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: Feb 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus CT200H. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and brake warning light and check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the brake booster and brake booster pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus CT200H. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and brake warning light and check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the brake booster and brake booster pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but... Read more
Incident date: Apr 13, 2025
ON [XXX] AT [XXX], AT MY HOME, I PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY IN MY 2012 AUDI 2012 Q5, I DROVE THREE HOUSES DOWN, AND THE SUNROOF EXPLODED SENDING SHATTERED GLASS ON MYSELF, MY THEN [XXX] SON, AND INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. I CALLED AUDI FOR REPAIR, BUT WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A 3 TO 4 MONTH WAIT, ORDERED A ON REPAIRS. SO I ORDERED A REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLED MYSELF. ON [XXX] MY 2012 AUDI Q5, WOULD NOT... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Apr 13, 2025
My transmission is always having problems with it. My check engine light will not turn after put over $5,000 into it.
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
I was driving on the New Jersey Parkway when my car just shut down in the middle of the road. The dealer believes it’s the engine- how can this happen to a car 2 years old?
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The 2019 Buick Enclave was taken in for transmission fluid flush & check. The dealer came back and stated that the torque converter needed replacement. The car was still under mileage warranty but just past the roll-off-line date by a month. There are numerous issues all over the internet related to The Enclave torque converter issues. Even a service bulleting PIP5608J that covers these exact is... Read more
Incident date: Apr 14, 2025
Transmission valve body (transmission control unit) failure at 72,000 miles. This is the 10-Speed transmission that is the subject of several other recalls for diesel versions of the GMC Yukon. No warning lights, and potential for rear wheel lock up.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2025
BCI (Back-up Collision Intervention) Malfunction. It's random when this comes up on the dashboard warning lights. It lights up several other things as well. It doesn't allow you to use the cruise control, or the 4-wheel drive. It disables the ABS and traction control. I don't know how this is not a recall, because I see several forums talking about this issue for this vehicle specifically in ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
A trailer hitch has an sticker stating the Tow Vehicle Maximum Trailer rating for the hitch. Owner's manual and towing safety stickers on the driver's side door only state the maximum dead weight for a hitch...that is the weight applied if a trailer is attached to the tow vehicle's hitch ball. This sticker give you maximum if a trailer is installed with a weight distribution hitch assembly. On my ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2025
A trailer hitch has an sticker stating the Tow Vehicle Maximum Trailer rating for the hitch. Owner's manual and towing safety stickers on the driver's side door only state the maximum dead weight for a hitch...that is the weight applied if a trailer is attached to the tow vehicle's hitch ball. This sticker give you maximum if a trailer is installed with a weight distribution hitch assembly. On my ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
Our vehicle stalled once while idle at an ATM. Upon restart we brought it to our local mechanic for investigation, they diagnosed the issue as a Turbo Sensor problem costing about $700. They recommended bringing it to Nissan for further review rather than charge us for the repair. We picked up the vehicle the next day and brought it to our local Nissan dealership where they confirmed it was in fac... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
I believe my 2017 ford fusion should be included in the recall for the BECM for the 2019-2020 because my charging port has a sticker with QR code and ( CD391 PHEV ) and I keep having intermittent problems with the Battery Energy Control Module
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
Car started sputtering and code said misfire Dealership said it was the mass air sensor said they fixed it but symptoms continued when I picked up my vehicle Issue sounds like the recall reason of the fuel pump
Incident date: Mar 30, 2025
I had the recall work done for the back up camera that freezes while I am reversing. After the recall has been completed, it still freezes/glitches while I'm backing up. Nothing changed after they performed the recall work. I do believe that the technician performed the work he was told to, but it hasn't accomplished anything. The rear view camera still takes a few seconds to engage once I put ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2025
Coolant warning made me pullover on highway looked online a lot of people have the same trouble of coolant going low without any visible leak.
Incident date: Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined there was coolant intrusion into various cylinders, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); 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 not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact ha... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
The first incident the truck had 11,000 miles on it. Engine had to be replaced and took almost 3 months. The truck completely cut off driving down the interstate. It just happened again truck has 86,000 miles on it and it happened again. Truck lost all power and completely shut off going down the road at night, on the side of a high rise bridge. Now they have no idea when it can be replaced becaus... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
Mechatronics unit failed, stalled on freeway nearly caused an accident behind me.
Incident date: Apr 5, 2025
The blind spot warning has been a non stop issue with my truck. It frequently stops working and when it stops working the only indication is a short maybe 3 second message in the driver information center that goes away without the driver having to acknowledge it so it very easy to miss. Sometimes you see this when starting up the truck other times it might be working and then just stop working ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
My engine quit in the middle of a intersection on 2-25-25 with approximately 20,777 miles and has been in shop waiting on a new engine ever sense and they can not tell me when the new engine will be in. I have call GM and get no time line on new engine.
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Rear cross traffic alert system not working. No alerts when backing up and oncoming traffic
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
Rear cross traffic alert system not working. No alerts when backing up and oncoming traffic
Incident date: Feb 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the ambient air temperature was stuck on negative forty. The contact replaced the sensor. The vehicle went into ICE/SNOW Mode on several occasions and was not driving as designed. The air conditioner was blowing out hot air. Additionally, the vehicle was pulling to the right while driving. There were no warning ligh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tailgate independently opened, and items in the bed of the vehicle were lost due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact... Read more
Incident date: Apr 6, 2025
Rattling noise in engine. Feels unsafe to drive. Honda mechanic confirmed new engine needed due to worn rod bearings.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
When steering left or right especially when doing a u turn u can hear a clicking noise and this is a new Honda prologue with only 2,500 miles
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
When steering left or right especially when doing a u turn u can hear a clicking noise and this is a new Honda prologue with only 2,500 miles
Incident date: Apr 8, 2025
ihave?opntitle.2011fordfusionseflexfuel1OFTHEEXPENSIVEMACHANICALREPLACE ,TOREPAIR/ELECTRONICASSISTSHUTOFFTOMANUALSTEER:FORDWILLREPLACEAIRBAGREPAIR:DRIVEABLE'RUNS:ELECTRONICPOWERSTERINGASSISTANCESHUTOFF':DRIVABLE;REPAIRPALSAYONWED'.STEERINGASSIST/#VIN.TOO15YEARS,FORDDEALER,SERVICETELLSMEMILAGEW/YEARSOLDNOAPPLYbut$.288.00.DIAGNOSIS{FORDPROCONTACTCENTEROFEXCELLENCE./DIAGNOSIS288.00-300.00/SERVICEMAN/... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V651000 (STRUCTURE); 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 manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the electronic power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The check engine and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under reca... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The trunk door has been having major issues, where the hatch hinges and power liftgate strut are not operating correctly. The door is unable to close without manual assistance. Ghettel Toyota of Bradenton's service center has inspected and confirmed the malfunction. There were no warning messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure; it first appeared in December 2024, and this ca... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and then towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with internal clutch failure. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
Vehicle started having issues just a couple of years after purchase (acquired brand new as a Lease which I later purchased when the Lease was up), in the beginning it was mostly at low speeds, but it would occasionally happen at higher speeds as well. You could feel it having hesitation when shifting gears. Took it to the dealer at around the 30K miles due for service (May of 2019). Had the trans... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2025
AWD MODULE on 2020 Ford Escape failed at 21,000 miles. There has been a customer satisfaction repair done in 2022 when it started happening to select vehicles. I drive low mileage but should have been a recall issued due to the amount of complaints and fixes online
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
This incident occured right around the time of the initial recall. In January 2024. I had it repaired at another car repair shop hoping to reimbursed by Ford. The initial recall stated they would have a remedy by June 2024. This then was delayed until 1st quarter 2025. Still no remedy for the recall.
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
The contact was helping her friend who owns a 2010 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and stability control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was buil... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
Lifter failure due to AFM. Car shuttered suddenly and then threw codes and had a bad misfire with engine shaking. Spent $6,700 to rebuild.
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
—-Engine problem, I was driving then dash board screen show up the red light of overheat suddenly, I pullover my car to see what’s going on, I don’t see no smoke no fire or leak. Very strange issue. I keep driving the car and everything is fine for the moment. This happens in the other Kia telluride that I had, that’s why I change it for this one 2022. And did the same thing of over heati... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
I stopped at a red light and when I went to pull of the car cut off. I had to restart the car to pull off. This is the second time that this has happened.
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
—-Engine problem, I was driving then dash board screen show up the red light of overheat suddenly, I pullover my car to see what’s going on, I don’t see no smoke no fire or leak. Very strange issue. I keep driving the car and everything is fine for the moment. This happens in the other Kia telluride that I had, that’s why I change it for this one 2022. And did the same thing of over heati... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
There are many incidents to report. 1. No Braking consistency and sometimes a jerk forward on braking, many incidents about 10. Also loss of regen braking at times. 2. Software safety features do not work and constant warning it does not work. Mostly lane assist, automatic parking collision warning. One time reversing camera shows room with digital assist lines which did not protect or warn car ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 4, 2025
There are many incidents to report. 1. No Braking consistency and sometimes a jerk forward on braking, many incidents about 10. Also loss of regen braking at times. 2. Software safety features do not work and constant warning it does not work. Mostly lane assist, automatic parking collision warning. One time reversing camera shows room with digital assist lines which did not protect or warn car ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
Vehicle feels clunky and check engine light turned on and many other lights. Mechanic says there’s a problem with the transmission.
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
Electronic power steering intermittently fails while driving. This truck has had this issue for months, happens regularly once or twice a week or every 100 so miles. Two repair shops could not replicate the issues. And there is no codes on the scanner. After researching this seems to be a common concern and safety issue on this model/year of ram 1500.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The windshield on the 2021 Subaru Ascent is dangerous because it chips extremely easily. I purchased the car new in 2021 and since then I have had 7 rock chips (in all different states (TX, CA, WA) and driving conditions/speeds/roads). In the 4 years since I have owned it I have had the windshield replaced twice so I am on my 3rd windshield. Each time the rock hits, it causes a large chip to form ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 3, 2025
Engine just stopped with no warnings or signs. Will not run. Mechanic said motor was locked up
Incident date: Apr 1, 2025
To keep it short. This is 1 of 3 Ford vehicles that I had to pay to have every lug nut replaced! They are 'swollen' is the term used. Prior to this, I replaced 1 lug in my 45 year driving history and that was because it broke off. I have called Ford and Lincoln and they are aware of the problem but say there is not program in place for a resolution. My complaint was escalated I was told. Hahaha. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); 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 had not experi... Read more