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: Mar 26, 2024
Our 2013 Honda Accord driveshaft fractured completely under a low condition when accelerating from a stop straight into a busy intersection. As a result, with the drive train now disabled I had just enough motion to coast a couple of car lengths, across the adjacent gap in the turning lane traffic, to the side of the road stopping adjacent to the curb halfway around the corner. As the corner was... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
The 2013 pruis has developed the notorious brake booster fault triggering the brake light abs light and traction control light to stay illuminated. Toyota has many complaints about this brake booster issue and needs to recall and fix this issue as they have done on other Toyotas. This is leaving owners with a $2500 repair or having to take a big risk driving these cars with a big prevalent brake... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
I submitted a previous report regarding my passenger front door attempting to open while the vehicle was in motion. Yesterday the door fully opened under motion with my wife as a passenger. It sounds like the latch kept cycling until the door opened. My wife just prior to departure decided to start video recording while driving as we both believed the dealer may not be able to replicate the incide... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
I submitted a previous report regarding my passenger front door attempting to open while the vehicle was in motion. Yesterday the door fully opened under motion with my wife as a passenger. It sounds like the latch kept cycling until the door opened. My wife just prior to departure decided to start video recording while driving as we both believed the dealer may not be able to replicate the incide... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Genesis G90. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and running, the vehicle was idling rough and shaking. The vehicle restarted; however, the shaking failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V107000 (Electrical System) and 24V191000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The car engine started to stall, the engine light came on and advised me to shut off engine then I pulled over and smoke immidiatley filled the cabin and outside the hood. My engine could have blown up. Had I not pulled over so quickly my car would have caught fire and I would have died. Yes the Hyundai Folsom inspected the car and listed issue was a hole in the engine block. They stated it was ca... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
The warning lights beep and blink. All problems can’t be used
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Service 4WD light is constantly on while driving. The Jeep is at over 112,000 miles. My mechanic did a diagnostic check and the code that was provided was C14A7-97 PTU Motor-Component or System Operation Obstructed or Blocked. I checked with the Jeep dealership for a possible recall and gave my VIN number. There are no current recalls. For 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokees where the PTU has not been previ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
Subject: Urgent ADAS Issue: UI_a114 Error in Teslas with EAP/FSD in East Oahu I'm reporting a critical, location-specific safety concern affecting Teslas with Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self-Driving in East Oahu, particularly when heading westbound. This widespread issue, known as error UI_a114, disables all Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) without warning. It impacts essential safety fe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
Approximately [XXX] the ABS and traction control warning lights came on. I took it to the Ram dealer in Benton AR. They informed me the ABS control module would need replacing and was on back order for approximately 12 months. As a result I do not have ABS or cruise control. In my research I’ve learned that other issue have been reported with this problem including loss of 4 wheel drive. The de... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
The steering often feels "sticky". The effect is most noticeable at highway speeds, where I need to make lots of small corrections to the steering, but I can also notice it on back roads. When I try to turn the steering wheel by a small amount, it won't turn, so I need to apply additional force to overcome the stiction. Once I apply enough force for the wheel to "break free," I end up overcorre... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
The car has a rapid war of rotors and break pads. The car inspected authorized dealer ship and they mentioned this is a very common issue on outlanders as the rotors, calipers, and breaks did not properly design for the wight of the car. It seems the manufactures and authorized dealer aware internally form the defect but do not take necessarily actions which may cause safety issue to owner of this... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
Steering Assist is Reduced due to a faulty thermostat
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
The anti-reflective coating on the rear view mirror on the inside of the car is coming through the mirror causing black spots that obscure vision out the back of the car. This issue affects all 2006-2011 Lexus gs models. All oem replacements online have this happen to some degree. I bought this car a couple months ago, this was an issue from the day I bought it and most likely started many years p... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT APPROX. 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE MADE A LURCH FORWARD MOTION. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER.WE WERE NEAR A EXIT RAMP AND COAST TO THE INTERSECTION. VEHICLE WOULD START BUT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. WE COULD NOT MOVE THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD NOT EVEN GO INTO NEUTRAL TO PUSH THE VEHICLE TO SAFETY. THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO DIRECT TRAFFIC, WHILE WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK. WE ATTEM... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
There is not a specific incident.The brakes are and have always been difficult to brake since I purchased the Mercedes EQS+ in 2022. I was told that all mercedes Benz electric cars were difficult to brake. It is generally recognized by the service representatives, the electric car technicians. Mercedes salesmen have had discussion about this issue in their weekly sales meetings. I have had a lo... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
"Sticky" steering. The issue of sticky steering in our 2023 Honda CRV Hybrid Sport Touring is becoming more and more of an issue - difficulty maintaining lane control without constant jerking corrections back and forth of the steering wheel. The concern is on slick road surfaces (i.e., ice, snow, gravel, etc.) of being able to maintain control of the vehicle with the possibility of overcorrectin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
When accelerating quickly in drive, the vehicle shifts into neutral, brakes, goes into park and shuts down. Technicians have repeated the issue and attempted to fix it but no solution has been found. The dash displays the message, "Brake System malfunction. Service Required." There are a few dash icons that display indicating a "System Fault," "Brake malfunction," and "ADAS fault."
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
My Honda Pilot PAINT started coming off, paint peling off. Location: roof above windshield passenger side. My vehicle is garage kept at all times. Hand and automatic washed regularly. Please advise on how to proceed with repairs. Thank you in advance
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
November 2023, vehicle steering starting "sticking" when turning the steering wheel. Increased pressure is needed to turn the steering wheel during these episodes. This has been observed at all speeds, not just highway speeds. CRV was taken to dealership in January 2024 where the service department diagnosed it as needing a new steering gear box. We were told that the part would not arrive until... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
While traveling at highway speeds (75 mph) the hood release mechanism released causing the hood to lift several inches. While the manual release kept the hood from opening completely, I had to immediately pull to the shoulder and firmly close the hood.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2024
Factory installed 12V battery died at about a year's ownership and about 22,000 miles, leaving me stranded in a remote area. I was fortunate to have a jump start pack to get home. I had the battery tested at an auto parts store and it failed. I replaced it with a lithium car battery with a built-in monitoring system that can be read from the phone. The car routinely runs the 12V battery down t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
On Friday, March 29, 2024 my Ford Maverick Hybrid lost power. When I started the engine it seemed sluggish but did reach about 40mph as I entered the I-215 freeway on ramp. Instrument panel warning lights did not appear until the problem began. By the time I came to the freeway itself the power was failing, and the truck slowed to only about 15-20mph. This was a highly dangerous position. I ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
Vehicle shuts off due to fuel pump relay connection problem which is due to the back seat rubbing against the fuse box
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Edge equipped with Pirelli Tires, Tire Line: Scorpion Verde Offseason, Tire Size: 245/50/R20, DOT Number: UNKCR7290519. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to remove the wheels. The contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The lug nuts were replaced. The manufacturer was notif... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that coolant had leaked into the cylinders, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The car has built in NAV. It loses location. I was traveling in traffic in an unknown area. Nav started prompting to turn where there is no road. Looked at the screen, I was nowhere near the location showing. It was randomly moving to different locations. The dealer said it was a known issue and they have no fix. They are waiting for an update but no ETA on it. They have been saying this for years... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
On April 4, 2024 while driving southbound on I-95 in Connecticut between exit 3 and 2 in Greenwich, all of the dashboard warning indicators lit up, and the brakes failed. I was able to slow to a stop avoiding hitting other vehicles, and moved to the shoulder. I turned the vehicle on and off several times, but couldn’t get the lights to go off. The car was towed to the dealership. This is not the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
On April 4, 2024 while driving southbound on I-95 in Connecticut between exit 3 and 2 in Greenwich, all of the dashboard warning indicators lit up, and the brakes failed. I was able to slow to a stop avoiding hitting other vehicles, and moved to the shoulder. I turned the vehicle on and off several times, but couldn’t get the lights to go off. The car was towed to the dealership. This is not the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
HECU REPLACEMENY UNTIMELY MANNER TO FIX
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
HECU REPLACEMENY UNTIMELY MANNER TO FIX
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
Tether strap bar for a car seat was only tack welded on and snapped off when I tried attaching the car seat straps.
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
While driving at highway speed, for no reason, the vehicle signals AdvanceTrac error and signals that the vehicle cannot go into the gear selected. The vehicle immediately slows to a protective reduced power (limp mode) with a max of about 30 mph. My safety was at risk because of the sudden and unexpected deceleration from highway speed. The dash indicated that multiple alerts, most alarming wa... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
While driving at highway speed, for no reason, the vehicle signals AdvanceTrac error and signals that the vehicle cannot go into the gear selected. The vehicle immediately slows to a protective reduced power (limp mode) with a max of about 30 mph. My safety was at risk because of the sudden and unexpected deceleration from highway speed. The dash indicated that multiple alerts, most alarming wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
I got a recall letter on may 2023, and many times I went the GMC company for that, but still they say there is no remedy.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Audi Q7. The contact stated that upon a quick acceleration, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as an unknown warning light would appear on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the warning light would disappear upon restart of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light had also appeared on the instrument pane... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
My car is 55000 Miles and coolant by pass valf is broken. it is common issue for this engine . Toyota shoul fix this issue as recall.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
This Jeep has had 2 recalls and repairs related to the fuel pump relay. The first recallrepair did not fix the issue, Jeep then replaced the relay again, which did not fix the issue. Then there was a NEW recall and repair, which also did not fix the issue. The car still has the exact same issues, the car will randomly stall soon after being started. I’m not sure what to do at this point bc I... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
On [XXX], I bought a 2023 Nissan Rogue Platinum from Car Max, East Haven, CT with 15,500 miles on it, original tires. We noticed the Dunlap GrandTrek PT20 235/55R19 101V treads were warn for only 15,500 miles. Took the car on [XXX] to Town Fair Tire, Milford, CT to measure treads and they agreed that they were too warn for 15,500 miles. Their report showed remaining tread life FL-1, FR-1, RL-1, R... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Autopilot drove me off the road during turning right on Hwy 183 on April 4, 2023. 9:04 pm. My tesla Model S was on Autopilot and Car went off the road during right turn and about to hit the red light pole.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
I had my steering wheel telescope out and tilted up when driving down highway I had to hit my brakes Because of the car in front of me hitting his as I did so my steering wheel collapsed inward And down We'll do an approximately 45 miles an hour on the freeway. This could have caused me to lose control of the vehicle. And cause major injuries to others and was locked in positiand should have no... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
Total electrical shutdown over about 2 minutes. Stranded on road. All electrical systems failed rapidly. Strongly suspect this is part of known BSG/alternator issues with this model.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
Total electrical shutdown over about 2 minutes. Stranded on road. All electrical systems failed rapidly. Strongly suspect this is part of known BSG/alternator issues with this model.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2024
Total electrical shutdown over about 2 minutes. Stranded on road. All electrical systems failed rapidly. Strongly suspect this is part of known BSG/alternator issues with this model.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
Autonomous Driving Problem [XXX] Driving from Cornelia, GA to Commerce, GA on [XXX] at 60 mph driving on the right lane with very lite traffic. 6 different times the FSD (Full Self Driving) (Supervised) 2021 Tesla Model 3 starts signaling left and changes lanes with no traffic or vehicles in front. The 5th time FSD (Supervised) changed lane to the left was a near car accident because a car was ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The yoke steering wheel only had a small horn button on the right side, only accessible by right thumb. If you are in the middle of a turn that requires more than a quarter turn, then your hand cannot possible be in the right place to use the horn. The lack of a horn in the center of the steering (like every other car) is unsafe. On many occasions I have found myself needing the horn but unabl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The radio volume changes up and down while driving making it very difficult to hear and concentrate on the road. I've called the dealer and been told to check for recalls and no recall exist for the radio.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
The radio volume changes up and down while driving making it very difficult to hear and concentrate on the road. I've called the dealer and been told to check for recalls and no recall exist for the radio.
Incident date: Mar 23, 2024
Brought Jepp Patriot 2016 to a car shop in Suisun City, CA and they did a thorough diagnostics of my Patriot and couldn’t find out why my battery light was coming on. They checked the alternator and battery and they said they were fine. I was on a main street in Suisun City and as I was turning to the left the car died on me and completely shut off. It was hard to turn wheels and hard to push... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2024
Brought Jepp Patriot 2016 to a car shop in Suisun City, CA and they did a thorough diagnostics of my Patriot and couldn’t find out why my battery light was coming on. They checked the alternator and battery and they said they were fine. I was on a main street in Suisun City and as I was turning to the left the car died on me and completely shut off. It was hard to turn wheels and hard to push... Read more