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 25, 2024
ENGINE OIL MISFIRE ALSO NOTED AS A RECALL ON THE 2016 MODEL AND REPEATEDLY MENTIONED ON LINE AS AN ERROR IN THE 2017 MODEL NOW REACHING SIMLAR MILEAGES. DEALER IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT AS A PROBLEM AND SAYS THE ENGINE LIGHT SI NOT RECORDING THE ERROR AND YET AN OUTSIDE ANALYSIS SAYS ITS ERROR 0302!! THE SAME AS THE 2016 RECALL NOTICE. THE 2017'S SHOULD BE RECALLED FOR THE SAME FIX
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
The display was showing an error "drivetrain malfunction" and we could not drive the car. This looks like a common software problem with BMW IX
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Car shuts off when going into idle when at a traffic stop or in traffic. Does not restart. Completely shuts off goes into neutral then park and have to press brake and start the car again. Has happens 4 times in last 2 weeks.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Car shuts off when going into idle when at a traffic stop or in traffic. Does not restart. Completely shuts off goes into neutral then park and have to press brake and start the car again. Has happens 4 times in last 2 weeks.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Car shuts off when going into idle when at a traffic stop or in traffic. Does not restart. Completely shuts off goes into neutral then park and have to press brake and start the car again. Has happens 4 times in last 2 weeks.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
I’m not sure what component failed as it is linked to many. My 4 wheel drive is out. The differential pump needs to be replaced. It is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk by my car slipping and I drove into a curb thankfully no one was hurt! I took it into my repair shop and it was confirmed the differential pump needs to be replaced. None of the federal employees had to investig... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
I was in a collision where another vehicle crashed into me at the driver's side front corner of my car. The other driver was going at least 30 miles per hour; I was probably going 10-20 miles per hour. None of my airbags deployed despite the collision resulting in a total loss to my vehicle.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
[XXX] - Purchase vehicle, odometer 109,803. 11/2019 - Car went into limp mode while driving on highway. Towed to BMW dealership and was advised needed new engine, at the time it only had 123,661 miles on it. Towed to EurAuto Shop for installation of replacement engine. 02/2020- The shop replaced the ceased OEM engine with a 2015 engine, with only 60,000 miles on it. EurAuto Shop tore down O... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
Vehicle jerks at low speed when accelerate and idle when accelerate, P0766 Code shows, engine noise and gears jump, when reverse the vehicle jerks.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz Metris. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V881000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle started sputtering and decel... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while reversing into a parking space at approximately 2 MPH, the contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact observed that there was a trail of fluid coming from the driver's side front wheel well. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
When traveling at low speeds, 10-15 mph, and coasting (no accelerator input) then pressing the accelerator there is no response. The engine will not rev up and the truck will not accelerate for a good 6-8 seconds. It happens usually in parking lots or when making low speed turns onto street intersections or pulling out of driveways. This is dangerous, as pulling in front of traffic then having no ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
The driver's side rear door handle is defective. The chrome wrap around the door handle is I believe aluminum that does not adhere properly to the plastic handle, resulting in the wrap coming loose and have caused cuts to the fingers of unaware passengers. Tesla has requested $350 to fix what is an obvious safety hazard. Others are discussing this online: [XXX] [XXX] The online reports al... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The following message suddenly appeared one day and since then, they kept coming back on every time starting the car: ACC problem, Collision Mitigation Problem, Lake Keep Assist Problem, Auto High Beam Problem, Brake Problem, and sometimes Transmission Problem as well. After research online, many other owners of the same vehicle had the same issue and which may be caused by faulty connector or fau... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
My safety & the safety of others was at great risk while driving my 2018 dodge charger sxt. While driving my dashboard lights went completely dark and the steering wheel locked. I was unable to move out of lanes threatening my life and the life of others around me. Independent mechanic put scanner in my car days later and code that appeared was “U0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCM” I looked ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2024
The issue I have experienced involved my car stalling due to an inaccurate fuel gauge reading: basically, ran out of gas on a road while fuel gage was still showing half tank full. Luckily, was able to avoid any accident. The error code came up: P0462, which stands for “Fuel Level Sensor ‘A’ Circuit Low,” and indicates a problem with the fuel level sensor circuit. I was going to replace th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
There is a design flaw in the functionality of the windshield wipers. Instead of the functionality being on a stalk like every other car, Tesla decided to make it a 2 step process. To operate the windshield wipers, you first have to press a capacitive button on the steering wheel and then you have to scroll a wheel on the steering wheel. The first problem is that the button to turn on the win... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
I was slowing to a stop at a stoplight in traffic when the brake pedal dropped to the floor and the truck was no longer slowing. The ABS, Anti collision, and check brake system lights all illuminated. I was able to slow the truck and place in park to stop. Vehicle was taken to dealership where it was found to be in perfect condition according to the mechanic. I have been told that I should have no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
I have a 2022 Ford F-150 Platinum with B&O Sound system. Yesterday, while driving I experienced a loud boom followed by loud staticky crackling sounds coming from the sound system. I thought I had been hit by another vehicle or somebody had thrown something at the car. I stopped immediately to see if glass was broken and got out of vehicle for fear it was going to burn or blow up. The cracklin... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
For the 2011 Mercedes Benz C300, the following is a general description of the issue: The component that failed is the "internally faulty" electronic steering column lock control unit which doesn't allow the car to start its ignition. The technician at the Mercedes Benz car dealership noted on the invoice "found the electronic steering lock is internally faulty." Technician provided two specific... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
Headlights fill with condensation and cause short circuit and headlight and turn signal malfunction. Headlights fill with condensation and moisture even on sunny summer days. No warnings prior to headlights and turn signals malfunctioning. BMW says to drive with headlights on to dispel condensation but the headlights produce no heat to do so and do not illuminate because circuits are damp and no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
The vehicle lurches forward during stopping for a traffic light, stop sign, etc. Feels like a possible transmission issue, like a hard downshift, but the lurch is a safety issue. Has been happeneing since the truck was purchased, and the dealer service has been unable to resolve. Service manager drove in the truck and confirmed the jolt forward. Forums indicate this issue is occurring with other... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, an abnormal, knocking noise began to emit from the engine without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic was performed; the diagnostic showed that the engine's timing chain was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
While driving on high-speed devided highways including stretches where traffic was 2-way (single lanes separated by concrete barrier during road maintenance) Chevy Volt indicated "reduced propulsion", and in 2 cases forced shut-down of electric and gas engine where the single-lane travel had cement barriers on both sides of the driving lane.In at least one case, the engine forced 30-40 mph travel... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
The contact owned a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, a warning message displayed reading "Transmission Failure Reduced Power', prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After which the contact observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. By the time the contact and her family were able to exit the vehicle and move to a safe di... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, a message advising to service the vehicle was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a known failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was a loud banging sound coming from the roof of the vehicle, prior to the glass sunroof panel being ejected from the roof panel and landed on the roadway. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
On [XXX], my vehicle overheated and started to leek coolant. This happened while driving at about 65 MPH with my family. No check engine lights came up just noted that the HVAC started to blow hot air and then the vehicle shutdown making difficult to break. I remembered that received a letter from Kia on May 26, 2014 that extended the warranty to 15 years / 180,000 miles for this type of iss... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
[XXX], while driving on a [XXX], my 2021 Highlander Platinum unexpectedly shut down without ANY prior warning or indication of a malfunction. This abrupt failure put my safety, as well as that of my passengers and other motorists, at considerable risk. As a longtime Toyota customer, I have always valued the reputation of Toyota vehicles for their reliability and safety. However, this incident has ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
Transmission issue Available upon request. While driving on interstate on September 17, 2024, the truck downshifted & was stuck in 3rd speed on interstate. I received a recall notice 24V444 and had the software update by dealer in July 2024. Not reproduced issue. Inspection schedueled with dealer next week. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the “Engine Power Reduced" message was displayed, and the vehicle was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the tur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
My fuel injectors went bad and my engine shut down while I was on the highway, only allowing me to drive 5mph.
Incident date: Aug 14, 2024
My fuel injectors went bad and my engine shut down while I was on the highway, only allowing me to drive 5mph.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
The truck lurches forward when put in park. When shifting from park to another gear it slams into gear. When driving down the road it slips in gears and shudders and jolts. I have been driving down the interstate whens it's done that and I thought I was going to cause an accident and seriously hurt myself and others. The vehicle has been gone over by an independent garage. There is no lights on o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
Driver side mirrors shakes badly when speed is over 45 MHP. Many similar issues reported online forum.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
My name is [XXX] , and I am the frustrated owner of a 2023 Hyundai Sonata SEL. For context, I am a [XXX] woman who had never experienced the frightening event of a “brand new” car breaking down—until now. I am still in shock and trembling from the experience I had with my “new” 2023 Hyundai Sonata on the morning of [XXX]. At 9:30 a.m., I was driving on [XXX] . I was driving the speed l... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was shaking severely, vibrating, and bucking, causing the driver to almost lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle started losing motive power and stalled. During the failure, the "Power Steering" and "Power Brake" failure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was shaking severely, vibrating, and bucking, causing the driver to almost lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle started losing motive power and stalled. During the failure, the "Power Steering" and "Power Brake" failure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was shaking severely, vibrating, and bucking, causing the driver to almost lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle started losing motive power and stalled. During the failure, the "Power Steering" and "Power Brake" failure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2022
Car spontaneously caught fire while turned on. First smoke started coming from under the hood. Within three - five minutes, the car erupted in flames followed by a minor explosion that burned more than half of the car causing a total loss.
Fire
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
Unknown, per kia website, P1326 engine code- bad engine, kia will cover all faults and cost associated to this code, including branded title vehicles. But, because my car has a branded title, kia dealership is saying no they won't do anything.. please help
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while shifting from reverse to drive, there were four hard bumps. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the computer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
My 2017 Chevy Silverado was giving me minor issues about two weeks previously, I was coming on the road and hear like something broken in pieces. I stop at the light and when I was to go forward to continue my with driving the truck was going backwards.. so scary thanks God, I didn't press the acceleration fast I would it have hit the car on back of me . I set emergency lights and call for help.. ... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - VISIBILITY/WIPER
Sep 17, 2024
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Windshield wipers turn on randomly and will not stay on when switch is on, also sprays washer fluid on windshield randomly and wipers do not work making it a very dangerous driving hazard
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
I purchased a used 2016 Kia Sorento during the used vehicle rise in pricing back in 2021. I owned a 2012 Hyundai sonata (which also required an engine replacement), but I my grandmother's car died, and I needed a better vehicle for a new job. June 16th I was driving with my daughter at around 9am and suddenly the vehicle started to shake and loss of power with the radio system beeping all dash lig... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
I purchased a used 2016 Kia Sorento during the used vehicle rise in pricing back in 2021. I owned a 2012 Hyundai sonata (which also required an engine replacement), but I my grandmother's car died, and I needed a better vehicle for a new job. June 16th I was driving with my daughter at around 9am and suddenly the vehicle started to shake and loss of power with the radio system beeping all dash lig... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
This problem has happened Two times in the last couple weeks when slowing down it Stalls engages the emergency break and puts itself in park very dangerous I almost got rear-ended the second time it happened and to restart the vehicle, I have to manually turn the electronic emergency brake off, then proceeded to the starting Process.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
August 6, 2024 42 miles CHECK ENG light comes on August 11, 2024 299 miles CHECK ENG light comes on during start Truck shakes violently, RPM rapidly cycles from 400 – 800 RPM, all console lights flashing ON/OFF during start. Tried to back out of space, no response, then without further push on accelerator truck slowly rolled backwards. Tried to leave parking lot and pull into traffic lanes. St... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
August 6, 2024 42 miles CHECK ENG light comes on August 11, 2024 299 miles CHECK ENG light comes on during start Truck shakes violently, RPM rapidly cycles from 400 – 800 RPM, all console lights flashing ON/OFF during start. Tried to back out of space, no response, then without further push on accelerator truck slowly rolled backwards. Tried to leave parking lot and pull into traffic lanes. St... Read more