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 10, 2024
was at a stop in the middle lane going to turn left, got hit straight head on by a driver driving in the middle lane. his air bags deployed, none of mine deployed. the front end and drivers side of the subaru was impacted
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
On Friday 10/11 at 10:45 a.m I was in traffic on Day Street in Moreno Valley, California. This was the third time I experienced a sudden unintended acceleration with my Tesla. I would have hit the car in front of me, but I was able to swerve into an island on my left to avoid the car. The car went over the curve and stopped. I am unsure what happened but after my prior experiences, I knew how ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to express my disappointment regarding my experience with my 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, particularly in relation to unresolved recalls and inadequate service from dealerships. Last year, I began experiencing significant issues with my truck, ultimately leading me to Southern Motors in Springfield. They diagnosed the problem as needing a new engine, which was concerning. Ho... Read more
Incident date: Oct 11, 2024
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to express my disappointment regarding my experience with my 2015 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel, particularly in relation to unresolved recalls and inadequate service from dealerships. Last year, I began experiencing significant issues with my truck, ultimately leading me to Southern Motors in Springfield. They diagnosed the problem as needing a new engine, which was concerning. Ho... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to get a diagnosis; the dealer informed the contact that the failure cause was unidentifiable. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer made the contact aware of Customer Satisfaction Program N... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a Death Wobble. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle and the steering wheel were shuddering violently from the right to the left, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to regain control of the vehicle upon decelerating to 10 MPH. The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 BMX X5. The contact stated while parked, the vehicle stalled; there was an abnormal odor coming from the outside of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated; however, the "Engine Overheating" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle need... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
Yes my Mini Cooper 2013 I was just driving normal speed 35 to 40 miles per hour and all the sudden my engine has just quit and stopped running I was not in any danger or in a crash I was able to move my car off to the side of the road and unfortunately this was only the first time the second time was actually on the highway I was scared to death because I was actually came to a halt on the freeway... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
Yes my Mini Cooper 2013 I was just driving normal speed 35 to 40 miles per hour and all the sudden my engine has just quit and stopped running I was not in any danger or in a crash I was able to move my car off to the side of the road and unfortunately this was only the first time the second time was actually on the highway I was scared to death because I was actually came to a halt on the freeway... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
Airbag light is on dashboard indicating system is not operating
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I pulled into a driveway on a one lane road (due to construction) to allow a car traveling downhill to pass so they would not have to back up. I had come to a complete stop in the driveway with the car in drive. As I started to put the car in reverse it surged forward at a high rate of speed crashing into my neighbor's garage, tearing the door completely down pushing the door into the garage and m... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I had some lurching when trying to accelerate for a month before the check engine and HEV warning beeping came on. Kia Niro EGR (Gas Recirculated Cooler) failed at 105K miles. It leaked on to the engine causing it to overheat. My children and I got smoked out and my child had an asthma attack from this issue. We were also stressed, thinking the engine would catch fire. Kia says there are no recall... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
I had some lurching when trying to accelerate for a month before the check engine and HEV warning beeping came on. Kia Niro EGR (Gas Recirculated Cooler) failed at 105K miles. It leaked on to the engine causing it to overheat. My children and I got smoked out and my child had an asthma attack from this issue. We were also stressed, thinking the engine would catch fire. Kia says there are no recall... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
I had a reoccurrence of Incident 11609414. After the original incident I had my car towed to the service center and "fixed". I paid out of pocket since my warranty did not cover the problem they claimed that caused my issues. 5 weeks later I had the same issue recur, while out shopping. My car would not shift into park, the emergency brake failed, my seat restraint failed, my airbag failed, my ABS... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
CRANK SHAFT SEAL LEAK ON A 44700 2019. HOWEVER THERE IS A RECALL ON THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. THEREFORE WHY WOUL THIS CAR NEED A SEAL WITH THIS YESR AN LESS MILEAGE. SOMEONE NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS. BECAUSE THE DEALER WANTS 2448.00 TO FIX THIS.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission, and yes its available for inspection. When I put the truck into drive from park, and even reverse, the truck would jerk. (I have videos) When accelerating around 13-14mph, I could feel the transmission "gear searching" with rough shifting. When decelerating around 15-17mph, the transm... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Driver set cruise control has FSD imbedded that causes the vehicle to slow down drastically on its own. The car has brake tested several following vehicles so far. I’ve seen this before many times of other Teslas but thought it was the driver and now I know it was not. This causes a chain reaction of braking and smoking tires. I am positive this has created accidents but the ones involved have n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The inner tailgate on my 21 Silverado is not functioning properly. The upper electronic button on the tailgate operates the inner tailgate and will release when opening the vehicle. It will continue to release by itself and can cause damage to the vehicle or to other vehicles while carrying a load.
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
Undercoating of vehicle was not properly installed causing the frame to rust out creating a serious safety concern as the fuel tank can fall from the vehicle due to extensive rust. Toyota is aware of this situation however refuses to repair the problem.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
Gauge cluster completely blank after successfully starting the car. Happened twice in two weeks. No speedometer, no battery level, no safety features available, no audible turn signal
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
Sub frame cracked,due to corrosion.Broke Lower control arm. I could not steer my SUV. I was terrified.The noise was so loud. This happened a road away from my home. I called AAA. They came and towed my vehicle to my driveway. I don’t understand why Ford company did not send me a recall. I could have been killed.I was on the highway a day before.I have researched and found this to be a safety con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
Multiple problems since purchasing brand new 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Edition last November. Within the first 2 weeks we experienced electrical problems and the entire dashboard add monitor had to be replaced. 2nd- recall on the engine and was replaced, recall issued in February and was never notified, only found out in August when taken in for complimentary service oil change. 3rd- eng... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
Multiple problems since purchasing brand new 2024 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Edition last November. Within the first 2 weeks we experienced electrical problems and the entire dashboard add monitor had to be replaced. 2nd- recall on the engine and was replaced, recall issued in February and was never notified, only found out in August when taken in for complimentary service oil change. 3rd- eng... Read more
Incident date: Oct 13, 2024
The rear cross traffic alert does not work. It gives no indication or sound when a car or human drives by. I nearly got into an accident multiple times. When mentioned to my service manager, they tested backing up into a curb and not "cross traffic". They thought it was not a problem, but when I explained the issue of rear cross traffic I was told to bring my vehicle in and that there is a fix. Wh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
Passenger window regulator went out, then my window and my back passenger window went out and now I have 2 windows that cannot stay up and have paper holding them up.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
I have been trying to get my car serviced due to a "recall" that can only be done off island. This requires barge cost (to Maui and back), being present to pick up car from barge and drop off at dealership, time on Maui to allow dealership to remedy the recall, wait at least a week for the barge to return it back to Molokai, and then time to pick up vehicle at the barge once back on Molokai. I h... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
Check engine light came on. Service Shifter has been displaying on the screen. Started to shake when stopped and backing up. Shifter will light up all functions while driving and display service shifter.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
This is a follow up to complaint #11459461 filed on 4/3/22 at 9:16:43am. I was not able to send documents at that time. Documents included relate to follow up on complaint #11591104. First pdf file: pages 1-4 Service bulletin from Chrysler - my model year not included; pages 5-7 service invoice and picture of missing engine cradle pan; page 8 original repair invoice; page 9 copy of original... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2024
Had engine failure on highway with 27794 miles on the truck. There were no warnings or symptoms prior to failure. I was driving along and heard a large thud and the waring message came on stating low oil pressure and to pull over and shutdown vehicle. This happened on a multi lane highway going up hill and I barely made it over the shoulder to shutdown the vehicle. Would have been bad if I had... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the cylinder head temperature sensor was replaced. The contact stated that several weeks later, the contact discovered that the coolant level was low. The contact checked the vehicle for le... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH, the engine overheated. The message “Pullover - Engine Temperature High” was displayed. The contact pulled over and noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact added coolant to the reservoir. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V209000 (Engine and Engine Cool... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
Recall Number: 24V-720 Urgent/High Risk for Electric Battery to catch fire while being driven OR parked. Jeep currently has NO remedy for this recall which is designated as an URGENT fire risk when parked. The estimated wait time for a remedy is "months." Jeep has provided no options to the vehicle lessee to ensure operator safety- Jeep/Chrysler is not offering a trade-in option or an alternative... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
Recall Number: 24V-720 Urgent/High Risk for Electric Battery to catch fire while being driven OR parked. Jeep currently has NO remedy for this recall which is designated as an URGENT fire risk when parked. The estimated wait time for a remedy is "months." Jeep has provided no options to the vehicle lessee to ensure operator safety- Jeep/Chrysler is not offering a trade-in option or an alternative... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Camera sensor fails from time to time and break system light come on. This is reported to happen on most Honda from 2018 to current model.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
I was in a parking lot on [XXX] in Mamaroneck, New York waiting in line to get out at approximately [XXX]. Many cars were ahead of me due to the school drop-off rush, with parents and kids lined up in the parking lot waiting to leave. While I was waiting, the Tesla unexpectedly accelerated on its own, but I managed to hit the brakes just in time to avoid colliding with the car in front of me. A... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
I recently experienced a serious safety issue with my less than 3-year-old Kia EV6. The 12-volt battery unexpectedly failed, rendering the vehicle inoperable, including the doors. This occurred twice: once while the battery was still under warranty, and again after the warranty expired. The second failure left my wife and daughter stranded in a dark parking lot at night. Despite numerous online r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns 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 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
Failed break fluid detection
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
Slowing driving out of store parking lot, sudden heavy steering, loss of power steering, 'service advancetrac' & 'hill start assist unavailable ' traction control warning lights on
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
Two weeks ago, I returned back from work and later on in the evening was driving to go to grocery store when the car seemed to get pulled to one side and started shaking when driving around 40MPH. Not knowing what was going on, I turned back and slowly drove it back home. Next morning, I thought may be there is low tire pressure ( even though it was in range), I slowly drove to get air filled. Aft... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The controls on the Windshield Wiper/Headlight Control Stalk are not visible when driving at night. The setting markings on the Control Stalk are completely dark at night. This creates a safety hazard when driving at night in the rain and turning on your windshield wipers or changing your headlight settings is needed.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
I was fully stopped at red light of intersection of [XXX] . Suddenly my vehicle accelerate it self and start auto drive at high speed and malfunction, hitting multiple parked vehicles. My vehicle was on auto holding brake feature. I was not able to control my vehicle, even when I tried pressing the brake. No warnings or alarms from my vehicle when crashes into multiple parked cars. On [XXX] incid... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Parked car in garage on saturday like normally done for 3+ years. Next thing, car is completely unresponsive. Will not start, honk doesnt work, no lights nothing. If this happened in the middle of the road (and it has happened to other drivers), its a safety issue. Tried jump starting, nothing works.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2024
Parked car in garage on saturday like normally done for 3+ years. Next thing, car is completely unresponsive. Will not start, honk doesnt work, no lights nothing. If this happened in the middle of the road (and it has happened to other drivers), its a safety issue. Tried jump starting, nothing works.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
On [XXX], I started driving to work when I heard an click from my front wheel. The car was driving without any problem. After a while when making a U-turn, the car front wheel got completely locked with a "grinding sound" and I lost control of the car. Fortunately, it was at low speed and I just stopped driving, If it was at high speed, it could've been a horrible situation. I had to park my car, ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a rock struck the front windshield, causing a crack. The contact stated that the front windshield had previously been replaced for the same failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
I have had several codes pop up on my Equinox, such as P0016, P0017, P0089 and P228D. All of these codes are between the Crankshaft position, variable timing position and high pressure fuel issues. I almost wrecked my SUV because of these 3 factors and I have seen thousands of videos on YouTube with other people having the same issues. This is beyond dangerous to be out on the road driving and the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
I have had several codes pop up on my Equinox, such as P0016, P0017, P0089 and P228D. All of these codes are between the Crankshaft position, variable timing position and high pressure fuel issues. I almost wrecked my SUV because of these 3 factors and I have seen thousands of videos on YouTube with other people having the same issues. This is beyond dangerous to be out on the road driving and the... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that there was a misfire of the engine cylinders. The mechanic replaced all the spark plugs and one igniti... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Concern: I See the error message on my screen like restraint system fault require service. when I contacted Tesla for Sevice Repair I got an estimate which includes following fixes for a charge of 1,804.02. They are not covering for this saying the car is out of warranty. Seems like Tesla is aware of this issue and impacting many other Tesla's for 1) FIRST ROW SEAT HARNESS ASSEMBLY - RIGHT HAND(14... Read more