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: Jul 2, 2024
The contact 2017 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle switched over from battery to fuel and a message was displayed that there was no fuel available. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve failure light illuminated, and the vehicle started decelerating. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact cont... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES300H. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
The break actuator and booster pump failed while driving, causing the driver to experience an unexpected loss in breaking. This issue has been confirmed by an independent mechanic (issue code C1391 - Anormal leak of ACC press). Additionally, both the mechanic and dealer have confirmed this is a "common" issue with this vehicle. There are also a number of lights on including the red break light, AB... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
I was driving on the interstate when my check engine light came on and the car told me it was going into reduced power mode. I then had to limp my car along on the interstate till I could get off the road, many close calls going 45-50 mph on a 70 mph road.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
1.)Transmission shifts into 1st gear while traveling at 40mph causing skidding. 2.)Transmission drops into 3rd gear while driving and stays there even when trying to leave a stop sign at intersection 3.)Transmission will stick in 1st for half block then suddenly accelorate the engine and slam hard into a higher gear.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Parking brake randomly engaged on vehicle without button engagement. Also is able to engage while vehicle is not in park.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
I found that two bolts that connect the front right suspension assembly to the body of the car were loose (actually one had completely come off). On 9/12 I heard a rather loud clanging sound when I accelerated. When I arrived home I looked under the car, saw those loose bolts, and took the two pictures that I attached, which were taken from in front of the behind the front right wheel. We bough... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
While driving down the highway the vehicle all of a sudden made a long depleted noise and then the vehicle shifted into 1st gear and wouldn't come go faster then 5 or 10mph. Check engine light came on and had to immediately put hazard lights on and get onto feeder to then drive the vehicle home at a very slow pace. Vehicle no longer shifts into higher gears. Got home and had family member test dr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
While driving down the highway the vehicle all of a sudden made a long depleted noise and then the vehicle shifted into 1st gear and wouldn't come go faster then 5 or 10mph. Check engine light came on and had to immediately put hazard lights on and get onto feeder to then drive the vehicle home at a very slow pace. Vehicle no longer shifts into higher gears. Got home and had family member test dr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
My 2018 Ford Edge is equiped with Ecoboost engine and as a result all these problems are occurring: Ford failed to disclose that these vehicles have a defect that causes coolant to leak into the engine’s cylinders, which can cause corrosion, oil dilution and contamination, and engine failure; and failed to disclose these defects create a safety risk, because the lack of coolant created by the le... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
My 2018 Ford Edge is equiped with Ecoboost engine and as a result all these problems are occurring: Ford failed to disclose that these vehicles have a defect that causes coolant to leak into the engine’s cylinders, which can cause corrosion, oil dilution and contamination, and engine failure; and failed to disclose these defects create a safety risk, because the lack of coolant created by the le... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Engine knocking noise that related to recent Honda crankshaft recalls of certain V6 engines. with 22k miles Honda did replace on main crankshaft bearing to to premature wear on my multiple complains on engine knocking noise that clearly audible between 11 to 17 k RPM. After main bearing replacement the noise is audible so the parts that cause it are still working in this engine. It is super unsafe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
The park break keeps turning on by its self, rather I'm driving or sitting at a light or stopped at a stop sign. Putting me and my passengers as well as the other motorist on the road at risk for collision.There is an orange EPB light that never goes off that came on about two months ago, and the emergency park break started being engaged without me engaging it after last driving the car, every ti... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2024
I have a 2017 Ram 2500 6.4L. The ABS light is constantly on. At times it’s off then back on. Buying new parts for it does not fix it. I slid off a rainy road the other day due to this. Narrowly missing a vehicle. The brakes locked up. This is a safety concern. Please help. As far as I have found out there is no fix for this.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
CMBS activates for no reason whatsoever. I can't even count how many times this vehicle has locked the brakes up and no cars anywhere near me at all. Like miles down the road. Honda said they can't replicate the issue. Well, it's going to be hard to replicate something that happens 4 or 5 times in a week by driving it 10 min down the road. This vehicle is going to get my family killed.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Sep 13, 2024
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
I bought the vehicle in a dealer, the vehicle came with serious mechanical failures which, when purchasing it, asked the owner what problems the vehicle actually had, which responded that it could have a fault in the vehicle sensor, which is normal in vehicles of that brand. . The next day we took the vehicle to the inspection report which showed damage to the gearbox. He recommends that I go back... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2022
AC wasn’t working properly, replaced parts not working. Fan stopped working and removed fuse box and it worked bad wiring harness affecting all electrical, fire hazard, dealership would rather keep it than me driving because of fire or meltdown situation. Says part to repair has been discontinued. Why? Engine hesitation, transmission when driving with jerk and almost causing vehicle to stop
Incident date: Jun 16, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Radio is delaminating and causing random calls and radio changes while driving. Serious safety issue. Subaru covered a portion of the replacement but entire cost should be covered due to it being an obvious manufacturer defect.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Coolant in the cylinders, resulting in full engine failure/replacement.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered while the transmission was in second gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a transmission shop, where it was diagnosed with transmission clutch shudder. The mechanic replaced the transmission clutch assembly; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
After the check engine light came on, I took my vehicle to a mechanic. They informed me there was coolant in the cylinders, which required a full engine replacement. This is tied to known issue TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MIL 22-2229 A known issue by the manufacturer, is resulting in an $11,000 engine replacement with no ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
Engine defect causing coolant leak
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
Known transmission issue not being addressed. Internal parts issue and must be replaced after only a few years.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the RPM raised to 3,000 RPM but the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the check engine warning light and the "Wrench" symbol were illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Catastrophic engine failure. "Engine skipped timing; timing codes coolant intrusion in cylinder#1 inside cylinder head". Car towed to Portland Oregon Ford dealership and remains there. When warning lights appeared saying "engine failure pull over safely", the driver pulled over; it was not a safe area to be parked indefinately. The Escape vehicle has needed towing twice for related engine /coola... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Kia EV6. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V200000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that a battery message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, but the diagnostic ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
Vehicle was t-boned by another vehicle that was traveling 40mph. Both front seats are now loose, and have been for some time. Insurance refused to cover seat replacement during repairs in fear of going above the “totaled” threshold and it being a total loss. Now we are concerned about the safety of our vehicle, and we are scared to drive it on major highways where the risk of accidents are hig... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 28, 2024
Vehicle randomly says "shift to park" after making soft turns like going in a uturn under a bypass . Once the speed drops under 5mph, the truck then puts vehicle in park, and turns off. Dealership could not find the problem. Mechanics are unsure. Ongoing for 3 years. Very unsafe.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
For this car Engine check light came on and then car was overheating. The car was taken to the dealer. They said that coolant got into the engine which caused the malfunction and over heating. It was inspected by the dealer. It is similar to the previous recall done for ford escape Internal coolant leak causing engine overheating.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The windows would go down all by themselves and not roll up . The infotainment system will flash on and off telling you to start strip all by itself. The door locks will lock you out and in not letting unlock the truck . The key fob is the only way to unlock it. I have taken it to the dealer five times to be repaired and they say GM software is not capable of finding the electrical problem. They j... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
I took the car into the dealership to diagnose the reason that I was getting a Seat Belt light and they said that the guide suggested to do a zero point reset on the seat. When they attempted this they said that it failed and now the system has an airbag light on. There is no more seat belt light on now for the passanger side, but there is a hard error code for the airbag system on the passenger... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and another dealer, East Bay BMW (4350 Rosewood Dr, Pleasanton, CA 94588), were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amou... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the power steering assist had failed without warning while driving at various speeds. The contact then pulled over to the side of the road, turned off and then restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer; howeve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
2018 FORD EDGE LEAKING COOLANT INTO CYLINDERS 2 AND 3. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACED, FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR A LONG TIME AND WILL NOT FIX EVEN THOUGH ITS PROVEN THEIR DESIGN WAS FAULTY, VERY FRUSTRATING
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and lost motive power. The contact stated that the message "Engine over temperature" was displayed and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H). Additionally, the contact observed an abnormal burning odor after exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a deale... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
While returning home to Louisiana from Mississippi on [XXX], the sunroof on my 2024 Honda Hybrid CR-V Sport L suddenly exploded. There were no vehicles in front of me, and no trees or other objects were close enough to hit the glass. The sunroof will be repaired through my insurance. Had we opened the sunroof cover, as we sometimes do, all the glass would have entered the vehicle cabin, potential... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
Massive alerts, on and off every few miles, then power steering locked out when pulling into an intersection. Almost was hit. Luckily, I was able to put the car in reverse and back into the side street. This needs immediate attention. Had the vehicle towed to dealer.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power and stalling. Additionally, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the purg... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
Vehicle was purchased pre-owned. Mercedes Me is still associated with previous owner. Mercedes unable to remove association at dealership or on the phone. I can provide bill of sale and identification. Previous owner can remote start, track and control the vehicle I own. This presents a clear and obvious security and safety issue. I am not prepared to drive to *another* dealership and ask *ag... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the failure was present when the vehicle was first purchased; however, the failure had since gotten worse. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the cause of the failure could not be det... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
I am filing a complaint for manufacturer fail to provide repair for a recall in a timely manner. Recall: May 15,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number: 919A NHTSA Recall Number: 24V344 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
Power steering locked up while driving. Upon investigation discovered EPS had went out and found there was a current recall on the vehicle but not my specific Vin.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The contact’s mother owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the thermostat temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road and parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed tha... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
While driving at slow speeds over bumps or potholes the vehicle shakes and doesn't stop. I have to remove my foot from the brake and smash the pedal to the floor. It happens at least once a week. The dealership hasn't seen it yet. I drive with my two kids in the car 90% of the time so it is a major concern.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
2 weeks ago my 2011 Kia Optima's engine died while driving. I am the 2nd owner of the car and bought it in summer of 2022 (not 2020). Before buying the car private sale, I sought my mechanics advice who told me Kia engines had issues going back to 2011. Before buying, my brother called the closest Kia dealership to confirm the owner was telling the truth that he had taken the car in for all safety... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
The contact's grandson owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front seat belt failed to lock as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mile... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
My steering wheel locked while driving. This has prevented me from turning the wheel AT ALL (100% completely locks while the car is in motion). The locked steering wheel lasts approximately 15 seconds. This has happened multiple times over a few month period. I took it to GMC who couldn't replicate the issue and said that GMC no longer makes the steering column assembly component, which they ar... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle began to shake and vibrate abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was coolant inside the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced but shortly af... Read more