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: Dec 10, 2024
Short Answer: Winnebago has not conformed to its obligations with respect to NHTSA Safety Recall # 24V-541 (Winnebago # 186). Our 2025 EKKO 23B was within the scope of NHTSA Safety Recall # 24V-541 (Winnebago # 186). Winnebago did not offer to us a remedy -- other than to disable for an indeterminate length of time the solar charging system to which the recall applies -- within a reasonable tim... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
My Mazda CX-5 was found to have a cracked cylinder in the engine and was profusely leaking oil. When I spoke to the dealership they denied seeing this regularly, however, upon doing research on reddit, it is found to be more pronounced than indicated. There was no known cause indicated, however, on reddit it appears that the original casting done in Mexico maybe the culprit because it is so thi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
My trancontrol started to run hot,and the vehicle started to jerk when it in motion and My driver shaft went bad and the transfer case assembly went outthe jeep compass is broken down
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 contact had not experi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The cameras stopped working on my brand new Model Y Tesla. I filed a service request Dec 4th and it keeps getting pushed back (Currently Dec 26th with no ETA on part availability) because this part has a widespread issue on newer Model Ys. They are saying it is “Fried AP4 computer, remove and replace”. I just purchased it from Tesla in November. It only has around 1500 miles on it. I can’t u... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (Steering); 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. Parts distribution... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
For almost 8 months, the electrical system experiences complete malfuncation. First it was stabilitrac lighting up, the steering wheel would jerk out of my hands. To issue to mechanic where ground wire under passenger side was cleaned and re-installed. This seemed only a temporary fix. As of today, the 2014 Silverado 1500 LT is experiencing flickering dash lights, surging and dropping voltage (bat... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
The contact owned a 2014 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and then lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated while driving the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not dia... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Intermittent Power Steering Malfunction while driving causing car to violently "self-steer". Vehicle is NOT equipped with adaptive cruise control or lane assist features. Loss of control while driving become intermittently high risk having to clutch the steering wheel and counteract undesired vehicle self-steering forces to avoid hitting other cars on the road. No other vehicles or other prop... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
The contact's husband owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer on several occasions; however, the dealer was initially unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was info... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
I have recently starting to experience my vehicle having power steering issues. This has caused the power steering to go out as I'm drive which has almost caused me to be involved in multiple accidents. I did some research online and found out that this is an ongoing issue with my vehicles make and model. I am hoping that this being a KNOWN issue with this year and model of vehicle it gets put on ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The driver side head restraint mysteriously came apart. We discovered it one morning as we were getting into our car. We've read that there is an extended warranty applicable to the restraint. I've spoken with our local dealer who has begun the repair process (ordering parts, etc.). However, I am concerned that the passenger side one will break as well, perhaps while my husband or guest is sitt... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
OIL HOUSING HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES. SINCE 64K MILES, NOW AT 112K. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. THERE ARE SO MANY SIMILAR OCCURANCES. THIS IS A HUGE FIRE HAZZARD.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
OIL HOUSING HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES. SINCE 64K MILES, NOW AT 112K. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. THERE ARE SO MANY SIMILAR OCCURANCES. THIS IS A HUGE FIRE HAZZARD.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Back window exploded. On interstate 55 mile marker 265. No other vehicles were close. No debris on the road. This is happening to Nissan vehicles.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The dash lit up with all lights and it said SOS Power STEERING is out. I could not turn the wheel. The lights such as my miles was blinking, the seat belt was flashing along with dinging even though my seat belt was on. There has been recalls due to power steering issues but my car isn't on there. It put me and my son at risk for a terrible accident. I have taken it to a dealership. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard with “BRAKE Failure” message displayed. The contact engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the traction control ele... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Torque converter failure at 100,000 miles. Car hesitates when it accelerates creating delay when going from stop to start.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
My 2018 Volvo XC90 had repeated water leakage from the panoramic sunroof. In most cases, when the vehicle is parked flat or the front is at a slight angle, water leaks in and collects in the cargo area. It collects into a plastic compartment over the battery located on the right side of the cargo area and/or on top of the rear cargo mat. When the vehicle is moving and it is raining, water leaks... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
My 2018 Volvo XC90 had repeated water leakage from the panoramic sunroof. In most cases, when the vehicle is parked flat or the front is at a slight angle, water leaks in and collects in the cargo area. It collects into a plastic compartment over the battery located on the right side of the cargo area and/or on top of the rear cargo mat. When the vehicle is moving and it is raining, water leaks... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
Front passenger door and rear driver side door lock does not unlock from the outside when the truck is unlocked. Manually have to get inside the truck to unlock the doors. Eventually the front passenger door lock got stuck and the latch was not even working to keep the door closed.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
I started noticing the ghosting or tripling of light issue in my windshield. I mostly noticed this during night times, I initially thought I was just tired and my eyes were tired, but I’ve been able to photograph it and verify my experience with other people. This effect is horrible for my eyesight and makes all lights at night so blurry I cannot drive safely.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Radical shifting shuttring unknown what gear to select into
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Hit dig mark in road caused by a plow about a half inch to a 1 inch deep by 5 to 7 inches wide while driving 15 mph down the road into work on November 19,2024 around 1:03/1:10 pm next thing I know I am upside down in my car in a ditch about four to five feet wide by 3-4 feet deep
Crash
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Purchased this new vehicle from the dealer and while driving from the dealership to my business, I heard a loud bang and the vehicle caught fire.
Fire
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Have had the car for about 3 months. In that time frame the main display for the radio and vehicle monitoring will go out and become unreadable. This will cause the various sensors to go inop, these include but not always the front collision/brake sensor, the lane departure system, adaptive cruise control, etc. I have had the car in three times and the dealership will reset the system, say they do... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
Automatic high beam function puts high beam on with oncoming vehicles, but not when no oncoming traffic. Dealership cannot identify problem.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
There is a really bad glare on the front windshield during the day. It makes seeing out the windshield very hard to see cars and pedestrians.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
I have had an engine knocking noise at startup but now is continuous/constant. Diagnosed at my local Honda dealer as a connecting rod failure of my well maintained 2020 Honda Ridgeline. Recommended repair, short block replacement or engine replacement with a used engine. My 2020 Honda Ridgeline is not part of the safety recall for the connecting rod bearing recall and should be. I have read numer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
While driving, both screens went completely black. Without the screens I was not able to monitor speed, no access to headlights and no access to adjust one pedal driving mode. All audio stopped as well. At first I didn’t know if I lost power to the entire vehicle, which distracted me from driving. Once I got my bearings, quickly accessed that the vehicle did not lose power, I pulled over. No wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Bought my Tesla Model Y on [XXX]. Exactly one month later on [XXX] I start my car to find that none of the cameras are working. This means Autopilot, cruise control, rear camera, blind spot monitoring and many more safety features are completely down. In addition the GPS does not function meaning my car is not trackable and Maps don't work, another safety concern and main reason we bought the car.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
Bought my Tesla Model Y on [XXX]. Exactly one month later on [XXX] I start my car to find that none of the cameras are working. This means Autopilot, cruise control, rear camera, blind spot monitoring and many more safety features are completely down. In addition the GPS does not function meaning my car is not trackable and Maps don't work, another safety concern and main reason we bought the car.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
Bought my Tesla Model Y on [XXX]. Exactly one month later on [XXX] I start my car to find that none of the cameras are working. This means Autopilot, cruise control, rear camera, blind spot monitoring and many more safety features are completely down. In addition the GPS does not function meaning my car is not trackable and Maps don't work, another safety concern and main reason we bought the car.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Just recently I've noticed that when the engine is running and I'm stopped or parked the truck will "lurch". Almost as if I'm trying to hit the gas while parked or holding the brakes. Since this has started, I've also noticed that from 25mph to 60/65mph there is a violent vibration ONLY under acceleration (20-25% on the power meter) while the engine is running. Issue worsens depending on the mode ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Just recently I've noticed that when the engine is running and I'm stopped or parked the truck will "lurch". Almost as if I'm trying to hit the gas while parked or holding the brakes. Since this has started, I've also noticed that from 25mph to 60/65mph there is a violent vibration ONLY under acceleration (20-25% on the power meter) while the engine is running. Issue worsens depending on the mode ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Tesla has told me the AP4 computer has failed in my car which has resulted in them having to replace it. I had this issue start right around Thanksgiving. I scheduled the soonest appointment available at 12/24 however Tesla contacted me and moved my appointment because they stated that the part was unavailable at this time and should be delivered by 01/20/25. Not offering me a rental or anything o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Hello, I wanted to share an issue I recently encountered with my car. After coming back from a hike, my car stalled and took long to start. When it finally did start, the engine light came on, and I was unable to go over 20 miles per hour. I read the code, which indicated a problem with the fuel injectors. I ended up being stranded for about 5 hours in a blizzard until I could get help. I took t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Tesla has told me the AP4 computer has failed in my car which has resulted in them having to replace it. I had this issue start right around Thanksgiving. I scheduled the soonest appointment available for 01/03. Not offering me a rental or anything on my brand new '24 Tesla. It has just over 1,000 miles on it and is ~1 months old now. This issue impacts: emergency braking, blind spot detection, la... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Tesla has told me the AP4 computer has failed in my car which has resulted in them having to replace it. I had this issue start right around Thanksgiving. I scheduled the soonest appointment available for 01/03. Not offering me a rental or anything on my brand new '24 Tesla. It has just over 1,000 miles on it and is ~1 months old now. This issue impacts: emergency braking, blind spot detection, la... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
There is a steering malfunction, with my Tesla Model Y it completely locks up and the steering is disabled. The steering doesn’t move at all the following warning and codes appeared on the dashboard. DI a223 Traction control disabled Drive with caution DL a222 Stability control disabled Drive with caution GTW_w074 Steering assist reduced Steering may require increased effort Ul_a020 Steering ass... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
Many cars' headlights are blinding
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
The 2013 Kia Soul has been subject to recalls related to the gear shift, with some models potentially experiencing issues that could cause the vehicle to roll away due to a gear shift defect. Some 2013 Kia Souls may have a gear shift defect that could cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly. An engine that is hesitating to accelerate is most likely dealing with a fuel/air mixture that is too l... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
The transmission stops switching gears after going 70 mph on the highway no acceleration was possible Just stopped working. I had my kids with me I had a tractor trailer behind me and in front of me and beside me on a very busy highway going 70 mph and the transmission just stopped working no gas was it was just redlining when it was supposed to be accelerating no gears were reached I had to thro... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
The transmission stops switching gears after going 70 mph on the highway no acceleration was possible Just stopped working. I had my kids with me I had a tractor trailer behind me and in front of me and beside me on a very busy highway going 70 mph and the transmission just stopped working no gas was it was just redlining when it was supposed to be accelerating no gears were reached I had to thro... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
I purchased this car used in early 2024. Shortly after buying it, the brakes began squeaking while backing out of the garage in the morning. This is the only time day this occurs. It has been a constant complaint since. I took it to Suburban Cadillac in Troy, Michigan where I purchased the car. They said it is a characteristic of the car and GM is aware of it. Their only suggestion was to sp... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
Rear power tailgate module fried due to moisture intrusion. Trunk will not close. Lock stuck in closed position.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
I own a Toyota Highlander 2018 LE. I have been servicing it regularly at authorized Toyota delaership service centers. I have around 28000 miles on it. While trying to start the car this morning, the car wouldn't start, the brake feels hard and won't depress, and the dashboard displays the message" Braking Power Low STOP in a Safe Place See Owner's Manual"
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
I own a Toyota Highlander 2018 LE. I have been servicing it regularly at authorized Toyota delaership service centers. I have around 28000 miles on it. While trying to start the car this morning, the car wouldn't start, the brake feels hard and won't depress, and the dashboard displays the message" Braking Power Low STOP in a Safe Place See Owner's Manual"
Incident date: Dec 15, 2024
I own a Toyota Highlander 2018 LE. I have been servicing it regularly at authorized Toyota delaership service centers. I have around 28000 miles on it. While trying to start the car this morning, the car wouldn't start, the brake feels hard and won't depress, and the dashboard displays the message" Braking Power Low STOP in a Safe Place See Owner's Manual"
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The vehicle is a 2021 Ford Transit with a 2022 Winnebago Ekko RV. The incident occurred when I started the engine and noticed an unusual high pitch whine. When I opened the hood the Balmar unit was extremely hot with a strong burning smell. Since the Ekko models have had numerous reports of secondary alternator / Balmar malfunctions I knew enough to disable the alternator by unplugging the 4 pi... Read more