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 3, 2024
Here’s a template for writing a formal complaint to SaferCar.gov about your Tesla issue: Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint - Tesla 2023 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a safety issue with my Model 3 manufactured in 2023. This issue has significantly affected the vehicle’s functionality and poses a potential safety risk. Details of the Issue: •VIN (Vehicle Identification Nu... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
AC evaporator temperature sensor has gone out at 40k miles. Cannot defrost truck windshield to see properly. Ford TSB 22-2089. Have been quoted $3000 to remove dash and replace.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2024
1st: water reservoir tank was empty and didn't notice it until heat was cold...inspected and filled reservoir back to max had it tested and couldn't find reason for coolant to be low...Ford tech told me to drive it because they were unable to explain.2nd issue when vehicle sets overnight when backing out of carport back brake system sounds like a scrubbing sound then after drive awhile it may or m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
Dealer states that the transmission and transmission cooling needs to be replaced. The car only has 58500 miles.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2024
All of the surround view camera are very out of alignment cause 4 major blind spot in the safety feature
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, 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 fail... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the safety recall for my 2019 Honda Clarity (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall, dated February 2024, pertains to a potential fuel pump failure that could cause engine stalling while driving, posing a significant safety risk. Despite the severity of this issue, I have encountered significant delays and difficulties in getting the necessary repairs comple... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the safety recall for my 2019 Honda Clarity (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall, dated February 2024, pertains to a potential fuel pump failure that could cause engine stalling while driving, posing a significant safety risk. Despite the severity of this issue, I have encountered significant delays and difficulties in getting the necessary repairs comple... Read more
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
Sudden hard downshift from 10th gear to 5th great. Check engine light came on with message of reduced acceleration mode.
Incident date: Nov 18, 2024
Engined failed in the middle of the highway at 100,800 miles. Engine has had horrible oil consumption issues for a long time, despite regular oil changes and checking the oil levels. KIA already has a 150k class action settlement for engine failure due to connecting rod bearing failure, but have denied warranty and wanted out of pocket $7600 for full engine replacement.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
I engaged Tesla's Autopark to park my car in my usual spot. The car kept going after reaching the back of the parking space, crashing into a pole located around one foot behind the parking spot. The time between when it should have braked and the post was of such short duration that I had no time to apply the brakes and prevent the accident. The car lacks both radar and lidar, either of which wou... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
I had two different mechanics I trust tell me that this car has a particular engine that had an error in manufacturing, but Hyundai didn't correct it, because it would cost them too much. The error is heavy oil burning, such that it destroys the catalytic converter. I am now on my third catalytic converter in this car, and the check-engine light is beginning to flicker. Mechanic recommended contac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Trailer brake system alert pop up a lot. With no reason.
Incident date: Oct 15, 2020
While driving on the interstate, we heard a warning chime and a warning about the engine shutting off was displayed, along with the check engine light and a turtle icon, and the vehicle lost engine power. It was just coasting, which made it difficult to get to the shoulder in multiple lanes of heavy traffic. We called emergency roadside assistance who told us it was in limp mode and called for a t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Summoned my car in parking lot. Vehicle showed on app that it planned to go straight then turn left but instead cut to a left and thus colliding with the car that was parked next to me. I have the footage if needed. Car should have stopped instead, or followed planned route. I was staring at the car the whole time and it looked that it was going straight, even after colliding, it looked like it wa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
hello I'm wondering why this is not a concern for a safety recall. VSA Module. the VSA module systems seems to be a problem from 2012 all the way to 2017 model Hondas. this module effects powersteering. ABS. tire pressure and traction control. it seems that this is a global problem and their are countrys that have done a recall on this VSA Module. on Honda accord sedans.
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
Twice, the car refused to switch from EV mode back to gas mode. This resulted in the hybrid battery dying and the car losing power. The first time, I was merging onto the freeway and the gas pedal was all the way at the floor, but I was only maintaining speed (not accelerating). Both times, the car was driveable for approximately one mile on the hybrid battery alone. However, a warning came on t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Car keeps hesitating to accelerate, stalled a few times & is burning through gas extremely quickly. Error code "engine emissions problem" came up, believe this is part of the recall
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Car keeps hesitating to accelerate, stalled a few times & is burning through gas extremely quickly. Error code "engine emissions problem" came up, believe this is part of the recall
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
In February 2024, received a recall for fuel pump module, which can result in prevent engine from starting, cause vehicle to lose driver power, or stall while driving. Can also result in failing emissions inspection. Acura reports that repair is not available until Fall 2024. In October 2024, while at a stoplight, auto idle-stop was engaged, and engine stalled and would not turn on. Vehicle needed... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
All safety features and cameras on this vehicle are currently disabled. Specifically, the following functions are not operational: Forward and parking collision warnings, Blind spot warning, Lane departure and lane-keeping warnings, Rear cross-traffic warning, Self-driving capability, Adaptive cruise control, Navigation system, Location tracking, Sentry mode, Premium connectivity features, Reverse... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
P0128 code- Assisted steering fault Check engine light Ac blowing cold Temp gauge flat lined Need to replace temp sensor and thermostat. Others with this issue have reported steering can completely lock up, which could cause serious accidents which could result in fatalities.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
P0128 code- Assisted steering fault Check engine light Ac blowing cold Temp gauge flat lined Need to replace temp sensor and thermostat. Others with this issue have reported steering can completely lock up, which could cause serious accidents which could result in fatalities.
Incident date: Aug 17, 2024
Car enters lymph mode, transmission failure car fails to move. Incident occurs randomly while driving on the highway placing driver and passengers at risk of being hit from behind. Nissan transmissions are notorious for transmission failures. This is the second Nissan Altima I have owned with the same transmission problem Vehicle only has approximately 60,000 miles and already failing. No warning ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH the "Stability Control" and "Service Power Steering" warning lights illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to continue driving however, it was difficult to turn the steering wheel to the left or right. The contact stated that the failure recurred at various speeds. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
ISSUE: PTC Heater failed at 63,617 miles after 6 years of use WARNING MESSAGE: "Vehicle may not restart" CONTACT: [XXX] [XXX] main contact for owner [XXX] . VIN: [XXX] MAKE: MODEL 3 YEAR: 2018 REPAIR QUOTED: $1,104.18 LINE ITEMS: PTC HEATER DUALZONE(1088218-00-I) HVAC, PTC SERVICEASSY(1107677-00-A) LABOR & DIAGNOSTICS SUMMARY: TESL... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
NOTE: the item / malfunction described below is CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL for multiple Honda models but has not YET been recalled for the 2021 Accord Sport 2.0T. Please add this model to the recall list!!! I had been driving on the interstate for about 30 minutes on Thursday, 11/7, when suddenly seven of the warning lights flashed in succession on my vehicle, including braking system warnings, emis... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
NOTE: the item / malfunction described below is CURRENTLY UNDER RECALL for multiple Honda models but has not YET been recalled for the 2021 Accord Sport 2.0T. Please add this model to the recall list!!! I had been driving on the interstate for about 30 minutes on Thursday, 11/7, when suddenly seven of the warning lights flashed in succession on my vehicle, including braking system warnings, emis... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
Vehicle constantly overheats and causes charger to overheat. This causes the charging rate to reduce constantly. Home infrastructure has been checked and confirmed to be wired properly by multiple electricians. The suspension makes lots of noises and is a rough ride despite being constantly checked by the service center.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
On [XXX] I turned on a [XXX] in Amelia Co Va when I pressed the gas to get up to speed, all of the sudden the headlights, dashboard lights, interior lights go dark. Warning lights on the dashboard were flashing. I put on my hazards and pulled safely into a convenience store parking lot and shut my truck off. I waited a few minutes and turned it back on and everything came on along with the check e... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2022
On [XXX] I turned on a [XXX] in Amelia Co Va when I pressed the gas to get up to speed, all of the sudden the headlights, dashboard lights, interior lights go dark. Warning lights on the dashboard were flashing. I put on my hazards and pulled safely into a convenience store parking lot and shut my truck off. I waited a few minutes and turned it back on and everything came on along with the check e... Read more
TESLA
VEHICLE CHARGER
(9999) — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Nov 14, 2024
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
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 recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distri... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The last incident? I couldn't recover my intentions. (Incidents of random acceleration seem to only happen when I am turning). The last incident occurred in my mall parking lot.. I was about to turn and suddenly the car shot forward. I could have fought to maintain my turn but that would have been aggressive maneuvering. Nothing, thankfully, was in front of me, so this was the first time I was dev... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328i. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming out from the exhaust pipe, and there was a burning smell coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pan was leaking near the water pump. The dealer replaced the thermostat gasket... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
Started bike, rode down street engine was on, came back called a service person at a dealership. Went through codes, cleared code. Next day rode to work, left work and stopped to get haircut. When leaving bike was dead wouldn't even turn over. Tried to remember code resetting, tried to start, started but engine xame on again. Got it home called same service guy. Cleared codes. There were different... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
It brakes at highway speeds of 70 without reasons on cruise control and FSD. Happened three times on highway 46. It can be very bad if there was a car behind me. This happened to me through all these years since 2019.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The low front light is so dim that we need to turn on the high light to see at night. Having to use high lights also creates a glare problem for other motorists, but we need the high light as the low light is so dim that it creates a safety hazard for driving at night in urban areas with low lights. We changed the front low halogen bulb lights for LED lights but it was not enough. People suggest ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH when a loud grinding noise was emitting from underneath the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
I’m at the Tesla service center and Tesla is refusing to perform recall work without payment/diagnostic time. Even though Tesla’s website and notices states that they will perform recall work free of charge they are in fact refusing to perform recall work free of charge. They are mandating that I be charged diagnostic fees for them to determine whether they will perform the recall work as of 1... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Insight. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
This is 3rd time I have had ABS failed. Truck only has 66,000 miles on it and this has happened for 3rd time. Has been twice repaired by Ram dealer in Denham Springs Louisiana. Evidently parts are defective. I am original owner. First time happened at 24,700 miles. Second time at 48,200 miles. Third time at 66,000 miles. Evidently bad parts.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
Driving on the interstate and got to a Toll the automatic stop start stopped the car and the car never came back on. The battery and starter started smoking and the engine has gone out. No explanation no nothing and the Mechanics at the Gmc Dealership stated it just happens with these engines they just go out! I purchased the vehicle on April 9th before I purchased it I had the dealership send it... Read more
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
While driving on a freeway the screens recently went fully blank on the car consistent with the open recall software issues. In addition I recently put my car in reverse and the rear view camera failed to load in a timely manner. I have contacted VW dealer and corporate to initiate a buy back but have heard nothing from either party and any attempt to repair these conditions.
Incident date: Nov 5, 2024
The ABS system failure with out warning and it was hard to control on the HWY
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owned a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisc... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
Headlights have been too dim to see at night for many years - I was pulled over by a police office because of this. I want to sell my vehicle but cannot in my right mind do this until there has been a recall to fix the situation that will not cost me a ton of money.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated there was an abnormal hissing and crackling sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a defective transmission. The vehicle wa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The car engine seized while driving on the highway.