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: Sep 1, 2024
Got notification of brake system failure on the dashboard and lost all braking ability. After the truck was shut off they worked again, perfectly fine. This scenario repeated itself and I lost breaks again. The truck has 200 miles on it and after looking online seems to be a common issue
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
Loss of break performance. Traction control and abs warning lights come on intermittently. This is the second time this has happened. Had abs module and hcu replaced once already.
Incident date: Oct 8, 2024
The recall didn’t resolved in a timely manner
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
The issue appears to be an acceleration malfunction and brake failure in my 2021 Tesla Model Y. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. On [XXX] at [XXX], while waiting for the garage door to open, the car experienced an unknown unintended acceleration malfunction, surging forward uncontrollably. It didn't wait for the garage to open, crashed through the garage into the family room, ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
I was driving and my car began to lose power and Drivetrain Malfunction appeared on the screen. I had to pull over to a side street and turn the car off. I turned it back on but it was very sluggish and moved very slow. Once I parked it I turned it off and tried to start it back up but it wouldn’t turn over. I contacted BMW and they said they couldn’t do anything. I need a new engine and timin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
I was driving and my car began to lose power and Drivetrain Malfunction appeared on the screen. I had to pull over to a side street and turn the car off. I turned it back on but it was very sluggish and moved very slow. Once I parked it I turned it off and tried to start it back up but it wouldn’t turn over. I contacted BMW and they said they couldn’t do anything. I need a new engine and timin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The vehicle shutters and has stalled while trying to cross an intersection, almost causing an accident while my children were in the car. It will shutter at take off from a complete stop and will randomly change gears while driving at a constant speed on a level road. When it stalls the wheel locks up as well preventing you from steering off the road and to safety
Incident date: Sep 4, 2024
Headlights and wipers stopped simultaneously for 1 second
Incident date: Oct 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Veloster. The contact stated that while driving 76 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated to 30 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle experienced intermittent, unintended acceleration. The contact shifted the transmission to neutral(N), but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact then pressed the shift lock rele... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
the ABS light will come on while I am driving along with traction control turning off with a ding. While the warning comes on, the cruise control will turn off. It will turn on and off several time during a drive and will ding when it comes on. Very distracting and annoying and distracting. the dealer will charge me to look at it to find a reason. Truck has 37,000
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
the ABS light will come on while I am driving along with traction control turning off with a ding. While the warning comes on, the cruise control will turn off. It will turn on and off several time during a drive and will ding when it comes on. Very distracting and annoying and distracting. the dealer will charge me to look at it to find a reason. Truck has 37,000
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
I have been notified that I am in need of a new engine due to possible complete engine failure which is on the near horizon. I have the Lambda II V6 3.3L engine. It is knocking, making noises, hesitates to go, feels like it will stall out at all speeds, and is scaring me terribly. My certified local mechanic replaced a part for failed emissions, which cost almost $900. However the check engine... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
P052e positive crankcase ventilation regularly valve. 2015 Mercedes Benz c300 turbo 4matic
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
Windshield cracked without a significant event occurring. Windshield appears to be weaker or defective. I have driven over 220k miles on another vehicle and only replaced the windshield once due to hitting a deer! This was less than one year of having the atlas and it was a small rock at lower speeds (30-35mph). There are numerous other complaints of cracked windshields on this model, even multipl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Safety recall involving rear cargo rails hasn’t been rectified for 3 months now.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
Fuel injector failure while driving at highway speeds to only have the car lose power and becoming a danger while attempting to get off the highway. The fuel injectors are a regular problem with this year, make, and model vehicle. The warning lamps didn’t come on until after loss of power. This is the second time that this has happened. First time was on July 12,2024..
Incident date: Oct 6, 2024
Truck had no check engine light then caught on fire going down the road and burned to ground within seconds Incident report 46-24-05039 08_30-74 US-30 - PA 74 30 W
Fire
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Front left safety restraint system fault alert which requires service from Tesla service center. Tesla is charging $360 before taxes to fix this issue which seems to be an ongoing issue for many Tesla owners. The cost should be on the company since it’s a safety concern.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Steering is increasingly becoming sticky at moderate speeds. Requires previously unnecessary effort to maintain the middle of the lane
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Subject: Request for Refund on Defective 2025 BMW X7 Hello, I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out regarding ongoing issues with my 2025 BMW X7, which I purchased new. Shortly after purchase, I noticed that cavity fluid began leaking from all four doors and the tailgate. I contacted BMW, and they instructed me to take the vehicle to the service center at the dealership where I mad... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
Front left safety restraint system fault/Service is required
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The engine was randomly low on coolant, so I refilled the reservoir 2 days ago. Now I received a service engine soon light triggered by code P0303, Cylinder 3 misfire. I believe that my vehicle is affected by the Ford 1.5L EcoBoost coolant leaking into the engine cylinder issue.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The breaks did not work while in a parking lot right after switching into drive. No major risk of any injury where this occurred. Not reported to the dealer, not inspected. No injury, no property damage. I left my wife in the vehicle with the car in park and went into the store. I came out 15 minutes later, car was running. I got in, put my foot on the break, and switch to drive? The car st... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Luz de faros delanteros poca vicibilidad
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Luz de faros delanteros poca vicibilidad
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
Passenger's seat belt sensor is alarming when no one is in the seat. The passenger side airbag warning light is also coming on and off. I took it to the dealer, and they confirmed that the sensor in the seat pad is bad. The airbag light was intermittently going on for several weeks before I took it in. The car has been at the dealer since mid-August, and I am told that the part is currently ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
Jeep app has failed to inform me of recalls in a timely manner. The Gas Buddy app linked to my vehicle VIN provided information within 24 hours of your published recall. I have checked my VIN in your app to verify that it is part of the recall. Since the battery fires can start without notice and could destroy my house and kill my family this should have been immediately sent via the Jeep app. The... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
The touchscreen started flashing off and on and the dash lights also turn off and on. The lane assist and fuel warning pop up even when there is ample fuel. The blinkers do not respond when it is glitching and the high beam/ low beam light disappears on the dash. I have taken it to the dealer twice and they said their were multiple codes triggered in the touch screen/radio and they cleared the cod... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
The touchscreen started flashing off and on and the dash lights also turn off and on. The lane assist and fuel warning pop up even when there is ample fuel. The blinkers do not respond when it is glitching and the high beam/ low beam light disappears on the dash. I have taken it to the dealer twice and they said their were multiple codes triggered in the touch screen/radio and they cleared the cod... Read more
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
The component that malfunctioned was my transmission according to the mechanic. I was driving and all the sudden my car stopped and wouldn't go, then the accelerator started going to the max but nothing happened. My first thought was a flat tire and after I checked my tires it wasn't flat. I started my car back up and it did the same thing eventually stalling and not moving at all. The wheel locke... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly vibrated before losing motive power, after which the message "Drivetrain Malfunction" was displayed. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No other warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the check oil warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed. The dealer advised the contact to have a service treatment performed to the engine because of a possible oil consumption issue. The vehicle was serviced; however, the vehicle was consuming engine oil. The vehicle was returned to t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Seems that when brake pedal sensor can trigger a "pressed" reading when not actually being pressed. The only way to turn off the car manually is defeated by, you guessed it, depressing the brake pedal. This causes the vehicle to remain on and unlocked. Even if you are able to leave the vehicle in a locked park state, at any point, the sensor can register a "pressed" reading and essentially unlock... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 the vehicle was parked and turne... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 1, 2024
Steering wheel sticks when trying to slightly move it side to side, Honda dealership has told me 2 times that the steering rack and pinion recall does not apply to my vehicle. I work at a ford dealership and the foreman drove the car and agreed that there is something wrong with steering.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
I just got the car 3 weeks ago from the dealer and is leaking and I have this warning ON YOUR VEHICLE, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE FOR THE INTAKE VALVE STEM TO FRACTURE WHILE DRIVING. Please some help.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2024
Afm Lifters are starting to fail and my frame is completely rotted and needs to be totally swapped out.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle shuddered, jerked, and felt bouncy. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
Car isn't cooling while supercharging. Problem originated while at Tesla Collision in Fort Lauderdale. Mike DiPietro, the general mgr stated they don't have a supercharger at Tesla Collision Fort Lauderdale to test it and they're not willing to drive it to the supercharger to test it because it's a service issue. When I dropped the car off it cooled while supercharging and now that it's not c... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 60-70 MPH, the instrument panel became inoperable and was no longer illuminated. The failure caused the Back Over Prevention camera, Lane Departure Assist, and other safety systems within the vehicle to be inoperable. The instrument panel was flickering and illuminated; however, there were times when the system had ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 16, 2023
EPB and auto hold lights come on intermittantly/randomly.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2023
Engine AFM has failed. No engine light was present at the time. A loud ticking noise was noted from the engine bay. Was taken to get diagnosed, and the AFM was replaced. The problem was then resolved. Transmission has been jerking and hard shifting through the period of owning the vehicle. No diagnosis has been made
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
While driving, I started to hear a creaking sound while backing up and turning the wheel left. The sound became worse over the course of a few weeks. The steering also felt a little loose. I reached out to the manufacturer for a service appointment, and could only be scheduled about a month out. After a few weeks, while trying to parallel park, the car felt like a tire was stuck, or had a flat. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
I purchased my vehicle early March from Carmax. They offer a 90 day guarantee on anything that will go wrong with the vehicle full coverage. My daughter was having my grandchild so what a great opportunity but to drive my new vehicle from Chicago to Florida to give it a good run when I arrived I was having problems with the Eco drive, which is the start stop enabler. The car would die out. Also, t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
I purchased my vehicle early March from Carmax. They offer a 90 day guarantee on anything that will go wrong with the vehicle full coverage. My daughter was having my grandchild so what a great opportunity but to drive my new vehicle from Chicago to Florida to give it a good run when I arrived I was having problems with the Eco drive, which is the start stop enabler. The car would die out. Also, t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
The contact's business owns a 2019 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while an employee was driving approximately 60 MPH, another driver observed that the driver’s side front tire was sticking out and alerted the driver. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver’s side front whe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while at a traffic light, the on and off switch failed to turn off. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V010000 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while at a traffic light, the on and off switch failed to turn off. While driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V010000 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was electrical smoke emerging from the starter. The low power and battery warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. While driving, there was a loud clucking sound detected, and the engine seized. The contact stated that th... Read more