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: Apr 25, 2024
Lane departure warnings activate briefly when driving straight ahead. Sometimes results in disablement of lane departure assistance feature. Tesla has attempted several repair attempts but issue persists: Calibrate radar Replace steering rack Correct steering angle
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
The steering wheel sticks especially at highway speeds. It gets sticky and when I try and turn the wheels slightly, like on a freeway curve, it jolts loose and causes car to swerve. Recently this started happening at lower speeds as well. The steering wheel cracks when turned and sticks.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
My wiring harness which affects all systems. I was on the Interstate when out of nowhere any and all warning lights came on. The power was cut and rapidly slowed down. I also pulled into traffic and the truck just lost power. The problem was confirmed by dealership. The vehicle was inspected by dealership and wiring harness was the issue. The issues appeared out of nowhere. All the warnings lights... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the message "Power Reduction Mode" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled another time. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the brakes locked up. After releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle began to shake abnormally. While driving, the power steering became inoperable. The Hill Assist, traction control, and steering assist became inoperable. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact is a former mechanic... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
While driving on the highway at 75mph, with "Traffic Aware Cruise Control" (aka, "Adaptive Cruise Control") enabled, a white napkin had blown into the lane ahead. This caused the car to slam on the brakes, and rapidly reduce speed to 20 mph, before I was able to re-accelerate back up to speed. I consider this a dangerous malfunction of the Adaptive Cruise Control system (and possibly the Automatic... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and then lunged forward. The contact parked the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into reverse, the vehicle was shaking and lunging forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
Ford Motor Company has had a known issue with the truck frames cracking on the F-550 chassis. They acknowledged it by doing a recall, which either replaced or repaired the chassis frame or installed reinforcement braces if no cracks were visible. The recall expired in September of 2023. In October 2023 we noticed a crack on the frame just outside the recall reinforcement brace that Ford-certifi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
I do not know the "cause" other than what would be a manufacture defect. The seat straps at the hip location are fraying. The seat was purchased in 2023, my daughter doesn't even use it consecutively.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
While driving normally, an error warning was received that stated "Front Left Safety Restraint System Error" and the icon for an airbag fault would come in simultaneously. This error would disappear and reappear, sometimes up to 10 times per minute, creating a driver distraction due to the loud error chime. The error code identified for the fault when checked on the Tesla service screen correspond... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
I started to hear the wining noise from the front of the vehicle. When I took the car for inspection to Toyota dealership they told me this is transmission that makes this noise and it started way before. Transmission needs to be replaced. There was no warning lamps,messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure,that makes it extremely dangerous in the situation of failure of trans... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was shifted to park(P), the message “Shift to Park” was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
My car caught on fire after going to Hyundai and being told “the only thing you have to worry about is your breaks locking up. My car was parked in the driveway and caught on fire from the engine bay.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light illuminated, causing the brake pedal stopper to fail. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact also stated that the battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was dia... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
I noticed that a hose in the engine compartment has started separating.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the windshield cracked without impact. The contact stated that the failure was a known issue with the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
Our car’s Android Auto navigation system is failing. This is not just a navigation failure. When we drive, especially at night, and our navigation system fails, it becomes a security and safety hazard. The problem: 1. After connecting a phone, TCL A30 Android 11, via the USB cable to the car navigation system and entering an address, frequently, the system gets frozen. After a few tries at physi... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
I experienced the issue described in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V687000. I had loss of power on the highway. I felt that my safety was at risk immediately after I lost power on the highway where other drivers were driving 60-80 mph. I managed to pull to the side of the road and waited in excess of 2 hours for a tow truck issued by Ford to arrive. The issue was confirmed at the dealer. The reason for... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Problem 1. Both curtain airbags on the passenger side deployed while no one was sitting in those seats, no injuries sustained to anyone. This happened one time as it happened in a car accident, nothing indicated that the air bags were on or active at the moment. Problem 2. ABS system failure has caused the brakes on the prius to lock and not work while driving, almost causing an incident. The car... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Problem 1. Both curtain airbags on the passenger side deployed while no one was sitting in those seats, no injuries sustained to anyone. This happened one time as it happened in a car accident, nothing indicated that the air bags were on or active at the moment. Problem 2. ABS system failure has caused the brakes on the prius to lock and not work while driving, almost causing an incident. The car... Read more
Crash
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — POWER TRAIN
May 7, 2024
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Transmission control module Shifting goes into limp mode and doesn't allow acceleration until the car is turned off and back on There are other years of my vehicle where this is an active recall. The transmission service required light comes on Codes are as follows PO776 C1560 U0114 U0100
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — SERVICE BRAKES
May 7, 2024
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to slow for traffic or for a traffic signal, there was an abnormal high-pitched sound coming from the brakes and the vehicle was vibrating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that additionally, while driving up a grade in the road, at approximately 35 MPH, the ve... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
Th crankshaft Sensor failed multiple times. This happened 4 times within 2 days while I was merging onto the freeway, people behind me had to slam on their breaks or swerve to avoid hitting me. I took it to the shop and they identified it was the crankshaft sensor. They also explained that there is a recall in place for my year and model, but that my VIN indicated that "my jeep was made 2 weeks pr... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Incident Tesla Model S was up to date on recalls as far as we can tell, including the recent autopilot update via Tesla internet vehicle update releases. While driving in autopilot mode on the freeway in the lane next to the HOV lane, the autopilot got confused as to which lane it should keep and failed to maintain its lane. Incident vehicle drifted across the double lines into the HOV lane, where... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Over the last 4 years I have had 2 prior occurrence where I've lost power turning or stopping, causing the engine to stall. Both times the vehicle was taken to our mechanic and he replaced the connectors to the battery. On January 18th, 2024, while turning off of a rural highway onto the street we live on I again lost power and the engine stalled and smelled a faint electrical smell. I called my m... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft carrier needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a separati... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
The contact’s sister owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that his sister received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at speeds over 15 MPH, he observed a high-pitched whistling noise emanating from the front windshield. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar was loose. The vehicle was taken to a ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
On the highway while trying to pass traffic, my transmission made a loud slamming sound that hit hard. The traction control light came on, the engine reved high and the transmission could not find a gear. I put hazards on and the transmission finally found a gear. I got it off the highway as quick as possible. Transmission fluid was leaking. I had the truck towed to the dealership. There was traf... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
Bought a truck brand new it's a 2020 and with 63000 miles on and transmission is doing hard shifting I have kids that ride in that truck don't know what could happen to us or other people on road if Ford keeps having problems.it is at a Ford dealership right now.i have looked up issues and everyone say within the years 2020 and before that they knew it was a defective transmission and now I'm stu... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
Steering wheel “sticking” no matter the speed.
Incident date: May 7, 2024
Steering wheel “sticking” no matter the speed.
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. 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 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 contact h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
Transmission downshifts into low gear while traveling 65 mph causing driver passenger to lurch forward. Does this also at slower speeds.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact pulled off the highway and attempted to shift the vehicle into park(P) however, the vehicle started moving backwards. The contact stated no warning light was i... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
When driving down the road doing about 35 mph with no car close in front of me my forward collision sensor went off without warning and initiated sharp braking which almost caused the car behind me to run into me. My car jolted like I’d been hit (I hadn’t) and the red warning light lit up the dashboard. The person behind me was able to brake in time and didn’t hit me. I don’t think my b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
Stranded over the years of the cars life with multiple dead batteries. Most recent after stranded with car that wouldn’t start had it replaced and car electrical system randomly went off triggering alarm and draining battery. The amps were way over Honda standard being drawn from the battery. After couple trips to dealer it was the bcm that needed replacing with only 56,000 miles on the car.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The Eyesight system on my 2023 Subaru Outback will suddenly stop working. It will go out in all conditions, mornings, afternoons and evenings. Sometimes it will go out a a minute or two. Other times it will be out for hours. Since the feature is involved with automatic braking, this poses a safety hazard if there is any kind of driver distraction that occurs, even if it is from an external so... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
When using cruise control, my 2023 Tesla Model 3 will aggressively brake without warning or apparent cause. The braking is near maximal - as though the vehicle is attempting to prevent an imminent collision. This defect poses a hazard to occupants of vehicles behind mine as well as myself and my passengers as sudden braking could cause a rear-end collision and cascading loss of control. Inclement ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
My F250 was in service for fuel system replacement and to fix both side mirrors which wouldn’t go down after going up. Shortly afterwards I noticed the rapid turn signal you get when tail lights are out. This happened while using a trailer. The trucks rear lights weren’t working at all but trailer lights were. Also was getting the blinds spot and cross traffic alert faults on instrument panel.... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
My F250 was in service for fuel system replacement and to fix both side mirrors which wouldn’t go down after going up. Shortly afterwards I noticed the rapid turn signal you get when tail lights are out. This happened while using a trailer. The trucks rear lights weren’t working at all but trailer lights were. Also was getting the blinds spot and cross traffic alert faults on instrument panel.... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
Continental 235/40/r19 This is what I sent to Consumer Affair website: My personal experience reflects exactly the same as the poor rating of this brand. Tire has separation at 32k miles on the Tesla 3. I first noticed a thumb thumb sound. I ignored but it got worse then the vibration inside cabin started to occur. I pulled the tire off and inspected. My God i have a tire separation with steel... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Vehicle was on autopilot. Pulled out of driveway, hesitated, and then accelerated into a parked car.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
As a result of the aforementioned recall, my car stalled in March 2024. The letter I got from Ford stated, word for word, “Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving your vehicle under this safety recall.” I feel they are responsible and should assist me with transportation. This has cause a huge hardship in my family.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
As a result of the aforementioned recall, my car stalled in March 2024. The letter I got from Ford stated, word for word, “Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving your vehicle under this safety recall.” I feel they are responsible and should assist me with transportation. This has cause a huge hardship in my family.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
My car went into limp mode. Well after I spend 2000. And 2 years trying to figure out what was going on with my car. Come to find out. Water was getting in and it messed up my whole system. I just put every part on this car is brand new. Trying to figure this out. Now for nothing. I read somewhere. That I'm not the only one with this issue. That mercedes. Needs to make it right. What do u think
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
While driving CA-17, as is frequently the case, I had to disengage automatic steering several times to correct its poor lane keeping. Much to my surprise, the vehicle stopped maintaining speed, creating a dangerous situation with vehicles behind me as the uphill road caused the vehicle to rapidly decelerate the second I turned the wheel. After experimentation, I discovered that Tesla has complet... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
After parking right after a paid car wash, the truck wouldn’t start and had no power to any component. Couldn’t get vehicle out of park. Batteries fully charged and no issue with terminals. There would be random moments when power came back but when starter was pressed, a clicking sound would occur and all power shut down again. Truck had to be towed to dealership where they were unable to dup... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
After parking right after a paid car wash, the truck wouldn’t start and had no power to any component. Couldn’t get vehicle out of park. Batteries fully charged and no issue with terminals. There would be random moments when power came back but when starter was pressed, a clicking sound would occur and all power shut down again. Truck had to be towed to dealership where they were unable to dup... Read more