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: Sep 22, 2023
We've had to tow our car to the dealership 2 times due to fuel pump, fuel injector related issues. It seems for the year 2017 CRV this is a very common and known issue but Honda is not acknowledging it. Tech notes state: CUSTOMER STATES MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON AND VEHICLE WILL NO ACCELERATE PAST 20MPH. PLEASE CHECK AND ADVISE. FOUND CODE P0301 STORED. CHECKED COOLANT LEVEL AND FOUND OK.C... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
Twice the vehicle has stalled while driving. I see that there is a recall on my model for a faulty fuel pump which causes this problem, but my dealer claims my vehicle is not part of the recall even though it is having the same issue.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) 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 the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the display screen was black. The co... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that upon changing the oil, he discovered severe corrosion on the undercarriage sub frame. The contact stated that the rust was located primarily around both rear wheels. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 99,200.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the instrument panel and the screen flashed bright and then went dim on and off constantly at dusk causing a visibility hazard for the contact. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the auto-dim sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion in the engine, and that the engine short block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
The contact owned a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The driver sustained an injury where the glass scratched her face. The doctors prescribed pain medicine No warning light was illuminated. The v... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
Incident Occurred in May. Was on Reddit and saw someone say to report any issues to NHTSA so that's what I'm doing At the end of the month in May (2023) when starting my car after work that had been sitting in the sun, it turned on but then turned off about 10 seconds later saying "ignition switch off safely stop the vehicle" then it flashed to another screen saying "please check the starter sys... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
On August 16,2023 I was traveling home via rt 2. My car showed no signs or any warnings on my dashboard when my 2018 Ford Escape SE stopped moving. My car was on but when pushing on gas pedal my vehicle would not move forward. After bringing my car to a stop shutting it off and turning back on it bucked forward enough and I was able drive 100 ft. to park it in my driveway. Very shaken as I was jus... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
Loss of engine oil pressure at highway speed causing engine and turbo failure. Vehicle is being repaired at dealer under warranty but it has been months and I’ve had no assistance with a vehicle replacement
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The vehicle started to blow burning oil from the exhaust on a cold start. The vehicle started to occasionally lose acceleration. Also there was a clicking noise from the engine. After about a week, the low coolant trouble light came on. I took the vehicle to my mechanic and he stated that there were serious engine problems. He said the troubles were definitely engine problems. He said it was proba... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experien... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
UNKNOWN. Lots of vibration issues through the body and steering wheel shimmy. Whole cabin harmonic vibrations put new tires on and road force balanced. Still having issues. truck veers left and right without input when going over bumps. Steering wheel shimmy’s left and right when going over bumps. Transmission seems to lock up and release while going over bumps while stopping.
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
UNKNOWN. Lots of vibration issues through the body and steering wheel shimmy. Whole cabin harmonic vibrations put new tires on and road force balanced. Still having issues. truck veers left and right without input when going over bumps. Steering wheel shimmy’s left and right when going over bumps. Transmission seems to lock up and release while going over bumps while stopping.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Rattle noise on the freeway, all electric lights on dash board started flashing. Car died on the side of the road. Did not restart. Engine was making a bubble noise (like overheating) with steam. When I checked my oil, showed dark and metal flakes. Recent oil change. Towed my mechanic and they said I have MAJOR engine issues.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
I want to draw attention to a significant concern: U.S. auto safety regulators announced in August of this year that they are currently investigating whether Ford Motor's 2022 recall of nearly 49,000 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles comprehensively addressed the associated safety concerns. The basis for the 2022 recall was that the high voltage battery main contactors could overheat, particul... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
At approximately 130K miles the CVT transmission had a sudden failure. Struggles to shift gears properly and often will pick a random one, which causes further damaged. Vehicle has sat for years, the transmission is unrepairable and a new unit must be installed which cost around $3500 for the transmission alone not including labor as told by the Nissan dealership. I now sit with a giant paper weig... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
The driver door spot welds for the support arm broke. The door would not close. The dealer said it is not covered by Ford. I called Ford customer satisfaction. Case CAS45401361. Have an appointment for October 9th. Can you help?
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The steering wheel is shifting from side to side while driving and it will get stuck at times and make you over correct. It is a safety hazard because you have to pull the steering wheel the opposite way to get it unstuck. I have not taken it to the dealer yet. There were no warnings. I began to notice right after hitting 32000 miles.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
I own a 2014 Ford Edge, when pressing on the brake pedal, it goes all the way to the floor and have to pump the brakes to make sure I don't hit the car a head of me. 5 minutes later it is back to normal. Or when stopped at a red light the brake pedal will all of a sudden go down to the floor. And now when I brake I get a high pitched wind squealing noise. Also the back driver side passenger do... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
On August 23rd my car slowed down while on the highway and completely came to a stop and wouldn’t drive while pressing the gas. At this time the forward safety system, EPB, Auto Hold, caution and traction control lights were on. I had to get the car towed to the dealership. September 1 Kia called said nothing was wrong with the car I could pick it up that same day I got charged for a diagnostic ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
My 2014 Honda Accord EX sedan has/had defective Starter and ABS Modulator , Many Honda Accord vehicles in these year range are having or had these same problems . These vehicles should not be having these problems at low mileage . I believe the ABS problems are a safety concern.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
My 2014 Honda Accord EX sedan has/had defective Starter and ABS Modulator , Many Honda Accord vehicles in these year range are having or had these same problems . These vehicles should not be having these problems at low mileage . I believe the ABS problems are a safety concern.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2023
Passenger side airbag off sign stayed on while my girlfriend was sitting in the seat. She weighs about 100 pounds. When I sat in the passenger seat, the Passenger side airbag off sign turned off. I weigh about 170 pounds.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V444000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
On interstate 77 in west virginia when vehicle slowed, whent into Beckley, WV. Stopped at Autozone checked oil was OK, check engine light 0018 ( crankshaft position sensor), started to go to Beckley Hyundai about 2 miles away. Engine quit before getting there. Got tow to dealer who said engine seized and needs new motor. (Car has 78,000 miles) Apparently this has happened to a lot of 2017 Santa fe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
PLASTIC COVER ON THE SIDE OF DRIVERSIDE CONTROLING ALL SEAT FEATURE SNAPPED OFF
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Steering column makes noises when turning. Airbag Light is on and the none of the steering wheel controls for the radio, phone etc are functioning properly. This is my college age daughter’s car and I fear the airbag won’t deploy in the event she was in a collision.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
I am 86 years old. I bought the car brand new so I am the original owner. I have kept the car perfectly maintained and garaged from the day I bought it. My wife is also 86. She and I are the only ones that drive the car. To date, it has 73,822 miles on it. The main issue I am having is random, unpredictable stalling and hesitation when trying to accelerate. We have also had unintende... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a stop, the vehicle hesitated while responding. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the torque converter had overheated. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The ve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V046000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The local dealer... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
Brake system malfunctioned and failed. Our safety was put at risk with no braking ability. The car was inspected and serviced by Toyota. One light showed braking power low on one occasion While driving car listed above, on five different occasions the brake pedal went to the floor with out stopping the vehicle. Our safety was put at risk on each occasion.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Everytime the truck is driven I hear an audible chime multiple times over the trip with corresponding ABS and Traction control lights that say the systems aren't functioning. Multiple times I have experienced full lock up of all wheels while on snowy or wet roads. The chimes and flashing lights always come and go while rarely staying illuminated for more than 5 minutes, however at times will fla... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Engine overheating and system not keeping engine cool, locks don’t work
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Engine overheating and system not keeping engine cool, locks don’t work
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Complete engine failure while driving 70mph down the freeway. No lights came on before engine started shaking, knocking, and failed. We were stranded at a gas station. We checked oil and there was none. (This was shocking because we changed oil regularly and car had just received complete oil change several weeks prior) We bought enough oil to drive it to nearest auto mechanic shop. He inspected t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2022
Two issues are going on and have been going on since I have had the vehicle: 1. The car will spontaneously brake HARD when going down the road with no particular reason. It most frequently happens on the highway and it happens sporadically so it is difficult to replicate. I see it often but not all the time when crossing under an overpass or going off on an exit. The amount of brake use varies a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
Used tje remote to open the rear power lift gate and the rear window shattered. There was no damage to the window or any other issues prior to it happening.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
From a Hyundai dealership, I was sold a 2014 Hyundai Elantra in June of 2022 with a ticking noise. I was told it was normal and would go away with driving over time. It had not. I had the vehicle assessed by a reputable mechanic and then towed to and reassessed by a different Hyundai dealership. Was told the engine has piston slapping and engine is bad (by both). After a year and a half of back a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
The passenger front door and the driver side back door latches do not work I am unable to open the doors
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Dash board exhibits 2 warning messages 1) Parking brake malfunction 2) Cruise control malfunction The issue has been confirmed by my auto mechanic and he referred me to the Toyota dealership.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Engine failure/thrown rod in engine while drive. 90k miles.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
sometimes vehicle is not charging at 6.6Kw charging. it says unable to connect/not charging. I tried multiple times and multiple locations. Also, I informed the dealer (Kia Fremont) and they are keeping my vehicle from last 2 weeks and there is no communication about the status. [XXX] vin no. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The fuel gasoline hose line was leaking, so I changed it. Because of that I changed the high pressure pump twice
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
There was already a recall for the fuel pump and it was completed however it is now doing the same thing. This means there will be a loud noise and then the engine will stall. It has been so scary when other cars are around because it won’t start back up for a little while. If I turn off the engine when pumping gas it won’t start back up. I don’t have the money to keep fixing things on this ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
I was driving from Florida to my home in Washington, DC on September 4th, 2023 on I-95. Somewhere in South Carolina, a message appeared on my display that said the blind spot assistant was disabled. Soon thereafter, my turn signals quit functioning. At first chance, I pulled over and turned the car off hoping it was some kind of computer reset. That worked but only for an hour or so. I made it h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
Shift to park issue where suddenly I can't start car . Doesn't register park. Have to fiddle with shifter. Then find on reduced propulsion.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Trying to break after being hit to prevent hitting another driver . Ended up hitting the driver still and my car ended up catching on fire .
Crash
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
Subaru outback had been parked in my garage for a few days. When I decided to move it, I backed out of my garage and noticed that my car had this squiggly crack on my windshield. I see this happen to a lot of subaru owners. Called about getting a defective windshield replaced and was told no. After seeing thaf theres been a lot of complaints of the similar issue. Issue happened on 9.28.23