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 3, 2023
The door side suspension hanger bent as a result of the bolt falling out or broken. Part of the MorRyde CRE3000 suspension system.
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
THE STEERING WHEEL, ON OCCASSION WILL SEEM A LITTLE "STICKY" AND PULLS TO LEFT OR RIGHT IT FEELS LIKE. REALLY WEIRD. THIS IS "WITHOUT" ANY STEERING ASSISTANCE SETTINGS ON. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN MARCH, 2023
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
Warning message regarding passenger safety restraint system. Code RCM_056
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
I own a HRV Sport 2023 and Friday December 1, 2023 I found my rear windshield shattered all of the sudden. I know by reading online that is a defect from manufacturing. The dealer where I bought my car does not want any responsability and they told me I have to pay it. This is a manufacturing defect. Is not fair I'm still paying for this car and have to be liable for something the manufacturing ha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
Blown head gasket at 55,000 miles. Coolant intrusion into cylinder. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 2.0L EcoBoost - Coolant In Cylinders, White Exhaust Smoke And/Or Illuminated MIL 19-2346 19 December 2019 Ford Motor Company has known about this problem, but refuses to pay for the repairs, because the vehicle is 6 years old. Powertrain warranty: 5 years 60,000 miles.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
This car has demonstrated repeated incidents of moving/driving backwards when it is set in Drive/Forward via the steering wheel control. This was first reported to Tesla in December of 22. Their service center responded that they could not identify a cause or propose a repair. They commented that it was an engineering and/or software problem. I provided them with multiple date/time stamps. videos ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
rear Exhaust manifold bolts broken off in engine allowing gas into the cabin. Ram dealer wants $1900 to repair.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Soul. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Vehicle reversing malfunctioned , may be a software defect. Vehicle while reversing without pressing the accelerator went berserk and hit another vehicle in the driveway. Vehicle data was provided by Tesla but there is no evidence of collision nor any video recording of the incident. No issues were seen nor any warnings displayed prior to the vehicle reversing itself. However insurance deemed it... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
Premature water pump failure on 2015 Ford Explorer Limited with 51,000 miles. Noticed coolant leak while changing oil. Took it to a mechanic that pressure tested cooling system to discover water pump is leaking.
Incident date: Jun 23, 2023
The contact's mother owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed three quarts of oil after driving 367 miles. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the vehicle could be experiencing an internal oil leak. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Suzuki GSX 1300RR motorcycle. The contact stated as he parked the vehicle and deployed the kick stand into the downward park (P) position, when he was dismounting the vehicle, and as he was swinging his right leg over the saddle, the kick stand independently returned into the up position. The up position is where the kick stand rests when the vehicle is being driven. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
Traveling on an interstate highway when the car suddenly decelerated. Cruise control was on at the time. sudden deceleration with cars following made it quite dangerous. We could have been struck from behind. this happened two times on the same trip.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
Road trip from VA to NJ approx 700 mi. Mid-trip, stopped for fuel and oil check. Thereafter, engine started to run rough. Check engine MIL on. Could not find any problem. Back on road. Received a low engine oil warning. Checked engine, oil all over back of engine compartment. Shut down engine and towed to nearest VW dealer. Found engine dipstick not completely seated. I checked and measured force... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
Steering wheel is sticking while trying to make quick left or right turns from center while driving, with lane assist off or on. (New vehicle with less than 6000 miles.)
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
Air bags did not deploy in a front/side impact crash. Driver slid on ice and slush, went off the road and hit a tree. The car is currently being evaluated by the service center and insurance company. No sensors or warnings went off.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
I purchased this vehicle in 2020 and for the first 55,000 miles the car was great and after that it became a nightmar. I was driving one day and and lost power and the car would not accelerate properly I took the car to my dealership and after them having it they said the turbo charger had malfunctioned. The dealer fixed it after paying a $100 deductible. A month or so goes by and the car lost po... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
I purchased this vehicle in 2020 and for the first 55,000 miles the car was great and after that it became a nightmar. I was driving one day and and lost power and the car would not accelerate properly I took the car to my dealership and after them having it they said the turbo charger had malfunctioned. The dealer fixed it after paying a $100 deductible. A month or so goes by and the car lost po... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
I have had multiple phantom breaking on the highway in when use Autopilot in my 2023 Telsa model Y. I scared of using the Autopilot now cause of an accident on the highway.
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
With no warning my 2016 equinox’s engine began to fail functioning, reduced engine power warning displayed, then the vehicle stalled and would not restart. Professional mechanical review has indicated excessive oil consumption and timing chain issues regardless of a regular documented maintenance and oil changes
Incident date: Nov 26, 2023
With no warning my 2016 equinox’s engine began to fail functioning, reduced engine power warning displayed, then the vehicle stalled and would not restart. Professional mechanical review has indicated excessive oil consumption and timing chain issues regardless of a regular documented maintenance and oil changes
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
It was a raining day. When I turned 90 degree to my right into the parking lot from local road, I hit the brake and the car slowed down for turning. FSD or autopilot were off for sure. Then I felt the car was moving down suddenly and made a big noise due to the a slightly slope down when I turned. I saw a parking slot right in front of me. I hit the accelerator a fraction of second to prevent th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electrical system became inoperable. The contact stated the turn signals and the lights were not functioning as intended. The contact also stated that the doors and the window power switches were inoperable. The contact stated that due to the electrical failure, the turn signals could not be use... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
Forester in known for chronic exhaust leak into cabin through AC vents. Reported this to dealership and they "could not find the problem." Cabin of vehicle smells heavily of exhaust. Driver gets headache from smell/gas while driving. Internet forums show this is a common unaddressed issue by dealerships. Car is a 2017 and should not be leaking exhaust into the cabin.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2023
Upon leaving our campground on the morning of 11/30/2023 we were driving out on paved campground exit road at about 10MPH when Carefree awning on our 2022 Winnebago Travato suddenly and without warning fully extended in an uncontrolled fashion. We pulled over immediately and determined how to manually retract the awning with a socket wrench. Upon manually retracting the awning it was still not ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
The vehicle does not have the hood rear view convex mirrors.. The hood mirrors are use for rear to side view blind spot that the passenger or driver side mirrors cannot see. For instance entering or crossing a two way divided highway with no traffic lights, the hood mirrors is use to view when entering without on coming vehicle in a blind spot brushing past your engine compartment or passenger sid... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
While traveling westbound on I-64 at highway speed (~65 MPH), I experienced a complete tire failure of the driver's side front fire. It was first experienced as severe front-end vibration that made control of the vehicle difficult; there were no warnings or other indications of imminent failure. Fortunately, I was able to get the vehicle to the roadway's shoulder without injury or accident. Upo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
While driving the vehicle there is a noticeable “locking or sticking” in the the steering wheel while driving. This issue is most notable at a driving speed over 35 mph. Due to the vehicle not having a steering fluid reservoir, it is not possible to see if the power steering fluid is below the recommended levels.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
Since purchasing my 2023 Tesla model Y in May, I have intermittently experienced highway phantom braking when either in self-driving mode or just using the cruise control. I would estimate it happens once a month. Just recently it happened 2 days in a row, at night and during the day. The experience is very scary because when the brakes slam on at 70 mph, I'm afraid I will get rear-ended. I ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
Steering wheel “sticks” -there is resistance in the steering and then it may release suddenly which may cause a jerking of the wheel to over correct. The car was purchased new and did not experience this problem initially, but it seems to have developed over time. The ‘sticking’ of the steering is really noticeable at higher speeds such as highway driving. This is a safety concern as it m... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
When the car is warmed up, the steering becomes a little more difficult. Turning the wheel slowly is not smooth, feels sticky. This started occurring around 8000 miles on the vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Flat towed vehicle behind motorhome. Followed Fords instructions to the letter. Transmission fried even though computer showed flat tow engaged. Ford refused to warranty this issue and blames the operator due to an internal memo. Ford dealerships have acknowledged their is an issue with their flat tow system but Ford refuses to warranty.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2023
Purchased brand new in January of 2023, engine problems, engine knocks while driving or idle, hesitates when accelerating. stalling when driving, heavy gas smell, bad plastic oil pan, breaks during oil change, cause oil leaks, and engine failure. Vehicle vibrates when braking, bad lower fuel pump.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V746000 (Suspension). The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the vehicle began jerking to the right. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V746000 (Suspension). The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the vehicle began jerking to the right. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure waring light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The contact was info... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
The front suspension lateral link fasteners on the driver side wheel came loose and fell off the car in my driveway when I was backing up the car. There is an active recall for this issue - 23V235000, but my VIN wasn't included in that recall.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
rear view camera shows green/pink/yellow colors rather than clear image blocking visibility when backing up
Incident date: Nov 18, 2023
rear view camera shows green/pink/yellow colors rather than clear image blocking visibility when backing up
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
BECM failure resulted in a situation where the vehicle drove with erratic surging power delivery throwing engine codes P1E00, U2603,U2604, U2605,U2606 Regen braking in this vehicle has a dedicated control on the steering wheel which applies only regen braking no friction brakes. When battery state of charge is high this can result in a situation where the regen braking button abruptly (i.e. durin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Sudden unintended acceleration appeared to cause the Tesla while parking the car on the street in front of home accelerate go out of control and crash into the home totaling the car and damaging the house. Two days prior the vehicle was brought into a Tesla service location where Tesla replaced the 12 volt battery that they believed was causing the car not to power on properly at that time. Afte... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Start driving the vehicle multiple times during the operation you get a service airbag message with a code / dtc of b0020-13 which FCA put out a TSB for but when you do take the car in the code is not stored in memory, so they refused to repair it
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The Motor/engine consumes excess oil creating a burnt smell and a lot of whitesmoke coming out of the muffler. The vehicle is stalling constantly and won’t accelerate properly while driving. Creating an unsafe environment for me and those driving near me. I have repair and install new piece but non of them would fix the problem. I took it to the dealer and they didn’t find the problem. I have ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
The brakes completely failed on the vehicle. When inspected the main brake line was found damaged due to the frame of the car being totally corroded and shifting of the mechanical structure. If I were not quick in getting the emergency brake applied, we would have had an uncontrolled crash in traffic and could have potentially been killed. There were no warnings or lights that came on in the ve... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2023
Tesla, in multiple cars that I own, has repeatedly changed user-preferences of user-selections, without warning, or update notes, for a variety of functions. This seems to be a consequence of sloppy software coding and seems to coincide with new software releases. In recent months, Tesla has attempted to inform people of new software update functionality with ‘release notes’. However, these ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
I had a medium sized doe run in front of the vehicle while on the highway. I had the adaptive cruise control set to 62 MPH with lane keeping assist and all other safety features enabled. When the deer ran out out in front of the vehicle the emergency breaking did not engage, nor did it flash the warning or make the chime. It caused major damage to the front center and drivers side of the vehicle. ... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
These are observations over the past couple of months that I have owned the car. They have been consistently observed and have occurred at speed between 35-70 mph. There are four main issues I’m having with my tesla. 1) I cannot use cruise control because it requires automatic windshield wipers. The automatic windshield wipers cannot sense when it’s raining and just turns on randomly when i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
in 2017 Audi repaired a leaky fuel pump in my Q5 due to a recall. My vehicle now has less than 35k miles since that repair and the new-replacement fuel pump flange is failing again. Fuel was coming out and created a significant fire risk to life and property. Audi has refused to deal with the issue and speaking with mechanics at 3 dealerships revealed that the replacement parts are failing at an a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2023
Brake ABS system dashboard lights warning system always always going off for the 9 years I've owned the car. Had the ABS system replaced and still the dashboard lights going off and the system not functioning properly.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer ... Read more