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: Mar 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light and the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the oil pump belt had failed, and there were metal shavings in the eng... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
Vehicle displaying "hybrid system warning! Safely stop and do not drive!" And "check brake" car will not drive over 15 mph. Also draining has And 12 volt battery. Took it to hyundai dealership and was told that the brake module was damaged and needed replacement. We are aware of the current ABS recall. And waiting for remedy
TESLA
MODEL Y
(2021) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Dec 13, 2023
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered while shifting gears. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed and determined that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The fa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Turning onto a road, heard a loud thud from the front passenger corner. Car steering became highly erratic. Parked the car, noticed the front passenger wheel was crooked. Took it to the nearest shop and they said the crossmember was rusted completely through and snapped, causing the control arm to lose control. Found out there is a recall for the car model and year for this exact issue, but my car... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Kia Forte. 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 that the MIL warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. While depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved, and the vehicle shuddered and vibrated but failed to accelerate as needed. The following day the vehicle was driven to the local dealer and was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmissi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
When driving at lower speeds the vehicle is hard to stop. I have to press the brakes down hard to get it to stop. A message will usually come up saying to service the brake assist but no maintenance lights show up. In looking online there is a recall with this exact issue that I’m having but it start at the 2018 model in which mine is a 2017. I feel the 2017 should also be part of the recall... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. 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 that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver pulled to the side of the road. The contact stated that her son o... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
We had a nail that needed to be removed from a tire. Tire Discounters said that the lug nuts have swollen and they cannot tighten the lug nuts without us replacing them. They cannot tighten the lug nuts due to the nuts swelling and not fitting into the lug wrenches anymore. How can Ford sell a product that is inherently unsafe?
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V380000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms par... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact owned a 2020 Chrysler 300 AWD. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway and attempting to merge onto the right lane, another vehicle suddenly drove in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that her husband attempted to readjust the vehicle onto the left lane; however, the front driver's side of the vehicle hit the guard rail. The vehicl... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the vehicle made abnormal sounds while starting. A burning odor was also detected while starting and driving the vehicle. The ABS, traction control, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's left foot and left arm were burned by smoke and an unknown fluid coming from the air vents. Medical attention was not rece... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
While driving at approximately 55mph on the highway, I was required to brake for a merging vehicle who decided to make a lane change at the last second. I used my breaks, and my car did not break correctly. Instead, the car pulled the the right and locked up, it felt as though I had lost control of the car. When I went to my mechanic, I thought it was a break issue. Instead, it turns out the wh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
On 7-31-2022 while traveling on the freeway the gas engine shut down, HEV triangle came on and the information center on the car displayed "turn off car restart" on this trip it happened three times. I took the car to the dealer and they had it for a month and could not get it to act up. On 5-5-2023 it did it again twice, I called the dealer and they did not have a loaner car, they said they would... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
pulling into parking stall in front of a store at a slow speed and my Camry Hybrid unexpectedly accelerated and lurched forward. I could not stop the car and the car hit the building at the end of the parking stall
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
pulling into parking stall in front of a store at a slow speed and my Camry Hybrid unexpectedly accelerated and lurched forward. I could not stop the car and the car hit the building at the end of the parking stall
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
Our teen daughter drives a 2012 Veloster that has an OPEN recall that Hyundai has no solution or fix for. Today, her car started to have a burning smell inside the vehicle that is linked to this issue. Hyundai needs to fix this NOW or buy this car back from us immediately. This is recall 23V651000. I need a car that works and is not a safety hazard!
Incident date: May 25, 2023
We had Model 3 with instance of unintended acceleration at the gate of a parking lot. This car was bought in May 2020. On December 6, 2020, she was on the way out of the parking gate and suddenly the car accelerated, hitting the side wall of the gate. The car flew over a two-way street, resulting in a compound fracture of her right hip requiring internal fixation and transfusion. The vehicle was i... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 25, 2023
We had Model 3 with instance of unintended acceleration at the gate of a parking lot. This car was bought in May 2020. On December 6, 2020, she was on the way out of the parking gate and suddenly the car accelerated, hitting the side wall of the gate. The car flew over a two-way street, resulting in a compound fracture of her right hip requiring internal fixation and transfusion. The vehicle was i... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 25, 2023
I recently purchased this vehicle from HHGreg in Tampa, Fl in May 2023. We found out it was associated with a recall regarding the brakes within 60days of having the vehicle, which Brandon Nissan took care of. My car only has 40,000 miles on it now. We bought it with only having 36,000 miles on it. Therefore, we've only driven it 4k miles. However, for the last 3 months, this car will literally sh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2020
I recently purchased this vehicle from HHGreg in Tampa, Fl in May 2023. We found out it was associated with a recall regarding the brakes within 60days of having the vehicle, which Brandon Nissan took care of. My car only has 40,000 miles on it now. We bought it with only having 36,000 miles on it. Therefore, we've only driven it 4k miles. However, for the last 3 months, this car will literally sh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2020
I recently purchased this vehicle from HHGreg in Tampa, Fl in May 2023. We found out it was associated with a recall regarding the brakes within 60days of having the vehicle, which Brandon Nissan took care of. My car only has 40,000 miles on it now. We bought it with only having 36,000 miles on it. Therefore, we've only driven it 4k miles. However, for the last 3 months, this car will literally sh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2020
Tailgate hinges ripping and tailgate will not close properly. no accident no abuse, this is something that is happening to a lot of Rav4's.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine and check oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the coil and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stat... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Upon starting my pickup after work a loud static sounding noise was heard coming from the speakers in the rear doors and in the A pillars of the vehicle. I was unable to get the noise to stop even if the radio was turned off. I had no control of the volume coming out of the speakers and it seemed that it was as loud as they could go. The noise was not always constant, sometimes quieting down for 1... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Upon starting my pickup after work a loud static sounding noise was heard coming from the speakers in the rear doors and in the A pillars of the vehicle. I was unable to get the noise to stop even if the radio was turned off. I had no control of the volume coming out of the speakers and it seemed that it was as loud as they could go. The noise was not always constant, sometimes quieting down for 1... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The vehicle will not shift into 4-low. Randomly says 4 wheel drive is unavailable. Abnormally hard jolts and shifts. The transmission does not shift correctly and makes it very uncomfortable to drive. The lag response time from pressing the gas pedal to the moment of acceleration is between 1-3 seconds. Car not downshifting or using 2nd gear at all due to software reflash is robbing part of t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
A “ engine oil pressure” message popped up on the dashboard of the vehicle while I was driving. The vehicle won’t not accelerate fast enough to keep up with traffic and when it did accelerate it was impossible to slow it down. The engine is defective and failed in this vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the emergency trunk latch had failed, and the trunk was unable to be opened. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the emergency trunk latch warning light remained illuminated, and the doors could not be locked and secured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dea... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
I was driving when the ESC electronic stability control kept going on. Then all of a sudden the pedal and brake would start to shake and not work. Randomly driving when light would go on and then the pedal and brake would shake. I had to pull over. Light would go on and off. Roads were dry normal no issues.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
I was driving when the ESC electronic stability control kept going on. Then all of a sudden the pedal and brake would start to shake and not work. Randomly driving when light would go on and then the pedal and brake would shake. I had to pull over. Light would go on and off. Roads were dry normal no issues.
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
A recall has been issued for my 2011 Kia Optima. I received a letter from the NHTSA with my VIN on it. I am concerned about the safety of me and my family. I am being told that there is no remedy for the HECU. The recall says it can experience a fire in the engine compartment while parked or while being driven. I find that possibility quite scary. What am I to do? What is considered a reasonable ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
Recieved letter in mail to schedule to airbag recall. I scheduled to have recall replaced. The dealership told me it was available. After leaving vehicle. Dealership advised they don't have the part. They don't know when the part will be available. They part hasnt been available for a year. I advised them. This a an accident waiting to happen. I'm driving a vehicle and the airbag is defected. M... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2023
P2418 Electrical fault has occurred with the evap emission vapor blocking valve circuit and its associated wiring.
TESLA
MODEL Y
(2021) - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Dec 11, 2023
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving at various speeds, she observed a loud clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
The frame on this truck broke. The frame tore in a manner that the lower control arm became disconnected from the vehicle. I recognize that l live in an area where rust issues are real, however l am also very experienced with metal working and fabrication and can reliably assure that corrosion is not the cause of this failure in the frame of this vehicle. I have attached 4 photos, those are of t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V478000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
I took my vehicle into sunset Chevrolet in Sumner Washington, in November of 2022 and had them complete the Takata air bag recall on the vehicle. I drove it for a few months and put it in storage. Since the recall the dash is now cracked where the dealer replaced the passenger airbag recall. It was not cracked prior to the replacement. I have talked to the dealer and they are saying they will not ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
Thor company of Indiana is the after market uplifter of a Ford Transit 2022. The Sancuary is teh model. The red power wire that connects from the secodnary altrnator in the enginne area runs along the inside f the front right tire to the chassi house battery in the back o the VAN. The power wire is incorrectly routed and the tire rubs up againsit it and rubs against the wire casuing damage and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
Thor company of Indiana is the after market uplifter of a Ford Transit 2022. The Sancuary is teh model. The red power wire that connects from the secodnary altrnator in the enginne area runs along the inside f the front right tire to the chassi house battery in the back o the VAN. The power wire is incorrectly routed and the tire rubs up againsit it and rubs against the wire casuing damage and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle overheated, and the contact was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to b... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
One the oil cooler unit failed leaking oil on to hot engine could possibly start a fire Two the rear differential cracked leaking fluid could possibly lock rear wheels at speed
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
One the oil cooler unit failed leaking oil on to hot engine could possibly start a fire Two the rear differential cracked leaking fluid could possibly lock rear wheels at speed
Incident date: Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, she became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly after the steering wheel locked in position. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to restart the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illum... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2021
The power steering freezes up upon the slightest amount of street water ponding making it almost impossible to turn the steering wheel. I have experienced a number of scary situations that make driving this car in wet elements very very difficult. As a result I generally refrain from driving altogether under these conditions. This dangerous problem must be fixed soon! I HAVE MENTIONED THIS PROBLE... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2021
The turbo on the vehicle develops a crack in the exhaust side by the wastegate over time. This is a common problem as reported by forums, that seems to be a near 100% failure rate. The crack causes lost of intake boost pressure that throws a low boost code and reduces engine power significantly.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2021
I brought my 2009 Mazda 6 to the dealership to inspect the suspension after the car began pulling to the right when braking. I was informed the front and rear subframes have failed on this car due to corrosion—even though the front subframe was serviced previously for the recall campaign with the addition of a support bracket. The front subframe will be replaced by Mazda due to the failed reca... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2023
The first of October 2023, I was sitting in my car in a parking lot. I started my engine and I heard a loud boom, I looked up and around my car when I noticed the large hole in my rear window. I did not turn on my rear defroster. I went home and called my insurance company. The next day I went to the dealership where I purchased my HR-V. the service technician said "oh no not another one. I... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2023
Engine stalls soon after I start driving. Lights are still on on the dashboard. I put the car in Park, turn the key to the off position, and turn the key to ignition. Engine starts without issue. This problem happens irregularly. Sometimes happens after a few months, sometimes after a few weeks.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2023
On 2/18/2019 took the F-150 to Mathews Ford Marion Ohio service to address several issues. First, the tailgate had unexpectedly opened striking a trailer jack and damaging the tailgate. Tailgate opening while driving with cargo could result in cargo falling onto roadway. Damaged tailgate remains on the truck and is available for further inspection. Second, the owner heard rubbing/grinding noises w... Read more