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: Jun 4, 2023
2014 Cadillac SRX - Driver's side headlight does not work properly on Low Beam. While the light burns, it does not shine forward on the road. It is absolutely as if there was no light at all, when driving at night. Took it to 2 different Cadillac Dealers who tried to fix but was told it was impossible to fix without replacing the entire headlight unit at a cost of more than $2,000. I had this same... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
There are no open recalls on my car. I am needing physical proof/documentation that the recall part has been replaced. The car is having issues stalling/losing power while driving. The dealership claims there is nothing wrong with the car and if they can't recreate failure then the car is deemed fine to drive. This car was purchased for my 16yr old son as a daily driver. After multiple weeks ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The Vehicle wobbled when at 70 MPH. I have new tires but the wobble won't stop. I have visited a mechanical specialist was refer to this site. Also, the Radio Display touch screen is not working.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The Vehicle wobbled when at 70 MPH. I have new tires but the wobble won't stop. I have visited a mechanical specialist was refer to this site. Also, the Radio Display touch screen is not working.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Heard a cracking or popping when opening or closing front driver side door. Took our 2020 Ford Escape to Authorized Ford Dealership for routine service. While the vehicle was at the dealership we were told that the front drivers door would not close shut. The technician managed to "jimmy rig" the door to get it to close. The door temporary closes but now the drivers window will not operate. Was i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the RPM rose to 7,000 RPM, and vehicle was making an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the engine oil pressure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
Touchscreen went entirely blank. A few days prior to this, radio cut on and out. Rebooting procedures did not work. Tesla repaired, stating it was the cars computer. I asked for the old computer board but was told it was proprietary. The symptoms are very similar to those of the older memory issues.
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
On 11/24/23 Mercedes Benz had replaced my subframe which was part of a safety recall. When I arrived home after picking up my vehicle, there was a loud bang from under the vehicle. I immediately called the service department and told them about what happened and also complained that the steering wheel was cocked to the left and pulling in that direction. My service advisor John advised me to bring... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
On 11/24/23 Mercedes Benz had replaced my subframe which was part of a safety recall. When I arrived home after picking up my vehicle, there was a loud bang from under the vehicle. I immediately called the service department and told them about what happened and also complained that the steering wheel was cocked to the left and pulling in that direction. My service advisor John advised me to bring... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
There is an ongoing issue with Tesla's seat sensors that give an error screen while driving. Tesla seems to be systematically charging a standard $1.5K repair to replace a $100 sensor harness, but they're charging so much because they claim an airbag replacement is required (for an extra $1.2K) as part of the new sensor/wire harness installation. From a quick google search, it seems this is a pret... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
Driving my car on a busy highway. Car completely stopped. Putting myself in extreme danger! Tried having the car jumped off and that did not work. I waited hours on a tow truck on this busy highway! Had the car towed to a mechanic and was told that the engine has blown. Called manufacturer and was told that my vehicle was a part of the class action lawsuit, but I failed to comply with the recal... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local service center who diagnosed that the number two engine connecting rod had failed causing a hole in the engine block. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
Several things have happened multiple times now. While driving on an interstate the truck suddenly lost power then from 70 mph dropped almost immediately to 30-35 which almost caused the vehicles behind me to slam into me. Another time the auto stop came on waiting at a red light then when the light turned green the truck threw all alerts on the dash and died. Now I was parking and the esc control... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
Several things have happened multiple times now. While driving on an interstate the truck suddenly lost power then from 70 mph dropped almost immediately to 30-35 which almost caused the vehicles behind me to slam into me. Another time the auto stop came on waiting at a red light then when the light turned green the truck threw all alerts on the dash and died. Now I was parking and the esc control... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
windshield cracked 3 years in a row found it odd that we were needed yearly new windshields on line search lead to class action law suit due to defective glass
TESLA
MODEL 3
(2020) — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
Jan 10, 2024
Incident date: Jun 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the air conditioner, heater, and defogger were inoperable. The climate control warning light was not illuminated. The contact replaced the climate control module; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
While I was trying to pull up my vehicle at about 10mph from the street to my driveway after driving around 35 miles from work, the vehicle suddenly accelerated (Unintended Acceleration) to 40+ mph (based on logs) and hit the property. This put my life and others at home at risk. The vehicle was inspected by insurance representative. No warnings lights prior to incident. However, the message 'Corr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
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: Jan 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
Consisent failure of coolant line system. First noticed warning light "low coolant" and immediate overheating in November of 2021. Had the issue repaired at mechanic in 11/2021. Then same exact issue recurred in April of 2023, starting with warning light of "low coolant." Received letter from BMW USA indicating the problem can be repaired at any authorized dealership, but that this was NOT a re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
The warning lights dealing with the braking system malfunctions. All warning lights dealing with the Braking system come on the dash. The brakes failed to engage and the car began to roll backward on a hill had to use the emergency brakes to stop the car. This problem has happened twice since I had the car on 12/6/2023 at which time all warning lights came on dealing with the brake system and on ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that after arriving to her destination and upon attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately. After starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The check engi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
On 9 different occasions, my vehicle was operating in cruise control and slammed on the brakes for no reason. Fortunately, no vehicle was behind me. If there were I would have been rear-ended all 9 times. This has happed 8 times on the freeway and one time on surface streets.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
I was trying to back up and the car would not go. A warning on the dash came on that said collision Mitigation System problem, see your dealer. I put the car in drive and it hesitated like a brake was on. .I couldn't get above 10 miles per hour. It was like I was trying to go forward, but someone was pulling me back at the same time. I took it to the dealer and they said nothing was wrong.
Incident date: Jun 10, 2023
I was trying to back up and the car would not go. A warning on the dash came on that said collision Mitigation System problem, see your dealer. I put the car in drive and it hesitated like a brake was on. .I couldn't get above 10 miles per hour. It was like I was trying to go forward, but someone was pulling me back at the same time. I took it to the dealer and they said nothing was wrong.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
the car started to abruptly accelerate when slowing down the car at a stop light and would not brake. the anti collision functions did not work. the car went into a truck.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
Cylinder crack. Recently got a oil change and driving to work couple days after and smelled oil burning into my cab and smoke coming from underneath my hood. Got to work and opened my hood and noticed large amount of oil on belly and leaking oil from my cylinder. I got this vehicle thru a dealership and when contacted, they stated if I pay $7,500 I could get a trade in!!! After numerous searchin... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
Engine light abs sensor from right wheel Repair at Mavis Tire 1701 19th St Bessemer Al 35020 phone# Mavis 205 666 0750 Repair made 08/18/2023 $381.12 total I have invoice from Mavis Tire I am unable to send my invoice.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
Electronic braking systems and abs needs to be serviced. I have repaired this issue 3 times already from the dealership. It has popped up again
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
What happened to my 2020 Acura RDX was the rear window randomly broke after closing the driver door (this happened on Tuesday, [XXX]). I was doing some research and it seems as if maybe this had something to do with the electrical defrosters on the rear window. I even talked with my dealership (Highland Park, IL "Acura") and they made it sound like they've "never heard of this happening." I sent t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Transmission issues of going into Gear.Display for Cue system not functional
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was flickering. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance system engaged without any objects nearby. While at a stop, the automatic STOP/START feature became inoperable. The vehicle was turned off with the key outside the vehicle, but the radio failed to turn off. Additionally, there was a lot of s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
Purchased HRV new and at approximately 3900 miles all warning system lights starting flashing while I was driving. Took car home and checked oil and there was NONE at all. Put oil in and took to dealership who found the Honda manufacturer had not installed the oil filter properly and the car had sprayed oil across the undercarriage of the car while I was on the interstate. If the car had locked up... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated there was an abnormal burning oil odor in the cabin of t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated there was an abnormal burning oil odor in the cabin of t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
ABS Brake system failure. Multiple reports of ‘17-‘18 yr models with exact problems.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
Tesla Autopilot lost control in rainy weather, swerved off the road on freeway at 80mph, swung back in the leftmost lane and then to shoulder, risking lives of driver and all passengers including 2 children. Impact resulted in broken wheel rims and bursted tires. This could have been fatal accident if there are other cars on the road at the time of incident. There were absolutely no warning on th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle lost motive power. A message indicati... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle lost motive power. A message indicati... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
On[XXX], at approximately 6:30 PM while I was driving my 2019 Tesla Model S in Fort Lee, NJ. While navigating through congested traffic and executing a right turn from [XXX] on a green light, the auto-pilot system was not using, my vehicle unexpectedly experienced sudden acceleration. Despite my immediate attempts to pump the brakes, the car failed to decelerate, resulting in a collision with a sm... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Greetings, after 3 dealership attempts to correct the TIPM - NHTSA 19V813000 recall, my Jeep still stalled 4 times at highway speeds. I narrowly averted being rearended several times. I am terrified to drive the vehicle! I have yet another dealership appointment Friday, January 12, 2024 to correct the issue. Previous visits could not reproduce the problem or show any code errors. There were no war... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Greetings, after 3 dealership attempts to correct the TIPM - NHTSA 19V813000 recall, my Jeep still stalled 4 times at highway speeds. I narrowly averted being rearended several times. I am terrified to drive the vehicle! I have yet another dealership appointment Friday, January 12, 2024 to correct the issue. Previous visits could not reproduce the problem or show any code errors. There were no war... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
I have had numerous lights, noise, continuously for the last 7 years have replaced numerous parts, only to last awhile then the lights, noise return. Seems there is no cure for this malfunctioning problem, have heard GM is aware of these problems but have never received a letter regarding them, the anti-lock traction control braking system on these cars are headaches and troublesome, and expensive... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
On December 28, 2023, the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign (rear passenger side seat) and sensor in my BMW x6 starting buzzing even though no one is seating on that seat. I subsequently brought my car to the dealership and the service consultant did an ocular inspection of my seat belt and looked inside the buckle with a flashlight because the seat belt will not lock in place. I was subsequently told tha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
Suddenly, without warning, the radio changes stations (goes from SXM to radio, etc) and the entire display goes amok switching from radio to climate control to other functions. Then the climate control system malfunctions causing the temperature to continuously go up as well as the heated seat and steering wheel to get hotter and hotter. It first occurred in March 2022 (when van was under warran... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
It was a snow/ rain day I had my wipers on and was stopped at a traffic light when my engine stopped and I got a message on my dashboard “ engine stopped power steering low”. This vehicle is new with less than 5000 miles. I had to turn off the engine and restart the car in the middle of traffic.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
The second row seat belt is weak and unbuckles suddenly. My child's seatbelt will unclick spontaneously after driving. It is a hassle to click when putting seatbelt on. Big safety hazard for family members sitting in second row seat as they are left unprotected during an accident.
1 injured