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 18, 2023
I am filing this complaint regarding the potential failure of the High Voltage Battery Junction Box. There have been many failures reported on the forums some experiencing multiple failures. Ford provided a software update that supposedly predicts an impending failure reducing available propulsion power. I do not feel comfortable driving a vehicle with a ticking time bomb. Losing propulsion power ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
Passenger side sensor is faulty. BMW has issued Technical Service Bulletin to repair when found in warranty. The sensor will errantly warn airbag disable when person is not in seat.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
Passenger side sensor is faulty. BMW has issued Technical Service Bulletin to repair when found in warranty. The sensor will errantly warn airbag disable when person is not in seat.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
Vehicle lost all electrical power after being turned off. No power to any part of vehicle, including interior lights, door locks etc. Vehicle was not able be turned back on unless jump started. Vehicle continues to lose all power when turned off. No warning on dash for any issue at all. Vehicle left me unexpectedly stranded with two young children at gas station hundreds of miles from home.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
I was turning the steering wheel in my vehicle and heard a crunching/clicking sound. After checking what the issue was, I was told that it was the clock spring which was not covered under the warranty or a recall as per the dealership. My airbag light is now on and may not be functioning properly. My horn no longer works along with any of the functions in my steering wheel such as my radio and p... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was shuddering while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that after cold starting the vehicle, the vehicle shifted hard from first to second gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the transmission fluid was flushed; h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 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 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 parts not... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2023
Forward Collision Warning (FCW): At random intervals, the FCW will give a false positive warning of an imminent collision with a car approaching from the opposite direction. This has occurred at various times over the past 2+ years. Comments to this effect to the Honda service representatives have indicated that this anomaly has been reported previously. They have not provided a fix or software up... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
I have filed a complaint to the Honda Motor Company in Torrence, California. I have notifed Honda of a serious defect with our vehicles Collision Mitiagation Braking System. Here are the defects with our Honda Insight 2022 vehicle: 1) On three occasions while my wife Nino is driving on the 470 freeway in Colorado between Lone Tree and Littleton CO. Brake warning light comes on, light comes on ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact was notified after a state inspection about 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 made aware of the issue. The contact h... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mi... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the air bag warning light fluctuated on and off. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic, but the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The mechanic suggested that the failure might be with the passenger occupant detection system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2023
ABS traction control, light code c0034
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
Electric assisted steering locks up traveling or parked. While traveling really have to strain muscles keeping in lane of travel, when steering turns it turns to far and I am trying to correct steering over corrects back in opposite direction. Cannot keep pickup in lane of travel.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
When putting the vehicle in "Drive" it unexpectantly rapidly accelerated causing me to aggressively brake the vehicle. It's happened twice and could easily have crashed into surrounding property or pedestrians. I brought the vehicle to the Dealership but considering it is an intermittent problem they couldn't duplicate the situation. Acura said they have no record of anything like this happenin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
ABS AND ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROLL SYSETEM LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ram 1500. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
At my 2022 ID4's first scheduled maintenance I was told I need 3 new tires when I only had 9600 mi on the car.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the spark plugs and ignition coil packs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose motive power while driving at various spe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
When the heads lights are in Auto Mode and driving at night, the head lights will just go out. This has happened 4 times now and is very dangerous. I need KIA to fix this problem. I have a 2018 KIA Sorento and I've seen where others have had the same problem with 2017 & 2018 Sorento's. The lights going out at night while my wife is driving is extremely dangerous. This just happens with no warning.... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
I bought a 2022 mustang Mach e. Which was supposedly fixed at the factory in regards to the HVBJB issue. However, in mid 2023, my vehicle suffered a limp mode/warning about reduced power while on the interstate, was limited to about 60mph with very poor acceleration. Was diagnosed by ford tech as a failure of the recalled part and required HVBJB and BECM replacement, similar to 22V-412 recall. I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
I bought a 2022 mustang Mach e. Which was supposedly fixed at the factory in regards to the HVBJB issue. However, in mid 2023, my vehicle suffered a limp mode/warning about reduced power while on the interstate, was limited to about 60mph with very poor acceleration. Was diagnosed by ford tech as a failure of the recalled part and required HVBJB and BECM replacement, similar to 22V-412 recall. I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
I was sitting at a red light and my rear windshield exploded out of nowhere, nothing hitting it. I now see there are over 50 complaints of the same thing happening to HRVs. We've had the car less than a year. This is so, so dangerous, specifically because kids sit in the back seat. I really hope Honda does an investigation / recall. This is so scary and dangerous. Imagine if the front windshiel... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Truck shuts down, power steering quits working and forces vehicle wheel back other direction, stablitrack light comes on, ac shuts down, truck loses power, sometimes completely shuts down while turning.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Truck shuts down, power steering quits working and forces vehicle wheel back other direction, stablitrack light comes on, ac shuts down, truck loses power, sometimes completely shuts down while turning.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
My vehicle falls under recall 22V648. For has contacted me about doing the repair. I have replaced the blower motor speed controller twice in the last few months and it is bad again due to the recalled blower motor. How can this part not also get replaced as part of the recall?? The recalled part is burning up the wires going to the speed controller/resistor and melting the connection at the r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
The AEB system will activate sporadically in traffic and open road (I.e interstate) this can cause a serious crash if the car locks it up running 70 mph and tries to emergency stop It has been to the dealer for this issue with no resolve No prior warning when this happens and has been continuously more frequent since 30k miles
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
Car is 4 months old 12,000 miles. 3 intermittent episodes upon startup car has only 20% power even with gas pedal to the floor like it’s in limp home mode. All episodes so far on cold start up 60-80 degree weather. No CEL lights, no misfire, no odd smells. YouTube poster has same problem and ran obd scan tool showing crank position sensor malfunction. Others suspect problem is software issue as... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
Car is 4 months old 12,000 miles. 3 intermittent episodes upon startup car has only 20% power even with gas pedal to the floor like it’s in limp home mode. All episodes so far on cold start up 60-80 degree weather. No CEL lights, no misfire, no odd smells. YouTube poster has same problem and ran obd scan tool showing crank position sensor malfunction. Others suspect problem is software issue as... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
First time it happened I was stopped and the vehicle complete Shut off. I had to shift to park and restart. Second time, coming to a stop the vehicle abruptly shut completely off and directed me to shift it to park and restart. Same thing had happened a third time and now I have parked the vehicle until my service appointment.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
It is hard for me to steer my steering wheel. It keeps saying service power steering. This is dangerous.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
My Kia Sorento has the Nightfall trim package on it and currently has 13K miles. The paint on the trim around the windows has started to come off, sort of looking like acid rain effect. The dealership said this is not covered as it is an environmental and wash problem. We live in Hawaii. However, this is a widespread issue with Nightfall trim packages on Kia vehicles all around. I believe it is a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
Vehicle shut off while at a busy intersection light. Unable to restart the vehicle for several minutes. All safety systems (crash mitigation.....) were disabled. Unable to find a current recall through Honda and the dealership is closed since it is sunday.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
Abs system lights keep coming on even without system needing fixed.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
I was driving and the power steering stopped functioning. The car had just over 1000 miles and both the lane departure avoidance and steering assistance cut out. Restarting the start would bring it back on temporarily but it would cut out again after a minute or two.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
I was driving and the power steering stopped functioning. The car had just over 1000 miles and both the lane departure avoidance and steering assistance cut out. Restarting the start would bring it back on temporarily but it would cut out again after a minute or two.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
My power steering locked up while driving causing me to run over a curb damaging my tire on the front right side and possibly undercarriage damage
Crash
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
My Tesla Model 3 Phantom Brakes when using Cruise Control, particularly in the morning when the road is clear, no cars or obstacles in front or behind me. The NHTSA KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM AND I HAVE PREVIOUSLY MADE THIS COMPLAINT. I contacted Tesla to no avail. They did nothing. WHY HASN'T THE NHTSA DONE ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS AN ACCIDENT IS WAITING TO HAPPEN.
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
Power steering failed while driving
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
Car had sat for about a week since I had driven it. I opened the driver door, inserted the key, and turned the key to the starting position. It failed to crank after the dash lights lit up and then the driver steering wheel airbag deployed in my face. The car was on flat ground and the temperature was not extremely hot or extremely cold. The previous several times I had driven the car there was no... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
At least once a week, the rear camera stays on when I put the car from reverse into drive. I will be driving forward and can see the rear of the vehicle through the camera system on the radio for a minimum of 5 seconds. This happens randomly with no associated pattern. I just saw it was an issue for the 2018 model, and I am telling you it is an issue on the 2017 model too. MY vehicle fails to com... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2023
At least once a week, the rear camera stays on when I put the car from reverse into drive. I will be driving forward and can see the rear of the vehicle through the camera system on the radio for a minimum of 5 seconds. This happens randomly with no associated pattern. I just saw it was an issue for the 2018 model, and I am telling you it is an issue on the 2017 model too. MY vehicle fails to com... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
Constantly having warning lights on, car jerking into other lanes, emergency braking randomly, brakes went to the floor and car propelled through an intersection
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
While traveling about 70 to 75 mph the passenger side door unlatched and several minutes later the driver side door unlocked the door is a jar alert showed on the dashboard this happened twice
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
The brakes of my car activated automatically while my foot was pressing neither the gas nor the brake pedal. The forward collision alert also sounded. I was traveling at around 45 mph and was suddenly slowed to about 20 mph. Afterwards, everything seemed to returned to normal. I am unsure if this is available for inspection. There were five of us in the car and we were all put in danger due to th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
When I took the car in for "the Works" they did not rotate the tires as the 'lug nuts were swollen and would not come off.' I percieve this as a safety issue if I have tire issues on the road. There was no incident- just a precautionary report.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
Without any warning, smoke started billowing from the driver's side dash and overhead liner. When looking for the cause, I pulled the solenoid and the smoking stopped. Upon further inspection, I discovered broken, melted wiring in the rear drivers side door jamb. In researching this problem online, I found that other owners had experienced the same problem.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
Without any warning, smoke started billowing from the driver's side dash and overhead liner. When looking for the cause, I pulled the solenoid and the smoking stopped. Upon further inspection, I discovered broken, melted wiring in the rear drivers side door jamb. In researching this problem online, I found that other owners had experienced the same problem.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
While we were at a speed of about 55 mph on a state highway, I had just selected cruise control when all the lights went on in the dash--including the warning lights for the brake, the check engine light--and power shut down in the vehicle as if we'd run out of gas. We were able to keep a very slow speed of about 20-25mph, but had to activate the 4-way flashers to alert other drivers that we were... Read more