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: May 25, 2023
We had Model 3 with instance of unintended acceleration at the gate of a parking lot. This car was bought in May 2020. On December 6, 2020, she was on the way out of the parking gate and suddenly the car accelerated, hitting the side wall of the gate. The car flew over a two-way street, resulting in a compound fracture of her right hip requiring internal fixation and transfusion. The vehicle was i... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 25, 2023
We had Model 3 with instance of unintended acceleration at the gate of a parking lot. This car was bought in May 2020. On December 6, 2020, she was on the way out of the parking gate and suddenly the car accelerated, hitting the side wall of the gate. The car flew over a two-way street, resulting in a compound fracture of her right hip requiring internal fixation and transfusion. The vehicle was i... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 6, 2020
We had Model 3 with instance of unintended acceleration at the gate of a parking lot. This car was bought in May 2020. On December 6, 2020, she was on the way out of the parking gate and suddenly the car accelerated, hitting the side wall of the gate. The car flew over a two-way street, resulting in a compound fracture of her right hip requiring internal fixation and transfusion. The vehicle was i... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 6, 2020
I recently purchased this vehicle from HHGreg in Tampa, Fl in May 2023. We found out it was associated with a recall regarding the brakes within 60days of having the vehicle, which Brandon Nissan took care of. My car only has 40,000 miles on it now. We bought it with only having 36,000 miles on it. Therefore, we've only driven it 4k miles. However, for the last 3 months, this car will literally sh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2020
I recently purchased this vehicle from HHGreg in Tampa, Fl in May 2023. We found out it was associated with a recall regarding the brakes within 60days of having the vehicle, which Brandon Nissan took care of. My car only has 40,000 miles on it now. We bought it with only having 36,000 miles on it. Therefore, we've only driven it 4k miles. However, for the last 3 months, this car will literally sh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
This happens at 2 particular exits on a 65mph highway. One time the car slows down by 10mph and the other spot it will swerve over almost to the lane next to me and slow down. Just dangerous when someone is tailgating me (thats reality of driving these days) as they will not have time to react and more than likely hit me. It happened once and someone behind me started honking and flashing their li... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine and check oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the coil and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine and check oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the coil and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
My vehicle just hit over the 90,000 mark. I did all recommended services when they were due, less the spark plug replacement as I just hit that marker. I was driving on 285 in Atlanta in the far left lane and went to speed up which did not occur. My car was still on but would not accelerate. I ended up being able to get to pull over 5 lanes and park. Turned off my car and it would not crank. Calle... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
My ford's water pump broken first time in 2020 since and then now i'm on my 5th time to change this water pump and the mechanicians were unable to explain what happened exactly. now the water pump broken and need replacement again.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
Please help Phantom braking is getting worse
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
I was slowly traveling up my gravel drive. As I turned to follow the drive to the right, my car suddenly accelerated. I hit the brake and after pumping the brake (like when braking on ice) my car slowed back down. I immediately searched the internet for similar complaints.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the emergency trunk latch had failed, and the trunk was unable to be opened. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the emergency trunk latch warning light remained illuminated, and the doors could not be locked and secured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
I was driving when the ESC electronic stability control kept going on. Then all of a sudden the pedal and brake would start to shake and not work. Randomly driving when light would go on and then the pedal and brake would shake. I had to pull over. Light would go on and off. Roads were dry normal no issues.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
- On 3/6/2023 upon exiting my garage I noticed the rear right spring had broken off and was on the ground. - On 3/7/2023 I took my vehicle to Pops Exhaust (CT Licensed repairer R6579) located at 53 Slater Street, Manchester, CT 06042, which repaired my vehicle, which consisted of replacement of the rear struts, for $200 labor and $480 parts and $43.18 CT Sales tax - total $723.18. Vehicle was br... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
P2418 Electrical fault has occurred with the evap emission vapor blocking valve circuit and its associated wiring.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled and independently shifted into neutral(N). The contact stated that she was able to steer the vehicle off the roadway. The contact stated that she was able to stop the vehicle and shift into park(P) however, the vehicle was not able to shift into drive(D). The contact made numerous atte... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
The frame on this truck broke. The frame tore in a manner that the lower control arm became disconnected from the vehicle. I recognize that l live in an area where rust issues are real, however l am also very experienced with metal working and fabrication and can reliably assure that corrosion is not the cause of this failure in the frame of this vehicle. I have attached 4 photos, those are of t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
The frame on this truck broke. The frame tore in a manner that the lower control arm became disconnected from the vehicle. I recognize that l live in an area where rust issues are real, however l am also very experienced with metal working and fabrication and can reliably assure that corrosion is not the cause of this failure in the frame of this vehicle. I have attached 4 photos, those are of t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
Check engine light intermittently turned on for years. Took to dealership numerous times with no resolution. Was driving and vehicle overheated to the point I thought I was going to catch fire. Pulled over, had towed to dealership. They replaced 51 + parts and spent $15,900 on repairs just to give me back a vehicle that is a lemon. Car engine Revs louder than before. Terrifying after what was expe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
In December of 2021 my vehicle started to feel like it was "trying to die" for lack of a better words. On December 18th I took it to Firestone in Tulsa, Ok to have it check and the mechanic at the time told me to take it directly to Bill Knight Ford in Tulsa, Ok where it was purchased. On the way there the vehicle completely shut down while on the highway with every warning light coming on. It was... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
Thor company of Indiana is the after market uplifter of a Ford Transit 2022. The Sancuary is teh model. The red power wire that connects from the secodnary altrnator in the enginne area runs along the inside f the front right tire to the chassi house battery in the back o the VAN. The power wire is incorrectly routed and the tire rubs up againsit it and rubs against the wire casuing damage and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
My wife experienced a sudden loss of power and a very rough running engine at interstate speeds. The check engine light as well as the FSW lights indicated problems with the engine. We brought the vehicle into a Honda dealership for diagnosis. The technician observed an oil soaked spark plug in the #3 cylinder which caused the issue. There were no lights associated with the issue until the sudd... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Summary: FSD malfunctioned, failed to disengage, causing loss of steering control, thus causing car to steer into wrong lane and resulting in an accident. Tesla Service Center refused to inspect unless car is fixed. Car was sent to Crash Champions ( autobody shop) and was quoted $35k to fix. Car was deemed as totaled by Tesla insurance. No response from [email protected] I suspect that the la... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
Same issue as Honda Civic "Sticky Steering". Once you start to get above 40 MPH, you feel a sticking point in the steering (left and right) when trying to make minor lane adjustments.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
One the oil cooler unit failed leaking oil on to hot engine could possibly start a fire Two the rear differential cracked leaking fluid could possibly lock rear wheels at speed
Incident date: Sep 16, 2021
Unknown
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 16, 2021
Defective exterior rear passenger door handle came off completely when opening door.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2021
The power steering freezes up upon the slightest amount of street water ponding making it almost impossible to turn the steering wheel. I have experienced a number of scary situations that make driving this car in wet elements very very difficult. As a result I generally refrain from driving altogether under these conditions. This dangerous problem must be fixed soon! I HAVE MENTIONED THIS PROBLE... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
Steering doesn't want to return the center. This is a safety issue. Had steering rack replaced at 24k miles and now at 49k miles it's having the same issue. These parts are defective.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
On 12-2-23, I started to feel my steering wheel getting stiff while driving.The car started to feel unsafe to drive as it was very difficult to steer to the point that I ended up being unable to turn and hit a curb on two occasions. On 12-3-23, I started getting alerts in my vehicle about traction control being disabled, automatic emergency braking unavailable, stability control disabled and th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
Engine stalls soon after I start driving. Lights are still on on the dashboard. I put the car in Park, turn the key to the off position, and turn the key to ignition. Engine starts without issue. This problem happens irregularly. Sometimes happens after a few months, sometimes after a few weeks.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
When driving, sometimes a “Drive Mode Unavailable” message comes up on the infotainment. Drive modes in the MachE contribute to deceleration, one pedal driving, and throttle mapping, and switching abruptly from one to another without input from the driver is a safety issue as it can instantaneously change the deceleration or acceleration rate of the vehicle. This is a known bug that’s been ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
I was driving eastbound on interstate 8 with adaptive cruise control engaged and my Tesla suddenly stoppeg in the freeway. No one was behind me but it was frightening. 0930 hours
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
Dead center steering feels as if it sticks and extra force is needed when coming to a light bend on the road or just trying to stay center in a lane.
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
Phantom breaking occurred twice while driving east on highway sr 152. Our car was traveling straight with no cars in front of us. I was using cruise control set at the speed limit when the car suddenly slammed on the brakes, the car slowed from 65 mph to 20 mph in a few seconds. This happened twice in a matter of 10 minutes. I no longer use cruise control. Apparently there is no fix. I have ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
I was on lunch brake, going through a McDonalds drive thru, the car just shut off. I had to have it pushed out of drive thru. After several tries it did start again but shut off in the middle of traffic. I couldn’t shift it. I had to have it towed. VW dealer said I needed a new transmission at 62,000 miles. Then I read about the recall and knew that’s what was the matter with my car. Th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
I had just finished Supercharging my vehicle from 50% to 80% and when I entered the car to drive home two warnings showed up 1. Steering assist was reduced and it might be more difficult to drive; and 2. Lane departure avoidance warning was not working. I did a hard reset twice - (foot on the brake while pressing the two steering wheel 'wheels') and began driving the 10-15 minute home. Afte... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
Went to have car serviced and was told lug nuts were swollen and it was a Ford defect, but had to pay over $120 to replace lug nuts in order to get my tires rotated.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
Went to have car serviced and was told lug nuts were swollen and it was a Ford defect, but had to pay over $120 to replace lug nuts in order to get my tires rotated.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
NHTSA safety recall 23V652000 addresses this defect with my vehicle, but the manufacturer has provided no credible or valid solution that positively remedies the vehicle defect. I am horrified of driving my vehicle since reading about the fire hazard that exists. Preliminary findings provided by Kia confirm the HECU/ABS module may leak brake fluid due to a faulty seal. Leaking fluid can come in co... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
While driving down the interstate to go back to my college, I noticed a cloud of white smoke coming out of my exhaust. Seconds later, I no longer could accelerate and white smoke was also coming out of the engine. There were no lights on my dash at this point or at any point before this day. I quickly tried to get off of the road when I noticed my car was no longer going. I managed to get to the s... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
The engine malfunctioned on the freeway causing my brother to have to pull to the side as safely as possible. The engine was smoking and all of the electrical systems started to fail. It said it was overheating.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
My ABS module is defective. My power steering goes, my ABS system lights come on and off. My braking comes and goes. I brought it to the dodge dealership and they said that dodge is remanufactifing the parts as it’s a huge issue they are having and said just to drive it or don’t but with no other help.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
Car has a red warning light come on that says engine control error park vehicle in a safe place. This happened on the freeway 4 times took it in to Porsche they claimed they fixed it. When the light comes on you have to stop the car and restart it. You can not accelerate. After it was claimed to be fixed it happened again but this time applied braking intermediary aggressively. The car behind me ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The check engine light came on showing codes p 146 b,d,e,f The dealership looked at the car and said the purge pump needs replaced and ordered a part that is on back order and won’t be delivered in an undetermined date. We have now lost a considerable amount of gas mileage and the dealership it may be the fuel pump. They say if it is it won’t be covered by warranty. They have said the car is ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
During our road trip from northern Virginia to Norman, Oklahoma, between 18-29 November 2023, the issue called "Phantom braking" -- in which the Tesla Model Y suddenly and inexplicably engages the brake during a highway driving -- occurred to us four times.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
While driving at 60 mph on the interstate, the engine shut down completely and lost all gas. We were able to coast to an exit, and with our two young children in tow, get a tow truck. Upon taking it to the repair shop, they stated the engine seized and needs an entire engine replacement. We are at 101,000 miles, just past the 100,000 mile warranty. Still waiting for paper documentation from repair... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
I had exhaust work done, 2010 Ford Escape, and shop pointed out huge rust hole in ''subframe'' (engine cradle) This has been hundred thousand recalls but NOT all model years, yet they ALL have the same fault. Ford recall only puts a cheap ''brace'' on it but it is NOT a repair!! What kind of country allows these maggots to threaten the driver with complete !! loss of steering control and yet not r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the battery had drained and was replaced by an independent mechanic. A few months later, the vehicle received an oil change by a dealer. After leaving the dealer, the vehicle failed to startup while in a parking lot. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove back to the dealer. The contact was informed that the battery wa... Read more