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: Apr 10, 2025
This incident happened on [XXX], I just got the Tesla data and police report. Here are the events as I remembered: - I was driving my 2023 Tesla Y with FSD supervised (v13.2.8) along [XXX] entered from [XXX] and driving close to north of [XXX] without any issue - Noticed a car in front of me braking hard (about 6secs from the recording dashcam footage) - Realized FSD was not braking hard enough... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
While driving my 2013 f150 the driving the truck in drive it automatically starts to shift gears & the truck slams & come to a sudden stop. Thank god nobody was behind me. This truck had a recall in 2019 before I purchased the truck that hasn’t been done. I already emailed a complaint & haven’t heard nothing back. I need my transportation. Can someone please help me. Thank you,
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Engine burns and eats up lots of engine oil. Engine oil is always low.
Incident date: May 1, 2025
At least one cell of the ev battery is defective and the battery will not charge. The dealer determined that it is unsafe to drive. We are pending repairs and under warranty for over 40 days now and Kia can provide de no estimate for when the car will be repaired.
Incident date: May 12, 2025
multiple times this has been an issue. I stepped on the break and the car essentially leaps forward typically when going up down or straight. In November 2024 it happened while going up a hill slowly and I bumped into the vehicle ahead of me. My vehicle had no damage, but the car in front of me had to get a new skid plate and my insurance doubled because of it. Since the incident in November 2024,... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Vehicle died while driving on the freeway. Towed to the local Ford who did a diagnostic and test they found that the engine is completely done with as there was an engine oil overfill, and it filled the CAC system and melted cylinder eight piston. they’re saying that they will need to replace the entire engine and HP fuel pump in order to repair and I see many others have experienced this same p... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
May 14, 2025
Incident date: May 12, 2025
After buying 2022 Chevrolet Traverse premier started to notice a hissing noise. When I got somone to look at it I was informed that the weld on the bracket had broke. Since then due to vibration my exhaust manifold has cracked and I was quoted almost $2500 to repair it. I have noticed that I'm Not The Only One online but it's dealing with this issue that there are several people that have the exac... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2025
The head gasket blows around 80,000 miles. This is a known problem consumers have with this vehicle. My estimate to have this fixed is over $6,000.00.
Incident date: May 4, 2025
Transmission went out with no warning
Incident date: May 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there were abnormal sounds coming from the engine compartment. The contact inspected the vehicle and sent off an oil sample. The contact stated that a metal fragment was found in the engine oil. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the fail... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
Check engine light came on. Immediately went to reputable local repair shop. Shop advised push rod bent due to faulty engine. Advised to call GMC because not normal wear and tear. Called GMC expressed my frustration about this being preexisting issue w this engine. GMC corp told me I had to ship to GMC dealership at my own expense then they could help me. Local GMCs backed up 6-8 wks. Towed car 1... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Civic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly and seemed to be sticking, requiring the steering wheel be manually returned to center after making a turn. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was not t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
Engine overheating and causing multiple problems
Incident date: May 4, 2025
my vehicle falls under the 2013 Kia Sorrento engine replacement and fuel pump. Recall these have not been done to my vehicle. I even double checked with the previous owner and Kia did not service the engine or replace it although it has a recall under mine, and all the symptoms stated in the recall with the engine and fuel pump are happening with my vehicle now how do I get this service covered un... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
The backup camera randomly works. When it does work, within minutes it slowly fades from a picture to a black screen.
Incident date: May 13, 2025
While driving I came upon a red light. While sitting at the red light I noticed my car began to loose power and started shaking. My RPM dropped to almost 0. My car was loosing power while driving. No light has appeared on my dashboard, my gas tank said I had 98 miles till empty. I had two young kids in my vehicle. I anxiously started tapping the gas a little and made in into the nearest parking lo... Read more
Incident date: May 13, 2025
While driving I came upon a red light. While sitting at the red light I noticed my car began to loose power and started shaking. My RPM dropped to almost 0. My car was loosing power while driving. No light has appeared on my dashboard, my gas tank said I had 98 miles till empty. I had two young kids in my vehicle. I anxiously started tapping the gas a little and made in into the nearest parking lo... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring an increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle was jerking until shifting into gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that there was scoring in cylinders 1-4 due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the head gasket was blown due to not being properly manufactured. The contact stated that there was a misfire in the engine. The contact was informed ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
Tesla FSD Incident – Exton, PA ([XXX]) Just sharing a scary experience I had with Tesla FSD Beta yesterday — hoping it reaches the right eyes and helps others stay alert. I was driving on a main road in Exton, PA, using FSD with the “Avoid Highways” option turned on for the first time. This is a route I know well and usually follow using Google Maps. At one point, FSD turned on the left... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
What happened? While driving at highway speeds (approximately 60-75 mph), the vehicle exhibits a pronounced up-and-down motion at the rear, commonly referred to as “porpoising.” This motion is especially noticeable when traversing uneven road surfaces or expansion joints. This issue compromises vehicle stability and passenger comfort, posing a potential safety risk during high-speed travel. ... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
What happened? While driving at highway speeds (approximately 60-75 mph), the vehicle exhibits a pronounced up-and-down motion at the rear, commonly referred to as “porpoising.” This motion is especially noticeable when traversing uneven road surfaces or expansion joints. This issue compromises vehicle stability and passenger comfort, posing a potential safety risk during high-speed travel. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
On 5/10/25, while driving 5 warning icons came flashing on after another. 1) emissions system problem 2)VSA systems 3) Hill assist problem 4)TSA 5)Power steering system problem . This 2019 Honda Ridgeline with 49272 miles ended stalling 3 xs in the middle of traffic!! Frank Brown Honda was called and not very helpful! I’m waiting to hear on expensive warranty what can be done. I don’t have tow... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2025
When the vehicle is set to regenerative braking mode, lifting off the accelerator pedal causes the car to decelerate significantly. However, in many cases, the brake lights do not illuminate during this process. This could potentially create a safety risk, as drivers behind may not realize the car is slowing down and may not respond in time. tesla
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The cars electrical system does not work properly. It is always triggering false alarms. The emergency braking brakes for unknown reasons. The blind spot cameras and notifications always switch off for no apparent reason. There are warning messages that come on and off and are unreliable to warn of an actual problem.
Incident date: May 11, 2025
The cars electrical system does not work properly. It is always triggering false alarms. The emergency braking brakes for unknown reasons. The blind spot cameras and notifications always switch off for no apparent reason. There are warning messages that come on and off and are unreliable to warn of an actual problem.
Incident date: May 10, 2025
I have so many problems with my truck and the surging engine as well as squealing brakes, lane assist is disabled but comes on and jerks the truck out of my lane and it's impossible to steer almost causing me to crash numeroys times. Every time I try to get the engine replaced which I've been waiting over a year and I was in Phase 2 and every Toyota dealership tells me something different. I can't... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2025
Over a year ago, my car developed an intermittent slow crank/starting issue. After driving 20–30 minutes and turning the engine off, it often wouldn’t restart on the first try, sometimes requiring 2–5 cranks. From my research (forums, Reddit, Facebook), I suspected heat soak affecting the starter, which can eventually harm the battery, alternator, or starter itself. About six months ago, the... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — ENGINE
May 10, 2025
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
I was sitting with the car in park. The car was running. My vehicle started shaking and said “Engine stopped, steering power low”.
Incident date: Apr 28, 2025
I am reporting an issue with a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine. The vehicle experienced a failure of the NOx Sensor Position 2, which significantly impacted performance and emissions compliance. GM previously issued Emission Recall N212351211 (March 7, 2023) for other diesel Silverado models regarding improper ECM detection of NOx sensor faults. The issu... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
I own a Tesla Model X, and for the past two summers I’ve experienced a repeating safety-critical issue during hot weather. After driving for a period in the heat, multiple systems begin to fail. The car displays numerous warnings including: •“Parking brake requires service” •“Traction control disabled” •“Stability control disabled” •“Steering assist reduced” •“Automat... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2025
Burning oil prematurely causing engine to go and need replacement.
Incident date: May 10, 2025
While driving bad smell of rotten eggs probably coming from the catalytic converter Catalytic converter not big enough to handle all the fumes while driving at 65 mph rotten egg smell can kill you.
Incident date: May 9, 2025
I was backing up out of my driveway and the camera was not available, nor did the sensor work while I was backing up. I hit a parked car as a result of this, resulting in damage to the back of my car. This has happened before, but never resulted in an accident until this time.
Crash
Incident date: May 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly lost electrical power before returning to normal functionality. The contact stated that during the brief failure, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. No wa... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the driver's side front door latch did not latch as intended. The contact stated that the latch did not lock as needed, and the door ajar message was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that several times the door latched and unlatched independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
It was raining and I was sat at a stop light. The brakes started to slip a little no matter how much I pressed then all of a sudden the entire car started shutting down. Engine, Transmission, Power Steering, Lane Keep Assist, Collision warning, all the lights started flashing. The car was put into Limp mode.
Incident date: May 3, 2025
The vehicle (a NEW 2025 Hyundai Tuscon) suffered a Shifter System Malfunction. A message came up on the electronic dashboard "Shifter System Malfunction - Service Immediately" and the car was immobile. It could not be moved (it was stuck in reverse) nor could it be shifted into neutral to be pushed out of the roadway. THIS WAS AN IMMEDIATE HAZARD. The car needed to be towed to the dealer. Bas... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2025
The rear tail light bar and back up light has moisture in it. It no longer works, the back up light also does not work. This is a known defect and there is a recall for this issue on many Ford Lightning pickups. For some reason my truck is not included in the recall. The vehicle is available for inspection. I have no illumination when backing up, I feel this is an unsafe condition. The dealer has ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (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 manuf... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
Two weeks prior, car began rough idling at stop-lights, intermittently. Then one morning, after refueling, the car sputtered and failed to start. The MIL light came on, with display warnings: “Charging System Malfunction” and Steering Power Low”. Car eventually started and barely made it to Carlsbad (CA) Toyota. DTC code pulled was P0171: “System Too Lean Bank 1”. It was diagnosed wi... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
I am on my third windshield in les than a year. The tiniest pebble will crack the windshield, or sudden changes to weather has now caused a stress crack. Seems to be poor weight distribution on the design. There is extensive customer complaints on line with the same issue. Insurance will only cover two a year. There were no warnings of this issue when the car was purchased. This is an expensive ha... Read more
Incident date: May 8, 2025
I am writing to formally request reconsideration for including my 2017 Kia Forte in the existing recall (NHTSA Recall No. 21V-260, Manufacturer Recall No. SC210) affecting similar 2017-2018 Kia Forte models. Despite my vehicle not being initially included, I believe it should be reconsidered due to the following reasons: 1. Similar Engine Issues: The recall pertains to certain 2017-2018 Kia Forte... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 7, 2025
Incident date: May 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
On [XXX], my husband and I were driving on [XXX] (Highway) in the slow lane, when the engine shutoff without any Service engine light warning. It was frightening because an tractor trailer was directly behind the car as we lost power. There was no sounds of engine parts knocking or pinging when the problem occurred. The only thing was observed was (two) 2 puffs of smoke seen from the tailpipe, wit... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
MMI (infotainment), and the dashboard screen will turn off randomly and reboot. This is a safety concern as it turns all sound off, and driving visuals like directions/backup camera, and freezes or reboots, not where you last had it but from a different check point. Audi dealership misdiagnosed the issue once, performed a software update, but the issue persists. Seems to be a widespread problem - ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
MMI (infotainment), and the dashboard screen will turn off randomly and reboot. This is a safety concern as it turns all sound off, and driving visuals like directions/backup camera, and freezes or reboots, not where you last had it but from a different check point. Audi dealership misdiagnosed the issue once, performed a software update, but the issue persists. Seems to be a widespread problem - ... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2025
On the highway from Chicago to Boston while driving 70 MPH my car had LOST ALL power. I was barely able to get car from left lane to right side of road. Truck almost hit us. We immediately reported incident to our dealership and their response was “we have nothing but problems bring the car in”. We were 300 miles away and they said there was nothing they can do. I restarted car and appeared n... Read more