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: Nov 10, 2023
This vehicle has less than 24k miles, and just surpassed the warranty period and suddenly with no explanation, it won't start due to a faulty start switch in the brake pedal which must be depressed to start the vehicle or shift into drive. 90% of the time the vehicle will not start. Only after spending 10-20 fidgeting with the break pedal while simultaneously pushing the start button and moving th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
Random unwanted braking action during driving and dangerous steering force to the right side.I had to use both hands and force to keep car on the road on the interstate. No fault codes found VW Dealership could not find any Problem.They replaced the ABS Modem to a cost of $2669 but the problem remains.The brakes lock up when just backing up on my driveway too.I have read on the VW forums that a ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
Random unwanted braking action during driving and dangerous steering force to the right side.I had to use both hands and force to keep car on the road on the interstate. No fault codes found VW Dealership could not find any Problem.They replaced the ABS Modem to a cost of $2669 but the problem remains.The brakes lock up when just backing up on my driveway too.I have read on the VW forums that a ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
1.) my tire pressure warning light remains on and unable to detect if tires are actually low or not. It remains on even when tire pressure is at correct level. I got it checked by mechanic and he agreed that something is wrong with the sensor/system. 2.) both of my side mirror sensors will not turn off. I was driving and they were off (were previously working as normal), but then I went to get int... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
1.) my tire pressure warning light remains on and unable to detect if tires are actually low or not. It remains on even when tire pressure is at correct level. I got it checked by mechanic and he agreed that something is wrong with the sensor/system. 2.) both of my side mirror sensors will not turn off. I was driving and they were off (were previously working as normal), but then I went to get int... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
Everything that has to do with the air in cabin and air intake for engine fails. Have issues all the time with it , told I need to fix one part then that fails again. Can’t use the AC in this car more than half the time if not an issue arises. Now I can’t get my inspection because again the same codes: P0097, P0171,P11c3, P 2199 At first I had only an issue with the MAF new one was placed and... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
ABS module and Hydraulic Control Unit have both failed multiple times. Known issue to RAM with no recall issued. Advised not to drive the truck until the parts are available as the brakes may completely fail unexpectedly, leading to loss of stopping ability/accident.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
While driving on freeway with Adaptive cruise control set, vehicle automatically brakes when passing large vehicles, like semi trucks. ACC set at 75, I'm in left lane to pass truck going around curve and brakes come on and slow vehicle down to 60. I am clearly in the left lane to pass and truck in right lane. My safety and those behind are at a HUGE risk. This will cause an accident if not addre... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
When operating the radar cruise control, if a large truck (semi, box truck) is next to you when going around a curve, the vehicle is seeing that truck in your lane and applies the brakes very suddenly. This is an issue, because if someone is following behind you, it is almost as if you are brake checking them. Clearly that is not safe at highway speeds. This has happened to me several times since ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
Death wobble at 45 and 74 mph. Driving on freeway and vehicle begins to shake violently: Has been a problem with other year models in the past after researching. Very dangerous on busy freeways.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
While driving the engine just stops running, no power at all and then it tells me to manually start the engine. This has happened at least 5 times in traffic!! Yesterday I was backing up and almost got hit because my engine died and I couldn't steer!
Incident date: Nov 15, 2022
size 19. I have had two tires fail in 3 months. Less than 3k miles on both. There was no road hazard but both tires blew out on the side.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
This complete set of Dunlop Enasave 01 A/S 195 / 65 R 15 91S tires has failed in a short span of time. At the beginning of October, we noticed a slight warbling while driving at any speed. An inspection by Les Schwab tires revealed exposed steel belting on the inside of one of the tires, although a quick check found all four tires were failing. A subsequent inspection by our local Toyota dealershi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
Cruise control safety concern: car detects vehicle in front when there isn't and brakes sometimes hard abruptly due to misdetecting a vehicle ahead in a different lane as is it was in the car's same lane specially in curves or if the vehicle ahead but in a different lane is casting a shadow in front of car. Blind spot: blind spot detects a vehicle in the blind spot even when there's no vehicle. N... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
Electric power steering ,loses power ,on board computer lost memory ,clock went 0,active fuel management mileage recorder to 0,M/L smog number to no ready
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
I turned on the car and put the car in Reverse and when I let the brake go the car went forward instead of going backward. It does not do this everytime. It just happened once or twice. I believe this is related to another problem I have with the car which is… when I press the start button it sometimes sputters and has a hard time turning on. Lights come on at times. Warning lights come on whe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
After an alignment my steering wheel is not straight. If held straight, the car goes off the road to the right. Took it back, now it goes off to the left. Sitting still the steering wheel will turn 360 degrees around and hangs in spots when turning it back.
Incident date: Nov 7, 2023
After an alignment my steering wheel is not straight. If held straight, the car goes off the road to the right. Took it back, now it goes off to the left. Sitting still the steering wheel will turn 360 degrees around and hangs in spots when turning it back.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
Tesla's false warning incident took place in the following conditions 1. on Nov 9, 2023 7:55 AM ET 2. VA-286N Fairfax County Pkwy 3. very favorable driving conditions, sunny 48F, no ice, snow, or fog 4. at 30mph gave a false forward collision
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
I know the noise is coming from the lifters in the engine that has been nicknamed the hemi tick
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximate... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximate... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while his wife was parking the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle collided with a wall and was stopped by a curb. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was diagnosed by the manufacturer and the contact was informed that the accelerator had been depress... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and making a slight left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The con... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and making a slight left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was firm, and vehicle kept accelerating unintendedly. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty ABS module. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufact... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Buick Envision. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at slow speeds in a parking area and attempting to stop with the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failu... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
Engine overheating, leaking coolant, Engine 3 misfire, apparently it is a common issue. I have two children I drive around every day and almost had an accident when my engine started overheating. Cost of repairs outweighs current value. Check engine light is constantly on because of this. Car shaking when starting up, etc. This is too common of an issue for it not to be recalled at this point. I h... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The contact leased a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window, the rearview camera, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and was able to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The contact leased a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window, the rearview camera, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and was able to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while attempting to unbuckle the front passenger’s side seat belt, the seat belt failed to release from the buckle. After further attempts to release the buckle, the anchor assembly fractured. The contact was unable to be reassembled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
Every time the car was put into park, or when the car turned off the passenger front door would pop open. Please see concern 7 on Tesla repair invoice.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
I was traveling on Interstate 40 in Arizona in a 75 mph zone with my cruise control set at 77 mph. Suddenly and without warning the car’s emergency braking system activate despite nothing being in the roadway in front of me and no cars ahead at all. I had to take evasive measures to avoid being hit from behind by a semi truck. Approximately 10 seconds later I began receiving error messages for... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
I was traveling on Interstate 40 in Arizona in a 75 mph zone with my cruise control set at 77 mph. Suddenly and without warning the car’s emergency braking system activate despite nothing being in the roadway in front of me and no cars ahead at all. I had to take evasive measures to avoid being hit from behind by a semi truck. Approximately 10 seconds later I began receiving error messages for... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
Recently purchased a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse LT. Learned that there is an Airbag recall. However the manufacturer states that they are unable to remedy this recall.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Steering wheel went unsteady. All warning lights went off. Speedometer failed. Unable to shut off the engine and unable to detect key while having the key in place. My safety and others are at risk each time this happens due to not been able to have control of the vehicle speed while having unsteady steering wheel and not knowing of the possibility of breaks failing while trying to drive to a sa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Steering wheel went unsteady. All warning lights went off. Speedometer failed. Unable to shut off the engine and unable to detect key while having the key in place. My safety and others are at risk each time this happens due to not been able to have control of the vehicle speed while having unsteady steering wheel and not knowing of the possibility of breaks failing while trying to drive to a sa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Steering wheel went unsteady. All warning lights went off. Speedometer failed. Unable to shut off the engine and unable to detect key while having the key in place. My safety and others are at risk each time this happens due to not been able to have control of the vehicle speed while having unsteady steering wheel and not knowing of the possibility of breaks failing while trying to drive to a sa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Rear windshield shattered randomly while driving. The vehicle was brought into my local Honda dealer and they inspected/repaired the windshield, but didn't confirm if it was reproduced or anything. It seemed like it was the first time the dealer had seen the issue. Before it happened, there were no warnings. Just a pop, and the center completely missing and completely webbed out.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
Issue with brakes wearing and warping down after 10,000 miles after new brakes and rotors are replaced.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's side door failed to remain closed. The contact inspected the door and noticed three holes in the door hinge with missing screws which prevented the door from securely closing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver's side door failed to remain closed. The contact inspected the door and noticed three holes in the door hinge with missing screws which prevented the door from securely closing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
Before purchasing, it was later outlined by a different dealership/repair shop that the truck had previously had the remain replaced sometime before 21,000miles. At 25,000 miles truck was sent to West Hills Ford dealer ship for warranty work. When truck was returned, a complaint was made before leaving the dealership stating that; The motor had a slight engine shake, and the RMP's failed to hold ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The vehicle will not shut off when placed into Park. A message is displayed saying Shift to Park and I have to try jiggling and slamming the shifter to hopefully get the car to turn off. I have found that this is a known issue by GM as documented in GM Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 Of course this problem started after the GM Warranty had expired and now I am being forced to pay hundreds of dollars ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
I bought my 2019 Chevrolet Equinox brand new from Chevrolet dealership. I was driving to pick up passengers. As I drove on too the customers property I pick up my passenger in a wooded area I had to drive up a steep hill. Then I backed up into the next drive path, as I was making my turn to go forward to leave, I tried to backup to make a clear turn but my reverse gave out on me. Something got lod... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
We have had several problems with this vehicle since we bought it in 2020. It uses way too much oil for it to be new. We were told it was a common issue, but if the oil level ever gets down to a certain point, the truck acts weird. We have to put 3-5 quarts of oil in the truck in between oil changes (3,000 miles). We have put the truck in the shop several times for different issues, specifically ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Vehicle has shut off three separate times while driving. Without any warning. First time I was making a left-hand turn when it shut off. Second time I was also turning when it shut off. Third time I was crossing over a train tracks making a left hand turn when it shut off right on the edge of the track. Each time I had to turn the switch to the off position and restart it the third time it took se... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Too long for this space, I have attached a PDF with all the information Also attached "work order" picture of vehicle being towed, then pictures of the alerts these were from Sunday but were the same from Saturday through Monday. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AS I BELIEVE IT IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT A BRAND NEW CAR HAS 2 ENGINE FAILURES IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAYS! I AM HIGHLY CONCERNED IT MAY BE ANOTHER... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
Car worked fine, all the sudden it wouldn't turn over, I would put the key in and turn it and nothing would happen, I was stuck and had to catch a ride, lucky that I was able, a car company that is supposedly reliable shouldn't allow there cars to completely give out on people during the middle of winter storms and not take ownership, when the customer has taken good care of the car. Talked to sev... Read more