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: Sep 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the oil level was constantly checked since purchasing the vehicle. The contact stated she was aware of the oil consumption because the oil had to be topped off after each oil change. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The dealer ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The high-pressure fuel pump detached from the cylinder head. The dealership confirmed diagnostic trouble code P228C and reported that one mounting bolt was missing and another bolt was broken off inside the cylinder head, causing the pump to come loose and fail. The damaged parts were replaced at my expense and the components are available for inspection if needed. This failure caused loss of eng... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Transmission fault codes during family highway trip which completely stop all safety features from working.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2021
While driving on the highway, car started to shutter and sputter. Engine light came on, then started flashing putting the car into limp mode and I was almost rear ended by a tractor trailer. I took the car to my local mechanic and he said cylinder 3 misfire. He went to check the plug and coil, coil good but he could not get the plug out. I then called ford and they said they would not let me talk ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2025
Good Morning, I have new Honda Accord 2020 which always been taken care of regular services and oil changes etc. This morning I tried to start my car going to work but suddenly all brake related warning signs came off. My card still not starting the engine. I researched online and found out many people who have same Honda facing same issues. So I figured it's better to be reported before someone ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2025
1. I still can't make sense of what exactly malfunctioned at my car accident on 9/26/2025 but I have reported to the Volkswagen Customer Service on 9/27/2025 and they couldn't give me a precise answer and told me they will have to research and call me back yesterday - 9/30/2025 but I haven't got a call as of this writing. It basically activated something that accelerated suddenly the car and it is... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
I have constantly had problems with the airbag light going on & off for simply no reason driving the road. Also the windshield sensor light keeps going off making it unsafe to drive at night. I am am a senior citizen & I have to work and I keep going back & forth with my mechanic paying extensive checks on top of getting the problem resolved. I don't have money like that. I live along surviving of... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH down the road, the brakes unintendedly activated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who was unable to retrieve a fault code. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that there was a coolant leak, and the coolant level in the reservoir was low. The coolant reservoir was topped off; however, the failure reoccurred. While having an oil change at Keys Toyota (5855 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91401); the contact was informed about the coolant leak in the rear of the engine. The contact stated that the v... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
After applying the brakes in a sudden situation, the automatic emergency braking came on but the car didn't stop. The brake pedal was pushed all the way to the floor board but the car didn't stop and crashed into the vehicle in front. This happened once before but didn't end in a crash. This was a total brake failure.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 13, 2025
Component or System Involved: ABS module (Anti-lock Braking System), with apparent impact on transmission and engine performance. The component is still installed in the vehicle and available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: The vehicle will not drive over 45 mph or exceed 3,000 RPM, which presents a serious safety risk when attempting to merge, change lanes, or maintain safe speeds in t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 29, 2025
10/2022 2yrs owning and around 50,000 miles the all wheel drive went out due to a sensor thats not protected from the elements and of course not covered under the warranty and $900.00 dollars later they install a new one that wasn't updated in order to prevent this from happening again. 9/2/2025 3yrs later and 88,000 miles now the torque converter is going out which i was told by the ford technic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2025
The hybrid braking systems on Toyota Prius' manufactured from 2010-2015 had a serious failure of the hybrid braking system that had additional long term warranties to repair, but never recalled in order to save the money from a total recall. The Sloan Toyota dealership in Glenside knew before I purchased the 2013 Toyota Prius I purchased that a serious brake system failure was very probable with m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2025
I have been having this error message appear intermittently in the car upon starting the vehicle since I purchased the vehicle in August 2024. See attached photo. The message appears seconds after starting up and will go away. Lane keep assist will turn off but I can turn it back on. Additionally, I have had a similar occurrence in multiple occasions while driving where these systems will turn o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2025
I have been having this error message appear intermittently in the car upon starting the vehicle since I purchased the vehicle in August 2024. See attached photo. The message appears seconds after starting up and will go away. Lane keep assist will turn off but I can turn it back on. Additionally, I have had a similar occurrence in multiple occasions while driving where these systems will turn o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
There's an electrical problem going on with all Toyota vehicles coming out with the new navigation system where goes out and keeps rebooting. Multiple times on cars a year have reported this issue. Causes a distraction as screen goes on and off randomly as you drive and backing up. Also without it you can't see your GPS and find routes. Just simple search and there's many complaints about this iss... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2025
2021 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E. Part number 36160-T6Z-A62-M1 failure, hard code U3000-49. Results in total loss of Honda Sense Safety system. Including Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto High-Beam Headlights. This appears to be a fairly common issue across Honda models where the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Every time my wife sits in her passenger seat the SOS warning goes off like it’s trying to call for help, but the call doesn’t go through. Thankfully because there is never a problem, and now the airbag warning is saying it’s not working. Our dealership said the part needed was on back order and they couldn’t get it any faster unless we called customer support. Which is what I thought they... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Was making a left turn when the steering stopped working and the motor lost power, the adaptive steering quit working after approximately 15 mins. I started the car and it was working. Went a half mile made a right turn and it went out again. Shut off the motor tried to start it and could not. 20 mins later it started and has been working since. Dealer couldn't find the problem and wouldn't fix it... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
During rain events, headlight housings are becoming inundated with moisture (L and R sides). A quick search on multiple forums shows this is a known issue with all Porsche models. During night driving this issue reduces visibility significantly. Yes, this puts my occupants and other drivers at risk. Porsche is famous for not acknowledging and addressing out of warranty manufacturing defects, even ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2025
Complete transmission failure without a known cause. 2019 with just over 120,000 miles but I feel like the transmission should have held up for much longer and it is not the first time I had to have work done. A few years prior, I'd taken it in for a transmission service where they needed to drain and flush the system as well as work on the programming.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
Before, I was driving and occasionally the traction control light would flash when I put my foot down on the brakes but would go away when released. I didn't think much of it but then a few days later, I went to brake to stop the car and then the abs, traction control and brake system lights lit up on the dash and wouldn't go away. I pulled over safely and turned the car off and on again but it wo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The four 225/55 R19 tires’, purchased 05/02/25 and available for inspection upon request, asymmetrical tread design has 5 treads & 4 troughs across its width. The center tread and the adjacent one to its outside both have varied design water dispersal slots. When the tires are properly mounted with the word “outside” viewable on the outside of all 4 wheels and the vehicle is rolling forward,... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated for an extended period before suddenly accelerating rapidly, almost causing a crash. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Audi E-Tron. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V867000 (Electrical System). The part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the battery module had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The steering sticks. The sticking is making it difficult to control the vehicle without excessive jerking. According to mechanic, it's the gearbox.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2025
When driving from West Hartford to Westerly on June 3, serious banging started coming from the left rear undercarriage. I stopped by a local Midas shop which identified the problem as a totally broken rear spring which created a dangerous driving situation. At the time, the van had 57K miles on it. The shop strongly advised that we should consider the van as inoperable, and we subsequently had the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
My 2021 Dodge Durango drivers side daytime running light went out around 55000 miles. I do have an extended warranty through the manufacturer, but was informed that this is not a covered part despite it being a known issue and a “max care warranty”. The reason being that it is considered a “bulb” however to replace it requires the entire new left headlamp assembly to be replaced, per the d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
My 2021 Dodge Durango drivers side daytime running light went out around 55000 miles. I do have an extended warranty through the manufacturer, but was informed that this is not a covered part despite it being a known issue and a “max care warranty”. The reason being that it is considered a “bulb” however to replace it requires the entire new left headlamp assembly to be replaced, per the d... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The oil pump is defective and is a known issue at Alfa Romeo which causes the car restrict function which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the light on the instrument panel was abnormally dim. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over a bumpy road surface, the rear end of the vehicle was swaying from side to side. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound at start up, and it was difficult to remove the key from the ign... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2004 Saturn Vue. The contact stated that the light on the instrument panel was abnormally dim. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over a bumpy road surface, the rear end of the vehicle was swaying from side to side. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound at start up, and it was difficult to remove the key from the ign... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 - 65 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the vehicle experienced the death wobble, causing the vehicle to independently shift into either the left or right lane. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result was unknown. The contact was ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2025
Recall 23S65 has been active since January of 2024. Ford has failed to provide the necessary parts to repair my F150. Through my communications to Ford, they have been made aware of the fact that multiple mechanics have indicated that my truck is in need of immediate repair. Ford’s failure to provide the necessary relief to a recall from January of 2024 renders my $45,000 ($72,000 new) truck bas... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact noticed that the chrome on the rims of the vehicle was oxidized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the rims. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat failed to move forward or backward. The contact stated that while attempting to move the seat, the seat failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the seat was faulty and needed to be re... Read more
ACURA
MDX SPORT HYBRID
(2017) - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
Sep 23, 2025
Incident date: Jul 15, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that initially, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear-end of the vehicle was swaying. Upon inspection, there was severe rust on the rear suspension of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed that there was severe rusting to the rear suspension, with fractures on the passenger's side of the vehicle, wi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
I purchased about 4 months ago with about 139,000 miles on it. The vehicle now has 142,000 miles and is experiencing excessive oil consumption—approximately 0.9 quarts per 600 miles. VW seems to be pushing this off and as I try to use my extended warranty I purchased when I got the car, AUL has asked for an engine tear down. VW knows about this issue, as it is internally a known issue for this m... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2025
My engine leaks coolant and there is a recall for my car make and from the same year but my car is not included in the recall and it is a known issue with ford. They should expand the recall to more cars if they know it is an issue and a safety concern.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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.
Incident date: Dec 31, 1969
Just pick up son from day care on afternoon of [XXX]. We were heading out of pea ridge and it was raining that day so speed was approximately 52-55 mph when all the light for the traction system starting flashing followed by a metal squealing sound. pulled over and noticed the brake was hot. so limped it home at 25 mph and scheduled it to be in the shop. come to find out the rear axle had broke i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2025
Since I’ve got the vehicle i experienced issues with it not going in drive or reverse sporadically. I was air to obtain this in video and show it to the dealer for the first time Dec 2023. In addition and overtime it’s seems this issue may go hand and hand with the lane assist issue that had been known on Chevy models where they either don’t work of they don’t recognize the lanes correctly... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Lower ball joint separated from knuckle and it says 0 recalls repaired i want it replaced because there oem they were never replaced when recalled
Crash
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Lower ball joint separated from knuckle and it says 0 recalls repaired i want it replaced because there oem they were never replaced when recalled
Crash
Incident date: Aug 31, 2025
Corroded brake lines. This is a well known issue for many ML350s built during this time period. This car was built with steel brake lines that easily corrode and present a serious safety issue. While driving a few months ago, the car suddenly lost the ability to brake because a line rusted completely through. The mechanic noted the lines are rusted in many other places as well. Mercedes refuses to... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
Since May 2025, my 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV has experienced repeated electronic malfunctions with the central display and instrument cluster. The screens have frozen, flickered, and rebooted multiple times while driving. On one occasion at approximately 75 mph, the entire display and instrument panel shut down and did not return for about two minutes. The vehicle continued to respond to steering,... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
Since May 2025, my 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV has experienced repeated electronic malfunctions with the central display and instrument cluster. The screens have frozen, flickered, and rebooted multiple times while driving. On one occasion at approximately 75 mph, the entire display and instrument panel shut down and did not return for about two minutes. The vehicle continued to respond to steering,... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
Car shut down on [XXX] and would not start. Indicated problem with charging system. Vehicle is currently in Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico. Towed car to local Jeep dealer. Car had outstanding recall (ZB7 2021-2023 JL 4XE Loss of Motive Power). Dealer diagnosed issues as a failure of the battery, so that was replaced, along with software updates to address the recalls. We had to pay over $900 out of ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
Since May 2025, my 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV has experienced repeated electronic malfunctions with the central display and instrument cluster. The screens have frozen, flickered, and rebooted multiple times while driving. On one occasion at approximately 75 mph, the entire display and instrument panel shut down and did not return for about two minutes. The vehicle continued to respond to steering,... Read more