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: Sep 21, 2023
I was manually driving my Tesla Model 3 on the interstate when without warning the car stopped in the middle of the interstate. The entire car locked up and I was unable to turn the wheel or even get it back into gear. I even tried to put on the hazards but the car just completely died. When the vehicle stopped it was at 60% charge on the battery. I sat in panic thinking I was going to get rear en... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
June 2023 the coolant started disappearing from the coolant tank. The vehicle was checked by a licensed mechanic and the coolant is leaking into the engine cylinders only. Nowhere else is it leaking. By it leaking into the cylinders, it is causing the car to misfire, This will lead to a car fire or a seized engine. The vehicle is unsafe to drive, therefore is parked. Ford should have recalled this... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The steering wheel is shifting from side to side while driving and it will get stuck at times and make you over correct. It is a safety hazard because you have to pull the steering wheel the opposite way to get it unstuck. I have not taken it to the dealer yet. There were no warnings. I began to notice right after hitting 32000 miles.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The Driver Assistance System fails. Specifically, the cruse control, parking assistance, blind spot monitor, display of other objects, lane identification, stop sign or traffic light recognition and other safety features fail repeatedly.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
The car has a very sticky feeling when steering. The car is very hard to steer at higher speeds and makes it very hard to maneuver in case of emergency The steering locks and gets super hard to turn at speeds greater than 20 mph. I have already been in a minor accident which I couldn’t swerve away from a car coming into my lane
Crash
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
My 2014 Honda Accord EX sedan has/had defective Starter and ABS Modulator , Many Honda Accord vehicles in these year range are having or had these same problems . These vehicles should not be having these problems at low mileage . I believe the ABS problems are a safety concern.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
Since I purchase my 18 Silverado the transmission has ALWAYS had a shift lag. On interstate especially it has become dangerous. I’ve almost been rear ended a few times bc it won’t shift properly. Even with the proper lane change habits the lag and uneven shifting has almost got me killed. Early on when I got my truck (est 2019) a dealer replaced some of the lifters in my engine. I spent over $... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
Since I purchase my 18 Silverado the transmission has ALWAYS had a shift lag. On interstate especially it has become dangerous. I’ve almost been rear ended a few times bc it won’t shift properly. Even with the proper lane change habits the lag and uneven shifting has almost got me killed. Early on when I got my truck (est 2019) a dealer replaced some of the lifters in my engine. I spent over $... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Vehicle does not recognize when it is in park. When i place the vehicle in park and try to turn off the vehicle there is a warning on the dash that says "shift to park" even though the vehicle is already in park. I had this same issue 2 years ago and the dealership fixed the issue. This issue has come up again and this time I had to pay almost $500 for the fix. Dealer says this may occur again... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
After vehicle is parked and locked, return to vehicle to start the vehicle and when start button is pushed get a 'stop safely' message and vehicle will not start. Has happened on 4 occasions, disconnect battery, reconnect, lock and unlock - wait and try again seems to be only repair. Dealer has no idea what problem is since he can't recreate the problem.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
In July 2023, on the interstate in Des Moines during rush hour traffic, the car suddenly lurched once and abruptly stalled. We were in the passing lane with no chance to cross 3 lanes of traffic, so I coasted onto the left shoulder. We were towed to the BMW dealership where we were eventually informed of a “catastrophic” failure of the fuel system requiring complete replacement. This was no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine started to vibrate and misfire. The contact stated that DTC codes: P0302 (Cylinder #2 Misfire) and P0012 (Intake A cam shaft position timing) were retrieved. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and advised that coolant had intruded into the engine block and t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
My vehicle is stalling and there are sounds coming from engine. The stalling issue is happening on the highways that might cause the accident which can be life taking. Am not sure to be done get this fixed
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owned a 2000 BMW 528i. The contact stated that shortly after arriving home and with the vehicle parked in his garage, he observed first white smoke and then brown smoke emanating from the engine compartment. While waiting for emergency services, the contact stated that he then observed flames engulfing the engine compartment and heard a loud pop. As a result, the contact reported exten... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
Water is leaking from body seems and shorting out parking module. It has happened twice.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
While driving on the highway, I had set the cruise control to max 65 mph. After some time it suddenly set the cruise control to max 35 mph and suddenly reduces the speed even though all front vehicles were running around 65 mph. It was incredibly dangerous and the vehicle behind me was about to hit.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Everytime the truck is driven I hear an audible chime multiple times over the trip with corresponding ABS and Traction control lights that say the systems aren't functioning. Multiple times I have experienced full lock up of all wheels while on snowy or wet roads. The chimes and flashing lights always come and go while rarely staying illuminated for more than 5 minutes, however at times will fla... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Everytime the truck is driven I hear an audible chime multiple times over the trip with corresponding ABS and Traction control lights that say the systems aren't functioning. Multiple times I have experienced full lock up of all wheels while on snowy or wet roads. The chimes and flashing lights always come and go while rarely staying illuminated for more than 5 minutes, however at times will fla... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
This was not an overnight thing. The hoses were being exposed to maximum temperatures each time i drove the car. The hoses going from that extreme heat to cold over and over again which caused little air bubbles in the hoses. As time went on the hoses were forming holes on the inside (up til this point there was no warning indication) because of that three hoses burst. Which caused my car to overh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Heated seat set on fire! Burned me pretty bad
Fire
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
As I opened up the fuel door - a spring popped out - after I finished fueling- I tried to reopen the fuel door but could not - this can strand a driver when gas gets low as unable to refill the gas tank due to inability to open the door
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
I was driving on the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey in the right hand lane. I was using basic auto pilot and needed to pass a pick up truck in front of me. I disabled auto pilot and went into the left lane. I re-engaged auto pilot and the vehicle took a hard right and hit the truck. I heard the audible chime once it made contact with the truck indicating that auto pilot disengaged. My car went... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Mientras el vehiculo se encuentra en la carretera comienza a dar un fallo (halones y vibracion) y pierde la fuerza (velocidad) provocando la desaceleracion. Las luces en el panel se encienden y es necesario salirse de la via de rodaje inmediatamente para estacionarlo. Esto pone en riesgo la seguridad de los ocupantes del vehiculo y de los ocupantes de los demas vehiculos, ya que al desaclerarse ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
From a Hyundai dealership, I was sold a 2014 Hyundai Elantra in June of 2022 with a ticking noise. I was told it was normal and would go away with driving over time. It had not. I had the vehicle assessed by a reputable mechanic and then towed to and reassessed by a different Hyundai dealership. Was told the engine has piston slapping and engine is bad (by both). After a year and a half of back a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Engine failure/thrown rod in engine while drive. 90k miles.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
I was driving at a very slow speed of 1 mile per hr as I entered into the Kohls complex in Pleasanton ca. Then as I was pulling the car to a parking spot, all of a sudden I felt the car accelerated on me. My foot was always on the break and I pressed the break but the car still accelerated at a speed I had no control and it went over the parking bump and hit 2 cars that was parked opposite. I felt... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Three of the four windows stoped rolling up at the same time. One or two days apart to each other, the 4th one I’m not going to rolling down, it may stop working too.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
sometimes vehicle is not charging at 6.6Kw charging. it says unable to connect/not charging. I tried multiple times and multiple locations. Also, I informed the dealer (Kia Fremont) and they are keeping my vehicle from last 2 weeks and there is no communication about the status. [XXX] vin no. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
I was driving from Florida to my home in Washington, DC on September 4th, 2023 on I-95. Somewhere in South Carolina, a message appeared on my display that said the blind spot assistant was disabled. Soon thereafter, my turn signals quit functioning. At first chance, I pulled over and turned the car off hoping it was some kind of computer reset. That worked but only for an hour or so. I made it h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
I was driving from Florida to my home in Washington, DC on September 4th, 2023 on I-95. Somewhere in South Carolina, a message appeared on my display that said the blind spot assistant was disabled. Soon thereafter, my turn signals quit functioning. At first chance, I pulled over and turned the car off hoping it was some kind of computer reset. That worked but only for an hour or so. I made it h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
While driving on the freeway at about 75 mph, the rear passenger tire exploded causing our driver to almost lose control of the vehicle before coming to a stop on the side of the road. No lamps or warnings were given. No inspections have been completed but I have retained the tire if needed.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
The backup camera randomly stutters and pauses. Sometimes long as 2-3 seconds. It makes as if a car or pedestrian will wait for you but in fact they just walked behind you. I agree to not rely on the camera but it’s dangerous as this potentially tricks you to go and can hit a person. Tesla has replaced all hardware however dismisses my issue. On the forums there are plenty of post about this bu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Safety Recall ZB8. had recall work done, which according to the instructions, does not address the latching of tailgate. tailgate had unintended opening yesterday, resulting in a $4000 tool falling out of vehicle. dealership said to call Ram, Ram says dealership issue since they did recall.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Subaru outback had been parked in my garage for a few days. When I decided to move it, I backed out of my garage and noticed that my car had this squiggly crack on my windshield. I see this happen to a lot of subaru owners. Called about getting a defective windshield replaced and was told no. After seeing thaf theres been a lot of complaints of the similar issue. Issue happened on 9.28.23
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
July 2022 while driving 70 mph on a highway in the middle lane (between tractor trailers) my dash flashed “Malfunction Service Now” I went to get over as the car was decelerating — the dash was lit but the gas pedal had no communication with the drive train. It was a close call bearly made it to the shoulder. Had to be towed. The dealer said the ECM ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE wasn’t clipped... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
On September 21, 2023, around 5:15PM, on Long Island (LI) road in the right lane, I was heading to Mastic area. 1.First noticed burning smell mixing unburned fuel from dashboard. 2.After few times, car started knocking which intense over time and left to immediate exit. 3.Then after few min., car’s engine light and motor oil indicator started blinking and immediately proceed to park. 4.Then aft... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle in the morning, he detected an abnormal fluttering sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the cam phaser needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that the PUSH-to-START button was inoperable intermittently. There was no option to start the vehicle with a key. The key less start error message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contact... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The screen on the UConnect system in my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee recently started delaminating. More recently, it has started to randomly change radio stations or make other "phantom" changes while I'm driving without me touching anything. This is clearly a safety issue as it is very distracting while I'm driving. After extensive research online it appears that this is a very common issue with veh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
My wife pulled into our driveway at 5 mph. Suddenly our Tesla Y. Auto accelerated,before my wife could realize it ramped into our garage through the door and collided on the wall of our Laundry room and kitchen damaging Foundation of the laundry room.My wife was also injured badly. This incident has shaken my wife. We complained to Tesla and filed the complaint but they are not even following up. ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
At the traffic light my car made noises headed back home as I parked again I got shift to park message I read on goggle that there been a recall my car was not on that recall list and I keep getting shift to park message GM shut them down NHTSA what are you here for no one has called me on these complaints I've been doing NHTSA to should shut down well you ever help me or help us all hello help u... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
At the traffic light my car made noises headed back home as I parked again I got shift to park message I read on goggle that there been a recall my car was not on that recall list and I keep getting shift to park message GM shut them down NHTSA what are you here for no one has called me on these complaints I've been doing NHTSA to should shut down well you ever help me or help us all hello help u... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Car driving with no one in front and brake assist went off on own. Also car driving and electrical system in car shut down and lost control of car. Then all dashboard lights came on, was able to regain control and pull in parking lot. Shut car off. Hooked up ODB. No codes. Then started car and ran fine. Had burning electrical smell.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
The vehicles emergency brake engaged while driving down the highway at 70 mph on its own. This caused the vehicle to come to an immediate stop almost causing a serious wreck. We have had the vehicle in the shop for it dying and this happening when stopped or at very sloe speeds but never like this. Each time we have been told there is nothing wrong with the vehicle since no codes were thrown.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
The vehicles emergency brake engaged while driving down the highway at 70 mph on its own. This caused the vehicle to come to an immediate stop almost causing a serious wreck. We have had the vehicle in the shop for it dying and this happening when stopped or at very sloe speeds but never like this. Each time we have been told there is nothing wrong with the vehicle since no codes were thrown.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
When cruise control is engaged, the vehicle suddenly decelerates, (at times dropping speed by more than 20 mph in less than 2 seconds). This occurs as often as 5-10 times in a single 60mi trip, and occurs at least once per trip on this same route (divided highway, sometimes with hills, often with no other cars ahead of or around the vehicle, speed 60-70mph) These events are unsafe because unexpect... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
On July 7, 2023 I paid in full and was given possession of the 7 passenger seating Toyota van. The car has automatic door locking mechanism as part of the electrical system and can be locked from inside the car. The van is used to transport 2 children in car seats who can touch car components. We were given one Keyfob by the dealership and we were told that Toyota manufacturer did not have a sec... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
On July 7, 2023 I paid in full and was given possession of the 7 passenger seating Toyota van. The car has automatic door locking mechanism as part of the electrical system and can be locked from inside the car. The van is used to transport 2 children in car seats who can touch car components. We were given one Keyfob by the dealership and we were told that Toyota manufacturer did not have a sec... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
The front suspension started making a lot of loud noises, the service center acknowledged that it's a control arm issue potentially however my VIN is not listed in a recall that was conducted for this manufacturer and they're doing more recalls on it but the manufacturer says that I have to pay for the repair despite it being a safety issue for the control arm not being tightened to the frame and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
EXHAUST SAFTEY ISSUE / MY CEL CAME ON LEAVING WORK ON 9/25 , SCANED CODE AND GOT A CODE OF P0430 (CATALYTIC CONVERTER BANK 2) I FOUND A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM ISSUED ON 06/13/19 -(PROGRAM #19M01) ON THIS TO REPLACE UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE ISSUE IS WARRANTY COVERAGE IS 11 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES. THE CODE CAME UP AT 120,325 JUST OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY EXTENSION , FORD IS UNWILLING TO EX... Read more