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 17,413 complaints for ACURA
Incident date: Oct 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2002 Acura MDX. The contact stated that the air bag warning light would illuminate while leaning on the passenger’s side front door. The contact stated that the warning light would turn off once the passenger moved away from the door. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. T... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
This issue is with the start-stop system. The car fails to restart after it the car stops and the engine shuts off. The car has been serviced twice for this issue. The battery and a cable were replaced at my expense. This resolved the issue for a few months, but it returned again in February of 2022. The battery was replaced under warrantee at that time. This issue has now returned again Jul... Read more
Incident date: Jul 11, 2022
This issue is with the start-stop system. The car fails to restart after it the car stops and the engine shuts off. The car has been serviced twice for this issue. The battery and a cable were replaced at my expense. This resolved the issue for a few months, but it returned again in February of 2022. The battery was replaced under warrantee at that time. This issue has now returned again Jul... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
My car was stopped at a light with idle auto on. The car shut off and switched into neutral with check engines lights on the dash. I was not able to switch the car to drive. I had to restart the car. This has happened twice in 2 weeks at busy intersections. I have brought the car to the dealership but they are unable to replicate. There was no prior warning lamps or signs prior to this happening.
Incident date: Jul 12, 2022
My car was stopped at a light with idle auto on. The car shut off and switched into neutral with check engines lights on the dash. I was not able to switch the car to drive. I had to restart the car. This has happened twice in 2 weeks at busy intersections. I have brought the car to the dealership but they are unable to replicate. There was no prior warning lamps or signs prior to this happening.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2019
First noted dimming low beam headlights in Oct 2019 with ~80K mileage. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms (visual observation during nighttime driving). I replaced the OEM halogen bulbs with Sylvania SilverStar Ultra higher intensity halogen bulbs, but no discernable improvement in brightness and continued to dim over time. In Jan 2021 with ~93K mileage, I purchased and in... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
2017 Acura ILX - Bellanova White Pearl - the paint is peeling off! Please reference MC-10180642-0001, where the same issue was recalled for other colors The paint is peeling off and I'm very frustrated because they didn't include that color on their recall, where clearly the same problem is occurring.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
While highyway driving for 6 hours the “Check system charging” light came on for a few minutes, then went off for 10 or so minutes, then came back on. I was 10 miles from exit. I exited and left the car running while I checked in to motel. Drove to a parking place, turned off car engine, took a bag to room. When I came back out, flames were flaring from under the hood from battery area near fi... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 10, 2022
I have had the vehicle since beginning of March and I noticed the transmission slipping. I had the transmission flushed which made the problem not as bad but it was still there. A couple weeks later the transmission started slipping hard again and I had the transmission replaced by the dealer. I take it home and its shifting all over the place and not accelerating. Acura did a reprogram and I pick... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2022
Despite recently replacing bulbs and cleaning my headlights, my low beams are very dim. I do not feel safe driving at night without high beams on because they are so dim. Other Acura’s have had parts recalled for this issue.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
I’m Owner of a Acura model: TXL Year:2022, VIN: [XXX] I send my car after 7 days of purchase to the dealer because the car wasn’t started and all the dash light start blinking. Dealer said that this was not warranty cover because I tint the windshield and this create some humidity on the connector that go to the MICU. I need that you please start looking this issue because in a lot of forums ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2022
I’m Owner of a Acura model: TXL Year:2022, VIN: [XXX] I send my car after 7 days of purchase to the dealer because the car wasn’t started and all the dash light start blinking. Dealer said that this was not warranty cover because I tint the windshield and this create some humidity on the connector that go to the MICU. I need that you please start looking this issue because in a lot of forums ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
I have had problems with the car stalling or shifting to neutral from drive after the auto stop feature is engaged. This typically happens when the engine tries to restart after having shutoff at the stop. It is difficult to replicate the problem and the dealer can't seem to replicated the problem but it has happened to me many times, particularly in hot weather or after long drives. Typically it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
I have had problems with the car stalling or shifting to neutral from drive after the auto stop feature is engaged. This typically happens when the engine tries to restart after having shutoff at the stop. It is difficult to replicate the problem and the dealer can't seem to replicated the problem but it has happened to me many times, particularly in hot weather or after long drives. Typically it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
I have had problems with the car stalling or shifting to neutral from drive after the auto stop feature is engaged. This typically happens when the engine tries to restart after having shutoff at the stop. It is difficult to replicate the problem and the dealer can't seem to replicated the problem but it has happened to me many times, particularly in hot weather or after long drives. Typically it ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Headlights are so dim they are unsafe for driving. Replacing the bulb does not fix. Acura said I need replace both headlight assemblies because the inside of the projector lens is foggy. Cost quoted is $2255.54
Incident date: Feb 1, 2020
The low beam lights have become so dim that it is unsafe to drive the vehicle between dusk and dawn. Visibility is extremely impeded by this issue.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2020
The low beam lights have become so dim that it is unsafe to drive the vehicle between dusk and dawn. Visibility is extremely impeded by this issue.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
While driving vehicle, all power shut off after all lights(airbag, tire, engine, etc. came on the dashboard) not able to start vehicle now at all. Has power but will not run, turn over, stay running, etc. has brand new battery so that’s not the problem no problems until today.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
While driving vehicle, all power shut off after all lights(airbag, tire, engine, etc. came on the dashboard) not able to start vehicle now at all. Has power but will not run, turn over, stay running, etc. has brand new battery so that’s not the problem no problems until today.
Incident date: Jun 29, 2022
While driving vehicle, all power shut off after all lights(airbag, tire, engine, etc. came on the dashboard) not able to start vehicle now at all. Has power but will not run, turn over, stay running, etc. has brand new battery so that’s not the problem no problems until today.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2022
I recently purchased a 14 Acura RDX about a month ago not realizing it would almost cost a possible fatality due to its poorly designed headlight. It was day time when I purchased the vehicle so I was not aware I would only be able to see approx 3-4 feet out at night using my low beams. That issue almost got me in a very horrible situation. A few nights ago I was leaving my nieces 5 year old bda... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
I purchased this used car and while driving the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assis) light comes on with the accompanying trianlge with exclamation point. When the light comes on while driving the car will tug you to the right. Once you stop the vehicle and turn off and re-start the light will turn off. As you drive again, the light comes on and tugs the vehicle to the right. When we purchased the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
I purchased this used car and while driving the VSA (Vehicle Stability Assis) light comes on with the accompanying trianlge with exclamation point. When the light comes on while driving the car will tug you to the right. Once you stop the vehicle and turn off and re-start the light will turn off. As you drive again, the light comes on and tugs the vehicle to the right. When we purchased the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
Low beam Head lights are so dim that is so hard to see the road or people when driving at night.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2022
This unit had recall for the fuel pump and even after the recall was completed . The car is still doing the same thing . It stalls out I tried to reach out to the manufacturer and nothing has been done ..
Incident date: Aug 1, 2016
From the time purchased there has been a hesitation/sputtering during acceleration. I took the car in during the warranty period and they said nothing could be found. It has continued for 6 years. I have read of similar problems with this model and year.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2016
From the time purchased there has been a hesitation/sputtering during acceleration. I took the car in during the warranty period and they said nothing could be found. It has continued for 6 years. I have read of similar problems with this model and year.
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to move or shift into neutral(N). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the fail... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to move or shift into neutral(N). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the fail... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to move or shift into neutral(N). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The contact stated that the fail... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
The sun roof just Shatter in pieces when I was driving due to the sun or heat we live in Chicago
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
The sun roof just Shatter in pieces when I was driving due to the sun or heat we live in Chicago
Incident date: Jun 30, 2022
The sun roof just Shatter in pieces when I was driving due to the sun or heat we live in Chicago
Incident date: Jun 21, 2022
At about 35 mph, the vehicle started to fishtail while going straight after performing a left U-turn. VERY SCARY!! I regain control after two seconds and warning lights started to flash. I had my four and six-year-old in the car. I pulled over, turned off the vehicle, waited 30 seconds and restarted it. All lights went away. I then after, drove the car slowly home in 100+ degree weather. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2021
DONE everything Dealer suggested and still having problems with random misfires in 1,2 and 3 cylinders, changed spark plugs, fuel injectors, ignition coils and compression test and changed rear CAT. Still check engine light come on sometime then the SUV driving good, and sometimes it drive ruff, check engine light come on then go off then come back on with same codes: random misfire.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2021
DONE everything Dealer suggested and still having problems with random misfires in 1,2 and 3 cylinders, changed spark plugs, fuel injectors, ignition coils and compression test and changed rear CAT. Still check engine light come on sometime then the SUV driving good, and sometimes it drive ruff, check engine light come on then go off then come back on with same codes: random misfire.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2021
DONE everything Dealer suggested and still having problems with random misfires in 1,2 and 3 cylinders, changed spark plugs, fuel injectors, ignition coils and compression test and changed rear CAT. Still check engine light come on sometime then the SUV driving good, and sometimes it drive ruff, check engine light come on then go off then come back on with same codes: random misfire.
Incident date: May 1, 2017
The contact owns a 2008 Acura TL. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was a whining sound coming from the steering column while making right or left turns. Upon inspection, it was discovered that power steering fluid had leaked from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering pump had failed. The contact indicated that the po... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
One week ago 6-20-22, my car started to ‘chug’ and slow down as I was accelerating up a hill on a highway. It was almost as if my car was losing power. When this happened about 10 warnings signs came up on my dash. I drove it directly to the dealership. They replaced my oil saying the pressure was low. All was well for the day after 6-21 when driving it home from dealership. On 6-22 I went to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
One week ago 6-20-22, my car started to ‘chug’ and slow down as I was accelerating up a hill on a highway. It was almost as if my car was losing power. When this happened about 10 warnings signs came up on my dash. I drove it directly to the dealership. They replaced my oil saying the pressure was low. All was well for the day after 6-21 when driving it home from dealership. On 6-22 I went to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
One week ago 6-20-22, my car started to ‘chug’ and slow down as I was accelerating up a hill on a highway. It was almost as if my car was losing power. When this happened about 10 warnings signs came up on my dash. I drove it directly to the dealership. They replaced my oil saying the pressure was low. All was well for the day after 6-21 when driving it home from dealership. On 6-22 I went to ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
Brake hold disengages and the car starts to move forward often. The manual states it should stay engaged for 10 minutes. Car pulls away at stop lights and towards pedestrians and bikers while brake hold is engaged. https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-problems-fixes-458/brake-hold-issue-977762/
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
Brake hold disengages and the car starts to move forward often. The manual states it should stay engaged for 10 minutes. Car pulls away at stop lights and towards pedestrians and bikers while brake hold is engaged. https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-problems-fixes-458/brake-hold-issue-977762/
Incident date: Jun 25, 2022
Low beam headlights have become progressively dimmer to the point that the vehicle is unsafe to drive at night
Incident date: Jun 24, 2022
I was driving my 2022 Acura MDX on interstate highway in the middle lane of a three lane road. We had our panoramic sunroof closed, but the interior sliding sunroof door was fully open exposing the entire panoramic sunroof. After a period of time and without indication or warning, the sunroof exploded (sounded like a gunshot when it exploded) sending glass throughout the interior of the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2022
After the harness is clipped in place and tightened as directed, you can pull the straps forward (including my 3yo child was able to do this) and loosen the straps of the harness without pressing on the release button. The harness pulls loose and will not stay locked in place. I also tried to simulate impact with a sudden and strong pull on the harness to see if it would lock in that situation and... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
When I bought the 2018 Acura TLX I asked about the buttons on the shifter being warn out. And they said they were fine and did not need to be replaced. I also brought this to Acura's attention that the fact that they wear out enough other drivers will not know which buttons is which and it can become a safety issue. Again, they brushed it off and said it wasn't in need of fixing. Well, my friend d... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2022
My mechanic replaced the battery on May 9th and could smell gas but I had just fueled the vehicle. Two days later is when it got worse while driving back home I pulled over and could smell gasoline inside the vehicle as if an open gas can was sitting in the passenger seat. I stopped using the vehicle and took it to my mechanic and he discovered a crack in the weld on the front fuel rail. This coul... Read more