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 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Nissan Frontier. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V067000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not mad... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
This car is having tons of electrical issues. From wire malfunctions in the radio to the ORC module failing. All lights for air bags, abs breaks, check engine, and everything electrical are beeping and flashing. The air bags will not work if I get in an accident and I've read they can deploy at any time while I am driving! If you look online, Chrysler/Jeep has LOTS of ORC failure issues and have ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH while slowing down, the vehicle rear ended by another vehicle which caused the contact to crash into the vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. The contact struck the steering and had major injuries to the nose and neck and they required medical attention. The contact was unsure if the other drivers were in... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
Unit will not start when showing 1/4 tank of fuel on a 3.85 degree decline. Fear of duplication of condition while in use on roadside. Condition is normal according to the manufacture. Condition is normal according to the manufacturer. P0089 and P0087 active with 1/4 tank on MFD display on a 3.85 degree decilne.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The car lost acceleration power when driving, showed no codes, and displayed a message to shift to park and restart car. This incident happened twice including after the car was taken to the dealer, who could not find anything wrong with the car. A google search revealed several 2018 vehicles with that problem and a recall for 2017 models and earlier; however, the 2018 model has not been recalled ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Car shutters and stalls and metal shavings in the oil pan
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
While driving the vehicle the electric power steering unit failed. We have reset the computer and checked the fuses and it is still not working. I will be taking to the dealership today.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
My horn is honking uncontrollably especially, when making left turns. Right turns, sometimes. Confusing a lot of drivers in the street and also some has become aggressive. Initially, I thought my hand was accidentally hitting the horn until I recently became worse over the past week or so.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
I was driving on the freeway when the vehicle's hybrid battery continued to drop below a quarter of the meter. The vehicle's HUD started flashing red and the vehicle shut off. I had to pull over and wait for approximately 30 minutes before starting the vehicle back up and continuing home. The dealership stated it was a Hybrid battery issue, still under warranty, and is replacing the hybrid battery... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
The vehicle had a very violent shift (perhaps it was turbo lag related?) at low speed (under 20 miles per hour - typically, this happens in a parking lot or the like as you slowly drive away). In the past, this had been mentioned to the dealer, numerous times, who claimed that the issue is not reproducible. However, during the visit on 12/06/2022, dealer mechanic(s) claimed that they did witness ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Polaris Sportsman 570. The contact stated while starting the vehicle. The engine ran for approximately 10 minutes and shut off. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred on a third occasion. Additionally, the contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
I was coming to a stop due to a train passing by. As I got closer to the other vehicles that were waiting for the train, I let go of the acceleration and then the vehicle on its own launched forward rear ending the car in front of me.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and making a left or right turn, the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Honda HR-V. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the rear window suddenly shattered. There was no impact to the window to cause the window to be shattered. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
The screen that shows the rear view camera turns on intermittently when engaged. It will often not turn on when shipped to reverse. The sentry system has stopped working as well as the main screen will shut off while driving from time to time, which removes the ability to turn on any heat or air, defroster etc... This was a previous recall and I am a new purchaser of the vehicle. I notified Tesl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
“Engine Maintenance Required, Visit Your Dealer” warning message pop up on 2019 Toyota Rav4. Then the vehicle was taken to Toyota Dealer which they diagnosed as Coolant Bypass Valve failure. The dealer charged an outrageous amount to replace that valve with hose assembly. After researching online, this is a widespread issue in 2019 and newer Toyota Rav4.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the message "SAFETY" was temporarily displayed on the instrument panel. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle on several occasions, the message " SAFETY " was displayed on the infotainment system screen. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the messages "Active Head Lamp Ino... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel), 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 20V699000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
While the Traffic-Aware Cruise Control was engaged, my car abruptly tried to stop 8 times on the interstate while traveling at 80mph (the speed limit on the open stretch of road in central Utah). The weather was clear, no clouds, no wind, very light traffic, very good roads, no debris on the road, about 85 degrees, no shadows were cast on the road and during the day. I was on a 5 hour road trip. O... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
Multiple times when coming to a stop the vehicle is stopped and then the brake pedal depresses further on its own while at the same time the engine roars and the vehicle lunges forward about 4 feet. It almost put me in front of oncoming traffic. Also I felt like I had no control over the brakes. It happened 4 times and also did this while I was parallel parking and almost slammed into the parked c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
While driving the car threw a code for EPC and throttle became extremely un responsive. I had to limp to the side of the road and re start the car. The code is for “start/stop” this car has had many recalls and issues since I bought it. It feels extremely faulty.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
My vehicles Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) was rewired at a dealership as part of a manufacturer recall. Ever since this has been "rewired" I have had problems with the car shutting off while driving, and as a result, a loss of power steering and power brakes. I notified the dealership, Rentschler Chrysler of Slatington, PA, and they state that everything looks ok with the wiring and tha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
WHEN PUTTING INTO PARK THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE. ATTEMPTED 2 TIMES TO PUT INTO PARK AND VEHICLE DIGITAL DASH SHOWED PARK BUT THE VEHICLE WAS ACTUALLY IN REVERSE. COULD NOT GET EMERGENCY BRAKE TO WORK DUE TO VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE. MANUALLY PRESSED BRAKE PEDAL DOWN AND DROVE VEHICLE FORWARD AND AGAIN IT ROLLED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 1, 2023
My car ran good up until July 29, 2023. There was a slight tornado and lots of rain when I parked the car it was fine hour later it began to stall and became undriveable. I called my insurance company Progressive and called Honda of Manchester and Progressive had the car towed to Honda. They came back with the diagnosis of my HeadGaskit needs to be replaced my fuel injectors are miss firing and th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
Front Passenger seatbelt locked in retract. Unable to pull the belt out of retraction for use.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
Major phantom Braking at 70mph on interstate 5, 4 times the brakes slamed on as if yo had done an emergency stop from 70mph to 20mph fortunately we were not rear ended as I had my son and grandchildren in the car. The car was in cruise control on each occurrence I finally had to stop using it for fear of a major accident
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
My vehicle is a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The Backup Camera works maybe 50% of the times that I attempt to back up. I understand that Lincoln has a recall on other Lincoln vehicles for this issue, but not for the Navigator. The Cross Traffic Alert does not work. In combination, attempting to back up has a real potential for a vehicle crash or pedestrian injury, especially in parking lots, for drive... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
My vehicle is a 2017 Lincoln Navigator. The Backup Camera works maybe 50% of the times that I attempt to back up. I understand that Lincoln has a recall on other Lincoln vehicles for this issue, but not for the Navigator. The Cross Traffic Alert does not work. In combination, attempting to back up has a real potential for a vehicle crash or pedestrian injury, especially in parking lots, for drive... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
My rear windshield basically exploded, for lack of a better word, last night! It was very scary and confusing. I was alone on the road. There were no cars around me. The glass immediately started to shattered. You could hear the crackling and a hole formed on the left hand side (drivers side) first. The entire windshield panel was destroyed. The black trimming included, that goes right up against ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
The vehicle main screen on the dash will not go past the “get started” screen without accepting Toyotas privacy agreement on their app. I cannot use the screen as it defaults to this screen each time the car starts and does not allow a menu to the feature I paid for. This is both a safety and privacy issue as I should be able to use the vehicle while not agreeing to the privacy policy and I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
The vehicle main screen on the dash will not go past the “get started” screen without accepting Toyotas privacy agreement on their app. I cannot use the screen as it defaults to this screen each time the car starts and does not allow a menu to the feature I paid for. This is both a safety and privacy issue as I should be able to use the vehicle while not agreeing to the privacy policy and I ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
I was driving down the highway on cruise control going 67 on a 65. The car started revving up and then proceeded to go faster. I turned off the cruise control but its continued to speed up. I stomped on the brake 4 or 5 times with no effect. I rammed into the back of a bus at 110 mph.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jan 21, 2023
I was driving down the highway on cruise control going 67 on a 65. The car started revving up and then proceeded to go faster. I turned off the cruise control but its continued to speed up. I stomped on the brake 4 or 5 times with no effect. I rammed into the back of a bus at 110 mph.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
The outside tread separated without a drop in air pressure or without any warning, other than a wobble before the tire blew out. This occurred at 65 mph (posted speed limit) on a busy interstate. I was only able to avoid a wreck because I was traveling in the right lane and was able to immediately pull off the side of the road. The tire destroyed my inner wheel well and outer trim, causing over... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
The outside tread separated without a drop in air pressure or without any warning, other than a wobble before the tire blew out. This occurred at 65 mph (posted speed limit) on a busy interstate. I was only able to avoid a wreck because I was traveling in the right lane and was able to immediately pull off the side of the road. The tire destroyed my inner wheel well and outer trim, causing over... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING AND SOMETIMES WORKS INTERMINTENTLY. POWER STEERING QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN AND I HAD TO DRIVE THOUGH A FRONT YARD TO AVOID COLLISION. HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED, CAN NOT TAKE IT IN BECAUSE I NEED IT TO GET TO WORK. NO WARNING LIGHT PRIOR TO FAILURE, LIGHT COMES ON ONCE THE STEERING LOCKS UP.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2023
Driver door - one day, without prior warning, when opening or closing the door, it makes a popping sound as if a hing of some sort is broken. The door does not remain in an open position when getting in our out. Consequently, the drive window only opens about 2 inches.
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
Driver door - one day, without prior warning, when opening or closing the door, it makes a popping sound as if a hing of some sort is broken. The door does not remain in an open position when getting in our out. Consequently, the drive window only opens about 2 inches.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
ABS/TRACTION CONTROL, 2ND TIME in 55K MILES. 1ST SET REPLACED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANY. NOW PARTS UNDER DESIGN REVIEW - UNAVAILABLE. I NOW HAVE NO ABS/TRACTION CONTROL! HELLPPPP
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
My truck was at the dealership May 30th for repairs. I asked that recall 22V-835 be repaired. They were unable to complete the repair & advised FCA only allows the dealership to order QTY 2 of the parts needed for the repair per week. Yet recall states "parts available". Had my truck back at the dealership Aug 14 for a DEF system issue. They informed me I'd also have recall 23V-060 repaired. Aug ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V945000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shifted into an improper gear unintendedly. The PCM warning light was illuminated during some of the failures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the leadframe connecter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
This is the second time in the last two weeks that my backup camera has stopped working. I have talk to the service center about this I was told that it is not a safety issue but a convenience to the driver and that I should use my mirrors and turn my head around to see what is behind me. I have taken my car in the service center to see if they can fix the problem (8/23/2023). Backup camera worked... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V445000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
Car immobilizer/Theft deterrent - The company is telling me that my KIA's VIN indicated that it does not have the immobilizer/Theft deterrent issue. We drove the car to the dealership with a backup key we made just for unlocking doors. This is a key with no chip or FOB and the car starts and ran fine. This seems to be a clear example of how the immobilizer is not working. However, they refuse to s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2023
There is a significant hesitation / stuttering when the gas pedal is pressed (i.e. the vehicle doesn't move properly when the gas pedal is pressed). This is especially dangerous when pulling out into traffic, making turns, etc. This appears to be a known problem with this model and Toyota is working on a TSB (supposedly). Doing a Google search for this problem shows that a number of consumers are ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
WINDSHIELD CRACK. We are unsure the cause, but our vehicle is only 3 months old and overnight (while parked in our garage) the windshield mysteriously cracked. The crack started vertically, and has since moved horizontally. This does not seem to be an uncommon issue with the 2020-2023 Tellurides. I've been told by multiple glass companies that this is an extremely difficult windshield to replace, ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
October 2019, I purchased a 2019 Nissan kicks and had no issues until last December. Took the car to the dealership because it would start jerking randomly when trying to accelerate. I’ve taken my car to the dealership for this issue 6 times and each time I’m told something different. I’ve had my transmission replaced twice within 7 months, new throttle body, mass air flow sensor and my ECM ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
Jeep has no fix for this recall it’s been 15 months.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to make a right turn, the front driver's side and front passenger's side air bags deployed, causing the rear windows to fall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the air bags inflators were corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture... Read more