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: Nov 8, 2023
I read this news today and something very similar has happened to me on autopilot. https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/tesla-crash-santa-clara-18365723.php The car suddenly speeds swerves to the right. Since I was alert I was able to pull it out of autopilot and assume control.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
Tesla's false warning incident took place in the following conditions 1. on Nov 9, 2023 7:55 AM ET 2. VA-286N Fairfax County Pkwy 3. very favorable driving conditions, sunny 48F, no ice, snow, or fog 4. at 30mph gave a false forward collision
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
I was driving my daughter to school this morning and turned on the seat warmers/heaters. After a few minutes on the road, I started to smell something burning. I couldn’t identify the smell and wondered if it was coming from the heater. I touched the left edge of the driver seat and was immediately burned on my hand. I quickly turned off the seat heaters and noticed that the left edge of the s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
I know the noise is coming from the lifters in the engine that has been nicknamed the hemi tick
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Car will, without warning brake aggressively while in cruise control, without pressure applied to brake. No other factors on road, except cars behind. This occurs frequently when car is driven in autopilot. Car will, without warning accelerate to a high speed without pressure applied to the accelerator. This acceleration is stopped with pressure being immediately applied to brake.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while his wife was parking the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle collided with a wall and was stopped by a curb. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was diagnosed by the manufacturer and the contact was informed that the accelerator had been depress... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while his wife was parking the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle collided with a wall and was stopped by a curb. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was diagnosed by the manufacturer and the contact was informed that the accelerator had been depress... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and making a slight left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and making a slight left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The con... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Hyundai Elantra. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for an alignment, the contact was made aware of excessive corrosion on the sub frame. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who confirmed that the alignment could not be completed due to corrosion on the sub frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
vehicle auto stopped in the middle of the parkway
Crash
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The contact leased a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window, the rearview camera, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and was able to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The contact leased a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window, the rearview camera, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and was able to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The back up camera will display a blue screen when truck is in reverse. This is a full size truck and I am unable to see behind me when trying to backup. There have been recalls on this issue with ford but apparently my truck is not one of them.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
Front trunk latch would not engage to latch frunk, and when frunk opened, would not engage to lock frunk. Error message kept repeating that frunk was opened, but it would not latch. When asked about the existing recall, was told that it does not apply to my vehicle, despite the problem being exactly as described in the recall.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
I was traveling on Interstate 40 in Arizona in a 75 mph zone with my cruise control set at 77 mph. Suddenly and without warning the car’s emergency braking system activate despite nothing being in the roadway in front of me and no cars ahead at all. I had to take evasive measures to avoid being hit from behind by a semi truck. Approximately 10 seconds later I began receiving error messages for... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
I was traveling on Interstate 40 in Arizona in a 75 mph zone with my cruise control set at 77 mph. Suddenly and without warning the car’s emergency braking system activate despite nothing being in the roadway in front of me and no cars ahead at all. I had to take evasive measures to avoid being hit from behind by a semi truck. Approximately 10 seconds later I began receiving error messages for... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
I was traveling on Interstate 40 in Arizona in a 75 mph zone with my cruise control set at 77 mph. Suddenly and without warning the car’s emergency braking system activate despite nothing being in the roadway in front of me and no cars ahead at all. I had to take evasive measures to avoid being hit from behind by a semi truck. Approximately 10 seconds later I began receiving error messages for... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Recently purchased a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse LT. Learned that there is an Airbag recall. However the manufacturer states that they are unable to remedy this recall.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Steering wheel went unsteady. All warning lights went off. Speedometer failed. Unable to shut off the engine and unable to detect key while having the key in place. My safety and others are at risk each time this happens due to not been able to have control of the vehicle speed while having unsteady steering wheel and not knowing of the possibility of breaks failing while trying to drive to a sa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Rear shock absorbers leaking and need replacement Can fail at any time and cause vehicle to swerve while driving Yes,inspected by dealer and was told "its a known issue" Loud clunking noise coming from rear is how we noticed
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
Was in a small accident the air bags never deployed but the seat belts locked saying that I needed to service my air bag system. As I did. The seat belts are no longer locked but the light is still on and the car is telling me to servic we the airbag system
Crash
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
I was unable to to get my gear out of park. I took to Kia immediately to inspect this issue. My safety is at risk if a collision occurs because I can’t change gears or if I have my children in the car and I get stuck in a remote location. The problem is currently being inspected by a Kia dealership & no one else has been notified just yet. I was given no warning or message before this began on N... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
The Day Running Light LED strip of both headlights stopped working at around 55,000 miles. The fix for this includes replacing the whole unit which comes to around $2k for both headlight units. It seems unreasonable to have to replace both units at around every 55,000 miles. Many people might not have the funds and this could also lead to people buying third party headlights that might be inst... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The power steering stopped working. "Error UI_a020: Steering assist reduced," and "Error APP_w264: Lane Departure Avoidance features unavailable" appeared on the screen afterwards. I was driving home when suddenly I was unable to turn the steering wheel more than a quarter turn (even with all my weight and strength). I tried resetting my vehicle and the issue persisted. I also tried getting out of... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine made an abnormal knocking sound, and the vehicle lost motive power and staled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
Before purchasing, it was later outlined by a different dealership/repair shop that the truck had previously had the remain replaced sometime before 21,000miles. At 25,000 miles truck was sent to West Hills Ford dealer ship for warranty work. When truck was returned, a complaint was made before leaving the dealership stating that; The motor had a slight engine shake, and the RMP's failed to hold ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The engine overheating and engine power failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. An independent mechanic was able to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ("ABS") MODULE remains a threat to my life. Hyundai should be required to fix this in a timely manner.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse. 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 manufac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The Diesel Emission Fluid Injectors are becoming clogged due to crystalized DEF. This causes a DEF error to be generated which de-rates the vehicles speed over time from 50mph to 5 mph over a range of ~50 miles. In remote areas with desert, like where I live this can cause you to be limited to 5 mph on an 80 mph fwy which is incredibly dangerous, especially when some of the more remote fwys are... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the service shifter warning message had appeared on the instrument panel and the light on the gear shifter appeared in red. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was given an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
I had brought my vehicle to the dealership to perform the repair for the auto-restart recall issue. I was told this would fix the issue. Several weeks later, my husband and I were driving the car. I stopped at a red light. When the light changed and I lifted my foot off the brake, the vehicle would not restart. I repeatedly tried applying the brakes and shifting into neutral, then shifting into pa... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
Hi beams stopped working
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
Hi beams stopped working
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
Wheels on the 2017 ford edge with 20 inch wheels keeps cracking where tire bead seat is.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
Experience judder and stall of vehicle while driving, pulling off and coming from a complete stop. Vehicle will lose power while driving which is unsafe when getting on the freeway or driving in high traffic areas. Vehicle has been taken to the Nissan twice and to other repair shops for related concern and all have stated that the trans needs replacing. There were no lights or warnings before prob... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
My vehicle shut off while i was driving on the highway. The check engine light flashed for a few seconds and then the whole car shut off while i was doing 70 on the highway. Thankfully nobody was hurt but i'm lucky to be alive. Cars swerving everywhere! When i took it to the dealer they say it was a cylinder misfire and its caused by coolant leaking into the engine through porous materials used b... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
My vehicle shut off while i was driving on the highway. The check engine light flashed for a few seconds and then the whole car shut off while i was doing 70 on the highway. Thankfully nobody was hurt but i'm lucky to be alive. Cars swerving everywhere! When i took it to the dealer they say it was a cylinder misfire and its caused by coolant leaking into the engine through porous materials used b... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
driving from Albuquerque NM to Farmington NM, in approximately 1 1/2 hours of driving on hwy 550, 4 lane divided highway, encountered no less than 12 hard shadow breaking events. in all instances there were no vehicles, animals or debris in front of the vehicle. It was a cloudless day, starting around 9am, clear no fog, temperature in the 40's. high risk of being hit if a car was following close... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
“When the vehicle is in park and you try to turn it off with the start/stop button an on dash error code of ‘Shift to Park’ appears even though the vehicle is clearly in park. You are not able to turn the vehicle off. I took the vehicle in for service and was told that GM is aware of the issue, however, their engineers have not found a solution. This currently is forcing me to restart the en... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
Was in the middle of driving and hit the accelerator and the car would not go anywhere. Mechanic/Ford dealership said it was the transmission, that the trans pump fluid wasn't pumping correctly and it caused the trans to fail. Had no warnings that anything was wrong. Needed an entirely new transmission then was charged for extra parts(nuts, bolts), in addition to the new transmission. Cost was $73... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
I was driving on the freeway at approximately 67 MPH using the advanced cruise control. There was no car immediately in front of me or directly beside me. All of a sudden, the car decelerated quickly, as if it slammed on the brakes. I was able to react quickly and override the deceleration, but had there been a car directly behind me, I very likely would have been rear-ended. It all happened s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. 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 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 repai... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2023
Pre-Collision System (PCS) failed. My daughter during sunset (sun glare) struck the vehicle in front of her, that suddenly braked due to sun glare. Toyota hasn't look at PCS system yet and the car is at the repair shop, but I did open a case with Toyota to investigate failure and access onboard data. Auto repair shop will check the system, but no malfunction warning on the car's warning display. T... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
I purchased a Model Y Performance on October 31, 2023. I was driving the vehicle on 11/1 and I received an error that my rear motor was disabled and my top speed was reduced to 68 mph. This occurred on a high traffic highway. Took the car to the dealership and they replaced the rear motor inverter. Vehicle only had 130 miles on it. This should not occur in a brand new vehicle. I felt unsafe while ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
Check engine light came. Took it to my mechanic and diagnostics was done, and it showed code PO40 ???. That's when found out about a recall that was issued back in 2019, to prevent what happened to the catalytic converter in my car.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
When driving on the highway, the vehicle would shake uncontrollably when i hit a bump. Also know as the death wobble. I took my Jeep to the dealer for evaluation. The dealer recommended that the steering damper be replaced along with some additional parts. I have mechanical breakdown coverage with Geico and a service plan with Autonation. I also contacted Jeep Cares as the death wobble is a know p... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
- On 9/27/23 the rear windshield of my 2023 Honda HRV spontaneously shattered. This is a known issue with the vehicle. - I was driving down the freeway when my windshield spontaneously shattered. It was incredibly alarming and dangerous. Thank goodness there were no passengers in the backseat, because they would be covered in shards of glass. -The problem has been reported to the dealership an... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact shut off and restarted the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made ... Read more