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: Jul 23, 2025
Tesla’s automatic wipers are unreliable. This vehicle lacks a dedicated rain sensor and instead uses the forward-facing camera and neural net to detect moisture. In light rain, the system often fails to activate. More critically, it frequently triggers false wipes during dry conditions—sometimes multiple times per day. Each dry swipe smears debris (e.g., bugs, sap), reducing visibility and ri... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
When driving home from work my car disengage cruise controlle and started flashing in my center concel BCI Malfunction. Since I makes it hard to start my car from time to time and it will randomly continue to flash BCI Malfunction
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Acura TSX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V661000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact attempted to contact the dealer; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and then taken to an independent mechanic, where both diagnosed that the steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2025
I am writing to report a serious and, from my research, widespread issue with my 2018 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine. My vehicle is currently experiencing a coolant leak into cylinder #2, leading to a significant misfire and severely compromising its driving ability. Upon searching for "common problems with 2018 Ford Escape 1.5 EcoBoost," the first and most prominent result was... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The rear camera on my Tesla intermittently fails when shifting into reverse. Additionally, the rear trunk will not open using the in-car release button, mobile app, or key fob. A warning appears stating the function will return on the next drive, but I am often forced to use the emergency release to access the trunk. I believe this may be related to a prior recall involving the rear trunk harness,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The auto idle stop failed to restart at a traffic light. This happened at a busy intersection in heavy traffic. The date given below is the most recent incident; it has happened twice now. Usually I try to remember to disable the idle stop feature, but this time I forgot, and it failed. The first time it happened was November 2024.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The auto idle stop failed to restart at a traffic light. This happened at a busy intersection in heavy traffic. The date given below is the most recent incident; it has happened twice now. Usually I try to remember to disable the idle stop feature, but this time I forgot, and it failed. The first time it happened was November 2024.
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
I have a 2012 Toyota Rav-4 Limited . I have had the vehicle since 2020. Ever since I bought the vehicle it fogs up. All the windows fog up and it does not matter what setting I have it on, de-foggers, fan, fresh air, AC, etc. nothing resolves the problem.It is very dangerous as I cannot see where I am going. I cannot use the front de-foggers in bad weather because it makes the afore mentioned pro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
Key fob not found, tpms not reading but sensors are good, backup camera beeping when things are not behind and continues to beep in drive, engine stalling, worn motor mounts due to no reason
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
Hi, I have a 2017 Acura MDX. My Transmission Shifts to Neutral Unexpectedly. It happens when I'm driving. Most of the time it shifts back to Drive. Therefore, it never bothered me, it happened since I bough the car. It didn't happen often so I didn't think anything of it. However, lately it started to happen more often. Now when it shifts to Neutral it doesn't want to shift back do Drive. My conce... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); 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 contac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
Was putting the cover back on after washing, putting the lower sitting piece on and the foam headrest just came right off
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
Issue: A consistent rattling noise, noticeable while driving at speeds of 10-40 mph over bumpy roads or pot holes.
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle and inspected the vehicle. The contact noticed that the oil was milky. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire and a coolant leak into... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle and inspected the vehicle. The contact noticed that the oil was milky. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a misfire and a coolant leak into... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
On April 18th, 2025, I dropped off my 2022 Tesla Model Y at Tesla Collision Center (Paramus, NJ) after a minor accident. I later revoked consent for any repairs via email. Despite this, Tesla performed major body and paint work without my permission. No signed work order exists. The repairs were unauthorized and proceeded without my knowledge or approval until this day. These changes now risk alt... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a creaking sound coming from the steering column, and the steering wheel was momentary sticking while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering gear box and steering magnet was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while her son was driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormally loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. The contact was adding coolant to the coolant reservoir every other day. The contact stated that the vehicle was smoking and there was an abnormal rattling ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
The vehicle lost steering at 10 mph as a bolt from the front suspension's upper control arm and lateral link fasteners became loose and detached rom the vehicle. The wheel was completely misaligned, and the vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle could not be moved to the side of the road, putting my safety and the safety of other drivers at risk. I fear that this could have been a fatal accident ha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
The engine has been consuming oil. When I brought it to the attention of the dealership the recommendation was to oil consumption test and also to clean the combustion chamber. On this car they lost a class action lawsuit for these engines consuming oil. They are using their faulty manufacturing processes to get more money out of consumers. The only way they said they would approve an engine repla... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
The safety sub system completely stop working periodically. When it occurs: - the blind spot indicators do not light up when a car is in blind spot - turn signals stop making sound. Not sure if they still function - collision system stops making sound. Sometimes stops showing near objects and walls. This has happened about 7 times since purchase of the car, and requires a full computer reboot to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2025
When park it keeps saying put car on park
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Vehicle must have thought a shadow line in the road from a bridge indicated a wall I was about to hit, as it slammed on the breaks in the middle of the freeway. Car behind had to swerve to avoid. On the same trip, several nags of 'keep eyes on the road' were incorrect, as my eyes were directly on the road, but phone was in hand functioning as a microphone taking voice memos. Car proceeded to shut ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Engine stalled in much the same way as numerous other owners are describing on this forum. It happened on the freeway at 70mph in cruise control. Engine instantly killed, NO check engine light, dealership ran codes and found no errors. Very dangerous. Can Stellantis please diagnose this and get a recall. I don't trust this car and stopped driving it.
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
While in traffic over 45 miles per hour, the vehicle placed itself into a hazard mode due to the electric vehicle propulsion system. This happened so fast and the deceleration rate was so quick that it risked a rear end collision. This is the second time this has happened and both were following a heavy rain storm. I drove through a modest puddle that did not even submerge half of the tire wall... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
My GMC had a terminal engine failure around 5/3/25. This disengaged the ESC, parking brake, and driver assist abilities as well as making the truck undrivable. GMC service diagnosed the truck needed an entire new engine. The repair took over 2 months to complete and now that I have the truck back, the adaptive cruise control is not working.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The rear motor became completely disabled while driving. The rear motor suddenly made noise and locked up when I was driving about 10 mph. I received a red alert on my screen saying to pull over now and another alert saying the car is shutting off. The car suddenly stopped on its own before I could do anything. I then got a yellow warning message saying that the rear motor is disabled. I was lucki... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2025
My car slammed on its own brakes hard out of nowhere with nothing in its forward. The first time it happened was about 9 months ago while I was driving on the highway, it was a quick moment of breaking without any reason, but the car didn't stop. Today it happened again, the speed was about 30 m/h, the car slammed hard on the brakes to an almost complete stop. I was lucky, nobody was behind.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
While attempting to park my Tesla, I accidentally struck another vehicle’s side step with the front passenger side of my car. The other vehicle was not damaged, but my Tesla sustained visible damage. The vehicle’s camera system failed to detect or display the side step, giving the impression that there was sufficient clearance. As a result, I relied on what I believed to be accurate visual gu... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Experience hard shifting into park from a stopped position a week or more prior to incident. While driving, several hard shifts were experienced which resulted in the vehicle unable to surpass 30 MPH. CEL illuminated displaying codes: P0747 and P0700. Suspected transmission Valve Body issue. Vehicle was towed to dealership that it was purchased from.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Engine issue, it’s knocking loud and misfires. Engine light flashing and Car went into limp mode , will not go over 60 mph . I have changed the spark plugs, knock sensor, and had an oil change nothing has fixed my issue.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2025
My car’s Multi Media Interface (MMI) keeps restarting every 1 to 2 minutes everyday while driving the carThe MMI runs my navigation (not through my phone) and music by connecting to my phone with Bluetooth. It also shows me my backup camera and diagnostics with the car. Safety is affected by distractions, not knowing where to go, irritation. No dealership has inspected or been able to reproduce ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the radio system display had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware o... Read more
Incident date: Jul 29, 2022
This car was cited for recall due to defective driver side airbag in December 2024 and as of this date – July 18, 2025 – VW has not provided any repairs.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
My Tesla Model 3 disengaged cruise control while going 68 mph and braked hard for no apparent reason. I was driving northbound on I-405 at 3:45 a.m. going to LAX airport in the number 3 or 4 of six or seven lanes. Cruise control had been activated for at least 10 minutes before the incident at a speed of 68 mph. There was no traffic within half a mile before or after me due to the time of day. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
In November of 2024, my truck was shaking, accelerating erratically, and felt like the transmission was slipping. The check engine light came on as well. I took it to the shop and after diagnosing that it was a misfire issue in cylinder 6, they replaced spark plugs, fuel injectors, and tried to switch out new coils. They found gasoline inside cylinder 6, and upon doing a compression test, it was w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2025
In November of 2024, my truck was shaking, accelerating erratically, and felt like the transmission was slipping. The check engine light came on as well. I took it to the shop and after diagnosing that it was a misfire issue in cylinder 6, they replaced spark plugs, fuel injectors, and tried to switch out new coils. They found gasoline inside cylinder 6, and upon doing a compression test, it was w... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the front driver’s side headlight assembly had experienced water intrusion, and the headlight failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the headlight assembly, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the due to the water intrusion into the headlight assembly, the body control m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Civic. The contact stated that the front driver’s side headlight assembly had experienced water intrusion, and the headlight failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the headlight assembly, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the due to the water intrusion into the headlight assembly, the body control m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
Transmission failure. We got it replaced for $11,000. Two years later, it failed again. This should be a civil law suit against selling faulty parts. Especially when it's cost thousands of dollars.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2025
IP Cluster failure, currently at dealership for repair. No warning lights, dash just went dark while driving.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2025
The turbocharger failed on my 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T. It is still on the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. The turbo failure caused a severe loss of engine power, making acceleration dangerously slow and unpredictable, especially when merging onto highways or passing vehicles. This sudden reduction in power could have caused a rear-end collision or made it impossible to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
While driving along a few roads using Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC) or AutoPilot (AP), the car will suddenly brake for no reason at all. Speeds reduced from 75 to 50 in 2 seconds. Had there been a car close behind me, we may have collided. I am able to reproduce this on several other roads as well. I have not yet reported this to the manufacturer, but a review of internet forums shows th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The contact stated that vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with coolant intrusion into the engine and advised the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
SRS LIGHT CAME ON 2 MONTHS AGO. FEAR FOR MY SAFETY. RECALL PLEASE. ELECTRICAL. BACK RT WINDOW AND RT FRONT DOOR LOCK CANNOT BE OPERATED FROM FRONT DRIVER DOOR. LIGHTING. BACK INTERIOR LIGHT DOES NOT TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY. Paint is peeling from all over the car, especially on the front of it. Looks ghastly.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — ENGINE
Jul 15, 2025
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The "check engine" light came on so took in to be checked. Independent mechanic indicates that there is coolant leaking into one of the cylinders as the result of a casting defect and repair requires complete engine replacement. He tells me this is a common problem. I spoke with a local Ford dealership's service person who tells me this is a known defect in other Ford models as well and, in tho... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2025
Tesla failed to properly diagnose a high-voltage battery isolation fault in my 2018 Model 3. Despite safety-critical BMS_a027 and BMS_a142 faults indicating multiple isolation failures, they skipped required insulation resistance testing, falsely blamed sand in a connector, and charged me $174.95. After the issue returned, they reversed course, replaced an internal battery contactor, and reduced t... Read more