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: Aug 29, 2023
Intermittent flashing and dinging for ABS system. Message in dash says “Service Antilock Brake System”. Has been diagnosed and confirmed by credited service shop. The problem occurred around 80 thousand miles, a year or so ago.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Intermittent flashing and dinging for ABS system. Message in dash says “Service Antilock Brake System”. Has been diagnosed and confirmed by credited service shop. The problem occurred around 80 thousand miles, a year or so ago.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
steering component that breaks, causing a driver to lose control.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
January 2023 the car was at the dealer for two months for the battery heater. The car was losing coolant as the battery heater was malfunctioning. The car was at the dealers for 2 months for the repairs to be completed. December of 2023 the car had “Stop Safely — Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon”. We pulled off the freeway in a confused state and the car shut off. We called Chrysler who said to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
January 2023 the car was at the dealer for two months for the battery heater. The car was losing coolant as the battery heater was malfunctioning. The car was at the dealers for 2 months for the repairs to be completed. December of 2023 the car had “Stop Safely — Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon”. We pulled off the freeway in a confused state and the car shut off. We called Chrysler who said to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
Please reference NHTSA recall # 23V-858. In the Remedy section of the NHTSA recall description it states, 'The dealer will replace the fuel pump module with an improved part.' The actual recall notice states 'The replacement parts needed to repair your vehicle are not currently available but are expected to be available in the fall of 2024'! Honda lists this as an IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL and fa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
CAR HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED BY SUBARU SERVICE DEPT ON 2/27/2024. ON 3/1/2024, WHILE TRAVELLING IN HEAVY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, WE SMELLED A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE AND WERE ALERTED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT OUR CAR WAS LEAKING A LARGE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE IN THE ROADWAY. WE PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA, EVACUATED THE CAR, AND THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE WANTAGH FIRE DEPARTM... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
CAR HAD JUST BEEN SERVICED BY SUBARU SERVICE DEPT ON 2/27/2024. ON 3/1/2024, WHILE TRAVELLING IN HEAVY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, WE SMELLED A VERY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE AND WERE ALERTED BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT OUR CAR WAS LEAKING A LARGE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE IN THE ROADWAY. WE PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA, EVACUATED THE CAR, AND THE CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE WANTAGH FIRE DEPARTM... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the oil pump drive belt had fractured into pieces and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH up a hill, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. The wrench symbol was displayed. The vehicle lost power and failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was next towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the pretensioner ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
Just paid to replace the upper control arms and half shafts on my 2020 Tesla Model X. These repairs were required due to a very loud shudder and squeaking noise while driving. These issues came up 6 weeks after my manufacturer warranty expired. This was not the first time my vehicle required suspension related service/repairs. Just by a quick online search Tesla is well aware of these suspensi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Nissan Rogue. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light was flashing off and on. Also, while turning the steering wheel in either direction, there was a creaking sound coming from the steering column. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
Our 2016 Honda HR-V experienced a significant issue when the fuel pump unexpectedly failed, causing the car to stall while driving uphill over an overpass. Thankfully, this incident occurred in town. It could have happened while driving on the interstate, which would have posed a severe safety risk to our family. We promptly had the Honda HR-V towed to our local Honda dealership for diagnosis and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
Our brakes failed coming down a steep hill. We missed hitting a car by passing in the wrong lane. We had to cross a road across two lanes which fortunately had no cars on it where we crossed. We were able to get some braking once we got on level ground. We took the car to Honda and they told us the problem was a broken break switch. It is currently at Salem Honda in Salem, Oregon awaiting parts. W... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
Abs/Hcu are faulty causing abs and traction control systems to not function causing hazardous conditions while driving
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
It started with the right rear passenger door not opening from the inside or outside of the car. At first you could lock the doors from the inside and then open the door, but now the door will not open at all. My left rear passenger door has started to do the same thing this week. It will only open about 50% of the time. The door handles are in good order, and this is not related to an accident. T... Read more
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
The microphone has stopped working. This makes hands free phone operation impossible. Mileage 43111. The sudden loss of this function lead to confusion and distraction while operating the vehicle. The dealer has not yet seen the issue as the are no trustworthy dealers in existence that I'm aware of. The problem seems common enough given a recall of the 2018 model for the same problem.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
sticky steering at highway speed which causes oversteer to keep car straight
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, he became aware that the headlamps were not functioning properly. The exterior lighting warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that a short in the electrical system resulted in exterior lights burning out and identified burned wiring. The vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2023
While driving or parked water is dripping down my window shield. This obstructs my view and distracts me from driving. It further distracts my driving if I have to wipe away the water which usually leads to smearing which causes further obstruction to my field of vision.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
My truck when accelerating, it pulls and shifts hard. Also the speedometer sometimes does not work right and the truck loses power..
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 tool ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2024
My backup camera doesn’t work at all! Just a black screen. so it doesn’t comply with the law… I can’t see to back up at all. If you google the 2018 journey it says there is a recall on the backup camera but when I put my vin number in it doesn’t pop up as a recall but this needs to be a recall and is very dangerous it hasn’t been inspected but it readily available if h would like to c... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
I was driving down a very busy highway about 60 mph when my oil light started flashing on my dash and my check engine light came on and when I tried to push my brake pedal to stop my car I couldn't push it in. My brakes were very hard, I had to pull my emergency brake to stop my car and coast into a gas station so I didn't hit anyone. I have done a lot of research online and this same issue is alr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
Steering completely went out while making a right turn onto highway. Had vehicle towed and repairs totaled over a thousand dollars.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Problems with the driver side door. Purchased car brand new. Currently has 25k miles (roughly). My 3-36k mile warranty ended 10/23. My door is making creaking snapping popping noises and the window Won't go down. I'm concerned the door won't open or worse snap and fall off while driving. I feel I have to hold the door while driving which is not safe. . I have to drive this car for work, I work in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MHP, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed an engine misfire in cylinder #3. The cylinder #3 was replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle later experienced the same failure and was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that cylin... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Hyundai Veracruz. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH and slowing to exit a highway while turning to the right on the exit ramp the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the power steering failed, and extra force was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact did not notice any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stopped and turned off ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Airbag light on dash comes on solid. Dealership had vehicle for 3 days and repair made to seat belt tensioner, days later, airbag light returns on dash. Other GM vehicles were recalled for airbag problems but maybe should include the Acadia.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Myself, and many other 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners, have a vehicle code labeled C1391 "Leak in Accumulator" wherein the vehicles brake actuator and brake booster pump malfunction. The dash of my vehicle has the following indicators on; Check ABS, Check Brake System, Check VSC System, Yellow Master Warning Light, Red Brake System Light & Buzzer, Yellow ABS Warning Light, and Yellow Slip In... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Myself, and many other 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners, have a vehicle code labeled C1391 "Leak in Accumulator" wherein the vehicles brake actuator and brake booster pump malfunction. The dash of my vehicle has the following indicators on; Check ABS, Check Brake System, Check VSC System, Yellow Master Warning Light, Red Brake System Light & Buzzer, Yellow ABS Warning Light, and Yellow Slip In... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
I first reported the break, airbag, and acceleration failure on my brand new 2005 Scion XB on June 20, 2005. I only had the Daihatsu/ Toyota two week when a driver in front of me stopped short at a Yield sign forcing me to slam on my brakes. immediately heard the sound of metal snapping and the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I pumped the pedal to the floor but there was no resistance. ... Read more
Crash
6 injured
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
TRD PRO MODEL Clunk at low speeds. FOX shocks on TRD PRO make clunking sound at low speeds. Toyota replaced 3 shocks under warranty. The 3rd one they charged me labor but covered the shock. Car has highway miles and very little time spent off road as I live in NY. As of today clunking is back in full force. Seems to be an ongoing problem if you google clunking fox shocks Toyota TRD 4Runner.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
The contact's father owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle while away from home, the entire instrument panel had gone blank upon the start of the engine without warning. Due to the failure, the contact could not view the gear position, speedometer, odometer, and several other safety-related features. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment w... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
Parked car due to electrical and transmission issues had left it for a couple hours to receive assistance and the car was gone it had no plates because I was attempting to register the car that same day
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
Parked car due to electrical and transmission issues had left it for a couple hours to receive assistance and the car was gone it had no plates because I was attempting to register the car that same day
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
When pressing the acceleration pedal, car does not always switch into the next gear. On other occasions, while accelerating the car jerks and does not switch into the next year smoothly
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic reset the check engine warning light. The contact proceeded to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that while driving, the gear shifter independently shifted from drive to neutr... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2024
Power steering has gone out. There is a recall, but it is not attached to my Vin number.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
we have 2 models of this car in the family, both vehicles the drivers door handle is coming off.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Car stalled while driving on the highway. No warning codes and mechanics cannot find a reason. This has happened twice before in past year with warning codes but all have been addressed yet it has stalled again with no code now. This has been costly, very dangerous and cannot feel safe driving.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
I stopped the vehicle in the street after turning wide to back in my driveway. The vehicle lunged forward like it was being pushed. It continued forward, up the curb, paused, then was pushed (moved forward) harder up the incline and into a pine tree. Significant Damage was to the front end. At no time did I accelerate. I was not in control of the car. It threw a message about parking assist o... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
Engine light started coming on and off and it started to run rough on startup. I took it in for servicing and was told coolant was leaking into the engine. Following the inspection, car now runs very rough and I am not longer safe to drive it. The repair is $8000! Ford offered to pay $3000 of that -- not good enough considering that the car has 50910 miles on it and has had all recommended servi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
Engine light started coming on and off and it started to run rough on startup. I took it in for servicing and was told coolant was leaking into the engine. Following the inspection, car now runs very rough and I am not longer safe to drive it. The repair is $8000! Ford offered to pay $3000 of that -- not good enough considering that the car has 50910 miles on it and has had all recommended servi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
While driving home in the evening, I was startled by a sudden cracking sound that I heard. Although nothing appeared to have impacted the windshield, I speculated that it may have been caused by a plastic bag in which I stored trash in my vehicle on occasion. The following day, my partner noticed a significant crack in the windshield as he loaded bags into the car. I recounted the previous night's... Read more
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
Seam seal where the roof, D pillar, and hatch area meet had a hole in it leaking water into the cabin causing underpadding of the floor to become soaked and creating a moldy/musty smell. Patched hole to stop water leak. Ruined the carpet from the spare tire well up to the front passenger floor board
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
After air conditioning stopped working today on my 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew High Country, conducted research to find out if others experiencing the same issue. Discovered thousands of pages of complaints and class action suits. Vehicle is 7 years old and just went over 79K. Following several troubleshooting videos and write-ups by technicians, discovered the top weld on the driver's side... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
Sometimes when you shut the car off, the fuel pump in the fuel tank continues to run. I restarted my car and shut it off and the fuel pump will stop. I'm not sure if it's a bad relay or in the wiring. I don't park near the house. Thanks
Incident date: Feb 24, 2024
The abs and traction control light come on. Failure in the abs module