making a ticking noise, losing power when accelerating.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
98 thousand miles Vin [XXX] I am the owner The car is being worked on at the Red engine company in Olney Maryland. The engine is in the state of repair For 2 weeks. I bought the car at white Marsh Ford dealership 4 yrs ago. Had extended Warranty, which has expired. I called ford 3 weeks ago about a engine procedure, not recall on this vehicle and they said the replacement was only for engine... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
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Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
When I try to back the car out of parking lot, it shows "Camera temporary unavailable". The problem disappears sometime. It is a new car and this has happened a couple of times already.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
I was due for an inspection sticker and my vehicle did not pass due to it initially during and not having driven enough miles to reset the code. I had drove enough miles and was going to get it reinspected but the battery died again. I had jumped my vehicle and drove it to reset the code again however upon stop at a red light the car turned over and wouldn’t start up again. I had three of my ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
My wife and I stopped to get our mail at our community HOA mailboxes. I was driving. I stopped, set/engaged the brake hold button while my wife got the mail. She was about to get back in and suddenly the car lurched forward very rapidly and crashed into the neighborhood playground and the chain linked fence. I could not stop the acceleration and had to keep forcefully applying the brakes and the v... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
My vehicle had to have the EGR cooler replaced for the second time. The first time was when the vehicle was at almost 37,000 miles, the second time was at 129,575 miles. Just like during the previous occurrences, the check engine light came on and the message in my Fordpass app advised that there was a problem with the engine cooling system and I needed to proceed to my dealership. In this inst... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Cadillac SRX. The contact stated that the rubber tubing around the sunroof was allowing water to leak into the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was inspected but not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rubber tubing had shrunk and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
While pulling onto highway I heard a loud pop and scratching noise. Pulled off road and looked at vehicle from outside. When I looked on top I saw that the glass from sunroof had a hole and had shards like it had exploded from inside pressure.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Occasionally, while driving on normal roads, my steering wheel locks up completely when I am changing lanes or accelerating. This issue typically resolves only when I reduce my speed to around 20-30 mph. Details: - The problem occurs intermittently and without warning. - No warning lights or error messages appear on the dashboard when this happens. - I have already taken the vehicle to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Brakes squeaked since date pic purchased. We brought it up to the dealer’s attention at Longo Toyota in El Monte,CA during a service. They mentioned they know about it as serval tundra owners have complained about it but Toyota has no recall at the time.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
While driving down the road to work on the expressway both my screens blacked out couldn’t see my speed and then came back on it did this multiples times on my 30 minute drive to work one way and multiple times on my 30 minute drive home. It’s done this for the last week. It’s very scary to know you can’t see your speed or don’t know if your car is suddenly going to shut off going down a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The night before Christmas Eve, I was commuting home from the neighboring city, which is about a 25 minute drive home from where I was currently located. It was late in the evening and 2 of my children were in the car with me. I live in a rural area that is extremely dark in most of the areas. As I'm driving along both of my low beams go out without warning. This made for a very dangerous situatio... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The night before Christmas Eve, I was commuting home from the neighboring city, which is about a 25 minute drive home from where I was currently located. It was late in the evening and 2 of my children were in the car with me. I live in a rural area that is extremely dark in most of the areas. As I'm driving along both of my low beams go out without warning. This made for a very dangerous situatio... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
ABS system went down on my truck, brakes still work but no ABS system! Received no recall papers even though the truck is a 2017 Dodge Ram and 2017 trucks are under recalls.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
There is a voluntary recall from the company. Their solution is sending remedy kits that have no been crash tested and won't be shipped for 2-3 months. They are shutting their phones/emails off.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Ongoing for several months. Battery will have parasitic drain that is causing me to have to jump start the car frequently. There are no warning lamps or light. I have not gone to dealer as I read on the internet it is a DCM module that costs several hundreds to fix. Apparently this is a widespread issue and this should be covered by Subaru because of defective equipment. Thank you.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
The manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner
Incident date: Dec 29, 2024
I PURCHASED THE TRUCK NEW, AND IT HAS NEVER EXPERIENCED THE DEATH WOBBLE UNTIL DEC.25, 2024. THE TRUCK NOW HAS ONLY 45K MILES ON IT. I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND HIT A ROUGH PATCH IN THE ROAD AT 70 MPH, AND THE TRUCK BEGAN TO VIBREATE AND SHAKING, MY SON WAS IN THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE THE CAB WAS GOING TO FALL OFF IT WAS SHAKING SO BAD. i HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO TWO R... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2024
Common issue with these trucks shudders while driving on highway Current lawsuit for same problem
Incident date: Dec 29, 2024
Driver side mirror cracked vertically. Honda says it is "weather related" because I told them it happened while I was driving in snow. It is not covered under warranty. This is a safety issue!
Incident date: Dec 29, 2024
I was driving and my display screen started flickering then went black and now I can’t see any messages, speedometer or fuel level. I have not had it inspected by the dealership yet.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
Issues with the passenger side seatbelt not pulling to lock. It's jammed off and on. Doesn't work.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
The WUM-98 recall fix did not address the problem with the front passenger occupancy detection system. We, and many other Subaru Forester owners are continuing to experience problems post recall repair with the SRS Airbag light on, indicating error code B1760 "Occupant Detection Sensor Mat" failure. Subaru is not covering the cost of addressing this problem, and the entire seat frame and bottom ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2024
whilst driving, the ABS/traction control warning lights will randomly come on, then go off, and come on again. Sometimes they stay off, other times it is constant dingining as the lights appear and disappear, then re appear. when they are on the traction Control, and ABS do not work. I feel the truck is unsafe in incliment weather, or panic sitiuations that require emergency braking, or slick cond... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
Vehicle has been displaying "Emergency services unavailable" along with lights for steering and braking systems, Intermittently since new. The dealer stated no problem found.. Now that the vehicle is out of warranty they tell me it needs a new computer module. I believe they said Telematics control unit.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
Vehicle has been displaying "Emergency services unavailable" along with lights for steering and braking systems, Intermittently since new. The dealer stated no problem found.. Now that the vehicle is out of warranty they tell me it needs a new computer module. I believe they said Telematics control unit.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
In the dash bord power steering not aveleble warning also stop start not responding then servic charging....... not safe to drive this car at all. I had to go the dealership more than four times a year recently spending a lots of time and money. Again engen lights come up.
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
After a software update pushed by Tesla, the AP4 computer in my 2024 Tesla Model Y shorted out, causing a complete failure of all systems controlled by this computer. None of cameras on my vehicle are now viewable. Due to the design of the vehicle, reversing without having a backup camera functional is a hazardous event. Also, the following safety-critical and driver-assist features have become no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I would like to add my experience to others that are currently being investigated under NHTSA investigation PE24007. I have the same experience with my Versa - after the vehicle stalls, it is significantly under-powered and even with the throttle completely open in third gear, will not accelerate ov... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
The low beam headlights are not bright enough for safe driving in normal weather. They register as not on. In rain and wet pavement - they are highly dangerous and it’s very difficult to see lane markings or for any distance in front of the car. At higher speeds on the highway - it’s even more concerning. I’ve had them checked when I bought the car for alignment and replaced the bulbs with... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
Three fuel injectors out of four have failed in a year’s time frame. Car shakes, stalls, hesitates, and is dangerous to drive. Waiting for fourth injector to fail.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
ABS module failure. Been waiting almost a year now for one, but apparently it’s not a priority to Chrysler and their engineers. It’s going to cause an accident one day and when it does, Chrysler is going to be writing a fat check to your truly.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
Vehicle had PTU and Transmission replaced in May 2020 for both components failing. Was repaired at dealership under warranty. On [XXX] the car front wheels locked up and would not move. Luckily, this failure occurred during a lower speed turn. At highway speed this incident would have certainly caused an accident with catastrophic results. The car was towed to the dealership and the PTU and Transm... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
The dealership and manufacturer will not provide mco on the vehicle they sold me as new. I think they’re title cloning or washing and committing odometer fraud. They don’t submit to the dmv actual details of make model
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
Upon inspection of the frame based on other complaints of frame cracking, I found approximate 2" cracks in the steel I beam frame rail above the leaf spring hangers. I read that this is indicative of frame flex and compromised or wrong steel thickness of the I beam. Im currently working with the manufacture to resolve this, but I'm concerned of the quality of the entire frame rails and the safet... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2024
Every week the vehicle is saying add 1 quart of oil to continue driving