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: Jan 10, 2026
Make/Model: Tesla Year: 2023 Component / System: Autopark system (vehicle’s automated parking feature) Description of Failure/Malfunction: While reversing under Autopark control, the vehicle collided with a parked vehicle whose door was open. No driver input was provided, and the system gave no warnings prior to the collision. The incident appears to result from a failure or limitation of the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
The audi presense seems to be too sensitive and it is available for inspection. There have been 3 times that I've been at a complete stop in the middle of the intersection waiting for the opposing traffic to stop so I can turn left and suddenly the car brakes, seat belts engage and it scares us. 2 times I had just started to turn left and the car braked (no opposing traffic) and it was so sudden t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2026
The infotainment system screens go black sometimes for no reason. Been to the dealer to fix and they said they can’t duplicate the issue. Yet I have pictures and videos to prove it. The drivers assist systems turn themselves off when there is nothing blocking the cameras. Causing the one pedal driving to start applying the brakes and almost causing me to be rear ended multiple times. The AWD... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Didn't know what the list this one but at a certain speed on the highway the hood latch comes loose unlocks, and my backup camera All of a sudden doesn't always work, sometimes the screen is completely black... Also the sensor that tells you that a car is too close to you keeps turning itself off and then when you check the radar sensor to make sure that it's clear of debris there's no debris but ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
Didn't know what the list this one but at a certain speed on the highway the hood latch comes loose unlocks, and my backup camera All of a sudden doesn't always work, sometimes the screen is completely black... Also the sensor that tells you that a car is too close to you keeps turning itself off and then when you check the radar sensor to make sure that it's clear of debris there's no debris but ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
While performing routine maintenance on my 2018 Acura TLX, I discovered a critical structural failure in the front right (passenger side) lower control arm. The factory weld connecting the stamped steel control arm to the compliance bushing housing has failed and separated. Visual inspection reveals a clear manufacturing defect: there is a significant crater and void in the weld bead, indicative o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
The contact owned a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed in stop-and-go traffic, the driver noticed smoke emerging from under the hood, pulled over, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and saw flames. The contact removed items from the vehicle and exited safely. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries, airbag dep... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
I bought this truck used from a dealer in 2022. From the start the resting voltage of the car was a problem getting 12.7v and when I was driving it would often only get up to 13.4v. I took it to the dealer and they replaced it completely in 2023. It still shows low resting voltage and driving voltage. I told them and they said it was fine and not to worry. Now for the past 6 months it has been mak... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2026
Event Description - Car began veering off the road to the left - Driver attempted to correct the unintended maneuver, but the car increased in speed, despite braking - The car then lost all steering and braking capability, - In an attempt to control/stop the car, it instead proceeded uncontrollably performing a doughnut on the roadside embankment, and another doughnut that landed the vehicle b... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2025
They have a recall on the catalytic converters for the 1.6 engines but not the 2.0. I have had to have mine replaced two times in a year. There is definitely a problem. The second time it almost caught fire due to glowing red cause it got so hot. The same problem is happening to the 2.0 engines just like the 1.6 engines, but nothing is being done.
Incident date: Dec 29, 2025
Recall 25TA12 for a 2025 Sienna Van second rows seats rail welds is not being handled in a timely manner by Toyota. I received a notice on Oct 5, 2025 about this recall and 90 days later there still isn’t a remedy by Toyota. This is unacceptable as Toyota put the owners on notice by saying not to use the second row seats as injuries may happen due to improperly welded seat rails. Toyota needs ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
One of the USB-C charging ports caved into the dashboard only several months after purchasing the car, resulting an oddly hole on the dashboard and non functional charging port.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure. It is available for inspection upon request. Visible PTU fluid leaking under the vehicle. Loss of 4WD. Service 4WD warning on dashboard began on Monday, January 5, 2026. Vibrations and grinding noises while driving. Burning oil smell in the cabin. Change in driving, such as delayed engagement and jerking during acceleration. Loss of power. My safety and the safe... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
Recurrent coolant leak. Known issue with Jaguar. Coolant system is known to have many weak spots due to plastic tubing and weak coupling joints. Had a repair costing $1500 dollars in 2022 just out of warranty. Now experiencing yet another coolant leak. Other owners have also had multiple leaks. I think Jaguar should be held accountable for a manufacturer defect.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
I am filing a formal complaint regarding serious safety and mechanical problems with my vehicle. The brakes do not function properly and I have to add brake fluid every few days, which indicates a possible leak or brake system failure. This creates an extremely dangerous driving condition. The vehicle also has electrical problems, including malfunctioning lights. The engine has lost power, making ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
Multiple incidents from different shops after oil changes, car continues to leak oil from around filter. Have had to replace the shifter sensor twice within the last 5 years. Regular driver back and forth to work. Drive less than 8k miles a year
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
Lost power and stopped on the highway Gas gauge was not accurate
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
Lost power and stopped on the highway Gas gauge was not accurate
Incident date: Jun 26, 2023
Repeatedly there has been a cylinder 1 misfire causing the check engine light to activate. The vehicle starts to shake and idling is rough. It has happened repeatedly over the past 3-4 years. In 2025 it happened in August, October and December despite repeated maintenance. Error codes that have popped up due to the issue primarily include cylinder 1 misfires a known and documented issue related ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
The front grille on my 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy has developed visible deformation that appears consistent with heat damage or melting. The plastic behind and around the grille slats shows wavy, rippled distortion and texture changes. There is no evidence of impact damage, road debris, or external chemical exposure. The vehicle has approximately 2,000 miles and is only about 42 days old. T... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2026
I have a 2018 Toyota CHR with of course a CVT transmission. I am around 105k miles with normal maintenance and have had small issues but nothing crazy until now. I have been noticing a strange noise coming from my car and after replacing pretty much every moving part on the car (besides the transmission), the issue is a bearing coming from within the transmission. After doing further research thro... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
The constant-velocity joint on the driver's side tends to vibrate, and at certain speeds there is play in the steering. Sometimes the handbrake doesn't work properly, and the right-side brake light doesn't work even after replacing the bulbs.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
The constant-velocity joint on the driver's side tends to vibrate, and at certain speeds there is play in the steering. Sometimes the handbrake doesn't work properly, and the right-side brake light doesn't work even after replacing the bulbs.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
EGR valve and oil leaking The malfunction light came on and the car reduced power and almost killed me on the highway in Dallas Tx! Yes has been confirmed by trophy Nissan in Mesquite! I have also had to replace motor mount transmission mount torque strut mount the turbo hose! I have seen like 50 people have the same problem and saying they paid over $2000 to fix and car still breaks down! I will ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Cylinder 5 missfire and i have 2 codes on my ob 2 scanner
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Wheel overheated, causing tire failure, rendering unit non-drivable. I'm told an incorrectly seated bearing was the cause; waiting for the entire axle to be replaced. Now 60 days with manufacturer-authorized service center representative who pursued issue even when manufacturer stated "all clear", which it was not. Warning gauge on dash indicated failure but only upon failure. Highly dangerous... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Wheel overheated, causing tire failure, rendering unit non-drivable. I'm told an incorrectly seated bearing was the cause; waiting for the entire axle to be replaced. Now 60 days with manufacturer-authorized service center representative who pursued issue even when manufacturer stated "all clear", which it was not. Warning gauge on dash indicated failure but only upon failure. Highly dangerous... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2025
Wheel overheated, causing tire failure, rendering unit non-drivable. I'm told an incorrectly seated bearing was the cause; waiting for the entire axle to be replaced. Now 60 days with manufacturer-authorized service center representative who pursued issue even when manufacturer stated "all clear", which it was not. Warning gauge on dash indicated failure but only upon failure. Highly dangerous... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Lincoln Nautilus. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V953000 (VISIBILITY); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 ex... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
Left Front side marker light faulty. is the warning on the dashboard - I have noticed there is a recall I believe 2017 2018 for the same part and this is on a 2019 so it's obviously the part it actually says if there's a software fix
Incident date: Dec 25, 2025
SUN ROOF SCREEN STOPED RETRACTING PROPERLY CAUSES THE CLOTH TO BUNCH UP AND AT TIMES DISTRACT THE VIEW WHEN LOOKING IN REAR VIEW MIRROR06
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
There is an open safety recall on my vehicle since September 2025 with no updates on when a remedy will be available from Stellantis. The issue is that fuel supply to the engine can be cut off causing the vehicle to lose power unexpectedly and go LOMP. I cannot drive the vehicle in this state because it is dangerous if the engine were to cut off unexpectedly at highway speeds, especially since I h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
There is an open safety recall on my vehicle since September 2025 with no updates on when a remedy will be available from Stellantis. The issue is that fuel supply to the engine can be cut off causing the vehicle to lose power unexpectedly and go LOMP. I cannot drive the vehicle in this state because it is dangerous if the engine were to cut off unexpectedly at highway speeds, especially since I h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
Car failed while I was parked in the SFO airport cell phone lot. It was night and very cold. There was no warning of a problem. Car had to be towed to Hyundai of San Bruno. It is still there. DTC: P1A9096. Hyundai dealer confirmed ICCU failure. Not repaired in a timely manner to non availability of part.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
I was sold an unsafe vehicle at J and J Auto house 6446 Wilshire Bl LA,CA 90022. Dealer withheld condition of car . Had car three months and was stranded on highway. Car was towed to Kia dealer and diagnosed with complete engine failure. Dealer will not honor limited warranty, shady sales practices withheld recall info during sale, won’t allow his mechanic to look at car, dodged calls, denied r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
I was sold an unsafe vehicle at J and J Auto house 6446 Wilshire Bl LA,CA 90022. Dealer withheld condition of car . Had car three months and was stranded on highway. Car was towed to Kia dealer and diagnosed with complete engine failure. Dealer will not honor limited warranty, shady sales practices withheld recall info during sale, won’t allow his mechanic to look at car, dodged calls, denied r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
I was sold an unsafe vehicle at J and J Auto house 6446 Wilshire Bl LA,CA 90022. Dealer withheld condition of car . Had car three months and was stranded on highway. Car was towed to Kia dealer and diagnosed with complete engine failure. Dealer will not honor limited warranty, shady sales practices withheld recall info during sale, won’t allow his mechanic to look at car, dodged calls, denied r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
While driving, the vehicle lost all propulsion and came to a stop. Fortunately my wife was able to pull to the side of the road safely. It has not been inspected because we believe it falls within the A7C recall for which there is no current remedy.
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
I was proceeding to drive home from an appointment with a friend, the car suddenly lost power and I had no control over anything. I was able to keep the steering wheel in the locked position trying to get to the side of the road. Thankfully the speed was only 25mph, as someone had just switched lanes and came in front of me. I was in the process of turning to enter the highway. I've been having a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
I was proceeding to drive home from an appointment with a friend, the car suddenly lost power and I had no control over anything. I was able to keep the steering wheel in the locked position trying to get to the side of the road. Thankfully the speed was only 25mph, as someone had just switched lanes and came in front of me. I was in the process of turning to enter the highway. I've been having a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
The car has harsh knocking downshifting. In slow speeds, the has abrupt transmission changes.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2026
The car has harsh knocking downshifting. In slow speeds, the has abrupt transmission changes.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 7, 2026
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
My ID.4 was charging in the driveway and it started on fire. My daughter came home from a friends house, saw it had started on fire, and called 911. By the time the fire department got to my house the fire had spread to the attic and continued further. My wife and pets were in the house when the fire started, but got out quickly. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent inspector in my dri... Read more
Fire
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2025) - SERVICE BRAKES
Jan 7, 2026
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
Driving down a 4 lane highway in Alabama, warning lamp came on stating “ STOP Steering assist reduced. Stop driving when safe”. Multiple other warnings lights came on—-Brake system, steering system, cruise control, lane departure, stability assist system, hill assist, trailer stability assist system(see multiple photos attached). When it was safe to do so, I pulled over…the steering was... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 7, 2026
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
Driving down a 4 lane highway in Alabama, warning lamp came on stating “ STOP Steering assist reduced. Stop driving when safe”. Multiple other warnings lights came on—-Brake system, steering system, cruise control, lane departure, stability assist system, hill assist, trailer stability assist system(see multiple photos attached). When it was safe to do so, I pulled over…the steering was... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced electrical failures that caused several safety and powered components to turn off and on. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally lost power steering or windshield wiper functionality and would start functioning without having been engaged manually. The contact stated that the instrument cluster oc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
I received a brake booster fault caution which was followed by the BRAKE warning light being illuminated. When I applied pressure to the brakes, it almost felt as if the ABS was kicking in, on a flat, dry road. The brake pedal would "jump" and depress farther on its own like there wasn't a good vacuum for the brakes. I've taken it to my local VW service center and was informed they had to call VW ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
On 12/24/25 the vehicle experienced the very same issue, on the highway, with my family in the car, coming from Christmas Eve festivities. The car decelerated and NO cel (check engine light) ever came on. when transporting to dealer, the car began rough idling like it wanted to die, but still no CEL. At this time, I am told there is a need for a new engine but no supporting documents or other diag... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2026
On January 6, 2026, during my morning commute in heavy traffic, my 2023 Hyundai Sonata engine unexpectedly turned off, causing a sudden loss of power. This created an extremely dangerous situation, and I came very close to being involved in a major collision. While I was fortunate to avoid a crash, the incident posed a direct threat to my safety and life because of the dense surrounding traffic.