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 16,985 complaints for ACURA
Incident date: Sep 21, 2021
The vehicle makes noise while shifting from Park to Reverse to Drive. Transmission fluid and oil fluid leaking while I had driven only 450 miles. Had reported the issue to the Service Department. They informed that since the engine is new it will take a while for the transmission gear to quiet it down. They can't find any leakage for the first two times when I brought the vehicle for them to inspe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2021
The vehicle makes noise while shifting from Park to Reverse to Drive. Transmission fluid and oil fluid leaking while I had driven only 450 miles. Had reported the issue to the Service Department. They informed that since the engine is new it will take a while for the transmission gear to quiet it down. They can't find any leakage for the first two times when I brought the vehicle for them to inspe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact stated the failure continued to occur periodically. The vehicle was able to restart. The lane control, forward control collision, slip differential and hill assist warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact stated the failure continued to occur periodically. The vehicle was able to restart. The lane control, forward control collision, slip differential and hill assist warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RLX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle loss motive power. The contact stated the failure continued to occur periodically. The vehicle was able to restart. The lane control, forward control collision, slip differential and hill assist warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2021
I own a 2021 Acura RDX that was purchased new in February 2021. In the 11,500 miles I have driven it, there have been zero problems until yesterday. However, yesterday, when driving on an Interstate highway at 70 mph, in the rain, while passing a semi truck, my Acura RDX suddenly went into limp mode and the check engine light began flashing. After pulling over to the berm, and driving in the li... Read more
Incident date: Sep 22, 2021
I own a 2021 Acura RDX that was purchased new in February 2021. In the 11,500 miles I have driven it, there have been zero problems until yesterday. However, yesterday, when driving on an Interstate highway at 70 mph, in the rain, while passing a semi truck, my Acura RDX suddenly went into limp mode and the check engine light began flashing. After pulling over to the berm, and driving in the li... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
My 2014 RDX does not show to have an open recall based on my VIN but I am receiving an airbag warning and the make and model of my vehicle is included in the recall. I called the dealer where I purchased the vehicle and they said they don't have to honor the recall to replace the airbags. When I look up the warning message, my safety could be in jeopardy and this is my only vehicle. Please confi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2021
Paint peeling inside tailgate frame and rear roof
Incident date: Jul 29, 2021
The headlights are not bright enough to safely drive in the dark. The light is working and on and they are too dim to see safely at night.
Incident date: May 26, 2021
When using my apple phone in the car I cannot answer, hang up, talk using the hands free option at certain times
Incident date: Sep 16, 2021
For the second time, while accelerating in rainy conditions, the engine lost all power and went into limp mode. The check engine light came on and blinked. I was able to pull over and turn the car off and then back on the the check engine light was gone.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2021
Random slipping/stalling causes not to go in gear.. torque converter could. coolant expansion tank needs replacement hoses and cap causes car not to heat up and operate at regulating temperature. Power steering pump replacement
Incident date: Jul 5, 2021
Random slipping/stalling causes not to go in gear.. torque converter could. coolant expansion tank needs replacement hoses and cap causes car not to heat up and operate at regulating temperature. Power steering pump replacement
Incident date: Jul 5, 2021
Random slipping/stalling causes not to go in gear.. torque converter could. coolant expansion tank needs replacement hoses and cap causes car not to heat up and operate at regulating temperature. Power steering pump replacement
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and would not move. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that after depressing the drive button several times, she was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the contact ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and would not move. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that after depressing the drive button several times, she was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the contact ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and would not move. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that after depressing the drive button several times, she was able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the contact ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2000 Acura TL. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle independently downshifted to second gear with the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle would not exceed 50 MPH while driving to the residence. The contact then called a local dealer who informed him that NHTSA Campaign Number: 0... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2021
low beam headlights in 2015 Acura RDX, 70,000 miles, have become dim because reflective coating in headlight assembly has failed and the light emitted from the lightbulbs is not reflected forward. The amount of light is reduced to the level that night driving is almost impossible. Must use highbeam lights instead of low beams to see road and road markings, and this is not possible in most situati... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving 38 MPH, the rear-end of the vehicle was fishtailing and the steering wheel was turning towards the left. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate above 50 MPH. Several unknown warning lights illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and called and informed the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
WHILE CROSSING MEDIAN AHEAD OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, ELECTRIC POWER STEERING LOST POWER, LEAVING ME UNABLE TO STEER TO AVOID COLLISION. STEERING WARNING BEGAN TO FLASH BUT GAVE NO ADVANCE WARNING. I WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO STEER THE CAR. ENGINE WAS RUNNING. CAR IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. HONDA DEALER SAID THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS PROBLEM. POWER STEERING IS STILL INOPERATIVE AND THE DEALER SAYS NO... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2021
Car was going at 75 miles down to 40 miles then engine died.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2019
The low beam headlights have become very dim and it is difficult to see at night. I have replaced the bulbs and it did not help.
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
Vehicle suddenly decelerated without warning. Transmission would not shift to a higher gear causing the vehicle rev. Warning lights on the dashboard started going off at the same time. Lanes departure and adaptive cruise control warning went off. Had to have vehicle towed to dealership. Lucilky this happened on a rural backroad and not on the freeway or busy road as someone could have rear-ended t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2021
Vehicle will suddenly shift into neutral while driving and won’t shift into drive until the vehicle is turned off and restarted
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
My 2017 Acura ILX makes a loud clunk, and shifts extremely hard when coming or coasting to a stop. 1-2 gear seems to be the only time this issue arises. This issues creates startling reaction from the driver due to the loud clunk and force of the shift in gears, as well as loss of confidence in the vehicles ability to safely come stop without issues. Reproducing the issue is difficult because th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2021
My 2017 Acura ILX makes a loud clunk, and shifts extremely hard when coming or coasting to a stop. 1-2 gear seems to be the only time this issue arises. This issues creates startling reaction from the driver due to the loud clunk and force of the shift in gears, as well as loss of confidence in the vehicles ability to safely come stop without issues. Reproducing the issue is difficult because th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3-4 mph, he depressed the brake pedal but it failed to respond. The contact drove into a pole. The brake message was displayed. There was no reported injuries, fire or air bag deployment. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 30, 2021
On Monday, August 30, 2021, just south of Temple, Texas on I-35 south, the sun roof shattered. It was about 89 degrees outside.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2020
A crack has developed on the passenger side of the dash running directly over the location of the airbag located on the same side. This has not resulted in any failure or malfunction as of now, but it raises concerns over the potential given the location. If you research the internet, you will find a plethora of similar complaints and concerns from many other third generation (‘04-‘08) Acura T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2020
A crack has developed on the passenger side of the dash running directly over the location of the airbag located on the same side. This has not resulted in any failure or malfunction as of now, but it raises concerns over the potential given the location. If you research the internet, you will find a plethora of similar complaints and concerns from many other third generation (‘04-‘08) Acura T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2021
Small electric fire in driver side door panel melted all the way through outside door handle . After this happened to me I looked through forums and this seems to be a common issue with this car and there has been no recall for this issue . Very unsafe
Fire
Incident date: Aug 26, 2021
My headlights always flicker and turn off everytime i drive within 5 minutes of driving. it gets really bad when i drive in cold/wet weather and i’ve replaced the bulbs a good 5 times. Something is wrong with my suspension i think? my VSC and warning light always automatically come and stay on and my car makes a noise everytime i turn/reverse. My car continues to start smoking when i drive, espe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2021
My headlights always flicker and turn off everytime i drive within 5 minutes of driving. it gets really bad when i drive in cold/wet weather and i’ve replaced the bulbs a good 5 times. Something is wrong with my suspension i think? my VSC and warning light always automatically come and stay on and my car makes a noise everytime i turn/reverse. My car continues to start smoking when i drive, espe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2021
My headlights always flicker and turn off everytime i drive within 5 minutes of driving. it gets really bad when i drive in cold/wet weather and i’ve replaced the bulbs a good 5 times. Something is wrong with my suspension i think? my VSC and warning light always automatically come and stay on and my car makes a noise everytime i turn/reverse. My car continues to start smoking when i drive, espe... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
On 3 separate occasions my Collision mitigation braking system has malfunctioned. The first time I was driving at 55 with my cruise control set with no cars in front, behind or beside me when, without warning or reason, the orange brake light abruptly flashed on my front dash panel and my car abruptly stopped in a whiplash manner. The second occasion I was driving on the interstate at 65, on thi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2021
Car dash lights came on blinking. Transmission problem, emissions problem, engine problem, awd problem, electric parking brake problem, blind spot problem, and lost power. Car wouldn’t shift and stayed between 4-5RPM . This is the 6th time this has happened. Wouldn’t down shift even when trying to manually. Drive gear light kept flashing
Incident date: May 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle on one occasion, the vehicle would not start-up. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be inspected. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was started and driven back to the residence. A few days after taking the vehicle to the dealer, the contact noticed that... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle on one occasion, the vehicle would not start-up. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be inspected. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was started and driven back to the residence. A few days after taking the vehicle to the dealer, the contact noticed that... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Acura RDX. The contact stated that upon exiting a highway and coming to a stop light, the vehicle would not accelerate above 25 MPH without warning. The contact was able to reach his destination and after explaining the failure to a friend; he was informed that his vehicle had gone into limp mode. Upon restart of the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal driving operation... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2021
Horrible rust on subframe. Subframe disconnected from vehicle WHILE DRIVING!!! Very lucky I was not going at a high speed. This is very unsafe, and there are many similar complaints for these MDXs/Pilots online.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2021
Horrible rust on subframe. Subframe disconnected from vehicle WHILE DRIVING!!! Very lucky I was not going at a high speed. This is very unsafe, and there are many similar complaints for these MDXs/Pilots online.
Incident date: May 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Acura TLX. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the parking assist fault warning light illuminated, and the emergency automatic braking system engaged. The contact attempted to turn off and restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to engage properly. The contact waited for approximately 2 hours after contacting a towing company to tow her vehicle. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
I was driving in the rain on a dark desolate road. The engine began to malfunction, suddenly losing most power. The car would only go up to 20mph. I believe this condition is known as “limp mode”. Simultaneously the “check engine” light was illuminated. When I pulled off the road I shut the car off. I waited a couple of minutes and restarted the car. The condition miraculously disappeare... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2019
The headlights on my 2015 RDX have become dimmer the past two years. At this point it is not safe to drive my vehilcle at night due to the lack of visibility.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2021
This car has 21,000 miles, while accelerating the car lost power and the engine light came on, almost caused a severe crash with semi truck. There are numerous articles post about this exact same problem with 2019 and 2020 Acura RDX and some information indicates it was due to solvents used in the manufacturing process of the in tank fuel pumps. It is more pronounce in warmer climates and rain. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2021
Transmission goes into neutral on its own. Loses power. Delay in acceleration. Jerky gear shifting.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
Driving at night in rain on interstate 81N in southern Virginia. I pressed accelerator all the way to pass and the car downshifted and then lost power. The engine light was flashing. I did not have enough power to maintain adequate highway speed while in the midst of a passing maneuver. While car was decelerating (with foot on accel pedal with no apparent response) I activated hazard lights an... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
Driving at night in rain on interstate 81N in southern Virginia. I pressed accelerator all the way to pass and the car downshifted and then lost power. The engine light was flashing. I did not have enough power to maintain adequate highway speed while in the midst of a passing maneuver. While car was decelerating (with foot on accel pedal with no apparent response) I activated hazard lights an... Read more