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: Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 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 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 issu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was loosened, and felt as if the steering wheel would detach. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact believed that the failure was a manufacturing defect and took the vehicle to a local dealer; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
Driving on the freeway and I was cut off. And failed to work went sliding and had to steer into the emergency lane to avoid a collision
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
The recall on the oil pump has really put a halt in my life. I was driving home when my vehicle cut out. I lost control of the vehicle for a second. Thank goodness I was not on a highway and was able to get it going again to drive home. My dash lit up with all different lights, one being low oil. The vehicle is now sitting at a Ford Dealership where we wait for parts for the EcoSport. This was sev... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
Date is ongoing since November 2023. I am writing to report a safety concern related to the key fob of my Fisker Ocean One. On December 10 & 22, 2023, March 20 & 29, 2024, I have been locked out of the car for prolonged periods of time of more than 30 minutes and up to 5 hours. I have experienced daily failure to properly lock and unlock the vehicle, once I am in the vehicle even when putting the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
Driving down the interstate two days in a row and my passenger door just opened. First I thought it was just the indicator light, but when I looked over and heard the wind noise I pulled over immediately. The passenger door was opened. I shut it and continued on and it happened 3 more times.
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda CR-V. 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 vehicle was making an abnormal sound while idling. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had excee... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
Rotors have been replaced once already. Still vibrating severely during braking at 50-60 mph speeds. Especially downhill.
Incident date: May 30, 2024
RECEIVED A NOTICE ON MY DASH STATING THE SHIFT SYSTEM HAS A FAULT AND SERVICE IS REQUIRED. I AM UNABLE TO PUT MY CAR INTO REVERSE, DRIVE, OR ANY GEAR. IT IS CURRENTLY STUCK IN PARK. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR FORD FUSIONS BETWEEN THE YEARS OF 2013-2020. IN 2017 FORD RECALLED 259,182 CARS DUE TO A FAULTY SHIFTER CABLE.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
My 2018 Model 3 started giving me the error "RCM_a056_passengerFrontOCS" today. This is caused by a faulty passenger occupancy weight sensor. This has been an ongoing issue in these models evidenced by SB-23-20-002 being revised 6 times. Tesla has resisted fixing this safety issue because the air bag also needs to be replaced to maintain compatibility with the redesigned Occupant Classification Sy... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
When I was driving I heard big boom sounds in my backseat which ended up being my fuel tank which expanded and raised the back seat. It slowly got worse impacting my car’s fuel sensor and the tank expanded more and more I drove.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
When I was driving I heard big boom sounds in my backseat which ended up being my fuel tank which expanded and raised the back seat. It slowly got worse impacting my car’s fuel sensor and the tank expanded more and more I drove.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
On two occasions we have discovered cracks in a wheel on the vehicle. The second crack is causing the tire to lose pressure. We have no recollection of any impact that would have damaged the wheels. It appears the vehicle is too heavy for the wheels, causing them to fail under normal usage.
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
I own a 2018 Ford Edge Titanium with a 4 cylinder 2.0 Liter engine. After experiencing check engine light my local dealer stated I need a new engine because of a defect that causes coolant to leak into the engine’s cylinders, which can cause corrosion, oil dilution and contamination, and engine failure. The car does not run now and is parked. I HAVE READ SAFETY ISSUE REPORTS FROM MANY OTHER PEO... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while in reverse(R), there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions. The contact stated that unknown repairs were performed on the vehicle, but the vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The conta... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while slowing down with the brake pedal depressed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing unintended downshifts. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to respond and was sluggish while driving ... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while slowing down with the brake pedal depressed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing unintended downshifts. Additionally, the vehicle hesitated to respond and was sluggish while driving ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
The rear suspension is incredibly creaky sounding. It constantly makes noise at every slight bump and turn regardless of speed. Kia service admitted there is a known issue with the self levelling shocks on the '23 Tellurides and said I should replace them.
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while washing the vehicle, he observed that the roof panel had become detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V197000 (Structure), but the V... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
5th INCIDENT: On 06/09/2024, at approximately 5:25pm, I was pulling up to a stop sign after just leaving my home. Traveling about 10mph I began applying the brakes and vehicle suddenly lurched to a complete stop and shifted itself into park. Various warning prompts, chimes and cluster lights came on (see attached photos). Vehicle then accelerated all on its own without any pressure on the gas pe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
5th INCIDENT: On 06/09/2024, at approximately 5:25pm, I was pulling up to a stop sign after just leaving my home. Traveling about 10mph I began applying the brakes and vehicle suddenly lurched to a complete stop and shifted itself into park. Various warning prompts, chimes and cluster lights came on (see attached photos). Vehicle then accelerated all on its own without any pressure on the gas pe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
5th INCIDENT: On 06/09/2024, at approximately 5:25pm, I was pulling up to a stop sign after just leaving my home. Traveling about 10mph I began applying the brakes and vehicle suddenly lurched to a complete stop and shifted itself into park. Various warning prompts, chimes and cluster lights came on (see attached photos). Vehicle then accelerated all on its own without any pressure on the gas pe... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
My 2010 Ford fusion has no power steering and I believe a fuel injector problem. The service power steering message appears the engine light is on. I was told it had something to do with needing a fuel injector. This problem needs to be recalled ASAP
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated upon attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that upon attempting to drive the vehicle 30 minutes later, the vehicle responded as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed that the valve body had... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. Additionally, the vehicle lost power braking functionality and engine oil pressure, with the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was no... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
ABOUT YEARS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 JEEP COMPASS, WHEN ALL OF A SUDEN THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WENT CRAZY BLINKING ON AND OFF AND THE RADIO TOO, THEN THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TO HARD, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT CHECKED UP. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. BUT DAYS LATER THE CAR DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. TOOK TH... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
ABOUT YEARS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 JEEP COMPASS, WHEN ALL OF A SUDEN THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WENT CRAZY BLINKING ON AND OFF AND THE RADIO TOO, THEN THE ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TO HARD, I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET IT CHECKED UP. AFTER A FEW DAYS THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. BUT DAYS LATER THE CAR DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. TOOK TH... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Intermittent loss of power steering. Difficult to turn wheel at low speeds. Steering is tight then will loosen causing it to be difficult to control vehicle while turning. Ram dealer installed new steering rack and pinion which cost me $4,100 on May 15, 2024. However, steering problem is still occurring.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
Since last year around 55k miles, my backup camera has stoped working. The first incident happened as I was about to back out of my garage. I opened the garage door and put my car into reverse. As I looked down at the screen and began to back up, I realized the screen showed me an image of a closed garage door ever though the door was open. Almost as if it had taken a screenshot or froze. The sec... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
I am very unsatisfied with the fact that I have to get my oil changed 1 every month, due to burning oil as well as hard ride. My car will not pass inspection after 2024, due to emissions, I paid $600 to get a passed sticker and Sick of dumping money into this vehicle. there have been so many recalls on this car. What is Hyundai willing to do ? I’ve purchased this vehicle in 2013 from Brad Benson... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2024
I am the owner of a 2018 Kia Soul. On May 19, 2024 I broke down on a highway in a dangerous construction zone. Just prior to this my oil light came on, so i put some in to be safe until I got home to let engine cool. No other warning lights or messages came on. Got a little further down the road and the light came back on with the engine now making noise. I managed to find an emergency pull off ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
I had my car repaired under a recall for VANOS bolts shearing/breaking off causing the engine to stop running. Issue has returned and car is unsafe to drive.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The truck went into limp mode while driving in the highway and did a hard shift down. The truck almost crashed due to the sudden problem. The code that came up was P0706 and P0707. From what I understand, Ford has had problems with this in previous years. The problem still occurs with my truck model as well.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
Headlight low beams have gradually became so dim that the car is unsafe to drive at night or in adverse weather conditions. The bulbs were replaced at an Honda dealership despite the dealership technicians stating there was nothing wrong with the existing bulbs' lumination. The new bulbs did not improve visibility and the headlights are getting worse. The last time the car was driven at night, the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
On our way home the motor started ticking loudly and more and more loss of power. All the dash lights came on with the check engine light. We called the dealer and they said to bring it in. We babied it another mile and could no longer go more than 20 mph. We pulled over as soon as we could and the motor couldn’t go any more. Had it towed to the dealership and they said the whole fuel injection ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The collision warning light and lane assistance light come on frequently. It used to just be when the weather was under 40 degrees and the car was cold. However, it now happens all the time. It seems to go on and off for no reason. Additionally, the infotainment system keeps switching radio stations or ghosting without anyone touching it. It also drops Bluetooth connectivity constantly.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Steering feels rough. When traveling down highway, resistance is felt when trying to make steering adjustments right or left. The pressure required to make adjustments causes the car to weave, as each adjustment right or left requires pressure to overcome resistance. I also have had steering bump against my input going around a corner. This is a dangerous defect and is well documented. Honda sho... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
I was seated in the front passenger seat while the car was parked. I swatted a mosquito on the top of the windshield, just right of the rearview mirror/camera area. I did not use much force. The windshield cracked from the impact. The car is not available for inspection. The crack became considerably larger as we drove the vehicle. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet, but will be ta... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Car's information gauge only displays at temperatures 70 degrees and above. The gauge (displayed on the right in the photo) contains, fuel level, odometer reading, warning icons. Car could run out of gas on highway with no warning. A Goggle search revealed many owners of different model years experiencing the same issue. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Incident Description: One week after purchasing our new Tesla Model 3 2024 , we encountered several error messages upon returning to our car after a brief stop: "APP_w264 - Lane Departure Avoidance feature unavailable," "GTW_w075 - Steering assist reduced," and "UI_a020 - Steering assist reduced." With no cell signal available, we had to drive back slowly with hazard lights on. The steering was ex... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
In June of 2023 I was notified of a recall on my 2024 Traverse. The notification states that if the airbag were to deploy, there is a chance of shrapnel being fired into the cabin and killing the occupants. (Recall N232404980). I have reached out to my local Chevy dealer multiple times and been told that there is no resolution at this time. As of today, I checked GM's web site and there is sti... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
Lost Transmission fluid cap, don’t turn on any sensor light. I realized only because a friend just replace his. He shared the information I check it was gone. I had to buy a new one at Honda. High risk since temperature is super high in California, potential risk to lose all the transmission oil and brake.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
The top dashboard is sticky, almost like a melting feeling. I've tried everything possible to no avail.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Engine started to have knocking when starting engine after long sitting while off. Later, something with engine broke and it's at dealer to look at. We regularly changed the oil but started to have mass oil consumption. Had to get a tow.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Fuel pump failed. Electric control module/system failed. I have been having these problems since 2021. When it first started my car stalled out, completely died, and started rolling (even though I was pressing the brakes) - I had to pull my E brake and luckily stopped an inch away from hitting the car in front of me coming to a stop because the light turned red. My entire car shut down. I had to g... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Fuel pump failed. Electric control module/system failed. I have been having these problems since 2021. When it first started my car stalled out, completely died, and started rolling (even though I was pressing the brakes) - I had to pull my E brake and luckily stopped an inch away from hitting the car in front of me coming to a stop because the light turned red. My entire car shut down. I had to g... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Travel assist goes on and off at random times . The wipers turn on and off by themselves. Also the front collision warning light comes on randomly.. what should I be doing with this vehicle… I’ve read many reviews that other people have the same issues.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
Car started making noise after the check engine light came on. Check engine light was on for just a few days then by the third/fourth day the car starting making noise, turned off on me a few times then just died. We replaced a few sensors and the battery and starter. Two mechanics have told me the engine is locked and needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 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 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... Read more