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 12, 2025
Burning through oil faster than it should, needing to feel up oil every week, has been confirmed by an auto repair shop.⁸
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
I was driving to work yesterday morning- busiest time of day on probably the busiest road in our area. My car started freaking out randomly. It popped up numerous errors. The steering wheel locked up. The brakes weren’t working well. I had a car behind me. THANKFULLY they were paying attention because they were very close to rear ending me. But they dodged me. I finally jerked the wheel and got ... Read more
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
Incident date: Sep 12, 2025
No official incident has happened yet, but the brake assist kicks in, yet does not work until it's revving engine to over 4000rpm, which causes a sudden jerk and scary sounds from engine. I have had a few instances where the vehicle did not want to stop almost causing an accident, and these have happened without anything in the car other than my daughter who is 2 and myself. The most recent proble... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2025
I am reporting a safety defect issue that I believe is an alternator recall waiting to happen. While driving with my children, my Audi suffered a sudden, complete electrical failure caused by what I was later told is an alternator defect. The vehicle shut off without warning. At that moment, I lost braking power, the ability to shift into neutral, and full control of the vehicle’s speed. Becaus... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V576000(Electrical System). An unknown dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds occasionally, the v... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed low speeds, the electric power steering stopped functioning properly after the contact heard an abnormal crunching sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact also stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly jerked and jolted during acceleration as if the transmissi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2025
While in the elementary school carline this morning, waiting to drop my kids off at school, my brakes completely failed unexpectedly, causing me to roll into the SUV in front of me. The line in the mornings is long and slow moving and I was stopped behind several other cars also waiting to drop their kids off — letting off the break and re-engaging the break to move forward as the line progres... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The co... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2025
Purchased new 2019 Honda FIT. Had to have injectors replaced at dealership due to issues at 18,000 miles. At 19,743 miles started having driving issues with unusual jumping during driving/idling. Honda dealership diagnosed as misfire with excessive carbon buildup. Completed carbon cleaning procedure though only temporary repair. American Honda reviewing matter reference #4411584. Issues retu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2023
On July 31st, while backing up on a clear road in rain the brakes locked suddenly. The brakes applied & a message saying Emergency Parking brake engaged. Must be manually released. This happened twice in a 30 second period before there was enough room for me to pull forward out of the spot. I called the dealership on August 1st to see if this was a known issue and they said no. Brought the car ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 31, 2025
This is not an accident but a could contribute to an accident. the drivers seat on the 2026 Honda passport is extremely difficult to sit in more than 30 mins. The fan ventilation "system" that is in the New 2026 passport can be felt and puts pressure in the pelvic floor and tail bone area. I have had to put a 2 inch padding and tip the site higher than I would normally. I know that seat are ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front driver’s side seat belt buckle unexpectedly unlatched. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50,0... Read more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2025
I purchased a 2002 Hyundai Sonata from a private seller who represented the car had about 40,000–45,000 miles. However, diagnostics from O’Reilly Auto Parts showed 278,000 miles, and Hyundai’s system confirmed over 302,000 miles. The title is marked “mileage exempt,” and the seller is not the same person listed on the title, suggesting title jumping. I have repair invoices, diagnostic re... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 9, 2025
When turning the steering wheel it will feel like it gets stuck for a split seconds. It happens alot.
Incident date: Jul 25, 2025
We were departing [XXX]in Barnstable, Mass on [XXX]. As he entered the main road from the parking lot, my husband thought the driver on his left on the main road had a stop sign so he pulled out onto the street. The other driver did not have a stop sign and my husband hit him. We were going under 10mph so the air bags did not deploy. The “forward collision warning” did not activate nor did... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
I was turning into a parking space on the street. I let my foot off the gas in order to brake.... as I did so the car LURCHED forward on its own about 2-3 feet running into the curb and damaging the wheel, the rim and the tire. I stomped on the brake, turned off the car, and restarted the car in order to finish parking (get out of traffic) and assess the damage. Thankfully nobody was hurt, althoug... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 22, 2025
Steering has jerking sensation at higher speeds going around turns. Causing me to almost overcorrect. Safety of my children involved.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2025
The transmission problem light came on my 2017 Honda Ridgeline. It is less than 9 years old and it has 117K miles. The transmission shifted hard about a month ago, then came the engine light. Honda dealer did a diagnostic and recommended to replace transmission. It’s estimated to cost $10,700. All the routine maintenance has been done at the dealer.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that her mother observed that the driver's seat belt failed to retract properly over time and failed to secure the driver as intended. The contact stated that the seat belt was very loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ASSIST REDUCED. My spouse was driving our 2023 MDX approximately 45mph when she ran over a recessed manhole cover which created a bump. The MDX lossed power steering and brake performance reduced. The vehicle was very difficult to turn at that point. The car began to cycle through errors that would not clear until the car's engine could be stopped and restarted: ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after long-distance driving, there was water dripping from the bottom of the steering wheel onto the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that due to the failure, the foot on the accelerator pedal would slip off while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was purchased and an unknown repair was performed; however, the f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2025
Truck has been at Ford dealership since July 9th for this recall. After updating the computer as mentioned in the recall, a “trailer brake fault” was displayed and we were left with no trailer brakes while towing our camper. It has beyond a “reasonable amount of time” to get this safety issue fixed. Compaign recall number: 25S15/25V132
Incident date: May 30, 2025
Sunroof exploded while driving at a normal rate of speed with no cars surrounding us. Upon inspection, there was no debris within the roof hold that would denote a rock or something causing incident. We jumped a lane but no cars were around. All occupants were safe.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
My steering is randomly lurching left. It has happened off and on intermittently since it started in early September 2025. It happens at various speeds, but currently only when turning the steering wheel slightly to the left.
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal to avoid crashing into another vehicle, the vehicle hesitated and failed to stop as intended. The traction control ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
My torque converter is failing on my 2020 Kia Telluride. This is a known issue among other owners of this model year, and I believe Kia knows about it and is refusing to acknowledge because of how expensive it is.
Incident date: Sep 7, 2025
This vehicle has experienced repeated and ongoing serious defects with the 8L90 Transmission Torque Converter. I took delivery of this vehicle on 17SEP2016 and since it has required multiple service appointments to address the issue. To date it has not been satisfactorily repaired. Despite repeated failed repair attempts the vehicle exhibits erratic transmission slipping, jerking, hesitation an... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
July 17th on highway going near highway speed of 65-70mph in congested heavier traffic, person merging from on ramp caused abrupt slow to stop and rear ended a F250 truck causing MAJOR front end damage, couldn’t get front doors open, frame bent, vehicle totalled with $22k or more in damages. Seatbelt locked and air bags NEVER deployed. Ford dealership and insurance company very very suprised tha... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
Vehicle will all suddenly while driving on the roads with speed, dash will blink and start saying to select the gear. At this point vehicle either has to be put in parking (while trying to figure out where to pull over) and reselect the gear, or completely shut off, re start and select gear in order to drive. When the dash blinks vehicle accelerator just revs the engine, loss of power occurs. This... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2025
Consider taking a break warning triggers continually; sometimes as frequently as every other minute causing distraction during driving. It has occurred since purchasing vehicle. Dealership says can not disable.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The infotainment system in these vehicles is poor when using the navigation. Having the phone connected via wire will cause the phone and infotainment system to malfunction constantly causing restarts and making the mobile device extremely hot too the touch. The android auto function in the car loses connection and begins to cause the arrow marker to jump around on the map causing confusion, turn ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
While traveling at approximately 55 mph yesterday, in daylight, with no other cars in front, back, or to the side of our car, it radically braked on its own. The collision mitigation system warning light has frequently flashed on the dashboard since we bought the car new in 2019 but never did it apply the brakes on its own. Dealerships over the years have told us "this just happens", and offered n... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
UKNOWN ACC,LKAS, brake system warning lights intermittently come on. Started around 25000. More persistent now. Dealer advisor checked windshield/wiped over where the camera is and since it was not on at the dealership no problem found. Just stated the camera is funky sometimes. Vehicle has 59000 now. Not sure exactly what components are effected but the safety features of the vehicle no longer wo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
The vehicle was no longer able to charge, and therefore could be stranded. Yes, the vehicle is currently back at the dealership and available for inspection. Without ability to charge, the vehicle could shutdown and not be able to restart. Yes. It was at the dealer from 6/27 to 8/20 and then the issue re-exhibited on 9/3 and it was returned to the dealership. Yes, it was reviewed by the dealershi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning lights were illuminated. A passerby helped push the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the transmiss... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
While driving, a service warning came on that reads "Service Power Steering" - when that came on, the brakes ceased to work properly and required significant force, causing a big delay in braking. It is not safe to drive due to the limited braking. This mirrors the recall situation for other 2021 Trailblazer models with the interrupted brake sensor.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2025
The passenger back door unlocked and slightly open
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
Exhaust and catalytic converters keep breaking off causing loud noise and check engine light to stay on
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
Exhaust and catalytic converters keep breaking off causing loud noise and check engine light to stay on
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
Vehicle Malfunction Report What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle's transmission and/or gear shifter system has failed to function as intended. When the gear shifter is set to "Reverse," the transmission has repeatedly shifted into "Drive" or "Neutral" instead. Concurrently, the vehicle's electronic backup camera system and au... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
My 2020 Acura MDX is throwing up multiple dashboard warnings related to the camera sensor—involving systems like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Mitigation, and Road Departure Mitigation. These systems rely heavily on the Multipurpose Camera Unit mounted near the rearview mirror. I took it to my Acura Dealership Service and they concluded it's the Multipurpose Camera Uni... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
the vehicle's antitheft system automatically triggers. There are two different events here: 1. Anti theft system triggers when the engine is off. When I attempt to start the car, the engine will not activate. By going through a series of locking and unlocking attempts (via key fob, via door locks, via keyless entry) I can eventually get the engine started. This event happens every other day.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
the vehicle's antitheft system automatically triggers. There are two different events here: 1. Anti theft system triggers when the engine is off. When I attempt to start the car, the engine will not activate. By going through a series of locking and unlocking attempts (via key fob, via door locks, via keyless entry) I can eventually get the engine started. This event happens every other day.... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
Transmission malfunction. This has appeared several times at highway speeds and low speeds. We have dad to limp along in the slow lane to exit ramp and take back roads to the nearest dealership. The current problem has been confirmed with error codes P0747. The dealership has scanned this vehicle and detected error codes in the past on two different occasions and found P176C in TCM on 08/01/2... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
I was driving my 2016 Ford f150 in Ventura California on August 29th 2025 when my throttle began to accelerate on its own after taking my foot off the gas pedal. My truck sped up out of control, I almost lost control of the vehicle and crashed. Luckily I was able to gain control and get it into neutral and then into park. My trucks rpms raced so high it sounded as if the engine was going to explod... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
The engine seized while driving on the highway bringing the vehicle to a complete stop. There is currently a recall on 2016 Honda Pilot engines involving premature connecting rod bearing wear. The mechanic that has been servicing this vehicle for the last 9 years stated this is exactly what happened to my vehicle and should be covered under the recall. Honda stated that my vin number was not inclu... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
The contact's daughter owned a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving during rain at 60 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle as the vehicle spun in a circle at hit a highway wall barrier. The barrier wall was damaged as a result of the accident, and the contact was given a bill for $3,222.15. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact did not seek medical attention b... Read more
Crash
1 injured