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: Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle shook violently while driving above 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the steering coupler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Incident date: Jan 28, 2025
My truck was in the dealer for a 66A recall on the crankshaft positioning sensor. The recall states the magnetic material attached to the tone wheel if lost the engine loses its ability to synchronize injector pulse and cam timing. The fix was a PCM reprogram to maintain engine operation if signal is lost. There is a prior recall W68 which address the tone ring for replacement on 2014-2016 model c... Read more
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 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.
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.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
The electrical system and start/stop system has went blizzark and began loosing power going in and out of limp mode the headlights no longer work on one side and high beam isn't bright anymore I've replaced the auxiliary battery and the normal battery has begun to short circuit and cannot decide if it's full charged or down to 8volts when their began happening it was during a rainstorm and I was ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
1. After driving the car and turning it off, I get a loud bang coming from a gas tank. 2. Sometimes when making a hard right or left turn steering wheel vibrates, and the warning light for all wheel drive system comes on. When I turn the car off and restart it, it goes away. 3. After software installs due to recalls, when I accelerate my radio occasionally shuts off on its own, and then we’ll co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
While driving on an interstate, the Instrument cluster / digital gauge cluster screen behind my steering wheel turned off. I was driving with my adaptive cruise control on when all of a sudden I see the screen go black and I was no longer able to see how fast the car was going, the engine temperature, or how much fuel I had, as well as all of the other metrics on that dashboard. The car never lost... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
There is an active recall on the brake calipers and fuel pump for Acura Mdx 2017, and Hondas. My Acura Mdx 2017 has the same issues with a code of p07e4, which is the brake calipers. When looking up the recall of my car, there is no recall on it when inserting the VIN. My car is an Acura Mdx 2017; I do not understand why it is not included in the recall when it should.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
I’m still waiting for the current recall to be corrected. The suspension is worn out. Replaced rear shocks, front struts, lower control arm. This is the worse automobile I’ve ever owned. If possible, I will never buy another ford. The car’s rear back up camera has been replaced and has stopped working again.
Incident date: Dec 21, 2024
While driving at highway speed we experienced a bearing failure that let to an engine replacement. The engine was subsequently replaced for galling from the piston arm. No warnings or engine malfunction notices occurred prior to the incident. It is my understanding there is an investigation into this specific problem with the 6.2L GMC engine. We were fortunately able to exit the freeway and imm... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
My AC heater stopped functioning when I was driving through sub zero temperatures in salt lake city, Utah. At that time Tesla said they will need to replace the entire system and estimated 3000 dollars. However the system started working on its own and when they inspected the vehicle, they said everything looks good with HVAC. Now after 3 weeks, AC heater has stopped working again and they are aga... Read more
Incident date: Jan 26, 2025
AFTER REMOVING snow from my windshield, the left (driver's) side wiper is not moving. I'm trying to make an appointment with Key Hyundai of Milford, CT - the dealer does not have an appointment until February. This is a real safety issue.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Failed Reductant Heater, poor SCR performance (requiring a new SCR) and EGR failure at 8 years, 132k miles
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
1) 12/20/2024: Took the car to a Mitsubishi dealer as the 'Check Engine Light' was ON for a few days. They erased the code but could not diagnose the cause. Returned home and could NOT charge the car using the same standard outlet (level 1) I used since I bought the car. The instrument cluster displayed the following (Please see Pic 1): a) Error message 'PHEV System Fault, Service Required... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
I have a 2021 Jeep Compass and have been experiencing transmission bucking ever since purchasing out my lease. It is a known issue to Chrysler but they refuse to issue a recall. I have gone to the dealer twice so far. Once, they did a software update for the transmission per a bulletin that Chrysler posted for hard shifting complaints. That did nothing to fix the problem and it only got worse. The... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
I'm not sure if there is a problem with any of the components, but the radar sensor malfunction impacted the vehicle's braking system. Situation: On [XXX], I was driving with my wife and her nephew from my home (Ankeny, IA) to Indiana on [XXX] [XXX] and [XXX] [XXX] . It was snowing that day. As usual, there were other vehicles on the highway, semi-trucks, pickup trucks, cars. The snow was spl... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Over the past 4 months the powertrain malfunction light has illuminated 4 times on random occasions. The first time it came on while I was driving home from shopping. I did not notice the light until I stalled in the intersection trying to get on to the interstate. Stopped at the Ford dealership and insisted they scan it while the light was on. They refused and kept it for 2 days to tell me there ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
I am writing to file a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with the backup camera system in my Ram 1500.Issue: Since [Date of Issue], the backup camera display on the 12.1-inch screen has been significantly reduced in size. It now occupies only half of the screen, with vehicle controls (climate, audio, etc.) occupying the lower portion. This unexpected change in functionality occurred witho... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
My car is has engine hesitation and runs rough. I have a recall call letter and the Ford dealership Ken Grody Carlsbad, Ca refused to fix the recall because it is not giving the code but I’m having issues with it.
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
While traveling North on [XXX] in N. Texas, congested roadway at the time, had to come to an abrupt stop because a vehicle in front of me suddenly hit their brakes. The forward collision system worked as it should, the icon popped up on the display and the vehicle started braking. One morning as I prepare to pull out of my driveway, vehicle facing North, the forward collision icon is on the dash... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2025
The steering wheel locks while driving. The headlights have gone out randomly on this car a few times. The steering locked up in a turn and I went into another guys lane and almost caused a major accident. The dealerships say they can’t recreate the issue but never really tried. The vehicle has been lemoned law but the manufacturer now is playing games and not following through on the lemon law ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The steering wheel locks while driving. The headlights have gone out randomly on this car a few times. The steering locked up in a turn and I went into another guys lane and almost caused a major accident. The dealerships say they can’t recreate the issue but never really tried. The vehicle has been lemoned law but the manufacturer now is playing games and not following through on the lemon law ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was informed by... Read more
Incident date: Jan 12, 2022
On December 13, 2024, my 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV experienced a critical engine failure, requiring it to be towed to the dealership. I had taken delivery of the vehicle just one month prior, on November 13, 2024. The dealership informed me that the engine required a rebuild, including replacement of the lifters. The mechanic who worked on the vehicle stated that the engine had undergone a previ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving 5-10 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and pulsated. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating from 7th gear and failed to function as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with a mechatronic unit failure associated with the transmission. The vehicle was not rep... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
My truck has had transmission issues since we purchased it. At 79,000 miles the factory transmission finally went out and needed replaced. The truck currently has 81,000 miles on it and is already having transmission problems with the rebuilt parts. Background: the truck began having hard downshifts since purchase. Over the course of our ownership, we noticed it started struggling with shifting ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The Electric seats do not adjust due to failed motors. Electric mirrors do not adjust due to failed motors. Gas refuel door does not open due to faulty actuator. All things that make the care dangerous to drive. Online search reveals that all three issues are very common in the 2021-2023 KIA K5 cars. We believe they pose a danger. Also, they seem to break at about 40-60K miles. Often out of war... Read more
Incident date: Jan 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "4WD Unavailable - Service Required" was displayed. 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, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit resulting in dama... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
Motor seized at 52,000 miles.... replaced motor... at 72K miles, lifters and rods had to be replaced on the 2nd motor. Transmission also failure at 72K, being replaced.
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V913000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control (ESC); 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 contact stated that while driving at various speeds or ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 2500. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that a diagnostic scanner was used to retrieve DTC: P2609; which indicated a failure in the intake air heater system. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealers were contacted and indicated that the part was not available to order. N... Read more
Incident date: Dec 5, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while in stop-and-go traffic, several warning lights began to flash on the instrument panel and the vehicle started to lose power. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the starter was replaced. The contact stated that several months later, the contact stated that the "Service Shifter" wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
Hello and good day, I purchased a 2018 DODGE RAM 3500 with 82k miles for $31k back in March 2024 @ Cambridge Truck located 5640 Glenn Hwy, Cambridge, OH 43725; Phone number 740-255-5200. My down payment was $8500 and my financial agreement was for $800 a month. My family and I were moving back to Connecticut and we needed a truck for all of our furniture/belongings, and for my fiancé's new land... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
Spontaneously the left back side door has failed to close on several occasions. It happened first while parked in the driveway and I had to use my body to get it shut. I went to have it checked out at the Volvo dealer and when I described it they told me several people had been in for service with the same issue. They told me one lady had it on 2 doors and another realized her door was open when i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
the last 3 times we had very insignificant snow accumulation, my vehicle dashboard lit up with 6 different warnings, some audible. when you look up the info on them it says the car cannot steer, break, will roll on a hill etc. One warning advises to remove all flammables from the car. I was very nervous and almost towed the car but since I was a mile from home I drove it and brought it to the dea... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
The Seltos started losing power driving on interstate, started smoking and then lost all power and would not start. We had the car towed to Brakes plus where we had an oil change as of recent, they confirmed it was piston ring failure and the engine was done for. The car has just over 28,000 miles on it. Kia dealership and warranty is avoiding to state that it was indeed the piston rings failing. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that after an oil change at a local dealer, the contact was informed that the auxiliary battery wiring harness was failing and needed to be replaced. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that this failure was a series of failures of the vehicle. The contact previously had the fuel pump and the fuel tank mounting bolts re... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Power steering went out and can’t back on
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
Remote start, infotainment system which controls everything, dashboard, lights, and cigarette lighter all intermittently turn off and on. Everyday, something else seems to stop working. My vehicle is 2.5 weeks old. This is apparently is a know latent defect that Volvo has chosen to keep from customers, based on feedback from VOLVO service, who are actually denying appointments stating that ther... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2025
Loud Clicking sound, engine light blinking, car was shaking horribly almost caused an accident.
Incident date: Jan 20, 2025
Driving normal about 60mph. Car seems to go into limp mode with no acceleration response. Toyota confirms the clutch actuator is failing causing the vehicle to not have acceleration pressure and that the transmission needs to be replaced. There are no indications or lights showing a malfunction and acceleration from a stop can be unresponsive. Turning the vehicle off and on will temporarily reset ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V802000 (Electrical System); 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 stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the in... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Remote start, infotainment system which controls everything, dashboard, lights, and cigarette lighter all intermittently turn off and on. Everyday, something else seems to stop working. My vehicle is 2.5 weeks old. This is apparently is a know latent defect that Volvo has chosen to keep from customers, based on feedback from VOLVO service, who are actually denying appointments stating that ther... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that whenever the transmission was shifting between 3rd to 4th and 9th to 10th gear, there was a lag while upshifting. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate while idling, and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer... Read more