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: Jul 1, 2025
My media display will randomly turn off while driving, idling and parking. It will happen with Apple CarPlay connection and without anything connected, ie just listening to radio. It requires the whole system to reboot an attempt to login, which also often fails. This is a safety concern for both driver and pedestrians as it affects parking visibility when the systems reboots while parking. Als... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Total camera failure. Dealer tried to repair with the software update that is still showing as an open recall with my vehicle. Dealer states repair is a module, PN: 8638A551. Dealer charged $129 diagnostic fee. Part and labor quote over $1400.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
I am getting a U129D-00 code, my vehicle isn't passing 50mph. Says lane keep assist problem, vehicle stability problem, precision steering problem, i am experiencing all the characteristics of specific service bulletin 15-050. What are my options
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
Abs internal system failure. Abs light illuminated, traction control light illuminated, parking brake light illuminated at all times. Is available for inspection. Do not have abs system currently working and is faulty. Spongy braking and am at risk for brake failure at any time. Especially during slick road conditions. It has been confirmed with independent service center and has been inspected by... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
I received an email from Dianese that there is a recall on my helmet. I have tried to reach them, as stated in the email, via email and phone with no response from my emails, and there is a recording on the phone number given that just says fill out a contact form on the website, which I have without a response. So it appears as though they are acknowledging the issue and conducting a recall, but ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2022
ABS Control Module which is under engineering review thru stellantis and unavailable for the last 2+ years, it affects the abs, trailer brake control and cruise control. It was diagnosed by marlette chrysler jeep dodge in michigan. It started by randomly applying brakes on a curve at slow speeds then according to the dealer completely failed causing cruise control failure, trailer brake control fa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would independently accelerate without warning. Due to the failure, the contact stated that they had hit a building while attempting to park in a parking space. The air bag did not deploy during the accident and the contact suffered stiffness to the left side of their neck. The contact was... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 3, 2025
All documents are attached as it is many separate incidents that ended knock from motor and minutes later, a piston shooting through the engine block which is what made the car inoperable
Incident date: Jul 13, 2025
Check engine light came on. Cooling fan for engine running none stop. Reduce power mode from engine. Took to dealer, said it’s the coolant control valve. Dealer said the part is on back order and don’t know when they will get it in. Looked up the issues and sounds like many people are having the same problem with the 3L diesel from GMC. These people reporting the same thing and having to ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle jerked, and an abnormal sound was heard coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2025
**CURRENT RECAL FIX DID NOT FIX MY ISSUE** Often when starting vehicle after hours of parking and entering reverse to back out of parking spot, camera will show "camera temporarily unavailable" and is not usable for a time (30seconds up to several minutes). We have software version 3.5.24 in-which the recall should have already been fixed as per the letter we received. The issue is not resolved ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2025
The electrical power steering went out while driving. When searching for a replacement, we were told they weren't even taking orders for the part because of how many failed. Clearly there is a MAJOR issue with the power steering part. It should be recalled so more people can get them fixed without potentially causing an accident at time of FAILURE
Incident date: May 1, 2025
My 2010 Toyota Prius has had a charcoal fuel canister leak since day one. 2.9 million Prius cars were recalled and Toyota says my car is NOT included in the recall but has the same issue of the other Toyota Prius that were included? Check engine light has never gone off. Upon fueling a strong odor of gasoline is detected and I am very worried about the car catching fire. Toyota needs to be held ac... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2025
Trailer brake controller was at first intermittently failing with message “trailer disconnected” appearing on dashboard. Now > 2,000 miles trailer brakes are not working. Vehicle was updated with SSM 53889 which did not resolve the issue.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Front suspension lower control arm Bushings left and right side failed
Incident date: Jul 11, 2025
The contact a 2022 Honda Passport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission hesitated prior to accelerating. In addition, the contact stated that while reversing, the transmission jerked into reverse. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact s... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350 used for hauling a 24-foot trailer. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. While driving and approaching a stop, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle restarted on one occasion. The reduced power mode message was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the failure ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder, causing the engine block to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clacking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
Subject: Inadequate Anti-Theft Security – 2023 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE To Whom It May Concern: I am filing this complaint regarding the lack of sufficient theft deterrent technology in the 2023 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE, which directly contributed to my vehicle being stolen in July 2025. Despite being a high-performance vehicle valued at over $50,000, the Camaro lacks a modern immobilizer syste... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The car is literally burning through oil so bad every other week I am putting more in, the electrical system continues to fail and shorts, the motor sounds like it is ticking now due to the oil consumption.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2025
The Engine Electrical harness is completely corroded after only 50,000 miles requiring a 4k+ repair. Oil leaking from the camshaft sensor pushed it way all throughout harness. There are no warnings as it will only be noticeable after doing routine maintenance OUTSIDE of the manufactures warranty. While driving you may lose complete power or slight power loss due to engine misfiring and low system ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model X. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the message “Steering Assist Reduced” message displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. T... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
I am reporting a critical safety defect involving my brand-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving on the freeway, the vehicle experienced a complete brake system failure, nearly causing a serious accident. My boyfriend was driving at the time, and when he tried to brake, the vehicle did not stop. He had to take immediate evasive action to avoid crashing, which put both of us — and nearby drive... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2025
I am reporting a critical safety defect involving my brand-new 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe. While driving on the freeway, the vehicle experienced a complete brake system failure, nearly causing a serious accident. My boyfriend was driving at the time, and when he tried to brake, the vehicle did not stop. He had to take immediate evasive action to avoid crashing, which put both of us — and nearby drive... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2025
Unknown
Crash
Incident date: Jul 8, 2015
My Jeep has been a consistent problem. The vehicle gives many warning and "service powertrain" warnings in the dashboard. Additionally, at the same time as the warnings, the vehicle will lurch - slowing down significantly and making passengers in the vehicle panic. I have gone to the dealer to already fix not 1 but 5, yes FIVE, recalls related to the powertrain system. This last visit (today) I w... Read more
Incident date: Jun 22, 2025
Yellow check engine light comes on and off. Car isn’t 1 yr old yet im being told there is no recall yet or a fix.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a dangerous incident involving my Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) and Hyundai Motor America’s failure to fully correct the issue. Incident Summary: While driving on the freeway, the vehicle suddenly displayed the following alarming warnings: “Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do Not Drive” “Check ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
The steering column has a stuck/ stickiness to it specifically when turning left. It’s extremely concerning because unless you’re jerking the wheel back the other direction immediately, it’ll stay in place allowing the vehicle to continue turning
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
Vehicle is getting errors for Emssions controls, parking brake, and sh-awd system faults all at the same time. Car will still function normally and codes will go off and come back intermittently. Also while reading the codes it will get a U3006-16 code for low voltage on the ecm. Confirmed battery is good under load test and alternator is charging at 14.2 volts.
Incident date: Apr 24, 2025
while driving the vehicle goes into what I have found is called sleep mode.. The check engine lite comes on and the left info panel shows that the all wheel drive is not working. The dealer tried to see what codes were set and found none. My solution is to pull off the road, put the vehicle in park and turn off the ignition. After about 30 seconds I can restart the vehicle and drive again. The res... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2025
While driving KIA 2012: It will suddenly quit running while driving. Loss of control of steering. Loss of electrical controls, ie: brake lights, head lights & all electrical devices. Dangerous to drive.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2025
in late June 2025, I heard a loud noise in the rear of the Pathfinder, that would happen during normal driving and worsen if I went over a speed bump for example. I took it to a local mechanic . He informed me that the rear subframe was rotted. It was undriveable once I knew how dangerous this situation was. I have a [XXX] child. I am his legal guardian and he lives with me. We spend a lot of time... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2025
Audi MMI display constantly shuts off and turns back on with a message about this user not being used despite using it everyday. This happens all the time and has been on going for months. It is dangerous when I’m relying on it for navigation. I have not had this issue looked at at an Audi dealership but have read this issue seems to be widespread with 2020 models. The issue is ongoing and only ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
Water/rain leaking through sunroof/light electrical panel replaced by Audi dealer once before, now it is leaking once again. Bringing it back to Audi to see why this keeps happening after I was told it would not happen after it was replaced.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
I am reaching out regarding a serious issue with my 2017 Ford Escape SE AWD (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has developed a coolant leak that appears to be internal, which has led to concerns about engine performance and potential long-term damage. After researching this issue, I discovered that coolant intrusion into the cylinders is a known and widespread problem affecting this model and engine typ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
Car goes in limp mode once the brake system lights come on. When the brake light system comes on, none of the functions for the automatic breaks or electrical portion of my vehicle works. The car will act as if it will not accelerate right before the codes start to appear on the car.
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms part... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
When slowing as I exited freeway the steering locked up and forced me into right lane. There were lots of warning lights, STOP when safe, steering assist problem, brake system problem, low speed braking problem. I had no power steering but was able to get car into a parking lot. I turned the car off and back on. The warning message said it was a brake system problem and to see dealer. Acu... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
split developed in tread area, unknown date, recently observed
Incident date: Jul 2, 2025
Sunroof will not close and every time it rains it leaks so much to the point that it’s going to cause more electrical issues. I will not take this back to the Randy Marion dealership in west Jefferson NC they also sold me this car with a bad transmission which ended back up in the shop for 3 plus months. They were completely incompetent about handling the situation. So I will not go back to them... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
kia motor sized up after an oil change at a little over 80,000 miles.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
Engine malfunction at approximately 71,000 miles. Diagnosed by Nissan dealer and was told that engine is not repairable and must be replaced.
Incident date: Jun 27, 2025
The LED daytime running light failed on my vehicle and the dealer needed to replace the entire headlight unit. The manufacturer wanted to charge $2,500 for the replacement. There must be something faulty in the design of these headlights as out of 156 people I surveyed with Defenders, I’ve heard of 55 who have had this same issue, 7 who have had their daytime running light and headlight fail, 87... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH with passengers seated in the rear seats, the passengers became aware that water was entering the vehicle between the window and frame. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact of Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-383. The vehicle was not diagno... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
As this car was being driven by my mother, she was going approximately 40 mph around a turn on a road she drives every day and for now reason the car starting saying she had been in a crash, the steering stopped working and the brakes locked and she was no longer in the car. She was able to manuever it into a ditch, which fortunately wasn't very deep to avoid any other cars. We took this to the ... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH with passengers seated in the rear seats, the passengers became aware that water was entering the vehicle between the window and frame. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact of Technical Service Bulletin: 18-NA-383. The vehicle was not diagno... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The gear shifter cable on my 2014 Cadillac CTS failed completely and without warning. The vehicle became totally inoperable and could not be shifted into Park, Neutral, Reverse, or Drive. There were no dashboard alerts or signs of failure. This matches the exact symptoms described in GM Recall No. 21V473000. However, my vehicle was excluded from further action because it had previously received a... Read more