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: Nov 1, 2023
Driving highway speed (70mph) and vehicle suddenly drops speed to (25mph) and running at 5000rpm and loses all forward drive speed while pressing on the gas pedal. Pulled over and turned off truck and tried to restart it and it took over 15 seconds for the power start to start the engine after pushing the start button, still had no power to accelerate after placing it in drive. My Ford App sends... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The rearview camera intermittently goes blank or displays an image that is distorted. When this occurs the camera does not display an image that allows me to see behind the vehicle. This is a reoccurring problem.
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The clutch solenoid started failing without warning or notice. This was finally confirmed by a transmission shop after a warning lamp related to the issue finally popped up after months of issues. My safety was put at risk due to the sudden and intermittent failure to shift into drive. This would sometimes lead to the engine stuttering then shutting off while still in drive. Attempts for dealers a... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
The clutch solenoid started failing without warning or notice. This was finally confirmed by a transmission shop after a warning lamp related to the issue finally popped up after months of issues. My safety was put at risk due to the sudden and intermittent failure to shift into drive. This would sometimes lead to the engine stuttering then shutting off while still in drive. Attempts for dealers a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that the exterior lights of the vehicle were flashing erratically, and the tailgate was opening unintendedly. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced erratic transmission shifts, and the vehicle was jerking and made an abnormal clunking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The con... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was coolant intrusion into several cylinders, resulting in damage to the engine. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2025
Ford F150 Mileage when 10R80 Transmission Failed: 66,195 New 10R80 Transmission Replacement of Original Factory 10R80 Transmission installed on September 20, 2024 Original 10R80 Transmission Failure Date: [XXX] Brand New 10R80 Transmission Installed: September 20, 2024 2nd Incident Malfunction of New Replacement 10R80 Transmission: [XXX] 3rd Incident Malfunction of New Replacement 10R80 Transmis... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
loud knocking or banging noises, the check engine light turning on and/or other driving performance issues, such as reduced propulsion cranksaft
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
My vehicle has been experiencing electrical issues causing my radio to cut off and my car to cut off and lose power while driving. When the car is moving and loses power it's causes the vehicle to shift into neutral.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2025
The transmission went out with only 140,000 on it. It also has problems with shaking
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
Brakes are very "grabby" and lurchy at low speeds. sometimes it starts to shudder
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Since I purchased the vehicle, I have experienced recurring problems with the starter system, affecting the car's performance and reliability. Despite receiving regular maintenance and being evaluated at the authorized Subaru dealership in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the issue remains unresolved. I was informed that even if I replace the part with a new one, the failure could continue, as the component... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The instrument panel just stopped working. Our safety and the safety of others was/is put at risk because you are unable to see how fast you are going in the car. It also doesn’t let us know how much gas we have left in the gas tank so if the car just stalled out on a highway, it could cause a major safety issue. This is also where cruise control is run from. It’s also the panel where any and ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The instrument panel just stopped working. Our safety and the safety of others was/is put at risk because you are unable to see how fast you are going in the car. It also doesn’t let us know how much gas we have left in the gas tank so if the car just stalled out on a highway, it could cause a major safety issue. This is also where cruise control is run from. It’s also the panel where any and ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The MMI (multi-media interface) frequently reboots during driving, resulting in a black screen and the inoperability of key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, navigation, and cell phone tethering (for hands-free operation). These reboots require user input, including entering a PIN to log into the user account (if set up) and repeatedly tapping on the MMI, which can be hig... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The MMI (multi-media interface) frequently reboots during driving, resulting in a black screen and the inoperability of key systems such as the backup camera, rear obstacle detection, navigation, and cell phone tethering (for hands-free operation). These reboots require user input, including entering a PIN to log into the user account (if set up) and repeatedly tapping on the MMI, which can be hig... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
Around May 20th, 2022, I was driving the pickup when it suddenly the engine turned off on me. I was travelling at approximately 40 mph on city streets and was able to control the vehicle and park the vehicle and restart it. That same week, I took the vehicle to Chevrolet on the city of Orange, where it was inspected. According to the mechanic, no issues were located. Nothing else was done to the... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
ABS system went out 3 years ago. The truck was still drivable and used extreme caution when doing so. This morning the power steering went out which is directly related to the ABS system. I noticed that a recall was issued for 2017 and beyond models of the Ram, but why not 2015. My truck has less than 100,000 miles and is now completely undriveable because the ABS cant be fixed.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
We were involved in a T-bone type accident at highway speeds. I am filing a complaint because I feel Kia Of America did not pursue potential safety issues with the seatbelts. I called them to inform them of the issue to see if there was any other similar trending reports. they stated that they would send an inspector out which they never did. I believe that the seatbelt failed due to the nature of... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway turned off and unattended, the contact became aware that all the interior and exterior lights were flashing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V682000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact called the local dealer and... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Cadillac Escalade. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine shut off without warning. Despite the failure, the engine restarted immediately after the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions; however, the dealer failed to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted, and the contact had the vehicle towed back to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop, the vehicle lost motive power. There was an abnormal exhaust odor and smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The engine and fuel lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #5, and the exhaust li... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
The engine is losing coolant on a daily basis; I keep gallons of it my car to keep it from running out. The safety risk is the vehicle hoses burst while driving in rush hour traffic and causing a worse delay and maybe injury to myself and passengers. I had the vehicle checked by an independent service station and they recommend a head gasket replacement or engine replacement, and the dealer just... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
I was driving at approximately 65 MPH using the advanced cruise control system. Randomly, the system disengaged and I started getting 2 MIL warnings on my console. MIL warning 1) was "Check Forward Safety System" and 2) warning the advanced cruise control parameters are not met due to warning 1. A few minutes later, I received a message on my Hyundai Blue Link app showing DTC C162078. After resear... Read more
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
Driving down the road, motor locked up due to crankshaft. Unable to control or restart vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
There’s already been a recall of these car seats but Nina isn’t actually replacing the harnesses or the seats they are just asking customers to clean them. It’s completely unacceptable to have a car seat with harnesses that come loose.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
There’s already been a recall of these car seats but Nina isn’t actually replacing the harnesses or the seats they are just asking customers to clean them. It’s completely unacceptable to have a car seat with harnesses that come loose.
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Rear sliding glass window is leaking water around the exterior frame. This is addressed in TSB 18-NA-383 but not covered under any warranty. My rear seats and carpet are becoming wet. I am concerned about the possibility of mold and an electrical short/fire resulting from water intrusion. There are many reports and discussions on the internet regarding this issue. Full window replacement esti... Read more
Incident date: Apr 26, 2025
Back up camera flashes and will appear in black and white causing a safety issue as you can’t see with the camera.
Incident date: Apr 27, 2025
Fuel gauge on my 2020 Honda Fit LX sometimes goes blank or weird graphics under colder temperatures at start up. Doesn't seem to do it all time though ,especially in warmer weather that I've seen. Seems like when the car warms up, it returns to normal. Have around 42000 miles on it now. I haven't taken it in to my Honda dealer yet for inspection. I believe it maybe a circuit board behind the dash... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
The Blazer is having a recurring P0128 code. We have informed the dealership. This has been going on for 2 years or so. I reset the code with a code reader and it stays off for a few months usually. Tried to have the dealership look at it one of the last times it happened but they wouldn't just look at it...they wanted to set up an appointment. We needed the car so I reset the code again. No... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
The Blazer is having a recurring P0128 code. We have informed the dealership. This has been going on for 2 years or so. I reset the code with a code reader and it stays off for a few months usually. Tried to have the dealership look at it one of the last times it happened but they wouldn't just look at it...they wanted to set up an appointment. We needed the car so I reset the code again. No... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
I was driving back from getting breakfast and the truck started to smoke and the truck just shut off on the street. As soon as the truck shut off, I received an alert on the dash that told me not to exceed a certain speed, but the truck was not moving at the time. I tried to restart the truck and I received another alert that said to put the truck in neutral and I ended up having to push the truck... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2025
A transmission malfunction message displayed and vehicle lost power. This happened when ascending a hill.
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
When turning on a curve the steering locks up/sticks for about 2 or 3 seconds and then it unlocks. When it locks up I could unlock it by using a bit of force to unlock/unstick it before it does by itself. I took to dealer and they say I need the whole steering rack. I have done research on this issue and I saw lots of 2023 crv owners are reporting the same issues. There is a recall to replace stee... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated that the window motor in the passenger’s side window was no longer functioning while attempting to roll down the window. 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... Read more
Incident date: Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Audi Q4 E-Tron. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V125000 (Electrical System); 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. VIN tool confirm... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
While I was driving on highway, engine shut down and wouldn't restart. I needed to be towed.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Main bearing failure while driving. Had to replace the engine.
Incident date: Apr 22, 2025
Purchased brand new. Had for awhile and the veh shook. Took it in and the replaced with all brand new lifters. Still not correct than replaced with all new fuel injectors. Now when I take it in for the last several months it’s 1.5 to 2 quarts low on oil. Told that GM standard says 1.5 quarts low between oil changes is normal!!! I’m currently on an oil consumption test at each 1,000 miles snd I... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - STEERING
Apr 25, 2025
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Steering binding during gentle curves.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2025
P0401 code caused the car to say “propulsion power is reduced”. I was on the highway and had to pull off to find a safe place.
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Apr 24, 2025
Incident date: Apr 18, 2025
Transmission seems to be slipping the truck in getting louder when I switch gears it takes a min to take off
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
Had gas leak on lower part of engine leaking gas from the high pressure fuel line took it to a dealer ro so the repairs Jan 29th 2025 and my jeep is still not right ..it had no mechanical problems at all except the leak and now they have had to replace the reservoir for coolant due to broken damaged line and the vehicle has no power at all since the dealership has had possession of my vehicle ...... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2024 Toyota Corolla from Arlington Jamal Auto Group. The vehicle was purchased via a dealer sale. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 18,163 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 16,405.
Incident date: Apr 23, 2025
Power Steering issues that have been known for multiple Dodge Ram 1500 Trucks but apparently not my specific Truck? I have contacted multiple shops to get quotes to fix this problem. It has been known to be a problem for multiple Ram 1500 Trucks including my year but for whatever reason my truck is not listed as under this recall? There was absolutely nothing wrong with my vehicle and my vehicle h... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the engine was running loudly and could be heard from inside the residence... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus RX350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was ma... Read more
Incident date: Apr 21, 2025
November 1st, 2024 My husband and I were northbound on I71/75 at mile marker 160 while traveling in the high speed lane, doing 65 mph, when the car suddenly lost power, the check engine light immediately came on (NO prior) warnings. The car would not respond, had to coast to the side of road while traffic is whizzing past us at 65+ mph. The car at that point was DOA, lights would come on but motor... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
This vehicle was built terrible. It had a blown head gasket at 86,000 miles. The head was warped. My valve guides and seals were compromised and leaking into the combustion chamber. I need a full head resurfacing job with new gaskets all around. New injectors and new valve cover gasket and everything around. This car has a design flaw and needs to be recalled for mediocre heads life. It almost cau... Read more