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: Aug 25, 2023
Opening driver side door heard a pop, door hinge sprung causing door to open and driver side window stuck Ford will not take responsibility and fix it. The whole door needs to be replaced and they're quoting me $3000.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The car was going at the speed limit or maybe 5-9 miles over speed limit when brakes were pumped to stop car as there was stop and go traffic on a bridge in bay area (CA). The car had quite a distance from the car in front of it. Despite brakes being applied, the car seemed to accelerate and brakes had to be applied hard. However, the car did not stop until it hit the honda in front of it. As ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
Over the last three weeks, there were 3 incidents where the emergency braking system spiked the brakes when there was no reason. There was one incident where the lane departure spiked the brakes for no reason. Over the first 5 years owning the vehicle, this never happened. The first incident was going around a curve on a 2-lane road I travel at least twice a day. It sometimes beeps for cars in t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
Over the last three weeks, there were 3 incidents where the emergency braking system spiked the brakes when there was no reason. There was one incident where the lane departure spiked the brakes for no reason. Over the first 5 years owning the vehicle, this never happened. The first incident was going around a curve on a 2-lane road I travel at least twice a day. It sometimes beeps for cars in t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
Driving in full self driving made a sharp unexpected last second turn directly into a pilón at 30 mph causing front end damage. I have the the incident recorded on video from the Tesla. Full self driving did not disengage prior to crash and hands were on the wheel, it just happened within .5 seconds and there was no way to react in time. I reported to Tesla many times and was ignored Here is a... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
My TCM went out in my truck while towing which made the vehicle not be able to move putting my family in jeopardy while on the road.
Incident date: Feb 13, 2023
Loud beep then a warning that collision warning had been disabled and the side mirrorsno longer indicated someone was beside me. . First time it's done this and I was on the way to the dealer for service. I mentioned to him and he said it was probably the light rain we had and it had blocked the camera. On the way home it did the same thing and now it was sunny, clear and they had just washed my c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
First I had an oil leak which I was advised to warm my car up to prevent from getting worse. At the time I was told it was minor. Then my oil light started coming up every 2 weeks and when checked there was no oil. Now 2 months later, my car has stopped and showed a blinking check engine light. When checked I was told a code of p1326 which is the knock sensor. I have only had my car 7 months and i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
First I had an oil leak which I was advised to warm my car up to prevent from getting worse. At the time I was told it was minor. Then my oil light started coming up every 2 weeks and when checked there was no oil. Now 2 months later, my car has stopped and showed a blinking check engine light. When checked I was told a code of p1326 which is the knock sensor. I have only had my car 7 months and i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
Tire tread delaminated from the body of the tire, leading to loss of pressure and dangerous loss of vehicle control. Both rear tires had the same issue. 295 /30 R21
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Steering gear box failure. Open recall 14s18 for same month and year manufactured but Ford declines to repair.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
I'd like to report a safety concern. There are two issues. 1. the shape of the steering wheel, and 2. the location of the buttons and overall stalkless yoke. I have had this vehicle for a little over a year now, and there have been a number of times both issues could have caused a major accident. The first issue is the shape of the steering wheel. When driving normally, just every day driving, i... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
COOLANT BYPASS VALVE FAILED. APPARENTLY IT IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Abs light comes on when under hard braking or traction control is used for slippery conditions
Incident date: May 25, 2023
My concern is a potential unintended acceleration forward as. I was. parking vechicle. Sudden burst of speed, went thru shrubbery and off a 2 foot wall. Felt as if we were taking off a runway in a plane. Car went nose up over the wall and then dropped into a neighbor yard digging a divot, ripping rear left fender and bumper with some undercarriage problems. My spouse and I were seatbelted and not ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
62,000 miles, "service anti-lock brake system" and "service traction control system" lights are on, no ABS, no traction control and no cruise control.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate inadvertently opened without warning. As a result of the failure, a cooler fell from the bed of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned for his safety and the safety of other drivers while driving on the roadway. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Recall Issue with Vehicle Door Latch and Delays in Repair - NHTSA Recall Number 21V376 To whom it may concern, I am writing to report a significant safety concern regarding my vehicle. Specifically, the driver's door latch is malfunctioning and no longer securely locks the door, rendering the vehicle undriveable. This issue directly aligns with the advanced recall notice identified as NHTSA Reca... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
I was driving home at night with my child, and I stepped on the brake to slow the car down as we were going down a hill, and the brakes did not work. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor after softly stepping on the brake pedal and did not release. I could not stop the SUV, so I coasted as best I could, and THANK GOD WE DID NOT CRASH!
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The car makes unintended braking when there is no vehicle in front. The car made a sudden brake from 75 mph to near 0 mph such that the driver felt that the vehicle almost flipped.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The Auto Idle Restart Feature has malfunctioned a number times and cars behind us have almost rear-ended us. With Eco mode on or off, a/c on or off, it doesn't seem to make a difference. When the vehicle has Auto Idle Restart enabled, the vehicle is stopped at a stop light, the engine turns off, and when the user presses the gas and releases the brake, the engine does not turn on. When the bra... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The Auto Idle Restart Feature has malfunctioned a number times and cars behind us have almost rear-ended us. With Eco mode on or off, a/c on or off, it doesn't seem to make a difference. When the vehicle has Auto Idle Restart enabled, the vehicle is stopped at a stop light, the engine turns off, and when the user presses the gas and releases the brake, the engine does not turn on. When the bra... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
my car has been losing oil, i reported it to the dealership when my check engine light was on, 800$ later they give it back, light reappears i brought it back then they fixed it free. brought car in for safety recall told them it was burning and engine smoking while on he did not address told me process would take too much not worth it. check engine light reappears 1 week later then wont stop. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Power steering would not work said to service blind spot unavailable and service electronic stability control
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
While driving on a paved highway, very light traffic in the early afternoon at approximately 65 miles per hour the sunroof on my vehicle suddenly and violently exploded spraying shards of glass everywhere. The "explosion" caused me to veer from the roadway and momentarily lose control of the vehicle. My safety as well as my 2 (two) passengers were placed at risk. Damage to my vehicle is substantia... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
I bought Tesla in May 2023. My Tesla Model Y has suddenly accelerated in my garage on 08/29 @8.25pm EST and damaged my garage front door/drywall and broken my stair case in pieces. It was phantom acceleration. I have video from my ring security system camera video which shows clearly that I was parking in my garage extremely carefully, however the Tesla Model Y suddenly accelerated beyond my contr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
NHTSA number 18v845000 and 18v735000, my car is showing the same symptoms transmission and purge valve and should be included in these recalls
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
NHTSA number 18v845000 and 18v735000, my car is showing the same symptoms transmission and purge valve and should be included in these recalls
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
Several warning lights appeared on the dash of my 2018 Honda Accord last week, including the check engine light along with several other warnings. The vehicle was acting very strange while I was driving it to the dealership, especially going up inclines. I was informed the fuel pump needed to be replaced, which has now been accomplished. The vehicle only has 34575 miles on it. In my lifetime, ... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
I was pulling up to a ticket machine in a parking garage. I had my foot on the accelerator and was using regenerative braking and was essentially stopped. I was short a few inches from the button to get the ticket so applied almost no pressure to the accelerator – more like a tap so I could go forward a few inches. The car went into full acceleration mode, broke through the ticket machine barrie... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 26, 2023
When I’m driving straight sometimes my lane assist will make the car swerve while my steering wheel is straight and even almost made me wreck into another car beside me trying to force the car to go right. Also the front crash assist goes off when I’m not even near a car. The front end of my car is rattling and I don’t know why.
Incident date: May 26, 2023
When I’m driving straight sometimes my lane assist will make the car swerve while my steering wheel is straight and even almost made me wreck into another car beside me trying to force the car to go right. Also the front crash assist goes off when I’m not even near a car. The front end of my car is rattling and I don’t know why.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
My 2016 Kia Optima has been consuming oil every 1.5months. I have multiple times had to replace my oil because my oil light kept coming on. I’ve checked it every single time and it is barely anything there. I have my breaks mess up and not work as properly with my safety and others being comprised. I have brought this up to my Kia dealership but they have just brushed it off and charged me for a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
High Voltage Warning and Low Power to Steering reading on the dashboard. Service engine warning!
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
I was driving down the highway and parts of the roof rack flew off and hit the car behind me in the process.Ford will not cover even though they have a recall on the same parts for the ford explorer
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
This is a report of a RECURRING problem commonly known as "phantom braking." When I take long trips in this vehicle at legal freeway speeds and with the Adaptive Cruise Control and Auto Steer (lane keeping) functions engaged, the vehicle will occasionally reduce speed suddenly and violently (emergency braking) even if there are no vehicles ahead and no visible hazards whatsoever. This occurs wit... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
Driving vehicle at a low/medium rate of speed, and car completely shut off without warning. Check engine light appeared after restarting the vehicle. This is the second time this has happened to me since November 2022. I filed a report then as well. This car should not be allowed on the road and Audi should be forced to buy it back. The vehicle has less than 35,000 miles. Dealer has not confirmed ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
Driving vehicle at a low/medium rate of speed, and car completely shut off without warning. Check engine light appeared after restarting the vehicle. This is the second time this has happened to me since November 2022. I filed a report then as well. This car should not be allowed on the road and Audi should be forced to buy it back. The vehicle has less than 35,000 miles. Dealer has not confirmed ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he depressed the brake and heard an unusual sound, and the brakes was inoperable. The contact stated he was able to slow the vehicle down and stop by continuing to depress the brake. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, the ABS system, brake system, traction control, and an unknown wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
While driving in cruise control mode, not auto steer, and with no vehicle in or obvious obstruction in front, the brakes will be applied without warning (phantom braking). It has happened multiple time in the years of ownership. It has happened once or twice with a vehicle following resulting in near rear-end collision. In one case this resulted in the follower reacting with "road rage," passin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
AS I was driving mr rv. down the road , the rear side window just fell off onto the roadway. I believe the window is made by lippert. On the rv forum there are a lot of people experiencing this same problem.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
AS I was driving mr rv. down the road , the rear side window just fell off onto the roadway. I believe the window is made by lippert. On the rv forum there are a lot of people experiencing this same problem.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
Steering safety defect description. When holding steering wheel straight vehicle wanders in different directions not initiated by driver. Also when avoiding road hazards electronic steering is delayed between input and reaction. Bmw safety defect steering issue has been experienced by many customers. Many customers have documented complaints requesting Bmw, fix safety defects with steering. Safet... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The brake lights stay on all the time, thus preventing vehicles behind mine from knowing if I'm actually stopping. Hence, they may stop without reason, and endanger drivers behind them. The manufacturer has likely known of this being an issue in Sonatas from, at least, 2007 through 2013 models. The manufacturer is putting the task of solving the problem (if that's even possible), upon a dealer. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
From Aug 23 to 28, 2023, we traveled in our 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus vehicle from Santa Fe, NM to San Diego, CA and back, for a total distance of approximate 2100 miles. We drove primarily interstates (I-25, I-10, I-8, I-5) where speed limits ranged from 55 to 75. We experienced numerous instances of what is known to Tesla owners as sudden, severe "phantom braking" [hereinafter PB] wh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Transmission will not go into gear. When it finally does shift it jumps completely forward or backwards depending on the gear. However, it does not matter which gear you put it in. It takes several attempts before it does go into gear; at that time it will completely jump forward/backward. This causes great risk to myself and others on the road/parking lots. I never know when it is going to get ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
We have sent this in for recall repairs and Dodge either did not have the parts or said it would be weeks before they got the parts and we, as a company have had three dodge ram 5500's in the last week that have broken all the wheel studs off, snapped a single stud, or the the lug nuts have gotten loose even after torquing them to the newly recommended 129ft/lbs. We have 30 plus of these trucks an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
The egr cooler developed a leak causing engine to overheat and cylinder misfire. Estimate from Ford dealer is $2500. We had a 75000 mile extended warranty, but the problem developed at 7800 miles. Only 3000 miles after expiration. We were hoping for some cost relief because of the circumstances involved, but nothing seems to be available
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
When driving using Full Self Driving or Autopilot, the car unexpectedly and suddenly brakes as if there is something on the road which is in the way even though there is nothing there. On one trip of 260 miles, the car unnecessarily braked twice on the freeway. Had someone been following too closely to me it could have caused a collision.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the low coolant warning light illuminated. After a visual inspection, he observed an abnormally low coolant level. Upon refilling the coolant reservoir, he observed a coolant leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was not r... Read more