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 25, 2024
Bad water pump and thermostat for 2018 Audi q7 59,000 miles I see it has been a class action lawsuit on the water pumps
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Porsche dashboard leather shrunk and staples pulled out. I was told that if the vehicle was in an accident the airbag might not deploy correctly. The Porsche dealer looked at it and recommended replacing it. This is a very common issue.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The car keeps overheating. I received warning lights for the sensors to check the no flow indicator. In August I took to a mechanic and paid 1200 to have a hose repair for the cooling system. Lights went out for 4 days and problems again causing the car to completely shut off on my way home and I live in Volcano ca mountains no phone service and was stuck until morning. The car just says no flow ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
Jeep Gladiator 7" instrument panel cluster (IPC) screen stopped working. This display shows vital vehicle information such as mileage, fuel level, engine temperature, battery voltage, tire pressure, and other important information. I believe this is a safety issue because of the fact that you have no idea how much fuel you have, which could lead to engine shutting off when fuel is empty. There wer... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
like many other kia owners I have a Kia Sorrento and after 6700 miles started running into problems with oil consumption. I have Toyota extended warranty because I am second owner and wanted some type of coverage. Kia knows there are problems and giving customers run around plus higher insurance premiums. second time over 5 days my car is being evaluated I have done 3 oil changes since March 2024... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The suspension on this car developed a persistent noise that worsened over time, prompting me to schedule a service appointment at the Tesla dealership. Although my car has less than 40,000 miles and has been driven primarily on well-paved city roads, both front suspensions were found to require extensive repairs, a final bill of approximately $2,100. Safety Concerns: Frequent Suspension Issues ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the transmission control valve detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact did research and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V464000 (Suspension) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to get a diagnosis however, the diagnosis was pend... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
This car shifts to drive to neutral without any intervention on the freeway.
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
My 2003 Honda Accord Coupe was struck by an SUV/crossover, after the other driver ran a red light, and I tried, but was unable to avoid the accident. My car was stuck at or in front of my driver's side front wheel. My car was totaled by my insurance company, and "no fault" was decided by both insurance companies because they and the police were unable determine who was at fault. My driver's se... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
The steering wheel clockspring mechanism has failed causing the vehicle steering wheel operated controls (including the horn) to stop working. The airbag warning lamp illuminated on the dashboard, indicating the airbag system may not be functional. Apparently Volkswagen has issued a recall/extended the warranty on many VW models in light of the high failure rate of the clockspring mechanism, howe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
The steering wheel clockspring mechanism has failed causing the vehicle steering wheel operated controls (including the horn) to stop working. The airbag warning lamp illuminated on the dashboard, indicating the airbag system may not be functional. Apparently Volkswagen has issued a recall/extended the warranty on many VW models in light of the high failure rate of the clockspring mechanism, howe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
The horn does not work when wet or in snow. I was driving in a snow storm and needed to use the horn, but it did not work at all. I tried multiple times throughout the day and it still did not work. Once the snow was gone, the horn started working again. This seems like a serious safety issue.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
Vehicle has hard shifting up and down. Loud clank when up shifting or down shifting at random times.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Car transmission is reacting very poorly will jump up and down and stall in the middle of the road manufacturer's safety problem and not sure all the problems but I know it's the transmission defect and the safety problem they never fixed it when they manufactured very unsafe transmission needs to be recalled
Incident date: Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the temperature gauge would indicate that the vehicle was hot(H). In addition, the vehicle would lose power upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they replaced the engine under warranty. After the engine was replaced, the contact experienced an engine oil leak w... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for an oil change, she was informed that oil was leaking onto the alternator. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously been repaired under Service Campaign 976 (Cylinder Head Cover Oil Leak Repair With Oil Protector Install And Alternator Voltage Test), with the valve cover... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
This vehicle is an electric vehicle and driven primarily in one pedal drive. When stopped, without any input to the accelerator, it will sometimes start moving forward. This has happened at least fifty times in the 2.5 years I have owned this vehicle. I have been fortunate enough to not strike another car (or pedestrian) at a stop light when the car will suddenly start moving forward, but there ha... Read more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while parked upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed the driver's side and passenger side struts failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that both front struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mile... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
Jeep and Dealers are failing to complete safety Recall NHTSA Recall Number24V-720. My vehicle was dropped off at the dealership ( Repair orders attached ) on Dec 11 for the recall . Jeep has launched the recall process which is a software update and a specific drive cycle. I have reasons to believe that the dealership did not properly followed the steps after the software updates. I have GPS log... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
I experienced an incident related to the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) yesterday afternoon. I was driving on a highway at ~40mph and as I went through a (clear) intersection, my car suddenly decelerated, jerking me forward. Thankfully, I was wearing my seat belt and the car behind me left enough room between us, so there was no impact.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
I experienced an incident related to the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) yesterday afternoon. I was driving on a highway at ~40mph and as I went through a (clear) intersection, my car suddenly decelerated, jerking me forward. Thankfully, I was wearing my seat belt and the car behind me left enough room between us, so there was no impact.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle in freezing weather conditions, the front windshield wiper fluid would not properly spray onto the front window and the window could not be cleaned, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The contact indicated that the failure was present on both the front driver and passenger-side windshield wipers. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Water leaked into their vehicle into my Ram 1500 cabin. Water leaks from the third brake light above the rear window into the cabin. It caused the Radiofrequency hub to short circuit, and my vehicle wouldn't turn on; it killed my battery, and when I replaced my battery, it automatically drained. Also an issue in the cab is the following: bad odors, smells, and mildew. I have children and not knowi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
Water leaked into their vehicle into my Ram 1500 cabin. Water leaks from the third brake light above the rear window into the cabin. It caused the Radiofrequency hub to short circuit, and my vehicle wouldn't turn on; it killed my battery, and when I replaced my battery, it automatically drained. Also an issue in the cab is the following: bad odors, smells, and mildew. I have children and not knowi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 12, 2024
My GMC is in the repair shop for the alert (shift to park). I was once again unable to turn off my car and place it safety in park. This is a known issue and GMC Dothan states the 2019 GMC Acadia with my vin number is not on recall?? This is a know dangerous safely issue.
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
My vehicle radiator fan immediately cut on high when I turned on the vehicle. The temperature of the vehicle was normal. I also experienced this when the engine was completely cold. I was assured there was no need to tow the vehicle but I could drive and schedule service with dealer. The software triggered a reduced acceleration condition. This did not allow me to accelerate as needed while navig... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
My vehicle radiator fan immediately cut on high when I turned on the vehicle. The temperature of the vehicle was normal. I also experienced this when the engine was completely cold. I was assured there was no need to tow the vehicle but I could drive and schedule service with dealer. The software triggered a reduced acceleration condition. This did not allow me to accelerate as needed while navig... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000(FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made ... Read more
TESLA
CYBERTRUCK
(2024) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 9, 2025
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
While driving approximately 40mph down straight roadway without anything around, the vehicle has unexpectedly slammed on the brakes. This has happened four times to date (11/13/24 - 12/25/24). During two of the instance's lights flashed on the dashboard and indicated the front right corner sensor of vehicle. During the other two occurrences, lights flashed on the dashboard and indicated the sensor... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
I have a 2019 GMC Acadia with 59051 miles on it, I get regularly oil changes and maintenance but it’s need a transmission. How is this? The mechanic tells me that there is no ETA when one will be available when he called to get one. This lets me know that there is a problem with the transmission and they probably should have a recall.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2017
This will be another submission as I am getting frustrated. My Explorer has had constant issues like clock work every 6/7 months. I have gone through 6 batteries in a two year time span. I have had the battery control module replaced because I thought that would be the fix. However it is not. While operating my vehicle yesterday on [XXX] after barely even starting the battery died and my car said ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2017
This will be another submission as I am getting frustrated. My Explorer has had constant issues like clock work every 6/7 months. I have gone through 6 batteries in a two year time span. I have had the battery control module replaced because I thought that would be the fix. However it is not. While operating my vehicle yesterday on [XXX] after barely even starting the battery died and my car said ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2017
Rear hatch/latch. I purchased my 2007 Sequoia lightly used in 2013. Luckily I purchased a 3 year extended warranty also. Within a year my rear hatch broke for the 1st time, I was unable to open the rear gate, my warranty covered the parts & Labor, within a year it broke again, this time the door would not latch closed, it freely opened & would or could not be secured. This happened while out of to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Trailer System Brakes" and "4WD Disabled" messages were displayed. Additionally, the cruise control was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the front hub sensor, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Trailer System Brakes" and "4WD Disabled" messages were displayed. Additionally, the cruise control was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the front hub sensor, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who determined that... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
I have my traction control light show up on the dash. Took my truck to a mechanic thinking it might be my ABS Sensors. The code came up showing I am in need of the ABS Control Module. This seems to have been recalled on many of the Ram trucks as recent as September 2024. Also doing a lot of research, this seems to have been an ongoing problem for Ram trucks 2014-2016. The dealerships currently do... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2025
Upon entering a light controlled intersection at a relatively slow speed (probably less than 20 mph} on wet pavement, an oncoming car suddenly made a left turn directly in front of me. I applied the applied the breaks hard and slid into the passenger side of the turning vehicle. The ABS system did not function. The air bag did not deploy. At the moment of the collision my speed was reduced and ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 60 MPH, the A-pillar detached. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 ( STRUCTURE). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to costs. The contact repaired the vehicle on ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
recall # 23TB13 manufacturer recall # 23V734 NHTSA 12 volt battery replacement still has no remedy available since recall 11/1/2023 I have had 2 batteries replaced in 4 years , not sure if due to recall and cant seem to get anyone to answer if related . The last battery kept having erosion and connection issues , Finally had to replace .
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I have been waiting a year for parts for recall 23V-858 and requested that it be resolved each time I take my vehicle in for service. Is it likely that it will be repaired while I still own this vehicle?
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. Parts distribution discon... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
I was at a red light and when I tried to take off the RPMs reeved up and my car would not move so I turned it off, opened and shut my door, restarted my car and it would move 100yds if that, then the RPMs shot up again (acted like it couldn’t shift out of first gear). Car has 101,647 miles, was serviced on time, no issues before and no warning lights on the dash came on before or after the issue... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
On December 31st, 2024, we came out from the grocery store to our 2023 Rogue which we had been running errands in all day and the car wouldn’t start. We then tried to give it a jump, replaced the battery, and checked fuses. None of these helped so we had it towed to Firestone. The tech there stated he found coolant in the spark plug wells and told us we needed to have it sent to the local Nissan... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that when he started the vehicle he saw that the check engine light had illuminated and was idling roughly. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that coolant had intruded into the engine block and the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the dealer that there was a manufa... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
Leaking sunroom. I cleaned tube's couple times and it is still happening. Ever time it's been raining my floor mat is soaking wet
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The active headrest on the driver's seat malfunctioned and deployed while the car was parked in my driveway. I have seen reports where there has happened while driving and has caused concussions. The local Chrysler dealer is in the processes of fixing the failure.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
Honda continues to repair recalls. They have repeatedly told me I can schedule the recall repair and their broken app says I can schedule my airbag recall repair. But, the Honda dealers in San Diego say Honda refuses to send them parts and there is a 4-5 year delay for repairs. And that they have this issue with Honda for numerous other open years old recalls, no parts. The HondaLink app and ... Read more