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: Apr 21, 2024
Without warning the car completely shuts off. This is very dangerous because it happened on the freeway (luckily the cars slowed down behind me). It is intermittent and two different mechanics have not been able to detect the problem. Was there a recall on this issue? What can be done to make this vehicle safer to operate. This has been going on for about 2 years.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2024
Warning display message “Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer”. After diagnostic at the dealer, coolant bypass valve failed and needed replacement with hefty, almost $900.00 for parts and labor cost. Did research online, and it seems that more vehicles from the year 2020-2021 have experienced the same issue at 30-55k miles, my car is on 106k miles. Please do a recall for this issue an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Buick Encore. The contact stated that while parked and refueling the vehicle, the contact observed an abnormal gasoline odor. Additionally, when the contact entered the vehicle there was an abnormally strong strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
No idea. Noticed the car seat was wobbly and then saw a huge crack in the shell.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Bought this car in January of 2024. 2 weeks after purchase, my steering wheel became hard to turn while I was on the road. The Power Steering Assist Fault light came on, so I decided to fix the issue by taking my car to a well-rated mechanic in my area. The issue was fixed, but only temporarily as the same issue occurred two months later while I was on the road, leading myself and anyone else arou... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Apr 22, 2024
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
I was driving 35mph and there was nothing in front of me when my car stopped. It would not move forward or accelerate despite pushing on the gas pedal. There was no forward motion or propelled motion. It took several seconds for my car to go again. The car was towed and serviced at the dealership. They said the front sensors had misfired. If a car would have been behind me or if I had been on the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2022
In february 2023 we noticed several internal (sawdust, exposed finish nails, floor noises, broken trim, pinched wall coverings) and external (multiple locked doors opening in transit)signs that our RV frame was experiencing excessive flexing, more than what is expected and necessary for a nearly 42' metal vehicle frame. The frame has since failed, the suspension is underrated for the weight of th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-voltage battery. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA H... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V204000 (Electrical System) 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 attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
The universal joint is stiff and turning vehicle is more difficult than normal
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
The automatic stop/start ERG valve
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
The automatic stop/start ERG valve
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
While I’m driving the car it starts swaying or jerking to the right sometimes to the left. Mostly when I press the gas to go faster. It’s very scary and I’m afraid it will run me in a ditch or into another vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
After waiting at stop light with foot on the brake (auto stop not engaged) the light turned green. After releasing brake pedal and the car rolling approx 1 foot , then starting to accelerate, within 1-1/2 seconds the transmission went into park abruptly. The shift lever displayed “Park” and “Parking brake” on the DIC illuminated. This almost caused a rear end accident as it was so abru... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
1.) Passenger Side Door is a potential hazard. Door latch and door mechanism does not open from the outside. 2.) Lane keep assist on Autopilot veers off to the right when it is first engaged and does not want to stay centered until it's been on for awhile.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
The car needs an PCM upgrade because it’s lit up a code in randomly situation. Causing the vehicle to lose the water temperature gage, power steering wheel assistance reduced and ac stop working, gmc is aware of the problem even issued a technical bulletin in 2018, but instead of inform the clients about the defective part, they want the client with this problem to pay to upgrade a defective PCM... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
The car needs an PCM upgrade because it’s lit up a code in randomly situation. Causing the vehicle to lose the water temperature gage, power steering wheel assistance reduced and ac stop working, gmc is aware of the problem even issued a technical bulletin in 2018, but instead of inform the clients about the defective part, they want the client with this problem to pay to upgrade a defective PCM... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
1945 Credit one: 65 Nordstrom: 116 Taxes: 133 Discover: 148 Care credit: 54 Cap: 60 (small) Cap: 187 (big) *75* 2018 Kia Forte was brought to a Kia Dealership within standard time frame since release of Ignition Coil recall to remedy said issue (released recall dated: 2020). Ignition Coil has since went out, resulting in the 2018 Kia Forte being brought back to the [same] Kia Dealership for the [... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
While driving vehicle at highway speed, error message stating “Gear Selected will Engage at Low Speed” and the vehicle lost all ability to drive at highway speed. Note: no buttons had been unintentionally selected, and it happened twice within a short period of time. Pulling to a safe location while in a rolling deceleration, the vehicle slammed on its brakes at about 5mph. It then showed erro... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
Received several error messages with collision avoidance, braking, lane keeping, front collision avoidance. I took it into the dealership and they quoted me 3k to fix it. I had code DTC U3000-49 multipurpose camera unit/ millimeter wave radar internal failure. They could not explain why it would come back on and work for a while and indicated both systems have to be replaced because of their softw... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
Received several error messages with collision avoidance, braking, lane keeping, front collision avoidance. I took it into the dealership and they quoted me 3k to fix it. I had code DTC U3000-49 multipurpose camera unit/ millimeter wave radar internal failure. They could not explain why it would come back on and work for a while and indicated both systems have to be replaced because of their softw... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Driving down the highway at a normal speed and the engine made a loud noise and then quit. We took it to a dealership and they said the engine is blown. They said there was a huge hole in the side of the engine.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
None of the door locks work, making it unsafe and dangerous for crime areas. I have contacted ford many times however they are unwilling to fix issues and it is a widespread issue with the year and model... It is an expensive issue to fix in all 4 doors
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 not experienced... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
Traffic ahead of me rapidly decelerated. Upon applying the brakes, the peddle froze and then went to the floor without any resistance. I attempted to pump the brakes without success. I impacted the car ahead of me at 40 mph, the posted speed limit, creating substantial damage to both vehicles. The brakes failed to operate and the airbags failed to deploy upon impact. The vehicle failed to slow ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
I received a safety recall notice in November 2023 stating that there is defect with Hydraulic Electrical Control Unit (HECU) in my car that can result in an engine compartment fire either while I am driving my car or when it is parked. As of April 2024, I am still waiting to be notified that the part to fix this issue is available. This delay is putting my life and my children's lives at risk eve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
I received a safety recall notice in November 2023 stating that there is defect with Hydraulic Electrical Control Unit (HECU) in my car that can result in an engine compartment fire either while I am driving my car or when it is parked. As of April 2024, I am still waiting to be notified that the part to fix this issue is available. This delay is putting my life and my children's lives at risk eve... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
While driving it's difficult for the car to shift gears, also a burning smell comes from the engine after driving long distance.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes were making an abnormal squealing and grinding noise. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on three occasions, who diagnosed that the brakes were working as designed but that the brakes may be replaced to cease the abnormal noise. The vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
This is the second chrome hood bulge that I've put on it and it keep breaking with the wind and just flys off. Also the collision light will come on by itself.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
This is the second chrome hood bulge that I've put on it and it keep breaking with the wind and just flys off. Also the collision light will come on by itself.
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V199000 (Air Bags, Steering) 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
Front CV Joint inner axle boot losing grease due to manufacture insufficient torque or poor quality of the clamp material.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
My car is a 2015 Mercedes Benz, I bought it at the agency in 2022. When I tested the vehicle at the agency, I noticed the steering was a little hard. I asked the sales person and he told me it was normal. Then, after 1 year and 5 months, it was on its way. I went to work and the steering wheel jammed and it wouldn't cross and the car turned off then it didn't want to start and it said the followin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
SHIFT TO PARK COMING ON EVERY TIME THAT I AM TRYING TO PARK... AND I HAVE TO START AND STOP ABOUT 4 OR MORE TIMES BEFORE IT WILL GO OFF ...
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. 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. VI... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle violently shifted into gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission speed sensor had failed, and the transmission needed to be replaced.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound emanating from the exterior of the vehicle. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the windshield cowl had become detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the windshield cowl. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2021
The the top of the windshield leaks. The windshield has actually pulled away from the body of the car and needs to be completely resealed. This is a well known and recall problem for 2015 to 2018 Land Rover Evokes. My Evoke is a 2019 thus dose not fall under the recall, yet its the same issue. There are many other people with this complaint which can be seen with a quick Google search on this ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2021
Some time in 2021 is the estimated date of occurrence of the event I am describing next. I was cruising on a freeway [XXX] ), traveling at about 65 miles an hour. It was a clear day with light traffic, around noon. There was no car in front of mine. There were no cars adjacent to mine either. Then I saw with my eyes a partially deflated mylar balloon (silvery and shiny) floating across (left ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
There is a loud creaking noise coming from the front end, most likely suspension. It seems worse when the car is turning and even more so when backing up and turning steering wheel. I am aware of the V15 recall for the Pacific and from what I have read the symptoms are nearly identical. Along with this there are at times more of a clicking sound.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Powertrain failure, low oil pressure light came on, occurred while driving 70 mph on freeway with moderate traffic my car suddenly decelerated to 35-40 mph with a semi truck behind me almost slamming into me and I couldn’t get the car to accelerate to get the the side of road to safety. Loud engine noise now when car is on, not able to accelerate past 30-40 mph. I feel it is not drivable. All de... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
Oil goes back into motor blowing motor so causing you to get a new motor
Incident date: Sep 15, 2020
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 35-45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCM, electrical system, fuel system and power train had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the fai... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
I began to smell exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. This persisted for several days and I brought it in to the Ford Dealer. They found that there’s an exhaust leak down at the oxygen sensor that doesn’t seal against the catalytic converter. This is a very dangerous issue with this vehicle as it can kill the occupants of the vehicle while the car is being driven.
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (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 contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the trunk of the vehicle be... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (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 contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the trunk of the vehicle be... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently consuming twice the amount of fuel while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact documented that a certain routine trip with the vehicle showed that a 25-mile trip was consuming 55 miles worth of gasoline. The dealer was notified of the failure but could not duplicate ... Read more