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: Aug 4, 2025
My car went completely dead while stopped in traffic on a busy street. My kids were in the car and thankfully I was able to crank it by pressing the start button. This issue has already been “fixed” and the dealership “cannot replicate”
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
The front exhaust pipe bracket has broken. Upon investigation, this is an ongoing issue for 2018-2019, and 2021-2023 Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave models, but NOT 2020. All of the models use the exhaust system and same bracket, and it should be included as a special coverage. In fact, the attached picture of my vehicle will show that it is an identical break to those pictures used in the previo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
The car was purchased new from the Nissan dealer at the end of Dec 2024 with 100miles, and currently has 5,798 miles on the odometer. The 12v battery failed, unable to be charged and hold a charge, this disabled the the EV from starting and functioning. The tow truck driver had to use a battery booster/charger to provide enough power to enable the control panel to be accessed, but not start the EV... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
The recall is showing complete in May 2025 but oil and filter plus new oil cap not changed or replaced. I bought the truck on June 25, 2025 from Enterprise Car Sales and was not informed about the engine of this truck was on a recall lised but have been completed. I feel unsafe driving this truck now.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
Back up camera goes black or really fuzzy so everything is unrecognizable. This happens very sporadically. It could stay like this for days or sometimes just once in a few weeks. Never know when it will happen.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
Back up camera goes black or really fuzzy so everything is unrecognizable. This happens very sporadically. It could stay like this for days or sometimes just once in a few weeks. Never know when it will happen.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2025
Both right and left cv axle joints had a rough spot in the bearing. Both had to be replaced in November 2023. Now (August 2025), the same issue is happening again. Current mileage as of 8/24/25 is 35,844. Calling dealer to schedule repair first thing Monday morning.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2025
Transmission oil leak on my 2019 Dodge Promaster 3500 van - please see attached: pdf 1 Safety Recall 61A info, pdf 2 for Bud Clary recall work done, pdf 3 for when leak 1st seen at Tacoma Dodge, and pdfs 4&5 for fix at Tacoma Dodge On [XXX], odometer 39,764 mi, Safety Recall 61A done (debris in the transmission may prevent the park pawl from fully engaging, which could cause the vehicle to rol... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
The vehicle has been under recall since September 2024. They have been unable to repair it. I requested a refund or replacement since it has been nearly a year now without repair. The company offered me $9,000 and $9,000 to the lawyer I had contact them. This is not acceptable since they cannot repair the vehicle they need to refund my money or give me a new car.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
ubject: Urgent Safety Concern – Jeep 4xe Battery Recall Repair Failure Hello, A few months ago, my Jeep 4xe was brought in for the battery recall. The dealer informed me that the issue was resolved, but did not provide any clear details on what exactly was done. On [XXX], while leaving the U.S. Bank and making a left turn, my Jeep suddenly stopped in the middle of the road with a warning mess... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2025
This 2020 Honda Insight performed “phantom braking” of the automated braking system when I was about to enter a clear intersection with no vehicles or obstacles in front of me. It activated the automated braking system and endangered my life and the lives of others over no real threat. This occurred 08/23/2025. The car is well maintained and does not have any service issues. This was complet... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
While traveling on the interstate at 70-74mph without warning, the tire suddenly blew out, causing the car to shake and forcing me to the shoulder, which almost led to an accident. The car was recently serviced at a Honda dealership, which noted my tire tread was in good condition. The problem appears to be with the sidewall of the tire, which blew, causing the issue.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
My name is [XXX] , and I am leasing a 2017 Lincoln Mkz, with 60000 miles on it and experience total engine failure due to coolant leaking into it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
The water pump was found to have extreme corrosion after several other components on the car were damaged from the coolant leak into the electrical system. The car was suddenly losing power while driving and the DME was smoking, potentially causing an engine fire. So far the water pump, Digital Motor Electronics (DME) and throttle body were replaced over a 15 day period in service. The day the car... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
There is, and has been, a consistent rattle sound from the waste gates and all I was told was that Ford knows about the issue and states that it is normal operation yet it can cause damage and reduce performance and could cause a safety issue if it fails and allows no power to be delivered especially if the failure occurs on an interstate. All I’ve been told is the issue can be addressed with a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
My truck would not start. I found that I could shift the vehicle into gear without the key in the ignition or foot on the brake. It appeared that the truck would not start because it could not tell when it was in park. I had to be towed to a dealership, who discovered that the Shift Interlock Solenoid had failed. There is a previous recall for the same year, make and model of my truck, but did... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
While traveling on an Interstate highway, my passenger side curtain airbag suddenly deployed without any warning while I was driving. There was no collision or impact, there was no debris on the road, or any significant bumps in the road. There was a very loud explosive sound and then my entire passenger side was covered in blue. The sound was so loud that it left my ears ringing and left me b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The contact's daughter leased a 2024 Toyota Rav4. The contact stated that after receiving the vehicle from service, the contact noticed a glare on the windshield and a cloudy film, causing difficulty in seeing while driving day and night. The contact's daughter reached out to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Cadillac Escalade. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2025
At the beginning at the year I had to change my starter because my car would leave me stranded on the street, at a stop light or any time my car would stop. I was once in the car with my little brother and in the middle of the street it would not start again and left us stranded. Others around me had to help me push the car to the side of the road that way I wouldn't be rear ended. Now, I'm having... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
The contact was the operator of a 2025 International LT62F company vehicle. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving with another truck in front of the vehicle that was attempting to slow down from at least 200 feet away, the automatic braking system erroneously activated, causing a false positive reaction with the brakes warning system detecting a possible crash with a brick wal... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
Recall for engine bearings - no solution Use vehicle with family/children, if not safe and no fix available I suggest a vehicle buy back or a replacement as a second option.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2025
Code C1391 Leakage in Accumulator abnormal. This required replacement of the master cylinder, brake booster pump assembly. This fault resulted in mushy brake pedal and loss of abs system. The components were replaced at a Toyota dealership. Total cost was $3207.82. Apparently this was a known issue with Toyota for Prius models 2010 through 2015.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
Timing cover oil leak. This is the same issue reported in technical bulletin #01-006/23 issued on 04/26/2023. There is oil leaking and the engine is smoking. No engine warning lights or other messages appeared. My car is a 2019 mazda CX-5 and has 31,954 miles. This problem has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and the dealer service center. On 08/22/2025, I took my vehicle to deale... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - SERVICE BRAKES
Aug 22, 2025
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
ABS sensor warning lights are coming on showing there is an issue.
Incident date: Jul 30, 2025
We noticed that the brakes were really soft. We literally had to push on the brakes with excessive force. We took it to Lynch - West Bend, WI for a service call and was told that nothing was wrong with it. After leaving the dealership we did our own research (the hubby is a certified master technician himself). Come to find out through GM, contacts through TBM brakes and Duramax Forum.com "bra... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
Vacuum pump failed causing an anti-lock brake failure and destroyed all my brake pads and rotors. General motors and the dealership are only covering the vacuum pump, but require me the customer to pay for the brake pads, rotors, and installation fees. GM had the dealership perform 3 days of testing to verify that it was the vacuum pump. I was hauling a camper with my truck when it failed with ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
Hard to Turn Brand New front suspension
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
Engine runs rough and activates a flashing engine light. Sounds like the engine is misfiring. On two occasions the engine stalled,(no power steering, brakes...) luckily not in a dangerous situation. No engine codes were visible to a technician when try to diagnose. Car seemed to run fine again after restart.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
Seatbelt will not unlatch
Incident date: Aug 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that the recall notification stated that parts to repair the vehicle were now available. After contacting the local dealer, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
Left Rear sliding door shut door stuck in locked position and will not unlock manually or by powering. Air bag light stays on.
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Vehicle (2021 Kia Telluride) at ~94K miles received CEL P000A for (Camshaft Position - Slow Response (Bank 1)). Personally checked the oil before taking the vehicle to the dealership and there was very little oil, below the "L" line. Vehicle is burning oil fast, which more likley than not cause the P000A CEL. Vehicle would go im amd out of not being able to accelerate. Dealership wants me to pay d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Vehicle (2021 Kia Telluride) at ~94K miles received CEL P000A for (Camshaft Position - Slow Response (Bank 1)). Personally checked the oil before taking the vehicle to the dealership and there was very little oil, below the "L" line. Vehicle is burning oil fast, which more likley than not cause the P000A CEL. Vehicle would go im amd out of not being able to accelerate. Dealership wants me to pay d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The contact stated while exploring car seats on an online Market place, the contact became aware that Jeff & Arlene's Discount store was selling a Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 harness booster car seat that was a store display model. The contact stated that her friends that were CPS technicians had informed the contact that the store display models were unsafe because they could be defective or could b... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the fail... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the fail... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
I have a 2019 Nissan Altima SR 2.5. I have currently had the car for about 3 or 4 years now. For most of the time I have had the car, the check engine light stays on. I have had it tested, and it always states that it is the Mass Air Flow Sensor. When sitting in park idling, it will "malfunction" and state that the engine is reducing power. During this, the automatic emergency brake warning light ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
I have a 2019 Nissan Altima SR 2.5. I have currently had the car for about 3 or 4 years now. For most of the time I have had the car, the check engine light stays on. I have had it tested, and it always states that it is the Mass Air Flow Sensor. When sitting in park idling, it will "malfunction" and state that the engine is reducing power. During this, the automatic emergency brake warning light ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2025
The engine bay of my car caught fire due to the abs pump and module not turning off. I bought a part but never opened the box because I received a piece of mail stating the recall of that exact issue that they would replace all parts damaged. Which they didn't just installed their relay After Hyundai recall 188 was completed, my ABS pump failed. I believe it was caused by continuous power being a... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
I received the Ez-On 303z vest brand new in the bag. It came with an instructional sheet and has a tag indicating the date of manufacture. However, it does NOT have a registration card anywhere in the packaging. The instruction sheet says "Register this transportation vest to be notified of a safety recall", but there is no indication on how to register the seat, nor is there a registration card i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 KTM 890 Duke. The contact stated that while attempting to use the front brakes while riding at various speeds, the rear brake light failed to illuminate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that other drivers had mentioned that the rear brake lights were not illuminated while riding and attempting to stop. The local dealer was not... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the Smart Cruise Control activated, the EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) warning light activated. Additionally, while stopped, the EPB erroneously deactivated, causing the vehicle to drive forward, and the driver had to manually depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Chrysler Town And Country. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights we... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
I am reporting a serious safety issue involving a defective suspension part (lower control arm) manufactured by Dorman and purchased from an online auto parts retailer. On October 7, 2024, I ordered a Dorman lower control arm for my vehicle and had it professionally installed on November 7, 2024 at Johnston and Magwood Wheels & Tires. On November 8, 2024, at approximately 5:40 p.m., while I was ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
The transmission shift control / transmission range sensor / shift interlock solenoid in my Chevrolet Trailblazer is malfunctioning. When I shift the vehicle into park, it fails to recognize the gear change and displays an error message stating, “Shift to Park.” As a result, I'm unable to shut off the engine properly, which poses both a safety risk and a serious inconvenience. I strongly urge ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
Purchased car with ~96k miles. Drove at night and had extremely low road visibility due to lighting. Replaced the bulbs to a high lumen LED, did not increase lighting/visibility. My research finds this to be a known issue with a refractor found behind the headlight lens within the headlamp housing.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
Both of my rear passenger door lock actuators stop working. The doors will not unlock from the inside when a passenger tries to unlock the door to exit the car. My break lights stay on . The ABS light turned on then it stopped turning on. The light bulbs inside the car in the second row stopped turning on .
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
Both of my rear passenger door lock actuators stop working. The doors will not unlock from the inside when a passenger tries to unlock the door to exit the car. My break lights stay on . The ABS light turned on then it stopped turning on. The light bulbs inside the car in the second row stopped turning on .
Incident date: Aug 16, 2025
On August 6, 2025, I discovered that both the driver and passenger front seat belts in my 2024 Kia Sorento were installed backwards from the factory, with the buckle facing inward instead of outward. This defect has been present since the vehicle was purchased brand new, but it was only discovered and documented on this date. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Kia dealership in an official... Read more