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: Feb 28, 2024
My vehicle has been maintained by the dealer and myself for the 87800 miles that have been put on it. I purchased the vehicle in August of 2016 brand new with 34 miles on it. The motor has a manufacturing defect, the block was built in the same plant (Hermosillo, HERMOSILLO, MEXICO)that other Ecoboost motors were built in that were recalled for the coolant leaking into cylinders via a "fix" which... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
Our 2020 Ford Explorer has experienced two recent Powertrain issues Event 1: 1/28/24 ~5:20pm EST Location: Highway Situation: - Following a ~200+ mile road trip our vehicle was on the last mile of highway driving - As we started to move from the middle to right lane to exit the highway, the vehicle lurched, the dashboard lit up (with a wrench icon), the vehicle speed dropped to 40-45mph in an inst... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
Drove through a very small pothole at about 5mph and the sidewall gave out creating a small pin hole and leaked out all the air. This is a known issue across all the forums and Facebook groups for this tire. People are going through tires like crazy because of sidewall failures.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
My car made grinding sounds when turning the steering wheel. My mechanic found a leak on Power Steering Pump & replaced it. My car has only 48,800 miles & there's a recall for Ford Trucks with the same problem.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
My car broke down in the middle of the highway. I could not move my car. It was stuck in neutral, but still would not move. I had already switched out the battery, but the battery and engine light was still on. I come to find out it is my alternator. And I feel it is leaking into the alternator, making a crash hazard
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
2023 Kia K5 GT, 8300 miles. Took car for 1st oil change and dealer said front brake pads and rotors need replaced. $800. The car is driven to school and home. How is this possible? Brakes should not be worn out this fast! Does this mean every oil change appointment will be $800 to replace brakes again. Reading forums this is a common issue for this vehicle.
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
I was driving down a very busy highway about 60 mph when my oil light started flashing on my dash and my check engine light came on and when I tried to push my brake pedal to stop my car I couldn't push it in. My brakes were very hard, I had to pull my emergency brake to stop my car and coast into a gas station so I didn't hit anyone. I have done a lot of research online and this same issue is alr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
I was driving down a very busy highway about 60 mph when my oil light started flashing on my dash and my check engine light came on and when I tried to push my brake pedal to stop my car I couldn't push it in. My brakes were very hard, I had to pull my emergency brake to stop my car and coast into a gas station so I didn't hit anyone. I have done a lot of research online and this same issue is alr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Right side marker light is getting repeated warnings despite headlight working fine. Repair options are either over $4K or disabling the marker light which is much less expensive but reduces safety. I and many others will be opting to disable the light, reducing safety. Audi should issue a recall for this defective marker light that includes additional VINs.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
Serious Safety Hazard: 2024 Hyundai Tucson Power Steering Failures I have had numerous power steering failures while this driving vehicle. During these incidents, the steering wheel is extremely difficult to turn. This is a serious safety hazard which could lead to a severe accident and loss of life. During each incident occurrence, I noted a red steering wheel with an exclamation point was displ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2004 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition briefly failed to turn. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Complete computer failure leaving cars safety systems not working. Had to pay 3000$ for a new computer for a new car. Did not have car for three weeks. No systems would work.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
- The check arm attachment point in the door assembly on the driver's side door. The spot welds holding the attachment to the door have broken. It is available for inspection at request. - It's a safety issue because the door no longer is able to catch itself presenting the possibility of the door being "ripped" from our hand if the wind would catch it potentially causing harm. Also, it's unknown... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Airbag light on dash comes on solid. Dealership had vehicle for 3 days and repair made to seat belt tensioner, days later, airbag light returns on dash. Other GM vehicles were recalled for airbag problems but maybe should include the Acadia.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
Steering wheel hard and solf at times hit a dip in the road and it will jerk the wheel to the left it has jerk the wheel out of my hands making a left turn if you not holding it firmly with both hands an they extended the warranty for 13 years an then tell you it has to throw a code before they will fix it under warranty this should be recalled its very dangerous nothing but a scam to keep from re... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk. The RPM increased, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The RPM decreased, and the RPM went to the correct level. After reaching an approximate speed of 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate further. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local deale... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
Rear back up camera and 360 cameras do not work consistently and result in difficulty in backing up the car without complete visibility. This issue is subject to recall on 2021 and 2022 models but not on 2020. I wonder why this isn’t being addressed properly by Audi and NHTSA
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
In August 2021, I placed my vehicle in park and pressed the vehicle on/off button and received a message on the dashboard that stated "Shift to Park", even though the vehicle was in the off position. I was unable to turn my vehicle completely off (remained in auxiliary mode) and unable to lock the vehicle. I took my vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer who notated the issue was inspected and verified wit... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
In August 2021, I placed my vehicle in park and pressed the vehicle on/off button and received a message on the dashboard that stated "Shift to Park", even though the vehicle was in the off position. I was unable to turn my vehicle completely off (remained in auxiliary mode) and unable to lock the vehicle. I took my vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer who notated the issue was inspected and verified wit... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
PTC Heater failed. This is a critical component that helps to maintain the battery's temperature within safe operating range. The only alternative is to replace this PTC Heater. Till the replacement is done, EVs battery may not maintain safe operating temperature range and could cause the car - not drive able. I consider this a significant safety risk. Cabin temperature cannot be maintained as w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Focus Electric. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start while the battery was fully charged. The message "Stop Safely Now" was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under Ford Campaign Number: 15N03 because the campaign had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
When pressing the acceleration pedal, car does not always switch into the next gear. On other occasions, while accelerating the car jerks and does not switch into the next year smoothly
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
No warnings or lights. Brakes failed taking vehicle out of garage with foster children. All maintenance was kept up. 55,900 miles. Towed to Nissan dealer where purchased. Shop didn't know the cause. Vehicle could not be repaired because the cause was never found. Could it happen again, out of the blue, without warning. Documents available on request only. Dates of incident may be off a bit.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
6L80 TRANS SHUDDERS AND SLIPS
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
Traveling on I35 South, approx 70 -75 MPH. Using adaptive cruise control/enhanced auto pilot. No vehicles present within a mile of my vehicle. Braking spontaneously engaged, reducing speed to 40MPH within seconds. If a vehicle were behind me they would have absolutely collided. I've not filed a report with Tesla. Vehicle did not display any warning, or any other sort of indication that a malfuncti... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The shifter cable bushing was no longer present and the shifter cable detached, causing my car to be unable to move out of park. I was actively driving the vehicle, backing it out when this happened, leaving me and my car stuck in the middle of the lane. This problem has caused a recall on earlier years of the car, making it a known issue. There were no symptoms prior to the problem, but many warn... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
I stopped the vehicle in the street after turning wide to back in my driveway. The vehicle lunged forward like it was being pushed. It continued forward, up the curb, paused, then was pushed (moved forward) harder up the incline and into a pine tree. Significant Damage was to the front end. At no time did I accelerate. I was not in control of the car. It threw a message about parking assist o... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
The review camera for my vehicle has been unreliable since 2022, if not longer, despite being fully replaced at no cost by the dealer once while still under warrantee. I received a recall notification regarding this issue via mail in September 2023 (recall no. 60232G, NHTSA campaign no. 23V-487), but later learned the recall was initiated two months prior, in mid-July 2023. Since then, my review c... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
Power steering assist failure. Fortunately happened in a parking lot. Was told recall is no longer in affect. Will have to get to dealership for repair. No warning other than the failure that produced a code on the dash when the steering stopped working.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
My 2021 Hyundai Kona AWD will not operate. It only has 18,000 miles on it and I bought it new. I had the oil changed at 7,000 miles. The dealership made me wait a month to take a look at it, and I believe that they know there is an issue with this model so they are trying to stall. I plan to request a buyback. The last time I tried to drive it, it died every time the car came to a brake. I had to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
My 2021 Hyundai Kona AWD will not operate. It only has 18,000 miles on it and I bought it new. I had the oil changed at 7,000 miles. The dealership made me wait a month to take a look at it, and I believe that they know there is an issue with this model so they are trying to stall. I plan to request a buyback. The last time I tried to drive it, it died every time the car came to a brake. I had to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
Several electric systems (ABS, electric power steering, collision mitigation, etc.) are showing as malfunctioning. The vehicle was diagnosed with a malfunctioning wheel speed sensor. The system alerts continue to occur daily, including when the vehicle is in operation. The rear liftgate no longer functions, along with other electrical features. Honda reports the sensor is backordered and hundreds ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Forward driving aids disabled, front sensor blocked, malfunction Issue confirmed by dealer 3 sensors replaced Problem continues
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Forward driving aids disabled, front sensor blocked, malfunction Issue confirmed by dealer 3 sensors replaced Problem continues
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
Driving down the interstate it started snowing and it was a wet snow so it was sticking to the front of the car. Warning light for the front collision light came on and said was disabled or something like that. It was also white outs during this snow storm so with that out not knowing if there's a car in front of me put not only my life but my husband's life in danger. Once we stopped for gas and ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
I often experience significant lag for rearview camera and the turn signal indicator lights. Sometimes it takes up to 10 seconds for the rearview camera view to come up. It's dangerous because it's hard to tell if the car is in reverse or not. Sometimes it takes multiple attempts to change gear. I have similar experience with the turn signal indicators. It takes multiple attempts for the signals ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Subframe is rusted out and causing control arm wobble which I cannot control the steering correctly
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Subframe is rusted out and causing control arm wobble which I cannot control the steering correctly
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
Back in February my Tesla Model 3 started acting up Emergency Brake was disabled, automatic vehicle hold was disabled, and traction control was disabled all issues I reported to the company app with photo. This problem stated when a software update happened after the Tesla app requested it.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The c... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
Frame Failure: Welds broke, and walls separated. The dealer and manufacturer acknowledged the issue and repaired the issue.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 65-75 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was sluggish. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft had failed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The contact received notif... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had n... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
Delayed shifting are not shifting at all they reset the transmission numerous times but still having the same issue. It’s all part of the adaptive learning transmission system that Ford has.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
Manufacturer Recall Number23S12 NHTSA Recall Number23V162 Recall on my vehicle Ford has failed to attempt remedy as of December 2023.
Incident date: May 16, 2023
This incident is reported by a law office. The car being driven by our client was a TESLA Model 3 which made a SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION when our client was slowly looking for a parking space at a parking lot. The TESLA car suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed without client pressing on the accelerator. On the contrary, our client was stepping on the brakes in an attempt to stop it bu... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: May 16, 2023
I was on the highway during traffic hour going approximately 40 mph at 2 rpm and when I tried to accelerate to keep up with the flow of traffic, the car did not accelerate and actually slowed down and suddenly shifted down below 1 rpm which caused the oncoming cars behind me to hit their brakes hard. After it slowed down and did not accelerate, even though I pressed the gas pedal further, it sudde... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
I was on the highway during traffic hour going approximately 40 mph at 2 rpm and when I tried to accelerate to keep up with the flow of traffic, the car did not accelerate and actually slowed down and suddenly shifted down below 1 rpm which caused the oncoming cars behind me to hit their brakes hard. After it slowed down and did not accelerate, even though I pressed the gas pedal further, it sudde... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
Loss of drive power while at high speed on the highway. Warning popped up saying car will lose power soon, with a turtle icon. Had to pull over 3 lanes to shoulder. Could have been dangerous, Chrysler known issue - they had recall 03A to make sure the warning turns up, but didn't fix it.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage after two weeks, he started the vehicle and reversed onto the driveway. The driver's side and passenger's side air bags deployed without impact or warning. There were no reported injuries. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more