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: Oct 21, 2023
On 2 separate occasions, the cruise control set to 80 and suddenly decelerates. Very scary. Term being used in Tesla chat rooms is 'phantom breaking'.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
Driver side actuator has failed. The driver door won't open at all. Other doors must remain unlocked or I can not get into the car at all. The door lock won't move either.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
On October 20th, 2023 around 3:00 pm I was driving eastbound on the highway 69 in Michigan. A friend of mine was seated on the front passenger side (no more other passenger). Autopilot was not installed on the car and the driver had both hands on the steering wheel. I was driving on the most left lane at speed about 75 mph. At about Exit#131, Suddenly, I felt the steering wheel turned right a lit... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
On October 20th, 2023 around 3:00 pm I was driving eastbound on the highway 69 in Michigan. A friend of mine was seated on the front passenger side (no more other passenger). Autopilot was not installed on the car and the driver had both hands on the steering wheel. I was driving on the most left lane at speed about 75 mph. At about Exit#131, Suddenly, I felt the steering wheel turned right a lit... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Electrical system malfunction during driving with multiple failures following after that. I managed to get the car in a safe area so I could get towed and not cause a dangerous situation on the road. This is a known issue with Audi’s with mild hybrid system where the 48v generator/alternator fails. The car goes in limp mode and causes a dangerous situation for driver and passengers if not able t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
Engine made knocking noises and was towed to a mechanic. Mechanic discovered metal shards in the oil pan and all signs pointed to being well maintained. We bought used from CarMax and are the 2nd owners. Mechanics best guess is engine failure due to defect and high oil consumption with no signs of leaks. No codes, no check engine light, no low oil pressure light. No warning. Oil changes were... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Transit. The contact stated that the driver's side, passenger's side, and rear cameras were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was due to a manufacturing fault. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Cam... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
Known Honda issue- tsb a15-086 Software update and trans fluid change in 2018 due to car juddering with light acceleration, did not fix problem. 10/20/23 car was road tested and concern was present. Needs new torque converter to fix original concern
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
The horn on the vehicle did not work when a small child was running out into the street in front of me. This horn condition was not known before the incident took place. The child was not warned and was nearly hit. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they would not fix even though there was a previous recall for the functionality Safety Recall R36 / NHTSA 15V-459.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Audi Q5. The contact stated that while using the liftgate to load or unload the rear cargo compartment, the motion-sensor used to activate the liftgate would close or open the liftgate due to the slightest movement. The contact stated that he had been struck on the head by the liftgate after barely moving his foot near the sensor while loading the vehicle. The contact had t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
It is Acura ILX 2021. The current mileage is 17,480. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? *Driveshaft/suspension is broken after inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? *Intense shaking coming from underneath the vehicle. Worn out u-joints, couplers or carrier bearings can cause the driveshaft to vibrate ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
A/C doesn't work. Known defect and recall/warranty for compressor and condenser but honda told me is was the evaporator. Entire a/c system bad and they won't cover the last part of the system under warranty.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering and the power assist braking was inoperable. The contact stated that there was a warning chime and a notification to shift to park(P). The contact had the vehicle towed to the residence and recharged the battery and filled the fu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
This vehicle is dangerous. There are many more, complaint level issues, but there are at least three real safety issues. First, the automatic braking system has engaged multiple times for no reason. Traveling down a straight, flat road in good weather, the brakes suddenly went fully engaged. On one occasion my dog was thrown forcefully into the dash and was injured and then afraid to ride in the ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
This vehicle is dangerous. There are many more, complaint level issues, but there are at least three real safety issues. First, the automatic braking system has engaged multiple times for no reason. Traveling down a straight, flat road in good weather, the brakes suddenly went fully engaged. On one occasion my dog was thrown forcefully into the dash and was injured and then afraid to ride in the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
I was driving in Kansas City Kansas. On 635, It was around 6 pm. When I started exiting onto another highway. Due to car stalling by either transmission slipping, or the fuel pump stalling the engine headlights too dim with weird angle in lighting as well, Long story short.... I was almost the cause of a massive wreck ... it made for a quiet drive home... So I was also going to see if they've ha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
While driving at night with the cruise control on, the emergency braking system engaged. It appeared that the road surface went from dark to a lighter color.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 BMW I3. The contact stated that after turning on the fan, there was plastic particles blowing out of the vents. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the particles were blowing out of the vents while activating the A/C or the heater. The contact stated that the failure became a recurring failure, and the vehicle was ... Read more
TESLA
MODEL Y
(2022) — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:COMPRESSOR:MODULE (ACCM)
Oct 19, 2023
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 BMW I3. The contact stated that after turning on the fan, there was plastic particles blowing out of the vents. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the particles were blowing out of the vents while activating the A/C or the heater. The contact stated that the failure became a recurring failure, and the vehicle was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
mild crash! my Ram 1500 pickup trucks can lose power-steering with no warning. I could NOT turn!
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
I was driving and felt something broke from the driver rear. I had a mechanic look at it and it was the trailing arm. inspector said it not safe to drive. I see there is a recall in Canada but not in America. This is a safety matter. how can we fix this since it the frame?
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
All my warning lights came on my vehicle. Before I could get to service department, the car was making a weird sound underneath me. I knew something was wrong. I had it towed to dealer. They say my TURBO is out. The car is still in shop waiting on part, but the service man said the same make and model also is having TURBO issues. Just wanting to see if this is a common thing in this car. A ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
The contact's husband owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The vehicle owner received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V757000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 30-45 MPH, he smelled a burning odor. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
Over 2 year ago our 2006 Highlander Hybrid began making a series of noises when depressing the brake pedal when in park and in motion. Dashboard screen are showing Check ABS, Check VSC System, Check Brake System and Brake Malfunction, and Errors. The noise would get louder and last longer and took longer distance to slow or stop. The shop asked for over $3000 that I don't have to fix so I drive... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
I submitted a complaint regarding traction service/escape alerts at any given time of my 2010 Chevolet Malibu and have not received an acknowledgment of my complaint. Therefore I am hoping it has been resolved. Thank goodness, the car passed inspection on 10/17/2023 for which the complaint of the traction service alerts have affected my yearly inspection for at least 3 years. I am asking... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
The driver side, back passenger door will not open. The automatic locks and handles do not release the door. This is not related to any accident. The issue developed suddenly and poses a huge issue for exit from the car during an emergency. The issue is reported on the internet by multiple Genesis and Hyundai owners and appears to be a known issue with no action taken to resolve by Genesis/Hy... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
Horn stopped working and error code says airbag error
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling, there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the coolant level was significantly low. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with combustion gases in the cooling system. The mechanic determined that the failure was re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating, which caused the vehicle to jerk. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty dual clutch transmission. The manufacturer was made aware of the failur... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
While driving the drivers side rear window imploded sending thousands of shards of glass into the vehicle.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
The vehicle's message center reported multiple system failures while driving 70 MPH on a two lane Montana highway. The steering assist failure caused the wheel to jerk left/right before locking up. It took all the strength I had to keep the vehicle from exiting the roadway. If someone else was driving they would not have likely been as fortunate. The vehicle is now parked inside while I wait to h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
The vehicle's message center reported multiple system failures while driving 70 MPH on a two lane Montana highway. The steering assist failure caused the wheel to jerk left/right before locking up. It took all the strength I had to keep the vehicle from exiting the roadway. If someone else was driving they would not have likely been as fortunate. The vehicle is now parked inside while I wait to h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
After crossing 90,000 miles the vehicle started to consume too much oil too quickly. After a professional analysis the mechanics found no problem. Going on 112,000 miles now and the vehicle is going through and/or burning oil much more rapidly than what one would expect
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
After crossing 90,000 miles the vehicle started to consume too much oil too quickly. After a professional analysis the mechanics found no problem. Going on 112,000 miles now and the vehicle is going through and/or burning oil much more rapidly than what one would expect
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
Sharp jolting of the vehicle when going from second to third gear constantly
Incident date: Oct 8, 2023
When on autopilot mode with traffic aware cruise control (TACC), the Tesla model Y car gets unexpected unpredictable random sudden slowing down with braking causing panic, inability to react, unsafe for the following car the rear. Appears to have unexpected unnecessary phantom braking unsafe for driver, passengers and the rear following car.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
When on autopilot mode with traffic aware cruise control (TACC), the Tesla model Y car gets unexpected unpredictable random sudden slowing down with braking causing panic, inability to react, unsafe for the following car the rear. Appears to have unexpected unnecessary phantom braking unsafe for driver, passengers and the rear following car.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
Power Steering and Advancetrac
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-up camera image was very blurry and created a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V252000 (Back Over Preventio... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Tesla Model 3 Policy #: [XXX] Claim Number: [XXX] I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to report an incident involving my Tesla Model 3 (Blue) and to initiate the process for an insurance claim. The incident occurred on [XXX], at approximately 2:15 PM. My fiancée was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident. Incident Details: - Date: [XXX] - Time: Approximately [XXX] - V... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that three of the interior door panels had separated from the window. The driver’s side door was still intact. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by a dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the sun melting the seams. The vehicle had not b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Since I have had the vehicle I have had to have multiple Spark Plugs and Engine Coils replaced, literally every 4-6 months. One diagnosis said there was a problem with the motor, when I told Kia, they did not come back with the same diagnosis, well they sort of did, but did not noter it as an issue. Also, my car burns oil way too fast. I'm having to put in 2-23 quarts every 2-3 weeks. I have been ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Right side windshield trim panel detached from the car while moving. Had to purchase two different pieces at a cost of approximately $139.00 each. Plus the cost of installation.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while reversing out of her driveway at approximately 3 MPH, the transmission slipped out of reverse(R) and shifted into neutral(N). The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had also occurred while in drive(D) and had become a recurring failure. The contact researched online and rela... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
The car will cannot be charge as per advertised. It's stop charging after 45 min. and keeps repeating. Took the vehicle to dealership and they cannot solve the problem. I also wrote a letter to Kia of America via certified mail but no respond.
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
To Whom It May Concern. Good afternoon. I really need your help on this. This particular vehicle has a defective DEF emission system that renders the car inoperable when the DEF sensors start acting up. Between 2022-2023, I took this vehicle to the Volkswagen dealership on numerous times, over ten different times. This vehicle was still protected under a factory emissions DEF extended warranty. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
To Whom It May Concern. Good afternoon. I really need your help on this. This particular vehicle has a defective DEF emission system that renders the car inoperable when the DEF sensors start acting up. Between 2022-2023, I took this vehicle to the Volkswagen dealership on numerous times, over ten different times. This vehicle was still protected under a factory emissions DEF extended warranty. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
Tesla cars have a feature that when turn signals are used associated cameras also turn on and display image for blind spots of lane attempting to enter cameras have quite a delay in displaying image. When going in reverse cameras can also have a delay in displaying image there was a prior recall but issue still happens
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
I was driving my kiaon a very busy interstate. When I was going around 65miles per hour and all of a sudden I lost all power it went from 65 miles per hour to 30 all at once when I hit the gas peddle the car went in jerks finally I got it back up to 55 but it only goes in a jerking motion and r. Very small hill u come to u lose power and it goes jerking . I thought several times I would get rear ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
Engine shutoff instantly while traveling at approximately 50MPH on a highway. We were able to coast to the shoulder. There was no warning, the engine just shut off instantly while driving. It would not restart and we could not even shift out of park to move the truck off the highway shoulder. Truck was towed to my home at my expense and is not movable due to this issue.