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: Feb 17, 2025
The vehicle violently shakes after hitting minor bumps on the road. The steering wheel shakes not allowing you to have control of the vehicle. The vehicle can hit another vehicle or roll over due to this defect. This is a serious issue linked to poor quality parts and craftsmanship from the manufacturer. This can cause serious injury or death if not fixed immediately. This also causes the ali... Read more
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
During snowfall, the front camera becomes obstructed, leading to a malfunction in the smart brake system. When this occurs, an alert appears indicating a “Smart Brake Failure,” accompanied by an audible warning and the illumination of the check engine light. The vehicle then exhibits unpredictable behavior, including unintended braking and sudden acceleration, creating a hazardous driving situ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary, another vehicle collided with the passenger side of the vehicle and hit the rim. The wrench, the four-wheel drive, the brake, and the hillside warning lights illuminated after the crash. The vehicle was driven to the dealer. The vehicle was repaired for an axel that needed to be replaced, the module PMI wa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
Safety recall issued in Aug 2024. To date, no remedy or parts are available to correct defect. NHTSA Recall Number 24V608.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
Safety recall issued in Aug 2024. To date, no remedy or parts are available to correct defect. NHTSA Recall Number 24V608.
Incident date: Dec 4, 2024
This is the second time I’ve taken my Hyundai IONIQ 5 in to Hyundai as part of a recall “fix” for ICCU Failure. Each time, the car has been operating fine, I take the car in for the “fix” as it’s required, and then shortly after the car breaks down while it’s in motion / operating. I’ve concluded these are not “fixes” and I have no ability to trust the safety or reliability of ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after opening the rear driver’s side door, the locking mechanism failed, and the door failed to remain closed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the interior door latch mechanism had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanism was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
I have had 3 Power Tailgate modules fail due to water leaks in the rear panel or window of the vehicle. I have had 2 leaks repaired and two modules replaced within a 6 month period (June '24 and December '24). 6 weeks later (Feb 14, 2024) have had the 3 module fail due to water intrusion following a heavy rain.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
I have had 3 Power Tailgate modules fail due to water leaks in the rear panel or window of the vehicle. I have had 2 leaks repaired and two modules replaced within a 6 month period (June '24 and December '24). 6 weeks later (Feb 14, 2024) have had the 3 module fail due to water intrusion following a heavy rain.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Vehicle sporadically hesitates when accelerating from stop. Cause unknown. Dealer declined to address condition because they could not replicate it.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2025
Honda has failed to provide the necessary parts to fix a safety recall on my vehicle. This recall is affecting my ability to renew my California DMV registration, as the state requires all safety recalls to be completed before renewal. I have contacted my local Honda dealership multiple times, and they have informed me that the parts are unavailable with no estimated repair date. This situation ha... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - VISIBILITY/WIPER
Feb 18, 2025
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Subaru windshild in my 2019 Ascent have been replaced twice in 30,000 miles due to very inadequate glass. I'm struggling to get Subaru to acknowledge their responsibility to replace this current cracked windshield with a new part, as per my reading of a settlement that they should be following [XXX] ). They are currently trying to send me to a 3rd party repair business to do the repair, but sup... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2025
LEFT HAND TURN SINGLE WILL NOT CANCEL/TURN OFF. I SEE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT MY TRUCK WAS/IN NOT PART OF IT
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
Van purchased new October 2024. On two separate occasions, one in late 2024 and next today, [XXX], when pulling into street from a stop, there is no throttle response. You push the accelerator at varying pressure and no response for 2-3 seconds. This is a severe safety issue as it could cause an accident with oncoming traffic. No error lights illuminated on dash. Have seen other complaints on NHT... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
I began to receive an “emergency call malfunction” notification on my vehicle. I took it in to be serviced and received this text when I was due to pick up my vehicle “Good morning! Okay, and as far as the TCB we were talking about for the emergency call malfunction.. It looks like there is water coming in through the antenna there (the shark fin, with that being said we would have to repl... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2025
Dealership refuses to process recall for fuel pump associated with my vehicle. Paragon Honda 57-06 31st Ave, Woodside, NY 11377
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Dashboard has large cracks all over it including where the passenger air bag is located. I am concerned about the pieces of plastic flying if the air bag deploys. Also concerned that the cracks could release the air bag at any time, even during normal driving. Dealer only suggested getting a dashboard cover, but that would negate the purpose of the air bag. My research showed that there are many o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
The screen for the control panel is going out. I have researched online and at least 100 other people are having the same issue. This screen plays a big part in the safety features available on the vehicle. I believe that Jeep should look further into this issue. If it were one or two vehicles, yes, that's isolated. The fact remains s that is an issue that begins at the factory.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
The screen for the control panel is going out. I have researched online and at least 100 other people are having the same issue. This screen plays a big part in the safety features available on the vehicle. I believe that Jeep should look further into this issue. If it were one or two vehicles, yes, that's isolated. The fact remains s that is an issue that begins at the factory.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
Was driving car it lost power, pulled over and had tow truck bring car to dealership. Dealership states a new engine is needed due to a malfunction in the engine block, however warranty is out on car just by 9,000 miles and car is still financed! Maintenance has been kept up on car. Kia wants $10,000 to replace engine.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2024
I recently 6 weeks ago bought a used certified 2016 Toyota Corolla with 43,000 miles. I have been going back and forth with Toyota since the day after I bought it about the many mechanical issues that pose a major safety risk. The car shudders/vibrates when accelerating, knocks when backing up. And when making turns the car shifts hard side to side with a shudder and wobble in floor board of car. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2023
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my Kia Sorento 2014. While driving on the interstate with my family, the vehicle suddenly began to slow down without warning. We were able to move to the shoulder, but this incident put our safety at significant risk as we were on a busy highway. We initially suspected brake failure, but after having the car towed home and inspected,... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2025
Have had 2-12v battery issues and now an ICCU failure with about 28 days at the dealership with no parts to repair. Seems to a common issue popping up
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
Bluetooth/Carplay Usb not detected whenever im driving my car will keep undetecting and detecting my phone while usb connected
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - STEERING
Feb 14, 2025
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated before the screen went black. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired; h... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Failure of the track bar bushings, failure of tie rod ends and failure of steering linkage dampers. This results in “death wobble” while driving at random speeds and contacting abnormal road surfaces. This results in the vehicle violently shaking and can lead to serious injury or death.
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that back over prevention camera failed to operate as needed with a black image displayed on the screen. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not under recall. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
The door lock actuator for the front driver door failed twice. The first time it failed, the car would not unlock from the outside. All other doors would unlock. I had my kids in the back of the car and I was trying to get inside the car to drive and it wouldn't open. I had to pry off the cap covering the keyhole on the door with a screwdriver and then insert the blade key and manually turn the a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
the vehicle will randomly shut down and it is due to the fuel pump or fuel pump sensor being faulty. It will shut down in the middle of driving which is a hazard and can lead to a car crash
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
There has been several safety recalls for my vehicle that was supposed to be fixed by software updates I cannot drve my vehicle, i have no access to service and no access to these updates
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
After updating to FSD 13.2.7 yesterday the vehicle turns left at a particular intersection and then drives on the left side of the road the wrong side of the road. Issue has been present for several versions and has been reported repeatedly.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2025
There are 4 open recalls on my vehicle, yet 0 (none) have been addressed. The Fisker Owners Association (FOA) has been trying there best, but I have some serious safety issues that need to be addressed. 1) I am still on 2.0 on the OTA software, 2.1 and 2.2 address 2/4 of the recalls, and was supposed to be installed by the end of the 2024, it was not. 2) The water pump on my car is part of th 3r... Read more
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
Engine burning excess oil causing engine to go in safety mode and preventing car to go over 25 miles per hr. This happen on a major highway with two kids in the car and was almost rear ended. Took to dealership who has recieved bulletins regarding this issue and will repair the engine. To me this should be on a recall due to saftety.
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
EGR failure where the diesel emissions come into the cabin via the hvac system Dealer said the EGR cooler needs to be replaced. This is a know problem and recall on the 2012 and 2013. This makes the fumes to the driver when first driving the car in the morning dangerous as carbon monoxide and diesel exhaust enter the car. My friend has an exact similar problem and this issue is known on all th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
On [XXX] I was driving my ned 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness (420 miles), from inside the "Flamingo Pines Shopping Center” on the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] , City of Pembroke Pines in Florida by the [XXX] , to merge into [XXX] . The traffic coming already on [XXX] southbound stopped 3 or four vehicles ahead of me. Slowly the vehicles in front where merging into the traffic until there ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
On [XXX] I was driving my ned 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness (420 miles), from inside the "Flamingo Pines Shopping Center” on the intersection of [XXX] and [XXX] , City of Pembroke Pines in Florida by the [XXX] , to merge into [XXX] . The traffic coming already on [XXX] southbound stopped 3 or four vehicles ahead of me. Slowly the vehicles in front where merging into the traffic until there ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
This issue occurred when I started the vehicle. Control panel showing Service 4WD and Four-Wheel Drive Unavailable. The dealership retrieved code C14A7-97 (PTU Motor - Component or System Operation Obstructed or Blocked) noting internal damage to PTU...PTU needs to be replaced. Quote to replace over $10K. There is another safety recall for the PTU but this code is not covered. I do not see h... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2025
When can I take the car in to get checked and where. it is making a zooming noise, kind of like an airplane
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
Our 2021 Cadillac Escalade has experienced multiple ongoing issues. The “driver airbag warning” light has been a major concern, with the dealership stating that the airbag could malfunction at any moment. When we took the vehicle in for repairs, they determined that a previous maintenance job on the driver’s airbag was done incorrectly, which was causing the warning light to activate. Additi... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Rear backup camera and distance sensors stopped working. The issue is intermittent This issue could have resulted in an accident or injury/fatality due to no image sensor information No dealer involvement at this time No outside inspections at this time No prior warnings or messages were given before the failure
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
Ford recall 14M02 for transmission control module (TCM) does not cover parts and labor required to fix additional equipment problems created by a faulty TCM such as the clutch. My 2016 Ford Focus only has 58,000 miles on it. The TCM is being repaired a 2nd time but Ford will not repair the subsequent damage to the clutch. This is a function and safety issue.
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The man... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
The rear hitch cover has been on recall for several months now. Toyota does not seem to have a remedy in place for it. And there has been no further communication regarding when a dealer can replace the component. The cover came off and was crushed while driving.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The car has a Check Engine Light and "reduced propulsion" warning. Based on OBDII errors, the EGR on my chevy volt failed. I am not in a CARB state (i'm in Hawaii, though I bought my Volt in CA, which is a CARB state). The EGR issues plague all Gen2 Chevy Volts, and tends to break around 40-70k miles into the life of the car. EGR spare part availability is very limited. Given the frequency with ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
the car gets wet in the floor area after it rains. took to dealer and said it was p/S issue. the car is 5 years old, yet now there is mold on the floor carpet due to the water damage.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, there was an abnormal sound intermittently coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the contact stated that the navigation system and the climate control system was inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed th... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving on [XXX] at 70-73 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The contact slammed on the brake pedal and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that the tachometer had increased to over 3,000 RPM. The vehicle then red-lined. There were no warning lights ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving on [XXX] at 70-73 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The contact slammed on the brake pedal and pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that the tachometer had increased to over 3,000 RPM. The vehicle then red-lined. There were no warning lights ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
The front passenger seatbelt suddenly popped open while making a turn. The same thing previously happened with the drivers seatbelt but figured I must have not fully buckled it; when it happened to my husband weeks later in a different seat, I researched it and see it is a known issue.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2025
A txdot road work crew had traffic stopped on the highway. We were last in a row of traffic when a distracted, driver, traveling near full highway speed rear-ended us. The truck automatically connected us to an agent who called 911. The message screen showed 2 warnings which said seatbelt malfunction and airbag malfunction. My husband and I both sustained injuries from the forward force against t... Read more
Crash
2 injured