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 1, 2021
While driving suddenly all error warnings came up. It included Check Engine Light, Error messages included: Electronic Braking System error, Emission System error. The light indicative of parking P! kept blinking also the (P) came up on the dashboard. Interestingly after some time this all cleared on its own. Then came back again only this time it stayed on. I don't know if this has compromised ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
While driving suddenly all error warnings came up. It included Check Engine Light, Error messages included: Electronic Braking System error, Emission System error. The light indicative of parking P! kept blinking also the (P) came up on the dashboard. Interestingly after some time this all cleared on its own. Then came back again only this time it stayed on. I don't know if this has compromised ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2021
While driving suddenly all error warnings came up. It included Check Engine Light, Error messages included: Electronic Braking System error, Emission System error. The light indicative of parking P! kept blinking also the (P) came up on the dashboard. Interestingly after some time this all cleared on its own. Then came back again only this time it stayed on. I don't know if this has compromised ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
I believe my transmission or the electrical component(s) to my transmission failed. I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my car shifted into neutral and would not allow me to accelerate so we had make our way to the shoulder to put the car in park. Having my vehicle thrown into neutral while driving and not being able to accelerate put not only us, but other drivers at serious risk! The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
I believe my transmission or the electrical component(s) to my transmission failed. I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my car shifted into neutral and would not allow me to accelerate so we had make our way to the shoulder to put the car in park. Having my vehicle thrown into neutral while driving and not being able to accelerate put not only us, but other drivers at serious risk! The... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2021
The outside rear taillight was FULL of water. I discovered this when going to replace bulbs I thought were just burned out. In fact one of the bulbs was shattered I presume from the water reaching the hot light. The taillight is non functional and I will have to take it to be repaired/replaced. I should not have to pay for what is very clearly an manufacturer defect that compromises safe vehicle o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2021
Was driving my car home and there was a loud explosion. There were no other cars around me and I couldn’t figure out what happened. I was suddenly aware of the noise of air outside and I could immediately hear stuff flying off my roof. I couldn’t safely pull over for a mile. Found a hole in my front moonroof and it was completely shattered. Had my sunshade not been closed I would have been cov... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2021
While driving on a two lane road at app 60 mph, we accelerated to pass a slower car, Our 2019 Acura RDX lost power and coasted down to about 20 mph and the check engine light was flashing. we had no control over the speed of the vehicle (limp mode), which was very scary and could have caused a serious accident. It was raining earlier but not at the time of the incident. This should be a recal... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
Every since I've owned my 2016 Acura MDX I've had infrequent, and intermittent transmission issues. Several have been safety concerns: - Transmission is slow to engage when first pushing accelerator, leading to unexpected lag pulling into traffic - Transmission did not shift into park as expected, causing car to keep moving as I was opening door and starting to step out - Transmission slips and do... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
The headlights are incredibly dim, I've replaced the actual bulb and that's not the problem there's something wrong with the housing and reading online it's a common problem , they are so bad the car can not be driven at night.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
I was driving on the highway, clear skies, nothing overhead. Then I heard a loud explosion and slowed down thinking I had a blown tire...but I didn't feel the car to pull to any one side no have difficulty steering. Then I started to hear wind noise in the cabin. When I finally exited the highway I looked up and saw that my sunroof was cracked and had caved in. You can hear the crackling noise. Wh... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Acura MDX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle started to jerk back and forth. The vehicle inadvertently shifted to neutral causing the loss of motive power. The contact exited the vehicle and pushed the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact had the vehicle towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2021
Front driver side airbags spontaneously deployed while driving.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2021
My 2019 Acura RDX suddenly lost power while accelerating on two occasions this year. Both times it occurred in clear weather with temperatures around 80 degrees. The first time it happened was on 7/15/2021 when I was accelerating onto a US Highway. The second time was on 10/4/2021 when accelerating from a stoplight. Both times I had to coast to the side of the road due to loss of power. I was a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2021
Transmission locked up while attempting to backup. Very loud grinding noise. Could not place back in park. Had to shut off engine to free shifter to move back to park. Tried again but this time placed in drive. Exact same results. Checked internet and apparently transmission on this year and others before and after are know problems. Googleand you will see this. POSSIBLE CATASTROPHIC INCIDENT - W... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2021
Vehicle was subject to a relay attack. Perpetrator walked right up to the vehicle and opened the door. My key fobs were far away from the vehicle in the basement. Acura claims there are no known cases of this vehicle hack. However, according to internet sources, Acura/Honda are subject to malicious hacking because their key fobs do not use a "rolling code" system. Other luxury brands have... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2021
The sunroof exploded with no outside impact. I drive to the office in the morning and as soon as I put the car in park the sunroof exploded with a huge noise. Nothing fell on the sunroof and there was nothing wrong with the sunroof until then. I had opened and closed the sunroof the day before with no issues. The sunroof exploded and shattered the glass in thousands of pieces. Fortunately the suns... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2020
The headlights have become dim. The bulbs have been changed several times LED and HID and casing cleaned. In order to see at night we have to drive with high beams on. This has become dangerous for driving. We tried switching the light order but the high beams are too powerful and can cause danger to other drivers. The dealers says we have to replace the headlight assembly kit $2k. This is an i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2017
the headlights are extremely dim, making it dangerous to drive at night. The bulbs have been replaced multiple times, but the lights remain dim. I literally am afraid to drive it at night. You can see in online forums that this is apparently common for the 2014 RDX, yet my car (and other) have not been included in any recall. This is a safety issue.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2021
UNKNOWN
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
On Friday, September 24, 2021 when I went around a curve my car felt like the vehicle stability assist was trying to kick on. However, no warning light came on and I was not going to fast for the weather or road conditions. I did not hit any pot holes or anything else to cause the part to fail. When I went to apply my brakes the brakes felt soft and spongy and I was concern with the car not sto... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
Fuel gauge is off, car goes through gas fast, and there is some stalling/ jumping at times
Incident date: Sep 26, 2021
Excessive oil consumption. I have the oil changed when the maintenance minder gets to 10%. Usually this is about 5,000 miles between oil changes. I will add oil to the engine at 50% oil life or 2,500 miles. I have contacted Acura and they are unwilling to address this problem. These engines need to be recalled. This is a reoccurring event.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2021
My "D" indicator light is blinking no matter changing the transmission fluid, cleaning the solenoids, etc. the car is not overheating, there are no apparent electrical problems and I do not even have any check engine lights or other codes. The light comes on blinking when I drive for a little while then goes off when I turn the car off and is fine. Then when I start it up it doesn't blink anymore.... 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: 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