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 21, 2024
The backup camera stopped working on March 19. Because the car is less than a year old, we thought it was a minor glitch and would go away on its own. On March 20, the backup camera was still not working. On March 21, with the backup camera still not working, we contacted the dealership to schedule an appointment to diagnose and fix it but the next available appointment isn't until June (three mon... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
I purchased a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali trading in the same 2022 version [XXX]. I would find the tailgate down after stopping. It became habit to make sure the tailgate was latched. Unfortunately, while pulling a trailer, the tailgate opened again while driving causing me to have to replace the top portion of the multipro tailgate. The new tailgate would be damaged a second time despite my ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
My vehicle has a recall for the High pressure fuel pump. While driving the engine light and cruise control light will turn automatically and then go away consecutively. Yes, the issue has been confirmed and inspected by the manufacturer and the dealership in which I purchased my vehicle. The vehicle will stall when running or randomly turn off and smell like smoke. I have made 3 appointments in wh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
My vehicle is shutting off while driving. It randomly shuts off and I see there are other recalls associated with this issue for a different year but same vehicle/model. I am being quoted well over $2,000 in repairs. This vehicle only has 130,000 miles on it.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the transmission warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic was performed. The diagnostic determined that fuse#27 had melted inside the fuse box. The dealer was notified of the failure but offered no assist... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
Vehicle loses power steering intermittently upon vehicle startup as well as in motion. Vehicle is then extremely hard to control without power steering. Message " POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" prints to the instrument cluster above the steering wheel. Turning the vehicle off and back on may resolve problem but it returns within a couple key cycles.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2024
I bought this vehicle used, in February of 2019. Everything about the vehicle was checked and in very good shape. Approximately a year ago, early 2023, I was told that a bit of coating had come off the frame and was beginning to rust excessively. In January of this year during a dealership visit for repairs I was shown an area of the frame that looked like hunks of rust had fallen of, and then ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distr... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
The vehicles built-in independent navigation system frequently loses its position. When the system loses its position, it displays an inaccurate vehicle position on the map, and does not provide correct driving guidance. The incorrect driving guidance can lead to a turn into a body of water, house, or other fixed structure. The issue has been reported to the manufacturer and the vehicle was ins... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. The contact received the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) which was completed. The contact stated that after receiving the recall remedy, fluid was leaking under the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel filter housing leaking fluid. The dealer recommended the contact go t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
Rear powered tailgate closes by itself. There is no warning. It closes VERY rapidly. This hit me in the head, but I am mostly concerned with others, such as elderly people and children. It could easily cause a concussion, or worse. I have contacted MBUSA advocacy at 1-800-222-0100 three times. I was told all three times that I would be contacted back within 24-48 hours (business days) regard... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, there was a whistling sound coming through the exterior windshield A-pillar trim. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted and confirmed that t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
I'm hoping to solve a problem or at least get a positive answer why my FEB Warning Indicator Light comes on "SPORADICALLY". I had noticed it quite a few times either driving on the freeway, secondary roads, at higher and lower speeds and especially troublesome, when there are not any hazards or... Now my light stay on all time
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
I'm hoping to solve a problem or at least get a positive answer why my FEB Warning Indicator Light comes on "SPORADICALLY". I had noticed it quite a few times either driving on the freeway, secondary roads, at higher and lower speeds and especially troublesome, when there are not any hazards or... Now my light stay on all time
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
Power steering went out. The steering rack has now gone bad in this vehicle twice. The first time it was covered under a recall, 15S18, and then there were further issues, so they issued a customer satisfaction recall with the number 15N01. 2012 ford fusion with 110,000 miles, two steering racks, but because the customer service recall is expired, they won’t replace my second bad steering rack, ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stall... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Dodge Ram. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on some occasions, the message "Regenerate the Vehicle" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the powertrain software module needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 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 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 was mad... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while his daughter was pulling out of the parking lot at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light and the low oil pressure warning light were illuminated. The contact's ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the integrated brake controller was activated, however, the vehicle failed to brake as intended. The contact stated that when the brake controller was activated, the trailer trailer brake was inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had been persistent since the vehicle was purchased in 20... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer for service under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V701000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however after the service the vehicle started but did not idle due to an air intake hose not reinstalled on the vehicle. The contact stated that the air intake hose needs to be replaced however, the repairs have not b... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
Component failed: Driver side door latch Safety put at risk: Door could open while car was in motion making driver vulnerable to an accident or exposure of driver to road conditions Has the problem been confirmed: Manufacture Ford has a Safety recalls 15S16 and 16S30 for the problem Component has been inspected by Ford dealer ship. Both drive and passenger door latches were replaced. Were th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
Occurs at stop sign/light when idling. The car will shut off and will not turn back on although all features in the car are running. The screen will display ‘engine running’ but the vehicle will not drive. I will push the stop/start button and nothing happens. It will take a few minutes for the vehicle to come back on again. This has happened numerous times at random. I have taken my vehicle t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
Unable to select Drive when car is moving from the neutral position especially if going through automatic car wash . I've had to stop the car totally to be able to move the car from neutral to drive. I also had to put the car in Park at times from neutral to get the car to shift into drive.This is extremely stressful and sometimes dangerous if a car is behind me. Notified Toyota Corporate and plan... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2024
Unable to select Drive when car is moving from the neutral position especially if going through automatic car wash . I've had to stop the car totally to be able to move the car from neutral to drive. I also had to put the car in Park at times from neutral to get the car to shift into drive.This is extremely stressful and sometimes dangerous if a car is behind me. Notified Toyota Corporate and plan... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
My engine had blown under warranty. They had replaced the engine, which took two weeks once I got my car back, about a week or two later, check engine, lights and warnings pops back on. I return to Ford to assess the problem and they reassured me that the warnings were just because they replaced the engine and they should disappear shortly. Two weeks have gone by and the warnings were still there... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
The thermo control valve failed causing the coolant to run at full and not allowing the engine to reach proper temperature and the heating system to not provide heat, also it caused multiple safety systems to turn off including eye sight, emergency braking, rear auto brake, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, traction control. the failure of this unit is a known issue to Subaru per their own se... Read more
Incident date: Mar 20, 2024
The falcon braking system kicks in automatically, and the windshield wiper does not turn on automatically as it would in any basic car now a days. The available autopilot/ adaptive cruise control only gives unteliable cruise control. There were times where in the middle of a freeway the cruise control starts braking, luckily there were no vehicle behind us so there were no collisions so far. The... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
On around [XXX] around 9-10 pm. I hear a muffled explosion. It even vibrated our house. It scared me and our two dogs. On [XXX] we ran errands in my vehicle. We get home. I open her hatch to get stuff out. I hear broken glass sound. I look up to see her rear window completely shattered. With two holes. One in the same area on either side. The glass actually blew outwards!! I called my local Niss... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
I was driving down a road with no traffic when the sunroof shattered. I pulled over and there was a hole in the middle and it was completely cracked. No damage to any other component of the sunroof just the glass. There was nothing that impacted or fell on the sunroof. There was no prior damage to the sunroof or surrounding area. The sunroof was closed not in use at time of incident. Dealership co... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
I was driving down a road with no traffic when the sunroof shattered. I pulled over and there was a hole in the middle and it was completely cracked. No damage to any other component of the sunroof just the glass. There was nothing that impacted or fell on the sunroof. There was no prior damage to the sunroof or surrounding area. The sunroof was closed not in use at time of incident. Dealership co... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
Toyota dealerships stated that there is no fix for recalled issue and not to charge the vehicle with the charger and to park it outside my home due to a Potential fire concern We are going on almost a year on this recall and there is still no fix. Recall Code: 23TB07.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated when the vehicle was in the drive(D), and the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel was loose. While making a left turn the steering wheel unintendedly turned to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft, tie rods, and steering rack needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the steering shaft, tie rods, and steering rac... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Hyundai Accent. 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: Mar 19, 2024
I am the owner of 2018 Mercedes Benz Matrix. The car was purchased in order to use it for business on renting platform. It does have recall which is not active and in review for more than a year. Because of it Im not able to use the car, all renting platforms are blocking the car because it is open recall. Mercedes doesn't have remedy obviously, and just have it pending. Im loosing all business/ m... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
Android Auto is not connecting the first time or disconnecting constantly. creating hazardous situations to frequently stop and re-attempt multiple times to get it to work.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
Oils going some where no oil puddles but very low on oil
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Palisade. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, he heard an abnormal popping sound and the sunroof exploded simultaneously. The contact stated that pieces of the sunroof glass fell the on roadway and inside the vehicle. The contact sustained a cut on his leg but did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who determined that... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the rearview camera was inoperable while reversing. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system screen would turn black inadvertently while driving and using the navigation system. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
This van have transmission issue dodge already open recall for that model. But my van vin not in list i have same issue witch cover under recall. i have report from dodge dealer report shows transmission have hydraulic issue.
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
I was driving on I95 and the car completely shut down. The RPM went to 0. It started up again after about twenty minutes. I had the car repaired (throttle body replaced) and since that incident I have had this same thing happen four more times. The car seems to “resets” itself. I have had the throttle body replaced twice, the ignition control switch twice, the relay harness and then the relay... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
I was driving on I95 and the car completely shut down. The RPM went to 0. It started up again after about twenty minutes. I had the car repaired (throttle body replaced) and since that incident I have had this same thing happen four more times. The car seems to “resets” itself. I have had the throttle body replaced twice, the ignition control switch twice, the relay harness and then the relay... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
Abs/traction control light. Dealer says it needs a new abs module and pump. It’s too new to have these issues, dealer states that it is not a recall and I would have to pay out of pocket ($1600) for the repairs. This is not safe at all. I live in indiana and doesn’t like stopping when the road is snow covered. Ram/chrysler needs to have this recalled immediately. This is very dangerous!!
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
My car started accelerating on its own, out of nowhere. There were no prior indications. No prior damage. It began accelerating on its own. After shutting the vehicle off and turning it back on, the issue has persisted. Anytime it is in drive or reverse, it accelerates at an extreme rate. It also disabled the brake, when the acceleration began.
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
On 12/09/23, my 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, purchased on 11/11/23, just got out of the driveway to make a left turn around 500 feet from the driveway when there was resistance in turning the steering wheel left, causing vehicle to swerve to the right and hitting the fire hydrant on the side of the road located just around the corner. Both airbags deployed causing extensive damage to the passenger front... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the "steering malfunction" warning light illuminated, and the contact stated that the steering wheel was nearly impossible to turn left or right. The contact was able to pull off the roadway. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering assist failed to regain functional... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
Persistent and Dangerous Malfunction of Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Assist The safety features of Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Traffic Assist, designed to enhance driving safety, have unfortunately been plagued by a persistent and alarming malfunction. Despite the dealership's diligent efforts to troubleshoot the issue, the sudden and unannounced shutdown of these critical systems co... Read more