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
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dec 18, 2024
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
Once you start driving in the rain the horn start loosing volume intensity until it basically it becomes so quiet no one can hear it. This is a safety issue and i've read on line of many peoplehavi g the same issue on their Teslas. A recall shoukd be imposed on Tesla immediately.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
Driving short distance home when the bottom of Mercedes GLC 300 caught fire without warning or notification. I was unaware when a good Samaritan screamed out your car is on fire. Pulled over and she helped me out. Seconds later the car exploded into flames and the car was demolished.
Fire
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
Hi! A couple weeks ago i noticed the horn in my 2024 Hyundai Venue Limited was not working. My husband made an appointment to take it in to the dealership for the soonest available date which was about a couple weeks from that day. About a week later, the dashboard screen where you see the speedometer, odometer, etc. went completely black. You couldn’t see how fast you were going, how much gas i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
Vehicle Information: •Make: Tesla •Model: Model Y •Year: 2024 Description of the Problem: 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. The following safety-critical and driver-assist features have become non-functional: 1.Cruise Control (adaptive or otherwise) 2.Forward ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
Vehicle Information: •Make: Tesla •Model: Model Y •Year: 2024 Description of the Problem: 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. The following safety-critical and driver-assist features have become non-functional: 1.Cruise Control (adaptive or otherwise) 2.Forward ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
Vehicle Information: •Make: Tesla •Model: Model Y •Year: 2024 Description of the Problem: 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. The following safety-critical and driver-assist features have become non-functional: 1.Cruise Control (adaptive or otherwise) 2.Forward ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
My Tesla Model Y experienced a complete computer failure, rendering all active safety systems inoperable. This included backup cameras, speedometer display brightness, and collision avoidance system. After receiving assistance from Tesla service, the issue was diagnosed as a shorted computer. A computer replacement was performed, resolving the problem. I am submitting this case as a reference fo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
My Tesla Model Y experienced a complete computer failure, rendering all active safety systems inoperable. This included backup cameras, speedometer display brightness, and collision avoidance system. After receiving assistance from Tesla service, the issue was diagnosed as a shorted computer. A computer replacement was performed, resolving the problem. I am submitting this case as a reference fo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
The rear window seal is severely breaking apart, severely cracked and others are melting. This may affect condensation inside the vehicle and potentially be a safety hazard. Several reports on this problem can be seen at porsche forums. I believe this is a manufacturing defect and is a potential safety hazard on many porsche vehicles.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
So the sport mode on cx3 have not bracket under the sport mode and if try to activeit the sport mode whole switch goes down you cant active with grabbing it will fall out of socket
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Purchased this vehicle from a used car dealership 2 months ago. Now the transmission seems to be going out with 132,000 miles on it and funny noise from the transfer case. I have researched and found numerous complaints about the drive train on this vehicle and as a disabled veteran I don't have the funds to have it fixed. How can I get a recall in place for this issue?
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
Purchased this vehicle from a used car dealership 2 months ago. Now the transmission seems to be going out with 132,000 miles on it and funny noise from the transfer case. I have researched and found numerous complaints about the drive train on this vehicle and as a disabled veteran I don't have the funds to have it fixed. How can I get a recall in place for this issue?
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
VIN: [XXX] I own a 2021 Jeep Wrangler that has 35K miles on it, very well taken care of and never off road. When i hit a bump my jeep shakes really bad to where it feels as if will make me crash due to it becoming out of control. I'm reading online this is a common problem with this jeep as described as (Death Wobble) A certified mechanic looked at my jeep and found that I have loose tie rod ends... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Sudden onset of extensive shuddering/shaking when shifting gears.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Tesla shared I have an AP-4 computer short that disables all cameras (rear back up camera, blind spot camera, lane deviation detection, emergency assisted forward braking), navigation, and auto lighting features are disabled. Other non-essential features do not work as well.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound inside the vehicle on the passenger’s side when the brake pedal was depressed. The undated needed check booklet message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Accord. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound inside the vehicle on the passenger’s side when the brake pedal was depressed. The undated needed check booklet message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
HEV battery constantly states that the car needs turned off. Hyundai had to replace my engine as it just died and blew a hole in a pipe
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking lot; after driving approximately 35 MPH, an on-looker informed the contact that the daytime running lights were not operating as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the daytime running lights neede... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Defective Arnott Front Air Strut To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a significant safety concern regarding a defective Arnott FL front air strut purchased via RockAuto for my 2016 Audi S6 (VIN: [XXX] ). The air strut failed within five days of professional installation. This failure compromised the safety and functionality of my vehicle's... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
When I am stopped at a light or in traffic and the start/stop technology triggers the car to shut off while waiting, when I take my foot off the brake the engine does not turn back up. My other electrics are still on. A messaged pops up and says auto/startstop shift to P, then restart engine. This has happened multiple times. I have taken it to the dealer 3 times now. They say no error codes come ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated upon attempting to start the vehicle remotely, the lights illuminated; however, the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that upon pressing the Push to Start button, the message "Service Braking System" and other braking system messages, and message that the "Top Speed 43 MPH" were displayed. The check engine warning light was i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated upon attempting to start the vehicle remotely, the lights illuminated; however, the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that upon pressing the Push to Start button, the message "Service Braking System" and other braking system messages, and message that the "Top Speed 43 MPH" were displayed. The check engine warning light was i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
On Saturday, [XXX] my husband was in his 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 slowly pulling into our gate to access our carport. I was holding the gate open for him. Suddenly, the truck took off like a rocket. It crashed through the back wall of the carport, across our backyard, into our large shed, through the shed, exited the shed and went over our chain link fence, the neighbor’s chain link fence and came to... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
I want to report a defect with the hood of this vehicle. I was driving on the interstate and my hood lifted up and became detached from the vehicle, it literally flew off of the car. I didn't see where it went but fortunate neither myself nor other drivers were affected. I managed to pull over you a safety zone and have the vehicle towed. I thought that this was unique to this vehicle, but I saw o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
I want to report a defect with the hood of this vehicle. I was driving on the interstate and my hood lifted up and became detached from the vehicle, it literally flew off of the car. I didn't see where it went but fortunate neither myself nor other drivers were affected. I managed to pull over you a safety zone and have the vehicle towed. I thought that this was unique to this vehicle, but I saw o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant level warning light illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of coolant. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The SRX models have been documented as having a defect with the headlights. Cadillac failed to notify all owners about a reimbursement program for a brief time in 2020. I own a low miles, garage housed SRX that is a danger to drive at night. I do not mind fixing my vehicles when there is a problem. However when this is a well-known highly documented issue, this is where I feel Cadillac should ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
Was driving in traffic and when the cars were coming to a stop I was putting my foot on the break to prepare for a stop but it kept creeping forward and I’m pushing down the breaks as hard as I could but nothing. It ended up hitting the big rig in front of me. The mode of my breaks is on hold it’s always been on hold I even tried to push the parking button but it would not budge, continued for... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the backup camera image was displayed on the wrong side of the screen creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the camera unit was faulty and needed to be replaced. The backup camera was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The local dealer and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
All of the cameras on the vehicle are no longer working after the latest update. This means all sensors (even as simple as windshield wipers) do not work. All driver safety assistance does not work.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after having a routine oil change and tire maintenance, the vehicle began making an abnormal clunking sound. The vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message that the automatic brake was disabled was displayed. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact called an inde... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after having a routine oil change and tire maintenance, the vehicle began making an abnormal clunking sound. The vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message that the automatic brake was disabled was displayed. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact called an inde... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
when driving on a highway the rear upper suspension control arm broke, left side causing the tire to wobble. The car was undrivable. A tow truck was called. The repair shop had to replace both the right and left control arms. They told me that this is a common problem with nissan altima 2014. Why has not nissan had a recall on this issue?
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
What Happened: The issue involves a recall on the engine coolant system of my BMW. The car is currently unsafe to drive, and BMW has not provided a timetable for fixing the problem or offering a solution. The last time I drove the car, I experienced a dangerous malfunction. While driving slowly to the end of my street, I pressed the gas pedal, but the engine did not respond at all. The car essenti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle shook erratically. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed clutch assembly. The contact was informed that the clutch assembly needed to be replac... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Since the weather got colder, the driver's instrument cluster does not display immediately when the vehicle is powered on. When cold, the cluster takes from a few seconds to several minutes to come on. While it is off, there is no access to any warning lights or messages.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
One day the cameras, gps, and sensors just stopped working and haven’t worked since. Been 4 weeks.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
When cold, the vehicle will shift hard and/or delay shifting both causing the vehicle to jerk or lunge forward. This happens between 3 & 4 gear. One dealer was not able to recreate the issue and another was able to. No repairs were made as Stellantis stated because there are no service lights on they are no mechanical issues. The problem continues to get worse. This appears to be a common pro... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The cylinder head on my 2018 Mazda CX-5 developed cracks on the exhaust side, leading to significant oil leakage onto the exhaust manifold. This has caused engine damage and safety concerns. The vehicle is currently at a Mazda dealership, where the issue has been inspected and documented. The component is available for further inspection upon request. The oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold cre... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The cylinder head on my 2018 Mazda CX-5 developed cracks on the exhaust side, leading to significant oil leakage onto the exhaust manifold. This has caused engine damage and safety concerns. The vehicle is currently at a Mazda dealership, where the issue has been inspected and documented. The component is available for further inspection upon request. The oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold cre... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to start the vehicle however, the message "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Involuntary acceleration. Twice now at very low speeds between 1-5 mph the engine revs up and the car lurches forward for a second or two. Was pulling into house garage and was about to push acceleration pedal when the engine revved on its own and jolted the car forward. I slammed on the brakes real quickly when it happened and slid to a stop almost a foot away from crashing into house wall. I don... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Involuntary acceleration. Twice now at very low speeds between 1-5 mph the engine revs up and the car lurches forward for a second or two. Was pulling into house garage and was about to push acceleration pedal when the engine revved on its own and jolted the car forward. I slammed on the brakes real quickly when it happened and slid to a stop almost a foot away from crashing into house wall. I don... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
I have a 2019 Jeep Wrangler, which is part of a recall for what is known as the 'Death Wobble', meaning that when driving over the smallest bump at highway speeds (~60mph), the vehicle begins to shake uncontrollably. This is a known recall and we had it fixed through the recall. After the fix at the dealer, the same death wobble problem persists again. The dealer/manufacturer is not solving the ... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 17, 2024
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
Brake booster failed. This is an known problem with year and model. Ford says recall doesn't apply to vin.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 17, 2024
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
The Charging system malfunctioned twice. The car is available for inspection upon request. I am not sure if it may put me at risk but it does give the directive to stop the car. I have taken the car to Hyundai the first day it malfunctioned and explained the charging system malfunction. Hyundai only completed any known recalls. My car has never had any warning lights to come on until the charging ... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Dec 17, 2024
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the compliance recall Campaign Number: 3M02 was completed. The contact stated that while attempting to remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle was in drive(D), the key came out smoothly. Additionally, the contact stated upon starting the vehicle and entering the key in the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the compliance recall Campaign Number: 3M02 was completed. The contact stated that while attempting to remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle was in drive(D), the key came out smoothly. Additionally, the contact stated upon starting the vehicle and entering the key in the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The standard OEM key fobs for Honda Civics, for several model years, and possibly for other Honda models, have a "feature" that seriously affects driver and passenger safety, and that cannot be disabled. If two buttons are depressed simultaneously on the key fob for a period of time, all of the windows go down and the doors unlock. I have encountered dozens and dozens, perhaps hundreds, of owner c... Read more