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: Nov 4, 2025
As slowing down to park in parking space, the automatic braking applies hard and throws you forward. All three times, the vehicle was just entering the parking space and automatically slammed on brakes causing all passengers to lunge forward and seat belt to apply hard, hurting passengers chest. This is a safety hazard as it could cause harm to the passengers and if it happens at higher speeds t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Hard shifting in lower gears when transmission warms up, hard downshifting to lower gears as well. This is extremely harmful if the shifting jerks hard, causing whiplash or can cause a wreck.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
On or about October 21–22, 2025, I brought my 2020 Acura TLX (brown, 99,000 miles, VIN [XXX] ) to Goodson Acura of Dallas for a recall repair related to engine concerns. The vehicle was returned to me on October 24, 2025. Shortly afterward, the car began to lag and hesitate while accelerating. On November 3, 2025, while driving to a doctor’s appointment on the Bypass Bridge in morning traffic... Read more
Incident date: Oct 4, 2025
I was leaking coolant and took to the dealer. They say it's my upper radiator hose and it needs replaced but it's on a nationwide back order. I was at 42000 miles and was not covered under warranty. I'm reading that a ton of people having the exact same issue and nobody knows why are recall hasn't been issued on this. This can't be good for the environment having a bunch of traverse vehicles lea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2025
The vehicle losses power at times. Will not take a charge. It states it is in reduced power mode. It appears to be the becm however my vin is not reported to be on the special coverage.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Started with a clicking noise that mechanic thought it was the fuel pump but found out later it was the bearing is the rocker arms that failed and ruined the camshaft. Now it needs a new engine.
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
Well, today November 3 , car have 70900 miles, few weeks ago Acura do a replacements, recall fuel, problems, today warning , engine and ( P ) Brake system came on , and i look in the forum of this type of issues with Acuras and some many diferents opinions. To many complaint about this problems with Acura. I am worry that driving the car with this issues ruins the car. But its the only transportat... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2025
I have a 2018 Ford F-150 with a 3.5L Ecoboost engine. In October 2021, I received a Customer Satisfaction Program 21B10, 21N03, and 21N08 notice of a software upgrade to reduce the engine cam phasor rattle on engine start up. This was a limited time repair notice. Unfortunately, I thought it was a recall notice and did not act on this upgrade until a few weeks after it had expired on July 31, 2... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
The problem was a turbocharger in my 2019 Audi Q5. The repair was done in January of 2023 by Audi North Houston / Sewell (17815 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77090, ph. # 281-586-1000). The cost was approximately $3,556. The replacement of the turbocharger was the same repair in the turbocharger class settlement (Kimball vs Volkswagen Group of America Inc., Case #XXX), but my vehicle is not apart ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
This is a complaint about the defective TPMS components in this vehicle. I sent a copy to Acura and Honda Client Relations and to the Dealer (Montano Acura). [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Nov 3, 2025
In early 2025, while reversing the vehicle, the backup camera proximity alert system failed to provide audible warnings of an obstacle. The visual display worked, but the system provided no beeping or audible alerts as I reversed toward a pole in the vehicle's blind spot, even though I was within the range where warnings should have been activated resulting in over $4K in damages. The same alert ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
My backup camera continues to not work and says I need to contact the dealership. When I contact the place that I got it from it says it's not covered under their warranty in the contact Ford. When I contact Ford they said there was some rear backup camera thing going on and that the recall had not been issued yet? Also I've been having issues with it connecting to any kind of device, it will say... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving, there was a musty odor coming from the interior of the vehicle. The contact was unable to locate the source of the odor. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while vacuuming the vehicle, the contact noticed that the carpet and floor mats from the rear passenger’s side were wet. The vehicle was taken to the d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 30, 2025
Despite never overheating, the engine completely failed due to a block crack caused by a coolant and oil leak of unknown origins. This has occurred in multiple other 2013 Ford Escapes owned by many different individuals. The car completely stopped on a highway, and would no accelerate due to loss of compression within cylinder 3.
Incident date: Oct 27, 2025
Since we purchased this vehicle, we have continually had issues with our brakes to include dragging of the front brakes and brakes squealing when they are in use. We have brought the vehicle multiple times to the GMC dealership who is able to replicate the issue, but states that this is normal. I have filed a complaint with the GMC and they said that this is normal even though they admitted to fix... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
My vehicle is losing power every randomly literally cutting off and on. Flashing lights won’t start at time , next day drives completely fine. I do not understand
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
We have owned our 2019 Acura RDX for about 4 years. Roughly 2 years ago my wife called me panicked that the car had lost power and the check engine light was on as she was exiting the freeway. It was a rainy day, she had our kids in the car on the way to a soccer game. I called off work with an emergency, drove an hour to where she was and scanned the car. No codes popped up on my scanner, I start... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
We have owned our 2019 Acura RDX for about 4 years. Roughly 2 years ago my wife called me panicked that the car had lost power and the check engine light was on as she was exiting the freeway. It was a rainy day, she had our kids in the car on the way to a soccer game. I called off work with an emergency, drove an hour to where she was and scanned the car. No codes popped up on my scanner, I start... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I have a 2024 Nissan Sentra SV that I have leased brand new since January 2023. As of today, 10/28/2025 I have only 14,605 miles on this vehicle. I drive local only, no highways yet the tires are completely bald and needed to be replaced. The tire pressure would only hold 27. They were a road hazard. I could not drive to the dealership, Jenkins Nissan in Leesburg Florida due to the condition of th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
On 10/21/2025, my ABS module failed. This failure caused my brakes to fully apply on their own while entering interstate traffic. The brakes will fully apply due to ABS pump intermittently kicking in. This part has no availability to repair. Chrysler/FCA/Mopar/Stellantis/RAM no help with this issue. I was able to safely pull over and have vehicle towed to my shop and diagnosed. This is a common is... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to brake smoothly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
PAINT IS FLAKING ON HOOD
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed lines. In addition, the contact stated that the rearview camera system failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact disconnected the battery cables, and the back-over prevention system reset independently; however, the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
Today while driving my brakes got super hard. Had to use my entire weight to get it to stop and still was moving forward. Had to use the emergency brakes and a prayer. Luckily I wasn’t on the highway or it would’ve been a deadly accident. When I opened the hood the camshaft sensor was broken loose. Mind you I had taken the truck to the dealer a while back for a rattling noise at 1500 RPM and ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2025
I have taken my vehicle to the Acura service department three times for this issue. Each time, they were unable to find a fault code or permanent fix. They have repositioned the front camera and removed an Acura sticker from the windshield, but the problem continues to occur at random. The service department said diagnostic tests show no error, yet the system still triggers false collision warnin... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
09/26/2024 Transmission had to be replaced at 47,000 miles. Without warning, the van began lurching forward at a stop light almost causing a collision and then completely stalled having to be towed to the shop. Luckily, I bought a service plan and only had to pay $100, but the parts list was $6,000+. Sliding rear doors have the electric assist option. On several occasions myself and my children h... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
2017 Acura Mdx. Earlier this year I suspected something was wrong with the car so we took it to Acura in weir canyon to get it checked out. They figured it was the throttle body so they replaced it and then about 2 weeks later the engine had a catastrophic failure. I was driving the car coming out of the freeway and right before I turned right the engine made a huge noise. We tried asking Acura fo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
On October 26, 2025, Sunday, I was cleaning my windows. I discovered both rear windows would not roll up or down. I took it to Valley KIA on October 27, and it was diagnosed that I needed to replace both rear windows with new window regulator. It will be installed on October 29. I told my tech advisor about the window regulator recall on the 2017 KIA Optima and Sportage. He told me there was ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Honda Passport. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle began to shake. The vehicle was steered into a parking lot and the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The man... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
Twice my car slowed down tremendously in traffic because of a bad cylinder head. I drive a 2021 Mercedes GLC 300 4matic with 33,529 miles. In reviewing other complaints, this is a common and known complaint. My check engine light came on and I could not go over 40 mph. This is very dangerous.
Incident date: Oct 26, 2025
Brakes - When descending down a hill at speed the brakes on my truck pulsate as if the rotors are warped. My family was put at risk due to the brakes not functioning properly and causing me to let off the braking system in order to prevent overheating. I asked my dealer to review the brakes and they indicated nothing is wrong, I can reproduce this action anytime for the dealership with a simple ri... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
This is the third time I have had this issue. I will be driving my truck and will out of nowhere get a warning on the dash that says: “Pre-Collision Assist not available” then after that happens I will not be able to set the cruise control. This can only be fixed by a trip to the dealer ship and usual takes 10-15 days to get fixed. It will work as normal for a few thousand miles than come back... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The vehicle frequently experiences problems while idling at red lights or stop signs. Specifically, the engine suddenly shuts off after displaying a message that "Idle Mode is unavailable." This has occurred multiple times, and on five separate occasions, the vehicle became completely immobile, requiring towing to the nearest mechanic. Initially, I had the flywheel and starter motor replaced, whic... Read more
Incident date: May 15, 2025
The vehicle frequently experiences problems while idling at red lights or stop signs. Specifically, the engine suddenly shuts off after displaying a message that "Idle Mode is unavailable." This has occurred multiple times, and on five separate occasions, the vehicle became completely immobile, requiring towing to the nearest mechanic. Initially, I had the flywheel and starter motor replaced, whic... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
PURCHASED A TIRED FOR GIGA TIRES HAD THE DEALERSHIP , ACURA OF COLUMBUS ATTEMPT TO MOUNT AND INSTALL THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERS A HOLE AND A SLICE ON AND IN THE TIRE, CONTACTED GIGA TIRE FOR AN EXCHANGE THEY STATED THAT THE HOLE IN THE TIRE WAS CAUSED BY ROAD HAZARD, THE TIRE HAS NEVER BEEN DRIVEN ON, IT BRAND NEW OR CLAIMED TOO BE
Incident date: Sep 1, 2024
I am submitting this report regarding an ongoing issue with my Kia vehicle related to the recall for code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System / Engine Bearing Wear). The first time this issue occurred, Kia documented the problem and kept my vehicle overnight to perform what they referred to as an “engine soak.” I was informed that this procedure might resolve the engine performance and oil co... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The fuel injectors failed on my Hyundai Sonata in two instances. Once on 5/23/24 and once on 9/7/25. During the first instance, I was driving on a local road when the accelerator stopped working and the engine started sputtering. We were fortunately able to stop at a nearby parking lot before the engine completely stopped working. During the second instance, I was also driving through a local road... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Camera is failing - reportedly due to a bad internal ground-wire. Acura is charging $900 for the part and $1600 for the installation and calibration of a new unit !! Also - the unit is a black color, and located right behind the windshield, so bakes itself to death. Acura should be using white colors inside the space, limit the un-used volume, and recalling the units (or at least providing a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Camera is failing - reportedly due to a bad internal ground-wire. Acura is charging $900 for the part and $1600 for the installation and calibration of a new unit !! Also - the unit is a black color, and located right behind the windshield, so bakes itself to death. Acura should be using white colors inside the space, limit the un-used volume, and recalling the units (or at least providing a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) and had the vehicle repaired for a high-pressure fuel pump failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was d... Read more
Incident date: Oct 19, 2025
GMC customer care representative & local GMC service department supervisor unable to help. 2017 Acadia Shift to Park message. It’s Difficult to turn the car off. The vehicle refuses to acknowledge the park position. Potential rollaway hazard. You may inspect. Took it to GMC service & confirmed it is a prevalent issue: Transmission control 13534320 = gearshift assembly & Jumper harness 84733196. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Honda Prologue. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the front end while making a left or right turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the parts were on back order. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the axle on one side of the vehicle nee... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended while driving with her grandchildren inside the vehicle. The brake failure warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the ve... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2025
The vehicle was parked overnight safely as always outside of my home. The rear tailgate windshield shattered without warning, incident or contact. The vehicle was inspected and the windshield was replaced by an automobile window company in Maryland.
Incident date: Oct 20, 2025
The car was at a red light so it automatically stopped. when the lights turned green, I removed my foot from the break and the car would not move. I had to call OnStar for roadside assistance and they called the police to make sure I was safe and that traffic flowed safely. My car was towed to the dealership after they tried to start the car by the key and my jumper cables. The car would not start... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2020
Vehicle is burning an extreme amount of oil between regular oil changes. We are having no help from our local dealership in Tuscaloosa, AL where we purchased the car to resolve this issue without first spending a lot of money to diagnose an issue we certainly already have. Long before it was due for routine oil change, we checked it and it was COMPLETELY EMPTY of oil. NOTHING IN IT. We have to put... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Car engine sometimes does not restart when the auto start-stop feature is engaged. Car engine is also sluggish to restart when it does work. My local Acura dealer evaluated the car on 10/15/25, found battery was low. Battery was replaced that day, and things seemed okay for about a week. Today (10/21) when I was stopped at a traffic light, the issue returned and my car would not restart after goin... Read more
Incident date: Oct 21, 2025
This vehicle was purchased from Audi Fort Lauderdale on July 31, 2025 and on the drive home, 9 safety systems were reported as not working. This has continued for 7 weeks and the dealer has attempted repair 5 times including software updates, front camera replacement, camera alignments and finally the major ECU replacement to no avail. There are many people on the Audi Etron forum complaining of ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2025
Safety was compromised by drivetrain instability and a federal recall involving a starter motor defect that poses a fire risk. Despite this, BMW of Arlington has refused to authorize repairs or allow BMW of Austin to complete the necessary work—even after a $13,565 drivetrain failure diagnosis. On October 4, 2025, our 2022 BMW 840i became inoperable due to worn splines in the rear differential a... Read more