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: Oct 27, 2024
The reverse lights and high-definition camera system are woefully insufficient for backing up this truck safely in the dark. I have experience several near-misses due to the poor nighttime performance of the video system and reverse lights. This has been ongoing since the vehicle was purchased new. It impacts both the video displayed in the main touchscreen and the video rear view mirror. Furthe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
The reverse lights and high-definition camera system are woefully insufficient for backing up this truck safely in the dark. I have experience several near-misses due to the poor nighttime performance of the video system and reverse lights. This has been ongoing since the vehicle was purchased new. It impacts both the video displayed in the main touchscreen and the video rear view mirror. Furthe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Head unit delaminating after Data Control Module repair in 2023. Head unit is entirely inoperable and poses a safety risk to driver by turning radio on and off, switching stations, raising and lowering volume level, and affecting the eyesight periodically. Head unit can be turned off after multiple attempts, however powers back up on its own continuing the previously mentioned issues.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Head unit delaminating after Data Control Module repair in 2023. Head unit is entirely inoperable and poses a safety risk to driver by turning radio on and off, switching stations, raising and lowering volume level, and affecting the eyesight periodically. Head unit can be turned off after multiple attempts, however powers back up on its own continuing the previously mentioned issues.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
The ABS dash light and traction control light started coming on about a year ago. the light is intermittent with a ding sound. Some days it comes on non stop, sometimes it doesn’t come on at all. cruise control does not work, and “park rear” button is not able to get out of the off mode.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
While driving on busy highway the warning of the collision sensor and emergency brake sensors goes off, reduces speed tremendously while driving and never goes off. When this happened to me I was over miles from home stranded and had to drive under 30 mph to make it to an exit for safety and call a tow truck.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
I am afraid of getting myself or someone else killed because there is a 1-2 second lag after stepping on the gas pedal after coming to a stop. This is extremely dangerous. My street empties onto a county road with a blind curve. I have had several instances when the delay between the car moving after I’ve stepped on the gas has lead to oncoming cars needing to slam on their brakes to avoid hitt... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
After getting my suv back i been notice that ticking sound while driving over 40 mph can't pin point were it coming from the dealership or anybody cannot locate it it happens with speeds.over 40 not exxeced over 60 mph
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The engine has had counts of misfire in all 4 cylinders, since 1 week after I bought this brand-new pickup truck. The misfire counts are getting more and more, although there is NOT any warning codes, nor loss of power.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
My child and I were driving in the car when it suddenly overhead to extreme temperatures. I've only had this car 2 years, come to find out there's a faulty design to the engine cylinders causing coolant to seep in to the engine, also causing the head gasket to blow. This is ford's fault and there's currently class action lawsuits because this can cause the engine to combust, incredibly dangerous. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
Forward attention warning is a system with a camera on the top of the steering wheel column that is supposed to check if the driver is looking forward when assisted driving like lane keeping is active during cruise control. This system does not work with sunglasses. Wearing sunglasses to drive on a sunny day is a normal activity. If this system can not see your eyes then it assumes you are not loo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
My car issue is the high presure fuel pump
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
After I took my car through a car wash I got the folllowing alert, "Radar obstructed warning." After this warning I then got the warnings for brake system, cruise control all not working
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
Windshield cracks spontaneously. In addition, there is an optical defect in the windshield glass that distorts visibility and is a safety hazard.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Many Dodge vehicle models experience failure of illumination for instrument clusters. This creates an unsafe condition for the driver since information presented at the instrument cluster, cannot be determined during night time driving conditions. Dodge makes no provision to customers for replacement or repair parts and does not provide any documentation through Dodge dealers on how to address th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Many Dodge vehicle models experience failure of illumination for instrument clusters. This creates an unsafe condition for the driver since information presented at the instrument cluster, cannot be determined during night time driving conditions. Dodge makes no provision to customers for replacement or repair parts and does not provide any documentation through Dodge dealers on how to address th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred several times while driving on the same day. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and d... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:SWITCH
Oct 25, 2024
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the right turn signal was activated; however, the right turn signal failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle was purchased, the windshield washer reservoir was filled with water that turned into a block of ice. The contact stated that a mobile repair appointm... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed water dripping on his left hand and noticed water dripping from the driver’s side of the windshield. In addition, the leaking water had entered the driver’s side air bag pillar. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with an unwelded front windshield seam. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
Apparently my car's Engine Coolant Bypass Valve is broken and it's a common case with my car's model that's made after 2020. Seems like it there's a need a recall for such a thing since it's a defective part they knew about since my car was screaming at me for an engine maintenance. However, the check engine wasn't on. I went to Toyota at Elk Grove, CA and knew what the issue was pretty quick and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while at a stop sign the vehicle lost motive power while the emergency brake signal illuminated. The contact shifted to park to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,000.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
I was driving the car and warning light “possible R gear fault-driving permitted” came on. While driving on a highway at 50 mph, gear shift started malfunctioning and oscillating between 2nd and 4th gears and I could not change the gears. I lost control of the car speed and it would drop to 25-30mph even if I stepped on the gas pedal. It felt like the car would come to a complete standstill on... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
Temperature Seat switches are not working, fire hazard does to malfunctioning.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after the vehicle was refueled, the vehicle failed to start. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had started a year ago; however, the failure had since become persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with canister purge valve failure. The contact was in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
I bought a new Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck from Lindsay CDJR located at 8100 Centreville Road Manassas VA 20111 on [XXX] and on [XXX] I noticed there are missing rear wheel shields on both sides of the truck. I called the Dealership and spoke to the salesman that sold me the car Said Hashemi and I sent him pictures of the missing parts and exposed wires and undercarriage and parts. He told me I co... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The differential inside the transmission is making a knocking noise and shakes really badly check engine light came on and traction control light both are on and break system light and I have not even had it for a year
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
I was able to start my vehicle in my driveway, without the key. Unknown to me at the time, the key was in fact in my house, in my bedroom, not in my purse, or on my body. But I was able to drive 15 miles without that key. Fortunately the automatic start/stop was engaged, if it hadn't been I could've been stranded at an intersection or worse, had an accident stalled at an intersection. Once the car... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
The car had just 44,242 miles when this problem started on 8/21/2024. Two months later, the problem persists. The safety systems of the car fail upon startup and remain this way for multiple cycles of driving the car. The reality is that I cannot check enough boxes above because the form doesn't allow me. The following warnings all come up at the same time: - Emission System Problem - Brake Syste... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
The car had just 44,242 miles when this problem started on 8/21/2024. Two months later, the problem persists. The safety systems of the car fail upon startup and remain this way for multiple cycles of driving the car. The reality is that I cannot check enough boxes above because the form doesn't allow me. The following warnings all come up at the same time: - Emission System Problem - Brake Syste... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
My car only had twelve thousand miles on it when the problem started with the rear brakes. They were at an eight and in less than two weeks time they started dragging not fully disengaging and went down to a one. Screeching. I looked it up and seems to be a common problem. If it is common and VW is aware of it not only affecting my specific model but other models as well. I believe it should be ad... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
Vehicle keeps throwing “steering assistance reduced please drive with care” message. It causes my car fan to constantly run. It also causes the coolant gauge to not work the needle drops below that cool like it’s not on and then the car won’t blow cold air from the vents. This message tells me that something could be wrong with the steering which puts my safety at risk. This issue has been... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
Vehicle keeps throwing “steering assistance reduced please drive with care” message. It causes my car fan to constantly run. It also causes the coolant gauge to not work the needle drops below that cool like it’s not on and then the car won’t blow cold air from the vents. This message tells me that something could be wrong with the steering which puts my safety at risk. This issue has been... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
Vehicle keeps throwing “steering assistance reduced please drive with care” message. It causes my car fan to constantly run. It also causes the coolant gauge to not work the needle drops below that cool like it’s not on and then the car won’t blow cold air from the vents. This message tells me that something could be wrong with the steering which puts my safety at risk. This issue has been... Read more
TESLA
MODEL Y
(2024) - EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:120/240 VAC ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:CHARGER LOW VOLTAGE BATTERY
Oct 23, 2024
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
At around 9pm, while charging my vehicle, I heard a loud boom and the power went out. It appears there was some sort of malfunction with the charger that has tripped/blown the circuit. I have not had an electrician come out yet, but after a quick google search it became apparent that others have experienced the same issue and I thought it was important to report. My charger is outside, not in a ga... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
My van once again gave the stop safely, vehicle will shut off soon & stopped right in the middle of the intersection. I’ve lost count on how many times this has happened!!
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
I received a recall notice yesterday for my car, [XXX] . I called 3 dealerships in my area today and they all say they don't know when parts will be available. And how am I supposed to use my car now if they have no responsibility for what may happen. There is no date when I can check and replace the recalled part. I have called bill page Honda 6715 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22042 and calle... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was parked, the contact observed condensation under the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that unknown parts neede... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
ABS shuts off while driving for no apparent reason. When this happens cruise control shuts dow also. Traded a 2022 Compass in with same issue and problem was never solved.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
As my son was driving down the interstate, the power steering went out and stopped working. And he got a service needed message.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact depressed the brake pedal harder, and the vehicle came to a complete stop. The contact drove to the residence, where the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
I have had issue after issue with this car ever since I got it. Within the first year of my lease, my car was at the dealership for 4 to 5 months. Most of it in one long stint. The vehicle was consistently having problems. All the while, I’m paying for a car I wasn’t even able to drive for a huge chunk of year 1. One time, the car completely shut down and stopped in the middle of the freeway w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
I have bought this truck used and have had problem after problem but as I replace parts the steering one day just stop working and aggressively the steering wheel yanks hard the opposite direction that I am going then it started working for a day and then it stopped working altogether then it will work and not I have looked all through the web to find some kind of answer to this problem and ask se... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
Complete engine failure, knocking like crazy, fuel smell in the oil, The shop said the fuel in the oil broke it down and allowed the motor to fail. We were driving down the highway when it happened with family and kids which was not safe at all. No warning message at all, no check engine light, the shop has inspected and said it’s failed. The kia dealership has said many of the Kia’s have... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
On 10/28/2024 I was driving on a highway at 60 mph with light traffic. All of a sudden the radio display panel went blank and all the warning lights on dashboard lit up. The car started to slow down and did not gain speed even when gas pedal is pressed. Car speed went down to 40 mph. I put on hazard lights and looking for safe spot to park the car. I drove for 2 to 3 minutes and then dashboard... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X7. The contact stated that while using the key fob to unlock the doors, the doors failed to unlock. The contact was able to manually open the vehicle with the key. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the battery was installed backwards during the vehicle manufacturing process. Additionally, the contact stated that the interior rearview mir... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Water intrusion to the cab of the truck has structural failure in the roof causing it to leak inside the cab. Leak runs into dash and out of ignition causing electrical issues in the dash and ignition, along with pooling on the floorboards causing rusting; runs into the rear 3rd brake light and rear ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
Shortly after starting the car, and while exiting a parking lot, the car stalled and lost engine power. I was able to start the car back up for long enough to be able to pull back into the parking lot however after the car got parked the engine refused to start and stay running for the next hour. After a check using OBD11, the codes were showing the cause of the original problem was low fuel press... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated and the message "Coolant Temperature High" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that there was coolant inside the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2024
Engine would not start. When pressing the start button, engine would turn over but would only rough idle for a few moments then turn off. Called garage and had vehicle towed. Mechanic advised computer showed defective fuel pump power control module. Mechanic advised GM has recall N212332040 for defective fuel pump power control module but my VIN is not included. Mechanic ordered fuel pump power co... Read more