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: Dec 19, 2025
The instrument cluster on my vehicle has failed intermittently and/or completely, resulting in loss of speedometer visibility and loss of critical warning indicator information. This includes safety-related alerts necessary for driver awareness, such as warning lights and vehicle status indicators. Due to this failure, the vehicle is unsafe to operate because the driver cannot reliably monitor spe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
All in the same day: 1) Odd sound from behind the pedal area of driver side front quarter (sounded like a styrofoam cooler top rubbing against the cooler is the best way to describe - faint though). 2)BANG when in a parking garage turning full right but still able to control without difficulty. Made it home without incident. 3)Later that day, just after getting off of I4 in Orlando I pulled into ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
All in the same day: 1) Odd sound from behind the pedal area of driver side front quarter (sounded like a styrofoam cooler top rubbing against the cooler is the best way to describe - faint though). 2)BANG when in a parking garage turning full right but still able to control without difficulty. Made it home without incident. 3)Later that day, just after getting off of I4 in Orlando I pulled into ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the dealer had sent a mobile mechanic to the contact's residence to complete the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). During the day, the contact checked the r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Incident Summary: Car Computer (HW3) suffered internal hardware failure on 12/17/25 following software update 2025.44.3. While the media screen and rearview camera functioned, the Autopilot Board (APB) was "MIA." Tesla Randolph (Invoice #3000S0015357298) confirmed the internal failure and replaced the unit. Safety Risk: Failure disabled safety-critical ADAS: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Incident Summary: Car Computer (HW3) suffered internal hardware failure on 12/17/25 following software update 2025.44.3. While the media screen and rearview camera functioned, the Autopilot Board (APB) was "MIA." Tesla Randolph (Invoice #3000S0015357298) confirmed the internal failure and replaced the unit. Safety Risk: Failure disabled safety-critical ADAS: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 9, 2025
Description of Incident: The vehicle exhibits a severe and unpredictable transmission "shudder," "stutter," and hesitation during gear synchronization, specifically during 1st–3rd and 8th–10th gear transitions. This manifest as a violent "shaking" sensation and a loss of momentary acceleration while merging into high-speed traffic. This issue was first reported to an authorized Ford dealershi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V270000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the failure occurred. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse. The message "Rearview Camera not Available" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure obstructed the road's v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2025
The brake booster vacuum hose attached to the intake manifold fitting swelled over time and was close to detaching from the intake manifold fitting. This condition could allow the hose to detach from the fitting during an engine backfire, resulting in loss of power brake assist and increased brake pedal effort. As a result, stopping distance may increase and potentially result in a crash.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
On [XXX], I purchased a new Toyota Sienna 2025 from Toyota Pasadena. The car has had frequent “check rear seat” and “check 3rd row seat” alerts everyday I drive. I have contacted Toyota Motors a few times since May, 2025, and visited Toyota Pasadena countless times to solve this error since April, 2025. After their “alarm specialist” checked my vehicle, they started to intentionally ig... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2025
I purchased this vehicle from Ford about 2 months ago and brought it in for service over 4 weeks ago. The service department inspected the hub bolts and declared the vehicle unsafe to drive until the recall is completed due to sheered bolts. Although the recall says the parts are available, that is apparently not accurate. This is a huge safety issue and Ford put my family at risk when they decide... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2025
Transmission valvebody failure, causing rapid, repeated rear wheel lock ups. Videos can be provided. These happen almost daily at highway speeds. This will cause a very bad accident
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road, and her husband picked her up from the scene. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The contact stated that wh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
While operating my 2023 Tesla Model S Long range using Full Self Driving Supervised and software version 14.2.1.25, the speed control no longer is available and has been replaced by speed profiles. When operating the vehicle on Interstate 77 Southbound around Statesville, NC and on or about December 22, 2025, I set the speed profiles to standard in a 55 mph zone in which the Tesla recognized and d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
The upper radiator hose, which is part of the vehicle’s engine cooling system, failed prematurely. The component is available for inspection upon request, and documentation of the repair and replacement can also be provided. Failure of the upper radiator hose caused coolant loss, creating a risk of engine overheating and sudden vehicle disablement. This posed/poses a safety risk, particularly i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the occupancy sensors and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
Transmission stutters. Only has 32000 miles.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
Had to stop urgently, and my truck shut off. I had to shift it into park to get it started again. Was in the middle of a 4 lane section of route one traveling with traffic at the time. I was a sitting duck until I could figure out what happened. (I’m a mechanic, if the average person was dealing with this I don’t know if they would have been able to get moving as quickly.) It acted like the to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2025
One two separate occasions while driving the car has lost the ability to accelerate. There is no acceleration power even when completely flooring the gas pedal. The dash displays a red circle warming that states "Check Hybrid system. Stop Safely". I have had to coast to the side of the road and then the car shuts off. It has taken several minutes before it can start again, and then displays a warn... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
My dash board lit up and started dinging. Many different messages were flashing across the screen such as driver assist feature problem, TPMS problem, and others related to the electronic driver assist features. I noticed a difference in the way my car handled as I was pulling off the highway to a gas station to check my tire pressure. It seems drivable at the moment and I don't have another vehic... Read more
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
My 2022 Model Y, 213k miles, battery health 77%, no issues until Beginning of November 2025. After Tesla’s update, BMS_a079 popped up, capped charge at 22%. No dead cells, no imbalance—pure software bug remotely triggered by Tesla. Service refused written diagnosis, only said ‘nine thousand dollars for new battery. Risk of stranding.
Incident date: Nov 2, 2025
My 2022 Model Y, 213k miles, battery health 77%, no issues until Beginning of November 2025. After Tesla’s update, BMS_a079 popped up, capped charge at 22%. No dead cells, no imbalance—pure software bug remotely triggered by Tesla. Service refused written diagnosis, only said ‘nine thousand dollars for new battery. Risk of stranding.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Car was hit in rear by tractor trailer, spun into another tractor trailer. Then the second tractor trailer slammed the vehicle front end first into the median. Front end crushed, driver side door caved in, rear end damage. No airbags were deployed the entire time. 55 mph (approximate) to a complete stop in a fraction of a second. The vehicle is currently in the possession of the insurance company,... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
There is play in the seat. Unnerving that the seat moves without any manual intervention or undue force. The movement occurs u see braking and/or acceleration. When reported to Nissan dealer, was informed that it was not covered under standard or extended warranty plans. 2021 year model with 27800 miles, noticed this movement in our previous 2019 model as well.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
Engine seized while driving. Recall-covered failure mode. Hyundai denial despite recall. Screenshots showed recall with VIN for engine recall and suddenly removed by Hyundai next day.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
7/30/2025 The vehicle experienced a confirmed TOTAL loss of function to include steering, restraint, and braking functionality at approximately 60 to 65 miles per hour. This catastrophic failure placed myself and and others at severe risk. Although Tesla’s service notes confirm the event occurred, no corrective repair was performed. The vehicle was completely inoperative with a matter of seconds... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
the exterior A-piller trim part is missing, having already detached. I have called Ford 3 times and the customer service once. They keep saying for the last year that the parts are not available. they will not take responsibility to get this fixed. If the other one falls off it could cause other people to get injured.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The vehicle experienced sudden engine failure due to rod bearing damage. The engine seized without warning and required towing. A Hyundai dealership confirmed rod bearing failure consistent with known Theta engine defects. Hyundai denied engine replacement coverage because a software update (Campaign 953 / KSDS) was not completed; however, I never received notice of this campaign. The campaign do... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V72000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the recall could not be performed due to a damaged bumper clip. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, however the recall repair was not performed. Th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
After Tesla replaced my high voltage battery in May of 2024 all of the following started to happen. Prior to the replacement none of these issues were present. While driving under normal conditions, my 2021 Tesla suddenly and violently steered into an oncoming lane or toward the roadside without any driver input. The steering wheel physically turned on its own with force. Full Self-Driving was NO... Read more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2024
After Tesla replaced my high voltage battery in May of 2024 all of the following started to happen. Prior to the replacement none of these issues were present. While driving under normal conditions, my 2021 Tesla suddenly and violently steered into an oncoming lane or toward the roadside without any driver input. The steering wheel physically turned on its own with force. Full Self-Driving was NO... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2025
The drivers side door latch will not latch, the door will swing open because the latch is defective. I have seen that this is a common issue with this vehicle and has been recalled on other 2012 ford fiestas but mine has not been.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Toyota Prius. It was discovered when the contact listed the vehicle for sale that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was as a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 126,611. The potential purchaser provided a CARFAX report that recorded the mileage on 11/6/2024 at 225,810.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that soon after the engine was replaced by the dealer under warranty, the vehicle started to hesitate and jerk while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure worsened, and the contact initially called the dealer and was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact had the vehicle towed t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the TPMS displayed that the PSI of the tires was low. Additionally, a notification advising that the vehicle was experiencing low voltage and drainage and would shut down was displayed. The contact called towing services. The contact stated that the towing agent who assisted in towing the vehicle inform... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the TPMS displayed that the PSI of the tires was low. Additionally, a notification advising that the vehicle was experiencing low voltage and drainage and would shut down was displayed. The contact called towing services. The contact stated that the towing agent who assisted in towing the vehicle inform... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
All the specific details are unknown, but I had a mechanic work on my car and the problem that he had to fix. He stated that it should’ve been detected, but it was something wrong with my car, letting me know that I had the problem and also I have to keep replacing my camshaft timing Solenoid my car keeps giving me error codes P0011 and P0128
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
I received another service high voltage system message literally weeks after I brought my vehicle in and had the issue fixed. I reported this issue last on 11/24/2025 it is now 12/19/2025 and it happened again. The heat in my vehicle seemed to stop working and was blowing cold air. This is just poor design and disgraceful.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
My Toyota Tundra (2023) has a recall notice due to possible debris in the engine that is over a year and a half old. This still has not been repaired by the manufacturer. I can hear sounds like knocking coming from the engine and I am concerned that the vehicle could stall or stop while driving on the highway with my children and cause a severe crash. How do I get the vehicle engine replaced expe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
The cv joint is knocking upon turning in either direction I'm concerned for my safety.
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Shortly after purchase, my 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid AWD experienced a sudden and severe electrical burning or melting odor while driving at freeway speed (approximately 75 mph). The odor was extremely strong and clearly coming from my vehicle. At the same time, the vehicle produced a loud, continuous whirring or growling noise and experienced a sudden loss of power, as if under heavy load or brak... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
Driving while pitman arm broke in half lost total control
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
While operating my Tesla using the Auto Park function (on 12/8/2025 between 8:45 am and 9:00 am) , which is part of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, the vehicle initiated an automated parking maneuver. During the maneuver, the vehicle was reversing into a parking space when it failed to detect a stationary wall located behind the vehicle. The vehicle continued reversing without issuing any vis... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
I own a 2022 Nissan LEAF (VIN [XXX] ) that is subject to a Nissan safety recall advising owners not to use DC fast charging due to risk of battery overheating and fire. DC fast charging is a core function of an electric vehicle. Nissan’s instruction to avoid fast charging effectively removes this capability. In addition, some public charging networks have restricted or blocked Nissan LEAF fast ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Vehicle: 2018 Tesla Model X Recall Reference: Tesla eMMC Recall – NHTSA Campaign Number 21V-035 (Recall 21V035000) Defect Description: In March 2021, Tesla notified me by email of a recall involving failure of the eMMC memory chip in the Media Control Unit (MCU). This defect is known to cause loss of vehicle system functionality and safety-related features. Despite this notification, Tesla has r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Vehicle: 2018 Tesla Model X Recall Reference: Tesla eMMC Recall – NHTSA Campaign Number 21V-035 (Recall 21V035000) Defect Description: In March 2021, Tesla notified me by email of a recall involving failure of the eMMC memory chip in the Media Control Unit (MCU). This defect is known to cause loss of vehicle system functionality and safety-related features. Despite this notification, Tesla has r... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
I brought my 2024 Sierra in for its L87 recall. It passed. Two weeks later I had to bring it in for check engine light. They reset the system under a TSB that is known to occur with the l87 recall. Not a total of 300 miles of passing the recall I was driving and the engine started making a horrible noise and I started experiencing loss of power. I managed to get the vehicle safely parked. The deal... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
A structural chassis component (V-brace) was permanently removed from my vehicle by Tesla Service during a service visit. The removal was performed under a Tesla-described engineering retrofit (Tesla Service Article 9188600). The component was not reinstalled or replaced, and Tesla stated that once removed it cannot be reinstalled. The service visit was originally initiated due to a persistent rat... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Bad wheel speed sensor which disables ABS, cruise control, and all the ADAS systems. Vehicle has been to dealer 5 times for this in less than 8 months. Stellantis takes over a month to replace the part. Vehicle also will not shut off and/or be able to move while this happens.