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 20, 2025
Went to the carwash and the sunroof exploded
Incident date: Jan 10, 2025
Engin shut off while driving and would not start again. Fortunately, this happened in a parking lot. If this happened on a highway, there could have been a bad outcome. When the car shut off the steering became very heavy. Dealer says it was a result of skipped timing. Timing belt did not break and has about 10,000 miles on it. Dealer provided no reason as to why this happened. No warning signs ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Ever since the 2nd day I owned the car which I purchased on [XXX], the interior lighting, sunroof button and roadside assistance button operate themselves when it's colder then 40 degrees outside, the lights blink, the sunroof button doesn't work and the roadside assistance gets called repeatedly. All this is very distracting while driving, especially in the evening time. I have video recorded it... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Stabilitrak light comes on that also causes the engine light to come on. The vehicle self-accelerate while in park and did again when in drive. Can not tell you how fast the Rpm accelerated due to panic that the vehicle was self-accelerating but it didn’t last long. Really quick and it went back to normal idling. Vehicle is scheduled for inspection today 1/20/25 at Classic Cadillac Atlanta. No... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
The forward collision detection system failed first. Then the car suddenly would not move and gave a pull over immediately warning on the dash and also flashed a battery light. It was 15 degrees outside and my wife and son were stuck in the cold. Not a safe environment. This is inexcusable for a car to be driving fine on minute and to be completely inoperative the next.
Incident date: Jan 3, 2025
My 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid seems to be leaking coolant into the exhaust system. Various reports online indicate that this is a consistent issue with 2020-2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid models. A lot of the reports indicate that owners have tried getting theirs cars repaired for the same issue I have a various dealerships all across the US, but either haven't had any luck or have had a temporary fix... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2024
My 2021 Yukon Denali has roughly 70k miles and this is now the SECOND time that my engine shut off while driving >55mph on the interstate in the past 3 months. The first time, I had the sensation that the car was running out of gas when I went to accelerate. After about 5-10 seconds, the engine turned off, but the electronics stayed on. I coasted to the side of the road and tried multiple times to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The back middle seatbelt warning light always thinks someone isn’t buckled even when no one is there. We keep that buckled so it doesn’t ding. The forward pre collision sensors do not work at all.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
The back middle seatbelt warning light always thinks someone isn’t buckled even when no one is there. We keep that buckled so it doesn’t ding. The forward pre collision sensors do not work at all.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
On 11/14/2024 the windshield wipers started malfunctioning on my leased Toyota Tacoma. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. On 11/22/2024 I took the vehicle to Premier Toyota for service. I was told they do not have the parts, that was 9 weeks ago. This vehicle is unsafe with malfunctioning wipers.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
Front axels produce loud clicking and popping noises when turning sharper in both the left and right directions. This first started at 2,500 miles and seems to be getting progressively worse. Vehicle now has 3,500 miles on it. Sound is heard in both forward and reverse. Parking collision activates regularly when backing out of the garage. It aggressively stops the vehicle and will not allow it ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
I was driving down the interstate in 3 lane traffic at approx. 70MPH. Car had 1,700 miles on it at the time. Engine abruptly reduced power and the RPMs shot up to 6000. It was a struggle to not get rear ended and get to the shoulder. With cars on either side this could have been a very different outcome. Upon getting to the shoulder the car would no longer go into gear. Dealer diagnosed it as a tr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
While passing on a two-lane road at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and acted as if the engine wasn't running. Pulled over to the side of the road and was able to restart the engine after shifting to park. Engine was harder to start than usual and cranked slowly. After restarting, the engine ran fine for the remainder of the trip, but would occasionally have difficulty cranking. Afte... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2024
I have had several incidents where my vehicle malfunctioned. The most recent one that I was concerned about my safety was that I was driving 55 mph where my car applied the automatic emergency feature and suddenly started breaking without reason. I was not able to accelerate due to the malfunction of the car breaking on its own and when the car reached about 30 mph that’s when i was able to acce... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
Radio screen had lines going up and down, goes black while driving, car play disconnects, backup camera won’t work with lines going across screen or screen being black,
Incident date: Aug 20, 2024
Brake shift interlock clamp around column gear shift broke. There was a recall T-79 but it’s says our vehicle is not included. As we bought this vehicle used we are guessing it was repaired? But repaired with another defective part.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Seat belts come unbuckled randomly Has happened multiple times over the past 2 years with drivers seat and second row driver side seat. Switched second row car seat to LATCH install due to safety concern
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Water intrusion near rear tailgate control box. The circuit board was ruined by water and the automatic tailgate was at first malfunctioning and then would not function at all. The circuit board had to be replaced.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
The vehicle will slam on the brakes randomly without any warning or any object even near by. It will do it repeatedly to the point where I cannot reverse out of my driveway. This is dangerous as you find yourself stuck in the middle of the road with oncoming traffic because the car keeps automatically braking every few feet for no reason. The vehicles lane keep assist also will consistently interv... Read more
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
Instrument cluster is not working. It was flashing and then went black. I have no access to oil, gas, tires, or other important warnings. I fear my safety is at risk as well as others on the road due to this malfunction.
Incident date: Jan 18, 2025
Engine stopped working while driving on major highway. Coasted to stop on shoulder. Truck was towed to nearest Chevy dealer, Parkway Chevy, Tomball, TX ([XXX]). Diagnosed bearings failed, camshaft froze and engine valve damaged. After rude treatment by service agent and service manager, towed truck to original dealer in Conroe, TX-- Buckalew Chev/Keating Chev (Nov. 25, 2024). They confirmed pro... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
We were driving on the freeway, 65 MPH, 0% battery life. Warning came on the dashboard stating something like “ Pull over safely, engine will stop”. Engine had already stopped and we luckily avoided impending doom and pulled off to the side of the highway. Turned car off, waited a couple min, and started the car again. Car turned on with check engine light. Able to slowly get to the next exit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
January 17, 2025 On [XXX] at approximately [XXX} I was returning from Walmart. 3 doors from my home I heard and felt a loud pop thinking maybe it could be a hose or something because it was extremely cold 7 degrees but everything seemed fine. Today I decided to have my vehicle washed and waxed since it’s 40 degrees but on my way to the shop it sounded like a window or door was open. When I got t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
My 2019 GMC Sierra AT4 - Driving home from work on the highway car lost sudden power, All engine notifications appeared on dash and a very loud screeching sound happened. Was able to pull it onto the side of the road barely. Diagnosis from nearby shop was a lifter failure in cylinder 5 causing metal shavings to lock crank up. Total engine replacement. Car has 122,000 miles and every oil change ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
The brake system sensor light appears on the dashboard and cuts off supply to the gas pedal. Not able to accelerate while sensor turns on, which is very unsafe.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
The brake system sensor light appears on the dashboard and cuts off supply to the gas pedal. Not able to accelerate while sensor turns on, which is very unsafe.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
I was at a red light and when the light turned and I put on the gas my car stalled. I could not shut off the car, it has a push button engine. The motor was off but on the dashboard it said the car was on and all of the electrical systems were still running (heat, radio, lights, etc). When I pushed the engine button, the car would not turn off. The parking break turned on by itself. I could no... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Ford 2015 CMax Energi with 41,000 miles. I was driving on a 2 Lane Highway coming to a stoplight and had to press the brakes firmly to avoid an accident at which time my 2015 CMax Energi abruptly stopped w a growling noise,. The dashboard lit up like Christmas. I observed The ABS system/ABS module failure/malfunctioned lights. 2015 C Max Energi was available for inspection when I brought it to th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Ford 2015 CMax Energi with 41,000 miles. I was driving on a 2 Lane Highway coming to a stoplight and had to press the brakes firmly to avoid an accident at which time my 2015 CMax Energi abruptly stopped w a growling noise,. The dashboard lit up like Christmas. I observed The ABS system/ABS module failure/malfunctioned lights. 2015 C Max Energi was available for inspection when I brought it to th... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
I have a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport that only has 24k miles on it (all oem stock components with zero modification) and I have been experiencing death wobble issues when traveling at highway speeds and driving over seam transitions where the road meets bridge crossings. The vehicle shakes uncontrolably and it's absolutely terrifying. The only way to get it to stop is to remove my foot from the gas p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V838000 (Electrical System) and 24V051000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ram 2500. The contact stated that upon pulling the rear middle seat belt to secure the car seat in the rear middle seat, the contact noticed that the rear middle seat belt locking or retracting mechanism was inoperable, causing the seat belt to continuously extend. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the middle rear seat belt was operating as d... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the fan was running excessively. The contact stated that the engine and coolant warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the thermostat. The thermostat was replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechan... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2012 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 contact stated that the A-pillar trims on the driver’s and passenger’s side of the windshield had started ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the back-up camera was turning on and off independently. The contact stated that while reversing, the screen went black and then turned on. The message to contact the dealer was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Watery oil looking liquid making puddles under car. Orange fluid seen pooling from above. Head gasket blown?
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
So a few months after installing the pedal commander chip my Camry out of nowhere began flashing warning symbols and messages and the engine was reduced to about 5% power. Pre-collision braking was down, ABS was down, lane assistance was down, cruise control was down and it also said “Engine Reduced Power”, please see dealership! So I parked, turned off the car and disconnected the battery for... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
Starter problem . When starting the start button , we have to do couple times .i saw recalls for starter problems on ur website and internet too
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Acura ZDX. The contact stated after his wife had pulled out of the driveway and depressed the brake pedal, the messages "Complete Outer Brake Failure", "Top Speed 43 MPH" and "Stabili-trak Failure" were displayed. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver shifted into drive(D) to return into the driveway. The driver depressed the brake pedal,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 60-65 on the highway, changing lanes, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from eighth gear to first gear. The vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message to “Service Immediately” was displayed and then turne... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The present complaint alleges as follows: 1. Honda has a defective design in the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) of all Honda Odysseys, models 2018-2023. 2. Namely, Honda has placed the RADAR behind the large HONDA emblem on the front grille. This causes the radar to give a "RADAR OBSTRUCTED" warning, which disables all Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in the car (Automatic Emergency B... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
My infotainment and instrument panel displays have frozen or reset multiple times while driving. On one occasion, my air conditioning came out at a high speed, the volume of my radio went up and all of my indicators came on. Luckily I was able to pull over to avoid a crash, but needless to say it was horrifying. I took the car in for service, and they assured me they had reset the OS, and I'd be f... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
Instrument cluster shorted and lost power. It is at the dealership. Unable to access vital vehicle information- speedometer, tachometer, fuel, mileage, etc. Other jeeps of similar year have been recalled Component is confirmed failed by dealership where the vehicle has been for the last month. No warnings.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V840000 (Steering); 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 had not ex... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The ignition is out on the car. And I’ve heard it’s common with ford fiesta.
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
The contact owned a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle experienced a sudden jolt. The contact immediately depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle erroneously accelerated to a high rate of speed. The contact depressed the brake pedal, shifted to neutral, and to the park position but the vehicle continued to increase speed eventually crashing in... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Cadillac CTS. The contact stated that the trim on the steering wheel had started to peel off. Due to the failure, the edges of the steering wheel where the trim was located had started peeling off and were sharp, causing serious concerns while driving the vehicle. The local dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was scheduled for an appointment; however, the ve... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
While driving, the truck began to violently shake when downshifting. As I was exiting the highway and braking, the shaking intensified, and the truck stalled while I was traveling around 30 MPH, causing a complete power loss. To avoid a collision, I veered off the ramp and ended up scraping a road sign, which caused damage to the bed above the right fender, the road sign was intact and there was n... Read more