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.

2,215,138 Total Complaints
138,663 Reported Crashes
56,255 Reported Fires
8,561 Reported 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

How to Read NHTSA Consumer Complaints › How NHTSA Investigations Work › Used Car: 7 Recall Checks to Run First › The Takata Airbag Recall: Full Story › OBD-II Codes Explained › All Articles ›
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Showing 22,185 complaints for TESLA

TESLA MODEL 3 (2017) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 17, 2025
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
My back window exploded. The defrost system blew up while driving it's Brown burned marks in my window where the defrost runs
TESLA MODEL S (2014) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Jan 17, 2025
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW, IT HAS BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER 14+ TIMES FOR THE BATTERY/HYBRID COMPONENTS. IT CAUSES "A FIRE HAZARD" AND I AM INSTRUCTED TO NOT PARK IT IN MY OWN GARAGE, NEAR OTHER VEHICLES AND IT'D BE BEST TO NOT DRIVE IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE TIMES THAN NOT SINCE OWNING THIS VEHICLE AND THE PROBLEMS PERSIST. RIGHT NOW IT HAS ANOTHER BATTERY/HEATER ISSUE AND IT IS... Read more
TESLA MODEL 3 (2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY Jan 17, 2025
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact had to add one quart of oil per week. The battery was replaced on three occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 57 MPH while driving. There was an abnormal creaking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact also stated that there was no oil in t... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2022) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 17, 2025
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
My 2024 Honda Prologue had less than 900 miles on it when "High Voltage Warning" appeared on my dash, and warned me to take the vehicle to a service center immediately - I did, and now my Prologue has been in service for 20 days straight. (As of 1-17-25)
TESLA MODEL Y (2021) — ENGINE Jan 17, 2025
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
Engine failure-Cyclinoide Had to replace engine- Maintenance was done as recommended. Should not have to replace engine.
TESLA MODEL Y (2021) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 17, 2025
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
ICCU failed while charging. Vehicle showed no diagnostic codes to indicate the problem. All recent recalls regarding the ICCU performed on the vehicle.
TESLA MODEL S (2021) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jan 17, 2025
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
No heat at all. This is not good when here in the northeast its only been in the teens. My car has now been sitting at the dealership for a month with no idea when the part will be in to fix it. If they had just said to keep driving it till the parts came in this could have caused a safety issue health wise. I have not contacted the manufacturer as of it about this issue.
TESLA MODEL 3 (2024) — POWER TRAIN Jan 16, 2025
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 62 MPH during snow weather and switching lanes; the accelerator pedal was depressed, and both the rear wheels had locked. The vehicle spun out of control and ... Read more
Crash
TESLA MODEL 3 (2024) — POWER TRAIN Jan 16, 2025
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
When coming to a stop the RPM's drop and the engine will stall, similar to not engaging the clutch on a manual transmission. Luckily there has not been a crash to date but the condition has worsened to the point it is no longer safe to drive and must be repaired. This is a known safety flaw with the torque converter and Subaru denied any responsibility or assistance in the quoted $2,400 repair.
TESLA MODEL S (2020) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 16, 2025
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Keyless entry panel on driver's side continues to fall off while driving, hanging by wires, which then blow fuses. Lift gate ajar warning comes on and then unable to open/close rear lift gate. Indoor overhead lighting remains on due to "liftgate ajar" even though liftgate is not ajar. This is a Safety hazard, panel could fly off during driving. Took to dealer, misdiagnosed as liftgate latch malfun... Read more
TESLA MODEL S (2017) — SUSPENSION Jan 16, 2025
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
I have a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport that only has 24k miles on it (all oem stock components with zero modification) and I have been experiencing death wobble issues when traveling at highway speeds and driving over seam transitions where the road meets bridge crossings. The vehicle shakes uncontrolably and it's absolutely terrifying. The only way to get it to stop is to remove my foot from the gas p... Read more
TESLA MODEL 3 (2022) — POWER TRAIN Jan 16, 2025
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
During winter, while driving down the highway, the vehicle suddenly stopped driving, like the transmission got stuck between gears or slipped out of a gear, the engine was still on and had power. After the dealership looked into the issue we were told that it is a known issue and there is not a fix at the time.
TESLA MODEL 3 (2022) — ENGINE Jan 16, 2025
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
I was driving my vehicle to the gym when I noticed it was driving weird, it would not accelerate like normal, was having a hard time getting going and was making a weird noise. I had just put some oil in the car because we had known for a little while that it had a problem with burning oil because of the make and model (as told by other mechanics previously), when I got to the gym I heard a pop no... Read more
TESLA MODEL X (2018) — AIR BAGS Jan 16, 2025
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Manufacturer has not repaired recall in a timely manner. Airbags unsafe and unable to deploy.
TESLA MODEL X (2018) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Jan 16, 2025
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
The canister purge valve in this vehicle repeatedly goes bad. I had a 2015 and now 2016 both with the same issue. It throws the check engine light on and will just about die everytime putting gas into the car or when stopped for random periods of time. The vehicle uses more gas and you can literally smell the fumes escaping from the flapping gas tank lid. In order to start the car you have to pum... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2021) — ENGINE Jan 15, 2025
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
Went to my local dealer on January 11 to have my car checked due to a possible knock in my engine or transmission. They checked it but was not able to find a code or the actual cause after changing the oil of transmission and running it. It still continues to have issues They told me “might need to leave your car overnight because their master technician is not here until Monday “ To me I d... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2021) — POWER TRAIN Jan 15, 2025
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
6L80 transmission complete failure while driving. Vehicle started shacking then check engine light came on .
TESLA CYBERTRUCK (2024) — SERVICE BRAKES Jan 15, 2025
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Location: [XXX] Description of Incident: On a rainy morning, while driving to work, I encountered a sudden lane cut-off by a speeding truck as I exited a school zone. I applied the brakes to avoid a forward collision, but the brake system failed entirely. This resulted in the loss of vehicle traction, causing the car to spin out uncontrollably. The vehicle collided with an island, bounced into ... Read more
1 injured
TESLA MODEL Y (2022) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS Jan 15, 2025
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
I took Tesla to arbitration over defects and deceptive practices and their legal representative committed fraud by playing my own dashcam video and muting it so you couldn’t hear the auditory warnings the car makes when it makes errors. In this case the car was driving itself into oncoming traffic and stopping on the highway for non existent stop signs. I have reported this to the Florida Bar an... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2022) — POWER TRAIN Jan 15, 2025
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2022) — ENGINE Jan 15, 2025
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2023) — TIRES:SIDEWALL Jan 15, 2025
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
Firestone trans force Ht. 275/70R18 These tires came from factory on my Dodge Ram. The truck is around two years old and only with 13,500 miles on it. All four tires are failing and cracking on the side walls. I know earlier models of the same exact tire was recalled for the same issue.
TESLA MODEL 3 (2019) — STRUCTURE Jan 15, 2025
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
I beam frame, frame failure, compartment doors popping open, walls moving, lag screws incorrect. RV is available for inspection. compartment door popping open and tings falling out, walls coming loose and RV breaking apart king pin breaking at front of RV and coming loose from two vehicle. It has been reported to dealer service center The problem has been inspected by the MFG Dealer the problem st... Read more
TESLA MODEL 3 (2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 14, 2025
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
I own a 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss that exhibits strange and persistent issues. A recurring engine code appears P0499, clears itself, and then reappears without consistent resolution. This affects the remote starter as the engine light will be engaged. Additionally, several service warnings flash momentarily and disappear, including: •Service Trailer Brake System •Brake System... Read more
TESLA MODEL 3 (2021) — ENGINE Jan 14, 2025
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning ... Read more
TESLA MODEL 3 (2021) — ENGINE Jan 14, 2025
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the transmission jerked. The contact stated that the transmission was skipping gear while shifting. The check engine warning light turned on and off. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (Power Train); however, the part to do t... Read more
TESLA MODEL S (2016) — SEATS Jan 14, 2025
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
Active Head Restraint failure in passenger side headrest. It is available to be inspected. This is a known issue for the 2014 Dodge Durango from 2011 to 2018 among other Dodge/Jeep vehicles.
TESLA MODEL Y (2025) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jan 14, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
After charging my car from ~20% to 80% over the course of ~8 hours, I powered on the car, reversed out of my parking space, and began driving. Shortly after (<1 min), I noticed that both my Instrument Panel screen and my Infotainment screen had shut off and were black. I continued driving for another 2-3 minutes before pulling into a parking lot. In the lot I powered the car on and off many times,... Read more
TESLA MODEL X (2023) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 13, 2025
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
The car lost all power while driving in traffic. Speed was ~30mph and at coming up to an intersection the car was acting erratically and the dash indicator lights all lit up. I went to slow down and move out of traffic and the car lost all engine power and electrical power. I could not restart the vehicle.
TESLA MODEL Y (2024) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Jan 13, 2025
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
Tesla has told me the AP4 computer has failed in my car which has resulted in them having to replace it. I had this issue start on 1/12, and I scheduled the earliest appointment available for 1/30. They did not offer me a rental or any assistance during this time, and I need my vehicle to commute to work and conduct other essential activities. It has just over 1,000 miles on it and is ~3 months ol... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2024) — STEERING Jan 13, 2025
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was hauled to the residence, where a mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering control module (PSCM) and motor needed... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2024) — TIRES Jan 13, 2025
Incident date: Jan 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Evolution H/T, Tire Size: 245/55/R19, DOT Number: UPPIILE. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 55-65 MPH, the rear driver's side tire unexpectedly had a blowout. The contact's wife pulled over to the side of the road. The contact arrived on the scene and replaced the rear driver's side tir... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2024) — BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING Jan 11, 2025
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
None of the cameras work in the Tesla. Unable to use any safety features. No reverse camera. Any adaptive cruise control, safety features are all disabled. Two months to get it repaired and serviced.
TESLA MODEL Y (2024) — SERVICE BRAKES Jan 11, 2025
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The brake system had a total failure. Driving down the road and the brake pedal went completely soft and was not providing any brakes. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road where the brake fluid resivor was empty and the underneath of the car was wet with brake fluid. The vehicle then was towed to a nearby mechanic to be inspected where they have come to the conclusion that the brak... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2024) — POWER TRAIN Jan 11, 2025
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Bad water pump and thermostat for 2018 Audi q7 59,000 miles I see it has been a class action lawsuit on the water pumps
TESLA MODEL 3 (2024) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Jan 11, 2025
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Hello! I bought a car in the USA, I live in another country. Errors that appear in the car are similar to these: [XXX] Еrror appears then, the cogd I give more gas and let go of the pedal. When the engine is heated at different speeds. The scanner showed these errors: P1326 Ignition Control Module - Combustion Quality Input Signal; U0293 Lost Communication With Hybrid Powertrain Control Modul... Read more
TESLA MODEL 3 (2024) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. VIN tool confirms parts not ... Read more
TESLA MODEL 3 (2024) — POWER TRAIN Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
The rear differential failed, causing both rear axles to be broken and the vehicle to lose all propulsion on a city road. A noise in the drivetrain under acceleration was first reported to a dealership in Nov 2023 about five months prior to the failure, but the report was dismissed as tire slippage and not addressed further. Then the failure occured in April 2024, and the vehicle was towed to a de... Read more
TESLA MODEL 3 (2024) — UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
Car horn is muffled or no sound when driving in rain or exposed to water. It takes 30min-4h to dry out to be fully functional again
TESLA MODEL 3 (2024) — SUSPENSION Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The suspension on this car developed a persistent noise that worsened over time, prompting me to schedule a service appointment at the Tesla dealership. Although my car has less than 40,000 miles and has been driven primarily on well-paved city roads, both front suspensions were found to require extensive repairs, a final bill of approximately $2,100. Safety Concerns: Frequent Suspension Issues ... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2024) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. Parts distribut... Read more
TESLA MODEL 3 (2018) — SUSPENSION Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the transmission control valve detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact did research and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to get a diagnosis however, the diagnosis was pend... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2024) — BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
Back in late November 2024, Tesla pushed an Over-The-Air (OTA) update to my 2024 Tesla Model Y. Immediately after pushing this OTA, all of my car's cameras stopped working (INCLUDING my rear or "backup" camera). This is in violation of federal law as all new vehicles are required to have a backup camera. Additional safety-critical items were also impacted: the rear-view and both of the side mirror... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2024) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
The instrument cluster panel on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler shut down in December, 2024, with no advance warning. I purchased my Jeep in March, 2019, and per my dealership, it currently has 38,488 miles. I was told that I would have to bring my Jeep and leave it with them so they could order the part and replace the instrument cluster panel. They advised the repair would be completed by 1/3/2025. When I... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2024) — AIR BAGS Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
The steering wheel clockspring mechanism has failed causing the vehicle steering wheel operated controls (including the horn) to stop working. The airbag warning lamp illuminated on the dashboard, indicating the airbag system may not be functional. Apparently Volkswagen has issued a recall/extended the warranty on many VW models in light of the high failure rate of the clockspring mechanism, howe... Read more
TESLA MODEL 3 (2025) — EXTERIOR LIGHTING Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
 The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000( EXTERIOR LIGHTING) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. Parts distribution disconn... Read more
TESLA MODEL 3 (2024) — ENGINE Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I have a wrench 🔧 showing up in the screen, the gears downshift,the gears shift from 3 to 6
TESLA MODEL Y (2023) — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The contact's partner owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon the start of the engine, the vehicle would shake when idle and while driving as the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they discovered a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where a pressure test was performed;... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2024) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
Park assist error message when put car in reverse. No visualizations on display. Early collision not working. Several times (not in this instance) backup camera has been black and does not show an image. Sentry system error message. FSD offline. (may not be a safety issue but wanted to provide information as it would show other errors in the system affecting safety) I have a scheduled appointmen... Read more
TESLA MODEL Y (2024) — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS Jan 10, 2025
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
Park assist error message when put car in reverse. No visualizations on display. Early collision not working. Several times (not in this instance) backup camera has been black and does not show an image. Sentry system error message. FSD offline. (may not be a safety issue but wanted to provide information as it would show other errors in the system affecting safety) I have a scheduled appointmen... Read more
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