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 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed and left at the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed and left at the residence. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
backup camera does not work all the time works only sometimes and sometimes the backup alert does not work right
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
I bought this car used from Honda Dealership. It had 84,000 mileage on it and since then. The headlights are so dim and I can’t see you have to drive with high beam on every time I go at night I’ve changed almost we like 56 different types light bulb, but still nothing still worst. If I used one for the manufacturer one it’s nothing it’s literally dark outside. I can’t see nothing and an... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
while driving on I40 east of Ashville, the power steering became sluggish. like turning in molasses. I had to manhandle the steering wheel to complete the turns (at 70 mpg). My wife also drove on I40 and felt the same thing I was feeling. The next 3 days it did not do it again, I was driving in town. Later I felt it while going on a curve at about 62 mph. This also happened to be goi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R), the rearview camera image was flipped upside down. The contact stated that after a month, the camera failed and displayed a blank screen. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. No further information was available. T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2025
Silver dash covering immediately behind the instrument cluster is highly sun reflective affecting driving vision. The dash material should be black in color.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed low speeds, the electric power steering stopped functioning properly after the contact heard an abnormal crunching sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jerked and jolted during acceleration as if the transmissi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2025
My car has been well maintained and always taken for service according to recommendations from the manufacturer. My brakes have ALWAYS squealed since I first bought it new but apparently there’s nothing they can do about it so I’ve just dealt with it. Now a more serious concern I am having after manufacturer warranty is my dash is displaying a shift to park message every time I shift into park... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
[XXX] 2018 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING 89014 MILES Date: 9/11/2025 To: Mazda North American Operations Attn: Customer Experience Center 7755 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618 USA Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Safety and Technical Issue – 2018 Mazda CX-9 Dear Mazda Customer Experience Team, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety and technical issue I hav... Read more
Incident date: Sep 8, 2025
[XXX] 2018 MAZDA CX-9 GRAND TOURING 89014 MILES Date: 9/11/2025 To: Mazda North American Operations Attn: Customer Experience Center 7755 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618 USA Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Safety and Technical Issue – 2018 Mazda CX-9 Dear Mazda Customer Experience Team, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety and technical issue I hav... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
My back up camera just shows blue or static. It just randomly happened but everything else works and the screen shows fine when not in reverse.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
The electric power steering failed on my vehicle in 2022 while 12 hours from home. Had to drive 12 hours with no power steering. Some year models from the 2013 have been included in the recall but my Vin # was not so I had to pay out of pocket to have mine fixed. It went out again in 2023 and was fixed by a Ford dealer once again out of my pocket. The backup camera will constantly go out and r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
The electric power steering failed on my vehicle in 2022 while 12 hours from home. Had to drive 12 hours with no power steering. Some year models from the 2013 have been included in the recall but my Vin # was not so I had to pay out of pocket to have mine fixed. It went out again in 2023 and was fixed by a Ford dealer once again out of my pocket. The backup camera will constantly go out and r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The truck went full throttle on its own hitting another vehicle with injures. Had to turn the truck to stop the engine stuck in full throttle.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
On Saturday, while driving my 2023 Nissan Rogue (currently under recall) down the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost all acceleration. At the same time, every warning light illuminated on the dashboard. This occurred without any prior warning, forcing me to quickly and unsafely maneuver to the shoulder of the road while traffic was moving at high speeds. Component or System That Failed: Powertrai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
On Saturday, while driving my 2023 Nissan Rogue (currently under recall) down the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost all acceleration. At the same time, every warning light illuminated on the dashboard. This occurred without any prior warning, forcing me to quickly and unsafely maneuver to the shoulder of the road while traffic was moving at high speeds. Component or System That Failed: Powertrai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
On Saturday, while driving my 2023 Nissan Rogue (currently under recall) down the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost all acceleration. At the same time, every warning light illuminated on the dashboard. This occurred without any prior warning, forcing me to quickly and unsafely maneuver to the shoulder of the road while traffic was moving at high speeds. Component or System That Failed: Powertrai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
Seat restraint malfunction that prevents the air bag from working properly. Dealer is aware of this problem but has not been able to correct it.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 10, 2025
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
The contact leased a 2025 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the vehicle could not be restarted, and the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer was notified of the failure and had sent a field technician to diagnose the vehicle, but the cause of the failure co... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
Over ~3 years of ownership, the vehicle has experienced recurrent electrical and engine-management issues, resulting in 15+ service visits and ~100 cumulative days out of service at an authorized dealer. Patterns include: (1) electrical—keyless entry intermittently unresponsive, instrument cluster flickering/rebooting, multiple warning messages including a battery/electrical icon, HVAC/A/C becom... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
See attached document for complaint. I am writing because back in January I received a notice of recall to have the rearview camera replaced because of inverted, blank, or distorted image. I had that camera replaced for those very same symptoms several weeks before the recall was announced. After working at a Ford Dealer for 23 years, I do know that you refund the cost of any work done that would... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
I leased a 2016 hyundai tucson from Metcalf Auto Plaza [XXX]. Every week since then i have had to return the car for repairs. It got to a point where Neil suggested he can trade it for another but each and every vehicle i test drove to replace my car was NOT ready to be on the road but according to them every car had just got out the shop. Instead of trying to have issues resolved the mechan... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2025
I leased a 2016 hyundai tucson from Metcalf Auto Plaza [XXX]. Every week since then i have had to return the car for repairs. It got to a point where Neil suggested he can trade it for another but each and every vehicle i test drove to replace my car was NOT ready to be on the road but according to them every car had just got out the shop. Instead of trying to have issues resolved the mechan... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact's wife stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with fuel injector failure. The contact was in... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
Airbag light comes on and beeps then shits off intermittently. Happens every time we drive the vehicle. I noticed there were other past recalls about the ABS warning light coming on. The message on dash says "Service Airbag System". Our truck has never been in an accident, the horn still works, wiring looks secure for airbag harness, not sure if this is a common problem but I googled it and I've s... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
Airbag light comes on and beeps then shits off intermittently. Happens every time we drive the vehicle. I noticed there were other past recalls about the ABS warning light coming on. The message on dash says "Service Airbag System". Our truck has never been in an accident, the horn still works, wiring looks secure for airbag harness, not sure if this is a common problem but I googled it and I've s... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal with his foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated as if he had applied the accelerator. The contact stated that his vehicle front end crashed into the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that he turned the vehicle off to stop it from continuing to gain forward momentum. The contac... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal with his foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated as if he had applied the accelerator. The contact stated that his vehicle front end crashed into the rear end of the vehicle. The contact stated that he turned the vehicle off to stop it from continuing to gain forward momentum. The contac... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 6, 2025
Per ford tmsb the oil pan was installed wrong on some f150 trucks and leak needs recall to repair there mistake '
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram Promaster 1500 equipped with Nexen Tires, Tire Line: Rodian CT8, Tire Size: P225/75/R16, DOT Number: 8EAKHMEL3420. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the passenger’s side rear tire experienced tread separation. The contact was able to replace the tire with the spare. While driving, the driver's side rear tire also experienced tread separation, and the ve... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
I reached under the steering well to the foot well because it seemed that my AC was not putting out any air. I touched something and received a burn on my hand. I reached out to the SOA but was told to take it to the dealer. Then they asked me to call back and discuss further. When I called back I was told to take it to the dealer. I'm not sure I want to take it to the dealer to be charged a diagn... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
Possible rod bearing, leading to engine failure.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal was mushy. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the brake hose was faulty and needed to be replaced, along with the rear brake rotors and brake pads. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the rearview camera intermittently went blank while the vehicle was shifted into reverse(R). The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V315000 (Back Over Prevention); 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... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
The contact and wife rented a 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH with the cruise control activated, the feature unexpectedly ceased to operate as intended. The contact stated that a message that "Radar Interrupted," was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred five times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notifie... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Vehicle: 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 3.0L LM2 Turbo Diesel Mileage at most recent failure at 106k miles Complaint Narrative This vehicle has experienced repeated, serious defects affecting engine, transmission, emissions system, and safety recall performance. Despite numerous repair attempts over three years, the problems remain unresolved and the vehicle is currently undriveable and held by ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Vehicle has a water leak inside the cabin. We tried pouring water down the sunroof drains and can hear a gurgling sound inside the cabin and observed water entering the cabin next to the dead pedal. Took vehicle to dealership and they replaced a different part and did not solve the issue. Musty mold smell present in vehicle causing allergic reaction and reducing driver's vision posing an accident ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Vehicle has a water leak inside the cabin. We tried pouring water down the sunroof drains and can hear a gurgling sound inside the cabin and observed water entering the cabin next to the dead pedal. Took vehicle to dealership and they replaced a different part and did not solve the issue. Musty mold smell present in vehicle causing allergic reaction and reducing driver's vision posing an accident ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2025
Coolant is intruding into the engine, with no sign of a leak. There was a TSB 22-2229 issued that my car falls under, but ford claims they are not at fault to pay for it. This was a manufacturing error, and was at no fault of my own. My car has less than 60k miles on it. A check engine light came on for cylinder 3 misfire. There was no warning signs that an engine failure was occurring. The car is... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Leased a new 2025 Polestar 3 and took delivery Dec 28, 2024. I expected some growing pains as it’s a new car model and relatively new brand, but have had to take it to the dealer and/or call support almost monthly. Most of the issues are resolved via resetting some system, but the major issue has been charging at home. Around March I had an issue where it wouldn’t charge at home and the car st... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The screen randomly freezes or toggles between different screen without user input. It will randomly exit navigaton, end calls, increase volume, etc. This happens irrespective of day or night and whether I am using Android Auto of the factory navigation. Several times it has ended navigaton while driving cause me to have to pull over to avoid going in the wrong direction or missing turns. The ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
After driving over a railroad crossing, all driver safety systems disabled, brake system error, AWD torque distribution stopped and stated only FWD worked, and power steering stopped working. Was unable to manuever vehicle and had to ease vehicle over. Was able to stop the vehicle and shut it off. Restarted vehicle and power steering came back but other lights remained. Another few minutes went by... Read more