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: Dec 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal while driving uphill or making a left or right turn, the tires were skipping, and there was a clicking and whining sound coming from the front of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that a friend test-drove the vehicle and informed that the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
The right rear taillight and turn signal on my Tesla Model Y became dim and intermittently flicker, and the turn signal does not function properly. This issue began immediately after a Tesla software update. The malfunction significantly reduces rear visibility and signaling to other drivers, especially at night, creating a safety risk. I contacted Tesla Service and provided photos/videos. Tesla... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
Power Transfer Unit needs to be replaced. I took vehicle to repair shop for noise in left front tire. They informed me that the unit needs to be replaced. They checked for recall will a Chrysler Dealer. The recall does not apply to this vehicle. I purchased this vehicle new from a Chrysler Dealer in CT. The repair shop informed me that the PTU unit in my car is a used one from a Junkyard, the sai... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Mazda CX-9. The contact stated that a State Inspection was performed on the windshield for cracks. The contact stated that while driving in the rain, the front windshield wipers turned on independently with the switch in the off position. The contact was unable to turn off the windshield wipers. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. Whe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2025
Torque converter on my 2019 Ford edge they want $4000 to fix it I have 61,000 miles it stutters when I drive it at Low speeds. It’s hesitant when I take off
Incident date: Oct 31, 2025
I have replaced five catalytic converters since I have owned this vehicle. Please advise.
Incident date: Nov 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Sienna. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V668000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact was informed that there was no timeline for parts availability. The contact had not exp... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The transmission warning light illuminated, and the message to "See Owner’s Manual" was displayed. The contact coasted the vehicle to the dealer, who determined that the transmission had failed. The transmission was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the fai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Picked up vehicle from Dealership new, with 12miles on the odometer. During the trip home (over 150+ miles each way) and at 54 miles a "Forward Collision System Unavailable" warning message appeared on the dash. Stopped for coffee and restarted the vehicle and the error cleared. It re-appeared at 235 miles, and again at 427 miles along with an OBD error P0700 @cycle#763, Occurrence Cycle #2608. R... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Paint is peeling off my car, This is confirmed by Toyota it was covered by the Consumer Support program which expired in July however the paint did not start peeling off until last week.Toyota said that there wasn't anything they could do. this is clearly a manufacture defect and should be repair by Toyota at no charge to me.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The Daytime Running Headlights have gone out once again. This is such a common issue with the Land Rover Defenders yet, the manufactures force the customers to pay $3000 to $5000 to replace. Police will pull you over for this issue ask they think you headlight is completely out.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The Daytime Running Headlights have gone out once again. This is such a common issue with the Land Rover Defenders yet, the manufactures force the customers to pay $3000 to $5000 to replace. Police will pull you over for this issue ask they think you headlight is completely out.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2025
Driving while pitman arm broke in half lost total control
Incident date: Dec 4, 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
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 13, 2025
Engine started screeching out of nowhere, sounded like something fell through, there was no warning of any kind, car was running seemingly fine prior to this, car was jolting and not going anymore and something also sounded as if it had popped, it started knocking and caught fire and was smoking, breaking down on the side of the road and has been in another state since this occurred just sitting a... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 13, 2025
The power system assist fault light came on and steering is very difficult
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Was taking an exit car felt like lose control and got hit with the sign pole on the exit. I have been complaining for the safety reasons and the location and other issues in car to onstar and Chevy for months. Went to Freeport Chevy dealer and changed oil, when I bought the car pre-approved but the when I went for the service they said no oil was changed since the car was new. And I have been payi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
My 2022 hybrid Maverick suddenly lost power as I was driving at 45 MPH. There was no warning lights; the entire dashboard went black. I lost all power including lights, speedometer, and power steering. Additionally, and more concerning, I lost all brake functionality so I could not stop the vehicle, even pressing the brake very hard. The parking brake switch also did not work due to the power loss... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
2015 Chrysler Town and Country lost propulsion power while driving, endangering 2 occupants and surrounding drivers. While driving on a residential road, vehicle came to a stop at intersection. Upon attempting to accelerate from stop and applying gas, vehicle jolted and would not accelerate past 5 miles an hour with transmission engaging and disengaging while shifter was in drive. Vehicle's transm... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
2015 Chrysler Town and Country lost propulsion power while driving, endangering 2 occupants and surrounding drivers. While driving on a residential road, vehicle came to a stop at intersection. Upon attempting to accelerate from stop and applying gas, vehicle jolted and would not accelerate past 5 miles an hour with transmission engaging and disengaging while shifter was in drive. Vehicle's transm... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
2015 Chrysler Town and Country lost propulsion power while driving, endangering 2 occupants and surrounding drivers. While driving on a residential road, vehicle came to a stop at intersection. Upon attempting to accelerate from stop and applying gas, vehicle jolted and would not accelerate past 5 miles an hour with transmission engaging and disengaging while shifter was in drive. Vehicle's transm... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
on 11/1/25 we were driving our Jeep and it malfunctioned while at a stop light. We heard a loud "clunk" and the car would barely go and if we tried to put in park, it would continue to roll. We were on top of a hill so thankfully we didnt roll back or into traffic. We could not drive the car and had to have it towed since it was not safe to drive. Our Jeep is at an authorized Jeep dealer since 11/... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
on 11/1/25 we were driving our Jeep and it malfunctioned while at a stop light. We heard a loud "clunk" and the car would barely go and if we tried to put in park, it would continue to roll. We were on top of a hill so thankfully we didnt roll back or into traffic. We could not drive the car and had to have it towed since it was not safe to drive. Our Jeep is at an authorized Jeep dealer since 11/... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
on 11/1/25 we were driving our Jeep and it malfunctioned while at a stop light. We heard a loud "clunk" and the car would barely go and if we tried to put in park, it would continue to roll. We were on top of a hill so thankfully we didnt roll back or into traffic. We could not drive the car and had to have it towed since it was not safe to drive. Our Jeep is at an authorized Jeep dealer since 11/... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
My car was sitting our closed garage and came into the garage to see the rear window shattered.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
My car was sitting our closed garage and came into the garage to see the rear window shattered.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
I am Detective [XXX] #XXX with Austin Police Department Vehicular Homicide Unit and I worked a fatal crash [XXX]. The damage to the vehicle two vehicle should not have caused a death. The airbag became detached from the steering wheel and impaled into the drivers chest. I do have pictures but they are crime scene pictures and pictures of the decedent so I am not attaching them but if someone con... Read more
Crash
1 deaths
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
The car was purchased brand new in 2020. In 2022, the heating core broke and had to be replaced. This has happened again. This is a safety issue, the defroster is blowing cold air and not clearing the windshield properly. Having to drive a vehicle while freezing is also a safety hazard. A vehicle that is 5 years old, should not have this happen twice. Volkswagen was contacted and said there was no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
The car was purchased brand new in 2020. In 2022, the heating core broke and had to be replaced. This has happened again. This is a safety issue, the defroster is blowing cold air and not clearing the windshield properly. Having to drive a vehicle while freezing is also a safety hazard. A vehicle that is 5 years old, should not have this happen twice. Volkswagen was contacted and said there was no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Car stoped while driving and power was out forced to turn on engine again then able to drive. It happened 7-8 times in 5miles. Had to stopped and started again and again to get my place.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2025
Car stoped while driving and power was out forced to turn on engine again then able to drive. It happened 7-8 times in 5miles. Had to stopped and started again and again to get my place.
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the infotainment system screen display was blank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the computer processing unit needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact had received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V668000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the use of the second row seats was essential to secure the car seats of her children. The contact stated that the local dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and was advise... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2025
On October 10, 2025, while driving the car, a turtle suddenly popped up in place of the speedometer. The car's power and speed was drastically reduced. There was a car behind me that started tailgating me and I could not go any faster than about 15 mph. I was able to make it home. Later that night, I tried to charge the car and it started to overheat. The ICCU recall need to be extended to 2025 m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2025
i've had my 2015 hyundai sonata now for A year. i took it to the hyundai place to have recalls on the security fixed. and told them about the valve cover gasket leaking. they said they fixed it. however every since i took it to the dealership i have had nothing but problems. my car makes a rattling noise when i accelerate, i smell a strong gas smell occasionally at random times but always while dr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
I own [XXX] BMW vehicle affected by a safety recall for a defective engine starter relay that may corrode, overheat, and cause a fire. The recall notice dated November 2025 states the vehicle is not safe to drive, with no remedy available, rendering it unusable and hazardous. Recall N0.25V-636. Under Kansas Lemon Law (K.S.A. 50-645 et seq.), I am entitled to a refund or replacement for this subs... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
Component: Air Bags / Occupant Classification System (OCS) Problem Description: The Occupant Classification System (OCS) in my 2016 Infiniti QX60 is malfunctioning. The passenger airbag indicator light flickers on and off even when the passenger seat is empty. When an adult passenger is seated properly with the seatbelt fastened, the system frequently fails to detect the occupant and does not con... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
While driving 40-50 mph, my vehicle abruptly dropped to a speed of below 20 mph without warning, scaring me to the point of nearly driving off the side of the road, almost getting rear-ended, and catapulting me forcefully toward my windshield. Simultaneously, this warning light and exact message appeared with a very loud alarm/chime - ⚠️ Warning Engine Malfunction Power reduced Service Engin... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2025
While driving 40-50 mph, my vehicle abruptly dropped to a speed of below 20 mph without warning, scaring me to the point of nearly driving off the side of the road, almost getting rear-ended, and catapulting me forcefully toward my windshield. Simultaneously, this warning light and exact message appeared with a very loud alarm/chime - ⚠️ Warning Engine Malfunction Power reduced Service Engin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
While driving, the center display screen has shut off and remains to be unfunctional. This screen is the primary way any collision warnings and rear view video. This car is not driveable and extremely unsafe without the display screen as there is almost no rear view visibility without it. The rear view video did not always work beforehand either, but this makes it completely unfunctional.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
Rear door trim came loose and fell off while driving. Had the service department at the local dealership look at the missing trim on the rear of the car and they noticed multiple of the plastic clips holding the trim on the rear were broken and remained in the area where the trim was attached.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2025
The heating system does not heat, only blows cold related to the known issue with the blend door component. I live in the North East and this results in visibility issues as I can not get the heating system to blow hot to keep the windshield and side doors clear. The repair is to replace the entire heating box. My local mechanic has verified this is the issue with the heat and many forums for this... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact st... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact st... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
The first time the errors (front collision, traction control/slippery road) happened, I was driving my 2019 Nissan Kicks on a dry night in October (10/23). I was going down a medium sized hill with my breaks slightly engaged, about to run into my apartment complex. There was no one in front of me. Lights lit up with an error that said 'Malfunction: See Owner's Manual.' When I went to back into my ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the rear sliding glass defroster element overheated. The contact was unsure but thought that the defroster had activated independently. The contact stated that the heating element had caught fire, burned a hole through the weather stripping, and shattered the rear sliding glass. The contact exti... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 6, 2025
NHTSA Recall # 25V-668 Toyota Recall # 25TA12 (Interim Notice: 25TB12) This is a major recall since October and Toyota is just trying to waste time and making it sound like a minor issue instead of providing an immediate solution. Not having second-row seats welded properly is a MAJOR safety issue! Unfortunately, my brand new vehicle, bought in June, is involved in this MAJOR recall and Toyota i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2025
Front windshield camera just stopped working. Crazy.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2025
It is all over the road going down hill when wet or icy. The 68259556AD abs module is not working , warningLights are on the vehicle and the part is no where to be found. Been on backorder for months.