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: Oct 29, 2024
I went to start my car and it would not turn over. All the lights were on, the vehicle wouldn't move out of park, and the security system kept going off. The last time this happened I had the starter replaced and the neutral safety switch and it was fine for a bit but now it's happened again. This is at least the 3rd time I've had this issue. Please help! I know I'm not the only one. I had to hav... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
I am submitting a complaint regarding an unresolved safety issue with the front passenger restraint system in my 2019 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [XXX] ). Since February 2024, I have encountered recurring alerts for this system, despite multiple service visits to address it. Service History and Concerns: The initial repair attempt on February 27, 2024, involved Tesla replacing the Occupant Classification... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that on the following day, the vehicle was started; however, while driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated tha... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Transit. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that there was an abnormal banging sound underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
Lug nuts are swollen and need to be replaced. It seems like this is an issue with Fords.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Warning lights for the ABS and the Electronic Brake System illuminated while driving, stating the systems must be serviced. The Cruise Control would either turn off or become nonfunctional. The tone would sound and the warning lights would illuminate. I took the truck in to the dealership after it happened but the lights would not come on while I was there. The dealership told me they could do not... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Episode # 1: Sunday, [XXX] NEAR-DEATH-EXPERIENCE 2 times in 2 weeks while driving Tesla Model X 2023 with FSD. Both myself and wife were travelling and coming from Toronto to Lake George, NJ All of a sudden car STOPPED in the middle of the highway. Laptop screen was blank. In the mean time, turned on the Emergency Light. After a minute or so, white UTE came (white) color came behind us with in le... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Brake Feature Malfunction Vehicle Details: •Model: Tesla Model 3 •Year: 2023 (approximately 1 year old) •Mileage at Incident: ~11,000 miles Incident Description: On 10/29, while manually driving my Tesla Model 3 on a public roadway, I experienced a critical braking failure. As I approached a vehicle in front of me that was decelerating, I initiated regenerative braking, then immediately app... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Brake Feature Malfunction Vehicle Details: •Model: Tesla Model 3 •Year: 2023 (approximately 1 year old) •Mileage at Incident: ~11,000 miles Incident Description: On 10/29, while manually driving my Tesla Model 3 on a public roadway, I experienced a critical braking failure. As I approached a vehicle in front of me that was decelerating, I initiated regenerative braking, then immediately app... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Brake Feature Malfunction Vehicle Details: •Model: Tesla Model 3 •Year: 2023 (approximately 1 year old) •Mileage at Incident: ~11,000 miles Incident Description: On 10/29, while manually driving my Tesla Model 3 on a public roadway, I experienced a critical braking failure. As I approached a vehicle in front of me that was decelerating, I initiated regenerative braking, then immediately app... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
CV axles failed prematurely, at 20,000 miles. Wheels and steering column vibration at highway speeds.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
1.When slowing down my vehicle kicks like it is choking. It is available for inspection upon request. I checked my Honda link app the week of October 21, 2024 to see if my vehicle needed a service and I noticed the recall on my vehicle for the 2023-25 Multi-Model High-Pressure Fuel Pump Stop Sale. 2. I learned through the Honda link app that there is a recall. Unfortunately, I was unaware of th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
On [XXX] I was driving my corvette in Atlantic City, New Jersey, which at that time I noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. I looked at my dash to see if any warning lights or check engine lights were on and nothing Indicate there was a problem. So I did continue to drive to get to a safe place where I can pull over and look at the engine. When I came up to the red light, the car nex... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front hood lid had opened unintentionally. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving and attempting to brake, the regenerative braking system malfunctioned, causing the braking distance to be extended. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
I have had my vehicle in for repair three times for an EVAP code. The first visit they found nothing wrong. The second visit they placed the EVAP canister. The third visit they said if the light comes on again it's a faulty part. The light is on again. Since the first occurence, I have noticed the some of the same issues that were reported for the 2020 Equinox fuel pump issues, e.g. hesitation, ch... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2024 Honda HR-V. The contact stated while her daughter was driving 30 MPH, the driver attempted to switch lanes to prevent another vehicle from crashing into her vehicle. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized inadvertently, causing the vehicle to drive off the road. The vehicle hit the sidewalk and drove into the ditch, where the vehicle hit a small hill. The air bag... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
I purchased a 2024 TESLA model Y and received delivery of my Tesla vehicle on [XXX], at 4 PM EST. Upon receiving the vehicle, I noticed manufacturing defects on the tail lights, which I reported to Tesla Support immediately and scheduled an appointment on September 29. Unfortunately, no appointments were available at that time, and my service date was postponed to October 28, 2024. On [XXX], whil... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. No further information was available. The vehicle was taken to the residence, where the contact's husband used a hand-held vehicle diagnostic scanner and retrieved diagnostic trouble code P0301, indicating a misfire of th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. No further information was available. The vehicle was taken to the residence, where the contact's husband used a hand-held vehicle diagnostic scanner and retrieved diagnostic trouble code P0301, indicating a misfire of th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Suspension noise, front suspension or steering squeak or groaning while turning. Tesla service identified LH half Shaft was damaged and blaming it's due to outside influence because impact to the undershiled. This car should be still under 4 years and 50K warranty but Tesla service refused warranty on the parts.
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact became aware that the driver’s side keypad had detached from the door, causing the trunk to not release or open. The door ajar warning light illuminated; however, all the doors were properly closed. The contact stated that the failure was temporarily repaired with tape. The local dealer was not contacted.... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
I was traveling south on [XXX] when the vehicle stalled. I started the engine and proceeded. I noticed my Rav4 smoking from the engine so I turned off into a Extra Space Storage parking at 1415 Bergen Boulevard, Fort Lee N.J. 07024 were it stalled again. I then exited the vehicle and opened the hood and observed a burst flames coming from the engine/battery area. I ran to a Wendy's and asked for ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The shade retraction on the moonroof is malfunctioning, causing the fabric to not retract completely, the sagging fabric is causing visibility obstruction. My Ford dealership have inspected the issue and have quoted me an approximate price of $1700 to fix the issue, which is currently cost prohibitive for me ($400 for the replacement part + approx 6 hours of labor), unfortunately this will not be ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The EPS and ESC warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who observed a failure code on the OBD scanner but was unable to d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,... Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle and pressing the START/STOP button, the vehicle did not immediately turn off with the message "Shift to Park" displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 34,200.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
The component that failed, according to Volkswagen, is the rollover valve in the gas tank. This issue caused large amounts of gasoline to leak and pool from behind the rear passenger wheel well, creating a significant fire hazard and risk of harm. The vehicle was inspected by a Volkswagen service center as part of the repair process, whereupon the Volkswagen service center documented that the iss... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
I was driving with cruise control on and a car pulled in front of me and hit the brakes. My car reacted by hitting the brakes hard and the engine tried to recover but hiccupped and lost power and engine light flashed at me. I pulled over and when I started the car again there was a rattle that would get faster if i pressed the throttle. I was able to get back on the road and the throttle rattle ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Intermittent loss of power steering. Indications from other owners stating a defect in the multi pin electrical connectors
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine was idling extremely loudly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
Using cruise control to go with the flow of traffic the vehicle will slow down for any random flashing lights far away or vehicle in next lane causing all vehicles to slow down unnecessarily. FSD and beta programming does not belong in driver set cruise control.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
I just purchased this vehicle this year if any components failed I do not know of it.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2024
My vehicle was low on antifreeze. I brought it into the dealer and had them look at it. They told me there was an antifreeze leak inside the engine. I told them, I think there's a service bulletin on it. TSB-01-013-21 And there are updates to it. They told me that the antifreeze leak does not pertain to this service bulletin. I told them, how can that be? When it's an antifreeze leak with an engi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Tesla’s “Autosteer” function inexplicably and suddenly shifted lanes and sideswiped the other car that was passing me on the right. This defect of the “autosteer” function took control of the steering of the car, even with my two hands on the wheel. I do not know why the Tesla suddenly shifted in the intersection or, more importantly, why it did not detect the other car. I did see the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
New cars made with LED lights causes blindness while driving at night. It feels very unsafe while driving and having the new LED lights take up my whole vision and I just have to hope I’m staying in my lane while my eyes adjust to normal after passing the cars. It makes it scary driving along road curves or hills especially
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
Head unit delaminating after Data Control Module repair in 2023. Head unit is entirely inoperable and poses a safety risk to driver by turning radio on and off, switching stations, raising and lowering volume level, and affecting the eyesight periodically. Head unit can be turned off after multiple attempts, however powers back up on its own continuing the previously mentioned issues.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Hard Shift occurs between gear 1 and gear 2. The hard shift lurches the entire car. It occurs on both upshift and downshift. The hard shift occurs on cold starts. The problem goes away when you turn the vehicle off and then back on. There are no check engine lights. The dealer can't replicate the problem.
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
Multiple issues where slowing down to a stop the truck will stall and go automatically to the parking brake. Have to restart and then turn the parking brake off. Seriously a safety issue. Seen several issues concerning this on the internet. This is a very serious issue and needs to be addressed immediately. Thank you
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
Multiple issues where slowing down to a stop the truck will stall and go automatically to the parking brake. Have to restart and then turn the parking brake off. Seriously a safety issue. Seen several issues concerning this on the internet. This is a very serious issue and needs to be addressed immediately. Thank you
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I got into an accident i On December 10th, 2023 my car was totaled out. My steering wheel felt like it was doing its own thing and I crashed straight into a curb and some rocks. I was injured and they had just fixed my steering because of the recall but I don’t know if they did it correctly
Crash
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
Left driver side window conked out, does not go up or down.
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
(1) Recall Summary American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling specific 2023-2025 CR-V vehicles due to a defect in the steering gearbox worm wheel. This improperly produced component may swell during use, which compromises the grease film thickness between the worm wheel and worm gear. Furthermore, the worm gear's spring preload was set too high, escalating the sliding force between the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The vehicle is equipped with multizone AC, and one day the REAR passenger AC system malfunctioned. This occurred during the heatwave period this summer. The AC would not turn off, after multiple attempts, neither through the infotainment screen nor the manual buttons. We tried all possible ways to turn it off and it would not. Furthermore, it was automatically set to high heat, and the temperature... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The component that’s failing on my truck is the Apple car play and a check engine light (CODE P0024) which indicates Exhaust Camshaft Position, Bank 2. My safety and others safety is put at risk while having these issues: 1.) The Apple Car Play, having to take my focus off of driving to try and unplug my phone and plug it back in to HOPEFULLY fix the issue of using the navigation or phone call... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
I was driving home from my second job, when the "check engine" light came on. I thought "no big deal". As i got further along, I noticed a "skip" in the engine. The "skip", or misfire, continued. Several more miles down the road, there was a sudden jolt with the car. A message with an alarm suddenly displayed on my cockpit instrument cluster; " Service Required, See Dealer now". By the time I arri... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
My Tesla was operating in Full-Self-Driving Beta when it experienced a sudden uncontrolled accelration event. I was driving on [XXX] at approximatley [XXX] this morning. The road speed limit was 40 mph. The car display was correctly showing that the road speed limit was 40mph. The speed offset in the cars setting was limited to 5 mph max above the speed limit. While the car was driving it suddenl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Many Dodge vehicle models experience failure of illumination for instrument clusters. This creates an unsafe condition for the driver since information presented at the instrument cluster, cannot be determined during night time driving conditions. Dodge makes no provision to customers for replacement or repair parts and does not provide any documentation through Dodge dealers on how to address th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Many Dodge vehicle models experience failure of illumination for instrument clusters. This creates an unsafe condition for the driver since information presented at the instrument cluster, cannot be determined during night time driving conditions. Dodge makes no provision to customers for replacement or repair parts and does not provide any documentation through Dodge dealers on how to address th... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) — FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Oct 25, 2024
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The evaporative emissions system failure involving the purge valve and vapor canister purge valve is a recurrent issue on this car and has been reported by hundreds if not thousand of bronco sport owners. The safety issue that arises from this is that we are emitting more fuel vapors into the atmosphere, not only does this not help with emissions control into the atmosphere, but it decreases fuel ... Read more