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: Nov 30, 2024
Vehicle burns out low beam headlights at a rapid rate. I’ve been the only owner of this car, and have replace the headlights 8 times in 168k miles. I do not drive abundantly at night, primarily during the day. In the span of the past two weeks I have replaced the headlights twice. I have come to a point that I keep spare headlights in the glove box for when they will go out again. Researching th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
I've contacted my local GMC dealer over a year ago around the exact time I received the letter about the airbags and the problem still hasn't been fixed because I was told that they don't have the parts.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
The heater temperature is not consistent and keeps fluctuating. When I set the temperature to 80°F, it initially blows hot air, but after about 10 seconds, it starts blowing colder air. To get consistently hot air, I have to set the temperature to the maximum.
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
Car has broken down, not started, battery dead when fully charged MULTIPLE TIMES. It has been in the Kia service department since March 2024 (9 months) and they can’t figure out where the parasitic drain is from. This is the third time this year getting towed to the Kia dealership with no resolution. No warning lights / labels prior to failure. Danger by leaving me stranded 3+ times this yea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
Car has broken down, not started, battery dead when fully charged MULTIPLE TIMES. It has been in the Kia service department since March 2024 (9 months) and they can’t figure out where the parasitic drain is from. This is the third time this year getting towed to the Kia dealership with no resolution. No warning lights / labels prior to failure. Danger by leaving me stranded 3+ times this yea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
Around 9/25/23, KIA service technicians confirmed that my vehicle had an engine fire rendering it inoperable. The incident appears consistent with NHTSA Recall Number 23V652: several engine compartment components melted due to the fire.¶For approximately 16 months, I persistently sought a resolution with KIA. Despite my efforts, KIA refused any corrective action & instead presented me with a $66,... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
The seller of this vehicle rolled back the odometer to 135,000 when the carfax reports in April of 2024 the car was at 200,000 miles
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
While driving the vehicles safety features automatically turn off and the screens in the car go blank and then come back on after a few minutes. When we contacted the dealer and the manufacturer we were told there was no fix and to just pull over and restart the car. The dealer told us to treat it like a cell phone that isn’t working and just turn it off and turn it back on.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
Frequently when driving my 2020 Ford Expedition max the transmission slips out of gear causing it to go into neutral and put me in a position when i am unable to accelerate my vehicle. This happens mostly on the freeway when we are driving 65 MPH and greatly endangers the safety of my family. Reading several on-line forums indicates this is a common problem and should be fixed via a recall. Also... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
I pulled out onto Southside Blvd. My brakes failed, my driver’s front of the car hit a Waste Management garbage truck right back tire and cut the sidewall of the tire. The engine was racing, the truck pulled off the road, and I had sudden unintended acceleration. I immediately turned into a strip center and my car was racing through the strip center, the brakes were not working, the car controls... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
While driving I experienced the wheel becoming more stiff unexpectedly while turning even slightly it would randomly get harder to turn. A power steering warning came on saying to be careful and right after the car started shaking really bad. Stop the car checked tires tie rods sway bar other steering components and nothing seemed abnormal. Was able to drive the rest of the way home but still had ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
I think the manifold on GMC Terrain need to be on a recall because mine already cracked.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
I think the manifold on GMC Terrain need to be on a recall because mine already cracked.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle intermittently shuddered and stalled, and the vehicle failed to return to normal operation. The contact waited several minutes for the vehicle to return to normal operation. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
On December 8, 2024, I was driving my car and put it in reverse to back into a parking space, when the car jerked to a stop and shut down. The vehicle went into some kind of auxiliary mode and would not shut down all the way or start. I was stuck in the middle of the roadway for approximately 20-25 minutes and nothing would work to get it to start. After that 20-25 minute time period, the engin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle experienced rough starts and failed to properly accelerate. The contact self-diagnosed a cylinder misfire in the engine and replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken to the local mech... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
My sunroof exploded while driving this morning shattering all over me and almost causing a life threatening crash.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
This vehicle has alignment issues causing vibration at higher speeds and excessive tire wear. After multiple alignments and tire balances, nothing has resolved the issues. Dealers are not doing anything about issues. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Our 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer has wheel alignment issues. We are going to our thi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
This vehicle has alignment issues causing vibration at higher speeds and excessive tire wear. After multiple alignments and tire balances, nothing has resolved the issues. Dealers are not doing anything about issues. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Our 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer has wheel alignment issues. We are going to our thi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
Just driving normal condition and speed all of a sudden my car jam or brake on it’s own, causing a quick sudden jerk and almost getting hit from the back. All of my front sensors and back sensors was shut off at this time.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
Just driving normal condition and speed all of a sudden my car jam or brake on it’s own, causing a quick sudden jerk and almost getting hit from the back. All of my front sensors and back sensors was shut off at this time.
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V686000 (Exterior Lighting); 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 e... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
it failed to shift out of low gear while merging onto the highway and the engine revved up to 6000 rpm as a result. I read that this is happening to other owners and the dealerships are unable to locate the problem. This is the first time that this happened to me, but from what I've read it will happen again. I'm afraid that the engine or transmission might blow up injuring me or or another vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. While the contact’s wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
The power steering quit the steering was very different to use and make turns. There is a steering wheel icon in red and message that says to service power steering. I took into dealer after a day they got the code to reset I drove home and the code came back on and I lost power steering again and the steering icon is back on. The dealer says you will have to replace the power steering module whic... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
On interstate, the vehicle felt like it had a "float" feel and occasional shimmy while driving. Upon parking in town, stranger identified vehicle's driver-side rear wheel was not straight. Observation showed ground-contacting point of tire was angled outward from car. Diagnosis by both Nissan dealership and subsequent independent mechanic was extreme rust of undercarriage causing upper control ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
Coolant pipe burst or started a sudden leak and lost all the coolant while driving. I had to have the vehicle towed and repaired which costed me $2750. Porsche is aware of the problem but does not have a solution, until someone is killed when the vehicle stalls while driving.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2024
Recall data refreshed on Dec 11,2024 1 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN Jan 19,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 After almost a year, Ford has not made a fix available for this recall
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating and hesitating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission fluid needed to be flushed and refilled. The torque converter was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The fai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Vehicle LOST PROPULSION while driving on the road. The motor (traction inverter) abruptly started to vibrate very aggressively, then the error warning "ENGINE CONTROL ERROR" flashed on the cluster display. The car immediately stopped responding to the gas/drive pedal and quickly coasted to a stop. After a full power-off then back on, the car woke back up like normal - as if nothing had happened.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The backup camera has frequent delays in activating -- approximately 5 seconds and regularly shows an error message with a black screen stating that the "camera is temporarily unavailable." I'm providing documentation from a November 22nd incident, but it happens more frequently.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Civic. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 24V744000 (Steering); 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 contact had not expe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Honda Civic. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 24V744000 (Steering); 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 contact had not expe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally loud clanking noise coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Our 2016 MDX starting peeling paint off the roof. Acura said they extended the warranty for this known defect for an 8 year period. Since this problem just happened we are outside the 8 year extension. The internet is full of similar stories of people like us who have the paint peeling after the bogus 8 year extension. Acura said they aren't responsible. This isn't right.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
Contacted dealer to schedule a recall repair appointment in July 2024. The appointment was scheduled for November 11th. I showed up on November 11th and was told my appointment was not scheduled until December 11th. It’s been more than 4 months since I contacted them and the repair hasn’t been done.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the short block and spark plugs. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in the engine. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
Hello, I purchased my Infiniti Q60 Red Sport brand new in 2028. About a year after that I started to have electrical issues with the car. I've brought it in to the Infiniti dealer in Valencia, CA numerous times during the warranty period (and a few times out of the warranty period), to have these issues addressed. Some were resolved and some were not. So In the past 4-5 years I've brought my vehic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (STEERING); 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 experience... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2024
While driving my child was able to loosen his harness and unclip his chest clip on his own. This wasn’t due to a malfunction but rather a design flaw. His hand reaches the harness adjuster lever which he depresses then leans forward and then unclips his chest clip. He accomplished all this without my knowledge meaning I was driving a minimum of 20 minutes without him being secured in his car sea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
While driving my car in Albany New York on December 3 roughly about 15 minutes after starting the car and continuing onto a residential road the back window, spontaneously shattered without impact. The rear window defroster had been on at the time and had just cleared the frost before the drive had started. Not only did the window break a portion of the window fell into the trunk of the car and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
Safety recall #23V-858 received through USPS indicating that parts are now available at dealership. Not true. On 12/04/24 vehicle was serviced at Conicelli Honda, 1200 Ridge Pike, Conshohocken, PA 19428. 610-832-1400. Service advisor advised that the safety recall parts are not available for installation. On 12/05/24 a follow up call received from the service manager indicated that Conicelli ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Car would not start, all warning lights and interior lights flashing and blinking, strong smell from engine, loud clicking from engine, battery tested and only at 7%. Had towed to dealership.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Hi, I have received 2 safety recall notices against my Honda 2023 CR-V on 3rd October & 14th October. One was for the Steering gearbox worm wheel & Other was for the improper production of the high pressure fuel pump. Since then I have visited & contacted Honda Carland Roswell numerous times but everytime I get the answer the parts are not available. It's been 2 months & they can't guarantee th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
A wrench warning light came on, and a warning "SHIFT SYS FAULT Service Required" appeared on the dashboard. This warning appeared when I tried setting the dial to park in the car, and the "P" on the dial was blinking. I could not put the car back in park and had to apply the emergency brake to ensure the car stayed parked. Luckily I was back at home when this happened and was not out in public whe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
I face this problem
Incident date: Dec 7, 2024
Kia has identified an issue with the steering wheel coupler. The coupler wears and erodes and causes the steering wheel to shake violently while braking. My 2013 Kia Optima has recently experienced this issue. Kia has extended their warranty from 5 years to 10 years for this issue but did not offer any notices to vehicle owners. Kia does not currently have a resolution for vehicle owners who we... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - ENGINE
Dec 9, 2024
Incident date: Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the sound was coming from the tires. The contact was informed that no issues were found. Additionally, the contact stated that the check engine warning li... Read more