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: Jun 5, 2023
The welding spots on the fort broke off.
Incident date: May 15, 2023
The car has a tendency when I’m on rural highways to suddenly emergency brake when I have the auto pilot on
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The car has a tendency when I’m on rural highways to suddenly emergency brake when I have the auto pilot on
Incident date: Jul 21, 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 contacted. 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. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
Dealer wants to replace rear lower control arms due to corrosion and the car control arms were never addressed when I took it into the dealer for recall 16V458. The dealer was supposed to add a anti corrosion spray to the control arms in the front and back. The corrosion is very bad with these parts on my car and I am very concerned about safety.
Incident date: May 8, 2023
The cruise control for keeping the car in the lane never worked correctly . The car had to be towed to 1805 N Pepper Ln, Liberty Lake, WA 99019. Tesla had our new Tesla for two days and fixed the problem. When the car steering when out I was in restaurant parking lot and only drove less than a mile to our Spokane hotel . Waiting two extra days in Spokane was a major pain and loss of two days o... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
I experienced multiple dangerous phantom braking instances on Eastbound I10 between Van Horn and Ozona, Texas when the TACC system was in use. The car is on firmware 2023.20.9. There were no obstructions in the road and no traffic in front of the vehicle when the car suddenly braked going from 80mph to 50mph in a second before I could take control and accelerate. In two instances, cars were behind... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
I experienced multiple dangerous phantom braking instances on Eastbound I10 between Van Horn and Ozona, Texas when the TACC system was in use. The car is on firmware 2023.20.9. There were no obstructions in the road and no traffic in front of the vehicle when the car suddenly braked going from 80mph to 50mph in a second before I could take control and accelerate. In two instances, cars were behind... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
Slipping of transmission in my Ford Focus 2018 SE With transmission not in-gaging fully and sluggish have difficulty with it not pulling up hills. My vehicle has an automatic transmission, not a clutch. Had repair vehicle about 2 years ago. Under supposed recall. Vehicle is now reacting the same as before. I am not sure what the previous repairs entailed. However, the vehicle has ran fine until ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
Car has randomly turned off and not turned on. Jeep has had car for over 3 months, charged me over $4K and has yet to find a solution
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
December 2022 two weeks after I leased the vehicle from Roush Honda, due to severe cold weather the driver side mirror cracked and I immediately reported to the dealer with photos via email communication. For 4 months I drove the car unsafely unable to use the driver side mirror, this caused anxiety, stress and dangerous especially merging on the free way and change left late. 4 months after, in ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2023
I was on my way to work driving on the freeway and suddenly I felt a sort of shaking from the car. I then exited the freeway and approached a red light. When the light turned green, my car moved some but then was stalled so I was stuck in the middle of an intersection. Luckily, I wasn’t too far from my job and I was able to eventually ease my way the next few miles. I was later told by a mechani... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2023
I was on my way to work driving on the freeway and suddenly I felt a sort of shaking from the car. I then exited the freeway and approached a red light. When the light turned green, my car moved some but then was stalled so I was stuck in the middle of an intersection. Luckily, I wasn’t too far from my job and I was able to eventually ease my way the next few miles. I was later told by a mechani... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated while pulling into the driveway, the vehicle accelerated at high-speed causing the vehicle to strike a wall at the contact resident. The contact stated the brake assist did not activate. The vehicle had major front-end damages. The contact's resident wall was damaged. Both the contact's wife who was driving and the passenger suffered concus... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition switch had to be turned several times before the vehicle started. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and shuddered while changing gear, with the check engine light warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who determined that th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact initially took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that there was an unknown sensor fault with the vehicle. The contact then took the vehicle to another independent mechanic who informed him that the camshaft bolts were loosened, and the co... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
The steering wheel clicks when turning and even when trying to drive straight. The car requires more effort to stay in lane and potential safety concerns include total loss of steering while driving. This is a known problem with Hyundai's Electric Steering Flex Coupler. There are many reports of this issue online and it seems Hyundai issued an extended warranty until 100,000 miles for this issue b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she depressed the brake pedal and heard a hissing sound, and the brake pedal became firm and difficult to depress. The contact stated that she applied added pressure to the brake pedal however, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the vehicle coasted to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the d... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
Tire Size 235/65R18 Tires are under 40,000 miles and especially passenger right tread is gone. Tire’s already need to be replaced. The tire won’t hold air. No puncture anywhere, went to dealership and they couldn’t believe that the tires are so worn down already with such low mileage. I tried contacting Bridgstone they dismissed any concerns. I've been trying to get some help. These tires s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved but failed to respond as intended. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she drove the vehicle off the highway and onto an exit ramp and eventually the veh... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
I’m reporting a engine failure in my 2014 Chevy Cruze due to anti-freeze leak I took my vehicle the the Jefferson Chevrolet dealership for repair and they charge me over $3,700 in repairs and then told I had engine failure now my vehicle sitting in the driveway non-repaired. Also being dealing with the dealership every since January 31, 2023
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Vehicle does not allow driver to driven uphill when packed uphill but keeps rolling down the hill even upon being throttled. Also emergency brake goes not catch but locks the wheel. Chevy diagnosed the issues agreed is manufacture defect, parties contracted agreement singed for repairs at no cost. Upon arrival of parts Roseville Chevrolet wanted $4,500 be paid said it was out of warrantee contrari... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Vehicle does not allow driver to driven uphill when packed uphill but keeps rolling down the hill even upon being throttled. Also emergency brake goes not catch but locks the wheel. Chevy diagnosed the issues agreed is manufacture defect, parties contracted agreement singed for repairs at no cost. Upon arrival of parts Roseville Chevrolet wanted $4,500 be paid said it was out of warrantee contrari... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
The car completely stalled on the freeway. Giving less than 20 secs of warning that the vechicle will shut down. I got over from the fast lane to middle lane and car shut down. I had to call 911 and tow truck. I towed it to tesla and they said the rear unit failed… car was just purchased new a few months before this.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
When driving in I Pedal mode (which is the one-pedal mode), the brake lights do not light up when decelerating, and it almost caused us to be rear-ended yesterday. Drivers pull aside me and tell me my brake lights don't properly come on when I slow down. Apparently this defect was on the national news several months ago and Hyundai promised a software fix by mid-July. I was just at the Carlsbad... Read more
Incident date: Apr 8, 2023
When driving in I Pedal mode (which is the one-pedal mode), the brake lights do not light up when decelerating, and it almost caused us to be rear-ended yesterday. Drivers pull aside me and tell me my brake lights don't properly come on when I slow down. Apparently this defect was on the national news several months ago and Hyundai promised a software fix by mid-July. I was just at the Carlsbad... Read more
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Passport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V174000 (Visibility) 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had n... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power and there was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) was replaced; however, several months later, the failure recurred. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Camp... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V215000 (Air Bags) 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 her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light il... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
Having a VCM system problem on vehicle, tighten gas cap, check engine light, vtm-4 light, misfire in 3. Took to Buerkle Buick after reading about class action lawsuit. They were absolutely no help. Said without a code could not help. Bought new gas cap and replaced purge valve, changed oil. Good for a bit then car went into limp mode. Took to a local mechanic, he adjusted valves, ran great but ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
1. The engine and turbos failed making the car un-driveable. 2. My safety was put at risk because I had to immediately pull my car off the road in fear that my car would completely fail or catch fire. 3. Yes 4. There were no warnings prior to the failure. It failed out of nowhere. Proper maintenance was done.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle for approximately one hour, there was a knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. A knocking sound was heard while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the sound ceased after shifting to park. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the failure h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X1. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, a secure vehicle brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the shift lock solenoid needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Incident date: May 7, 2023
According to Ford dealership, the coolant has leaked in to the engine and Ford knows about thr problem. My car is out of warranty and thr only assistance for is offering is 40% of the 8000 to replace the parts.
Incident date: May 7, 2023
The contact owns a 1999 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated, and the instrument gauges failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
Engine maintenance notification came on and car was taken in for diagnosis. It seem the coolant bypass valve was the issue and this seems to be an issue for Camry's, Corrolas, and the RAV4s. Toyota wanted to charge an outrageous amount to fix this when it is a known issue across the board and is widely talked about online through research.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
Rack and pinion steering assembly failed. Had to replace epas gear assembly and pmi module.
Incident date: May 20, 2023
Vehicle was taken into the Fleet Division of Joe Cooper Ford on or around March 30th 2023 for the Active Windshield recall. On that visit, they were notified that the windshield had already been replaced by Safelite on March 18th 2021 due to a crack that compromised the windshield's integrity. After the vehicle being in their possession for ~13 days, they stated that all they needed was a copy of... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
My main car display is dying and it’s also my way into the car, diagnostic reporting and navigation. Navigating is harder with out main display freezing or not working at all. Also my blind spot sensor goes off at random times in which nobody had a answer for me on a fix for that.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The vehicle is reporting a right passenger restraint error message on the screen. Tesla "fixed the sensor" in 2021 under warranty. Now the same issue is present and Tesla says they have to replace the senor again with a newer one which is now no longer compliant with the OCS system or the air bag. They are charging customers $1600 to replace the sensor, OCS and airbag, all of which are safety spec... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, a low oil pressure warning light illuminated intermittently, and the gears failed to shift as designed. The contact also stated that the front of the vehicle was shaking, causing an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to a dealer the low oil pressure sensor was replaced. After the repair, the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, a low oil pressure warning light illuminated intermittently, and the gears failed to shift as designed. The contact also stated that the front of the vehicle was shaking, causing an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to a dealer the low oil pressure sensor was replaced. After the repair, the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
FROM THE TIME I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE THEIR WAS A POPPING NOISE WHEN I TURN STEERING WHEEL I PURCHASED AT CARMAX AND TOOK IT BACK TWO OR THREE TIMES THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG..I TOOK.IT TO SEWELL CADILLAC THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG..IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN I TOOK TO STERLING CADILLAC THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG.MY LAST OIL CHANGE WAS AT STERLING CADILLAC IN BRYAN TX A FEW WEEKS TO A MONTH AGO NOW TH... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
warning lights on the instrument cluster, hesitation loss of power while traveling at highway speed
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
Vehicle check engine light continues to turn on. Auto Zone diagnostics show engine misfire. Ford states that coolant is leaking into the engine and that vehicle needs a new engine. Engine coolant overheat message continues to pop up, car shakes and engine is HOT. Engine fire could occur, car could break down in an instant, putting my family's safety at risk. Ford previously recalled certain 2013 ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
Car was sitting under carport and the rear windshield exploded. Nothing hit it.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The car has lost power while driving multiple times. It was in the shop for many months more than once regarding the issue. An error came on the screen saying “vehicle speed may be reduced” then it stopped. The most recent time. After the recall fix. I got a second warning telling me to pull over because the car was going to stop. I barely made it off the highway into a parking lot. The ti... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
When setting remote control and the vehicle needs to speed up there are times when the vehicle will lunge forward. When in lower gears there are times when the vehicle is like trying to find a gear. No accident at this time. I have asked if there have been any recalls on this through the company and they said no.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
Phantom Braking. When there are refractions on the road seen in my lane in bright sunshine. Also in a 2-lane highway with oncoming vehicles that have lots of chrome also in bright sunshine. Never happens at night or when cruise control not enabled.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
My 2015 ford explorer water pump has failed sending coolant all over. The water pump in an internal component of the engine. I am lucky that I caught the water pump failure when I did and it didn’t completely catastrophically fail. There are numerous reports that the water pumps catastrophically fail and send coolant and metal particles into the motor causing it to also catastrophically fail. If... Read more