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 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost PTU functionality. Additionally, the service footwell drive warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the front drive shaft and the rear end of th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while seated in the vehicle, the front passenger’s side head restraint separated from the seat striking the passenger in the back of the head. The passenger was not seriously injured. The contact was not able to place the head restraint back on the seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was n... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway with the ignition key turned to the off position however, the vehicle remained on, causing the battery to be drained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with EGR valve failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with ignition failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat and smoke was present coming from under the hood. After stopping to inspect the vehicle the contact opened the hood and flames were present in the engine compartment. The contact immediately extinguished the flames using water. The vehicle was later towed to the local dea... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Infiniti Q50. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat and smoke was present coming from under the hood. After stopping to inspect the vehicle the contact opened the hood and flames were present in the engine compartment. The contact immediately extinguished the flames using water. The vehicle was later towed to the local dea... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bags warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that water had leaked into the trunk of the vehicle and onto the amplifier causing electrical shortage in the vehicle to stop functioning as designed. The contact was informed that an extensive diagnostic test was needed to locate t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
The dealer inspection found that the fluid was leaking from engine motor mount. The car has 47,700 miles.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
The contact owns a 1998 Ziema boat trailer equipped with Beijing Tires, Tire Line: BCT K42, Tire Size: ST175/80/R13, DOT Number: 0J15CP3. The contact stated that while attempting to load the trailer, he became aware that passenger’s side tire pressure was low. The trailer was taken to the dealer where it was purchased. The tire was removed from the trailer and the contact was informed that the t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
The contact owns a 1998 Ziema boat trailer equipped with Beijing Tires, Tire Line: BCT K42, Tire Size: ST175/80/R13, DOT Number: 0J15CP3. The contact stated that while attempting to load the trailer, he became aware that passenger’s side tire pressure was low. The trailer was taken to the dealer where it was purchased. The tire was removed from the trailer and the contact was informed that the t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
This car stalls while driving. I'll drive & the engine stops. I have to restart the car. It is Very Dangerous.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
I had issues that I thought were the transmission but after experiencing this repeatedly I took it in to the dealer where I bought it they said they couldn’t find a problem next time it was software updates and fixed then next time still cutting out said motor mounts were broken $1,300 fixed it I finally understood that it was ACTUALLY stopping!! I’m not very car savvy thought it was me!! I al... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
Unstable steering especially during freeway driving. No accidents, the warning just come up with steering need service. Then the vehicle cancel all the safety features. Vehicle accelerate by it self when go downhill, need extra effort to step on the brake and hold tight the steering wheel to control the car.
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
Vehicle does not fill above 14 gallons of gas. It says 10 miles until empty, but when you fill it and try to force as much gas in as it will take, it only fills to 14 gallons not the capacity of 17.8 that is advertised.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
1) power train system and anti lock brake system. Base on the code found in the fix finder report my solutions were to replace the fuel pump and battery. The battery was changed one week ago and it is telling me that the battery must be change again due to an electrical issue. Yes, it is available for inspection upon request. 2) While driving my car began to accelerate picking up speed by itself a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
While using adaptive cruise control on 2023 Tesla Model Y we experienced multiple instances of emergency braking (rapid deceleration w/o touching brakes, accelerator steering column, etc.) without any warning during multiple scenarios - dusk, daylight, sunny and cloudy weather. Occurred on both straight and curved sections of highway with no other vehicles in front of vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
While using adaptive cruise control on 2023 Tesla Model Y we experienced multiple instances of emergency braking (rapid deceleration w/o touching brakes, accelerator steering column, etc.) without any warning during multiple scenarios - dusk, daylight, sunny and cloudy weather. Occurred on both straight and curved sections of highway with no other vehicles in front of vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
On Monday, August 7, 2023, I was accelerating, using the gear shifter and then went back into automatic-mode and the lights came on and car just stopped. It wouldn't restart - there was no noise, but the battery seemed to be working as the radio, lights, clock, etc. were all working fine. I was travelling at about 40 mph. There was a small shoulder and I was able to pull off, but I wasn't all the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and other various speeds, the instrument cluster went blank. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument cluster failure was intermittent at first but had become a constant failure. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was no longer operational. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experie... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
Service Electric Brake System is displayed and ABS light on. Truck only has 52045 miles on it.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Vehicle constantly chokes and even stalls from lack of fuel delivery
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The car stalls in traffic and is slow to accelerate. The service department attributes the cause from a problem with a contaminated fuel system. However, the car has had a series of problems with the electrical system where I was told the "radio is draining the battery". The car would be parked without the keys in the ignition and it failed to start and the cause being the radio draining the batte... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
Vehicle was set up per manual to be flat towed behind our motorhome. We followed the set-up steps according to the manual exactly. When driving and applying the brakes for more than a few seconds the front tires would lock up and squeal. This same situation happened when making a hard curve like a cloverleaf exit ramp.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
Vehicle was set up per manual to be flat towed behind our motorhome. We followed the set-up steps according to the manual exactly. When driving and applying the brakes for more than a few seconds the front tires would lock up and squeal. This same situation happened when making a hard curve like a cloverleaf exit ramp.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
I am experiencing a loud exhaust manifold leak for the third time now in this vehicle. The previous mechanic told me the bolts were broken and this is a known problem with these Rams. I can't afford to keep fixing this issue. This isn't an inexpensive fix. Please help
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
Parking brake cable retainer clip that extends above the driveshaft all the way to the rear wheels has broken and now cable scrapes against drive shaft causing a loud unpleasant concerning grinding noise when accelerating. The dealer were I service my vehicle is aware of issue, the part is a very inexpensive part, ranging from $12 to $50 depending ware you purchase but the dealer wants to charge $... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
Transmission has been clunky since new purchase in 2019. Has been to dealer several times for diagnosis. No resolution. Usually cannot reproduce when dealer has car. Recently dealer did some work on the transmission and then it failed on a long highway trip. Transmission overheated. Went into limp mode. Now stuck at a dealer 300 miles away. Dealer can’t reproduce the problem when they drive it a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the brake booster needed to be replaced. The contact related the failur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH, the A/C started blowing hot air and the vehicle was jerking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that coolant was added to the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred severa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Infiniti QX56. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormally loud ticking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain had failed, and the failure was related to Infiniti Campaign Number: P6305. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was no... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
I took my car to to Firestone to have the brakes checked because I had a stiff brake pedal and could only use my emergency brake to stop. They did a basic and advanced diagnostic and said that the brake booster that I have has been recalled and also other equipments on my car has been recalled and I must bring it to a dealership. I searched my VIN and nothing popped up even though months ago I was... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
I took my car to to Firestone to have the brakes checked because I had a stiff brake pedal and could only use my emergency brake to stop. They did a basic and advanced diagnostic and said that the brake booster that I have has been recalled and also other equipments on my car has been recalled and I must bring it to a dealership. I searched my VIN and nothing popped up even though months ago I was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
While driving straight on a two lane road, steering wheel suddenly locked, unable to regain control the car was locked in a turning position causing the vehicle to crash into a pole. Car is totaled. No rain, low speed and wasn’t turning when it happened.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 8, 2023
Air bag light stays on constantly vehicle was checked by Chrysler in Columbus Ga. and was told the harness was bad quoted $1,200 dollars for the repair. However the part was unavailable on 7/12/2023 returned for the fix on 7/22/2023 and still no part. I understand Air Bags have been a problem on numerous Chrysler 300 in the past please review and instruct maybe a recall is warranted.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
We have had numerous times that the vehicle ignition system will not turn off after pushing the stop button. The motor will stop but the ignition and radio system stay on. The car must be restarted(sometimes numerous times) and shut down before the ignition system shuts down. I have seen many other owner's complaints about this same problem on (carcomplaints .com).
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Service electronic braking system message, ABS light and traction control light are on. Code:C0020-0. ABS HPU problem. This is an obvious issue with these year make and model of trucks.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Service electronic braking system message, ABS light and traction control light are on. Code:C0020-0. ABS HPU problem. This is an obvious issue with these year make and model of trucks.
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
I am the second owner of this vehicle. Shortly after purchase (mileage 26,401) the Hydraulic Control Unit (Control for Anti-lock braking system) failed. Dodge dealer installed OEM replacement in March 2022. The same component (Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU)) failed again July 2023. Dodge dealer scheduled service/replacement for August 3, 2023. Upon delivery of vehicle for service I am told Chrysler... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that she became aware that the rear passenger’s side head rest was fractured several months ago. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the head rest needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was ap... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
While exiting an automatic car wash, I pressed the brake pedal to put the vehicle in gear and while turning in the lot to go to a vacuum station the accelerator stuck and went to wide open full speed mode and I could not stop it with the brakes. I shot through a vacuum stall, jumped a curb and hit a concrete drain collection box. The air bags deployed but the car was a total loss.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Audi A5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder. The check engine and EPS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with piston #3. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who confirmed the fail... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-250. The contact was exiting a highway ramp at approximately 60 MPH when the check engine and reduced engine power warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over, stopped the vehicle, turned off, and restarted the vehicle to reset the warning lights. The contact stated that the warning lights again became illuminated, and the vehicle started to lose motive power... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
The fuse box JBE module has a Quality Assurance problem with a solder connection to the NEC low pressure fuel relay. This is a known issue with BMW/Mini. The car suddenly stalls without warning. If the driver is not keen or if traffic patterns do not allow, the car can be left in very dangerous situations on the highway or in the middle of intersection. The repair for this problem is widely di... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
The glue that holds the plastic covers on the aluminum wheels has failed and two of the plastic covers have fallen off. The covers and wheels are available for inspection. The one cover fell off while driving down a local main road in our city. When I saw it fall off, I returned to the area where it was laying in the street to retrieve it. Before retrieving it I saw some cars swerve to miss it... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2023
I got this message on the car screen: check hybrid system!! Last Sunday I was driving when I lost all acceleration and this warning came up and told me to pull over safely
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
I was driving on the highway, on the way to the beach with my family and our pup! We heard a pop and thought maybe it was the tire but the engine began smoking. I pulled the vehicle over as safely as possible. I popped the hood and there was a fire. Everyone evacuated the vehicle as quickly and safely as possible. I was the last to get out of the vehicle. Within minutes the entire vehicle was engu... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
As you are driving the vehicle will randomly down shift into first gear, causing the vehicle to potentially slam into first while in mid drive almost as if you hit a wall, this causes the vehicle to lose any information on the dash including speedometer. There are no warning lamps on prior to incident. Took it to a dealer to have it diagnosed and diagnosis was recorded as Transmission speed sensor... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
As you are driving the vehicle will randomly down shift into first gear, causing the vehicle to potentially slam into first while in mid drive almost as if you hit a wall, this causes the vehicle to lose any information on the dash including speedometer. There are no warning lamps on prior to incident. Took it to a dealer to have it diagnosed and diagnosis was recorded as Transmission speed sensor... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
As you are driving the vehicle will randomly down shift into first gear, causing the vehicle to potentially slam into first while in mid drive almost as if you hit a wall, this causes the vehicle to lose any information on the dash including speedometer. There are no warning lamps on prior to incident. Took it to a dealer to have it diagnosed and diagnosis was recorded as Transmission speed sensor... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
After work on my way home (clear weather), I was driving my 2020 F150 on the highway with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) engaged. Suddenly, I noticed that the ACC system was not responding properly to the traffic ahead, and it was not maintaining a safe distance as it usually does. I attempted to disengage the system, but it failed to respond, leaving me unable to control the vehicle's speed manual... Read more