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 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that after arriving at her destination, the vehicle failed to shift into reverse. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission dual clutch and shifter cable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Randomly fails to start. New batteries installed and still fails to start at random times
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
VEHICLE REAR AXLES CLICK WHEN YOU PLACE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND DRIVE THIS IS THE CV AXLES BREAKING EVENTUALLY LEADING TO POWER LOSS.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
Loss of power steering making vehicle very hard to steer. The day before power steering was lost, steering became step like - not turning smoothly but in incremental steps. The problem was confirmed by Tesla service and repair has been performed.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
I bought my vehicle in 2010 Brand New I did not have the vehicle less the 5 years when the volume on the sterring wheel stopped working , then my horn stopped working and someone backen into me, my cruise control does not work sometimes the wheel locks on me turning then the airbag light Pop on and they wanted to charge me hundreds of dollars to fix to and sometimes when I Start the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My clock spring isn’t working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I can’t use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. I’ve paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. I’m still awaiting reimbursement. Further review and assistance needed.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The driver side front seat side shield panel cracked two months after vehicle was purchased new. It was replaced under warranty at the Toyota dealership. It cracked again three months later and was replaced again by the Toyota dealership. About 3-4 months later, it cracked again and was replaced by the Toyota dealership. This was on 04-21-23. On June 29, 2023, it cracked again for the fourth ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The 2023 GLC300 would not start. The internal alarms kept going off, the push-start/stop would not respond. The vehicle was acting like it was being stolen, this lasted for 75 to 80 minutes. The display said 12V On-Board Electrical System Service Required and Blind Spot Assist Inoperative - over and over again. Couldn't get the key to make car lock or unlock. The car would not turn on, it would no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed and the turning signals were activated, the vehicle felt as if the transmission had improperly shifted. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake pedal, motherboard, and taillight assembly had failed and needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed and the turning signals were activated, the vehicle felt as if the transmission had improperly shifted. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake pedal, motherboard, and taillight assembly had failed and needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
ABS failed, cruise control and traction control are inop as a result. The risk is loss of ABS when traveling, especially on wet or snow and ice covered roads. It has not been inspected by a mechanic. The failure light is on in the dash cluster and I have clearly lost traction control and cruise control. This began on July 31, 2023.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sportage. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V703000 (Trailer Hitches) 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 contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle shuddered. The dealer was made awa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
The contact owns a 1999 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical power inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. Additionally, the contact stated that the instrument pan... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
while backing into a parking spot between 2 cars in a parking lot the reverse auto braking engaged. when going into forward the car accelerated and crashed into cement wall about 10-15 feet ahead. Just occurred so no other info available.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
Compressor fails causing cooling of the battery to fail and AC in the car not to work. System sais AC reduced charging reduced. No Air at all. It seems to be a very common issue. This seems unsafe and is a major expense to fix. $2300+
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
My door latches fail to secure door and it went open while the vehicle was being driven. It happened in a long distance trip around 6-8 times. Both driver and passenger doors were opening while driving on the high speed.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while her daughter was attempting to drive from a complete stop, she depressed the brake pedal, but the brake pedal was firm. The contact stated that her daughter stood on the brake pedal and the brake responded as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter parked the vehicle because it ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking spot, she depressed the brake pedal, however, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and crashed into the windows of a store. There was no warning light illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Coolant bypass valve just gave out on car was informed by dealership that this is an ongoing problem with my make of car.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
I am now experiencing the second instance of the "death wobble". The first instance was at approximately 20,000 miles. Ford repaired this previously but now the problem has returned; at 50,000 miles. I reported the first instance to nhtsa. My vehicle's left front wheel began shaking violently, as if I had a blow out, upon driving over a rough pavement joint. I was driving 65 mph in lane two ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
235/60R18 Tire leak & brittle texture
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
The ADAS regularly brakes suddenly for no apparent reason. There does not seem to be a consistent reason. Yesterday, during a 90 mile drive EB on the interstate in the afternoon it braked (scaring us) suddenly so often that it made cruise control more of a hazard than a help. This morning between 9-11 am, westbound on the same interstate it braked suddenly 20-30 times. This sudden braking is dange... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Driving at speed limit (70MPH) on Interstate 5. Was using cruise control. On 5 occasions, driving N, then S 4 days later, car braked suddenly with no obstacle or vehicle within 50 yards.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Driving at speed limit (70MPH) on Interstate 5. Was using cruise control. On 5 occasions, driving N, then S 4 days later, car braked suddenly with no obstacle or vehicle within 50 yards.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Driving at speed limit (70MPH) on Interstate 5. Was using cruise control. On 5 occasions, driving N, then S 4 days later, car braked suddenly with no obstacle or vehicle within 50 yards.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Motor coolant went into engine cylinders and over heats and now my vehicle won't run.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving vehicle displays "Service Advance Trac", "Pre collision assist not available", "hill assist not available" and the drive mode will not work. Brake lights are also on all the time as well. Dealership says the vehicles steering column needs to be replaced only 2 months after purchase. Dealer has diagnosed the issue but did not provide codes.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
While driving making left and right turns a clicking noise was noticed. Vehicle also felt like it was engaged in 4wd when making turns on loose pavement by skipping, vehicle confirmed to be in 2wd mode. Vehicle has less than 10,000 miles. Dealership was able to determine that the noise was coming from the front hubs and saw metal shavings.Chevy Dealership suggested to have both front hubs replace... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aw... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Dear Tesla Customer Support, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my extreme concern and disappointment regarding a serious malfunction I experienced with my Tesla vehicle, Model Y, on 08/01/2023. The incident has left me deeply troubled and has raised significant questions about the safety and reliability of your vehicles. On the aforementioned date, while I was driving my ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door latch had failed, and the door would not remain closed securely. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V177000 (L... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Summary: Loss of power steering/inability to steer the vehicle occurred twice (7/16/23 & 7/29/23). Issue appears consistent with Investigation PE 23-014. Other functionality was also lost on each occurrence. Details: 7/16/23 - Driver entered the car and immediately received several alerts including Steering assist reduced, stability controlled disabled, traction control disabled, Lane departur... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
At 59,900 miles on a 2016 Discovery Sport that has never been in a collision and maintained by LandRover Dealership, the Left front brake line blew while my 22 year old medical student son was driving the car. Fortunately he was "in-town" and was going about 20 mph when he suddenly lost brake power and was able to stop the car by gearing down and without accident. Car towed to LandRover Dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
I bought this vehicle few weeks ago from the Honda Bellevue, Washington state. After one week or more, all warning signal were presented and we could smell strong gasoline inside cabin when all windows were closed. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they couldn't figure out the problem but only updated the software for me. After the checkup, me and my family smelled gasoline twice. I am so w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?: I got delivery of my new Model Y and odometer was reading 3 miles, i took the delivery and drove 10 miles and it stuck the steering wheel , "rear motor got disabled alert" and vehicle went to slow speed on freeway all of sudden, i had truck behind me it would ended up very bad for me and family, i h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal with force due to a traffic slow down, and the vehicle stalled while depressing the brake pedal. The contact was coasting and placed the vehicle in neutral(N) and attempted to restart the vehicle and the vehicle failed to start. The contact coasted to the center ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
8/2/23 3:15 p.m. While starting to accellerate from a 4 way stop, the vehicle suddenly displayed a large red icon on the dash and slammed on the brakes bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. It was quite a violent stop and had there been passengers in the vehicle, they could have been hurt. Also, had there been another vehicle behind me, I could have been rear ended. There was another vehicle ap... Read more
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
Front passenger safety restraint system fault intermittently appears and disappears. Might be defect of manufacture of harness squezed. Lots of users are complaining about said and manufacture wants $500 to repair what seems to be a recall. https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/front-passenger-safety-restraint-system-fault.161485/page-5#post-7714894
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
Tboned in an intersection, jeep rolled over multiple times, no airbags deployed. checked online, no recalls in effect so they should have gone off.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while driving 74 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle experienced phantom braking and decelerated to 20 MPH before returning to normal operation. The contact stated that the failure recurred three times. The contact stated that moments later with the cruise control still activated, the vehicle seemed to enter self-driving mode... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning into a parking lot, the front driver's side door inadvertently opened. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that he had applied tape to the door to keep the door closed. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Car suddenly stalled out and stopped. Restarted and stalled again, and several more times. Diagnosed with fuel pump failure.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML320. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and other various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that she refilled the power steering reservoir several times and noted that there was a stain underneath her vehicle after parking overnight. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact ha... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2023
I was stopped before turning left into a parking space. I was driving slowly. The car stopped but I did not engage the brake as a Tesla will stop once the foot is removed from the accelerator. At that point the car leaped forward at full speed hitting parts of a building and a fence. I did NOT step on the accelerator. No one was injured. The airbags did not deploy even though there was $17,000... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 24, 2023
Toyota didn't install new fuel pump in my car. I set it up to be done when I had the air bags done. They did the air bags but never did the fuel pump recall. I've been fighting with them ever since. Now my fuel pump is going out. My car stalls when I put any amount of gas in it. I'm afraid it will stall while I'm driving which is why there is a recall on the part.
Incident date: May 24, 2023
Paint on roof of my 2013 Honda Pilot. First bubbled up the white paint - now 2 large areas the size of basketballs just above the front window. The paint has chipped off and the metal shows underneath. Have an appt to bring to dealer to inspect. Heard its common on 2013-14 Honda's in white. This brings down the value! My vehicle only has 100k.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Can’t the start the truck, it shows “stop safety”
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Can’t the start the truck, it shows “stop safety”
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Toyota has installed several parts on my 2016 corolla that were previous years' parts. In previous complaints, the tires (under 11,000 miles) started to dry rot. When filing the warranty repair, the dealerships and Toyota tried to claim that it was normal. After deep investigation, it was found that the tires were actually over a YEAR older than the release of the vehicle. The tire warranty st... Read more