Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 22,185 complaints for TESLA
Incident date: May 17, 2023
2019 Keystone Sprinter Camp Fire Travel Trailer- Consumer is requesting resolution to safety recall 21V-427 and reimbursement of replacement equipment. Recall letter and notice, Consumers letters to Keystone, Parts Invoice, & Instructions on use of part attached.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal and would jerk forward upon depression of the brake pedal. The contact also stated that the "stop safely now" warning message would appear on the instrument panel while parking the vehicle. The contact then stated that the engine had fail... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2023
The Body Control Module has internal failure. The lights, alarms, locks and dashboard, when not running and locked up in garage, spontaneously come on. When driving vehicle warning lights flash about problems that don't exist. Apparently, the CRV should not be driven with this problem, as it can cause automatic stops, lane changes and other safety issues. This has been a recall in numerous other... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2023
While I was driving my headrest exploded. Causing a loud noise and my neck hurts with nausea and dizziness. It was so scary and painful. Something about AHR problem
Incident date: May 19, 2023
While I was driving my headrest exploded. Causing a loud noise and my neck hurts with nausea and dizziness. It was so scary and painful. Something about AHR problem
Incident date: May 4, 2023
- Sensor in seatbelt, causing airbags not to deploy (airbag light is on) -Since the airbags will not deploy, this is a danger -The dealer, Avalon Honda, confirmed that replacement of this part is warrantied for life by Honda. They are willing to replace it at no cost but the part has been on "Critical Back Order" status since the problem emerged for us (November 2022). Avalon Honda has not been ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that she observed that a crack had started at the bottom of the passenger’s side windshield. The contact stated that the crack had begun to spread and had gone in an arc upwards and stopped at middle of the windshield. The contact had the windshield replaced. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local glass shop and not a dealer to re... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
My car was in an accident that ended up being a total loss. Major damage to both driver and passenger sides. No air bags deployed at all. Hit two trees doing 65 mph
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 16, 2023
since I have owned this SUV the break has been bad I have taken it in with no help from ford now the weld on my drive side door has broken away from the frame. ford has told me that there nothing they can do about it, and I have to pay for the repairs. i have had the car for 2 1/2 years and i have read on line that this has happen to a lot of people
Incident date: May 18, 2023
Standing still or moving the coolant Temp gauge goes up to H and turns Red, when this happens the vehicle instantly decelerates to approximately 5 mph. While on brake the car moves then and than immediately stops and I am unable to step on gas, when this happens i have to shut down and restart. This is extremely hazardous and can cause a collision when it slows down or shuts off. The dealer can ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The vehicle has had 2 instances of accelerating extremely fast unexpectedly. Once when I was backing up and lightly pressed the accelerator the car shot backwards in a fast speed. The second time I was parking and lightly pressed the accelerator as I was pulling into the parking spot the car sped super fast crashing my car into the pole and damaging my front car bumper.
Crash
Incident date: May 18, 2023
When using cruise control the car decides to randomly hard-brake dropping instantly 40+ mph OR it increases speed higher than the set cruise control for no reason. We literally have had our bodies slammed into the seats during braking and we will inevitably be rear-ended for this faulty “phantom” braking. We submitted a service request to Tesla on 5/18/23 and were told there’s nothing to be ... Read more
Incident date: May 18, 2023
The waterpump of the vehicle causes excessive leaking which causes the vehicle to overheat.
Incident date: May 18, 2023
Power steering fault while driving slowly, followed by service power steering now warning
Incident date: May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the high engine temperature and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the fail... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that she noticed a burning odor while operating the heating system. The contact then stated that she noticed smoke coming through the vent. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she was concerned for her safety. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where no failure could be determined. The dealer nor ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2023
I would like to voice concern about the 2 pc lugnuts that Ford places on vehicles.They are not good & after doing some research & talking with other Suppliers and Companies regarding this matter, it is my understanding this is an ongoing issue that Ford continues to ignore. This is not safe. My tire had a slow leak in it. I took it to a local Tire shop who advised the Tire could not be fixed becau... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
Aug 26,2022 Manufacturer Recall Number22S56 NHTSA Recall Number22V648 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete May 17, 2023 This recall was first issued on August 26, 2022. It has been 10 months and nothing has been done to fix this problem with the climate control. My front air conditioner goes off more frequently now. I transport my grandchildren to and from school and activities often. Please te... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2023
This occurs occasionally when I brake. I have my foot softly on the brake and the brakes cut out. The car feels like it accelerates/surges forward rather than slowing down. I need to apply the brakes hard to then stop the vehicle. I never know when it will happen. When it occurs and a car is in front of me, I have had near miss accidents. The issue seems to be worse on bumpy roads or downhill road... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2023
While crossing the rump and side walk to garage the car, as usual slowly proceed to enter the Garage but immediately the car went into extremely fast speed by itself and hit the side of the Garage, damaged the Garage wall, The garage opener, the cabinet, then hit the water softener and our other car in the front. It also smashed the bike against the wall , damaged the side wall cause a bulge to o... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Brake pedal becomes hard/stiff to apply at low speed. Normally happens after driving at highway speeds.
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Brake pedal becomes hard/stiff to apply at low speed. Normally happens after driving at highway speeds.
Incident date: May 13, 2023
The new model y froze in the middle of an interstate Highway indicating it was shutting itself down and not driveable. It took only 30seconds from 60 miles per hour to completely inoperable and stopped itself in traffic. Currently the mileage of this car is only 12 miles and I drove only 7 miles about 20 minutes after the we picked up the car. Tesla service told me it was a rear motor inverter i... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
several times when stopped at a light, the vehicle's auto idle engine engages and shuts the car off. When the brake has been released, the vehicle has failed to start. Most recently, this occurred while waiting in a car line of traffic and it took many different attempts to get the car engine back on - about 10 minutes before the engine could be started, resulting in myself and my children stuck o... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
several times when stopped at a light, the vehicle's auto idle engine engages and shuts the car off. When the brake has been released, the vehicle has failed to start. Most recently, this occurred while waiting in a car line of traffic and it took many different attempts to get the car engine back on - about 10 minutes before the engine could be started, resulting in myself and my children stuck o... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
Feb 2022 while driving horn engaged and would not go off , had to pull over , steering wheel then locked up and car would not start again but horn continued to go off and had weird smell until it died out. Took vehicle to Tesla service center, was told multiple fuses were blown , mother board and several other electrical/computer issues. May 2023 while parked in driveway horn engaged wound not sto... Read more
Fire
Incident date: May 13, 2023
The contact owns 2015 Ford Fusion. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V413000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while shifting gear, the vehicle violently jolted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Incident date: May 13, 2023
Both of the front inner brake pads separated from the backing plate presenting a safety concern since the brake performance was compromised. The front outer brake pads did not separate from the backing plates. All four brake pads were installed by myself along with new rotors in November 2021 and have experienced about 30,000 miles of use. There is plenty of brake pad material remaining. I have ex... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Driving 2008 Honda Pilot with Firestone WeatherGrip P235/70R16 at 70mph on the interstate, the rear driver tire failed causing almost instant and complete deflation. The tires have been maintained properly, to include rotation and proper inflation. The tires have less than 10k miles (65k mile warranty) and are one year old. Based on my knowledge, experience and evidence (attached photo), this fail... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2023
When I fill up my car completely the car will sputter and turn off when idling at a stop. Then it may turn off and says to put in park. This has happened several times and in intersections which one incident almost caused an accident. Only happens when car gas tank is completely full. Please advise. Thank you
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Ignition switch had a previous recall, but now the ignition switch won’t turn the car on on the first 5-10 switches with any keys, or spare keys. Steering wheel shakes/wobbles when exceeding over 50mph.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2023
Ignition switch had a previous recall, but now the ignition switch won’t turn the car on on the first 5-10 switches with any keys, or spare keys. Steering wheel shakes/wobbles when exceeding over 50mph.
Incident date: May 8, 2023
The bluetooth Microphone screeches for the people on the other end of the call. I cannot hear it. It was replaced once under warranty, however my car is no long under warranty and it is doing it again. there are bulletins about this issue, but no recalls as it's not a safety issue. just a money issue.
Incident date: May 13, 2023
Transmission faiure at 112,000 miles
Incident date: May 12, 2023
My wife was dropping my kid in the school drop off line. The speed was probably about 5 mph. The Tesla suddenly went into a sudden spontaneous acceleration. When my wife tried to brake, the brakes did not work. There was no forward collision warning beeping sound that went off, which is supposed to. It hit the vehicle in front and finally hit a fence. so, both the accelerator and brake malfunction... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Yesterday I was driving on the highway and the molding next to windshield driver's side of the car flew away. We heard a loud nose when we stopped, we saw that the molding was complete gone. It could have hit another vehicle or a person
Incident date: May 12, 2023
Kept up on all regular maintenance and needs a new Engine.
Incident date: May 14, 2023
This vehicle has a major design issue nearly resulting in several accidents. The front safety impact system is very flawed design and needs to be removed and reinstalled. Multiple times I exited steep, not obnornallt steep, parking lot and the emergency brakes engage and enable my ability to accelerate when on coming traffic and Causing repeated dangerous situations for the driver and passengers... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2023
Crackling noises from speakers to include the continuous rebooting of the infotainment screen.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
Steering column randomly locks up and the car can’t be driven.
Incident date: May 13, 2023
On April 26,2023 we were traveling home from Florida in our F250 towing our RV. Suddenly,( after we hit a rough patch of road) our truck started violently shaking. It was HORRIBLE. My husband was driving and I was the passenger. It lasted about 20 seconds during which it took all his strength to hold the steering wheel so we would not die in a horrible crash. THIS IS NO EXAGGERATION. When it stopp... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
On April 26,2023 we were traveling home from Florida in our F250 towing our RV. Suddenly,( after we hit a rough patch of road) our truck started violently shaking. It was HORRIBLE. My husband was driving and I was the passenger. It lasted about 20 seconds during which it took all his strength to hold the steering wheel so we would not die in a horrible crash. THIS IS NO EXAGGERATION. When it stopp... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
Tesla purposely disabled sensors to warn when close to objects (curb, other vehicles, garage door opening & wall). I wasn’t informed that there will be no parking assist feature indefinitely when I spoke to sakes dept.Tesla says it is still developing cameras to replace sensors. I had a 2015 tesla, which had these warnings. Before that I had a2002 Jaguar with park sensors. It is not new. Because... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
The door lock same time look the door same time not.
Incident date: Apr 21, 2023
#1. Both headlights are very dim on low beam, even after bulb replacements. High beam seems more dim than other autos I have driven in the past. I usually have to drive with my high beams on if possible #2. When in reverse, my screen to view the rear view camera doesn't show a clear picture like my previous Nissan. Sometimes when first shifting into reverse the video loses its complete picture for... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
When driving during rain, the ABS light came on due to wet conditions and reduced my driving speed ability, and created difficulty for traffic and for my family on the highway. This of which made me have to pull off to the side of the road and try to travel 40 minutes to a safe destination at a very slow speed while my vehicle was difficult to drive. Once parked overnight at a hotel it was okay t... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
When driving during rain, the ABS light came on due to wet conditions and reduced my driving speed ability, and created difficulty for traffic and for my family on the highway. This of which made me have to pull off to the side of the road and try to travel 40 minutes to a safe destination at a very slow speed while my vehicle was difficult to drive. Once parked overnight at a hotel it was okay t... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2023
Traveling East on the PA Turnpike at approx. 7:00 PM traveling at 68/70MPH we heard a sudden noise that sounded like a rear wheel rim had come off or a tire blow out. A passing car/truck motioned on the drivers side pointing to the back of the RV. We had to slow down immediately and try to find enough room to pull over on the shoulder which was difficult due to the 8 ft width of the RV and the 26... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
Last week the the security alarm went off for no reason. The following day, I arrived to work and parked my car. 45 minutes later, I am notified my headlights were on. I ALWAYS keep my headlights on AUTO so they never should have been on. After I started my car for a minute, everything seems fine. 3 hours later, I hear an alarm in the parking lot but did not think it was my vehicle. I leave work a... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
Last week the the security alarm went off for no reason. The following day, I arrived to work and parked my car. 45 minutes later, I am notified my headlights were on. I ALWAYS keep my headlights on AUTO so they never should have been on. After I started my car for a minute, everything seems fine. 3 hours later, I hear an alarm in the parking lot but did not think it was my vehicle. I leave work a... Read more