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: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted, and vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
Abs light and traction control light will flash and beep intermittently when driving have researched a lot of people have the same issue newer models have been recalled for the same problem.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
I placed groceries in my front trunk “Frunk” and they shifted while trying to leave. Once shifted they hit the emergency release button inside the frunk which opened the frunk hood unexpectedly. These should be covered or less accessible inside the frunk.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
I placed groceries in my front trunk “Frunk” and they shifted while trying to leave. Once shifted they hit the emergency release button inside the frunk which opened the frunk hood unexpectedly. These should be covered or less accessible inside the frunk.
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
While driving on a busy Highway my 2017 Ram 1500 will lose power causing me to abruptly slow down in the middle of the road. Suddenly my check engine light and every other light appears and I get many warnings in the dash: service electronic braking system, service shifter, and many more. Restarting the vehicle or disconnecting the battery will resolve the issue for a short amount of time. It’s ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Steering gets “sticky” or “notch” feeling sometimes.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The vehicle pulls to the right and the steering is loose. The vehicle has only 20000 miles on it and this was not how it was originally delivered but developed over a short time. The dealer said they find nothing wrong but I know that is not a correct assesment but a method of the dealer not to either fix it or they do not have a method to correct this problem. There are many instances of this s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I JUST BAUGHT A 2013 MAZDA6 THE REAR CRADEL AND CROSS MEMBER WAS COMPLETY RUSTED AWAY ONE MOUNT WAS COMPLETY RUSTED OFF .THE SPRINGS WAS ALMOST READY TO FALL OUT THE BOTTEM OF THE SPRING PURCH .IT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS PULLED OUT OF THE OCEAN WHERE IT HAD STAYED FOR YEARS .I TRIED TO FIND A USED REPLACEMENT OUT OF SEVERAL WE FOUND FROM 10-13 AND GOING THRU NATIONAL SALVAGE PARTS WE CAN NOT FIND ONE T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while a State Inspection was being performed on the vehicle, it was discovered that water and condensation were present inside the driver's and passenger’s side rear brake light housing. The contact stated that the vehicle failed the safety inspection due to the failure. The water and condensation were removed from the housing and the l... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Driving in moderate traffic, truck forward collision warning triggered and emergency braking engaged with no forward risk of collision. Traffic in front was accelerating, not decelerating and no risk of emergency collision existed. Incident did however nearly lead to collision from behind as brakes were slammed on fully to an emergency stop. Wife and I were both in the car and neither of us saw ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Brand new vehicle, at about 5k miles the backup camera went out in April 2023. It is now December of 2023 and I have not had any sort of resolution. I have 3 children ages 2, 4 and 5 and it is very concerning for me and my wife to not have a backup camera especially at night.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Vehicle has a following distance sensor on front bumper. Sensor is sensing overpasses when traveling underneath them and that should not be detected. Vehicle is automatically applying hard braking. This is causing a possible rear end collision and or loss of vehicle controll in wet conditions.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
At highway speeds the steering feels sticky and you have to exert unnatural force to get the steering to correct. The feeling is that the steering rack is stuck in position and has to be forced free. Happens during small corrections only.
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
Took my SUV for an airbag recall and when it was completed my truck AirBag light was left on. My truck did not have that light on when I arrived at the location. Dealer mentioned not knowing what to do about it. I made a complaint and nothing was done by the dealer.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
The gasket/seal surrounding the windshield on the passenger side front windshield was breaking off in sections. I had the dealer look at it while it was in the shop for some other recall work since I had only noticed it the day or so before. I was told it was the Pillar Moulding was coming apart but it was not a covered item. (Oct 2022) and the gasket itself was a wear and tear item. The gasket h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
FSD causing more Nagging to the steering wheel due to recent recall update, making it much more dangerous to constantly having to move the steering wheel while the car is in motion and can cause the car to serve out of control or into another lane, DANGEROUS RECALL, revert this back
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Rear windshield spontaneously shattered. Remote started the vehicle walked up to it and it just shattered. Didn’t touch it. Wipers weren’t on. Vehicle was in park in a parking garage with cameras. Found tons of reports online of others having the same issue. This needs to be recalled!!!
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesn’t seem like it’s getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue .
Crash
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to urgently express my concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model 3’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model 3 owner for over two years, I have generally found the vehicle and its features to be reliable and safe. However, the recent up... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Lose of power when accelerating out of parking lot. This now has happened 3 times with no warning light coming on in the car and vehicle is regularly maintained without issues.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Lose of power when accelerating out of parking lot. This now has happened 3 times with no warning light coming on in the car and vehicle is regularly maintained without issues.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
There are 2 major defects that we would like to make the NHTSA aware of and feel that the manufacturer should issue a recall and have these issues properly fixed. Our 2020 Forest River camper/ice house has a structural defect and the entire camper is breaking away from the frame. We had this confirmed by a service company that specializes in RV frames/wheel alignment. Our camper has had structural... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
Driver seat started to move forward while driving. I had to think quick and pull he powerseat button back to stop the seat from moving forward. I stopped to pull over and readjusted the seat. While driving home the seat again started to move forward, I had to fight with the powerseat buttons to make sure I didn't get pushed too far forward and also not accidentally pull myself back too far that I ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
My vehicle was recalled 3/29/23, and no attempt has been made to fix the problem. At this time, the dealer has no remedy. I do not have full use of my vehicle as the manufacturer suggests that no one ride in the front passenger seat due to the potential fault in the system. The extended wait to have a fix for the problem is unacceptable. No dealership will want to purchase this car with the cu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The hood flops in the wind, like a 2 foot long piece of aluminum foil. It's because the glue holding the composite skin to the metal frame has come loose. I'm sure over time, the stress from the wind will cause the composite material to break completely from the hood. Honda dealer wanted Honda to repair it, but Honda will only pay 60%, leaving me with a 1100.00 bill. Not acceptable, since it'... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Subject: Safety Concerns Regarding Recent Model Y Autopilot Update To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to urgently express my concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model Y’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model Y owner for over two years, I have generally found the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Subject: Safety Concerns Regarding Recent Model Y Autopilot Update To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to urgently express my concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model Y’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model Y owner for over two years, I have generally found the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Subject: Safety Concerns Regarding Recent Model Y Autopilot Update To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to urgently express my concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model Y’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model Y owner for over two years, I have generally found the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Consistent excessive oil consumption from about 90k until it died at 127k while on the highway going 65+mph. Oil Light flashed. Check engine light flashed. Made it onto the exit ramp and exited the vehicle very shook up. Vehicle would not start unless using two feet. One to flutter the gas while other on the break to be able to throw it into gear and chug the 2 miles home from the highway. Towed i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Consistent excessive oil consumption from about 90k until it died at 127k while on the highway going 65+mph. Oil Light flashed. Check engine light flashed. Made it onto the exit ramp and exited the vehicle very shook up. Vehicle would not start unless using two feet. One to flutter the gas while other on the break to be able to throw it into gear and chug the 2 miles home from the highway. Towed i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
ESC check failure.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
THE OIL ISSUE. WE BOUGHT A 2010 ACURA MDX FROM ANOTHER PERSON, UNAWARE THAT NO MATTER HOW MUCH OIL YOU PUT IN IT, IT DOES NOT LAST VERY LONG. I TRAVEL 60 MILES/DAY BETWEEN WORK AND PICK-UP KIDS AND HOME. THE OIL LASTS MAYBE 2 DAYS SAYS EMPTY AND WE NEVER NEED TO ADD MUCH FOR IT TO BE FULL. WE HAVE A TOYOTA SEQUOIA THAT IS BIGGER AND WE HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS ISSUE. HAD A HONDA DIDN'T HAVE THIS... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that while her child was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear windshield shattered without impact. There was an abnormal booming sound heard. The contact stated that the windshield had fractured into tiny pieces. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approxim... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
UNKWOWN: ASSESSMENT: Date of Event 19 December 2022 Upon taking delivery from Tesla for 2023 Model Y vehicle with the above or contained VIN, driver experiences a series of events that result from a autosteer activation. Approximately seven (7) calendar days after receiving the vehicle a FDU (Front Drive Unit) was replaced. At approximately another twenty-one (21) calendar days after the FDU was... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
Steering wheel bearing broken. Had replaced in November and again now needs to be replaced. Major safety concern that Kia should fix properly so the car runs efficiently
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver's side door was making an abnormal popping sound while opening and the door was misaligned. Additionally, the contact stated that the driver's side window failed to roll down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the spot welds in the driver's side door check arm brackets were fractured. The v... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
SIDE IMPACT AIRBAG CONNECTOR,FRONT SAFETY BELT ANCHOR, POWER LIFT GATE PROP ROD RECOVERY
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
1. Solar panel roof exploded without any impact. 2. Vehicle completely shuts down when the solar panel over charges the battery.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I just purchased this vehicle on Saturday.And now my engine light is on.It is blinking.I did my research after getting the car and the code p1326 came up at autozone.after that it showed that code with recalls for 2011 to 2017.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I just purchased this vehicle on Saturday.And now my engine light is on.It is blinking.I did my research after getting the car and the code p1326 came up at autozone.after that it showed that code with recalls for 2011 to 2017.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Panoramic stationary sunroof between the windshield and sunroof glass panel disbonded while vehicle was in operation and almost caused an accident on the highway. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Exterior panel disbonded while in operation and alm... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
My sunroof exploded on my 2021 Honda Odyssey while I was driving on the interstate, I-10 East, on Dec 16, 2023, around 4:30 pm. There was no impact from a rock or other debris. There was no rain or hail present. I was not near an overpass. I was driving and heard an explosion above me and then heard outside air like the windows were open. The center of my sunroof exploded and shattered onto my su... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
The front driver side door suddenly started making a clicking noise when opening the door. It looks like the front welds on the door arm are broke which is causing the noise. Vehicle only has 36400 miles on it.
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
After 2 hours of cruise control om, Collision avoidance warning lights came on for 2nd time. Brought is to dealership the first time it happened and they could nt find anything wrong,
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
While driving, the power steering stopped working and I couldn’t turn the wheel. This will be the 2nd time in 7 months that I will have had to replace the electrical power steering
Incident date: Apr 5, 2023
While driving, the power steering stopped working and I couldn’t turn the wheel. This will be the 2nd time in 7 months that I will have had to replace the electrical power steering
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
After parking and turning the car off, when restarting the vehicle the shift lock would no longer release to shift out of park. In order to shift out of park it requires the shift lock clip to be removed, a screw driver placed down and pressure applied to release the shifter. The vehicle was taken to the dealership to be assessed and owner was told it was the BCM and the entire component would n... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
Head gasket blew, coolant in cylinder 4, needs a new engine. Well know problem that can cause extreme hazards.