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: Aug 3, 2026
Approximately three weeks ago, following a manufacturer-issued software update, the AcuraLink connected services app stopped functioning on my 2024 Acura ZDX. This outage has disabled OnStar-connected safety features including remote monitoring and emergency/roadside assistance connectivity and concerned there were other technology issues that may affect this, but I’m not aware exactly all of th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver’s and passenger’s side front seats shifted unexpectedly. The contact stated that there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the center of the seat backrest, which was felt in the seat. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
The forward facing camera or monocular attached to the windshield has malfunctioned and is a wide spread issue across multiple models and years. When this item fails due to high heat which causes the camera (CMOS Image sensor) to degrade, the owner is given a slew of warnings and loses a lot of functionality. The dealership quotes an enormous amount of money to replace/calibrate the camera typical... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
The forward facing camera or monocular attached to the windshield has malfunctioned and is a wide spread issue across multiple models and years. When this item fails due to high heat which causes the camera (CMOS Image sensor) to degrade, the owner is given a slew of warnings and loses a lot of functionality. The dealership quotes an enormous amount of money to replace/calibrate the camera typical... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2025
The forward facing camera or monocular attached to the windshield has malfunctioned and is a wide spread issue across multiple models and years. When this item fails due to high heat which causes the camera (CMOS Image sensor) to degrade, the owner is given a slew of warnings and loses a lot of functionality. The dealership quotes an enormous amount of money to replace/calibrate the camera typical... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2026
Acura Service Bulletin B18-014 (NHTSA TSB #10135108) The repeated failure of the driver’s power seat height-adjustment mechanism due to stripped internal gears in the Vertical Transmission Assembly (VTA), as identified in Acura Service Bulletin B18-014, presents a significant safety concern. A failure of the driver’s seat adjustment mechanism can prevent the driver from maintaining a proper a... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2026
Prior to the 5,000 mile oil change, I experienced at least five transmission shifting issues and reported the problem to Bergstrom Service Department. They test drove it and found no issues at that time and could not repeat the shifting issues while I was there. From what I have observed, the engine will rev up to a high rpm but will not shift automatically. You then have to pull over to the sh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
The light comes on due to an emission system warning, shaking, and a lack of power; the engine is severely misfiring. This is the second time I have complained about this to the NHTSA
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
The light comes on due to an emission system warning, shaking, and a lack of power; the engine is severely misfiring. This is the second time I have complained about this to the NHTSA
Incident date: Aug 18, 2026
The light comes on due to an emission system warning, shaking, and a lack of power; the engine is severely misfiring. This is the second time I have complained about this to the NHTSA
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RDX. The contact stated that, while attempting to start the vehicle using the Push-To-Start feature, the vehicle hesitated before starting. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with an inoperable fuel pump. The contact was informed that the fuel pump assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaire... Read more
Incident date: Aug 5, 2026
The vehicle intermittently fails to restart after the Auto Idle Stop system shuts the engine off at a traffic stop. When this occurs, the vehicle remains disabled until it is manually restarted. This has now happened repeatedly, including twice within one recent week. The vehicle was purchased new on November 27, 2024, and currently has approximately 27,500 miles. The repair history for this same... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
Fuse box Power steering hose
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
Vehicle lost rear traction and leaking fluid from the transmission or front differential. Brought vehicle to dealer. They replaced transmission and transfer case.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2026
The auto start stop shut down the car when stopping at a red light and had to fully restart the car. This has happend several times since I owned the car. Its a safety issue is you need to move the car in an emergency or potential to reended by traffice behind you that assumes you are moving at a light. In addition on restart of the car at times the car struggles to restart like the battery is ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
After an auto idle stop at a major intersection, car failed to restart automatically and was left stranded unable to restart the car. Car would not shut off or turn back on when using the power button and with foot on brake but had power but it was in limp mode - transmission warnings flashed and the D "for drive" on the screen at the drivers location. I called tripleA however before they showed u... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
After an auto idle stop at a major intersection, car failed to restart automatically and was left stranded unable to restart the car. Car would not shut off or turn back on when using the power button and with foot on brake but had power but it was in limp mode - transmission warnings flashed and the D "for drive" on the screen at the drivers location. I called tripleA however before they showed u... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
After an auto idle stop at a major intersection, car failed to restart automatically and was left stranded unable to restart the car. Car would not shut off or turn back on when using the power button and with foot on brake but had power but it was in limp mode - transmission warnings flashed and the D "for drive" on the screen at the drivers location. I called tripleA however before they showed u... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Hello! I am writing to report an urgent and serious safety failure involving my 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec and to request immediate investigation and action. The vehicle’s driver-assist systems - specifically the lane departure warning and forward collision warning - failed to operate. In addition, both the steering wheel and the accelerator became stuck, causing my vehicle to collide head‑on with... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Hello! I am writing to report an urgent and serious safety failure involving my 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec and to request immediate investigation and action. The vehicle’s driver-assist systems - specifically the lane departure warning and forward collision warning - failed to operate. In addition, both the steering wheel and the accelerator became stuck, causing my vehicle to collide head‑on with... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Aug 7, 2026
Hello! I am writing to report an urgent and serious safety failure involving my 2025 Acura MDX A-Spec and to request immediate investigation and action. The vehicle’s driver-assist systems - specifically the lane departure warning and forward collision warning - failed to operate. In addition, both the steering wheel and the accelerator became stuck, causing my vehicle to collide head‑on with... Read more
Crash
4 injured
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The automatic engine shutoff turned off the engine three times at stop lights and failed to restart. We were left stranded in the middle of the road, cars zipping by us fast. We felt very much at risk of being hit.
Incident date: Jun 25, 2026
Was driving arround corner and felt a shudder like I had run over something, the felt front tires loosing traction and car jerked into next lane. Took to dealer and they diagnosed a failure of output shaft from transmission to awd transfer case, currently at dealer getting transmission awd assembly replaced.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that on six occasions the vehicle stalled and failed to restart immediately. The contact stated that while the idle button was on, the failure occurred. The contact was concerned about being in a crash. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and two batteries were replaced, and a software update was performed. The de... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Acura MDX. The contact stated that on six occasions the vehicle stalled and failed to restart immediately. The contact stated that while the idle button was on, the failure occurred. The contact was concerned about being in a crash. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and two batteries were replaced, and a software update was performed. The de... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
Engine turns off while in drive or stopped at a red light/stop sign. It has happened 7-10 times withing the last couple of months, but 3-4 times within the last week. Out of the four times it happened, my family's safety was at risk, because the car was in drive, and could've caused us to get into an accident. During the other occasions, we were moving in reverse and stopped at a stop sign. Compla... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
Engine turns off while in drive or stopped at a red light/stop sign. It has happened 7-10 times withing the last couple of months, but 3-4 times within the last week. Out of the four times it happened, my family's safety was at risk, because the car was in drive, and could've caused us to get into an accident. During the other occasions, we were moving in reverse and stopped at a stop sign. Compla... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
Engine turns off while in drive or stopped at a red light/stop sign. It has happened 7-10 times withing the last couple of months, but 3-4 times within the last week. Out of the four times it happened, my family's safety was at risk, because the car was in drive, and could've caused us to get into an accident. During the other occasions, we were moving in reverse and stopped at a stop sign. Compla... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Acura RDX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine started shuddering and vibrating, and the vehicle stalled. The message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the head gasket had failed. The contact was later informed that the bolts on the turbocharge... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2026
My vehicle is equipped with the auto stop, idle/start feature. I have had my vehicle completely shut off at least 6 times when I am at a complete stop. I have researched this problem among 2025 Acura MDX owners and it seems to be a recurring problem. The feature is suppose to save gas when I am at a stop and shut down the engine and then restart when I press the gas pedal but that is not happening... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
While driving on a residential street under normal daylight conditions, the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking system failed without warning. A dashboard message appeared instructing me to clean the windshield and stating that collision avoidance services were unavailable. The windshield was clean and unobstructed. There was no precipitation, glare, or debris. The failure o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
While driving on a residential street under normal daylight conditions, the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking system failed without warning. A dashboard message appeared instructing me to clean the windshield and stating that collision avoidance services were unavailable. The windshield was clean and unobstructed. There was no precipitation, glare, or debris. The failure o... Read more
Incident date: Aug 3, 2026
While driving on a residential street under normal daylight conditions, the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking system failed without warning. A dashboard message appeared instructing me to clean the windshield and stating that collision avoidance services were unavailable. The windshield was clean and unobstructed. There was no precipitation, glare, or debris. The failure o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
I am reporting a safety issue with my 2025 Acura MDX involving the Auto Idle Stop/Start system. When the vehicle comes to a stop and the Auto Idle Stop system shuts the engine off, the engine does not always restart as it is supposed to. When this occurs, pressing the START/STOP button does not immediately restart the vehicle. This has left me unable to move the vehicle normally after the engine ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
While operating the vehicle, the transmission suffered an abrupt failure resulting in Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0720 (Output Speed Sensor Circuit). Further diagnostic inspection revealed a complete internal failure of the integrated valve body assembly, which houses the Transmission Control Module (TCM), solenoids, and output speed sensors. The failure caused an immediate loss of gear select... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
I was at my granddaughters and I went to leave and it was like dead except the wrench came up in the dash panel , I waited before calling my husband and I went back to try and start it again and it started no wrench in the display or anything , this was in February 2026. In March of 2026 I was in the middle turn lane on [XXX] by Tuttle, Ok. And it stalled as I was trying to turn and would not move... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
I was told my car is unsafe to drive after taking it to the mechanic for a routine tire balance and rotation. I currently need both rear control arms replaced. I had them replaced in the past. In addition, I have had the front control arms replaced more than once, the lower lateral links replaced, numerous hubs repaired, forelinks and knuckles all replaced not too long ago, so this news comes as... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
2023 Honda CRV hybrid bought from dealership in Clarksville, Indiana. at 63,000 miles the head gasket blew causing major damage. Regular maintenance and oil changes done. Technician said the component just failed for no known reason and exploded. Repair priced at $5300 Honda Corporation refusing to provide any assistance. Research shows many people having same issues of blown head gaskets at only... Read more
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
When I shut off the engine, it says “Shift to park” and the car will not turn off. To get it to turn off, I have to turn the car back on (usually multiple times), until it recognizes that it IS in park.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2026
When I shut off the engine, it says “Shift to park” and the car will not turn off. To get it to turn off, I have to turn the car back on (usually multiple times), until it recognizes that it IS in park.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Impala. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and turning into a parking lot, the vehicle lost power and there was black smoke coming from the right side of the engine compartment. The contact then parked the vehicle and opened the hood, and there were flames coming from the engine compartment. The Fire Department arrived on the scene and ext... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
My 2016 Jeep Cherokee developed severe grinding/scraping noise and vibration associated with the PTU. In 2023, I brought it to Larry H. Miller Jeep 104th for PTU-related Safety Recall 45A and also reported abnormal noise. The noise was not documented and the PTU was not replaced, despite Warranty Extension XJ1 already being in effect. In 2026, after the noise worsened, I returned to an authorized... Read more
Incident date: Aug 10, 2026
The driver’s seat adjustment mechanism failed and the seat became stuck, unable to move forward or backward. We initially went to a Toyota dealership and told them we believed the issue was a broken gear in the seat rail assembly. The dealership stated they needed to complete their own diagnostic assessment before proceeding, which would cost approximately $275 and add delay, despite already bei... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
My 2021 Honda Pilot displayed a U3000 diagnostic trouble code, indicating an internal electronic failure of the front-facing multipurpose camera that operates the vehicle's Honda Sensing safety systems (Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, and Adaptive Cruise Control). As a result, these safety systems became inoperative. I took the vehicle to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and two hubcaps were damaged, and the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact stated tha... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
This is a bran new vehicle purchased and only driven by me. I have video evidence that on the morning of 8/10/26 my windshield was perfectly fine. On returning at the end of the work day there is a 2 foot long crack internal to the windshield, a stress crack, that starts where the sensor panel is. There are numerous reports of this happening to a large number of Kia Carnival owners and Kia refu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
Dealer completed update 9C2 Theta 2 emissions update. After update, the car sputters slightly and increased noise is heard from the tailpipe. Customer returned to dealer after driving the car in different temps and noted the above complaint. Dealer verified the complaint but continues to take no responsibility for the fault on the repair receipt by writing condition is “normal” and recommendin... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
Purchased vehicle in question on 9/11/25 as a lease through the local Jeep dealership near my residence. Sometime around 4/26 to 5/26 my vehicle started to display odd operational patterns which were brought to my local dealerships attention. The first event where I was able to record any type of documentation was around 5/25/26. While driving, the vehicle would suddenly go into "limp mode" and ra... Read more