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
VEHICLE CHARGER
(9999) - SERVICE BRAKES
Nov 14, 2024
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
I have exhaust coming into the car through the vent when thermostat is in use, my back seats are not in the clip and flip up with no problem and I have a 8 year old son who sits back there, my break pedal will lock and I cannot apply pressure, my dash lights just stopped working I believe the ECM is bad, my headlights go from bright to dim, car does not seem to keep acceleration power very well
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Was extended warranty for my make model and year for faulty fuel injectors. Exact same codes on the bulletin but wasn't covered due to vin specific.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Was extended warranty for my make model and year for faulty fuel injectors. Exact same codes on the bulletin but wasn't covered due to vin specific.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while reversing with the rearview camera engaged, the screen became blurry or blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V575000 (Visibility, Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. While the contact’s son was operating the vehicle, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed, with white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle started shaking before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted and later driven to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant inside the engin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH when a loud grinding noise was emitting from underneath the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH when a loud grinding noise was emitting from underneath the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
We were driving down [XXX] near Toledo Ohio during rush hour on our to Michigan, when the car, with no warning at all, stopped running. There were no lights on the dash, no warning at all. The car just stopped. We were able to steer it to the shoulder and stop. There was no indication of what was wrong. After having it towed to the Kia dealership I was informed the engineer blew. There was no kno... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
This is 3rd time I have had ABS failed. Truck only has 66,000 miles on it and this has happened for 3rd time. Has been twice repaired by Ram dealer in Denham Springs Louisiana. Evidently parts are defective. I am original owner. First time happened at 24,700 miles. Second time at 48,200 miles. Third time at 66,000 miles. Evidently bad parts.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
This is 3rd time I have had ABS failed. Truck only has 66,000 miles on it and this has happened for 3rd time. Has been twice repaired by Ram dealer in Denham Springs Louisiana. Evidently parts are defective. I am original owner. First time happened at 24,700 miles. Second time at 48,200 miles. Third time at 66,000 miles. Evidently bad parts.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
I have repeatedly had to bring my car into the shop (6 times now, only owned it for 5 months) to have the spark plugs and/or fuel injectors replaced multiple times. The car will suddenly start shuddering when trying to accelerate over 2 RPM. It has also stalled twice (while accelerating it slowed down to a stop in the middle of the road) and the engine light will flash. Mechanics have noted misfir... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
My drivers side wiper blade stopped working while the passenger side is still working. I saw a recall for this linkage on the site but it’s not for my specific VIN. Additionally, my catalytic converter has damage due to excessive oil consumption. Halfway through my regular oil changes the oil is almost completely empty. Again, there’s a recall on this for my specific make, model and year but n... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
My drivers side wiper blade stopped working while the passenger side is still working. I saw a recall for this linkage on the site but it’s not for my specific VIN. Additionally, my catalytic converter has damage due to excessive oil consumption. Halfway through my regular oil changes the oil is almost completely empty. Again, there’s a recall on this for my specific make, model and year but n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The vehicles lead frame is causing truck to down shift no matter the speed then rev super high and barely move when trying to accelerate after. Speedometer, odometer, gauges(everything on the dash) goes to 0 or disappears and a wrench pops up. Truck got towed to a dealership where they updated the pcm and told me the problem was solved. Hours later i was about to enter the highway and the truck do... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed to function as intended. The Electronic Stability Control warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dea... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
I unable to accelerate to merge on to the highway. This is the second time that my car was unable to accelerate and kick into gear. The first time was in 2021/2022 a few months after getting the car.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The steering has recently started sticking at random times while gradually turning left at around 55 mph. When it unsticks on its own it’s a slight jerk back to the right. In at aid if it doesn’t correct on its own I would have no choice but to go into the other lane and possibly hit oncoming traffic. This could absolutely cause an accident. The vehicle has not been inspected or taken to the d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
Check Hybrid System warning lights came on and I lost all ability to drive vehicle and had to coast to the side of the road.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
Was going about 30 car felt like it was sliding and not getting traction
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
Several times over the last 18-24 months my van has 'stalled' after the auto engine start/stop feature restarts my car. This has mostly happened while at stop lights/signs, or idle. However, it has happened twice while driving, my car will just die and slow dramatically. I have been able to restart by pushing the start/engine button. There has been two times where restarting (while idle) has not w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
While driving my steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. My dashboard then flashed “ESC” then “power steering” then the traction control issue came on. I eased over turned the car off then on again. The issue cleared until I turned my car off again. my steering wheel started rocking back and forth/side to side. then I stopped to get gas turned it off then when I turned it back ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
● My steering rack has been recalled for a 2nd time after being replaced once and every dealership in the DFW metroplex are turning me away. ● I have no control over my steering this has been ongoing for roughly 1½ years now. ● yes multiple times. ● yes after the 1st recall and they said everything was in tip top shape and has now been recalled a 2nd time. ● yes only a few months after ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
First it was adaptive shifting three days after having it, then it was the thermostat, now it’s needing a new right rear hub assembly but my main concern is the shuttering when I am accelerating. The ride is not smooth. there is a chatter happening when I drive it. It makes me very nervous. I have went to one mechanic to diagnose so far and he said to have the transmission flushed first but it m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2024
the motorcycle is unsafe and not operating properly due to clutch not working which is a result of the Clutch Slave cylinder recall which also damaged other parts that Husqvarna is refusing to cover. the motorcycle is at PCP motorsports which is an authorized dealer for Husqvarna. after directly contacting Husqvarna and provided them with further information they still declined coverage and fixing... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
I took my vehicle to a dealership for diagnostic and was told the lower control arm in front is making noise. They want over $700 for labor alone. I looked up the issue online and saw a recall but my vin isn't on the list so they won't fix it. Please add my vin because the issue is apparent
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The turn signal stem assembly randomly begins failing after several years (approx 5 years). Issues will be noticed while driving in the dark. When turn signal is applied in both directions, occasionally headlights will turn off or flash causing interior lighting to change to brighter daylight settings at the same time. This can be disorienting for the driver as well as others on the road. To remed... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
225/65r17 102h 535 inside side wall of tire blew out on the freeway was able to stop and change it out. when i got home i checked the other ones and they are almost the same way they have 30000
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
225/65r17 102h 535 inside side wall of tire blew out on the freeway was able to stop and change it out. when i got home i checked the other ones and they are almost the same way they have 30000
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
I have a recall, and the dealers I have called do not have the parts. I was also told they are making sure to fix the recalls on vehicles on the lot first before making parts available to customers who already have a vehicle, I feel unsafe, this recall if not fixed could put me in danger.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The gauge cluster display is inaccurate and very slow to display information such as speed/rpm/fuel lever/neutral selection etc. this causes a very dangerous situation where critical vehicle information is inaccurate and not being displayed to the operator in real time which could lead to an accident
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
There is a current recall for the RHD version of my Jeep for the clockspring. The bad clockspring causes many issues including air bag deployment issues. This issue does also affect the LHD. I’m currently dealing with it myself.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
There is a current recall for the RHD version of my Jeep for the clockspring. The bad clockspring causes many issues including air bag deployment issues. This issue does also affect the LHD. I’m currently dealing with it myself.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
These cars has some serious engine issues they are literally defective I've had 5 different engines installed in my car I keep the maintenance up on my car but its still no luck with the engines I've risked my life from almost having accidents due to engine failure I have proof that these calls have been engines and I honestly feel like it's a serious issue that needs to be adjusted
Fire
1 injured
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 8, 2024
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
On [XXX] I was driving this recently purchased Grand marquis . On [XXX] here in San Antonio around ten at night I hit the brakes and something under the hood compartment blew up and it cocked the car . I was trapped inside and when I finally was able to get my seatbelt released I had to break the window with my head . The previous week I reached out to ford and they told me they would address the ... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I bought a used 2024 Hyundai Venue with 3k miles on Nov 2nd, 2024 from Hyundai Bel Air, MD. On Nov 6th, 2024 I dropped my son at the bus stop in our neighbourhood. When I got out from the parking lot (we dropped him at our church's parking lot) and drove the car, the steering wheel was stiff and when I applied the brake it went out. I had to steer the car to the curb to stop it. It stopped but c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
I was on the recall list and got my OSS sensor reprogrammed at a Ford dealership in August of 2024. November 6, 2024 I was driving down the FRWY at 65 miles an hour. There was a jolt and RPMS dropped to zero, speedometer dropped to zero yet truck was still traveling at a high rate of speed. My info area just gave blank dashes. It was like the things on my dashboard just stopped registering, an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
The Blend Door Actuator is completely stripped causing the air that blows throughout the car and defrosts the dash. It is stuck on cold preventing window defrosting, in wintertime this is dangerous limitating visibility. Lots of cases with this.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
Lately this car has been signalling , to brake sooner because a vehicle is near but there is no vehicle around. While driving today we pulled out of a parking lot and entered main road the car stopped and it felt like a vehicle slammed and hit the rear end. My husband is assuming transmission went out. Our traverse wouldnt accurate over 16 mph. (While driving) very dangerous!!!!
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
my traction control, cruise control unavailable, and warning light to service abs electrical system. Dealership said the hydraulic control unit has to be replaced.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
I took my car into the shop because we had a check engine light on and it showed a P0316 code which is a cylinder one misfire. upon inspection and replacement of my spark plugs, there was coolant that was getting into the cylinders and all over the spark plugs. I spoke to the mechanic the mechanic said that this is a known problem for the 2.0 turbo motors for the Ford fusions. I was advised to con... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
I was driving the truck and the dashboard said fuel filter at 0 % entering low power mode. The truck did not accelerate at all and stopped running within 5 minutes . The repair cost almost 9000.00 for a 100.00 fuel filter.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
I was driving the truck and the dashboard said fuel filter at 0 % entering low power mode. The truck did not accelerate at all and stopped running within 5 minutes . The repair cost almost 9000.00 for a 100.00 fuel filter.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
We were driving along and noticed the trailer swaying. I looked and notified the trailer wheel bent on the passenger side. I pulled over and noticed the axles were bent. The trailer was loaded with approximately 2400lbs. The carrying capacity rated on the sticker is 4780lbs. I’m worried the trailer manufacturer is building dangerous and illegal trailers that are not rated to carry the listed cap... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
We were driving along and noticed the trailer swaying. I looked and notified the trailer wheel bent on the passenger side. I pulled over and noticed the axles were bent. The trailer was loaded with approximately 2400lbs. The carrying capacity rated on the sticker is 4780lbs. I’m worried the trailer manufacturer is building dangerous and illegal trailers that are not rated to carry the listed cap... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2024
We were driving along and noticed the trailer swaying. I looked and notified the trailer wheel bent on the passenger side. I pulled over and noticed the axles were bent. The trailer was loaded with approximately 2400lbs. The carrying capacity rated on the sticker is 4780lbs. I’m worried the trailer manufacturer is building dangerous and illegal trailers that are not rated to carry the listed cap... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
Battery keeps dying even after replacement. I would drive it then park it overnight and the next day it would dead. this put my safety at risk because at any time my car could die and I wouldn’t know until I sat in it. I would then have to figure out what to do next since the last 3 times it has died i was stuck with important work to do. There were no warnings or symptoms that first appeared. W... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
While driving on the freeway at 70 MPH with 39 miles of range left, the vehicle abruptly slowed down to 20 MPH...cars behind us almost hit us due to the car slowing down despite me accelerating. We pulled to the right shoulder, rest the car and then was only able to go up to 20MPH...range still said 39 miles. Shortly after the car stopped, there was a warning displayed, and the car turned off and ... Read more