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: Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for an oil consumption test and oil change. The contact stated that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage wa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 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 local dealer was made aware of the issue 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... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact activated the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the brak... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
This 2019 truck feels like it just doesn’t want to go. It struggles to go up ANY hill no matter how small. The engine jumps feels like it’s got a heart beat while riding. The gas mileage is horrendous and awful the 2015 was all around a better truck I read somewhere that Toyota recalled a bunch of 2019 trucks for a gas line rip was causing fires and whatever else. I thought for sure it had to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
This 2019 truck feels like it just doesn’t want to go. It struggles to go up ANY hill no matter how small. The engine jumps feels like it’s got a heart beat while riding. The gas mileage is horrendous and awful the 2015 was all around a better truck I read somewhere that Toyota recalled a bunch of 2019 trucks for a gas line rip was causing fires and whatever else. I thought for sure it had to ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Instrument panel (dashboard) cracked at airbag. Upon deployment shrapnel from dash panel could enter passenger compartment causing injury.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
I bought the vehicle used and have had it for less than 2 months (to the date of the incident). I checked the oil before a long drive which was 2 weeks before the incident. Oil was topped off and looked and smelled fresh. I began to notice a knock followed by a check engine light for camshaft position sensor. I shut the car off immediately. When I checked the dipstick (2 weeks after our trip) ther... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2022
The steering wheel 'sticks' at highway speeds and makes it difficult to make minor adjustments. Have to apply more than normal force to turn the wheel and causes the car to overcompensate and jolt. Could be quite dangerous.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
My AWD module went out and several features of my vehicle were in-operable. I have read that this is a common problem with this vehicle, and it tends to happen around the same mileage. The failure of this module makes the pre-collision assistance fail
TESLA
MODEL S
(2014) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Oct 26, 2023
Incident date: Oct 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was shifted into drive however, the steering wheel failed to turn as intended. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a left turn, the steering suddenly became firm and would not turn as needed. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle to his destination and later drove the vehicle to a tire dealer. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he purchased four new tires and had t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Dear, I am writing to formally document a complaint regarding the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning lights actuator in my 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid, I noticed an issue with the ABS system, which prompted the activation of the warning lights on my vehicle’s dashboard. The problem I encountered involves the following: 1. ABS Warning Lights: The ABS warning lights, including t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Dear, I am writing to formally document a complaint regarding the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning lights actuator in my 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid, I noticed an issue with the ABS system, which prompted the activation of the warning lights on my vehicle’s dashboard. The problem I encountered involves the following: 1. ABS Warning Lights: The ABS warning lights, including t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
Starter replacement. This is the 2nd time we are having to replace the starter and vehicle has 85,000 miles.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
Vehicle low fuel indicators remained lighted up even after fulling up the vehicle tank. it appears is a faulty gas sensor, which if is not replaced can lead to false gasoline levels.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
DRIVING MORE THAN 70 MPH THE TRUCK STARTED TO MOVE SUDDENLY AND I COULD NOT CONTROL IT UNTIL I GOT OFF THE ROAD, UNTIL I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE TRUCK BY REDUCING THE SPEED TO 20 MPH
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
DRIVING MORE THAN 70 MPH THE TRUCK STARTED TO MOVE SUDDENLY AND I COULD NOT CONTROL IT UNTIL I GOT OFF THE ROAD, UNTIL I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE TRUCK BY REDUCING THE SPEED TO 20 MPH
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
Paint is coming off of hood. Nothing was hit. Nothing fell on top of car.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Service Stabilitrak & Power Steering light comes on after initial start up or in the middle of driving intermittently cause car to jolt back & forth while driving which can cause an accident if someone or car is near, could hear that car was attempting to lock & unlock doors while errors appear on dash. When changing gears a jolt and loud knock sounds occurs, now check engine light appears, this h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Service Stabilitrak & Power Steering light comes on after initial start up or in the middle of driving intermittently cause car to jolt back & forth while driving which can cause an accident if someone or car is near, could hear that car was attempting to lock & unlock doors while errors appear on dash. When changing gears a jolt and loud knock sounds occurs, now check engine light appears, this h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2023
Service Stabilitrak & Power Steering light comes on after initial start up or in the middle of driving intermittently cause car to jolt back & forth while driving which can cause an accident if someone or car is near, could hear that car was attempting to lock & unlock doors while errors appear on dash. When changing gears a jolt and loud knock sounds occurs, now check engine light appears, this h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
Car stalls when auto idle stop, have to put back in park to start car
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
My car was in idle and suddenly all of these lights come on the dash board. The traction control light, brake system light, power steering light, the brake light, and the abs light. I was told that this was a abs module issue and the dealership haven't figured out how to remedy those that come in for this same issue.
Incident date: May 1, 2023
See attached document from complainant
Incident date: May 1, 2023
No issues with the car since I bought it new and was dedicated to regular Maintenance. Less than a week after a regular scheduled oil change and driving on the main interstate highway cruising at 65mph, the car just suddenly jerked. I thought I had blown a tire but the Brake light came on and then soon after the engine light came on. I was able to get off the highway but the acceleration decreased... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
I was driving from Austin to Houston on 5-Sep-2023 when the car stop from 70MPH to zero w/no reason and nothing in front of us; this phantom stop event is real - my daughter and wife were very scared and made me not use the adaptative cruise control for the rest of the trip. I don't have paid for FSD, I was very upset because was the start of the trip and I did not use the car for 2+ hours trip s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
I was driving from Austin to Houston on 5-Sep-2023 when the car stop from 70MPH to zero w/no reason and nothing in front of us; this phantom stop event is real - my daughter and wife were very scared and made me not use the adaptative cruise control for the rest of the trip. I don't have paid for FSD, I was very upset because was the start of the trip and I did not use the car for 2+ hours trip s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The Abs module and hydraulic control unit have been out on my truck for a year and a half. No abs, no cruise control, no back up camera and no 4wd. Ram has discontinued the parts with nothing to replace them.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The Abs module and hydraulic control unit have been out on my truck for a year and a half. No abs, no cruise control, no back up camera and no 4wd. Ram has discontinued the parts with nothing to replace them.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V440000 (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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms pa... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The backup camera does not come up all the time. Sometimes it shows a blank screen or if it does show the camera picture is on the opposite side then what it show(backwards). Thank you
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The backup camera does not come up all the time. Sometimes it shows a blank screen or if it does show the camera picture is on the opposite side then what it show(backwards). Thank you
Incident date: May 1, 2023
It is unreasonable that the safety recall on the airbags has not yet been resolved. The recall was issued in April 2023 and there is still no resolution coming. For passengers, this is a critical safety hazard.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
Vehicle had oil change prior to oil change date/miles, drove vehicle less than 2 miles away from Oil shop. low oil pressure light turned on. Was unable to drive it back home. Was taken to ford dealership and was notified I need a new engine due to "metal shavings found in engine"
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The sunroof sunshade is the specific component that has malfunctioned. It is readily visible and accessible for inspection upon request. A mechanic or technician can visually inspect the sunshade to assess the extent of the damage. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Excess... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2023
Windshield trim flew off on the Highway could of struck another vehicle. But thankfully no one was behind us.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for approximately six months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. There was no warning light illuminated and the mechanic was unable to retrieve ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The screen for the radio and other function is not operable. Occasional glitches to work but has lines all over the screen or is completely blank. I am unable to see navigations or use majority of the functions for the climate controls at all. I have taken it to a Jeep dealership and they have advised needing a whole new replacement which is going to cost a little ove $1,000. I have searched onlin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the infotainment screen fractured, and the contact was unable to identify the controls while activating the screen. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer who stated that the infotainment screen needed to be replaced; however, the part needed to repair the infotainment screen had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV. The contact stated that the infotainment screen fractured, and the contact was unable to identify the controls while activating the screen. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer who stated that the infotainment screen needed to be replaced; however, the part needed to repair the infotainment screen had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2023
See attached document from complainant
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
While stopped at a stoplight, the assisted steering feature stopped working. It was incredibly difficult to steer my car safely off the street, and was fortunate to not end up in an accident. I took my car to Tesla to be serviced, and they told me that they couldn’t re-create it, and it was most likely a one time issue, disregarding that other Teslas have been recalled for a similar issue.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
I was driving to work when the rear window spontaneously shattered. It was about 33 degrees and I had the rear defroster on.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
The ABS and traction control lights come on intermittinly.code c0020-01 for pump motor control was the diagnosis.This truck has a total of 8211 miles.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
This is a 2016 GMC all wheel Terrain. Over the past several years when accelerating the car would shake violently, because we could not reenact dealership could not diagnose the problem ,however as the issue has gotten worse we have been able to recreate and diagnose AND we are looking at a $2,000 repair based on a known ISSUE which DID NOT lead to a recall. The ACTUAL ENGINE IN ITS ENTIRETY SHAK... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V566000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) 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. While the contact was driving at approximately 3... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The recall on airbags is not able to be done. I do not feel safe using my vehicle until work is done to drivers side airbag. I need a rental car to use in place of my 2015 Enclave. Help is needed with this issue immediately.
Incident date: Oct 21, 2023
when using the turn signals, either way, the headlights cut off. sometimes they flicker back on and sometimes they stay off.