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: Sep 3, 2025
I had to take my vehicle to Toyota bc it failed to start. There was an error code that of coolant issue error code and this was reported to the dealership they said that wasn’t the issue and my wires were chewed however I see that there actually is a history of issues with that incident and I wonder if I was given incorrect diagnosis from dealership this costed thousands of dollars from my insur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 1973
Engine leaking oil from the front cylinder bank’s valve cover or leaking from the valve cover’s gasket onto the alternator. A sufficient amount of oil could damage the alternator resulting in illumination of the charging system warning lamp and disablement of the charging system. If the vehicle is continually driven with a disabled charging system, the engine can shut off, increasing the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 1973
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the Forward Collision Avoidance alert button was pressed but the Forward Collision Avoidance system failed to activate. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 1973
Tesla Model 3 while using the “FSD” or auto pilot mode will do what’s called “phantom breaking” with its emergency breaking system. This is very scary and has almost caused more accidents than preventing them in my experience. Tesla had not addressed or fixed this issue even with their constant software updates. How is this FSD considered legal I wonder.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the seat belt warning light illuminated even though there was no passenger seated in the passenger’s seat. The contact stated that the warning light remained illuminated with the passenger’s seat occupied and the seat belt properly fastened. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed too slowly for traffic; however, the brake pedal was soft and went to the floorboard. The vehicle was steered to the right and rolled down into a ditch to avoid crashing into the vehicle in front. The contact stated that the engine was still running. There was no warning lig... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The main vehicle computer (MCU) failed. The problem first appeared in May 2024 with intermittent rear camera malfunctions. It has since worsened. Most recently (08/28/25), the center display went completely black and the vehicle became inoperable — I could not start or move it. This left me stranded in a dangerous neighborhood late at night and required the car to be towed. When the display fai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The ABS module has failed on my 2016 RAM 1500, which has disabled the ABS and the traction control system. This is a serious safety hazard because the vehicle now has no anti-lock braking or stability control, creating dangerous conditions in wet or emergency braking situations. •Component/System Failed: The ABS control module has malfunctioned. The part is still installed on my truck because I ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) a year prior, and recently received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure). The contact had been calling the local dealer for a parts update for months and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The car was parked in a campground for a night and several systems issues came up, including traction control disabled, steer assistant disabled, staibility control disabled, and the car was keeping accelerating even though I did not step on the accelerate pedal. The acceleration was out of control. This was happening in a remote area when we drove half way out of the campground to a city. We call... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
After stopping at a stop sign, I accelerated for a few seconds, but then it shifted to Neutral and the screen said "Press Start Again". I pressed Start, accelerated for a few seconds, and again it shifted to Neutral and the screen said "Press Start Again." I repeated this process a few times and luckily made it to the end of our driveway. I could no longer move the car nor could I shift gears. Whe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the message "Engine Malfunction - Contact Manufacturer” and “Reduced Power Mode", were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnose... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
Main incident: Time: 2025-08-28 ~12:41 PM PST What happened: After searching for a parking space, the driver was preparing to reverse into the spot, the driver pressed up the stalk to shift the gear into reverse, a sound was heard and something showed up on the screen, the vehicle once again started accelerating and running forward suddenly and sharply (3 mph to 28 mph in 3 secs), driver tried to... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 12, 2025
Main incident: Time: 2025-08-28 ~12:41 PM PST What happened: After searching for a parking space, the driver was preparing to reverse into the spot, the driver pressed up the stalk to shift the gear into reverse, a sound was heard and something showed up on the screen, the vehicle once again started accelerating and running forward suddenly and sharply (3 mph to 28 mph in 3 secs), driver tried to... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Excessive oil consumption, Full synthetic Oil last less than 2000 miles. Transmission takes some time to respond when start driving from a stop. Car shake a bit.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
My truck started shifting hard and I took it to a shop and had to pay over $7000 due to my transmission going bad. I bought the car and had a lifetime power train warranty on it and ford stated they would not cover it still. So I had to pay over $7000 out of my pocket due to their mistake
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
There is a continuous leakage of oil from my van even after the dealer replaced valve cover gasket . When I complained they said it was the leftover oil. After a month again I complained . Then they re-checked and said it is my car's timing cover reseal leaking . Again after few days I had to complain as there was a leak. I got the same standard reply of leftover uncleaned oil is the cause. Few... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Driver belt latch failed while driving
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Sped up a bit today get in front of my husband and as I did i noticed that all of a sudden I lost power. I wasn't able to go faster than 40 mph, and I wasn't able to go into gear.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
my cluster went black. No dash lights. No speedometer. no odometer. no cruiz control nothing works. the 2022-23-124 47,000 have been recalled .. Why not the 2021? Its the same part.. tHIS IS A DISASTER. TOTALLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE .
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
At highway speed, in heavy traffic, and falling snow, the engine seized with sudden loss of power, including loss of brake and steering sensitivity. We were traveling downhill so, while avoiding other traffic and weather, maintained momentum to pull over to the side. We were stranded at night in snowy weather in remote Utah. It took hours to get towed to the nearest town, Fillmore, where the mecha... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
My back window of my 2023 Nissan Rogue SL Blew out. I have a police report. Woman sweepingnuo the glass was nearly hit by the glass as the liftgate opened automatically and she could have been hurt very badly. Of there was someone in the backseat it would have been a very serious injury. The back window id defective and there have been numerous reports of the 2023 Nissan Rogues back windows ex... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Two days ago a warning popped up on the Tesla screen saying to schedule service for something the car had detected. It said the car could still be driven. I submitted a service request in the app, and in the meantime researched the error. Per Google, it said this was a potential issue with suspension / steering components that needed to be looked at. The next day, a Tesla technician called and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
While driving my car I will get a sign that pops up flashing says “check hybrid system stop vehicle and turn off engine” with a HEV inside of a yellow triangle. Some times it will go off on its own but most times I have to pull over turn my car off and then once I start it back it’s fine. Some times my car will loose power but no too often. It’s very unsafe and happens randomly. I also not... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
The body frame on this vehicle is almost completely rushed out. I don’t know what to do. If I should have the frame replaced I know there’s been a couple recalls on similar Toyota models.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
both vehicle displays have stopped functioning, therefore there is no indication of speed, remaining charge, blind spot protection, or back up camera. also, turn signals are non-functional. This is a safety concern to yourself and other drivers.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
Paint chipping on driver’s side door
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
Component that failed: The air conditioning system evaporator core failed, causing refrigerant leakage. The vehicle was inspected and diagnosed by a Honda dealership, which confirmed the failure and provided a written quote for replacement. The component is still installed and available for inspection. Safety risk: When the evaporator leaks, the A/C system loses refrigerant and stops cooling. Thi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
Car jerks/ shifts hard up to 35 miles per hour.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
While towing a less than 2000 lb trailer I had total loss of power steering when speeds dropped below about 5 mph. I got off interstate and was turning right at the end of exit ramp and I could barely turn the vehicle. At the next stop sign it did the same thing. I stopped turned off the vehicle and restarted it and it continued this for the next few miles. Then just as suddenly as it started it s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
On [XXX], my 2018 Tesla Model S (VIN [XXX] ) experienced a complete brake system failure while in motion. The brake pedal was pressed multiple times, but the vehicle did not stop, resulting in a collision. The emergency brake also failed to engage. 1. Component/System Failure: The braking system, including both the standard hydraulic brakes and the electronic emergency brake, failed to operate. T... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
My car has had trouble starting when sitting for long periods of time or in moderate heat. I've also noticed the gas per mile has decreased. The 2017 year of my car has a recall for the fuel pump. Mine is just one year earlier but my mechanic says it could also be the fuel pump. I have less than 80K miles on the car and I've seen that on the 2017-2022 years with the recall, this problem happens ar... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
PLEASE READ LETTER IN THE UPLOADED DOCUMENTS
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
PLEASE READ LETTER IN THE UPLOADED DOCUMENTS
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
Driving as normal when an alert for a front passenger safety restraint system fault appeared. It went away on its own. I thought it was a software glitch. It would periodically reappear, then go away after a driving session. Last week it persisted between sessions. I learned that if the seat was moved slightly forward or back, then the alert would go away. I scheduled a service with Tesla. Tesla a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact stated that the RPM was raised above 3,000 RPM. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The contact started to pull over, and the vehicle started driving, and the transmission was shifting normally. The contact stated that the soft... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
Vehicle showed these warning lights while stalling out at stop signs: FCA, ESC, and DBC. She was able to turn off the car and restart it. We took it to a Hyundai dealership and ran a diagnostic test where they found nothing wrong. They noticed her oil was low, so they topped it off. This was on a Monday. By Saturday, she had this issue again where she stalled out at a stoplight in the center lane ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
Vehicle stalls at low speeds or at a stop while ldling. Requires car be put in park to restart. Dealerships unable duplicate. Issue is occurring with greater frequency. Causing an unsafe condition driving in traffic.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-450. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. An unknown engine-related message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
I have experienced multiple tire failures on my 2022 Tesla Model 3, with at least 7 tires needing replacement due to air bubbles. These issues have occurred on both front and rear tires, and currently I have 3 more tires with visible bubbles and one tire is actually leaking air. Most of these tires failed within 2,000-6,000 miles of use, which is far below normal tire lifespan of 25,000-40,000 mil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
Not sure . The car has been regulaurly maintenced and one day the emgine complagely seized up going down the road .
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
Not sure . The car has been regulaurly maintenced and one day the emgine complagely seized up going down the road .
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
I got new tires and an alignment performed and ever since the car has pulled to the right. The car has been to the dealer for 6 alignments due to the car veering to the right. They swapped the wheels from another car to ensure it wasn’t the new tires and the problem still occurred. As soon as I let go of the wheel it pulls to the right no matter if it’s a crowned road or not. Each time the ali... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
I got new tires and an alignment performed and ever since the car has pulled to the right. The car has been to the dealer for 6 alignments due to the car veering to the right. They swapped the wheels from another car to ensure it wasn’t the new tires and the problem still occurred. As soon as I let go of the wheel it pulls to the right no matter if it’s a crowned road or not. Each time the ali... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
The Curvature Assist function activates and applies the brakes automatically on straight and level sections of freeways with no observable obstacles or curves, requiring driver to resume acceleration to override the brakes.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
My 2021 Lincoln Aviator grand touring PHEV has on 3 separate occasions randomly gone into “brick” mode where power is to some components like the Sync screen, and some lights, but main dash won’t boot, the lock/unlock doesn’t work but lock icon flashes on door panel, the vehicle won’t start. This is after short trips out with my family for the evening. Not a fob issue. All 3 times the sa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
My 2021 Lincoln Aviator grand touring PHEV has on 3 separate occasions randomly gone into “brick” mode where power is to some components like the Sync screen, and some lights, but main dash won’t boot, the lock/unlock doesn’t work but lock icon flashes on door panel, the vehicle won’t start. This is after short trips out with my family for the evening. Not a fob issue. All 3 times the sa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
On [XXX], at just 9,526 miles, my brand-new 2025 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered a front motor/inverter failure. The vehicle displayed the warning “Front Motor Disabled.” Tesla Vallejo Service confirmed this and replaced the front drive inverter (3DU). A catastrophic drivetrain failure at under 10,000 miles is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about reliability and safety. It stil... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
While driving the instrument panel, headlights and infotainment screen all went black. Has happened multiple times but difficult to replicate. Vehicles head lights turned off while driving in the early morning (dark) but turned back on within a second or two. No warnings, no lights, no errors.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2025
Car has 72000 miles in it it has given no indication on dash except cruise control went out. The transmission is slipping and both the front passenger and drivers door handles are messed up up.