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: Feb 6, 2025
The navigation, information, and control screen in this vehicle randomly shuts down and reboots. often when using the reverse and 360 camera system. Ford has said they will not work on these systems as they are faulty, and has promised a software revision for over 6 months. The dealers report that they are not allowed to work on this until the new software comes from Ford. At least one time the in... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
I've had my vehicle for almost two months. When backing out of my garage occasionally the automatic emergency braking will engage when no obstacle is behind the vehicle. This has happened numerous times and requires multiple stop/restart cycles to get far enough to actually proceed.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
While parked car engine stopped and got a message that said “ Steering Wheel Power Low”. Windshield wipers had been on for a while. Car will not start.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
While parked car engine stopped and got a message that said “ Steering Wheel Power Low”. Windshield wipers had been on for a while. Car will not start.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
I was driving on the freeway for about 5 minutes and literally out of no where my car began to make a strange noise and then my engine light came on. Following that my car shut off and I immediately lost power I pulled over as best I can and turn my hazard on eventually the car died because I couldn’t get a tow out fast enough and I’ve had it sitting at a shop ever since this incident.. tell
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
We live in mn, weather was below zero and was driving home in my 2013 Chevrolet Equinox with 45,000 miles on it. Car started to shutter and just shut off. Called tow truck, mechanic said pcv froze and blew out rear seal. I am 24 and fighting brain cancer (medulloblastoma)…I have heard this is a design flaw and Chevrolet knows it. I have medical bills and college debt that are continuous….now I... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
At 35,000 miles, my 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe started to misfire. When I pressed the accelerator, the truck started hesitating and the check engine light started flashing. I was able to get the truck to the dealer I purchased it at. The technician "claimed" it was a bad fuel injector. The dealer replaced the spark plug and injector. The vehicle was never test driven. I picked up the truck and drove it ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
While turning left out of a drive through my the steering locked up and shot to the left causing a run up on the curb. However after a second or two it cleared. Upon shutting the car off and restarting driving in a parking lot same problem occured steering wheel shot to left causing me to almost loose control then all electrical power was lost in the vehicle. The steering wheel fault came up on th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
My driver and passenger side curtain airbags randomly deployed without a collision. Thankfully I was at a stop sign when this happened. If it happened while I was driving, I’m sure I would have wrecked and could possibly be dead. It was loud! I thought I’d been shot or that I’d driven over a bomb. We did take the car to someone that’s certified in airbags and it was stated that this was du... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2025
I have a 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 with a 6.2 engine. The truck had roughly 50,000 miles on it when the engine completely stopped working while I was driving on a busy multi lane highway during rush hour. After almost getting hit by multiple vehicles while trying to glide my truck to the side of the highway. I waited 2 hours trying to get my truck towed to a local dealership and the next day was to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
The DEF exhaust system has failed. It was replaced before under a recall. The warranty was previously extended on the system but I am outside of the mileage window but inside of the time window. I have $6000 in repairs so far and am trying to get assistance. I have been dealing with issues since October 2024
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The hybrid powertrain system, transmission, or engine appears to be malfunctioning. The vehicle hesitates or stalls when pressing the gas, losing power as if it doesn’t recognize when to transition between EV and gas mode. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. How was yo... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
Stitching and seals on the soft top have separated creating concern over large tear that could separate the soft top material from the frame and cause a safety issue. Brought this to the attention of the local dealer and said it would be addressed but they failed to address issue with return communication from dealer. Took to another dealer and Ford refused to repair despite it being approved pr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost electrical power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated before the screen went black. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery had failed. The contact was informed that the battery did not suppor... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost electrical power and stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated before the screen went black. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery had failed. The contact was informed that the battery did not suppor... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
I bought a 2021 Bronco Sport Brand new and ever since the car has been a problem. The rear axle wasn’t getting enough lubricants so it was grinding and I didn’t know what it was at the time but I took it to a Ford dealership and was told after spending 200$ on diagnostic testing that absolutely nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle kept doing the same thing grinding noises so I took ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 3, 2025
While driving this truck at approximately 45 mph to 50mph the steering locked up and could not turn wheel either way with both hands . It then broke loose causing to truck to take a herd right turn . It does same thing if you are pulling to left when it frees up causing a quick left hand turn . This is very dangerous as total loss of steering occurred . Luckily there was room to stop . The steerin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
The contact owned a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The veh... Read more
Incident date: Jan 19, 2025
On or around January 27 2025 my 2022 sierra loss power and shut down at night and dropped to 0 rpm. I was close to the house and got pulled home by relative. When I did get it cranked lifters were tapping which was common in the 6.2 but I drained my oil and filter and saw the glitter look. Truck was still tapping after warmed up. Last night I about got hit at an intersection when same thing happen... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the vehicle was overheating, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into various cylinders had resulted in damage to the engine... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
Recall has been going on for a year and still no remedy. I have no been able to work with this vehicle since BMW put out this recall and there has been no fix for it. I am stuck with this vehicle
Incident date: Sep 19, 2020
During cold starts there is a loud ticking sound coming from the top side of the engine. It appears to be one or more HLA.
Incident date: Feb 29, 2024
My car which is FWD, not AWD, is exhibiting the same behavior that the recall for the AWD Equinox has. With Adaptive Cruise engaged the car does not slow down or brake when approaching vehicles in front of it. I have to intervene and apply the brakes to prevent hitting the vehicle in front. Also, with ACC on the vehicle will accelerate on its own. I have to intervene to slow the vehicle down. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
Second event: Again about 30 mph, a FEDEX truck was turning left in front of me, as I steered to the right to pass it, the AEB stopped me, fortunately there was no one behind me this time. The last time this happened I was rear-ended.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
The contact's sister owns a 2012 Jeep Liberty. The contact stated that upon opening the door of the vehicle, the contact's sister became aware that the driver's side headrest had been deployed. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V640000 (Seats, Air Bags). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2020
Bought vehicle new in 2018. Starting in 2020, brought car to dealership complaining that car, at times, did not accelerate when prompted. Vehicle pauses, then lurches forward. Very dangerous when making left turns and when merging with traffic. My wife (who used to be primary driver of this vehicle), refused to continue to drive it ...and neither I nor my wife would allow our now age 21 daught... Read more
Incident date: Jun 13, 2024
The contact owned a 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe. The contact stated while the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a burning odor and the vehicle stalled. The contact idled the vehicle to the shoulder of the road and exited the vehicle. The vehicle burst into flames after the occupants exited the vehicle. The contact's daughter and daughter's friend were occupa... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 19, 2020
Parking brake remains engaged when driving after parking Must manually reset parking brake because the brake doesn’t release automatically after - as designed
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
Driver side, passenger sliding door does not properly close at times. When closing, it seems the sensor is sensing blockage and will not shut fully but re-opens the door again and again. It will mentally close after the 4th or 5th time. I typically will have to get out and manually push the sliding door shut. This happens at least a few times a week. I have noticed it around summer of 2024. It is... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
Coolant is leaking into the engine due to poor design and the engine needs to be replaced.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
While accelerating off the entrance ramp onto the highway, The engine randomly slows down automatically…the car reduced speed drastically without applying brakes and without cars around me or in front of me.
Incident date: Jan 30, 2025
While accelerating off the entrance ramp onto the highway, The engine randomly slows down automatically…the car reduced speed drastically without applying brakes and without cars around me or in front of me.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and unknown messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,022.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and unknown messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,022.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Engine spontaneously caught fire. It had been parked for hours before it happened. Everything under the hood was totaled
Fire
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle independently engaged the automatic braking feature and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that there were no objects behind the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and there was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was locking all ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the ignition became inoperable. The contact was unable to turn off the ignition with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was not able to remove the key fob from the ignition. The contact removed the battery to turn off the vehicle and remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
Problem with rear back mirror defects after so long my back window shattered with no reason
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
Leaking coolant overheat the engine. It was unexpected and left us stranded since the car could not be driven once it overheated. Got coolant and fill it in, so was able to drive back home. But the leak is so severe I had to park my car in my garage and stop using it.
Incident date: Jul 11, 2024
For about three weeks, my airbag warning light appeared intermittently, lasting 1–3 minutes at a time. I have not taken it to the dealership because I was unsure if it was covered by the warranty, and they had no availability. Now the warning light is off, but I am worried that the airbags will not deploy if needed.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
On a regular basis (AT LEAST 1 x daily) I will be driving my 2019 Jeep Cherokee, and when I stop at a light, stop sign, parking spot, or the start/stop component turns off the engine, the power to my vehicle completely fails. The vehicle will turn off completely. The dash panel, radio, everything will completely turn off. This has caused me to be stuck in the middle of the street, and it also h... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
This vehicle has a death wobble above 50 mph when hitting a slight bump in the road causing loss of control. It has been repaired multiple times with no resolution. We tried arbitration but because we continued to drive it, they ruled in the manufacture's favor not understanding we had no choice but to continue driving it to take my wife's father to cancer treatments. It now has 56000 miles on it ... Read more
ACURA
RDX
(2019) — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
Jan 29, 2025
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Maxima. The contact received notification of an undisclosed recall. The contact stated that while the vehicle was off, the push-to-start button was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to start. The immobilizer warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the key fob and the steering lock needed to be replaced. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
It has been 6 times that we have needed to jump start the car. The time that i start it before it actually needs a jump you notice the screen and ac take a minute or two to turn on after you have already turned on the car. Today it started fine and the second time it needed a jump start. I contacted AAA the first time it happened, they checked the battery at the dealer and everything looked great ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2025
There is an unrepaired recall and for some reason until now the dealership can’t get the parts they supposedly need to get it fixed.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
The car is constantly throwing codes for faulty emissions system problem and parking brake problem but the car runs fine. The dealership will not do anything unless I pay them a fee to diagnose it and then they suggest replacing the catalytic converter even though it’s very likely a faulty fuel hose or faulty sensor. This needs to be recalled and fixed immediately
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
1. "Rear Belt Monitor Fault" warning popped up on my dash. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. This warning indicates that if i get an accident my life is at risk. 3. The light has come on each time while i am driving for the past 2 days. Has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. 4. No, the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, pol... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 stated that... Read more
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
Vehice experienced FULL power loss several times. Truck taken to dealership and stated no problem found. Incident happened again a week later. Determined wires can become lose from battery terminals for no reason.