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
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Sep 4, 2024
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and shifted out of gear independently. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
Vehicle warning lights and message on dash keep going off and on indicating need to service the ABS system following a break-job. Warning comes and goes as many as 30 times per minute. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are currently inoperable. Dealer cannot diagnose between electronic ABS module and hydraulic control unit blames one or both as culprit. Module is on back-order from Mopar due ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
When traveling on an interstate highway with a speed limit of 65 mph, with navigation system operating and with TACC engaged, the system sometimes resets the maximum speed to that of the speed limit of the exit ramp (usually 40 mph) when I am NOT exiting the highway. This results in rapid deceleration significantly below the prevailing highway speed with the potential of causing a rear end collis... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
On several occasions, the turn signal indicator buttons on the steering wheel failed to activate the signal. The button appeared to be jammed, it was not possible to feel the "detent" when pressed. This puts myself and others at risk due to the inability to properly signal when preparing to make a turn which has to then be aborted. I've found the button can only be "unstuck" by clicking the opp... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
Headlight harness on drivers and passenger side is melting and my lights are flickering. I was advised to night drive my vehicle at night, because it could start an electrical fire. This is caused by heat from the lights.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
The problem I have is with my rearview camera, as described in Manufacturer Recall Number 6023G / NHTSA Recall Number 23V-487. This problem has existed since I purchased the car in November 2022. The recall was announced on 7/14/23. Mazda has failed to provide a remedy. Dealers report that they don't have the parts needed to make the repair and that no remedy has been provided by Mazda. It is mea... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Kia EV6. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message was displayed "Stop the car, check electrical system" and the vehicle experienced a loss in motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced at a local dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V200000 (Electrical System); however, after one day, a message was displayed "Stop the car, che... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
2020 RAV 4 little under 34,000 miles. Coolant bypass valve needs to be replaced. “Engine maintenance required visit your dealer” takes place on dash and cannot be cleared.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
The high voltage system and charging system have both failed in this car three separate times. It has spent almost 50 days in service for high voltage system issues in the 110 days that I’ve owned it. The manager at the dealership told me that a lot of the Blazer EVs that they have sold have had this exact issue and that GM doesn’t seem interested in actually fixing it. They change sensors in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Rear center seatbelt not bolted down at manufacture. Vehicle was brought in to a Rivian service center, for an NVH complaint coming from the rear seats. It was discovered that the rear seat belt was not secured properly to the vehicle frame.
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
ABS control module fault code. Seems to be a lot of people having issues with this on 2017 and 2018 year model trucks. A class action would be nice or some sore of solution for ram to make a permanent fix.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
Engine stops occasionally while driving and the car is moving. This has occurred even with Start/Stop turned off and while the vehicle is moving on the road. This has occurred several times over the past year. Typically the car can be re-started right away, although on a couple of times it was disabled (would not start) until multiple attempts over 5 minutes.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
While driving at night the headlights flicker for some unknown reason. I have seen where many others are having the same issue.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
According to the Ford dealership, I am missing a piece of a gasket which is causing coolant issues. I was told that there was a flaw with the engine design on my vehicle wherein instead of repairing/replacing the gasket, an entire engine is needed- making my vehicle a total loss now. When questioned if this was the result of anything I did or could have prevented, I was informed that this was not ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconn... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Departure sensor warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed Lane Departure sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was dia... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
I was driving the vehicle and it of no where the hybrid warming triangle comes up and I had to pull over. The car went in creep mode and then rpm and sped was capped.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Just purchased the car and it suffers from "Memory Steer". After a turn, the steering does not return to neutral, but the steering wheel requires input to straighten out. Alignment, Strut Bearings and Ball Joints checked OK, suggesting the binding is in the steering column, Steering Rack or perhaps the Electric Power Steering. The problem occurs at all speeds.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
This happens consistently,while driving with the cruise control,the truck takes off and speeds up almost causing the truck to ram other vehicles. Then the truck shudders and surges before throwing up several codes. I have read this is a problem with many Ford trucks. I feel like our lives are in serious danger . I was hoping there would be a recall because this is leaving customers in situations t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Driver and passenger Curtain airbags may not deploy as intended. The vehicle would not have been purchased and driven around had this been known at the time of purchase. Lexus has no remedy and this is completely Unacceptable.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
PCV Failure causing the timing cover to leak oil and causing the oil pan to crack. This is a known issue with VW TSI engines. This PCV is a major issue not only causing the damage above but others are having to replace the rear main seal and crank case because of this. It's now in the shop for the next week and I'm out of a vehicle for the next week. This is not the only problem I've had with th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
PCV Failure causing the timing cover to leak oil and causing the oil pan to crack. This is a known issue with VW TSI engines. This PCV is a major issue not only causing the damage above but others are having to replace the rear main seal and crank case because of this. It's now in the shop for the next week and I'm out of a vehicle for the next week. This is not the only problem I've had with th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
While driving, car started to lose power. Warning lights started flashing to turn off vehicle to recharge battery. Car lost all power. Car was towed to dealership. Dealer started diagnostic testing, and first thing that was noted is that all oil had drained from car and that crank shaft may now be damaged. Prior to incident, no warning lights came on for service, engine or oil lamp. Dealer and int... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
On July 21, 2023, I was vigorously hit in the rear by someone. According to the police report, this person's airbags deployed. Unfortunately, my airbag, although hit extremely hard, did not. I was injured pretty bad and had to get treatment for over a year. I am still not completely healed. I was uneasy about my airbag not deploying and was sent a safety recall notice explaining why it did not. To... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Engine light came on while after car hassertated withe code p144A engine detected running the PCM and obstruction in the EVAP SYSTEM PURGE VAPOR LINE IS BLOCKED AND TO REPLACE EMISSIONS SYSTEM PURGE VAPOR CANISTER PURGE CONTROL VALVE
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Driving today a softball size hole appeared in the back glass (at trunk). There was no sign of a rock or anything else that went through the glass. When the trunk was opened to see if there was anything that had gone through it the entire glass shattered.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Purchased vehicle w/ roughly 5000miles in 2021 from Ford Dealer. All stock items and factory tires. At roughly 50,000 during state inspection, it was found that the front passenger brake line was chafing on tire and was deemed unsafe by the Ford dealership. No prior work or modifications was done in this area. Research indicates that this is happening to other Ford F150s
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Car began pausing/stalling/ now will not start
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Car began pausing/stalling/ now will not start
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The transmission bushing broke and the transmission was disabled. The steering wheel was locked and the key was unable to be removed. The safety of the driver and passenger were at harm on the highway when steering was disabled and the transmission could not be moved after stopping. The problem was produced and was forced to be repaired by a shop for the safety of the driver at expense of the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
There is a problem with the Axel on this trailer. It is making the floor buckle and the slide is sagging.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Vehicle gives warning on the dash for ABS and anti skid off. Along with an audible warning. the warning on the dash states the anti lock brake system needs repaired. While this is active the cruise control does not work as well as the anti lock and anti skid system.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the engine was idling roughly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with head gasket failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
My passenger side rear door will not open from the outside or the inside. You pull the handle on the outside and nothing happens. You push the door from the inside and nothing even budges (the door lock still works not that there's a use for it right now). This seems to me to be a safety risk for anyone that has to sit in the backseat behind the front passenger seat. If there were an emergency, th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-55 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating “passenger restraint system malfunction”
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The panel showed vehicle lights malfunction. The side marker lights are on all the time. This happened without any accident or changes of the setting.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
steering stuck causing an inability for vehicle to navigate a turn resulting in impact with large rocks on side of a winding road. Airbags were deployed and vehicle was a total loss as a result of the damages incurred. no other vehicles involved in incident.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
Such incident happened two times: when I was driving at normal speed, another vehicle quickly approached me from back while switching to my lane. Out of any instruction, my vehicle applied brakes to decelerate. This almost caused crash and put my safety at high risk!
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
Out of the sudden, the engine light started to display a message to check engine and overheating of this took place continuously. My Rav 4 only has 70k miles and I got it pre-certified from the dealer. This error is the Coolant Bypass Valve. This Valve is connected to a radiator hose.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
While driving in all electric mode, car abruptly lost power and would not accelerate. After power loss, car lunged forward abruptly without noticeable cause. I worried I had been hit from behind and quickly checked the rearview mirror, but nothing had impacted the back of my Jeep. “D” symbol for “drive” on the shifter was flashing. Not sure what was happening on the instrument panel. I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
The contact's mother owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel made an abnormal popping sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the flexible coupling in the MDPS (motor-driven power steering) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Kia C... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The air bag light turned on in the dashboard and I took it to the dealership they charged a diagnostics fee and said that the OSC sensor and control unit need to be replaced. I reported to them that I thought maybe the kids dropping water behind the seat was what triggered the light but it turned out that water never touched the components and it just failed on it's own. I checked for recalls for... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
The system does not work in my 2024 Grand Cherokee. My dealer agreed to take me out for a drive and after several attempts to get the system to engage (straight on rear end, corner of a stopped vehicle, corner of an exiting vehicle) nothing! No audible, visual or brake jerk. The technician was an awesome driver because he scared the ---- out of us trying to get the system to engage. Service adviso... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated while driving approximately 4 MPH and exiting the driveway, the check engine warning light and the check gear shifter warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer was u... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
In December 2023 the dashboard ABS, ESC and Brake Dashboard warning lights came on the car while driving. I checked for any ABS codes and noted a C2374 code. The car did not show any handling issues and I attributed it to a anomaly. However over 2024 the lights have come back on but they disapear when the car is turned off and then restarted. As this is happening frequently during the past 3 month... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
the abs module brake setstem has not been working properly for about 9 to 10 months. when I call to see if dealership they keep telling that their engineers are still working on the problem. the problem can go out anytime. i would like for the NHTSA to investagate the problem. I was told that this problem is a big safety problem.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
Brake light is not activated by front brake unless extreme pressure is applied to lever.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brakes failed to immediately activate while depressing the brake pedal. The contact attempted to steer the vehicle to prevent crashing into the vehicle in front and became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact had to depress ... Read more