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 21, 2024
In July 2023 we started receiving airbag fault messages on the main screen, “Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault". Based on our research this meant that in the event of an accident the airbag would most likely not deploy. We tried to schedule service and due to a "bug with the recent update" we could not get the invoice through their app or schedule the actual service for over a week.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Started my truck and drove off. 10 seconds later all of the lights on instrument cluster came on and displayed steering assist reduced the. It said service brake assist. My brakes weee very spongy and hardly worked luckily I was only driving 20 mph and no one was in front of me. I had to disconnect battery and reconnect to fix the problem. What if I was on the highway doing 70 mph and had to hit m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Engine light error code P-052e71. The crankcase ventilation valve malfunction. This is reported by a lot of customers.. It cost about $2000 to fix this problem.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Vacuum Pump is leaking oil and internal components are rattling indicating imminent failure and that is a safety hazard for the vehicle and passengers. Oil is being slung all over the front of the engine and multiple belts creating additional operating hazards for the vehicle and passengers. There was a recall concerning reprogramming software to reroute air pressure to the brake system and preven... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Soft engine block issues causing headboats to pull out and head gasket to fail. Slight movement in temperature gauge and check engine light begin to flash. Sometimes sometime later after stopping at light check engine light came on flashing, Turn car off and restart engine., Car would not move, Turn vehicle off and then back on again. Finally able to get it removed off the highway. Service manag... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Continuous malfunctions of the ADAS system, including while driving the vehicle. The brake pedal vibrates when used and feels as if the vehicle will start skidding with enough pressure at the right speed.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Continuous malfunctions of the ADAS system, including while driving the vehicle. The brake pedal vibrates when used and feels as if the vehicle will start skidding with enough pressure at the right speed.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
The car door does not open from the inside. Despite multiple attempts to unlock the door from the inside, pull the handle twice, roll down the mirror to pull the exterior handle.. This has happened numerous times where we are locked inside the vehicle. I have put numerous service tickets in with no response from Fisker. Only thing they say is ‘we are ordering the parts.’ This vehicle was recei... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
The dashboard on the 2019 Ram 1500 Limited has a problem with the leather dash covering becoming separated from the dashboard itself bubbling up. Besides looking horrible, this may cause a safety issue with the airbag deployment from the dashboard. I was told that people have been able to get their dashboard repaired because of that reason but not just for the bubbling up of the leather from the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
I was on [XXX] when my jeep started shaking violently I pulled over in a rest area. Checked my tires and lug nuts everything seemed fine. Got back on [XXX] and about 5 miles later it happened again. On Friday [XXX] going to holly hill I hit a rough spot and my jeep wrangler shook violently again!! I caller a dodge dealer service department explained what happened and the young man called it a (DEA... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
The engine/ability to accelerate seemed to fail. It would not accelerate past 45mph and then couldn't even maintain that speed, even with the pedal to the floor. The engine sounded like it was revving at high RPMs and wasn't shifting into gear, even though it had just been in drive and operating normally. Yes, it is available for inspection. My safety was put at risk by not being able to accelerat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
When I am driving the vehicle at highway speeds 50-65 mph and try to correct steering wheel a little to the left or right it feels stiff and it’s been happening for like a year. This puts other drivers and myself in danger because my steering wheel shouldn’t feel sticky or hard to adjust it while driving in the freeway. Also many other drivers of the same model 22-23 civics have reported the s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2024
(front) 245/40R20 (rear) 275/35R20 Rear passenger tire failed, sidewall failure. Instantly went to 0 PSI on dash notification. A cop helped us change it. Less than a mile layer going less than 50 MPH (max rating for spare) the front passenger tire exploded. The same cop caught up with us and could confirm that the front tire was there and was now gone.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
I was driving my car when i saw an emergency sign on the dashboard telling to safely park. then the car could only drive using the power generated by the electric battery and when the battery went out of power the car could not switch to gas to use the engine power I was on san mateo bridge when it happen I could feel the car rolling back on a park gear.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
I was driving my car when i saw an emergency sign on the dashboard telling to safely park. then the car could only drive using the power generated by the electric battery and when the battery went out of power the car could not switch to gas to use the engine power I was on san mateo bridge when it happen I could feel the car rolling back on a park gear.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
I was attempting to get on interstate 480, and was having a hard time accelerating. I almost got hit from behind on several occasions as I worked my way back off the freeway. I’ve been advised that my engine is no good.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
Overheat/Power loss indication on 2016 Ford Edge with Ecoboost 2.0 resulting coolant leakage into #2 cylinder verified by dealer (failure per TSB [XXX]). Prior TSBs [XXX] have been issued for same problem, but Ford did not assign our VIN to those bulletins. Problem should have been identified when vehicle was under warranty if TSB application were complete. We had P302 code (cylinder 2 misfire),... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
Heat failed a second time in a few days. There was no heat in -7 temperature for 60 miles until I could get it to a supercharger. The car was at 60% charge when heat failed.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
when driving at certain speeds and taking gradual turns, the steering gets stuck in place and it takes effort to overcome when you need to adjust direction to stay with the road/lane. It seems to be progressing as I did not notice this until the car reached 10k miles or so. I am afraid that with the increased effort to correct course, I may jump into another lane and/or lose control of vehicle. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2024
Ebp system failed. Upon investigation, the caliper and electrical was corroded and in non-working order. The car wouldn’t release the ebp and was unsafe to drive.
Incident date: Jan 13, 2024
Transmission has went out twice on my vehicle in 3 years. Was wondering if there are underlining transmission issues that Nissan has not informed me on.
Incident date: Jan 12, 2024
This has happened multiple times now. Always happens at high speeds (greater than 45 mph). I will be driving on a highway when I unexpectedly lose the ability to accelerate. First noticed in correlation with the collision detection feature showing on the display as NOT FUNCTIONING. That does not happen anymore, but I still lose the ability to accelerate periodically. Once I can safely remove ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
The panoramic sunroof gets stuck on passenger side, and came off the rail on the passenger side as i was driving on the freeway
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
While driving the car electrical system will lose all power and reset. This happens often.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
While driving the car electrical system will lose all power and reset. This happens often.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
RECALL ON BATTERY, NO REMEDY, CAN'T CHARGE MY JEEP, CAN'T PARK IN THE GARAGE, MPG IS DOWN TO 18 (TYPICALLY STAYS AROUND 24-25 IN WINTER) DEALERSHIPS ARE NOT HELPFUL, JEEP IS NOT COMMUNICATING AS THEY SHOULD. RECALL B9A. I ALSO BELIEVE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE EMISSIONS FROM THIS, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS CAME ON TWICE SINCE I HAVE HAD THE JEEP (BOUGHT NEW IN 6/21) CAN'T CHARGE THE JEEP OR USE ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
RECALL ON BATTERY, NO REMEDY, CAN'T CHARGE MY JEEP, CAN'T PARK IN THE GARAGE, MPG IS DOWN TO 18 (TYPICALLY STAYS AROUND 24-25 IN WINTER) DEALERSHIPS ARE NOT HELPFUL, JEEP IS NOT COMMUNICATING AS THEY SHOULD. RECALL B9A. I ALSO BELIEVE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE EMISSIONS FROM THIS, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS CAME ON TWICE SINCE I HAVE HAD THE JEEP (BOUGHT NEW IN 6/21) CAN'T CHARGE THE JEEP OR USE ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Engine uses oil excessively, stopped suddenly on highway, Hyundai America refused to authorize oil consumption test car is now in limp mode
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The brakes locked up in the vehicle and computer system nearly causing deadly accident.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I keep replacing P1116 and it keeps coming back also I was driving up a hill when I lost power and the car wouldn't accelerate. It would turn on and go into gear but not go anywhere. I know it says my vin doesn't have recalls but why am I experiencing them
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
While car was in operation, Intelligent Key System warning light came on (yellow "KEY" light). After turning off car engine, car will no longer start up. Key fob locks and unlocks doors, but car will not start. Prior to this incident there were no indications of a problem, no wornings. Upon investigation and research, the issue is related to a "Steering Lock Failure", and is widely known for years... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
Auto high bean is not working and no sign of auto( headlight on with letter A) on dashboard is not show. Trying to reset by holding high beam for 40 seconds still not working ( only blinking once), meaning still not working. That problem had after came back from recall on cracking sound inside speakers. Recently brought the car to Honda Beltsville, MD on January 15, 2024 about when stopping at tra... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
Steering becomes sticky, making it difficult to turn the vehicle. It first occurred on the highway going 70 mph where it almost completely locked and caused the car to veer off road or into other vehicles. It now always takes more effort to turn the wheel and feels very unsafe. Acura has validated the problem, saying power steering rack is faulty, part #53620-3S5-A34. The part if on back order so ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2023
When I was driving my SUV engine light came and there was some noise then engine stopped working. Then didn't turn on. It was very bad.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Steering completely locked up. No errors or warnings appeared on the dashboard so the car was towed in for repairs. The dealership updated EPS software to fix the issue.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
When driving on the interstate at interstate speeds, the steering randomly locked up. The steering wheel could not be turned.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
-cylinder head cracked resulting in leaking and burning oil from rear of cylinder head by exhaust manifold. Car has since been repaired by Mazda, but pictures are available from the incident. -Car was unsafe to drive due to leaking oil all over road (Environmental risks and hazard to others), black smoke and burning smell circulated into cabin via AC (health risks to passengers). Prolonged driving... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2024
Sudden Unintended Acceleration. TESLA Service refuses to check the vehicle, it happened 4 times so far. On first occasion they sent it to their engineering team, and result came back after five months and they claimed nothing is wrong. They refused to provide a copy of engineering report. IF nothing is wrong, why did they refuse to provide car owner a copy. IT happened three times after that and ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 22, 2022
Around 12/4/2023 I took my 2021 Ram ecodiesel in for a recall on the high pressure fuel pump (z96 recall). It was the first time this dealership had done one of these recalls. After 2 days of working on it , I got it back. 2 weeks later, 12/20/23 I auto started my truck with the factory auto starter. Once I got into the truck, and attempted to turn it on, it set off alarms, asked for anti theft co... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2023
Had a flat tire. Tire could not be removed. The tin caps on the lug nuts have swelled. The lug nut wrench that Ford provided would not fit over the lug nuts. The AAA service that came out to help, also could not remove the lug nuts. I don't know how I will be able to get the car inspected. I also don't know how I will be able to have the brakes services or replaced. A very serious potential catast... Read more
Incident date: May 23, 2023
This concerns the International 6.4 Liter Diesel engine used in 2008-2010 Ford Super Duty Trucks. It is common knowledge in the industry that these are "bad" engines however there has been no recall as of date. In my situation, while under warranty, and carrying a load (5,000 lbs), the vehicle when into "limp mode" during an extended trip. After the load was emptied I took the vehicle to the deale... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
When I am driving on a straight road, the steering wheel sticks and I have to exert more and more force to turn the steering wheel. As i adjust the steering to stay within the lines, when I attempt to turn the steering wheel ever so slightly, it will not allow me to turn it easily. It requires more force and it will seem like it is turning gears or like little noiseless clicks. The car steering be... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side headlight intermittently failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that a defective wiring harness had caused the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side headlight intermittently failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that a defective wiring harness had caused the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2024
My 2018 Tiguan won’t turn on. The dash says, “Steering Lock Fault. Stop!” I towed it to the dealership and they replaced the steering column. Four days later it happened again while I was in the middle of the city at night and couldn’t go anywhere. This is a safety hazard because it could mean even after a repair, it can continue to lock up and not turn on out of no where. Both times there... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2023
I was driving my 2023 Tesla Model Y on I-680 South on Nov 8 2023. The car was on adaptive cruise control. I was driving within the speed limit. The truck infront of me abruptly stopped as there was another collision in the lane I was on. I applied brakes but the car did not stop on time, and I rear ended the truck. I have received the vehicle data report from Tesla. Attached the report for you r... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
While I was turning my vehicle it set off the lane departure feature throwing me into a concentrate decretive section on the road. My blinker was on and the feature shouldn’t have went off knowing I was turning my vehicle through me off the road. I was so shocked I peed myself.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
While I was turning my vehicle it set off the lane departure feature throwing me into a concentrate decretive section on the road. My blinker was on and the feature shouldn’t have went off knowing I was turning my vehicle through me off the road. I was so shocked I peed myself.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
While I was turning my vehicle it set off the lane departure feature throwing me into a concentrate decretive section on the road. My blinker was on and the feature shouldn’t have went off knowing I was turning my vehicle through me off the road. I was so shocked I peed myself.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
L/S Brake Hose Rear Replacement needed. Brake fluid leak rear caliper and brake hose and line rear flexible hose is split and leaking. Only Front brake hose was recalled when all brake all lines need to be replaced.