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: Dec 29, 2023
Static tire failure of the left rear tire. OEM Nitto ridge grappler dot# [XXX] ; 265/70r17. Parked car and was inside a church for an hour. No issues with tire, all 4 tpms pressures read 37 psi. When returning to the vehicle noticed the flat, changed on the spot with the full size spare. It appears as though the sidewall structure/belt failed, taking the rubber with it. Tear is on the inside... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
Odyssey Minivan. The right rear sliding door became de-railed and stuck in the open position; the derailment also caused the third window on the right to break (rail is adjacent to the window).
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
There is a pulsating/fluttering noise coming from the rear passenger side near side of the vehicle. Got the vehicle in July of 2023 and reported the issue in August. Dealership confirmed and performed TSB 2067759/2 (Installed 10 rubber insulator sleeves). This did not fix the problem. I noticed it is loudest when the fuel tank is low. It can be heard at idle but tends to get louder while moving sl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
Brand new camper shipped without wiring the brakes on one side. If they forgot to wire the brakes, I am terrified of what else they forgot to do.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Airbags. The light did not come on upon start up of vehicle. Electrical. My radio, display on dashboard and Bluetooth would blink off and on. I think that my sons safety and mine were at risk because of the malfunctioning of the airbags if an accident would have occurred they wouldn't deploy. I took it into the dealer, but they didn't seem concerned. They fixed some things and it costs around $350... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
When I use the brakes, the doors open and passengers fall on the roadway. Then get struck by passing vehicles. It hurts when getti ng run over. Plus it sucks when the doors open randomly in traffic.
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
The vehicle throws a “passenger restraint system malfunction” every 5 minutes while driving. Based on discussions on bmw forums, this is a common issue among several models of BMW. The issue seems to be caused by loose wires/sensors beneath a he passenger seat.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
i have a feeling their is an issue with the head gasket for many reasons, smoke is coming out of the vehicle of the hood and has a burning smell to it. i checked online and it said some 2013 and 2014 versions of the Chevy cruze have been recalled due to not long lasting head gaskets, and i see how theirs no recalls on the vehicle but it seems theirs an issue with the head gasket and its a 2014 so ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The front transfer case or wheel ends will grind causing vibration and an audible growl when the outside temperature is below 32 degrees and driven first thing in the morning before the internal components have had a chance to come up to normal operating temperature. I suspect the hubs are either not fully engaging or disengaging and thus causing the grinding. This happens regularly in the AM an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
My car burns lots of oil also hear motor knocking with oil in it.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
I purchased my car in 2015 at 23k miles, now we're at 86k miles and I'm experiencing issues. How is there a recall for this car but no remedy yet when there is a high risk of fire? Shouldn't there be a resolution for this safety concern? I noticed my car in 2022 would smoke here and there when driving, and I would smell burning. I took it to my mechanic and he changed the head gasket, and the smok... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
The placement of the horn and turn signals onto the steering wheel is highly flawed. In normal driving, the turn signal buttons on the wheel are not intuitive, even after months and 10,000mi of ownership. The horn is also a button, and will never be useful in an emergency situation. These items should be required to be placed in the same spot for every street legal vehicle. Muscle memory and ease ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
Airbag recall that currently has no remedy and no eta on repair or remedy
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
Remote started my truck. Went to get in my truck about 10 minutes later. There was smoke in the vehicle. The rear defrost shorted and melted a hole in the rubber seal next to my rear sliding window. The heat from the incident cracked and spider webbed my rear window.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
I was slowing down for a stop sign and the back window spontaneously shattered. Nothing struck the window and there were no cracks in the window previously.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
The car has 7300 Miles on it and it has an electrical Battery error that it can not start Also multiple soft ware errors the screen turns off while driving and assist control errors
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
There is no physical button for the horn and it's difficult to find the digital button when you need it at a moment's notice. This presents a safety concern that I believe should be recalled.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
The lack of a center horn is ridiculous. On a number of occasions I have needed to hit the horn to alert another driver but have missed since I have to look for a capacitive touch button on the wheel.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
Extremely difficult to accurately press small horn button on steering wheel in emergency situation. Requires looking at wheel to find button. Why this car doesn’t have the horn in the center is a dangerous mystery to me.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 6 MONTHS AGO AND THEY HAVE NOT FIXED THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE DEALERS SAY THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE AND THE GM WEBSITE SAYS THIS SITUATION IS "UNRESOLVED". I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
Driving on the road a tire randomly blew out and upon that happening every airbag in the car went off despite there being no collision.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
Vehicle stopped running smoke was coming from engine . Won’t start back up
Fire
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
Drivers lock on door does not open and close also window don’t go up and down . Car has only 18,000 miles. I see many complaints on this. There should be a recall and consumers should not pay for this. Will be going to Nissan to see what they can do for me
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
The electronic horn fitted to my steering wheel is dangerous and needs to be recalled. I was driving and a car was heading towards me from the side and was not slowing down. I went to use the horn to tell the driver I was there, but because it's not a mechanical horn (it's a slippery plastic, not even a button), I could not find it in time. The car nearly hit me and I had to swerve. A horn s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
The supposedly “LED Headlights on this vehicle is very dim and very unsafe to drive. I have contacted Honda of Marysville Wa state about the headlights inability to provide light on the roads but was ignored. We almost had an accident because the headlights are so dim we almost hit another vehicle. This needs to be addressed by honda before something bad happens.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
The horn is very difficult to hit in case of emergency. You have to look down and find the horn button, which is especially problematic for example if a child runs in front of the car, you have to take your eyes off the road and find the horn button and press it. All other cars in the world use the center of the steering for a horn, this model of Tesla S does not.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
Car began to smoke. Roof caught fire at driver's visor while occupied with 2 people. Both able to exit safely. Neighbor put out with fire extinguisher. Inspected by insurance adjuster - total loss. Dealership notified. No warning lamps or messages.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
Car began to smoke. Roof caught fire at driver's visor while occupied with 2 people. Both able to exit safely. Neighbor put out with fire extinguisher. Inspected by insurance adjuster - total loss. Dealership notified. No warning lamps or messages.
Fire
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
The electrical connection in the seatbelt breaks causing the airbag and seatbelt light to constantly illuminate not knowing if the break would cause the airbags from deploying
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
The electrical connection in the seatbelt breaks causing the airbag and seatbelt light to constantly illuminate not knowing if the break would cause the airbags from deploying
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
I have an ABS light on and a traction control light. I understand this is a problem with 2017 Ram 2500 and the 2018 Ram 2500. It is my understanding from the dealer it will cost over $1,000.00 for the repair so that my brakes will work properly. Vehicle has less than 87,000 miles on it. I feel this should be brought to your attention. This is a safety issue for all affected vehicles. Ram knows abo... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
there is no fix for the car and i cannot park the car where it would not injure persons or property the solution is for hyundai to replace the car or give me a free rental car till there is a fix -2013 elantra is subject to fire
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
I own a 2018 Ram 2500 with 104,000 miles. During the period of ownership I have had to replace the ABS/traction control module twice. Each time the repair is over $1,000.00 to have a Ram dealer diagnose and repair my abs brakes. This is a very significant safety issue. Without the ABS system I cannot control this vehicle in an emergency stop situation. You cannot use cruise control. This ongoing i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
I was driving down [XXX], about 20 miles southwest of Atlanta when I saw flames and smoke come underneath the hood of my car. I pulled over to the right shoulder and I was able to exit the vehicle before the entire front engine compartment was melted and engulfed in flames. Local FD responded and extinguished the fire. FD was unable to explain what may have caused the issue. Vehicle is a total los... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
Vehicle ABS malfunctioning making some dashboard lights come on. A bunch of random codes in the readers makes it hard to identify the issue. Codes are not specific and a bunch of other components need to be tested/replaced before realizing the actual main issue causing the owner spend a ridiculous amount of money and time. Only dissappear if ABS module is replaced which is hard to find(up to two y... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
Rear self leveling suspension has gotten stiff and creates a severely rough and uncomfortable ride, especially when in the middle or third row. It can be jolting. I had the TSB 113 repair completed and ride is moderately better, but still very stiff. TSB 113 eliminated the clunking in the rear end but the ride is so stiff it creates discomfort for the occupants.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
UNKNOWN. I have taken my Sorento twice back to the dealership and they won’t fix recall til something happens
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
The horn is a button. As someone almost steered into me, I looked down to find the horn and almost ran into a child as my car swerved!!! This is incredibly unsafe to hide the horn button in an incredibly small area next to the wiper button and cruise control. How this was approved is beyond me!! Tesla needs to make all current cars correct by having the horn be accesible. Like every other car in... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
The ABS Sensor on the brakes failed while driving on the highway. This could have caused an accident. These modules should last the lifetime of the car.
TESLA
MODEL S
(2021) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Jan 13, 2024
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
The ABS Sensor on the brakes failed while driving on the highway. This could have caused an accident. These modules should last the lifetime of the car.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
TWO PIECE LUG NUTS. DEALER WILL NOT ROTATE TIRES BECAUSE OF SWELLED LUG NUTS. REASON GIVEN DAMAGE CAN OCCUR AND I COULD NOT CHANGE A TIRE IF I HAD A FLAT, BECAUSE MY LUG NUT WRENCH WOULD NOT FIT THE LUGS. I HAVE ANOTHER FORD WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FO R NEW LUG NUTS, THIS SHOULD BE FORDS' RESPONSIBILITY!
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
I bought my 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe brand new and have been the sole owner. It has been garaged the entire time. It has 145,000 miles and I have kept it washed and maintained regularly. The last couple of times I have taken it in for repairs, the mechanic has told me that the frame is rusting badly to the point that it is a safety issue. In the event of a crash the frame could buckle.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
Trunk is not properly sealed resulting in water getting into the trunk and corroding the tailgate control unit, this issue has been reported online hundreds of times. A week after my trunk flooded during heavy rain my car warning lights for the brake system, lane keep assist and several others lit up and wont work, the lights turn on and off intermittently - again this issue is being reported onli... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
Backup camera on my Ford Escape works only intermittently, sometimes it shows a black screen and error message, at other times it shows an upside down images. Please include this model year (and perhaps others) along with the recent backup camera recall you recently issued. Thanks for considering my request.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
The ABS and traction control has a fault that’s turns off the abs system. It’s been troubleshot to the HCU pump. There are several ram trucks with this issue. Fault code is. C0020-01 ABS pump motor control
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOWER SPEED. THE CAR SUDDENLY SPED UP WHICH WAS VERY ALARMING. I HAD TO HIT THE BRAKE TO CAUSE IT TO SLOW DOWN. IT HAPPENED ONCE DURING A 4 MILE TRIP. MY SPOUSE HAD REPORTED A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE EARLIER IN THE EVENING. ALSO MANY FUNCTIONS LIKE PARK ASSIST, TRACTION CONTROL ETC SEEMED TO BE AUTOMATICALLY DISENGAGING
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
While driving on the road, I came to a stop at an intersection. While waiting for the green light the engine stopped running. I tried starting the car by pressing the brake and the push start button and the car only clicked and did not start. I pushed the car off the road. After several attempts to start the car it wouldn't start and it started smoking it looked like it was coming from the starter... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
2019 Ranger went into limp mode in traffic at the worst possible time. Error code appeared and referred to transmission fault at roughly 38k. Was taken to ford and I was told PCM just needed updating. By 45k the transmission was right back to shifting rough with sudden shifts jerking the truck. Called Ford to say hey it’s not right still. It’s continuing to downshift from 10th gear at 65mph in... Read more