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: Feb 23, 2024
Forward driving aids disabled, front sensor blocked, malfunction Issue confirmed by dealer 3 sensors replaced Problem continues
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Transmission failed - car disabled at 85mph
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
2017 ford f150 CAM PHASER ISSUES less than 100 miles on it
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Subframe is rusted out and causing control arm wobble which I cannot control the steering correctly
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
Opening/closing driver door is very difficult must do slowly. Window does not go down. I can see three holes where the spot weld holding the hinge is gone.
Incident date: Feb 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a rattling sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. Additionally, the oil pressure and service engine warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the turbo charger and the catalytic converter, but the failure persis... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
Frame Failure: Welds broke, and walls separated. The dealer and manufacturer acknowledged the issue and repaired the issue.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
Frame Failure: Welds broke, and walls separated. The dealer and manufacturer acknowledged the issue and repaired the issue.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2022
2023 Jeep Wagoneer steering wheel became locked with alerts on the dashboard "Power Steering Unavailable Service Required." Thank GOD I parked in a parking lot when I went food shopping. This has happened twice before to my wife in the garage but no alerts came out. I spent two hours stuck and 1 hour waiting for a tow truck. It was a cold day and after the heat to the seats and steering were on, t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
Early on the week of November 9th my car displayed a message that there was "Low propulsion power - engine not available." Upon returning home and parking the car it started without incident the following day. On November [XXX], my vehicle stated "Low propulsion power - engine not available" but this time the car shut down completely leaving me unable to return home. I had the car towed to Fairway... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
Early on the week of November 9th my car displayed a message that there was "Low propulsion power - engine not available." Upon returning home and parking the car it started without incident the following day. On November [XXX], my vehicle stated "Low propulsion power - engine not available" but this time the car shut down completely leaving me unable to return home. I had the car towed to Fairway... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
Manufacturer Recall Number23S12 NHTSA Recall Number23V162 Recall on my vehicle Ford has failed to attempt remedy as of December 2023.
Incident date: Mar 9, 2023
Manufacturer Recall Number23S12 NHTSA Recall Number23V162 Recall on my vehicle Ford has failed to attempt remedy as of December 2023.
Incident date: May 16, 2023
I was on the highway during traffic hour going approximately 40 mph at 2 rpm and when I tried to accelerate to keep up with the flow of traffic, the car did not accelerate and actually slowed down and suddenly shifted down below 1 rpm which caused the oncoming cars behind me to hit their brakes hard. After it slowed down and did not accelerate, even though I pressed the gas pedal further, it sudde... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Check engine light came on. Error code indicates a PCV crankcase ventilation valve has malfunctioned. Code is P052E. This is a notorious problem with Mercedes, BMW and other European cars. It should also be considered part of the emissions system. Contacting the MB dealers, I cannot get a clear definition whether it is covered by extended warranties or any warranty whatsoever. They are vague... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
2018 Ram 2500 6.7 L Problems with ABS Module Control. Replaced in October of 2021 now bad again and on back order with no date available. This module controles abs braking, traction control which are safety items designed into the truck. I've had the truck to 2 different repair shops and both confirm the problem and both tell me that Ram is having a problem with this part and the the part is o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
The engine oil pump malfunctioned and Astro Ford in Diberville refused to fix it or replace it. They tried to sell me another car. He even said he knew exactly what it was before looking at my car. He said he has seen it alot. I had 66053 miles on it. NO problems or issues leading up to engine blowing.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
strong smell of fuel affraid to drive the igntion get stuck and locks so you cant turn the car on
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R) the back over protection camera screen was black. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R) the back over protection camera screen was black. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
I have already had this replaced, at a direct expense to me, due to the concern. Jeep has a Technical Service Bulletin (S2023000009) about the passenger seat. It began as a popping/knocking noise in the butt/inside of the seat. My dealer had to replace the lower seat frame/track completely, based on the concern and the bulletin. Before replacement, the seat was audibly broken, with great concern f... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
My vehicle shudders, bucks, and jerk switching gears at slow speed.
Incident date: Feb 22, 2024
So there is multiple issues with my vehicle. First: I had the recall issue with the fuel injector "fixed" as the dealer stated. Now CO2 is leaking into my cabin when the car is parked and/ or when the remote start is activated. You can not breathe. I bought this car because I have 2 boys in car seats still. It is a serious hazard for anyone that breathes it in, especially kids. Second: after pumpi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
While I was driving my 2012 MB C300 4Matic Sport Sedan in Nov', 2023 with history of regular maintenance, noticed a pretty load knocking noise, shudder and drifting to left a bit when it brakes from the driver's rear side especially on the highways. I took it to our local mechanic who was horrified to report that the sub frame was broken and completely rotten out too specifically rust issue with t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
The sam box (electrical system fuze panel) located under the hood is in a spot where if the lid isn't on correctly water will drain from the windshield right into the sam box and cause the vehicles electrical system to deploy the steering wheel airbag. That's at least what happened to me. It was raining out that day and I guess I went over a bump that caused the lid of the sam to get out of place.... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
As I see in the news now, my rear window blew out on the expressway on 1/17/2024 on the way to work at 5:30 a.m. With the very cold day below zero it sounded like an explosion and then it crumbled. Luckily I was close to work and my team was able to help me shrink wrap the window to be able to get home. On 1/20/24 I took the car to Safelite for replacement which was done under my insurance. I have... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
The rear door locking system has failed. Both doors will not open from the interior or exterior. I have read thousands of complaints about this particular problem with this make and model of Volvo. The locking system on a car should never fail. HUGE safety concern.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Check engine sing comes and all dash board alarms lights on and bleep and while driving it shuts off while vehicle is on motion. This vehicle operates as yellow taxi and this issues is serious concern about passengers safety on board . The vehicle took to bay ridge Toyota dealer and the technician was unable troubleshoot and solve the concern Dealer charged 200 dollars for diagnostic and car is ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
Hello, I'm filing a complaint against the Dothan, AL Ram dealership due to recalls that were never performed. I bought the truck on 7/12/2021 from a third party. I noticed this particular Ram had 12 recalls so I took it in to the Dothan, AL Dodge dealership to have them repaired. They had the truck for 2 weeks and nothing was repaired. Nothing at all. I lost 2 back pack blowers because... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
The high beams do not work. Neither one. Bulb replacement did not fix either.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Started truck for 10-15 minutes with front and rear defrost on to remove ice from glass. Upon entering the truck, there was a smell of wiring/plastic burning. Smoke was coming from the bottom corner of the rear sliding window. I immediately shut off rear defrost and then shut my truck off. Then the driver side rear glass panel popped and shattered completely.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
360 review camera fails to operate correctly and screen goes blue. Front parking sensors, rear cross traffic, auto emergency braking, and rear parking sensors fail to operate as well.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Fiat 500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V302000 (Power Train) which was linked to the failure. The dealer had been notified about the recall but stated that parts were not yet available and remained on backorder. The manufacturer had... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
On March 2022 Forward Collision Warning System, Blind Spot Warning System, ABS braking System and other systems associated with a bad passenger rear wheel sensor not working. On March 17, 2022 rear passenger wheel sensor repaired under warranty by local Kia Dealer. In September 2023 same issue with the above warning systems occurs with only another 2,000 miles on car after previous repair. Local K... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
On March 2022 Forward Collision Warning System, Blind Spot Warning System, ABS braking System and other systems associated with a bad passenger rear wheel sensor not working. On March 17, 2022 rear passenger wheel sensor repaired under warranty by local Kia Dealer. In September 2023 same issue with the above warning systems occurs with only another 2,000 miles on car after previous repair. Local K... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
Positive crankcase ventilation regulator valve performance
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
Airbags did not deploy
Crash
Incident date: Nov 29, 2023
Have experience increased brake pedal effort, hard brake pedal, and/or potentially increased. stopping distance. The condition is more prevalent at low speed when softly applying the brakes. The Driver’s Information Center, (DIC) “Service brake assist” alert will activate. Extreme safety risk to myself and my children. Bulletin N182202780 & NT192268490 needs to be tied to this specific... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
2/20/24 while coming to a stop at a stop light in a busy intersection, the car completely died/shut down. Hazard lights could not be turned on. No lights in car, no error message. no lights at all. RPM gauges remained in the same position as when the vehicle died. I was able to put it in park. After about 5 minutes the car was able to be restarted. It was not clear why it finally restarted... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
Car started making strange noises in the rear portion and was not driving as it normally would. Proceeded to take the vehicle to a GMC service dept. and was told the rear differential is close to failure and is "shot" and needs to be replaced. The service representative advised us to not drive the vehicle because it is unsafe to operate. Upon investigating it appears there was a recall for 2021 Yu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
I have had the blue screen sensors replaced 3 times. This has been a recall. Now my front camera is having an error code. Yeh blue screen came on while backing up and I hit a rock. They say it has been fixed but now it is still occurring with the radio freezing and the front camera producing an error. The dealer says there’s no current fix and they have an unable to reproduce it when it is at th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
I have had the blue screen sensors replaced 3 times. This has been a recall. Now my front camera is having an error code. Yeh blue screen came on while backing up and I hit a rock. They say it has been fixed but now it is still occurring with the radio freezing and the front camera producing an error. The dealer says there’s no current fix and they have an unable to reproduce it when it is at th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 19, 2024
I have had the blue screen sensors replaced 3 times. This has been a recall. Now my front camera is having an error code. Yeh blue screen came on while backing up and I hit a rock. They say it has been fixed but now it is still occurring with the radio freezing and the front camera producing an error. The dealer says there’s no current fix and they have an unable to reproduce it when it is at th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
Engine started Knocking took to Hyundai dealer and was informed that the Motor has to be replaced, due to know issues with them. Month goes by was informed that the motors are on back order and that its going to be 6 months or more before they can get my car fixed. No recalls on the motor were sent to me and non are listed on the web site. Was informed that I'm not able to drive it anymore as... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Intermittent power steering. Works great then all of a sudden have no steering, then a minute later it’s back working. Other times it is very choppy steering.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
The engine started knocking while driving on [XXX], it can be inspected upon request. This knocking is due to the connecting rod bearing failure recall and it creates a safety issue for passengers and other drivers on the road as the engine can fail at any given moment causing a road hazard. I have made an appointment to get this matter diagnosed with King Acura in Hoover, but I am being denied a ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
On the driver door, the door check welds have failed. Heard a grinding clunking sound and had my mechanic look at the car; he identified what had occurred. I have researched online and found instances where once this is broken the door might open without warning. Because of this I am very gentle in using the door, opening it just enough to get inside. I do not use the window. I had my dealer bo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
We stopped driving this vehicle when notice was sent about the possible engine fire. We are appalled that Ford has provided no fix for this for 9 months (May 2023 to Feb 2024, the time of this complaint). We contacted a Lemon Law lawyer but there's no protection unless the engine were to malfunction. Tell me: Would you want to drive your kids in a vehicle with an engine that could explode into ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
We stopped driving this vehicle when notice was sent about the possible engine fire. We are appalled that Ford has provided no fix for this for 9 months (May 2023 to Feb 2024, the time of this complaint). We contacted a Lemon Law lawyer but there's no protection unless the engine were to malfunction. Tell me: Would you want to drive your kids in a vehicle with an engine that could explode into ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
EPB and Auto Hold lights were lit on the instrument cluster in yellow. Power was diminished and once stopped and the car in park, doors would not unlock. Starting and then stopping the car would not reset the lights nor allow the doors to unlock. Fixing the issue requires a second person to raise the hood, and disconnect the positive terminal on the battery to allow the computer to reset. Reconne... Read more