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: Jul 28, 2023
While driving on the interstate at 85 mph on a straight flat road, with no other vehicles around, the car suddenly and violently braked. Car was in autopilot beta mode. However, this has happened before while only using cruise control. This happened twice only minutes apart. This issue is typically called phantom braking.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
I was using autopilot on the car. A truck with a long truck bed was in front of me. I was getting really close to the truck bed and realize the my Tesla Model Y was not identifying the truck bed. There were no collision warning so I braked 3-4 feet away from the truck bed when I saw that the car was not braking on its own. I submit some pictures that shows the Tesla identifying that the truck is a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
I was using autopilot on the car. A truck with a long truck bed was in front of me. I was getting really close to the truck bed and realize the my Tesla Model Y was not identifying the truck bed. There were no collision warning so I braked 3-4 feet away from the truck bed when I saw that the car was not braking on its own. I submit some pictures that shows the Tesla identifying that the truck is a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions to have the transmission serviced; however, the failure would return soon after each repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Alternator failed while driving with no signs or warning. No emergency lamps came on. The air conditioning nearly quit blowing suddenly while driving and a high pitch whine was heard that corresponded to the acceleration. Then I began to smell burning. By the time I pulled over, smoke was coming out from under the hood. It is now in the shop having the alternator replaced.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
Purchased 4 new Firestone Destination LE3 P245/75/R16 tires. I immediately noticed my truck vibrating a lot. The higher rhe speed , the bigger vibration. I took it back twice. The service tech. Indicated that he balanced them, so i took them to another service station. Two front tires wrre determined to be egg-shaped and could not be balanced. They were also noticably a different color than ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
My kia Sorento 2016 uses excessive amount of oil resulting in engine failure. At the moment my car need an engine replacement. I took my car to get a diagnostic at the auto shop, I was informed that my car engine was dying. I did some searching online, and I find out that Kia Sorento are known to have engine issues and unusual excessive consumption of oil.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
When vehicle comes to a complete stop once auto stop engages vehicle turns off completely. Unable to start again after many attempts. Vehicle always needs to be towed back to the dealership.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the instrument panel and display screen was very dim, reducing driver visibility. The contact stated that there was condensation built up around the windows during rainy weather, causing an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the condensation reduced the visibility while driving. The contact called the dealer and s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the instrument panel and display screen was very dim, reducing driver visibility. The contact stated that there was condensation built up around the windows during rainy weather, causing an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the condensation reduced the visibility while driving. The contact called the dealer and s... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 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. 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 manufacturer was made... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Blind Spot warning has never worked since delivery in May, picks up bushes and fences but not cars. I am attaching a poll that was done in our Facebook group that was just for the 2023 EKKOs, there are so many others that originally had this problem.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The proximity sensor alerts do not work with Tesla vision and resulted in a minor collision with adjacent vehicle while manually parking. With the removal of the ultrasonic sensors from the alert system, Tesla is not reliable anymore for distance warning and is responsible for accidents to to the false sense of confidence provided by that system
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Subframe completely rusted through and has broken in the back portion of the car. This risks catastrophic failure at highway speeds where the loose subframe can cause rear wheels to move outside of safe bounds. No warnings are given on the car and it is so hidden underneath that a normal inspection can miss it. Now car has dramatic clanging noise every bump and risks failure every time we drive.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while parking, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, jumped the curb, and crashed into a building. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. The passenger's front seat occupant sustained injuries to her hand. The passenger rear seat occupant sustained injuries to her neck, and medical atten... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while performing a daily oil check, the contact became aware that the oil level was low while checking the dipstick. The contact added oil and contacted the dealer and was advised that oil should be added. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty had expired... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle pulled to the left. There was a significant stopping distance delay. The brake warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on several occasions, and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
I have a 2019 Model 3 and yesterday, while making a left turn and applying pressure to the brake, receiving feedback from the brake, my car lurched forward for about half a second. I thought I may have been rear ended, but no one was behind me. This has happened on the freeway before as well. I'll be accelerating at a totally even place and BAM, I'll jolt forward out of nowhere. On the rare occa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
I have a 2019 Model 3 and yesterday, while making a left turn and applying pressure to the brake, receiving feedback from the brake, my car lurched forward for about half a second. I thought I may have been rear ended, but no one was behind me. This has happened on the freeway before as well. I'll be accelerating at a totally even place and BAM, I'll jolt forward out of nowhere. On the rare occa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 1990 Ford Thunderbird equipped with Goodyear Tire, Tire Line: Viva 3 A/S, Tire Size: 250/70/R15, DOT Number: PJ34KB1R0219. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she became aware that the rear driver’s side tire was shaking abnormally. The contact took the vehicle to the Walmart where the tires were purchased and was informed that there were blisters on each tire and the tir... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 1990 Ford Thunderbird equipped with Goodyear Tire, Tire Line: Viva 3 A/S, Tire Size: 250/70/R15, DOT Number: PJ34KB1R0219. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, she became aware that the rear driver’s side tire was shaking abnormally. The contact took the vehicle to the Walmart where the tires were purchased and was informed that there were blisters on each tire and the tir... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Previous issues with brakes, suspension, leaking sunroof, electrical and gauges. Vehicle became disabled due to defect with coolant system, smoke from engine compartment, towed to Monterery Volvo (dealership/service center identified issues with coolant leak present turbo & cooling Plastic pipe. Cruise control-Vacuum Pump: Found vacuum pump leaking oil. Estimated repair $5,414.38
Fire
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated while pressing the button to automatically close the driver’s and passenger’s side sliding doors, the doors stopped halfway and failed to close properly. The contact was able to manually push the doors close. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V437000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) but the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
ABS and Traction control lights on. ABS Code C0020-01 ABS pump motor general electrical failure. See you recently posted some information regarding 2017-18 Ram 2500 -3500 trucks. Lots of complaints on Ram Truck forums. Lots of problems with HCU and ABS Contollers. SHOULD BE A RECALL. No braking problems...(yet)
Incident date: May 26, 2023
I was traveling on the 8 freeway in Az going around 80 passing a tractor trailer. I had the cruise control on. Then the car breaks for no reason dropping me to 50 mph. It happened maybe 3 other times on that trip. Maybe 10 times since I purchased the car 5 months ago
Incident date: May 26, 2023
Replaced engine 6 months ago only to have the same problem again engine is locked won't start cut off while driving excessive oil consumption
Incident date: May 26, 2023
While trying to pass big rig on freeway my car went into lymph mode and stalled causing the car behind me to brake and almost caused an accident. My engine light came on & after getting it checked out I retrieve the following code P0002. After doing some research it appears this is an ongoing issue with this year and model of car.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
My car cameras and audio will randomly stop working. Come to find out I took a recording with a timestamp of 1151 pm where I am on the highway and driving. Have witnesses of me driving and the issue. My model 3 logs, as stated by service technician, say my vehicle is "Parked and not being operated". This means I am driving with potentially dangerous and absolutely unreliable software in my car. It... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE BOTH RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE, AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS DIRECTLY WITH THE CHEVROLET DEALER FROM WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW, AND THE CHEVROLET EV CONCIERGE. THERE ARE NO INCIDENTS TO REPORT, OTHER THAN THE INABILITY TO RESOLVE BOTH RECALLS IN A TIMELY MANNER
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE BOTH RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE, AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS DIRECTLY WITH THE CHEVROLET DEALER FROM WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT NEW, AND THE CHEVROLET EV CONCIERGE. THERE ARE NO INCIDENTS TO REPORT, OTHER THAN THE INABILITY TO RESOLVE BOTH RECALLS IN A TIMELY MANNER
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Head light wire is out , electrical wire is messing up . Car is shaking bad and won’t start . Air bag light is on
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
On three separate occasions, after stopping at a traffic light or in a parking lot, I was unable to move my car. The first time, the transmission dropped into neutral and I was unable to get it to any other gear . I had to turn off and restart the car multiple times to get it into gear. I was on a heavily trafficked road with multiple cars behind me at the light. Turned my flashers on and pra... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
I was driving on the highway on Tesla enhanced auto pilot when traffic came to a stop I’d notice my Tesla model X was not about to stop nor slow down for the stopped traffic so at the last minute I had to slam on my brakes and swerved to the right lane where I was hit by a truck pulling a trailer which subsequently rammed me into the truck I was trying to avoid rear ending after Teslas forward c... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
Low brake power warning randomly comes and now the brakes are not working. Also having intermittent ics malfunction problems.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
Low brake power warning randomly comes and now the brakes are not working. Also having intermittent ics malfunction problems.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Computer will suddenly error out and cruise control, AEB, forward collision warnings, and lane keep assist are not available. A warning "cruise control unavailable" shows if you attempt to engage autopilot or FSD. No forward collision warnings, no auto slowing down. Not docked for close following. No visualizations made. Not resolved with soft or hard reboot. Sometimes will randomly will allo... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
I reported multiple times to Mercedes USA that the vehicle was experiencing electrical issues as I was periodically loosing power and/or control over the vehicle. The vehicle was returned twice to the dealership but the problem always came back pretty much immediately. On the day of the accident, I was driving the vehicle on a straight road. The road was a little bit humid as it has been raining f... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
I reported multiple times to Mercedes USA that the vehicle was experiencing electrical issues as I was periodically loosing power and/or control over the vehicle. The vehicle was returned twice to the dealership but the problem always came back pretty much immediately. On the day of the accident, I was driving the vehicle on a straight road. The road was a little bit humid as it has been raining f... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 31, 2023
Starting on July 12th, 2023, my audio control module stopped working, so there was no sound in my car. I took it into my primary dealership (Bob Maxey Ford of Howell) on July 19th, 2023, they deemed that it was the ACM and order a new one. My navigation and my adaptive cruise control acted funny as well, with my navigation not lining up with my actual location. Fast forward to the weekend just a c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
Car steering wheel became “sticky” and “jerky” and felt like lane keeping assistance was on preventing car from turning properly. Clicking noise and scraping started. Took to dealership and was told new tires required. Aware of multiple service bulletins and March 2023 class action regarding steering. Took to different dealership who is charging $3800 to replace steering rack. Allegedly no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Car has a small capacitive touch button for horn instead of center-press. During emergency incidents, it is not possible to react quickly and hit the horn, which has led to several near-misses due to a delay in alerting other drivers with the horn while searching for the horn button, which moves as the wheel (yoke) turns.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
on June 23, 2023, had all the dashboards' lights came on and rough running Mechanicville. Honda say it high-pressure fuel pump replaced it for 1800 dollars. Then on July 23, 2023, all dashboards' lights came on again then they say it's the fuel injectors need to be replaced at 1900 dollars. All this while driving at highway speed someone is going to get killed because the car has fuel problems
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the engine misfiring. The messages "Service Parking Brake" and "Service ESC" were displayed. The check engine warning light was also illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that cylinder ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, the contact was informed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was app... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
In early July, 2023 various warning and fault lights began to show on the dashboard: engine start system, brake lights, start/stop system, and others - indicating malfunctions with systems important to safety. Also, the car alarm system sounded without cause and key pods would not lock/unlock the doors electronically. These warning lights proliferated over several days. We took our car into our... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
I was in the middle of a turn when someone veered into my lane. I tried to honk my horn to warn the other driver, but I couldn’t find it. The button was on the other side of the steering because the yoke was turned. I couldn’t find the horn button in time to avert a collision. Fortunately I was able to steer away in time.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2023
The car accelerates very choppy. I’ve also been getting a warning saying “ENGINE FAULT, SERVICE NOW.” I’m not sure what is wrong with it, it still drives as of right now and there is no recall for me to get it fixed.
Incident date: Dec 25, 2020
My 2016 Jeep Cheroke with 75,000 miles started to show a yellow 4WD service light. It would come on and off. I brought it to a Jeep service repair center, where it currently sits, and they confirmed the PTU is NO good. Needs to be replaced at a cost of over $3,000. And to make matters worse, I was advised not to drive the Jeep because it is a safety issue! Also, there is a recall out for "cer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while parking the vehicle and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle, shifted the vehicle into drive and then shifted back to park and the contact was able to shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, the contact stated while pulling o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while parking the vehicle and attempting to turn off the vehicle, the message “Shift to Park” was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle, shifted the vehicle into drive and then shifted back to park and the contact was able to shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, the contact stated while pulling o... Read more