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 4, 2023
Issue with ABS and HCU. Known issue with Ram trucks but no recall for 2018. "Service Electronic Brake System" warning comes on and off constantly.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
While attempting to accelerate at an intersection, the vehicle lurched forward. The gas peddle stopped working completely, leaving my vehicle stranded in the middle of the intersection with traffic coming from both directions. The engine was not revving when the gas peddle was being pushed. After repeatedly slamming on the gas peddle, the vehicle quickly accelerated forward, fishtailed, and sent m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
While attempting to accelerate at an intersection, the vehicle lurched forward. The gas peddle stopped working completely, leaving my vehicle stranded in the middle of the intersection with traffic coming from both directions. The engine was not revving when the gas peddle was being pushed. After repeatedly slamming on the gas peddle, the vehicle quickly accelerated forward, fishtailed, and sent m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Clockspring failed. No horn, driver airbag, controls to cycle evic and radio stopped working.
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
The problem here is the cruise control or autopilot. It first appeared when I bought the car. It continues to appear when driving on cruise control or autopilot. The car brakes harsh or suddenly stops. No messages or warning. Sometimes when driving under a ramp or sometimes when nothing is there it stops. I went to the Tesla shop many time and they can’t find any issue. I can’t drive using the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
I just purchased my used 2019 Honda Civic LX a few weeks ago. Online forums warned me of a "sticking" steering wheel and I've noticed they're right. It occurs most often (or is most noticeable) when traveling straight at highway speeds. It seems that the steering wheel "sticks" when no turning input is given for a short time. Eventually, when a steering correction to the left or right is needed by... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
Car has sticky steering at 40 plus mph. Due to sticky steering the car darts in the direction of steering once sticky spot releases. This happens in both directions.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
Repeat error messages of "Front safety restraint" on the screen followed by passenger window not rolling down. This has happened in June 2023, October 2023 and December 2023. The tesla windows need to roll down half inch for the doors to be closed. Because the windows get locked, i cannot close the doors. Because the doors are not closed i cannot drive the car. the other connected problem is that ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the steering wheel became firm before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was restarted after three attempts. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,200.
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the steering wheel became firm before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was restarted after three attempts. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,200.
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, there was an abnormal creaking sound. The failure occurred at various speeds and occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed and determined that the creaking sound was coming from the front upper control arm while turning the vehicle and the front... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
On 3/11/2023, I was heading home when my vehicle lost power in the middle of the freeway. Luckily, I was able to safely pull over to the side of the freeway. Since this is a plug-in hybrid, there are two gauges showing how much electric and gas is in the car. When I checked, both showed were empty; however, although I knew that I did not have much electricity in the battery, I had nearly a full ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2023
On 3/11/2023, I was heading home when my vehicle lost power in the middle of the freeway. Luckily, I was able to safely pull over to the side of the freeway. Since this is a plug-in hybrid, there are two gauges showing how much electric and gas is in the car. When I checked, both showed were empty; however, although I knew that I did not have much electricity in the battery, I had nearly a full ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
Exact same issue happened to my 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid (NHTSA ID Number: 11556409). I was traveling on the freeway approximately 65mph and out of nowhere the engine turned off, brakes did not work and steering quality went to a manual operation. I almost got into a serious accident as I could not control my vehicle. The hybrid system warning light, to stop using the vehicle became illuminated for ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
Light always appears on dashboard
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
Rear seatbelt buckle keeps failing and does not latch. These were replaced by Tesla within the last 6 months and they failed again and refused to cover them under warranty.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the steering wheel pulled to the left. The EPS, ABS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the EPS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. 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 m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Engine is using excessive amount of oil. It has been changed on a regular basis have documentation bought the car new. I have noted that there are several complaints of the rings going bad in this model engine of the rings letting oil blow by. When is the NHTSA going to demand a recall as this can cause the motor to blow up and causes much more carbon emissions. Please make this a priority recall ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving in the rain, the vehicle experienced severe hydroplaning while driving slowly over standing water. The contact lost control of the vehicle and nearly caused a crash. The vehicle was not yet taken to the dealer to be inspected or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55–73 MPH, the vehicle was shaking violently. While driving over a bump in the road, the vehicle was uncontrollable. The contact pulled over several times to regain control of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 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 not yet available. 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. VI... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
When their is a car in my blind spot the car does not beep or try to pull the car back unless you are basically hitting the car next to you. It also does not beep or show me space out side my range of view to prevent backing into another car. My car (tesla model Y) has had non-function blind spot warnings and backing up warnings since we purchased it in Feb 2023. There have been multiple times ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
I received notice of the recall on the airbag of my vehicle. I contacted the dealership and was informed I should contact GMC if I was concerned for my safety. I contacted GMC, explained my case and now several months down the road and I am still driving a vehicle that could explode in my face, quite literally, if anything happens. Although I can control my driving actions, I cannot control others... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Forward Collision System Unavailable and Front Camera Blocked Clean Windshield. This alert populates when the temperature is below 40 degrees. I have taken it to the dealership they ran there diagnostic and said it only needed an update. Problem is still happening I believe this is a manufacture problem. My windshield is not obstructed by anything. This is the only vehicle we have, and I feel my k... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Azera. 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer wat made aware of the issue. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
So essentially I stopped for a charge about 30 minutes before, I charged it, then hopped back on the turnpike as I was heading to Outer Banks NC, while I was on the turn pike where I believe at the time I started to go around a curve not a sharp one but a curve right after coming off this bridge. Every 1 minute and 30 seconds you have to put your hands on the wheel and give it a jerk to keep it en... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Abs control module had went out twice in 3 years and hydrolic unit causing brakes to fail
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Abs control module had went out twice in 3 years and hydrolic unit causing brakes to fail
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
The engine is burning oil. I've had it inspected by Huyndai however they stated it would be 18+ months before getting it fixed. At this point it's burning 1qt oil every 3 weeks. I work from home, and drive my daughter to school a few times a week so not warranting that much oil in 3 weeks. I get oil changes every 4000 miles as recommended. My car will all of the sudden sputter, check engine ligh... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
I was stopped at a light, and I as I continued my trip after the green. I had put the car in auto pilot. As I approached the curve there deer to my left that got my attention. The vehicle didn't follow the road, nor did it announce with any warnings, or lane assists that the vehicle was departing the lane. Impact was made into a broken guard rail. Guard Rail impaled the vehcile from the left side ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
One day without warning (about 8/20/2023), the vehicle would not start. After too many attempts the vehicle went into a security lock out. Had a mobile locksmith come and issue 2 new key fobs, and he was able to get the car unlocked and started. Car ran fine for about 4 days and then once again would not start. Car was towed to dealership where I was advised it was a bad battery. Battery was repla... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
Volkswagen has a leaking head gasket and has been at the dealer for 3 months and Volkswagen and dealer do not have information on when part for the vehicle will arrive so the car is safe to drive
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
My vehicle had an open recall for its fuel pump back in 2021 but I wasn’t having an issue at the time of the recall as of 6 months ago my car won’t turn on and the fuel smell that is in and thru out my car is so bad that. I cannot drive it , it has shut off on me while driving , I took it to a dealership in Fresno ca only to be told there are no open recalls , I clearly told them it was back ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
driver side door check bracket, makes cracking , crunching noise feels /sounds like it is ready to fall off.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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: Aug 15, 2023
My 2021 Tesla Model 3 shuts/powers down WITHOUT warning while driving with a battery charge >0%. This unsafe event has occurred twice now! While the battery gauge displayed 10%, I was driving about 60mph when all of these warning messages appeared prompting me to pull over. As soon as these messages displayed, my car lost all propulsion and I was left stranded in the middle of the road. Both time... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at the gas station and attempting to refuel the vehicle, the fuel gauge failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the fuel gauge displayed half a tank of fuel. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, gasoline failed to enter the tank and was instead bubbling up and leaking out onto the ground from the fuel... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Kia Forte. 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 MIL warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
"Phantom breaking" issue. When the vehicle is placed in cruise control the vehicle just randomly slams on the breaks; this typically happens when on the freeway/highway at speeds of 55 mph or greater. My wife and I have experienced this extremely dangerous issue from day 1 of taking possession of our Tesla over a year ago. I've reported it to Tesla and also spoken to the repair technicians that wo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
Letter below was sent to Hyundai corporate 7 Feb 22. They replied I should work with my Dealership to resolve the issue. Dealership cannot duplicate the fault. Vehicle has 7 speed DCT and currently has about 40k miles. "SUBJECT: 2020 Hyundai Kona DCT disengages and/or makes loud banging noise upon normal acceleration from standing stop. Occurrence is random but more prevalent in warm weathe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. 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 while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver pulled to the side of the road. The contact stated that her son o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
There are several safety related issues with the 2023 Tesla Model S 1) The horn is a tiny raised marking on the steering wheel (right side), and not like in "normal" car where pushing/hitting the center of the steering wheel will activate the horn. This is unsafe, since in emergency the driver automatically hits the center, and does not have time to look for the time horn "button" 2) The turn s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact owed a 2015 Kia Optima. 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 time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact started the vehicle to... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact owned a 2020 Chrysler 300 AWD. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway and attempting to merge onto the right lane, another vehicle suddenly drove in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that her husband attempted to readjust the vehicle onto the left lane; however, the front driver's side of the vehicle hit the guard rail. The vehicl... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The car showed engine check light and auto start error. I took it to the dealer (Nissan bertera Auburn) and the said one of the ground wires had corrosion and they had fixed issue. i paid for the fix. After driving for 2 miles error came back. Dealer asked me to drive back. When I got back they said technicians are done for the day and I should go to nearest dealer the following day. Car is 22675 ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Autosteer was engaged while approaching Weatherford, OK on I40 - Sporadically, the vehicle slammed on the brakes, even though nothing was in front of me, and nothing was behind. The vehicle dropped in speed by almost 20 mph.
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
pulling into parking stall in front of a store at a slow speed and my Camry Hybrid unexpectedly accelerated and lurched forward. I could not stop the car and the car hit the building at the end of the parking stall
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
pulling into parking stall in front of a store at a slow speed and my Camry Hybrid unexpectedly accelerated and lurched forward. I could not stop the car and the car hit the building at the end of the parking stall
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 25, 2023
The Model S, which was bought in 2015, had a sudden acceleration while I was trying to park near the entrance gate of the parking lot. The accident happened on May 25, 2023. Fortunately, nobody got hurt and the car was totaled. I feel strongly that this should be investigated, as this can be a very serious public safety issue. It was inspected by the insurance company. There were no warning messag... Read more
Crash