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: Dec 1, 2023
For the past month I have broke down multiple times. Used all my aaa tows. Everything turns off while driving 60mph with kids in the vehicle. Absolutely no power steering. I haven’t had interior lights, radio etc in 6 months. 8 belts since March. I’m a single mother stranded again freezing
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
Engine, transmission/propulsion and or fuel system is impacted. Vehicle loses power and pressing the throttle doesn’t increase the engine rpms and or vehicle speed. It happens randomly at both city and highway driving speeds. It’s almost like the gears aren’t shifting or the vehicle doesn’t increase the speed. Sometimes a it would work fine after a key cycle. I’ve had a few instances o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 - 50 MPH, there was an explosion on the passenger’s side of the vehicle followed by a cloud of white smoke. The driver's side seat belt had loosened and failed to retract. The contact noticed a message on the instrument panel stating "Service Restraint System" at the time of the explosion. The con... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the driver's side door was squeaking. While driving at unknown speeds, the door unintendedly opened. The contact stated that the door failed to open and close. The contact entered through the passenger’s side door of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
The dashboard and main touch screen would not light up in the middle of driving - this would occur every 5 minutes. "System off to save battery please turn ignition off or start engine" pop up would come on main screen while the entire system was done. Another pop up "auto hold system fault" warning would come up as well. Vehicle has been inspected twice by a ford service center and unable to iden... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
The dashboard and main touch screen would not light up in the middle of driving - this would occur every 5 minutes. "System off to save battery please turn ignition off or start engine" pop up would come on main screen while the entire system was done. Another pop up "auto hold system fault" warning would come up as well. Vehicle has been inspected twice by a ford service center and unable to iden... Read more
Incident date: Apr 10, 2023
This problem, the imminent failure of a component connecting the steering wheel to the power steering assist, causes the steering wheel to travel about one inch before the front wheels even move. Then when they do, feedback to the steering wheel is a sloppy, shakey movement. This problem began as a small hesitation at the steering wheel which has increased over the past few miles. No warning lamps... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
About 3 months ago, I took this car in after receiving a recall notice for unexpected acceleration while on adaptive cruise control even though this was an issue I had never experienced before. But on monday, driving in stop and go traffic in light rain (intermittent wipers on slow setting), all of a sudden the car started accelerating directly towards the car 20 feet or so in front of us; the br... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
About 3 months ago, I took this car in after receiving a recall notice for unexpected acceleration while on adaptive cruise control even though this was an issue I had never experienced before. But on monday, driving in stop and go traffic in light rain (intermittent wipers on slow setting), all of a sudden the car started accelerating directly towards the car 20 feet or so in front of us; the br... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
On the morning of October 31st, 2022 I used my remote starter to warm the engine in my driveway for approximately 10 minutes, when I got into the car I noticed the air blowing was ice cold and when looked at the temperature gauge the needle was in the red. I allowed the engine to cool down for about an hour, checked the coolant level and found it empty. I looked all around and under the engine for... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
Recently I noticed that the automatic windshield wipers are completely non-functional on my vehicle. Windshield wipers can still be turned on manually and work normally as expected in all speeds in manual control mode. But in auto control mode, they simply don't turn on at all, even in very heavy rain. This is critical because when driving the vehicle in Autopilot mode or Full-Self-Driving mode, t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Drove about 2 minutes down down the road and the back window just shattered randomly.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 37 MPH, he noticed a burning odor, and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and through the A/C vents. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact was... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Patriot. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the Emissions Recall U67. The manufacturer was noti... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2016
A friend gave me this seat to use. I remembered from when I owned this type of seat previously that there was a recall. I saw online that this seat was included in the recall. The prior owner must not have contacted the company to receive the kit. I contacted the company on 12.20.23 and spoke with a male representative who told me several things that conflicted with the notice I read from the NHTS... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2016
A friend gave me this seat to use. I remembered from when I owned this type of seat previously that there was a recall. I saw online that this seat was included in the recall. The prior owner must not have contacted the company to receive the kit. I contacted the company on 12.20.23 and spoke with a male representative who told me several things that conflicted with the notice I read from the NHTS... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the traction control sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Service Electronic braking system. ABS dashboard light illuminated. Traction control symbol illuminated. Dashboard brakelight illuminated. Faulty ABS control module diagnosted by independent repair center.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Driving down the road and power (electric) steering goes out. Power steering and traction control warnings lit up on the display. Almost impossible to steer without power steering. I am lucky that this didn't cause an accident-- very scary. This seems to be the same issue as the recall for the 2015s, but GM didn't recall the 2016s (even though online forums report that it was the same part num... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
Dear Sir(or Madam), My Driver Side Rear Cailper locked up (AGAIN) and my Rear Brakes, Cailper and Rotors had to be replaced (AGAIN) this is the second time I had this problem since I purchased this Jeep that I had the Cailper locked up. Jeep has a real problem with this happening. The last time this happened I had a warranty this time I don't. The last 3 Wranglers I have purchased had the sam... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
My car should be included as part of special coverage since my car is leaking also: GLOBAL SAFETY FIELD INVESTIGATIONS DCS5111 URGENT - DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY Date: August 7, 2019 Subject: N192210570 - Special Coverage Center High Mount Stop Lamp Water Leak Models: 2016 – 2017 Chevrolet Malibu To: All General Motors Dealers General Motors is releasing Special Coverage N192210570 today. The total... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
I concern about the abs control unit is not in the recalls section. I have 2017 ram 2500 cummin and I can't find this particular piece. look like this have the be in recall safety. I'm being with this problem about a year already and is always showing in my dash light all the time. this for sure is a recall problem
Incident date: Nov 27, 2023
Subject: Safety Concerns Regarding Recent Model 3 Autopilot Update To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to urgently express my concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model 3’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model 3 owner, I have generally found the vehicle and its feature... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
I had all the warning lights come on my 2018 Honda CRV. At one time the car also lost power. I have been visited my dealer 3 times, and still is the same problem!! It has happened 4 times.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
I had all the warning lights come on my 2018 Honda CRV. At one time the car also lost power. I have been visited my dealer 3 times, and still is the same problem!! It has happened 4 times.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Passenger side rear axle retainer bolt sheared off. My vehicle was manufactured 20 days after the existing recall. Repair was done under warranty but obviously should be included as part of the recall.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Good afternoon. I am contacting you because the dealer is not doing their job. For half a year of owning a car, we visited more services than we drove the car. The reasons for this: the steering wheel shook when driving this car from the very beginning, because the chassis was faulty. When braking, sounds and creaking are heard as if the car's chassis is shaking. The dealer said this is how it sho... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while shifting into 1st gear and 2nd gear, the vehicle shuddered. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the actuator fork and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
I was on 495 southbound and the car lost power, and almost crashed. I had a recall (low-pressure fuel PumP) but the dealer is not taking me because I am not the original owner of the vehicle, I went to Fitzgerald-Hyundai Genesis Subaru of Gaithersburg, and Mr. Brett Davis turned me out. Need to know who is going to fix my problem, sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM O... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Shift to park message while in park position when attempting to shut off car; I can't cut off car without making many tries. this has happened before dealer repairing the problem and within two years dealer installing new "fix.".
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
I just had new breaks and rotors, shocks and some small front end parts replaced. Alignment also completed. While driving south on I-17 down from sunset point at 75 mph the speed limit, I went over a small bump or hole on the road and the death wobble started and violently began to wobnble from passenger side to driver side, or jumping or boucing 6" to 12". items in the door storage and on the d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
I just had new breaks and rotors, shocks and some small front end parts replaced. Alignment also completed. While driving south on I-17 down from sunset point at 75 mph the speed limit, I went over a small bump or hole on the road and the death wobble started and violently began to wobnble from passenger side to driver side, or jumping or boucing 6" to 12". items in the door storage and on the d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
Grandson was driving and went to brake to make a turn and the engine not available light came on and he had no brakes. He was unable to slow and take the turn and hit a truck in the front driver quarter panel which resulted in the car being a total loss.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
FSD causing more Nagging to the steering wheel due to recent recall update, making it much more dangerous to constantly having to move the steering wheel while the car is in motion and can cause the car to serve out of control or into another lane, DANGEROUS RECALL, revert this back
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Rear windshield spontaneously shattered. Remote started the vehicle walked up to it and it just shattered. Didn’t touch it. Wipers weren’t on. Vehicle was in park in a parking garage with cameras. Found tons of reports online of others having the same issue. This needs to be recalled!!!
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesn’t seem like it’s getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue .
Crash
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I have been having issues , not sure what the problem is but the car doesn’t seem like it’s getting proper gas , & it shakes when I drive . I had to park it in the garage after having it towed home due to an unknown issue .
Crash
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Lose of power when accelerating out of parking lot. This now has happened 3 times with no warning light coming on in the car and vehicle is regularly maintained without issues.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Lose of power when accelerating out of parking lot. This now has happened 3 times with no warning light coming on in the car and vehicle is regularly maintained without issues.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
I was never informed of a voluntary recall on the headlamps of certain Nissan Altimas, my wife said it was difficult to drive at night, I installed LED lights with little change. I found out after Nissan had a voluntary recall that the head light assemblies had issues, mainly de-lamination of the chrome in the reflector assembly on the low beam light. Dealer said they would replace them unless I p... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
Driving down the interstate at 70mph and it randomly slams on the brakes. At about 45mph it let's loose and speeds back up. There's never anything in front of the car and it does it a few times a week. Usually throws everything on the floor that was on the seats and scares the hell out of anyone inside the vehicle. Waiting for it to do it with a semi behind us that can't stop as fast!
Incident date: Dec 17, 2023
My vehicle was recalled 3/29/23, and no attempt has been made to fix the problem. At this time, the dealer has no remedy. I do not have full use of my vehicle as the manufacturer suggests that no one ride in the front passenger seat due to the potential fault in the system. The extended wait to have a fix for the problem is unacceptable. No dealership will want to purchase this car with the cu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
P052E PCV Regulator Valve Performance
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
JUST PURCHACED MY ATLAS AROUND SEPTEMBER, AFTER DRIVING IT A MONTH WE NOTICED A LOAD SCREACH SOUND WEN COMING TO A STOP, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TO0 VW DEALERS ONLY TO BE TOLD VOLKSWAGON IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO, NOW THE BRAKES GRIND AND IM NOT SURE HOW TO ADRESS THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU .
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Subject: Safety Concerns Regarding Recent Model Y Autopilot Update To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to urgently express my concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model Y’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model Y owner for over two years, I have generally found the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Consistent excessive oil consumption from about 90k until it died at 127k while on the highway going 65+mph. Oil Light flashed. Check engine light flashed. Made it onto the exit ramp and exited the vehicle very shook up. Vehicle would not start unless using two feet. One to flutter the gas while other on the break to be able to throw it into gear and chug the 2 miles home from the highway. Towed i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Consistent excessive oil consumption from about 90k until it died at 127k while on the highway going 65+mph. Oil Light flashed. Check engine light flashed. Made it onto the exit ramp and exited the vehicle very shook up. Vehicle would not start unless using two feet. One to flutter the gas while other on the break to be able to throw it into gear and chug the 2 miles home from the highway. Towed i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Autopilot warnings are too excessive. Looking at the screen of the car causes autopilot warnings to trigger and disengage car, automatically slowing car down in the middle of traffic. Changes need to be reverted back to baseline from 11/2023.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Audi issued a service bulletin 90T2 in regards to the telematics control module failure. With this failure the Bluetooth feature in this car no longer works. Most if not all states have adopted laws in regards to hands free devices. This is a know issue with Audi and this has lapeciric year car however there is no recourse in getting it repaired except to pay out of pocket. The is a $2200 dollar r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
At Highway speeds, steering feels sticky. Slight adjustments left and right you can feel a sticking point that let’s go as you apply more pressure. This is a well documented issue across forums and ends up causing extremely dangerous conditions where you are fighting the wheel to steer at high speeds. They need to fix these cars