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 27, 2023
This is a recurring problem since buying the vehicle new... now at ~7,500 miles. Problem occurs on state highways (North Carolina country roads). While Lane Tracing Assist is active at 45 mph - 60 mph, the Lane Tracing Assist works fine and as expected on large radius state highway curves, but when it comes to smaller radius curves, the Lane Tracing Assist takes the turn in an overly aggressive ma... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Vehicle will flash AWD Off and have a wrench symbol. Car will drastically slow down and shake. Once car is cut off and on again, it will work for a little bit before repeating the problem. No codes recorded
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Prior to the problem, the radio cut off, various lights (battery, abs, etc) lit up and Check System warning light appeared. The car remained running for approximately 10 miles although stepping on the accelerator did not always result in increased speed. Touching the brake caused the RPM gauge & speedometer to immediately drop to zero and removing my foot from the brake immediately resulted in b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
It smells like gas when I start the car. It's also wasting alot of gas. I have to put gas every couple of days. I spend more money putting gas. The steering and suspension and the tires keep giving me problems to where the brakes locked up on their own and now it drives really bad especially on the freeway. The steering wheel moves alot when I'm on the freeway sometimes feel like I'm loosing cont... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
Driving on hiway and vehicle shifted gears. Would no shift normally afterwards. Tried several times. Left myself and granddaughter in hiway in danger. Had local mechanic inspect the vehicle. Was told defective shifting linkage. Has occurred multiple times.
Incident date: Sep 22, 2023
At 95,000 miles the vehicle would jump shifting gears. We took it the mechanic and they noticed one of the cylinders is missing firing. They noticed it is due to a coolant leak. Also, there is smoke coming out of the exhaust and there is a smell. The ford mechanic has said this is due to a coolant leak issue and needs a full engine block replacement that costs over $8,000.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
Vehicle would start and then shutdown. It would display the battery malfunction error. You would need to reset the vehicle with the key in order to activate/start the vehicle again. Dealer said they need to replace the MUC but Mercedes told the dealer to try a software update before. The vehicle is still not running the more recent software RL_NTG7_E316.505_22092AC3. Other vehicles are running E33... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
Jeep/Chrysler/FCA/Stellantis has known about an electrical problem with the tailgate lift for years. I now have received Recall 49A requesting me "...to not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures..." because of fire potential. I have been to my local Jeep dealer - no help! I called 800-Chrysler - no help! I called 844-253-2872 - no help! Will Jeep/Chrysler/FCA/Stellantis reimburse m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The engine was has blown twice the first day 95000 miles and again at under 6000 miles. And there is still a bad knock and major vibration and ticking noise coming from the car. We told the car we no longer have faith in this car and didn't want it no more and all he did was see if he could get us another loan to trade it in. We're now scared to really ride in to and can't get no one to help us on... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
I have a 2021 Chrysler 300 S and before I had purchased this vehicle, there was a safety recall "fixed" for the front windshield adhesive. Whom ever completed the recall issue, did not do it correctly. The whole top on the windshield is really wavy. I'm very concerned about this because this is my daily driver and I have 3 kids. It's obvious that a windshield is not supposed to flex like it is.
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the purge valve was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact also indicated that the vehicle had previously experienced rough idling, check engine light illuminated, fuel ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO CALL IT., THE CAR WILL TURN COMPLETE OFF WHEN DRIVING AND IT WILL ALSO HAVE THE CRASH LIGHT COME ON ALMOST ALL THE TIME ALONG WITH THE CAR WITH THE WIGGLE LIGHT COME ON. ALSO YOU CAN SMELL GAS WHEN YOU PUT GAS IN THE TANK REAL HEAVY FUME.....I BROUGHT THIS CAR ON OCT 1 2022., I EXPLAIN TO THE DEALER SHIP THE SAME THING THEY STATED THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING SINCE I BROUGHT T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
rear view mirror detached
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz M1CA126. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V482000 (Tires) 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 driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger front tire exploded. The v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75-80 MPH, the contact rear-ended another vehicle in front. The air bags did not deploy. The impact caused soreness in her chest and lower back; however, medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the collision center but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The veh... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
ABS, and traction control systems fail intermittently. Lights come on and flash and ABS and cruise control no longer work. Happens at various speeds and times. Sometimes can be addressed by pulling over turning off the vehicle and restarting. Dealer states that ABS module and pump need to be replaced but have no available parts. I was advised that the estimated cost is ~ $1800 and the problem may ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, an alert sounded, indicating that the 4WD was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who confirmed the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. Afte... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine misfired. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that coolant was intruding into the engine cylinder. The mechanic retrieved codes: P0304-00 and P0316-00. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was dete... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine misfired. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that coolant was intruding into the engine cylinder. The mechanic retrieved codes: P0304-00 and P0316-00. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was dete... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
Hello I recently test drove a new Tesla Model S. As I was making a turn, another car whose driver was not being attentive pulled out in front of me. I had to take evasive action and sound the horn. In that split-second I had to 'find' the horn while making the turn. (I was NOT able to activate the horn. It was ONLY through sheer luck that I avoided an accident). Did you know that the Tesla S h... Read more
TESLA
MODEL Y
(2021) - EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:PLUMBING:POTABLE WATER:STORAGE TANK
Sep 21, 2023
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
This note relates to the Winnebago construction of the vehicle. The grey tank, which can hold up to 20 gallons of water, came out of its fitting under the chassis, as shown in one picture. As shown in another image, the grey tank support has come out of its fitting under the chassis. The final picture shows the lack of support provided by the thin and rusting support bar. We were lucky to have n... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Spot welds failed in the check arm bracket for the driver door.
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Rear view camera system display (360 surround) was completely inoperative. Rear view camera display did not appear on IP display when vehicle was shifted into reverse, nor did it appear when the "camera" app was selected from the center display. No warning messages present; OnStar remote code read indicated no codes. Danger is to others behind the vehicle, particularly children in blind spot. Prob... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The contact rented a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated while driving downhill at approximately 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Brake Release" was displayed. The contact stated that the braking system malfunctioned, and the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pulled over to the side ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
Trunk opens randomly on its own
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
There is a known issue in the form of a Warranty Policy Bulletin and I believe a recall in Canada for a faulty engine oil cooler line that was made of rubber and fails under heat (now replaced by metal lines). This happened to my daughter after a hot day and she pulled away from the driveway the next day. Almost all of the oil leaked out and we stopped the car and had it towed to a Lexus dealershi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2023
The car Hydroplaned while driving on the interstate, spun out of control and slammed into a tree in the rear end. My son was going approximately 65 mph and upon impact no airbags deployed and the steering wheel was in his hands after impact. His seat broke and collapsed into a laying position. His head sustained a huge blow to the interior side of the car in addition to another head injury in the ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Keystone Montana RV. The contact stated that the front driver’s side of the sidewall had started to detach. The contact stated that he was concerned that while driving, the sidewall might detach and cause an accident or injury. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The RV had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
First/only owner of a 2018 VW Passat GP r-line, scheduled maintenance intervals followed religiously and performed by VW; only filled with top tier fuel (mid/premium), no prev. indicator lights ever illuminated until ECM light (no accompanying warning lights) came on while driving at highway speed with Adaptive Cruise Control engaged. Immediate loss of power and shaking vibration upon any attempt ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Just now I got out from church and again shift to park message came on please help me it's my only car
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Just now I got out from church and again shift to park message came on please help me it's my only car
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Just now I got out from church and again shift to park message came on please help me it's my only car
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
STARTED CAR GOT A LIGHT POWER STEERING ASSISTED FAILED STERRING WHEEL WON'T TURN ! YES COULD PUT ME AND MY FAMILY OR OTHER AT RISK! HAD MORE TIMES STARTED CAR AN NO CODE ,STEERING WAS HARD TO TURN
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel became firm. The power steering and parking brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
seems like a common issue that keeps coming back again after repairs. this is my first seat belt error message so I will take my car in for warranty work and hopefully it is covered.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
Brakes have been squeaking since about 2,000 miles at lower speeds (parking, drive-thru, stop-and-go street traffic, etc.). Took my car into the dealership at around 7,000 miles. Dealer acknowledged the issue and says that it's due to the material that the brakes are made of. They also stated that Chevy is aware, but isn't doing anything to correct the issue. The dealership did nothing to help me.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2023
The panoramic sunroof exploded while inside the car without warning. Contacted the dealership/service center on Friday 9/15/2023, was told they have not received a memo regarding the panoramic sunroofs in the 2022 E350, however; this is a know problem. I was told that this is not covered of my warranty because they assume something had to hit the glass, provided evidence via my security camera tha... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2021
The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when shifting into reverse (R) and would shudder when depressing the accelerator pedal. The engine revved to 5,000 RPMS, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission clutch actuator was replaced. Additionally, the contact state... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
Loss of Motive Power reoccurrences (2 incidents) AFTER 1803A182 Safety Recall 03A correction was performed, 9 May 2023, by reprogramming Hybrid Control Processor/Aux Hybrid Control Processor on 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid (mileage: 35,180) Experienced a sudden loss of power twice; 16 and 17 September 2023. - 16 SEPTEMBER: Having just merged into one lane from two and speeding up hill (f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Front Passenger seatbelt locks up every single time it is used. It has been an issue since day one of purchasing the vehicle. (There is a recall for this issue, however my specific VIN is not listed.) This is a major concern of safety.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Airbag light came on, had tested by local mechanic, informed left rear airbag and to take to dealer, dealer charged $252 to disagnose air bag in left rear shoulder strap. Since already replaced wiring harnesses under TSB 16-0001 back on 11/1/7/16 thought best to clean contacts of harness connectors and apply dielectric grease for an extra 1/2 labor for an addtitional $99 bringing the total to over... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 35 MPH, the transmission unintendedly shifted into neutral (N). Additionally, while stopped at a stop sign, the transmission was shifted into drive (D) when it unexpectedly shifted into neutral (N). No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
Car was at the gas pump. Filling up gas, then start the car. When car get started the engine suddenly turn off with the coolant temperature too high alert. The temperature on the dashboard is normal (middle). Engine wouldn't turn on after and the alert keeps popping up. Had to tow to the nearest jeep service
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
THIS VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE (INTERMITANT PROBLEM) AT TIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE GEAR SHIFT CONSOLE AND DASH WILL FLASH AND THE VEHICLE IS RENDRED USELESS. I HAVE TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. TEMPORARY FIX. IT KEEPS HAPPENING. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES (DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE FOR OVER A YEAR). NOONE KNOWS WHAT THE PROBLEM... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 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 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 experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
While driving on Louisiana’s poorly maintained I20 at @70 mph, we hit a bump & our 2015 F350 began violently shaking. We almost lost control, but managed to shift from left lane to shoulder in heavy traffic. Inspected tires & saw nothing amiss. Continued on trip back to TX & it occurred 2 more times whenever we hit a bump. Freaked us out & we were terrified each time we hit a bump, but drove und... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the engine overheated warning light was illuminated. The vehicle also started sputtering. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a nearby certified mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
I was driving on I-35 from Kansas City to Des Moines on 9-11-23, and three times the car experienced phantom braking (i.e. the car suddenly braked for no apparent reason) while the adaptive cruise control was activated. During these instances the car would suddenly brake and slow down and on one occasion I had to accelerate immediately to avoid possibly being rear ended. On all occasions there ... Read more