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 2, 2023
Van was idling rough and started to struggle to start in the morning, at times needing to try a few times before it would start up. Once driving the van is still idling roughly and at red lights feels as if it will not be able to drive at all. The check engine light came on so we had the error code read at AutoZone throwing the P0303 Cylinder 1 misfire. We first took it to our local mechanic where... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
The front windshield starting cracking from the bottom left corner ( driver's side) upto the middle of the windshield and continuing to the right going upward. There is no visible signs of and rock damage. Also the wipers blades (when turned on wiping) don't cover the windshield completely. It leaves open s o aces when in the wiping mode. This is a brand new car we bought. This is unacceptable.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH the vehicle suddenly began to lose automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The contact late drove the vehicle to a second dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Approximately one year l... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V250000 (Visibility) 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
My vehicle engine seized while driving on the freeway. There was absolutely no warning. No lights for oil issue nothing flagged. I had no previous issues with my vehicle and I am concerned that I will have to pay for this myself .
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
Dashboard is melting and cracking. Glare makes it hard to see out of the windshield.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) also however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
Technical Service Bulletin #22-2229 needs to be added to my car's vin number. Car was brought to dealership after check engine light was illuminated. Diagnostic trouble codes indicated misfire detected on cylinder 1, misfire detected on start up. Dealership did an additional review, and found coolant intrusion into cylinder 1. Entire engine replacement has been reccomended. Car was picked up from... Read more
Incident date: Aug 4, 2023
Technical Service Bulletin #22-2229 needs to be added to my car's vin number. Car was brought to dealership after check engine light was illuminated. Diagnostic trouble codes indicated misfire detected on cylinder 1, misfire detected on start up. Dealership did an additional review, and found coolant intrusion into cylinder 1. Entire engine replacement has been reccomended. Car was picked up from... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
Vehicle having multiple stalls with ABS light on while driving vehicle been at the dealership technician tried to repair it did not get fixed. Returned again stated that it was a wheel speed sensor. My vehicles been at the dealership for over two months now with no part ETA. Multiple instrument cluster lights and vehicle stalls while driving.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2023
Vehicle having multiple stalls with ABS light on while driving vehicle been at the dealership technician tried to repair it did not get fixed. Returned again stated that it was a wheel speed sensor. My vehicles been at the dealership for over two months now with no part ETA. Multiple instrument cluster lights and vehicle stalls while driving.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2006 Saturn Ion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the key was stuck in the ignition switch. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the ignition lock cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; howeve... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced for the recall of NHTSA Campaign Number:14V224000: (Power Train), the transmission shift cable failed causing the vehicle to roll back and hit the contact. During the incident, the contact sustained a severe abdominal injury and a fractured left knee. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who replaced th... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
The truck bearing keep going out the spark plugs overloaded and I can’t accelerate at times when I’m driving it slows down then starts back up
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
The truck bearing keep going out the spark plugs overloaded and I can’t accelerate at times when I’m driving it slows down then starts back up
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
My raise and lower Windows don't work some times including the unlock and loock Windows. I get my house and want closed the car but I can rise the Windows, and try many times after a couple hours and could. I was far for the kia service and I dont have time at the moment to go, went al make the appointment the said that the car need to have the fail in the moment if the not fail at the moment the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
When using the audio system (Apple Airplay, Bluetooth, Sirius Navigation, or FM Radio), the speakers or radio will at some point start to crackle and make noises similar to static noise, like wires sparking. which causes the music to cut out and shut off completely. Our safety is at risk because the noise is very distracting, it is very annoying, it makes me nervous and angry because it becomes un... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Randomly fails to start. New batteries installed and still fails to start at random times
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Randomly fails to start. New batteries installed and still fails to start at random times
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
There wasn't an emissions control in my steering wheel. My car was stolen and was more than a total loss when it was found.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
We have called 3 dealerships Kia that is and our recall for the brakes is about 3 months or so old. We were told that they will not look at any cars for this because parts are not available but other cars like ours are thin in also how can a recall happen when there is no parts isn't that a must when a recall is this dangerous they will not even schedule appointments and this has been 3.5 months. ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
I bought my vehicle in 2010 Brand New I did not have the vehicle less the 5 years when the volume on the sterring wheel stopped working , then my horn stopped working and someone backen into me, my cruise control does not work sometimes the wheel locks on me turning then the airbag light Pop on and they wanted to charge me hundreds of dollars to fix to and sometimes when I Start the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
The truck lunges sometimes, and will jerk shifting, also at variable speeds the truck will feel like it is "riding over rumble strips at a low speed" at variable speeds 30 MPH to 70 MPH. It makes for an unsafe feeling having the vehicle lunge unexpectedly, and the shuddering on the highway causes alarming panic, and reaction, and a feeling of delayed response from the accelerator. Yes, everyo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
My clock spring isn’t working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I can’t use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. I’ve paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. I’m still awaiting reimbursement. Further review and assistance needed.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The 2023 GLC300 would not start. The internal alarms kept going off, the push-start/stop would not respond. The vehicle was acting like it was being stolen, this lasted for 75 to 80 minutes. The display said 12V On-Board Electrical System Service Required and Blind Spot Assist Inoperative - over and over again. Couldn't get the key to make car lock or unlock. The car would not turn on, it would no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The 2023 GLC300 would not start. The internal alarms kept going off, the push-start/stop would not respond. The vehicle was acting like it was being stolen, this lasted for 75 to 80 minutes. The display said 12V On-Board Electrical System Service Required and Blind Spot Assist Inoperative - over and over again. Couldn't get the key to make car lock or unlock. The car would not turn on, it would no... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed and the turning signals were activated, the vehicle felt as if the transmission had improperly shifted. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake pedal, motherboard, and taillight assembly had failed and needed to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2023
When using low beam lights there are two dark spots being projected
Incident date: Jul 19, 2023
Steering is locking up while driving. This happened 5 times in the past three weeks. Vehicle is scheduled for service.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer but there was no failure found however, the dealer performed an oil change. The vehicle continued to experience the failure with the abnormal sound being more ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
while backing into a parking spot between 2 cars in a parking lot the reverse auto braking engaged. when going into forward the car accelerated and crashed into cement wall about 10-15 feet ahead. Just occurred so no other info available.
Crash
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
while backing into a parking spot between 2 cars in a parking lot the reverse auto braking engaged. when going into forward the car accelerated and crashed into cement wall about 10-15 feet ahead. Just occurred so no other info available.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while her daughter was attempting to drive from a complete stop, she depressed the brake pedal, but the brake pedal was firm. The contact stated that her daughter stood on the brake pedal and the brake responded as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that her daughter parked the vehicle because it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Lease vehicle 5/27/23, twice when driving car gear switch to neutral, need repair ASAP
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Lease vehicle 5/27/23, twice when driving car gear switch to neutral, need repair ASAP
Incident date: Mar 25, 2023
This is a problem with the car’s variable cylinder management. It causes the spark plug to degrade, the engine cylinders fill with oil and damages the piston rings. This has happened to me on my 2016 Honda Odyssey which has less then 50,000 miles. When the engine cylinders misfire while driving, it causes sudden loss of power and an inability to drive. The repairs are very costly. There was a c... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Dart. The contact stated that the front windshield trim was missing and that the adhesive around the front windshield was cracking. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 97,945.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
235/60R18 Tire leak & brittle texture
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Driving at speed limit (70MPH) on Interstate 5. Was using cruise control. On 5 occasions, driving N, then S 4 days later, car braked suddenly with no obstacle or vehicle within 50 yards.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Driving at speed limit (70MPH) on Interstate 5. Was using cruise control. On 5 occasions, driving N, then S 4 days later, car braked suddenly with no obstacle or vehicle within 50 yards.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Motor coolant went into engine cylinders and over heats and now my vehicle won't run.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving vehicle displays "Service Advance Trac", "Pre collision assist not available", "hill assist not available" and the drive mode will not work. Brake lights are also on all the time as well. Dealership says the vehicles steering column needs to be replaced only 2 months after purchase. Dealer has diagnosed the issue but did not provide codes.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving vehicle displays "Service Advance Trac", "Pre collision assist not available", "hill assist not available" and the drive mode will not work. Brake lights are also on all the time as well. Dealership says the vehicles steering column needs to be replaced only 2 months after purchase. Dealer has diagnosed the issue but did not provide codes.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
While driving vehicle displays "Service Advance Trac", "Pre collision assist not available", "hill assist not available" and the drive mode will not work. Brake lights are also on all the time as well. Dealership says the vehicles steering column needs to be replaced only 2 months after purchase. Dealer has diagnosed the issue but did not provide codes.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Car shut off in middle of the highway. Couldn’t get it to start. Fortunately there was light traffic. Couldn’t get the car in neutral to push on side of road. Had it towed to a shop and it was a faulty fuel pump module. Manufacturer won’t honor warranty.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Accord. The contact stated after driving 35 MPH and arriving at her destination, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined there was a failure with the rear main seal, causing fluid to slowly leak out from the rear main seal. The vehicle was then taken to a second independent m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Summary: Loss of power steering/inability to steer the vehicle occurred twice (7/16/23 & 7/29/23). Issue appears consistent with Investigation PE 23-014. Other functionality was also lost on each occurrence. Details: 7/16/23 - Driver entered the car and immediately received several alerts including Steering assist reduced, stability controlled disabled, traction control disabled, Lane departur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Summary: Loss of power steering/inability to steer the vehicle occurred twice (7/16/23 & 7/29/23). Issue appears consistent with Investigation PE 23-014. Other functionality was also lost on each occurrence. Details: 7/16/23 - Driver entered the car and immediately received several alerts including Steering assist reduced, stability controlled disabled, traction control disabled, Lane departur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
At 59,900 miles on a 2016 Discovery Sport that has never been in a collision and maintained by LandRover Dealership, the Left front brake line blew while my 22 year old medical student son was driving the car. Fortunately he was "in-town" and was going about 20 mph when he suddenly lost brake power and was able to stop the car by gearing down and without accident. Car towed to LandRover Dealer... Read more