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 15, 2024
At 7:50 this morning I had my first drive with Tesla FSD 12.3.4. It had been going very close to curbs on the passenger side on 12.3.3, but this is the first time it hit the curb and damages the tire rim. The current version of the software puts the car much too close to the curb, something not present in prior versions.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
I am asking about the fuel system recall 12V069000 calling to tighten the fuel pressure sensor. Why has the turbo part number been rescinded a few times. Along with the TSB # NTB16-035a calling for the oil line to be replaced whenever turbocharger MX is performed. Since the recall was performed before the TSB and it required the oil one to be removed, could this have caused the faulty turbocharger... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
My check engine light came on. I have the code P0456 indicating the evaporative emission system has a leak. This is the same code that caused a recall for 1,282,596 Ford focuses on recall #18S32. My VIN number is not in the recall, but I’m having the same problem.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
On this car seat, the chest clip will not stay fastened my 15 month old granddaughter can unhook it, which is very unsafe that she can push that button and unhook her safety latch on her chest so it can be fixed
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
While on [XXX} in Memphis, I lost power and many indicators came up on the dash. I was able to coast at 20mph to dealership. But this could've been way worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Car was being driven into a car wash. Driver went to put car into neutral and car lurched forward and crashed into car in front of it without gas pedal being engaged. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer or others. No warning lamps or other messages. May have been related to recently installed full self driving software that was automatically installed but was not requested by vehicle ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
I bought the motorcycle new from the dealer. At low speeds (12mph - 30 moh), the steering "catches" or "falls off" suddenly. Sometimes if feels like there are notches in the steering. I took it to the dealer to fix and they loosened the steering head nut above the head bearings. It seemed OK for about 50 miles and then came back even worse. Now the steering is so bad it is barley rideable.
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
My car shut off in the middle of getting off a highway ramp. Completely shut down, had to push it to the side of the road in the middle of an off ramp/intersection.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
Rcm2_a636 Front passenger safety restraint system fault
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
These recalls are old: February 7, May 5, and August 25 of last year. My local dealership, Hansel Volkswagen, 2951 Corby Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (1-707-578-1320), is unable to get the parts for these repairs from VW of America, even though WV of America is steadily building new cars. My 2021 ID4 is still not repaired.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
These recalls are old: February 7, May 5, and August 25 of last year. My local dealership, Hansel Volkswagen, 2951 Corby Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (1-707-578-1320), is unable to get the parts for these repairs from VW of America, even though WV of America is steadily building new cars. My 2021 ID4 is still not repaired.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
While using Autopilot or Beta self-driving - when a Minimum Speed Limit sign is detected on [XXX] in Georgia, the system usually reduces to the speed of the vehicle to posted minimum speed (40 miles an hour) instead of maintaining current speed limit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
Car screens suddenly shut down while driving on highway with no instrument cluster and no navigation screen and vehicle lost entire power excluding drive train. The cars screens both began to flash and speakers popped loudly with beeps and headlights began to flash along with interior lights all while going 80mph
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
Car screens suddenly shut down while driving on highway with no instrument cluster and no navigation screen and vehicle lost entire power excluding drive train. The cars screens both began to flash and speakers popped loudly with beeps and headlights began to flash along with interior lights all while going 80mph
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
Rear passenger door bouncing back when closing and now passenger rear door doing exactly same thing. If it happens you have to drive while holding door closed trying not to fly out into traffic.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
There has been a cracking noise when opening my passenger front door. Heard a POP and notice three small holes on the side of door. I can barely open my door and can’t let down the window. Called ford and of course the famous line, “Since your car is not under warranty, we cannot fix the problem.” Shouldn’t this problem be a recall? I’ve been researching and noticed many Ford Escapes ar... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
My 22 Lariat Hybrid lost power last Wednesday while I was driving it. I believe the engine was still running, but I couldn't accelerate. I parked, turned the truck off, then back on, and drove home. I was able to drive it to the dealership the next day, no problem, It's at the dealership right now. I haven't heard anything yet.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
RECALL ISSUE FOR MY VEHICLE. HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE AUTO STEER/AUTO PILOT THAT COMES IN THE CAR. THE AUTO STEER AUTOMATICALLY GOES OFF AND WHENEVER YOU MAKE A TURN, THERE'S A WEIRD SOUND.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The headlights are UNSAFE! Extremely dim. We have replaced the bulbs and gotten great LED lights but the issue is still there. Sometimes I feel like my lights aren’t even on but they are, I cannot see. Please can you fix this. They just keep getting worse. I would have to drive with high beams on just to be safe. I don’t drive at night in my car if I don’t absolutely need to because of this ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I took the vehicle in to Kia due to excessive oil consumption. I was told they could not do anything and that I should continue to drive the vehicle. Kia stated that since I am the second owner (purchased at 7,800 miles) that I am not eligible for the original warranty. They stated that if anything were to happen to my engine I would need to provide documentation of oil changes from the first date... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
The Trucks equipped with DOD system also known as Active Fuel Management in the V6 and the V8 engines cause the truck to consume more oil and cause lack of oil to the lifters which then fail and cause the truck to lose power and smoke really bad and can cause the truck to die while driving and when you love engine power it can cause an accident it's also can cause the more internal engine problems... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
The oil pressure sensor, I was in traffic and the vehicle came to a stop with scared the hell out me and this has hall a couple of time and came to find out it was caused by the oil pressure sensor. Why this is not on recall
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
My child wiggled in his seat and noticed he could loosen the strap on his own after I tightened it. He immediately told me and I confirmed that I can loosen by pulling on it without pressing the button to loosen it. The other seat of exact model we have stays locked. If we were in an accident, he would be thrown from this seat and not protected at all. It has not been inspected, but is available f... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
Traverse Check Engine light came on and vehicle sounded louder than usual w/ additional rattle. Upon inspection passenger side bracket holding two exhaust pipes together was broken at the weld. Took to Superior Chevrolet (dealer) 4/5/24 who stated right side pipe and bracket were not covered under Special Coverage Adjustment Front Exhaust Pipe N212356540 and only left side is covered despite the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2020
All safety system alerts appeared while driving on the highway saying there were failures with all of the safety systems. Electronic steering suddenly stopped working and vehicle slowed down forcibly until its stop in the middle of the highway. I had to call roadside assistance to get the car towed to the dealership. ALL ERROR MESSAGES CAME ON, THE VEHICLE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING,VSA , HILL STAR... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
When I was driving at about 40mph another car cut me off and launched a pebble to my windshield. When I got home I saw a tiny chip in the windshield at mid-height in line with the front seat passenger's sight line. Over the next month or so a crack developed spontaneously and spread across the whole windshield. Replacing the windshield was very expensive!
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
No incident yet.Between front door and back door, trim not secure. Is this included in recall #24V031?
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
I received A Safety Recall Notice in regards to replacing my seat weight sensor circuit board. I tried to contact Yonkers Honda Service Department on [XXX] and they refused to set me an appointment to fix this safety issue. They stated they do not do recalls at that Yonkers Honda Service location. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
This car, like many Teslas, is experiencing what has been come to be known as phantom braking. When in the autopilot or full self driving, this car will occasionally to frequently, depending on the day, suddenly break where it will decelerate from say 65 mph to 45 or 50 in a very short period of time. This can happen in very busy traffic conditions. It seems to happen when I'm going faster rather ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The coolant leaks into the engine. I have already had it fixed before. It did it again and ruined my engine. I am now on the hook to replace the engine and still paying the car off. Looking to Google shows this is a known issue that ford refuses to address and has cost thousands of people a lot of money.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The coolant leaks into the engine. I have already had it fixed before. It did it again and ruined my engine. I am now on the hook to replace the engine and still paying the car off. Looking to Google shows this is a known issue that ford refuses to address and has cost thousands of people a lot of money.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
This vehicle has massive and unbearable static electrical shock when the car stopped and trying to close the door as metal body of the car. and I have several Videos showing the electric shocks The auto pilot stop the vehicle on the highway for no reason that’s put the passenger in serious rear collision
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
Motorcycle frame has cracked on both sides. No accidents of any kind. 2022 model with 10.5K miles.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
The vehicle started sputtering and the engine shut off in traffic, I was able to pull to the side of the road. Had I been on the interstate and not a 2 lane road I would have run a high risk of becoming an obstacle to traffic and being hit. Upon later inspection inside of the ignition starter / kill switch assembly on the right hand handlebar there was a small piece of plastic that had broken off ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
We were driving at about 45 miles per hour (not using adaptive cruise control) and the emergency braking system suddenly kicked in, slamming on the brakes even though there was nobody in front of us slowing down and there was no hazard. It created a dangerous situation as the car in back of us could have rear-ended us.
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
The alternator failed causing the vehicle to shutdown in the middle of traffic. I was on a surface road not the highway so I was able to get local police to assist. When it failed there was no car electrical system function, so I could not even turn on my emergency blinkers. This is apparently very common on Audis, as the same part was used to replace the alternator…. It took a month for the de... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
The alternator failed causing the vehicle to shutdown in the middle of traffic. I was on a surface road not the highway so I was able to get local police to assist. When it failed there was no car electrical system function, so I could not even turn on my emergency blinkers. This is apparently very common on Audis, as the same part was used to replace the alternator…. It took a month for the de... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Front subframe assembly broken Turn signals don't register input Lateral and compliances links broken
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra LD. The contact stated the vehicle experienced jerking and shaking. The contact also stated when the accelerator pedal was applied, the vehicle made a loud noise and lunged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a transmission flush and an alignment were performed. However, the contact stated the failure persisted... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra LD. The contact stated the vehicle experienced jerking and shaking. The contact also stated when the accelerator pedal was applied, the vehicle made a loud noise and lunged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a transmission flush and an alignment were performed. However, the contact stated the failure persisted... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that an unknown recall repair for the ABS had been completed; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed ABS due to an internal leak. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
While driving to work, using FSD, the autopilot steered me into the path of an overtaking vehicle moving at about 20 mph faster than my vehicle. By quickly taking over steering and speed control, I was able to avoid a collision. A couple miles further down the road, the car could not decide on which exit lane to use, and weaved between two possibilities, probably alarming and angering drivers b... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was difficult to start and there was dust coming out of the vents. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, there was an oil leak coming from the timing chain cover. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated; ho... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was difficult to start and there was dust coming out of the vents. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, there was an oil leak coming from the timing chain cover. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated; ho... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Using the Tesla "Autopark", the car backed right into a pole in back of the parking space. When the car hit the pole, it kept trying to back up rather than disengaging. It was a clear day, there was no traffic and there was no car in the adjacent parking space. This is using the latest version of Tesla's self-driving software, 12.3.3.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Unknown. Original owner.24,000 miles. When car turned off, shift to park message occurs. Required 10 on off cycles to turn car off. Dangerous since could be draining battery.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
Unknown. Original owner.24,000 miles. When car turned off, shift to park message occurs. Required 10 on off cycles to turn car off. Dangerous since could be draining battery.