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 14, 2024
My 2021 Wrangler began experiencing a violent shaking and reduction of steering control in July 2023. The violent shaking would begin if my vehicle hit a bump while traveling at 65 mph or more. To regain control, I would have to brake and reduce speed to under 65mph (which also is extremely dangerous to do on a freeway). Thunder Jeep in Bartow, FL replaced a broken steering component that temporar... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
Radiator hose needs repair already and engine over heating. Kia will not cover it.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while driving and accelerating from 10-30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, and while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was dia... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
While in FSD the car swerved to the left and hit a Tree. Youtube of the Crash.. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
Driver side mirror cracked on its own.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
Driver side mirror cracked on its own.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH in extremely cold temperatures, the engine seized and the wheels locked up inadvertently, causing the vehicle to skid to a stop. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated had to walk back to the residence in the extremely cold weather. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Alfa Romeo Stelvio. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the vehicle was diagnosed with a blown head gasket which resulted in engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V495000 (Electrical System) and 15V005000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
I was driving 78 mph on the interstate when my car did a hard snatch and I thought I hit something in the road I didn't see. I looked in rearview mirror and saw white/blue smoke and I looked down and all the dash lights started coming on. I slowed down and pulled off the side of the road and the engine turned off before I put it in park. Oil is pouring out of the bottom of the motor area. No warni... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. Upon taking the vehicle in for emissions testing, the vehicle failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the speed sensor. The vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle failed the emissions test. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who was unable to determine a failure, but informed the contact that it might be related to... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
I had the recall done for the rusty frame and sub floor, to arrest the rust. The frame is now rusted through. I have a hole big enough to put my fist in. I call Hyundai customer care center Case #[XXX]. When driving this car if the frame breaks I will lose control of the car and crash. The car was just at Van Horn Hyundai Sheboygan WI they did the valve cover gasket recall. They pointed the rust ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
ABS control module has failed and is not available from the dealer,this is a known problem on 2017 and 2018 model year ,Part number 68347098AA, been told this will not be available untill 08/2024 at the earliest, there is a nation wide back order for a replacement part.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
1-16-24:car wouldn’t open and start; jump-started by AAA to dealer; dealer kept overnight & checked battery: said charge held, ready to go home. 1-30-24, 4 pm-ish: able to start n drive, but check engine& eyesight warning light came on- late in day, so didn’t drive to dealer. 1-31-24: car dead; jump-started by AAA again & drove to dealer. On 2-1-24, dealer sends a video & says replaced battery... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed. I informed the Manufacturer , Yokohama, as soon as the incident occurred and had to be replaced by a tire shop. These tires can explode if they hit anything, on the side, at less than 2mph (two miles per hour).
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
On 6/25/22 our 2021 Tesla Model Y with 16,163 miles had a sudden unintended acceleration, it didn't responded to the breaks and within seconds hit a parked car and finally stopped when it crashed to a large tree. It was a "Total Lost" by the insurance. Around 1pm on a clear sky day, driving out of a small gated residential community, before exiting I pulled over the side of the road for a few min... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
Electrical power steering failed. I reported this last year to this agency, but somehow it is not available. Cranked up vehicle and the power steering failed on and off. At times it would clear out until the light stayed on and the power steering stopped working.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
Vehicle stalls out at an idle. Several forum postings on Ford forums that owners of 2015 to 2017 F150 5.0 truck have had the same issues. Several users have said ford has replaced the VVT solenoid, and the issue has been resolved.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
When driving the car abruptly slows down. This also happened on the freeway. I get an error message that says “power limited” and a turtle symbol. This is the second time this issue has happened. Tesla service center has not been able to confidently diagnose this issue. They say it’s resolved and once I leave the service center and the problem comes back.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
I was driving about 35 mph, in morning on 10/3/23. Suddenly the rear windshield shattered accompanied by a very loud noise at the rear or hood of car. At first I thought someone threw a rock, or fired a gun, on my car. Pulled car over to inspect. I was very shaken. The road had a few pine trees adjacent, I thought perhaps a large heavy pine cone could have fallen on the back windshield, but had no... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
I was driving about 35 mph, in morning on 10/3/23. Suddenly the rear windshield shattered accompanied by a very loud noise at the rear or hood of car. At first I thought someone threw a rock, or fired a gun, on my car. Pulled car over to inspect. I was very shaken. The road had a few pine trees adjacent, I thought perhaps a large heavy pine cone could have fallen on the back windshield, but had no... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
P219alA code appears; supposed fuel injector issue after trying smaller fixes (MAF sensor, air filter) with no luck. Just purchased from local dealer a few weeks ago.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
I was driving my normal route utilizing the autosteer functionality of the Tesla that I purchased and it suddenly jerked and crashed into a parked vehicle, which resulted in a total loss of my vehicle by the insurance company. Thank god nobody was injured during the accident but it was scary, dangerous and a major inconvenience. Once the accident happened (on 12/6/2023), I submitted this claim ove... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
Panoramic sunroof exploded randomly while driving on 2/8/24. Nothing hit the sunroof it just exploded. Vehicle is less than one year old.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Tucson. 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 contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owned a 2022 Telsa Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at 18 MPH, the vehicle veered to the right hitting an electrical pole. The contact stated neither the autopilot nor cruise control was set to on, and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated it happened so fast he was unable to depress the brake pedal in time. No warning lights were illuminated and the air bags in... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
I was driving on the internet doing 60mph and there was a very loud bang and then a shaking of the parts under the hood. I was right next to an exit and coasted off the exit to a hotel parking lot. I had car towed to my mechanic. He said that the piston went thru the engine and the engine is done and needs replaced. I am having a hard time trusting Toyota again to purchase another Prius. I have ha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2019
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) 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 contact had not experien... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2019
The contact owned a 2015 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while exiting the car wash parking lot, the vehicle was in neutral. The contact entered the vehicle. The contact attempted to shift the gear into drive, however the gear shifter was inoperable and did not move. The contact stated the vehicle independently accelerated and was unstoppable. The vehicle crossed a busy parking lot, the vehic... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Auto START/STOP, fog lights, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sunroof drain was clogged, causing the rear driver's side comfort control module to be flooded with water. The dealer determined that the comfort co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 27, 2023
Over the years, Toyota has had to issue numerous recalls for their Toyota Tacomas and frame replacements/maintenance required by Toyota due to rust and corrosion. However, Toyota chose not to replace all frames, instead decided to "treat" the issue with underspray. My Toyota, like many others, has received the recalled Toyota undercoat spray to prevent rust and corrosion on a frame with known is... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
This car is equipped with Super Cruise an automated driving feature that I believe had a huge part in my inability to avoid hitting a deer. There should be many more considerations and warnings to consumers to protect them. In my situation I kept driving for much longer than I should have because the strain was not so bad. But the feature does not have a feature to pull over. I had to manually pul... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper Hardtop. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the remedy to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated less than half the lights are working on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed that water and salt could enter the circuit and corrode and this se... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
I got a recall notice from Tesla and Tesla is still in safety violation and is refusing to fix the issue, so I need your help to force Tesla to fix their abusive ways. The recall 23V-838 is related to "when Autosteer is engaged". Autosteer/Autopilot/FSD now DISABLES even when NOT engaged, alleging "improper use" when it wasn't even being used. It also disengages Autosteer/Autopilot/FSD while dri... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
I purchased this vehicle in October 2023, it was sold to me is as a certified vehicle. The issue came to my attention when I drove out the first night after the purchase. I took the car back to the dealer. Turns out the service department is aware of the issue and recommended a stereo installation shop. I went to headlight business, collision repair company, stereo shop, a total of six different o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The is WATER in my right front FOG lamp and I don't know how it got in there, but Tesla says they can't get water out of it and can't reseal it, but is willing to let me pay $504 to replace a light... this is yet another Billionaire abusive practice by Elon Musk to generate cash flow and revenue for his failing company. Telsa also asked for $15,000 for a new battery, which the "software" said it... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
turning on defrost vehicle has cracked windshield
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The car door propped open as I was driving the vehicle. There have been multiple repeated concerns that I have had with this vehicle. It is unsafe.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The car door propped open as I was driving the vehicle. There have been multiple repeated concerns that I have had with this vehicle. It is unsafe.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The car door propped open as I was driving the vehicle. There have been multiple repeated concerns that I have had with this vehicle. It is unsafe.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
Tesla Model 3 Performance (M3P) comes with unrealistic "thin" wall tires on 20" wheels that easily POP when they hit potholes, nails, gutters, median divides, gashes in the road, etc. American roads are poorly maintained if at all by transportation departments. Only thick walled tires are suitable for roads. Tesla Model 3 LR (Long Range) and SR (Standard Range) comes with 18" wheels and tires,... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering was seized. The contact stated that the vehicle was independently turned off. The contact's son was able to get the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact's son was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
So I had my steering rack changed on 3/23/23 because the steering wheel was having difficulty turning like it was sticking or notching feeling above 35 mph. The transition was from one lane to the other was not smooth. Now here I am less than one year later and the steering wheel is doing the exact same thing I took it in on 1/06/2024 to Gwinnett place Honda and they said they couldn’t duplicate... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
The truck flashes service antilock brake system, service eletronic brake system. It cancels the cruise control on truck. On several occassions it shuts off cruise while on the interstate. You have to react very quickly to avoid having an accident. A couple of times its happened while pulling a travel trailer and nearly got rear ended by semi truck. Thats really scarey. It started about 8 months ag... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
Was driving off from drive thru window and o hear a loud bang, pop and shatter. I look into rear view mirror to find my rear mirror busted! It was one of the scariest things that has ever happened to me. I called dealership and they didn’t even want anything to do with me. I got it fixed on my own.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
My windshield wipers will come on in the slow position even though they are "Off". I cannot get them to stop. My wipers will continue to do this for a month or so, and then return to normal where I can control them. This has happened 3 times now. While this is happening, I have problems controlling the speed of the wipers. This only happens when the truck is running.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
My steering wheel is like using manual steering, it is very hard to turn it seems to get stuck in certain positions, easier in another spot when turning, then gets stuck again. It is very hard to turn, no lights on the dashboard, no error codes. This is a huge safety concern if I am driving and can no longer steer my vehicle safely. I see so many other complaining about this problem with 2014, why... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. In addition, an abnormal grinding sound was coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle surged forward after experiencing hesitation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer... Read more