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 29, 2023
Ptu transfer case failed ad leaking 79k miles obviously it’s pre-failure. Girl friends car in shop for same reason and others online stating same issues as the 2014 recalls
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Fuel line issues, repaired then catalytic converter not working. Somewhere leaking oil. I have read this model is known for emissions, fuel line, catalytic converter issues
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who performed a software update; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
The electronic parking brake came on while turning slowly. It triggered an error code in the Shift Solenoid A Control , error code P0973. When I turn off the car, wait then turn it on again, it works fine. This has been happening for about 2 years every few months. I took it to the deal when it happen a few months ago, but they couldn't reproduce it. It happens randomly. The vehicle has not been... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
The right brake caliper malfunctioned and is available for inspection from dealer. There was significant safety risk due to the fact all brake power was lost making the vehicle very difficult to stop. The dealer confirmed the caliper failed. The component has not been inspected. No warning, or symptoms and vehicle is maintained at dealer at recommended intervals.
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jaguar I-Pace. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE OIL LEAKS. I was told that the oil was leaking from my plug from Precision Tune Auto Care 312 W. Plaza Dr. Mooresville NC. 28117 phone ( 704 )799- 0874. My car had been losing oil and I was told that my plug was losing the oil. I
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
At the traffic light my car made noises headed back home as I parked again I got shift to park message I read on goggle that there been a recall my car was not on that recall list and I keep getting shift to park message GM shut them down NHTSA what are you here for no one has called me on these complaints I've been doing NHTSA to should shut down well you ever help me or help us all hello help u... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
My 2019 Honda Pilot Touring (7 passenger) has a defect with the auto stop-start system that is a major (and scary!) safety concern. On a handful of occasions over the past couple of years, when stopped at a traffic light (and the auto stop-start feature engages) the engine will fair to restart. My wife has complained that this happened to her several times, and finally this week I was in the car... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
My 2019 Honda Pilot Touring (7 passenger) has a defect with the auto stop-start system that is a major (and scary!) safety concern. On a handful of occasions over the past couple of years, when stopped at a traffic light (and the auto stop-start feature engages) the engine will fair to restart. My wife has complained that this happened to her several times, and finally this week I was in the car... Read more
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Car driving with no one in front and brake assist went off on own. Also car driving and electrical system in car shut down and lost control of car. Then all dashboard lights came on, was able to regain control and pull in parking lot. Shut car off. Hooked up ODB. No codes. Then started car and ran fine. Had burning electrical smell.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
A check engine light code popped up which was for cylinder 1 misfire and caused a safety issue because it was burning coolant and caused the engine to overheat and lock up. Ford service center tore down the engine and confirmed that there was coolant in cylinder 1 and in the oil.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
This car has lost air in the tires even after installing new tires . The rims are rusting through on the backside . The check tire light has come on about every 1 1/2 months . I finally found out why the other day . A tire finally went flat setting with out use . This time when I stuck it in the dunk tank I was able to see tiny bubbles on the back side of the rim. I also noted significate rust. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
On July 7, 2023 I paid in full and was given possession of the 7 passenger seating Toyota van. The car has automatic door locking mechanism as part of the electrical system and can be locked from inside the car. The van is used to transport 2 children in car seats who can touch car components. We were given one Keyfob by the dealership and we were told that Toyota manufacturer did not have a sec... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
There have been several recalls on this vehicle. The day after purchase there was a class action settlement. I’m curious as to how the dealership was allowed to sell this vehicle knowing they had all the information in regards to the sell. The vehicle should have had a stop sell. Our family was at risk when the engine started to give out while on the road. The vehicle has been sitting at the sho... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
There have been several recalls on this vehicle. The day after purchase there was a class action settlement. I’m curious as to how the dealership was allowed to sell this vehicle knowing they had all the information in regards to the sell. The vehicle should have had a stop sell. Our family was at risk when the engine started to give out while on the road. The vehicle has been sitting at the sho... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
EXHAUST SAFTEY ISSUE / MY CEL CAME ON LEAVING WORK ON 9/25 , SCANED CODE AND GOT A CODE OF P0430 (CATALYTIC CONVERTER BANK 2) I FOUND A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM ISSUED ON 06/13/19 -(PROGRAM #19M01) ON THIS TO REPLACE UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE ISSUE IS WARRANTY COVERAGE IS 11 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES. THE CODE CAME UP AT 120,325 JUST OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY EXTENSION , FORD IS UNWILLING TO EX... Read more
TESLA
MODEL 3
(2018) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Sep 27, 2023
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
EXHAUST SAFTEY ISSUE / MY CEL CAME ON LEAVING WORK ON 9/25 , SCANED CODE AND GOT A CODE OF P0430 (CATALYTIC CONVERTER BANK 2) I FOUND A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM ISSUED ON 06/13/19 -(PROGRAM #19M01) ON THIS TO REPLACE UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE ISSUE IS WARRANTY COVERAGE IS 11 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES. THE CODE CAME UP AT 120,325 JUST OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY EXTENSION , FORD IS UNWILLING TO EX... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
I own a 2017 Hyundai sonata base, I got the car at around 168k miles and it’s now sitting at around 180k the car burns oil like crazy, I had taken it to the Hyundai dealership in Gaithersburg, MD and they declined the oil consumption test under warranty since the extended warranty is only until 150k, then they tell me if my engine seized and was towed to a local dealer only then they would likel... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
My vehicle stalls a lot when driving. At first i thought it was an issue with the tire alignment but i was told by a mechanic that i had good alignment. My car stalls and shakes a lot while speeding up in the highway. I honestly feel unsafe at this point because its gotten worse in a short amount of time. My seatbelts are lose and useless. I love my car but i may change it for a safer option. It i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
My vehicle stalls a lot when driving. At first i thought it was an issue with the tire alignment but i was told by a mechanic that i had good alignment. My car stalls and shakes a lot while speeding up in the highway. I honestly feel unsafe at this point because its gotten worse in a short amount of time. My seatbelts are lose and useless. I love my car but i may change it for a safer option. It i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle was overheating, and the coolant gauge was stuck in the cold region. The contact heard an abnormal sound after the vehicle was turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the thermostat... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
Three years ago, I took my car to 2 separate kia dealers regarding the knocking in engine. Both said it's "normal". I told them then that they wouldn't sell the car with it knocking. I was contacted in 2022 by credit karma of a safety recall regarding brakes. Another recall was from kia regarding safety from vehicles easily being stolen. I cleared these 2 safety recalls on my vehicle, but I am st... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V342000 (Back Over Prevention) 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. Parts distribut... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
Park brake limited function. Service required. Says my brake light is on. Drains my battery. Is this the same Recall for 2021 & 2022??
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
Park brake limited function. Service required. Says my brake light is on. Drains my battery. Is this the same Recall for 2021 & 2022??
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
KNOWN ISSUE: Chevy Traverse owners may experience a condition wherein the front exhaust pipe on their crossover separates from the mounting bracket, resulting in damage to the pipe. Now, General Motors has issued new Special Coverage that addresses this issue. NEW ISSUE: Rear exhaust pipe is also affected. When separated/cracked this was leaking carbon monoxide fumes into the inside of the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
When attempting to apply brakes, the pedal sunk to the floor with no result. On subsequent attempts, the left front brake activated and locked up while there was no apparent effect on the other 3 wheels. The car veered to the left as a result of the one brake being applied, and began to travel down the road at an angle of about 45 degrees. Correction was required to steer out, the brake remained l... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
When attempting to apply brakes, the pedal sunk to the floor with no result. On subsequent attempts, the left front brake activated and locked up while there was no apparent effect on the other 3 wheels. The car veered to the left as a result of the one brake being applied, and began to travel down the road at an angle of about 45 degrees. Correction was required to steer out, the brake remained l... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
Defrost doesn’t work because harness melted and blew a fuse
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
vehicle stated was consuming a large amount of oil by burning it. this was able to be determined by the lack of oil or residue anywhere on the engine or engine compartment. It was then taken to the dealership were it was determined an engine oil consumption test needed to be done. the test was done and was determined that it needed an upper engine combustion cleaning to correct issue. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Vehicle reported an electrical failure and to stop vehicle. Vehicle towed to dealership. Service reported Alternator failure and a 6-8 week repair time as part is on back order.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
This vehicle continues to burn oil and the engine light does not turn on when the vehicle is low on oil. I have had this car for 4 years and it has been an issue where when I take it in for oil change there is no oil left in engine. Vehicles are not supposed to burn oil. I have been told it is an internal engine issue and that this is a known problem from this vehicle by the Chevy dealership. It i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
Truck all a sudden developed a Lifter noise under the hood and the check engine light came on Friday, September 8th. I checked the oil and oil pressure which was ok. Saturday morning 9/9 I notice some loss of power pulling out on Highway. I took the truck immediately to a friend who is a retired GM Master Mechanic. He coded P0300 and P0306 with 158 miss fires. The following Monday on Septembe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2023
The contact's wife owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Maintenance 2" was displayed. The contact stated that he saw white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. Additionally, the contact stated that the message "Transmission Not in Park" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was ta... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
Unwanted Radio Volume Ramp Up to Max: The radio volume turned up to the maximum while driving and could not be turned down with user controls including those both on the steering wheel and the volume knob on the dash. The situation lasted about 60 seconds before it began responding again. The vehicle has the optional Bose radio system which is EXTREMELY loud. This issue presents risks with damage ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
Back up camera stays on after selecting Drive and moving forward, it will either stay on showing what’s happening behind me or will stay on for 20-40 seconds than go to a blue screen or blue than black screen and stay in that screen. While this is happening I have no control over the display, sound, radio or heat. There has been time the back up camera has stayed on while in park. I have severa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
Air Bag light on in vehicle Dealership recommended replacing airbag sensor and wiring cost $1400.00 Truck never involved in accident airbag never deployed truck has 61000 ? Why is stellantis not responsible for fixing issue It’s a SAFETY issue ! Are Airbags like tires need to replace after 61000
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
I want to bring attention to the a fatal flaw designed into Toyota truck frames. I understand Toyota denied my claim and I am out of luck with the repairs on my truck. However it is morally responsible for me to bring awareness to this deadly issue. Since most owners don't know they have a problem until the frame breaks, it is worth raising awareness to save human life. This is not a cosmetic issu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
The car was sitting in the driveway and caught fire around 11:29am. The car had not been driven or moved from the driveway for at least 2 days, and is up to date on all maintenance. The fire inspectors hypothesize the fire began from the battery and spread. After Googling, I have learned that Toyota Rav 4s from 2013 to 2018 had a large recall; 1.8 million vehicles taken because of the battery catc... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
Backup camera works when car started up, but will go out after the vehicle has been on for serval minutes and will not work. Know recall on other later models of Ford 2020-2023 backup cameras
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Clarity Plug-in-Hybrid. The contact stated that the sun visor failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the front driver’s side sun visor became stiff and difficult to fold down. As a result, the sun visor snapped and distracted him from seeing the roadway. The contact was concerned for his safety. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
I have a 2018 Jeep Renegade, When it rains water leaks from my roof/ceiling down to my dashboard soaking all the electrical equipment. My vehicle doesn’t have a sunroof and I can’t find where the leaking is coming from.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
Smell of gas when turning on heater, fuel leaking on engine block
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My oil pump messed up, the belt fell apart inside the oil pan, man it’s so much [XXX] that messed up because of this belt and oil pump it’s a whole [XXX] list. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Internal Component on Transmission has failed, Vehicle is Available for inspection (Niello Volkswagen has already confirmed). The vehicle shakes when shifting which could potentially cause an accident. Yes, Niello Volkswagen confirmed the issue. Dealer for Manufacturer has confirmed issue. No vehicle warning or Lights or messages, check engine light didn't trigger. Dealership attempted to "Fla... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Supplemental air bag warning light started blinking on 9/24/2023. It blinks regardless of whether the front passenger seat is occupied. The OCS sensor for the passenger seat failed. This should have been covered by a recall. The dealer wants over $3,000.00 to replace the seat cushion. I declined the repair. Dealer assured me that driver air bag isn't affected, so I'll operate the car without ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Transmission started slipping and shuddering on vehicle with only 72,000 miles. Took to the dealer and they diagnosed the transmission fluid and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle experienced harsh shifting since new and is a safety issue due to delayed speed, slipping, and hard shifts. There is a class action lawsuit for this 8 speed transmission and GM refuses to fix it. I paid ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
It’s just been 2 weeks in I bought my Tesla Y 2023 model. Was exploring entertainment options in in park mode and then when I had to leave, I see this steering assist reduced and wasn’t able to move my steering at all, I was like what.. a brand new car having such safety issues, thank god didnt happen while I was on road, would have definitely killed me. Tried rebooting or reset but still the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
I had to replace all four tires before reaching 40k miles. Brakes needed to be fully replaced with only two years of driving it. AND Engine Maintenance Light on for an issue with the coolant bypass valve, not covered under warranty. This is causing issues with the engine, when driving even at 25 miles per hour or at 65 the car sounds like its dragging or forcing itself, the wheel shake & car feels... Read more