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: Jan 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
About several months ago the car was skipping. I was told it was a coil. I had it replaced. It then drove fine. Then in Christmas Day it started again and the engine light came on once again. I took it to a mechanic and he thought it was the plug for the coil. They changed it and it did it again. He said that with Kia and Hyundai cars there is always problems like this. He said he fixed a Kia with... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) in the passenger front seat has displayed an error multiple times and airbag turns on even when a toddler sits in seat. I’ve taken it to Tesla twice going a third time this week and have owned the car for three months.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle began to lose motive power and was making a loud abnormal sound coming from under the floorboards. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was restarted and shif... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
There is obviously a design flaw in the fan cooling system for the main high voltage 93.4 kw battery. The cooling vents allow small gravel to enter the intake ports powered by fans to cool the battery. (this is a major issue for areas of the country where gravel is used for winter road maintenance. This issues arises every snow season) Gravel gets into the ports and can possibly jamb the fan pr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
The cruise control has been braking for no apparent reason, putting myself and the people behind me at risk. It also tried to stop at multiple green lights rather than continue driving. The his also outs me, my passengers and people behind me at risk. There were no warnings about this behavior. I have the latest update and will also contact Tesla about the issue.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
i just got this vehicle drive it about 1000mile then i relive my toyota yaris ia 2017 have a huge dangerous problem when drive high speeds above 70mph to 80mph vehicle stall on the high way
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
The engine began knocking on a crowded roadway. The Kia dealership noted an engine recall, but that engine replacement claim was denied because a KSDS sensor update was not completed prior because the corporate office did not have my updated address, and I never got the recall letter.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue regarding the recent update related to recall alerts in my vehicle, which has inadvertently led to an increase in distraction while driving. I received a software update for my vehicle, which included new features aimed at enhancing autopilot alerts. However, instead of improving safety, these updates have unintentionally resulted in an i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
We bought this vehicle new and have been the only owners. I was about halfway through an ~8 hour drive, on a highway in rural West Virginia, when the Check Engine light came on and the vehicle started making a light clicking noise from near the engine. Moments later, I heard a loud pop and the vehicle lost power (gas power, not electrical) and started gliding. Some smoke and/or steam came from ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My car started sounding like a diesel truck. The car didn’t want to changes gears right. It was shutting off randomly. I got on the freeway and it wouldn’t shift out of 3rd gear the way it was suppose to, the car speedometer was reading 60-70 mph but when I switched it to manual it was only in 3rd gear. I almost got rear ended by a diesel truck with a trailer due to it not wanting to shift. I ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
While driving on highways using adaptive cruise control, the vehicle will slow down quickly from highway speeds of 60 to 75 mph, down to 40 or 45 mph without the presence of an obstruction in front, such as a vehicle, or even a shadow, that could fool the vehicle’s camera. This puts us at risk of being rear-ended on the highway. The problem happens randomly. I have reported the issue to Tes... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
While turning at low speed steering went out engine shut off dash gauges, radio, hvac went off engine restarted dash information stated service trailer brake system and service stability system Turned wheel again same thing did this 2 more times then had to put vehicle in natural and restart manually This also has happened twice in the past week
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
Our car was stopped and then engine started intermittently lunging forward for no reason. Rear ended the car in front of us and had to use the emergency brake to stop the car. Jeep Corp sent an independent inspector to check the car but only shared the car was drivable and didn't say there was a problem. They wouldn't share the computer findings with us or the dealer, only that is was drivable. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
While driving on busy street, car gave sudden warning light 'stop safely now’, car then slowed and shut down on its own, not giving enough time to find a safe place to pull over, posing risk of serious injury to myself, my son, and my wife, as this happened to all of us while driving this vehicle.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
Safety noncompliance recall 23TA08 and 23TB12
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
The transmission at low speeds, while accelerating makes a grinding noise
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
Car slams the brakes while on autopilot with no obstacles on the highway. Car speed reduced at least 20 miles for no reason. Weather was clear.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
When driving on the interstate the truck suddenly downshifted causing the tires to lock up and the vehicle to swerve out of control. There is already a recall for this issue for Lead Frame in 2011-2013 vehicles. The recall needs to be extended to the 2014 model vehicles as well.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
When driving on the interstate the truck suddenly downshifted causing the tires to lock up and the vehicle to swerve out of control. There is already a recall for this issue for Lead Frame in 2011-2013 vehicles. The recall needs to be extended to the 2014 model vehicles as well.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
The passenger dash board is melting. It covers the passengers air bag. I would like to know if a recall is still possible for my vehicle. I understand that there was a recall in 2015-2017, but unfortunately I did not received the notice since I was moving from Illinois to Kansas and later to Texas and continued changing addresses during that time frame.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
The passenger dash board is melting. It covers the passengers air bag. I would like to know if a recall is still possible for my vehicle. I understand that there was a recall in 2015-2017, but unfortunately I did not received the notice since I was moving from Illinois to Kansas and later to Texas and continued changing addresses during that time frame.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
I remember having my keys in my hand and my car was slowly reversing out the driveway. I panicked, i was stomping on my brakes for a while jerking back and it took me about 2 minutes to finally get the key back in and try to put in park again. I went to a shop the following weekend because all the jerking and jabbing to get my key back in seems to have caused my ignition switch to misfire or whate... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2023
I have had a multitude of problems with this vehicle since driving it off the lot. The most recent “the jeep death wobble”
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
The AWD module (LX6Z 7P238 AANP MODULE) went out on my 2020 Ford Escape. One day when starting my car several warnings popped up on the screen. The warnings were “AWD off”, “Pre-collision assist not available”, “Service Advanced Trac”, “AWD fault service required”, “Up hill assist not available” “Traction control system fault or not available?” and the wrench on the dashbo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
Low oil pressure warning on dash, engine lost power while driving. Vehicle stalled and would not restart. Oil level was good. Towed to shop and was informed of an oil pump drive belt failure causing internal engine damage and turbocharger failure. No warning lights prior to incident. I am the technician filing this for our customer.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED. DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that the tailgate unintentionally opened while driving at various speeds. The tailgate ajar light failed to illuminate while the tailgate was open. The contact learned of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V904000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started losing motive power. Additionally, the engine made an abnormal ticking sound. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the warning light and the abnormal ticking sound persisted.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 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 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. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
Purchased a set of suretrac wide climber rt tires 35x12.50x22 12 ply brand new 2/2021. This past summer all 4 seperated at different times over a 2 month period . Clearly a manufacturer defective in all there tires ! They need to be recalled and removed from the market. I still have the old tires for inspection if needed. It's not just mine that have failed and all 4 of the ones I have did
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
FSD Computer module (AP3 module) when starting to fail causes all active safety systems to top functioning, including but not limited to Lane Assistance, Automatic Emergency Breaking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance, Blind Spot Warning, Pre-collision systems, etc. This is due to the ECU that processes the video feeds from the cameras needed for these functi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased brand new and shipped to him. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the local dealer for servicing, he was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V686000 (Exterior Lighting). The local dealer informed the contact that they could not complete the recall because the dealer who h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Terrain. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and then to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to a lack of engine oil. The vehicle was not prepared. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failur... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
The lifter is ticking for no reason I always use royal purple in my 2015 ram 1500 now for no reason out of no where it started to tick just driving to work. Now the more I research I find out that these hemi 5.7 engines are well known to tick because of the lift. If these lifters are well known to go out why haven't a recall been activated to fix the problem. I love my ram truck but now I'm going ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
The display area components(screen)toggles from radio to other components without any input from driver. The radio stars playing by itself.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
All the cameras in the vehicle are inoperable which causes autopilot not to work. The lane assist feature of the vehicle has stopped working. Driver has to constantly adjust to keep the vehicle from veering into traffic. The navigational system in the vehicle does not work. These safety issues require Tesla's immediate attention as this may lead to a fatal accident.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
Car has been in and out of the shop. Initially I have been contacting Mercedes about airbag messages and continued message of SRS Malfunction on dashboard. Airbags had been recalled and supposedly replaced on multiple occasions. This SRS continues to remain even after repair or being seen for this issue only for other components to have failed and me having to pay for those in the process. The SRS... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
Car has been in and out of the shop. Initially I have been contacting Mercedes about airbag messages and continued message of SRS Malfunction on dashboard. Airbags had been recalled and supposedly replaced on multiple occasions. This SRS continues to remain even after repair or being seen for this issue only for other components to have failed and me having to pay for those in the process. The SRS... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. 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 experi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2023
My SUV was part of a recall due to the electronic power steering failing. My SUV was allegedly repaired by the cheapest of the three available options (computer reset or some such process). I bought my SUV in 2020. The electronic power steering slowly started going out intermittently and then more frequently over time, but is now completely out. The dealer tested my SUV and stated that the entire ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2023
My SUV was part of a recall due to the electronic power steering failing. My SUV was allegedly repaired by the cheapest of the three available options (computer reset or some such process). I bought my SUV in 2020. The electronic power steering slowly started going out intermittently and then more frequently over time, but is now completely out. The dealer tested my SUV and stated that the entire ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening the front driver's side door, the door made an abnormal popping sound. The contact determined that the front driver's side door spot welds had fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
When driver seat adjusted to end positions (e.g all the way up/down/forward/backward), it causes an error message stating “Front left safety restraint system fault” & and airbag failure icon would appear. This usually cause by the wire harness being pinched or stretched. The error message may come and go based on the position of the seat, and occurs more frequently as time goes by. I am concer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. 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 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. The manu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
Oil consumption and catalytic converter clogging. My car burns through 5 liters of oil about every 1,000 miles. I've already had the catalytic converter replaced and my mechanic said it's from excessive oil leaking, and the only alternative to fix it is to replace the engine.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My car went out of warranty for seat related issues in December of this past year 2023. I don't even have 26K miles on my car therefore not a heavy driver. This week I experienced an error RCM_a021, front left safety restraint system fault, which I've researched has affected many others and appears to clearly be a safety flaw. The service team mentioned this isn't covered. My airbag light doesn'... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The abs and traction control keep going in and out and is very unsafe to drive such a large truck. I called dealership and they don’t have the abs module and haven’t had it for over a year. So they know it’s an issue and can’t give us any since manufacturer is at fault. My abs and traction don’t work. Thank you
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The abs and traction control keep going in and out and is very unsafe to drive such a large truck. I called dealership and they don’t have the abs module and haven’t had it for over a year. So they know it’s an issue and can’t give us any since manufacturer is at fault. My abs and traction don’t work. Thank you
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
Urgent Safety Complaint: Sudden Loss of Power in 2015 Jeep Patriot on Interstate I am writing to formally report a critical safety issue I experienced with my 2015 Jeep Patriot on multiple occasions. While driving on the interstate at approximately 70mph, my vehicle unexpectedly lost power, causing an immediate drop in speed. This incident occurred under normal driving conditions with no prior wa... Read more