Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 22,185 complaints for TESLA
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated and a system braking assist message was displayed. The contact stated that several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
The Tesla accelerated by itself while I am driving in a heavy traffic. To avoid hitting the front car, I braked several times, which didn’t work at all. It still accelerated, instinctively I steered wheels to the right front and hit a small hill. Airbags are out. I struggled to get off the car and shouted for help. 911 was called and emergency ambulance took me to ER. Luckily I am alive, it coul... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
My car started making a loud buzzing sound after starting it up and driving. The sound startled me and I was scared to drive. It stopped so I continued on with my day. Every time I started it up and drove it did the same thing. Finally after getting home and hitting the lock on my remote, it did the same noise locking the car. I realized it is an issue with a motor on the automatic locking mechani... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
5th INCIDENT: On 06/09/2024, at approximately 5:25pm, I was pulling up to a stop sign after just leaving my home. Traveling about 10mph I began applying the brakes and vehicle suddenly lurched to a complete stop and shifted itself into park. Various warning prompts, chimes and cluster lights came on (see attached photos). Vehicle then accelerated all on its own without any pressure on the gas pe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
My display infotainment system is acting weird and when I am driving all of a sudden it auto touches and changing brightness, increasing volume, changing tracks when playing music. It's very distracting and pose a serious safety risk. When I looked on the internet, there are a lot of people who also posting about the same issue. Please consider this as priority and fix it.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
I was driving on the highway at about 65 MPH. Without warning, the vehicle dashboard displayed “Selected Gear Will Engage at Lower Speed,” the vehicle shifted itself to neutral, the accelerator pedal stopped responding, and the vehicle began coasting to a stop. I had to avoid high speed highway traffic to make it to the side of the road. When I had slowed to about 5 MPH, the vehicle forcibly s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that the rear-view camera was intermittently inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V082000 (Back Over Prevention), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the decklid wiring harness was replaced. The contact stated that after the recall repair, the rearview camera became inoperable while reversing. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. Additionally, the vehicle lost power braking functionality and engine oil pressure, with the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was no... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
I was driving my Model 3 when this alert occurred: ALERTS DRIVABILITY - VEHICLE MAY NOT RESTART/SERVICE IS REQUIRED ADDITIONALLY THE SCREEN STATED PULL OVER THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY SAFELY. I was in the middle of the road driving so it became dangerous. I could not steer the vehicle and the brakes were barely working. I could not immediately stop because I was in the middle of traffic.... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
ABOUT YEARS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 JEEP COMPASS, WHEN ALL OF A SUDEN THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WENT CRAZY BLINKING ON AND OFF AND THE RADIO TOO, THEN THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TO HARD, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT CHECKED UP. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. BUT DAYS LATER THE CAR DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. TOOK TH... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
ABOUT YEARS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 JEEP COMPASS, WHEN ALL OF A SUDEN THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WENT CRAZY BLINKING ON AND OFF AND THE RADIO TOO, THEN THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TO HARD, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT CHECKED UP. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. BUT DAYS LATER THE CAR DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. TOOK TH... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 con... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
I am very unsatisfied with the fact that I have to get my oil changed 1 every month, due to burning oil as well as hard ride. My car will not pass inspection after 2024, due to emissions, I paid $600 to get a passed sticker and Sick of dumping money into this vehicle. there have been so many recalls on this car. What is Hyundai willing to do ? I’ve purchased this vehicle in 2013 from Brad Benson... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
I am very unsatisfied with the fact that I have to get my oil changed 1 every month, due to burning oil as well as hard ride. My car will not pass inspection after 2024, due to emissions, I paid $600 to get a passed sticker and Sick of dumping money into this vehicle. there have been so many recalls on this car. What is Hyundai willing to do ? I’ve purchased this vehicle in 2013 from Brad Benson... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The AC does not work intermittently. When the AC is on, it will blow cold air and then all of a sudden, warm air comes out. Then it may work again and then it will blow warm air. This is a safety concern in Texas when the temperature is very hot outside. This has happened ever since I bought the car in 2015.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
While driving my vehicle seemed to downshift (best way I can describe it) and then I had a CHECK ENGINE LIGHT come on and another type of warning light came on. I was able to get it to a place that put a tester on it and I got a DIAGNOSTIC CODE P0336. REPLACE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. I had to drive it home but it wasn't running right and is hard to start now. I have only had this truck since De... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
Car had been burning oil very quickly. I took it for an oil change, before it was due, and they said it was very low. They changed it, and I was leaving to visit my parents in Florida the next day. I checked the oil when getting there, and it was good, and I also checked it prior to heading back home, and it was still good. I was in a really bad/unsafe area at 10pm, on my way home from visiting m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
Sunroof exploded while driving on the highway.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
I started the car up no lights on, started fine, no warning symptoms like loss of power, no oil consumption nothing! Started an hour and a half drive to visit family and I started hearing a weird sound almost like plastic was flapping around on the bottom. Turned down the music and it was only making this weird sound every 5-10 seconds. Pulled off of the road shut the car off and checked under the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Phantom braking occurred when the adaptive cruise was engaged when a truck entered the road from the right side. The car abruptly slowed when the truck crossed my lane although there was no eminent danger. The car behind us nearly collided with us due to the sudden braking incident. This is the third sudden braking incident; however, the others were related to a bridge or overpass.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
We bought this 2023 HRV sport on [XXX] 2024, from the dealer St Louis Honda -Dave Mungenast. It has just under 6,000 miles on it. On Monday [XXX] I was driving on a road, non highway. Driving about 20-25 mph and the rear hatch window shattered. We were not rear ended and nothing was thrown at us. We had a baby sitting rear facing in the back seat. That window could have shattered and blown all o... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Steering feels rough. When traveling down highway, resistance is felt when trying to make steering adjustments right or left. The pressure required to make adjustments causes the car to weave, as each adjustment right or left requires pressure to overcome resistance. I also have had steering bump against my input going around a corner. This is a dangerous defect and is well documented. Honda sho... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Please note the ABS module is defective and it is a safety risk. The vehicle stability the ABS, VSA, light is on dashboard. The ABS module computer electrical system is the heart of the braking system of the car. There needs to be a recall on this as soon as possible, which which puts everyone at risk
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Incident Description: One week after purchasing our new Tesla Model 3 2024 , we encountered several error messages upon returning to our car after a brief stop: "APP_w264 - Lane Departure Avoidance feature unavailable," "GTW_w075 - Steering assist reduced," and "UI_a020 - Steering assist reduced." With no cell signal available, we had to drive back slowly with hazard lights on. The steering was ex... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Headlights a very dim when on. This was not an issue at first but has become noticeable as I’ve driven it more. It is almost impossible to drive at night on a non-city road unless it is empty enough that I can use my brights instead. Very dangerous. If you look online, many people have had this same issue and it’s a known problem with this car. Acura should replace these headlights for these c... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
In June of 2023 I was notified of a recall on my 2024 Traverse. The notification states that if the airbag were to deploy, there is a chance of shrapnel being fired into the cabin and killing the occupants. (Recall N232404980). I have reached out to my local Chevy dealer multiple times and been told that there is no resolution at this time. As of today, I checked GM's web site and there is sti... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Frunk latch does not open with the first tap due to misdesigned frunk liner trim piece. The only way to open the frunk is after first tap to simultaneously tapping open and pulling the hood upward. It is only feasible using the phone app as the vehicle comes with key-card. This creates a safety concern due to fire crew would have an issue reaching a first responder loop to disconnect a battery ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
This recall has been out for 2 years now and Nissan still hasn’t come up with a way to fix it or a replacement. I’m constantly in fear driving down the highway that my hood will fly up into my windshield.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Engine started to have knocking when starting engine after long sitting while off. Later, something with engine broke and it's at dealer to look at. We regularly changed the oil but started to have mass oil consumption. Had to get a tow.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Travel assist goes on and off at random times . The wipers turn on and off by themselves. Also the front collision warning light comes on randomly.. what should I be doing with this vehicle… I’ve read many reviews that other people have the same issues.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Travel assist goes on and off at random times . The wipers turn on and off by themselves. Also the front collision warning light comes on randomly.. what should I be doing with this vehicle… I’ve read many reviews that other people have the same issues.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the timing chain had failed causing severe damages to the engine. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who confirmed the timing chain failure had occurred ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The recall was over 1 year ago on the airbags. I contacted GM and they have no eta on when they can fix the recall.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) 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: Jun 7, 2024
Was driving on the highway going about 65mph when the engine just lost power. Pressing the accelerator and there was nothing happening. Had the car towed home. And then to a mechanic who told me the rod was bent. I’ve always kept up on oil changes and maintenance. I just had an oil change less than a month prior. There were no warning signs leading up to this incident.
Incident date: May 12, 2024
The Electric Power Steering failed while I was driving on the highway. I had to drive with a stiff steering wheel all the way home. It was a hazard to me and other drivers on the road. This problem has been reported by multiple other Ram owners. There was a warning signal when the EPS failed.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
On [XXX] at approximately 1230 pm my husband loaded my [XXX] child into the car. He shut the door then tried to open the driver site door. At that time the inside the car was 93 degrees. The car shut off. Telsa customer support was contacted multiple times. My husband expressed the urgency multiple times that there was a child under [XXX] who was stuck. There was no urgency with Telsa. We w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
Rear doors will not open from inside or outside. This traps passengers if they are in the back seats. Back seats can only be accessed by climbing in from the front seats
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
Ford fusion Transmission shifter cable bushing was a recalled part that was replaced in 2019. As of 2024 it failed again and for will not cover the replacement because the recall was already serviced.
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the vehicle had come to a complete stop. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated that the door locks i... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
The power transfer unit is broken. Symptoms are vehicle shuddering, vehicle sounds like it is going to stall. This could cause a major accident at any moment.
Incident date: May 31, 2024
The power transfer unit is broken. Symptoms are vehicle shuddering, vehicle sounds like it is going to stall. This could cause a major accident at any moment.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Vehicle steering does not return to center when exiting a gradual turn. This occurs intermittently. On line research indicates that this problem is likely the result of a faulty steering rack and that many other owners have experienced this behavior; as this could result in a dangerous situation I am reporting. The vehicle has about 43,000 miles on it. I have not had it repaired as yet.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
Motor/Touch sensor on DRIVERS door handle stopped working. Sensor or key will no longer lock OR unclock DRIVERS door. Thought it was the key until it was replaced then a couple months later the door stopped working again.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The vehicle, a 2021 Tesla Model 3, had an episode of sudden unintended acceleration. I was almost stationary waiting to make a left when the car accelerated by itself, left the road, crossed a grass field at high speed and crashed into bushes. The vehicle was not on auto pilot, it resulted in damage of almost $ 20.000 as estimated by insurance. The vehicle is available for inspection, it will b... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Steering is sticking as you are driving down the road. It almost has the same sensation with pulling away from you as if you have lane assist on. We have turned lane assist off because it only makes the steering worse. I feel like it could cause an accident at some point because I can see where a driver may overcorrect especially with it happening going around a curve. This is my daughter's ca... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal splashing sound inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was water coming from underneath the doors. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact related the failure to Te... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
Two incidents: 1) Non-accident: My wife was slowing to make a right turn at a stop light and the steering locked up for about 3 seconds, where she wasn't able to regain manual steering control. We did not have full self-driving mode at the time. Luckily, she was only going about 10 mph, and was able to brake before running into oncoming traffic. 2) Accident: Our son was driving on a country road... Read more
Crash
Fire
2 injured
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "SRS System Requires Service" was displayed. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the vapor canister shutoff valve but had not provided a diagnosis for the SRS system. The vehicle was repaired. The ... Read more