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: Sep 29, 2024
Exhaust manifold warped/broken stud causing exhaust leak.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
CX5 Cylinder head cracked at 53,500 miles. Was driving when received engine overheating and pull over immediately warning. The car smelled like maple syrup as it was engine coolant burning. Took it to the dealership and they informed me of the cylinder failure. It is currently awaiting parts and its not under warranty.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Transmission failed on the highway with no prior signs...check engine light came up and the car would not go to higher gears and RPM was high and loud that i had to pull off the road onto gravel.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
Slowing driving out of store parking lot, sudden heavy steering, loss of power steering, 'service advancetrac' & 'hill start assist unavailable ' traction control warning lights on
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
Slowing driving out of store parking lot, sudden heavy steering, loss of power steering, 'service advancetrac' & 'hill start assist unavailable ' traction control warning lights on
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
Rolled into a parking lot and the car suddenly stalled right before I could get into the spot - electriconics were still working and what not. Turned the car off and on and pulled in and then proceeded to charge my portable jumper just in case. Came back a few hours later and drove it home - all sorts of sensors were going off but the car was still fine. Once I got home, I swapped the battery w... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The backup camera malfunctioning, showing purple, blue and bright green colors on the screen that distorted the rear view when backing up the car. Thus, it is unsafe to trust the backup camera completely.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Parked car in garage on saturday like normally done for 3+ years. Next thing, car is completely unresponsive. Will not start, honk doesnt work, no lights nothing. If this happened in the middle of the road (and it has happened to other drivers), its a safety issue. Tried jump starting, nothing works.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Parked car in garage on saturday like normally done for 3+ years. Next thing, car is completely unresponsive. Will not start, honk doesnt work, no lights nothing. If this happened in the middle of the road (and it has happened to other drivers), its a safety issue. Tried jump starting, nothing works.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape equipped with Kumho Tires, Tire Line Crugen HP71, Tire Size: P235/45/R19, DOT Number: 1H2TEYA8E. The contact stated that the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to inflate the tires; however, the tires were not able to hold air. The contact stated there was tread separating on all four tires. The contact stated that all four tires installed... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
I have had several codes pop up on my Equinox, such as P0016, P0017, P0089 and P228D. All of these codes are between the Crankshaft position, variable timing position and high pressure fuel issues. I almost wrecked my SUV because of these 3 factors and I have seen thousands of videos on YouTube with other people having the same issues. This is beyond dangerous to be out on the road driving and the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
I have had several codes pop up on my Equinox, such as P0016, P0017, P0089 and P228D. All of these codes are between the Crankshaft position, variable timing position and high pressure fuel issues. I almost wrecked my SUV because of these 3 factors and I have seen thousands of videos on YouTube with other people having the same issues. This is beyond dangerous to be out on the road driving and the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
I have had several codes pop up on my Equinox, such as P0016, P0017, P0089 and P228D. All of these codes are between the Crankshaft position, variable timing position and high pressure fuel issues. I almost wrecked my SUV because of these 3 factors and I have seen thousands of videos on YouTube with other people having the same issues. This is beyond dangerous to be out on the road driving and the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the tailgate brake light failed to illuminate. In addition, the contact stated that while a trailer was hitched to the vehicle, the message "Check Trailer Connection" was displayed, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagno... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the alarm system warning light was illuminated. The hood ajar message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Loss of break performance. Traction control and abs warning lights come on intermittently. This is the second time this has happened. Had abs module and hcu replaced once already.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Loss of break performance. Traction control and abs warning lights come on intermittently. This is the second time this has happened. Had abs module and hcu replaced once already.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Body control module (footwell module) controls the windows and blinkers. Recall was issued May 12, 2023 have filed with NHTSA several weeks ago with no response. This part has stopped working can't put windows down or use blinkers.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
Two weeks ago, I returned back from work and later on in the evening was driving to go to grocery store when the car seemed to get pulled to one side and started shaking when driving around 40MPH. Not knowing what was going on, I turned back and slowly drove it back home. Next morning, I thought may be there is low tire pressure ( even though it was in range), I slowly drove to get air filled. Aft... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
I was driving and my car began to lose power and Drivetrain Malfunction appeared on the screen. I had to pull over to a side street and turn the car off. I turned it back on but it was very sluggish and moved very slow. Once I parked it I turned it off and tried to start it back up but it wouldn’t turn over. I contacted BMW and they said they couldn’t do anything. I need a new engine and timin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
I received recall notice for 24V-554 on 9/22/2024. The recall notice informs that Tesla will resolve the recall safety defect by over-the-air update via the car's WIFI capabilities. I have informed Tesla that my car's WIFI capabilities are broken and I scheduled service for October 3rd. Tesla informed that parts for my vehicle are not yet ready and rescheduled my service for October 24th. I info... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
The vehicle shutters and has stalled while trying to cross an intersection, almost causing an accident while my children were in the car. It will shutter at take off from a complete stop and will randomly change gears while driving at a constant speed on a level road. When it stalls the wheel locks up as well preventing you from steering off the road and to safety
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
my car is completely in good working order but i want to send it to tyro and they say i have a problem with it SC249F TOW HH INSPECT/REPLACE +FUSE: DIO (NHTSA #22V703)
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
3 times this vehicle did not try to stop in time to keep from rear ending a vehicle. The imminent crash warning would come on but the vehicle did not try to stop. This model is supposed to apply the brakes on its own to keep from rear ending someone but it did not apply brakes. If I hadn’t taken hard and immediate braking action we would have rear ended vehicles. The vehicle has an $5800.00 opti... Read more
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving; however, the failure recurred after arriving to the destination. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was di... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
the ABS light will come on while I am driving along with traction control turning off with a ding. While the warning comes on, the cruise control will turn off. It will turn on and off several time during a drive and will ding when it comes on. Very distracting and annoying and distracting. the dealer will charge me to look at it to find a reason. Truck has 37,000
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond immediately. The "Service Brake Assist" message was displayed. The contact firmly depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle was able to stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted, and the vehicle decelerated abruptly. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the tr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the passenger’s side headrest detached. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the passenger’s side headrest needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approxi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
Steering is binding, doesn't completely return to center when letting go of the steering wheel after a turn. It needs to be manually turned back in the other direction.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V198000 (Air Bags); 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms part... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The truck is not safe to drive
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
Vehicle was brought in 5/18/24 for check engine light Dealer eventually found broken wire in headliner on right side Dealer repaired wire and I picked up vehicle 5/22/24. Vehicle was brought in 7/29/24 for park assist code dealer found short in wire. Dealer stated that to fix wire would require taking cab and bed off frame. Dealer ran a new wire along frame to avoid fixing properly. Vehicle picked... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Subject: Request for Refund on Defective 2025 BMW X7 Hello, I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out regarding ongoing issues with my 2025 BMW X7, which I purchased new. Shortly after purchase, I noticed that cavity fluid began leaking from all four doors and the tailgate. I contacted BMW, and they instructed me to take the vehicle to the service center at the dealership where I mad... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Subject: Request for Refund on Defective 2025 BMW X7 Hello, I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out regarding ongoing issues with my 2025 BMW X7, which I purchased new. Shortly after purchase, I noticed that cavity fluid began leaking from all four doors and the tailgate. I contacted BMW, and they instructed me to take the vehicle to the service center at the dealership where I mad... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Front left safety restraint system fault/Service is required
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The breaks did not work while in a parking lot right after switching into drive. No major risk of any injury where this occurred. Not reported to the dealer, not inspected. No injury, no property damage. I left my wife in the vehicle with the car in park and went into the store. I came out 15 minutes later, car was running. I got in, put my foot on the break, and switch to drive? The car st... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The breaks did not work while in a parking lot right after switching into drive. No major risk of any injury where this occurred. Not reported to the dealer, not inspected. No injury, no property damage. I left my wife in the vehicle with the car in park and went into the store. I came out 15 minutes later, car was running. I got in, put my foot on the break, and switch to drive? The car st... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
engine "spun a bearing" while driving on highway, car began shaking and was very unresponsive. This is the 1.5l, turbo 3 cylinder engine that appears to have had reported issues before. Would like to have documented in case of future recall or class action lawsuit.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Luz de faros delanteros poca vicibilidad
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Lane keep assist is not able to detect curves and bend, and it tries to pull on the opposite lane instead keep it in the center of the lane. It is hard to override the steering input.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was illuminated. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact became aware that the coolant reservoir was abnormally low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the coolant intrusion had damaged the engine. The contact was informed that t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, service brake, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the engine had been running hot, resulting in damages to the engine even though the temperature gauge had failed to indicate that the engine was hot(H). The contact was informed ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
The touchscreen started flashing off and on and the dash lights also turn off and on. The lane assist and fuel warning pop up even when there is ample fuel. The blinkers do not respond when it is glitching and the high beam/ low beam light disappears on the dash. I have taken it to the dealer twice and they said their were multiple codes triggered in the touch screen/radio and they cleared the cod... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
I was coming home. As I pulled in my garage, hit the brake to stop and put in park. The vehicle started winding up to a point where my foot on the brake didn't matter. It accelerated forward, going through the wall of my garage, through my backyard, thru a chain guard, and into the corner of the museum wall next door. I was finally able to stop it completely by shutting the vehicle off. Despite th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
The component that malfunctioned was my transmission according to the mechanic. I was driving and all the sudden my car stopped and wouldn't go, then the accelerator started going to the max but nothing happened. My first thought was a flat tire and after I checked my tires it wasn't flat. I started my car back up and it did the same thing eventually stalling and not moving at all. The wheel locke... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The manufacturer, Lexus, is unable to remedy an airbag safety recall (24LB05/24LA05) for my vehicle in a timely manner. Additionally, they are unwilling to provide a comparable 7-seat loaner. Our insurance has also threatened to drop coverage for the vehicle as it is unsafe to drive. In the meantime, we are unable to drive or sell the vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Brand new car. After approximately six months, the drive shaft started making very loud popping noises when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. This happens 100% of the time with even minimal steering wheel movement. Honda is not sure if the drive shaft is rubbing against the frame of failing within the driveshaft. Honda is not reporting any service guidance so each dealership is pulling... Read more