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 11, 2024
Happen Feb.28/2024.windsheild part flew off my suv/hitting side my suv panel on door also loose. Could have hit another car. HWY 321 South 2 lane Hwy. Have called 3 times. Have been to dealership 3 times. C Ford. Keep telling me they have not received parts to fix. 5 mons. Still driving / With exposed around windsheild/ door panel doing same.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
Panoramic roof suddenly exploded with no apparent reason while driving around 45 mile per hour. The outside temperature from the gauge was showing 89 degree F. Road was clean and there was no sign of a rock hitting the roof. Luckily all the broken glasses were collected by the sunshade and did not fall inside the cabin where 2 kids were sitting on the second row seats. The broken glass could have ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
Vehicle has had multiple instances of lurching forward and/or not even moving when gas pedal is pressed. Several of these instances have occurred when coming to a stop or when trying to start from a stop. When the brake would be pressed the vehicle would jump forward. In one very memorable occurrence I was at a 4 way intersection coming to a stop and the vehicle lurched forward into the interse... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
Vehicle has had multiple instances of lurching forward and/or not even moving when gas pedal is pressed. Several of these instances have occurred when coming to a stop or when trying to start from a stop. When the brake would be pressed the vehicle would jump forward. In one very memorable occurrence I was at a 4 way intersection coming to a stop and the vehicle lurched forward into the interse... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
I have a few problems to be addressed because this car have a real safety issue. One issue been happening was car sometimes doesn’t start. This problem maybe stalling starting may delay in cases of personally emergency’s. Second, I got a recall letter having emissions issues? During this recall letter I receive my inspection sticker was due, then I got a rejected sticker because it did failed ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
My first problem is that when i try to accelerate the speed it acts as if it doesn’t want to go above the speed that I’m already going! Also my engine light pops on and off and says it could be a number of things such as my brakes and exhaust. The last problem is that my brake lights will not turn off at all.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
I have had multiple instances of brake failure while driving this car and it is to a point where I've been directed by my attorney to not drive the vehicle anymore. First instance of possible serious injury or death occurred on 1/15/2024: I brought the vehicle in to Audi of Iowa City because the brakes did not feel reliable. Several days before I brought the vehicle in, I was going 35 MPH and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
Clogged particulate filter and catalytic converter No safety issue has been confirmed by a Ram dealer The vehicle has been inspected by the Ram dealer Engine light came on Dealer says the vehicle has to be driven a good distance to clean up the exhaust We only use the truck for short distances.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
After plugging my Mach-E into a Blink Charger at Sheehy Ford in Ashland, VA my vehicle became disabled and will not go into propulsion mode. The car is now 98% charged but will not come out of Park. The dealership blames a NHTSA stop work order on a software update that in their words would resolve the issue.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
Driving vehicle on a local highway at about 35 mph when suddenly the steering wheel locked up while making a slight turn. The steering wheel was locked to the 2:00 position and unable to turn or change direction AT ALL, requiring emergency braking to avoid collision with oncoming traffic. Once stopped, the vehicle was restarted with temporary (5 secs) of return of function to the steering but wou... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
My Mazda 2017 CX 9 apparently had a coolant leak. When we had our oil changed, we were told it looked like it was leaking from behind the turbo booster. As I was driving it yesterday, the car slowed to an almost complete stop on the interstate and a warning sign on the screen showed that it was overheating to a dangerous level. I immediately pulled over and allowed the car to cool down. I checked ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
After a 20 minute drive back to house, a smell of something burning became present inside the car. Rolled windows down to let smoke filled cabin escape. Upon arrival inside the garage and after parking car. As I was exiting car, the rear window exploded with my daughter a few feet from back of car. It was loud and recorded on video. Back of window was hot to touch. Honda dealer was quick to bl... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2020
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started and shifted into drive(D), the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle shifted into drive(D) very rough. The contact stated that the "WRENCH” symbol was displayed, and the power train warning light was illuminated. The contact stated t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the gear shift indicator light turned off, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the failure persisted, and the gear shifter became inoperable. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
I lease a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4xE. On November 13, 2023, I was at making a turn and came to a stop and then when I went to accelerate it wouldn't move and gear shifter was flashing for park. So, I moved it to park at the same time had a service electrical system warning with a picture of the charging port. I was not able to drive and was now locked in park. I had to open the panel near the s... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
There is an active recall for my vehicle Mercedez Benz GLC 300W4 for which I was NOT NOTIFIED BY THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. The recall states that certain 80A fuses installed might not meet production requirements. As a result, a contact interruption or an increased triggering resistance might occur. In this case, systems connected to the fuse might become inoperable. Among others, the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
infotainment center glitching Attemped to resolve with KIA but they do not feel that this is a safety concern or feel it needs to be investigated appropriately. This occurs when driving typically on the highway because most of my travel is highway. When this occurs it is a distraction for the driver. It interferes with the ability to use hands free/calls/gps. There is no warning before failu... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
infotainment center glitching Attemped to resolve with KIA but they do not feel that this is a safety concern or feel it needs to be investigated appropriately. This occurs when driving typically on the highway because most of my travel is highway. When this occurs it is a distraction for the driver. It interferes with the ability to use hands free/calls/gps. There is no warning before failu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
On July 3, 2024 I turned right out of a parking lot onto a busy road. The car sped up on its own and started speeding. It took me a couple of seconds to realize what was happening and put on the brake. The car ran through a red light, other cars were able to avoid hitting me. The car did stop then. There were no warning signs that this was going to happen. The dealership is going to investiga... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Pilot. The contact stated while reversing and attempting to park the vehicle, the contact became aware that the center display failed to display a rearview image, compromising the back-over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the media-oriented system transport cable. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The touchscreen does not work. This impairs use of the hands free telephone usage, volume levels, and altering of settings. This is a known problem, and Mitsubishi has recalled it in Australia. It is unsafe for any driver to not have ready access to hands free phone usage as it is well known how often distracted driving due to phones has caused accidents.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
Crosswind Assist feature can't be disabled at the moment and is extremely dangerous. This "feature" can randomly kick on while driving around others and unexpectedly do things like breaking / swerving etc... which is extremely dangerous for both the drivers but others that might not understand what is going on with you and therefore create an accident. Mercedes needs to provide an option for spri... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. Additionally, the steering was sticking while turning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The rack and pinion were replaced but the failure later reoccurr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. Additionally, the steering was sticking while turning. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The rack and pinion were replaced but the failure later reoccurr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Put vehicle in reverse. Vehicle would not move. Vehicle placed back in park. Put vehicle in reverse again; and after advanced acceleration heard a loud clunk sound and jarring movement. Car continued in reverse normally. Vehicle was put into drive and driven approximately 500 feet at which time vehicle shut down. Service transmission and “rear axle not engaged” messages showing, as well as an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while attempting to park in his residential carport, the brake pedal was depressed the brake pedal was stiff and did not move down as intended. The contact used excessive force but the vehicle failed to come to a stop. The vehicle collided with the screen room of his residence taking out three of the four walls of the patio. There were ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
Driver steering wheel airbag deployed while parking van at work. Nothing was hit just went off causing burns and wrist pain and swelling. Wife stated that the front windshield wipers started turning on randomly while driving to work and then airbag blew while parking.
1 injured
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
While driving, the vehicle spontaneously goes into limp mode and warns the driver to pull over immediately because it is about to shut down. This has happened at least 10 times in my ownership of this vehicle since 10/04/2023 and the first time on 10/09/2024 and most recently occurred 07/06/2024. The first time it occurred on a narrow mountain road at night but I was safely able to drive slowly fo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
An issue occurs intermittently when accelerating from a stop/at low speeds. When pressing the gas pedal, there is approximately a 3-4 second delay before the engine kicks in. Theres is no acceleration during those 3-4 seconds and suddenly, the engine will jolt you forward. This presents a safety issue when pulling out on to a street and this vehicle will not move forward. There have been 2 instanc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
An issue occurs intermittently when accelerating from a stop/at low speeds. When pressing the gas pedal, there is approximately a 3-4 second delay before the engine kicks in. Theres is no acceleration during those 3-4 seconds and suddenly, the engine will jolt you forward. This presents a safety issue when pulling out on to a street and this vehicle will not move forward. There have been 2 instanc... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the blower fan stopped functioning. The contact stated that failure was intermittent at first but became a recurring failure while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaire... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2001 Forest River Cardinal Towable. The contact stated while the RV was parked the contact stated that he heard an abnormal "popping" sound and observed flames had burst on the outside of the refrigerator. The contact stated that the flames had ignited the side of the RV wall behind the refrigerator and on the RV ceiling over the refrigerator. The contact stated that the fire de... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The coolant leaks into the cylinder bore. This does not cause the car to stall until the coolant gets to low. The car stalled on my son (new driver) pulling into traffic due to the piston misfires caused by the coolant in the cold engine. Dealer has confirmed coolant intrusion.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
Leaking coolant to the inside of the motor. Currently at 64000 miles. Motor was repaired once before for same issue at 33000 miles with previous owner. I purchased this from a ford dealer as a certified pre owned. I was unaware of the issue with this motor. As I can find online here this year make and model with this motor has this issue as an ongoing problem with ford.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
Our explorer has had cascading warnings each time we drive the car for the past 7 days. Sometimes it takes a mile, sometimes it is immediate. The safety warnings include: 4-wheel drive fault, passenger air bag fault, forward Collision avoidance not working, powertrain malfunction, restraint indicator light warning, pre collision assist- . Not all appear each time, and some change ( 4wheel driv... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
Our explorer has had cascading warnings each time we drive the car for the past 7 days. Sometimes it takes a mile, sometimes it is immediate. The safety warnings include: 4-wheel drive fault, passenger air bag fault, forward Collision avoidance not working, powertrain malfunction, restraint indicator light warning, pre collision assist- . Not all appear each time, and some change ( 4wheel driv... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
I started slowing down because a car in front of me was turning left. My brake pedal went to floor with no pressure whatsoever. Thankfully the car turned before I hit them. I lived 2 blocks away and was able to coast into my drive. Brake pads are good, master cylinder is good, calipers good, and no fluid leaking. There has to be a recall for this because it is very dangerous!!!
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
On [XXX], traveling at the speed limit of 70mph, crossing from Illinois to Indiana my Rear Locker engaged light came on, on the dashboard. I immediately pressed the disengage button... The warning light came on, flashing, but never indicated that the rear locker was disengaged. I then immediately pulled over the vehicle at a safe location. Where i tried unsuccessfully to disengage the locker... I ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
Intermittent loss of brakes, with pedal going to the floor. Couldn't stop when a deer ran out in front of me!! Entire brake system looks good. Is there a recall??
Crash
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
While driving the vehicle the main control screen randomly goes blank. This screen controls regenerative braking levels, volume of radio making it impossible to turn the volume down if needed to hear emergency vehicles etc. The vehicle has also locked and refused to unlock the doors trapping people inside. The key fob or trying to open the door from the inside has not worked when these situation... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
I am writing to express my concerns and frustrations regarding the recurring issues with my vehicle despite multiple service appointments at Classic GMC Arlington. Despite numerous attempts to address these problems, I continue to experience issues with Continuity of service and performance Fueling system and coolant system problems (twice in six months) Stabilizer link light illumination during s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
I am writing to express my concerns and frustrations regarding the recurring issues with my vehicle despite multiple service appointments at Classic GMC Arlington. Despite numerous attempts to address these problems, I continue to experience issues with Continuity of service and performance Fueling system and coolant system problems (twice in six months) Stabilizer link light illumination during s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
Not 5 minutes ago I reported an issue to NHTSA regarding a 2024 Ford F-150 V6 Raptor. Just as I was submitting the form, I got an alert that remote features are disabled to preserve battery. The error texted to my phone states: “Don't worry though, nothing is wrong. This happens automatically when you haven't started your vehicle for a period of time.” I am not understanding why an error rela... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2024
Our truck has been doing the "death wobble" several times over the last 2 years. The truck will suddenly shake violently at high speeds and go into limp mode. We have to pull over pumping the brakes slowly. It is EXTREMELY TERRIFYING to have happen and we have spent THOUSANDS trying to get it repaired but it continues.
Incident date: Jul 4, 2024
1. Since owning the 2014 SRX the headlights are so dim to the point of not being able to use the vehicle at night or storms for fear of a crash. Now the Driver side HID Has failed along with the headlights housing to be cloudy on the inside. 2.Rear Door Hatch malfunction. Will not open or close with door switch , key fob or button on rear hatch door. I can open manually and close manually however... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2024
As I stopped at a red light, I received a message on my instrument panel to “push state”. I noticed my RPMs were at 0 and my vehicle was in neutral. I attempted to shift into drive, but received the same message again. I already had my foot on the brake as I was stopped, so I pushed the start button. The vehicle began its normal startup sequent and my RPMs return to normal. I shifted into driv... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2024
Rear passenger seat belt does not latch.