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 2, 2024
Hinge failed on the back lift gate, which in turn damaged the cylinder as well. Back lift gate would not close as a result of this failure. Back lift gate could have fallen off of vehicle, possibly resulting in injury or death to others. Multiple failure issues with the lift gate are common on internet sites and are known to dealers. The repair facility acknowledged this was a common problem wi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
Water pump and Thermostat failure at 60,000 miles even after a replacement.car continues to overheat
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
All of the lights come on periodically (lane departure can’t be used, it says braking system error, it says braking system could be decreased and says to have car serviced) I’ve taken it to the dealership once and they could not replicate it and said it could be a sensor but wasn’t sure I paid for a inspection because they didn’t know. Searching things now there are a ton of forums with th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
Not starting due to corrosion issues
Incident date: May 26, 2024
Not starting due to corrosion issues
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Ghost touch issue with touchscreen. It causes calls to go on hold, navigation to stop in unknown areas, sometimes in areas without service, and other distracting issues such as skipping songs. I’m fixing it, but it appears to be a common problem and it costs over $600 to fix.
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Just had transmission fluid changed, now car is jerking and has no response to acceleration pedal. With car in park and gas pedal pushed down the RPM's don't move. Losing power going up a small incline RPM's drop to 500 and speed drops from 55 to 30mph. No codes from scanning but check engine light is on. Nissan has no idea what is going on.
Incident date: May 30, 2024
Water leaking to right rear cargo area after rain that makes the roof trim wet, the cargo floor and spare tire compartment flooded. The water seems to flow out from seat belt opening.
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Edge. The contact stated when the vehicle was started there was a large cloud of white smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that coolant had i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
The rear seatbelt twists and jams when fully extended to secure a car seat or child in a booster seat. When we took the new car (less than a week after purchasing it)to the dealership to repair the jammed seatbelt, the gentleman in the service department stated that he sees this quite often and that you have to be careful when extending to seatbelt fully to prevent it from twisting and jamming.
Incident date: Apr 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Genesis G80. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact called Roadside Assistance, who arrived and restarted the vehicle. The contact used a boost charger to start the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The trunk opened message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
Our nissan Sentra with 106K miles the car lost nearly all power as my son was turning onto the freeway. He could only drive 16 miles an hour and it was hopping and jumping through a 8 lane freeway/highway intersection while he tried to get into a parking lot off the road. He turned it off, waited 5 minutes, and turned it back on, but it was still slowly hopping and jumping. After another 10 minute... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Multiple systems keep failing
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
Alarm went off but car was not alarmed
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
On [XXX] my 2023 Cadillac Escalade Super Cruise VIN: [XXX] with approximately 9600 miles failed to operate in a safe manner and has malfunctioned. The vehicle has been well maintained and follows all manufacturer specifications. It is a lemon. The engine seized while operating on the highway. The vehicle lost speed, there was a crashing boom sound, followed by extreme shaking as grinded to a halt... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
I was trapped in my car when the 12V starter battery died without warning and everything in the car shut down. I was very fortunate that I had my cell phone with me to call my friend who had just left. However, he was unable to help me open the car from the outside. I spent several minutes going through several questions in an attempt to make an emergency request for roadside assistance on the Tes... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2024
This car that I financed on [XXX] 2024 has been back to the dealership over 6 times. My car loses power on the freeway and all main roads. I push the gas pedal and nothing happens so I am forced to pull over and turn the car off and restart it again. It's very dangerous when I'm merging on the freeway and I cannot accelerate and have to pull over in traffic. Sports cars International in Lynnwood W... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
I bought my Ford Fiesta new in 2018. I have less than 35k miles on my car. My car recently started bucking while I stop at stop signs or red lights. My car revs up and tries to go forward. I took my car to the dealership hours later. They did a diagnosis and asked me what kind of gas I use. They said I shouldn't buy my gas from there. I was then told my valve is sticking from the gas and the va... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
Multi-function tailgate lowers without warning. Issue has occurred four times over the past week. The first issue resulted in cosmetic damage to the upper part of the gate.
Crash
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
In 2023, I purchased a used 2022 Toyota Sienna with 39k miles on it. I have noticed that when I am coming to a slow stop, the car will not stop right away as expected. Instead, it moves forward. It also happens with slow right or left turns. These incidents are sporadic, occurring at least once every time I drive. On this Memorial Day, I encountered a very dangerous situation while driving on the ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while reversing, the RPM and engine surged while turning the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there was no coverage for the failure of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB: 0125-18.... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while reversing, the RPM and engine surged while turning the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there was no coverage for the failure of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to TSB: 0125-18.... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
This Has to do with the outside slide out grill. Cooking on the grill the compartment is not sealed off from the inside kitchen. Smoke going into the compartment into the kitchen. The flame on the burners blew out from a breeze and the inside of the RV started to smell of propane. So strong that I believe if a spark happened I would have been a Disaster. All other RVs I had looked at had a box th... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
I took my Kia to Thomas Kia on April 12, 2023 and paid a total of $3321.93 for an oil change, fuel injection flush, engine oil flush, drive belt, oil pressure switch, front valve cover gasket, passenger brake bulb, high pressure ac line, cooling system flush, 6 spark plugs and plug assy-spark. I could not drive the car almost three months later I took my Kia back to Thomas Kia and was told it had ... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V4... Read more
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, for unknown reasons, he veered off the road, traveled over a hill, and crashed into a dirt pile. The steering wheel air bag failed to deploy. The contact had previously unplugged, the passenger seat air bag. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. After the crash, the curtain and driv... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, for unknown reasons, he veered off the road, traveled over a hill, and crashed into a dirt pile. The steering wheel air bag failed to deploy. The contact had previously unplugged, the passenger seat air bag. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. After the crash, the curtain and driv... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Door latch assembly failed and will not allow driver side door to be opened after locking. Door must be opened from inside to get in. Both rear doors were already repaired several years ago for same issue under warranty but that has now expired.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
On approximately, 04/15/2024, 8:00 am, My 2015 Kia Forte with less 115,000 miles suddenly shut down going 65 MPH! A severe accident was avoided by manhandling the steering wheel to get it to the side of the road. When I called the Kia's Consumer Affair, to report the incident, I was told there was no recall on the motor so they were not labile. I am very frustrated, upset and stressed that Kia's d... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
On approximately, 04/15/2024, 8:00 am, My 2015 Kia Forte with less 115,000 miles suddenly shut down going 65 MPH! A severe accident was avoided by manhandling the steering wheel to get it to the side of the road. When I called the Kia's Consumer Affair, to report the incident, I was told there was no recall on the motor so they were not labile. I am very frustrated, upset and stressed that Kia's d... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2024
Gear shifter was stuck in “Park” and unable to move shifter and change gears. The car was actually in Neutral. There were not warning signals the car was in neutral and could roll away. This puts the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and property at risk of injury/damage. Several recalls have been issued for 2016 Ford Fusions transmission bushings for this exact issue. When I contacted the Fo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
On [XXX] an alert pop up on dash board saying to stop the car. I was driving I [XXX]. When stopped car showed an alert to Tow the car to dealer because a malfunction in the system. Called tow company and went to the dealer. They told me that day that the magnet part that regenerates when brake was broken. After 15 days I called back for an updated then they told me a software update is necessary a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
During routine vehicle operation when entering an interstate highway, , the vehicle developed a loud knocking sound from engine bay along with high RPM abnormal shifting. Vehicle was stopped as soon as possible in the safety lane when it stalled and shut off. No warning lights were present during the time of failure. Vehicle was towed to home of residence.
Incident date: May 27, 2024
This is a complaint about the ridiculous amount of time this has gone on!
Incident date: May 21, 2024
Upon acceleration from stop, and even while driving at speeds between 30 & 40 mph, the vehicle shifts from Drive to Neutral and displays "Shift to P..." on the display. This occurs repeatedly. You have to stop the vehicle and shift to Park then back to Drive. But it keeps occurring, over and over. It first occurred when I pulled out into traffic, the vehicle shifted to N and I had absolutely N... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2020
Currently unavailable camera view restricted” The message went away but I’ve noticed it appearing more often
Incident date: Jul 31, 2020
Currently unavailable camera view restricted” The message went away but I’ve noticed it appearing more often
Incident date: Jul 31, 2020
Initially noticed a creaking noise from the rear of the vehicle when going at low speeds and over bumps. The moose got progressively worse over time. The vehicle was first serviced for this issue in September 2023. The Hyundai service center confirmed rear shock shock absorbers and mounts needed replacement. The issue was resolved, but then occured again in March 2024, once again the Hyundai servi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
Fuel injector failed and pumped too much gas into cylinder causing gas to get into engine oil and ruin engine. GM claims they are building the replacement engine, but won't give any estimate of when it will be fixed. Other dealers that are receiving these engines will not sell the engine to my dealer. I believe there is a bigger problem that GM will not admit to and they should be held accountable... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2024
Cx 5 2017 mazda. Purchase at the mazda dealership in 2021. Car has been burning oil. At 2000mils my oil level on the dipstick is at the lowest mark. I have to add 1gt oil to bring the mark to the correct level.
Incident date: May 26, 2024
The trailer frame can not support the weight of the boat. I’m hauling my boat on the trailer going down a divided highway when I notice the trailer side marker light on passenger moving all around through my side mirror. The whole front of the fender broke off and was jammed on my trailer tire nearly causing a blow out or flying off and causing a wreck. I immediately pulled over and luckily i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
Got in my car to go to work and blind spot service required light came on
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
The vehicle is advertised as supporting 48amp level 2 charging. After approximately one year of ownership, high amperage charging lead to overheating at the charging port, causing charging to produce errors and fail. Hyundai/Genesis released a software patch to detect overheating and throttle the amperage. This does not resolve the physical hardware that is overheating. This solution leaves the ca... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2024
Steering is difficult - it sticks and requires extra effort to steer the vehicle
Incident date: May 16, 2024
The engine failed causing my steering and breaks to lock up on the interstate going 70mph surrounded by 18 wheelers, which was a total surprise as my car had no warning lamps on. Fortunately, I was able to guide my Hyundai safely to the side of the highway where I waited 5 hours for a tow truck. After leaving my car at Hyundai for 3 weeks due to an engine recall I was totally unaware of, they info... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The key Fob is not recognized. The car will not start. The locks do not work. I have been locked in and out of the car. My grandson was locked in the car. The car rolls back when in drive. The car goes into park when stopped at a stop sign. The driver assist is non operational. The car is not drivesble.
Incident date: May 8, 2024
Air bag light is on as soon as car power on until it turns off passenger airbag is off I dont know if my airbags will deploy if I get in an accident . While driving steady speed of 50-60 mph while pressing gas sometimes it doesn’t increase speed but instead jerks until I let go of the gas and then depress it again it happenes maybe 2-3 times during a drive .
Incident date: May 8, 2024
Air bag light is on as soon as car power on until it turns off passenger airbag is off I dont know if my airbags will deploy if I get in an accident . While driving steady speed of 50-60 mph while pressing gas sometimes it doesn’t increase speed but instead jerks until I let go of the gas and then depress it again it happenes maybe 2-3 times during a drive .
Incident date: May 8, 2024
Check engine light was activated on my 2017 Fusion Titanium a week ago. Took car to the dealership on 5/25/24 and was informed that a coolant leak had caused a "milkshake" in the engine, which (as many others are reporting) now needs to be replaced--at a cost of $8000. Vehicle went out of warranty in late 2023.
Incident date: May 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle sputtered while attempting to a... Read more