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: Oct 1, 2024
While driving the vehicle, or sometimes upon starting the vehicle, the Power Steering Assist will intermittently malfunction and I will have no power steering. When this happens while I am driving it puts me and others at risk because I have reduced my ability to steer. I have not had this diagnosed by the dealer, but I will soon. I have not had the component inspected by anyone at this time. When... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The electronic trailer brake system, anti-lock braking system, and electronics traction control system lights activate upon driving the vehicle. The cruise control is disabled when these warning lights come on as well. I've been informed by an ASE certified mechanic that the abs control module needs replacement. I've learned this is a known issue for my and similar Ram trucks and that Stellanti... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a significant amount of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a coolant leak was found. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); whi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a significant amount of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a coolant leak was found. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); whi... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - POWER TRAIN
Feb 25, 2025
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
My wife is [XXX] and I am [XXX] old. We purchased the 2016 Buick Encore with 29,000 miles from Buick GMC of Beaverton, Oregon on [XXX], expecting that it would out last both of us, since we are retired and only drive to the store and doctor's appointments; my wife has miraculously survived Stage IV cancer since February 1, 2019. The Encore is our only car and we depend on it for all transportat... Read more
Incident date: Feb 23, 2025
My dealer diagnosed issues with my car as: the gasket around my sunroof failed and allowed water to infiltrate the cabin and the electrical system over time. This caused corrosion in the electrical harness, which caused battery failure, failure of the adaptive headlight system, and random electrical glitches. My interpretation of their diagnosis was that this was a cascading failure that might h... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owned a 2022 RAM 1500. The contact stated that after leaving the dealer from completing the recall remedy for an unknown recall related to the fuel pump and while driving at 20 MPH, half a mile from leaving the dealer, the vehicle started to smoke and an abnormal sound came from the vehicle as the front windshield cracked. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact then tr... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
Upon starting the vehicle we get the following warning lights: Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Blind Spot Info System Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem Lane Keeping Assist Problem Transmission System Problem Collision Mitigation System Problem The vehicle is drivable but none of our safety features work. We took it to a local shop that was close and they said it’s a known issue ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
Upon starting the vehicle we get the following warning lights: Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Blind Spot Info System Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem Lane Keeping Assist Problem Transmission System Problem Collision Mitigation System Problem The vehicle is drivable but none of our safety features work. We took it to a local shop that was close and they said it’s a known issue ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2024
Upon starting the vehicle we get the following warning lights: Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Blind Spot Info System Problem Adaptive Cruise Control Problem Lane Keeping Assist Problem Transmission System Problem Collision Mitigation System Problem The vehicle is drivable but none of our safety features work. We took it to a local shop that was close and they said it’s a known issue ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
There are warning lights for all safety modules, The LKAS, Headlight warning system accident prevention system, collision avoidance system etc..
Incident date: Feb 22, 2025
There are warning lights for all safety modules, The LKAS, Headlight warning system accident prevention system, collision avoidance system etc..
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
I used the factory installed remote start via the Mercedes me app, and within a couple of minutes the car was in flames.
Fire
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
Fuel pouring from above fuel tank onto ground.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
While driving on the highway the car did a "skip", then the CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT came on. I got off the highway, shut the car off, waited a while and started the car again. The light was off so I drove home. As I was driving the light came on again. The next time it came on the code was p084a. Have not had it checked by dealer yet. The mechanic said it would cost $5000-7000 to fix or replace. ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
On the morning of February 3rd, 2025, while driving, I heard a pop. A few seconds later, as I approached an intersection, a yellow warning appeared that instructed me to "Check the Electric Vehicle System". It minimized to a small caution light. I attempted to continue driving, pulling through the intersection; however, the vehicle had an abrupt loss of power; I was unable to proceed over 20-25 mp... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
I started to get errors that there was an issue with my vehicles fuel injector, indicating that it was too rich and thus disabling all my safety features. I am not the only CR-V to experience fuel injectors failing for this model. Even at my dealership, the week i went in for mine, another customer with the same make, model and milage had the same issue and had to have all their fuel injectors rep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
I bought the Jeep 2000 24 June 5th from Auto Lenders and Fairless hills vehicle had 34,632 miles on it took it back June 18th for inspection and that there was noise coming from the front end when you went over speed bump metal climbing I told him they said they found nothing took it back again July 10th with the same issues and everything they found nothing the miles on the car on July 10th in wh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
I bought the Jeep 2000 24 June 5th from Auto Lenders and Fairless hills vehicle had 34,632 miles on it took it back June 18th for inspection and that there was noise coming from the front end when you went over speed bump metal climbing I told him they said they found nothing took it back again July 10th with the same issues and everything they found nothing the miles on the car on July 10th in wh... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
Brakes at low speed do not work well, causing extended braking distance. Looks to be a previous vacuum brake pump issue, but is no recall on it now.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims had detached. The contact used duct tape on the front driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim. The lo... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair were 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. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Maverick. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V684000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION) and 25V019000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Winter weather led to snow buildup on the headlamps which made them useless. Fortunately this was during the day so there was plenty of sunlight. If this was at night, I would not have had any visibility and would have needed to stop every few miles to clean the headlamps. My BMW uses washer fluid to clean my headlamps and the xenon's are hot enough to melt snow. Neither of these are in the Rivian
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
Winter weather led to snow buildup on the headlamps which made them useless. Fortunately this was during the day so there was plenty of sunlight. If this was at night, I would not have had any visibility and would have needed to stop every few miles to clean the headlamps. My BMW uses washer fluid to clean my headlamps and the xenon's are hot enough to melt snow. Neither of these are in the Rivian
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
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 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the iss... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
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 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the iss... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2023
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 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the iss... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
I was driving on a highway when the engine light came on and the car immediately started slowing down even though I was pressing the gas pedal. It flashed there was a failure of the brake system, collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation system, hill start assist system, and adaptive cruise control system. The check battery light also came on. The car decelerated on its own wi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 13, 2025
After taking 2023 Hyundai Ionic5 in three times due to recall notice for ICCU software update over the course of 18 months, ICCU still failed causing complete loss of power. Car has less than 5,000 miles on it. Have been told no estimate available on time it will take to get part replacement. Could be months.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that during inclement weather, water was entering the cabin of the vehicle through the passenger’s side glove box. The contact stated that due to the failure, mold had developed throughout the vehicle on the carpet, doors, and interior seats. The contact's husband also discovered that water had entered the computer module after inspecting ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The ECU control module Is a known problem with this car by a great amount of owners. It is such a problem that the car part is on back order for weeks at a time. The biggest issue about this is that the car just randomly doesn’t turn on and randomly shuts down on the roads, freeways and even U turns. It can potentially lead to critical injuries
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds up an incline, the vehicle was vibrating and shuddering. The failure persisted over time. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to a transmission shop, and it was determined that the tran... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
2018 Yukon XL: Safety of family put at risk over faulty transmission. Vehicle used to transport children many times daily. Transmission began slipping with slight lagging. Vehicle assessed by independent service center and we as customers told this is a common issue with GMC vehicles of this year. Service center was able to reproduce and confirm the issue. Total to rebuild entire transmission ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
PCV valve got clogged and failed, i have an extended warranty and the extended warranty EXCLUDES this from any repairs if this is involved. Caused my Rear Main Seal to break and leak oil. Not drivable currently. Quoted 3200 on a repair. Purchased the vehicle less than 12 months ago.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
Started car and heard rattling noise. Took the car to shop and was told it was the flex plate. Called Ford to see if I could get it repaired under CSP 22n12 I was told I COULD NOT because I previously took my car to the Ford dealer because it was driving rough and making a sound so I took it in to see if it was the flex plate (another Ford dealer diagnosed it with the coolant intrusion issue) and... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
My Subaru issues, false warnings to “KEEP HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL” while both hands are holding the steering wheel. The warnings are inconsistent and follow varying sequences. In most cases, the warning begins with a yellow outlined warning, on the instrument panel, to keep hands on the steering wheel with the accompanying beep tones. In most cases, with no change in hand position, the ligh... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
My 2014 Kia Forte experienced random stalling/loss of speed. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic multiple times- the crank shaft sensor was replaced, new batteries were put in, and a starter was replaced. When starting the vehicle sometimes it would not turn over or click a few times to start. A ticking noise was noted aswell and relayed to the mechanic-mechanic could not find any issues. The oi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
The windshield wiper sprayers don't work properly when it gets significantly below freezing. This is incredibly dangerous on highways where it snows and the roads are salted, allowing for the snow to be thrown up as mud. This ends up in the windshield wipers just spreading mud all over the windshield and reducing visibility to near 0. Having this occur while driving at lower highway speeds makes t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was restarted. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the crankshaft push rods, resulting in damages to ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
Engine overheat warning and vehicle shut down on highway. Mechanic says most likely compromised head gasket with coolant intrusion into engine. Currently quoted $7200 at Ford dealer for short engine block replacement.
Incident date: Feb 19, 2025
After buckling the front passenger seatbelt and proceeding to drive, the front passenger seat belt disconnected without warning. This is the 5th time this has occurred during driving.
Incident date: Feb 20, 2025
The wireless ignition module loses connection internally and the truck will lose power while driving. It usually happens when hitting a small bump and the key in the ignition moves. Truck loses electrical power which shuts the engine off which means loss of power steering and brakes.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Today my steering locked up ,was not driving on the highway but was on my way when the steering said on my screen the loss of power steering .So afraid this will happen again and me driving. Yes it is at dealership now. Had to have it towed. The Vehicle is at dealership .Yes the red steering wheel was on the screen and the loss of steering when I was trying to back out of my carport. So afraid thi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
The 7 pin trailer connecton doesn't work properly. The trailer clearance lights are on all the time. Even with the truck lights off. The electric brake controller pulses electric to the trailer brakes. Even when there is no trailer connected and the truck not running. The trailer brakes locked up. The lane centering is so sensitive the steering wheel shimmies. This makes the trailer sway... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
Yesterday, my car would not start due to a dead battery. This happened last week, as well. Both times, my husband used a battery charger to enable me to start my car. I have had this issue multiple times in the past, as well, and previously replaced the battery in 2022. I am also aware of a previous class action lawsuit, and several customer complaints about parasitic drain and poor battery per... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2025
I was driving my car and couldn't put it in reverse. Then it worked and I drove it I was on my way to work and stopped to turn left and all of a sudden it wouldn’t go into drive. I would put it in drive and then it would automatically jump to park.