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: Jul 23, 2023
While driving down the highway the engine started to shake violently. Barely got the vehicle pulled over before the engine locked up tight. Had we not been in the right line and close to the soft shoulder, the vehicle could have locked up and stopped in the middle of the highway with cars doing 70mph behind us. Vehicle was towed to dealer and main bearing/rod bearing material was found in the ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had experienced the failure five times. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took t... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while making a turn, there was an abnormal clicking and grinding sound coming from the vehicle. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel drifted from one side to the next out of the hand of the contact. The steering wheel turned partially in one direction and aggressively before returning to center. There were no warning lights i... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
The vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle windshield just cracked while the vehicle was parked in a driveway. Something must be defective in the manufacturing process. Windshield that just crack for no reason can cause safety concerns while driving for the passengers and other vehicles. The car was not being driven but simply the windshield cracked. We have not yet got it inspected... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2023
The vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle windshield just cracked while the vehicle was parked in a driveway. Something must be defective in the manufacturing process. Windshield that just crack for no reason can cause safety concerns while driving for the passengers and other vehicles. The car was not being driven but simply the windshield cracked. We have not yet got it inspected... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2023
Hyundai San Jose dealership, Customer Service, told me, The fuse surrounding the Lithium battery is broken. This causes the whole car break down, and it is very dangerous to drive. My car has been in this Hyundai dealership over 5 months now, Hyundai cannot send the parts to San Jose Hyundai and I cannot drive the car. Also the 12V small lead acid battery in the front, broken down a few times. Can... Read more
Incident date: May 22, 2023
Engine failure due to a problem with the type of engine. Hyundai denied warranty and class action settlement claim, due to exceptional neglect. All oil changes etc were accounted for. the car with no warning, had been driving great, lost all power and left me and my two grandchildren on the side of the road. The Hyundai dealership confirmed that the engine was blown. There were no warnings
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Compass. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, a low oil pressure warning light illuminated intermittently, and the gears failed to shift as designed. The contact also stated that the front of the vehicle was shaking, causing an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to a dealer the low oil pressure sensor was replaced. After the repair, the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving, the USB portal became inoperable. The map on the screen continually went blank. Additionally, the heating system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 9. The VIN was not availa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated while his daughter was driving 77 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The driver stated the high-temperature gauge, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to park on the side of the road and called the contact to add a gallon and a half of anti-freeze to the coolant reservoir. The contact drove the ve... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
2021 Subaru Ascent with 15,735 miles on it with the factory Falken tires. The tread and metal was showing and separating from the tires. 2 tires, original to the car off the lot. Tires should last 30-40-50 miles. The other 2 tires were labeled as a 4-5 category. The car did not steer to the left or right, no noise at all. If driving on the highway and 2 tires failed, I could have been injure... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after driving at an undisclosed speed and arriving at his destination, the vehicle had difficulty shifting into gear and seemed to shift independently. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined a failure with t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The car has lost power while driving multiple times. It was in the shop for many months more than once regarding the issue. An error came on the screen saying “vehicle speed may be reduced” then it stopped. The most recent time. After the recall fix. I got a second warning telling me to pull over because the car was going to stop. I barely made it off the highway into a parking lot. The ti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
Engine cranks without starting. Could be related to recall done up to 2013 on Fuel pump relays. This has been ongoing for months.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument cluster intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the instrument cluster then failed to illuminate and remained off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the instrument cluster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
I was advised by my Cummins Service Center that the outer glass of double pane hung windows are at risk of falling out while driving. Evidently the glue bonding the two pieces of glass has failed. It’s happening on multiple windows. Evidently this was addressed for some newer models. The windows are made by Hehr which I believe is now owned by Lippert Industries. I feel like this should be a man... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving at slower speeds or slowing for traffic signals at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle would jolt as the transmission automatically downshifted. The contact stated that the vehicle would also jolt into gear and hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal to accelerate. The contact stated that the transmission in emergency... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
While sitting at a stoplight, with no cars near me, I heard a shatter sound. My rear window glass has shattered for an unknown reason. I verified nothing had hit it. It was lightly raining, and I previously had the rear window defogger on.
Incident date: May 9, 2023
I was on the highway with cruise set to 80. With no vehicles anywhere near in front of me, the car brakes hard and the cruise was set to 50. I was able to gain control by hitting the accelerator but slowed down quickly from the phantom breaking.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
i’ve been having issues with the brake lights being sometimey sometime it works and sometimes not, and almost been in accidents once too many times. i’ve also notice a lot of hyundais especially sonatas that’s on the road have the same issue. i’m at a loss in what to do with having to change light bulbs every month it acts up with both break lights. horn doesn’t work. it stopped months ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2023
The HVAC air door bend plastic piece is stripped within. The door actuator has been replaced and did NOT fix the issue. The driver side only blows cold air as a result. This is a hazard because when it becomes winter time, this can be dangerous due to the inability to stay warm or defrost the windshield. Nissan is wanting to charge consumers $3000 dollars to replace the whole HVAC system due to fa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the front driver’s side door failed to properly close with the door ajar image displayed on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
the systems forward collision and lane departure warning are randomly turned off. Dealership is not aware of how to fix
Incident date: May 31, 2023
ABS warnings on dash. Error code c00020-01. Traction control, cruise control disabled.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Im not aware what is malfunctioning or failing but I get a warning to not drive the vehicle and I start hearing a beeping sound, when I try to break it makes a harsh screeching sound and tugs the car a bit. It’s putting my safety at risk bc I drive for work and I can’t keep having this problem happen on the freeway. I’m afraid my brakes will fail and not break. Idk what the cause to this is,... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
I was pulling out into the road when my car stalled out of no where. Multiple errors/lights started flashing. It scrolled through many warnings saying many things weren’t working and to call the dealer. Car would not start or move. Had it towed to the dealer. They are saying it was the fuel pump and is no longer under warranty. They say they do not know when they can get one as it’s on b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
Transmission control module failed. Gear shifts into neutral when driving and shuts car off. Gear position sensor bad causing gear to shift while driving.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
Transmission control module failed. Gear shifts into neutral when driving and shuts car off. Gear position sensor bad causing gear to shift while driving.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway, the front passenger’s side wheel separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the upper control arm ball joint had fractured and that the front upper control arm needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHT... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
What component of system failed or malfunctioned? Sudden deceleration, not sure what system this is a part of. Is it available for inspection upon request? No, I don't know what is causing the problem so have not been able to have the specific system looked at. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I have been driving on the highway and experienced sudden deceleration of the v... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2022
What component of system failed or malfunctioned? Sudden deceleration, not sure what system this is a part of. Is it available for inspection upon request? No, I don't know what is causing the problem so have not been able to have the specific system looked at. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I have been driving on the highway and experienced sudden deceleration of the v... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, parts to do the recall repairs were 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The cruise control will disconnect randomly causing sudden deceleration. Sometimes it will go off almost immediately after setting it and others it may stay engaged for several miles. It disengaging randomly is a safety issue as I’m not expecting the sudden deceleration and it could cause a vehicle that is following closely to hit me. This issue has been present since I purchased the vehicle and... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
I was traveling down I10 from Houston to San Antonio, somewhere near Luling. I thought a rock hit the windshield, then I few seconds later I heard it again, and then I noticed a black piece of something flapping back and forth along my passenger window. There was no place to safely stop so I reduced my speed, 75 to 60. I traveled until I could find a safe trace to stop. That is when I discovered t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
While driving my vehicle, it suddenly stalled and told me to put it in park. I was driving approximately 25 miles per hour. I had to pull over and put it in park. It then allowed me to restart. There were no warning lamps and happened spontaneously. I have not had the issue reproduced but this wad part of a recall for this vehicle in 2018 that seems to have returned.
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
The key will either get stuck in the ignition while the car is on, or it will occasionally not turn at all. Both of which have left me or others borrowing my car stranded. Has taken up to 2 hours of jiggling the key and finally turning to the on or off position. Some shops are saying the ignition cylinder, others the switch, and others the steering lock but this seems to be a very common complaint... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
Check Engine light came on. Notice some rough starting followed by white smoke from exhaust. Brought to mechanic. Mechanic indicated the following: "diagnosis inspected and verified misfire #4 pulled plug found residue of possible coolant in cylinder, overflow of reservoir was near empty, topped off let sit overnight, started cold and saw white smoke believed to be coolant out of exhaust. Most lik... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2023
Roof leak causing water damage to headliner. Dealership won’t fix because they ran water on it and it didn’t leak but didn’t apply pressure.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
Catastrophic engine failure at 86,200 miles. Engine making chugging and ticking sound and metal flakes in oil. Normal oils changes at Hyundai dealers every 5-6k miles (or 6 months). Hyundai wouldn’t cover because 2nd owner (should have covered up 100k power train.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
Approximately 11:26 am on Thursday July 27, and approximately 110 miles east of Gallup, New Mexico, I experienced when driving a 2021 Tesla Model Y, a series of extreme phantom braking events. One phantom braking event resulted in an extreme braking and the car gave a loud alarm signal. This happened while passing two rather closely spaced semi-trailer trucks that were in the right lane of the i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
My RV is make from 2021 Ford E-450. The power steering fluid leaked out and hard to steer the RV, and lost break. Ford has a recall 2021E-450 under similar situation, but my Vin did not received any recall notice.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
My RV is make from 2021 Ford E-450. The power steering fluid leaked out and hard to steer the RV, and lost break. Ford has a recall 2021E-450 under similar situation, but my Vin did not received any recall notice.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
Intermittent Abs Failure. Kicks off cruise control and looses ABS brakes and traction control. Very dangerous. Lost this ability while pulling my RV Camper on wet roads. Went into other on coming lane do to sliding and skidding. I guess this is a very well known issues with no recall or information from Mopar\ Ram to the owners. This almost killed me My wife and my 3 year old grandson.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
Intermittent Abs Failure. Kicks off cruise control and looses ABS brakes and traction control. Very dangerous. Lost this ability while pulling my RV Camper on wet roads. Went into other on coming lane do to sliding and skidding. I guess this is a very well known issues with no recall or information from Mopar\ Ram to the owners. This almost killed me My wife and my 3 year old grandson.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
When I was pulling into my driveway, approx. 5-10mph with my foot barely on the accelerator, the car started accelerating on its own, almost hitting the fence. I was able to slam on the brake pedal and it stopped. It was such a hard stop, left a tire mark on the asphalt and took out some patches of my grass.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2023
All of the buttons on my steering wheel including the horn stopped working. I hear a clicking noise when i turn the steering wheel and the passenger air bag light randomly goes on and off. This leads me to believe the clock spring is broken. If the clock spring is the problem, this could create an airbag malfunction causing it to not deploy when needed or randomly deploy while i’m driving.
Incident date: May 30, 2023
My dashboard is lit up like a christmas tree. Went to dealer who found the ABS control module went out. The nation is out of this part as it is a common problem. There are several articles on the web that discuss how these have gone out and there is no where to buy the part and is not recalled yet. ABS system will not engage without this which is extremely unsafe. Apparently this is effecting 2013... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2023
My dashboard is lit up like a christmas tree. Went to dealer who found the ABS control module went out. The nation is out of this part as it is a common problem. There are several articles on the web that discuss how these have gone out and there is no where to buy the part and is not recalled yet. ABS system will not engage without this which is extremely unsafe. Apparently this is effecting 2013... Read more