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 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in 2024 from a Used Car Dealer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated after the vehicle was driven off the dealer lot. The contact drove to the destination and restarted the vehicle and the message "Distressed Vehicle Start" was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in 2024 from a Used Car Dealer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated after the vehicle was driven off the dealer lot. The contact drove to the destination and restarted the vehicle and the message "Distressed Vehicle Start" was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred while turning at a busy intersection. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the fa... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The head unit on the vehicle has delaminated. The touchscreen display no longer works, it has false touches. This affects navigational safety of the vehicle, as navigation no longer works. This also affects sounds of the vehicle, not being able to change volume for ADAS alerts. This also affects the backup camera, which is a big safety concern. The problem has been confirmed and inspected by a de... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
When cruising or coming off a stop, my car is incapable of accelerating promptly if I am trying to get out of the way or even merge into oncoming traffic on a highway. There is a severe acceleration delay perhaps with the throttle body. I have seen online complaints but the dealership said there has to be an actual recall number to correct this. My car has been in several times to fix this. A comp... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
I have sent in a previous complaint as our truck would die in the middle of the road, due to the fuel pump. It is unacceptable that Ford has not resolved the recall issue in 9 months. Our truck is needed daily for our business. Please make Ford take action.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
On Sept.12,2025, I was driving with two family members. i was stopped at a light with the auto on/off engaged. Fortunately, i had my foot on the brake as the engine revved very significantly. I threw the car into neutral and the engine returned to normal. Had I not done so, we would have plowed into two cars in front of us at the light. The car was taken to the dealership; but, they could not ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
when stopped at a stop light the engine idle kills the engine and want start back up causing traffic backups...have to go through process to setting back to park and trying to start which does not happen quickly leaving people behind you frustrated and honking. This needs to have an option to disable it if you don't want that function as it's very frustrating and dangerous. Please get honda to fix... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
The Vehicle was serviced as normal, everything came back in good shape. A few days later the transmission began to slip. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership where I was told that the Torque Converter was broken and the vehicle would require a full transmission replacement costing a total of $8K. The vehicle currently has 102,357 Miles on it.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
When driving and the stopping the auto start/stop feature does not rengage and the car places itself in park and becomes disabled and difficult to restart. When driving on a major highway when I was in traffic the car shut down, put itself into park and would not restart upon removing my foot from the brake. It then gave numerous error messages and would not respond to any commands. Traffic starte... Read more
ACURA
MDX SPORT HYBRID
(2017) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
Sep 23, 2025
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and towing a trailer or an RV, the brake pedal was depressed, and the trailer brake failed to engage. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that the manual trailer brake was able to activate, and the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Car was stopped, battery died
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Car was stopped, battery died
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
Driving to work on the freeway, all of a sudden acceleration stopped. Pulled over as warning lights came on due to transmission. Additionally, the check engine light appears randomly due to emission and also the “AWD” light comes on. Within a few days or even weeks it turns off. This has been on and off since we purchased the vehicle from CarMax.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The coolant is leaking out and onto engine. My safety was at Risk due to the car overheating and smoking. This is a on going problem that many AUDI’s had a recall for except mines. Yes the vehicle was inspected and the warning that came up was “coolant level low turn off engine”
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Engine blew up on the highway almost causing an accident. The car has had problems with rapid oil consumption since 20000 miles on the car. Always checked oil everyday and added oil when needed and regular oil changes every 3000 miles car was very well taken care of. No oil light or check engine light came on when the engine blew up.
Fire
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Date of incident : August 31,2025 Around 9pm on August 31, I was fixing to accelerate at a green light. I pressed the gas pedal, my car went up to 40 mph and then the engine failed. This is due to a recall on the bearing rods for 2015-2020 Acura TLX. The incident occurred a month after financing the car. I don't have a warranty, so I opened up a case with the manufacturer to get help with the rep... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
While driving at highway speeds, a warning appeared on the Driver Information Center (DIC): “Steering Assist is Reduced – Drive with Care.” Simultaneously, the temperature gauge was stuck on “C,” the radiator cooling fan ran at high speed, and the air conditioning stopped blowing cold air. After researching the issue, I discovered that these symptoms are commonly linked to a failing the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
While driving at highway speeds, a warning appeared on the Driver Information Center (DIC): “Steering Assist is Reduced – Drive with Care.” Simultaneously, the temperature gauge was stuck on “C,” the radiator cooling fan ran at high speed, and the air conditioning stopped blowing cold air. After researching the issue, I discovered that these symptoms are commonly linked to a failing the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The vehicle should be included in the recall for similar makes and models with the same issue. I almost crashed on the freeway because my high fuel pressure pump stopped working.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
I am writing to formally report a safety-related defect in my 2019 Nissan Sentra and to request reimbursement for repair costs associated with this issue. My vehicle experienced a failure of the brake light switch, which prevented the car from starting and disabled the brake lights—posing a serious safety hazard. Although I have been informed that my vehicle is not currently included in Recall ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
Issue of coolant leaking into the engine which will need engine replacement.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
Rear right clunk in rear suspension. Dealer kept truck for 2 days and can't figure it out. Worried it could be a suspension nut or bolt and could cause a crash.
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
The front camera responsible for forward collision warning and lanekeep has failed. The camera has part number 36160-TYR-A02. It failed on it's own but it could have been alot worse if it failed before a collision occurred. The dealer and independent repair shop said it was the camera code U3000-49 and this was an out of pocket repair. The symptoms include having these error messages on the gauge ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
The vehicle stalled randomly and applied the emergency break the and shut the truck off in the middle of the road I had to wait almost 10 minutes for the truck to even turn back on, this almost caused an accident luckily, the car behind me wasn’t following too close.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
2025 4Runner had loose window glass on driver and passenger side,hood wobbles and rear spoiler loose hoping for a recall.
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
Monocular windshield camera failed for no apparent reason on five-year-old car with less than 50k miles. Dealer cost to fix $2k. My concern is there are an many individuals on the Acura MDX forums complaining of the same problem. It appears to be a relatively common but very costly failure on many Honda vehicles that use similar cameras. I believe this is worthy of an investigation, especially... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering became inoperable. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off, restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power steering ne... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2025
Like a lot of f-150 owners, my 10speed transmission stopped working not allowing me to accelerate or shift into reverse. I was stuck in the intersection luckily I didn’t get into an accident. The truck was stuck in 7th gear! This is dangerous and happens far too commonly, please investigate, this is dangerous and expensive for the average consumer. Please help.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
I have a code on my car that states " malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected". The car stalled while crossing Hwy 231 in Pike County, Alabama and left me powerless in oncoming traffic that was moving at 80+ miles per hour. It finally grabbed some power to let me finish crossing but it was a very close call. I had to have the tir... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
When the vehicle stops and the idle auto-start/ stop engages, the vehicle will automatically go into neutral and cannot be restarted until the vehicle is turned off then back on. This has happened at both stop lights and on the highway and almost caused a very serious rear end accident.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
I have a code on my car that states " malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected". The car stalled while crossing Hwy 231 in Pike County, Alabama and left me powerless in oncoming traffic that was moving at 80+ miles per hour. It finally grabbed some power to let me finish crossing but it was a very close call. I had to have the tir... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
.After activating the cruise control on the freeway for a few minutes, the cruise control deactivated and displayed the "Adaptive Cruise Not Available" message on the dashboard, immediately lowering the speed. Additionally, the sunroof interior stopped working after opening it. The bar that helps retract the sunroof interior came loose, and Ford says the repair is not covered under the extended w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
there is a know design defect in the cam phaser on the 3.5L EB motors. Ford knows this exists. They have since redesigned the Phasor system to correct this defect. This isn't wear, or use related. It is completely a byproduct of a defective design. The issue is that the repair costs over $7,000, none of which Ford will cover. IT is a known design problem. It is not due to wear, or accident, it is ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2021
See attached document for complaint. In June of 2024, we received a letter from the Honda Automobile Division concerning this recall. In the letter, a highlighted paragraph noted that if the vehicle was not exhibiting any symptoms Listed elsewhere in the letter, Honda would "ask for your patience while we prepare replacement parts" and that we should wait to schedule replacement of the recalled p... Read more
Incident date: Sep 17, 2025
SUMMARY: Propane leaks from outside LP hose when factory zip-tie failed resulting in LP hose detached and damaged from rubbing against the tire. 2022 Winnebago EKKO. DETAILS: RV has a LP hose that routes above the passenger side rear tires from the propane tanks to other locations of the RV. This hose was held back from the rear tire at two locations each with a thin metal tab and a single plas... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
Vehicle Mileage - 87,200 In February I had the Fuel Pump recall completed after over a year of waiting for the parts to come to the Honda Dealer. I first noticed the recall being issued when I received my notice to renew my registration. Then, I received an official notice from Honda a few months later in the mail. I sent an online appointment form around that time and Bobbi at Honda told me that ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
Rear axle bolt has broken, creating issues in the rear end which Ford that said they do not have the parts to fix. The Ford dealership has told me it is perfectly safe to drive although the recall states could result in a crash. The Ford mechanic opened the hubcap and took the broken bolt out still saying it was safe to drive. That was six months ago. I have contacted Ford several times to get my ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
The computer(s) responsible for many of the safety systems have faulty software. The computer vision system incorrectly assess condition of the roadway and issues warnings that obscure the instrument cluster. The computer vision system also incorrectly determines that a collision is imminent (despite no obstacles being present) and activates the braking system. Hyundai has been aware of this issu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
The computer(s) responsible for many of the safety systems have faulty software. The computer vision system incorrectly assess condition of the roadway and issues warnings that obscure the instrument cluster. The computer vision system also incorrectly determines that a collision is imminent (despite no obstacles being present) and activates the braking system. Hyundai has been aware of this issu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2025
Check engine light continues to come on after repair, lack of power and transmission skip at times. Reverse light dark, unable to see at all.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
When I'm driving my 2023 honda passport my steering wheel vibrates/shakes feels almost like the wheel is gonna come off. When I turn my steering wheel left or right driving or parked I hear a loud knock noise coming from under the front of my car. I have had multiple things checked and looked at and brand new tires and no matter what. When I get an alignment my car still pulls one way or another. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
Engine Auto Start/Stop vehicle failed to restart upon taking foot off of brake pedal. Took my car to Honda dealership on 8/29, dealership said it was a bad battery. Had the battery replaced and 2 weeks later on 9/12 vehicle failed to restart upon taking foot off of brake pedal.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
My 2017 Honda HR-V in White Orchid Pearl (NH-788P) has severe paint peeling on multiple panels (hood, roof, door). Honda issued Service Bulletin 19-064 covering this exact defect. However, I have been informed by Honda customer service and Honda dealers that my vehicle is no longer covered because it is 1 year beyond the 7-year extension period, even though the defect matches the exact conditions ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
I purchased a 2014 Acura RLX. It had a LKAS Problem warning when purchased. I thought that meant that feature would be disabled. No big deal. In stead I have experienced the car making abrupt jerks to the right on multiple occasions. One instance, I turned onto an on-ramp that was dual lane. There was a vehicle to the right of me and my car abruptly jerked to the right towards the other car. I was... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
Reverse camera goes black with movement in the picture. Can not see to back up for a week or two at a time then it works for a week. Asked Ford dealership about an update for software and they require $175 to diagnose the camera then pay to have he said possibly a new camera installed. It does not alert to people or objects behind vehicle during the time the camera goes out.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
At random intervals, I get the following faults on start: Adaptive Cruise Control Problem Lane Keeping Assist Problem Collision Mitigation System Problem Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Auto High-Beam Problem