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: Jan 29, 2024
On 11/20/2023 I was entering the freeway when the engine on my Kia completely quit. No lights, no sputtering, no indication at all of an issue. Obviously I lost power steering. I was able to get to the side of the road and try to restart the engine. Would not restart. I had the car towed to my mechanic and called Kia customer service later. I was advised to have it towed to a Kia dealership (fee w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
Brand new Jeep gladiator. 458 miles on it and the windshield glass cracked. No rock or external object hit it, simply faulty glass. I went to an online forum and found that windshields cracking on jeep’s is extremely common and Jeep refuses to warranty or do anything about it.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
Brake line bracket failed. It appears that the bracket is made out of plastic and is a common failure for BMWs. The failure causes the line to rattle against the lower body and eventually break. The bracket is in a place very difficult to access. BMW wants to charge 1000$ while the part cost in under 10$
Incident date: Jan 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the passenger’s side rear brakes were scraping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train). The vehicle was repaired; however, the brake failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started shaking and failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle decelerated to approximately 30 - 40 MPH. The vehicle was repaired however, while driving at speeds of 50 MPH or more, the vehicle would start to shake and hesitate while accelerating. The co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
when driving at highway speed car stalls. When you pull over car will not restart. Codes that t come up are: U0415,P008A,P062A,P0087 which point to a fuel pump error. This has happened 5 times while driving on highway and is very dangerous.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. After which, the vehicle lost significant motive power and was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to have the vehicle towed. The low-oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. 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 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 fail... Read more
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
The contact owned a 2019 Toyota Yaris. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing out of the driveway, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated although the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle crashed into a tree and the neighbor's house. The paramedics, fire department, and police arrived and created a report. The contact's wife suffered bruising and body aches upon impact. The contact s... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 30, 2023
Confirmed by a Certified BMW repair center. Failure of Vanos Camshaft Gear Bolts. Recall has been issued for all 5 series models (and beyond) up to 2011, but does not include 2012 (5 series,) as it should. The Recall needs to be extended to include 2012 - 5 series models as failure of these bolts will cause immediate engine failure and could result in catastrophic crash, especially if driving a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
When driving in slowed traffic the car would not accelerate for 3-5 seconds. No warning lights appeared. I had slowed to 5mph and upon pressing the gas pedal the car had no response and put me in danger as all traffic around me accelerated and the Venza would not respond to gas pedal. I removed foot from pedal and tried again and after sustained gas pedal for 3 seconds the car slowly resumed mo... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
I was informed of the active airbag recall on my vehicle when it was taken in on 1/26/24 to have diagnostic work done on the AC. The GM repair center would not repair the vehicle. Every person and agency I have spoken to has refused to help me because there is currently no remedy available. If there is no remedy, my airbag should simply be replaced.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
vehicle caught fire while driving
Fire
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
The contact owns as 2012 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 contacted. 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 and opened a ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
Suffered chemical burn to my right lower arm after airbag deployed & ruptured in my 2006 Cadillac DTS sedan during a front-impact motor vehicle accident.
Crash
3 injured
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
A few times there has been condensation collecting in the passenger front head light. This time the condensation has damaged the headlight to where it does not work anymore.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
Transmission converter and Ford refuses to honor the repair. It does not show on their computer yet the RPM needle goes up and down on stealth mode. The wiper hose keeps coming off. The back up camera kept going black. The AC went out at less than 40,000 miles. The software will not update. The eco system would not work properly. The passenger bag is not detected.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2024
Transmission converter and Ford refuses to honor the repair. It does not show on their computer yet the RPM needle goes up and down on stealth mode. The wiper hose keeps coming off. The back up camera kept going black. The AC went out at less than 40,000 miles. The software will not update. The eco system would not work properly. The passenger bag is not detected.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
I am filing this complaint in regards to recall N232404980. The manufacturer, in my opinion is taking its sweet time in manufacturing replacement part.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
I purchased my vehicle after the recall 19V-645 regarding the brake pump was issued. My vehicle was a part of that safety recall, and the module was reprogrammed in September 2019 (N192268490-01). The pump has not been previously replaced according to service records. I purchased my vehicle from a dealership in April 2021. I recently (late 2023) started having issues with my brakes, having increas... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
My fusion wont start and i have to let it sit for hours before it will start. I thought it was battery but had that replaced and had whole car checked and the firestone could find no reason why it wasnt starting. The engine light and battery showed up when it doesnt start but sends no error codes. Today i had to tow my car because me and my family pulled over to eat and got back in the car and it ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
My fusion wont start and i have to let it sit for hours before it will start. I thought it was battery but had that replaced and had whole car checked and the firestone could find no reason why it wasnt starting. The engine light and battery showed up when it doesnt start but sends no error codes. Today i had to tow my car because me and my family pulled over to eat and got back in the car and it ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
My car had been rough on the steering wheel and eventually started to stall but still had a quarter of a tank of gas. It marked at a quarter of a tank but stalled in the middle of the freeway going 65+ mph and caused me to go from 65 to 0 in a matter of seconds. All my lights came on, on my dash and the car would not run. Went to get gas and car took a while to run again, this is the second time i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
While driving the car it began to spit and sputter and lost power to the point I had to pull out of traffic to the shoulder, stop, and turn hazard lights on. While there I turned the car off and restarted it. I began to enter back into traffic, got to about 10-15 mph and all of a sudden the car ran choppy and every light came on the dash displaying a problem with every function of the car. My husb... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
I bought my 2013 Kia optima ex from a private seller about half a year ago. I've had a few problems here and there that we're easily diagnosed and fixed. The radiator, alternator, starter, battery, serpentine belt, headlights, tail lights, licence plate light, tires, cabin air filter, and keyless start key fob have all been replaced. I just recently got my key fob(OEM) programmed by a licensed mec... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the rear brakes were engaged, and the brake warning light illuminated. The "ABS Function-Limited" message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was no recall or warranty coverage for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hot... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
Today while driving, my vehicle’s power steering went out causing me to pull over to the side of the road. My car was running, but I was unable to move it. When I put it in drive, the lights on the shifter would flash, but the car would not change gears. The problem appears to be electrical as the battery is brand new, and the engine was running.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
My car is only at 46000 miles.SinceI'm purchase from dealer it has given me the same issues of RPMs shooting up &speedometer going out of control the car wont go past 20mph & jerks back & forth, tyrning off while driving & has had a b"bad" drive since purchase. I dont know the issue and its never been fixed by dealer even though i took it in a few times for these issues. it now foing it again. my ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
My car is only at 46000 miles.SinceI'm purchase from dealer it has given me the same issues of RPMs shooting up &speedometer going out of control the car wont go past 20mph & jerks back & forth, tyrning off while driving & has had a b"bad" drive since purchase. I dont know the issue and its never been fixed by dealer even though i took it in a few times for these issues. it now foing it again. my ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 experienc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
2018 Honda Odyssey motorized tailgate has completely stopped working. Will not open. Numerous accounts say this is due to water getting into the rear tailgate control module and have had tremendous amount of rain this week. Have not had it looked at by dealer yet but must be fixed. Warning message appeared twice on dash 10 minutes before the failure.
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
Rear windshield spontaneously shattered. Opened and closed passanger door after being parked overnight. After closing the door, I heard what I thought was some ice dropping behind the vehicle. It turns out the rear glass shattered. There was a hole in the center, and multiple cracks on both edges, with the entire glass shattered like a mosiac. Currently awaiting on a replacement (+1 week for a Saf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
Rear Lower control mounts completely rusted out allowing the rear to move back and the driveshaft to come out of the transmission. Fortunately, this happened 1 block from home at a stop sign, if it occurred on a highway, it would have caused a major accident and likely injuries. Complete frame is rusted to the point of failure, heard from others that this has happened to other makes of GM product... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2024
Coolant leaking into engine. Engine block required entire replacement. Check engine light flashing causing me to contact Ford Dealer/Service. This was December 4, 2023.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
Driving going 30 mph, vehicle stopped accelerating. Error code was Engine Control System failure. Codes P2178, P0301 and P0087F0 were shown at dealership. Car was taken to dealership for repairs where the fuel injector on cylinder #1. 16 days after receiving car back, we went to start the car and it wouldn't start. After several attempts, gasoline began spewing from the car leaking an entire tank ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V787000 (Electrical System) 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 manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
I am having the same head light issue they had a recall for the 2021 Grand Cherokee Recall #21V797000. I keep my headlights in the auto position the only wat to turn the high beams is to reach around the steering wheel and put the light switch in the manual mode. Please help
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
The truck smokes constantly, dash board faulty frame has a problem I suspect the engine head gasket is blown radio constantly needs adjusting seats look as if they may be separating from the floor terrible fuel consumption gear shift sticks and more and battery charging problem
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
The truck smokes constantly, dash board faulty frame has a problem I suspect the engine head gasket is blown radio constantly needs adjusting seats look as if they may be separating from the floor terrible fuel consumption gear shift sticks and more and battery charging problem
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
235/60R18 103H On January 20 and January 21, we were coming back from road travel on Long Island, New York and received a low-pressure indicator. We serviced the tires and did not have an issue until Wednesday January 24 again a low-pressure indicator. We took the vehicle to Mr. Tire in Lewes Delaware and were told the same tire had a second puncture but all the tires had low wear and extensive c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
Sunroof burst while driving on freeway at a low speed due to heavy traffic. There were no overpasses or bridges above the vehicle when explosion was heard. No point of impact on sunroof from possible rocks and glass is shattered but in one piece and it appears to have burst outwards as it’s bowing upwards. Sunroof had rarely ever been used prior to this and vehicle is only 1 year old. Only some ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
Sunroof burst while driving on freeway at a low speed due to heavy traffic. There were no overpasses or bridges above the vehicle when explosion was heard. No point of impact on sunroof from possible rocks and glass is shattered but in one piece and it appears to have burst outwards as it’s bowing upwards. Sunroof had rarely ever been used prior to this and vehicle is only 1 year old. Only some ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
The ABS light and Traction control light keeps coming on and off very frequently. I am being told it is the Hydraulic control unit, as well as the abs module. This seems to be a huge safety issue that many people are running into.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
The driver door is trying to fall off. When I open it, it makes a loud creaking noise and then comes loose. When I try to shut it, it’s not lined up and won’t shut correctly and completely. This issue started almost immediately after purchasing it in July 2023. I brought it to the Ford dealership and it sat there for over a month before they looked at it. They never did give me an official dia... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
While driving on the highway, the trim piece that contours the front of the hood of the vehicle, broke off in two pieces and went flying into the air and nearly caused an accident.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
While driving on the highway, the trim piece that contours the front of the hood of the vehicle, broke off in two pieces and went flying into the air and nearly caused an accident.
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
New kia telluride 2023 7357 miles and i have a bought on less than a year. My windshield suddenly chip under normal driving condition and i have a dash cam in my telluride. When i park the car i saw a chip in the windshield. Then after a few hours i checked the car and the windshield started to crack then after a few hours again of checking the crack keep running and keep getting bigger and bigger... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
Bought in September 2023, within the first month, it started making a clunking noise when the wheel was turned to the left. The noise continued to get louder and started to make the same noise when turning right. In November, I got in my vehicle and it wouldn’t start. The dash and everything was flashing and making a cranking noise. I took it to the nearest dealership. They “charged” my batt... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The steering sticks and causes an increase in effort to make small steering adjustments. When it does release I have to correct for over-steering.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The headlights of the Toyota Highlander are too bright for other drivers. When driving at night, I am constantly flashed because the drivers think the highbeams are turned on when in fact, the lights are too bright for their visibility.