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: May 12, 2024
The power steering assist has begun to randomly stop working. It has happened 3 times. The first time it happened was as soon as I started the car to move it. I turned the car off and turned it back on and it worked. 5 starts later the same problem occurred and I was able to restart the car and it worked. Approximately 7 starts after that the power steering assist stopped working again, but t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
My entire garage is filled with gas fumes after I filled my car up to full yesterday. I drive my car once every 2 weeks and this is filling my garage with fumes. There are no visible leaks, there is a technical service bulletin regarding a gas tank issue that expired. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? UNKNOWN, the vehicle is a... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
The radio wouldn’t come on and then the car rpm just go down while I am driving and the check light came on
Incident date: May 12, 2024
The radio wouldn’t come on and then the car rpm just go down while I am driving and the check light came on
Incident date: May 10, 2024
I found mold under my front passenger floor mat. There has been a water leak since u had purchased the vehicle. As of now the dealership has not successfully discovered the source. Vehicle has been in and out of the dealership since Feb 22, 2024.
Incident date: May 11, 2024
11 May 2024, I had started my truck as normal and began driving. About 2 miles from my house I lost all power to the truck. I was driving about 35 MPH when the truck threw up errors on the screen and I could no longer accelerate. It threw on the E Brake abruptly. Luckily no one was behind me as such an abrupt stop could cause a deadly accident. After I shut off the truck and waited 5 minutes a... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2024
After experiencing multiple brake failures and reduced power, now the cruise control is reporting incorrect values. Setting the cruise control to 42mph yields 70mph. This is dangerous and unsafe as you do not know what to expect.
Incident date: May 11, 2024
My truck was parked in my driveway for several weeks while away from home, I arrived the water pulling into my floor board and the front driver side and running down the top of my headliner into the back seat, also my belongings and leather seats along with the majority of the interior was covered in mold and mildew leaving a foul odor and it stains. I cleaned it up still has a leak, going back on... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
Vehicle cel for misfire. Replace plugs and coils. Still happens. Dealership says it needs a new engine? My research shows that this is an extremely common problem with Jeep engines. I am aware of a class action suit regarding this issue. I’m not sure of the status. Vehicle has just under 129k miles and is therefore out of warranty. Jeep/FCA knew these engines had problems and continued to se... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
Vehicle cel for misfire. Replace plugs and coils. Still happens. Dealership says it needs a new engine? My research shows that this is an extremely common problem with Jeep engines. I am aware of a class action suit regarding this issue. I’m not sure of the status. Vehicle has just under 129k miles and is therefore out of warranty. Jeep/FCA knew these engines had problems and continued to se... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to a coolant leak. The contact was informed that the engine ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Assist, seat belt, and several other warning lights illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle but was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent bu... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
It has been a year since this GM Recall N232404980 has been issued and nothing has been done to repair it. This equipment problem poses a risk to the lives of me and my family.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at approximately 80 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but was stiff and difficult to depress. The contact stated that her daughter accelerated to steer the vehicle away from slower traffic. The contact stated that her daughter depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond and st... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of a failure with the inclement weather sensor which should engaged with the vehicle in inclement weather. The contact stated that the sensor would not function properly. Additionally, the system failure warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned of a safety haz... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while attempting to close the rear hatch, she became aware that the door failed to latch securely. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was able to duplicate the failure but determined that the vehicle was operating as intended. The contact was informed that the hatch failed to close due to the vehic... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
Today, I attempted to turn left onto Indiana State Highway 12 and as I was turning my motorcycle lost all throttle. The result of losing throttle meant I fell over in the middle of the highway. After reaching 6mph, the throttle sputtered and the traction control light flashed. Thankfully, the drivers on the highway were paying attention. If they weren’t, I could have easily died because cars tr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 10, 2024
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the persistent issue of "sticky steering" in my Honda Civic, which is attributable to a malfunction in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Since the purchase of my Civc, I have experienced recurring difficulties with the steering, characterized by stiffness and unresponsiveness. This issue poses a significant safety concern as it affects ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
My wiring harness which affects all systems. I was on the Interstate when out of nowhere any and all warning lights came on. The power was cut and rapidly slowed down. I also pulled into traffic and the truck just lost power. The problem was confirmed by dealership. The vehicle was inspected by dealership and wiring harness was the issue. The issues appeared out of nowhere. All the warnings lights... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
My wiring harness which affects all systems. I was on the Interstate when out of nowhere any and all warning lights came on. The power was cut and rapidly slowed down. I also pulled into traffic and the truck just lost power. The problem was confirmed by dealership. The vehicle was inspected by dealership and wiring harness was the issue. The issues appeared out of nowhere. All the warnings lights... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
My wiring harness which affects all systems. I was on the Interstate when out of nowhere any and all warning lights came on. The power was cut and rapidly slowed down. I also pulled into traffic and the truck just lost power. The problem was confirmed by dealership. The vehicle was inspected by dealership and wiring harness was the issue. The issues appeared out of nowhere. All the warnings lights... Read more
TESLA
MODEL 3
(2018) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
May 9, 2024
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the brakes locked up. After releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle began to shake abnormally. While driving, the power steering became inoperable. The Hill Assist, traction control, and steering assist became inoperable. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact is a former mechanic... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
I keep getting a warning to service the Safety Restraint System. I have taken my car in several times to be fixed and have paid a lot of money and it is still not fixed. The dealership says they fixed it but then it happens again. This has been going on for about 3-4 months now. At this point I do not know what else to do. I feel this is a safety concern because I cannot drive down the road withou... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
Ford Motor Company has had a known issue with the truck frames cracking on the F-550 chassis. They acknowledged it by doing a recall, which either replaced or repaired the chassis frame or installed reinforcement braces if no cracks were visible. The recall expired in September of 2023. In October 2023 we noticed a crack on the frame just outside the recall reinforcement brace that Ford-certifi... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
Ford Motor Company has had a known issue with the truck frames cracking on the F-550 chassis. They acknowledged it by doing a recall, which either replaced or repaired the chassis frame or installed reinforcement braces if no cracks were visible. The recall expired in September of 2023. In October 2023 we noticed a crack on the frame just outside the recall reinforcement brace that Ford-certifi... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2024
Ford Motor Company has had a known issue with the truck frames cracking on the F-550 chassis. They acknowledged it by doing a recall, which either replaced or repaired the chassis frame or installed reinforcement braces if no cracks were visible. The recall expired in September of 2023. In October 2023 we noticed a crack on the frame just outside the recall reinforcement brace that Ford-certifi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic Type-R. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and con... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was shifted to park(P), the message “Shift to Park” was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Car stalled X 2 with a hard right hand turn.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle started losing motive power and stalled with the power train failure warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted, and the contact drove the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
My car caught on fire after going to Hyundai and being told “the only thing you have to worry about is your breaks locking up. My car was parked in the driveway and caught on fire from the engine bay.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Vehicle has the slide creep issue, Tiffin and the dealership were aware of this issue on the 34PA model and did not disclose it to me when purchased. Vehicle has been at dealership since November 2023 and is still there with no resolve.
Incident date: May 3, 2024
We on the interstate cruising @ 75. Lost all drive power, flashed something about a lower gear while I was making my way to the shoulder. When I got down to about 10 mph, the parking brake activated. When we came to a stop, it went into park, but the "P" was flashing. I couldn't disengage the brake or put it into gear . I turned it off and back on and was able to shift into drive and release ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
I was driving down the freeway and my truck when into reduced power mode, displaying " Powertrain malfunction/Reduced power, engine service soon, and precollision assistance not available". This ended up slowing me rapidly from 65 down to under 20 miles. I almost had a semi slam into the back of me missing me by inches.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
I was driving down the freeway and my truck when into reduced power mode, displaying " Powertrain malfunction/Reduced power, engine service soon, and precollision assistance not available". This ended up slowing me rapidly from 65 down to under 20 miles. I almost had a semi slam into the back of me missing me by inches.
Incident date: Apr 25, 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
I bought a used 2014 nissan altima. The dim lights do not work properly and is dangerous to myself, my familiy and to other drivers approaching me. Visibility is about a cars length, if that. The dealership i bought the car from did not disclose that there had been a lawsuit against nissan for this issue. Someone needs to issue a recall on all these models with defective headlights before someone... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
The hood release broke, and we can no longer open the hood of the vehicle. There is no tension in the release mechanism, and it appears the release cable has broken/become loose. Without the ability to open the hood, I can’t check my oil, refill engine coolant, refill wiper fluid, etc., let alone investigate an issue. Generally unsafe to drive. There were no warnings on the dash (the lever was s... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
My 2014 Camaro SS, has about 35k miles on it now, and only drive during the summer. I was looking for a parking spot at work, went to turn right, and the steering wheel totally locked up on me, would not turn left or right from a straight position, ended up slamming on the brakes for i wouldn't run into the embankment in front of me. Put the car in Park, kept playing with the steering wheel, and i... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - ENGINE
May 7, 2024
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to slow for traffic or for a traffic signal, there was an abnormal high-pitched sound coming from the brakes and the vehicle was vibrating. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that additionally, while driving up a grade in the road, at approximately 35 MPH, the ve... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 7, 2024
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
My car drives forward when in reverse. This happened twice. Second time I was able to get it on video. Car Is currently at dealership
Crash
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and shifting into drive(D), the messages “Pre-collision Assist Not Available" and "Cruise Control Not Available" were displayed. Additionally, the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a local dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft carrier needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a separati... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft carrier needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a separati... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
Truck down shifts randomly while driving and does not shift when it is supposed to on take off the RPMs go up 3 something. You can stop turn truck off and it starts to work again for 1 or 2 take offs then does it again.
Incident date: May 4, 2024
My name is [XXX] and I am the owner of this vehicle. On [XXX] 2024, my daughter was driving this vehicle at approximately 30 miles per hour when the drivers side rear trailing arm separated from the frame and caused the tire/wheel to destabilize and hung crooked from the side of the rear of the vehicle. It appears that the frame around the trailing arm mount rusted completely away. My daughter... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
Sticky steering while driving.
Incident date: May 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence and parked. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage ... Read more