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: Dec 21, 2024
Injector #4 connector harness issue- Known issue on the 6.6L duramax. Driving with my children for Christmas pickup and power reduction occurred while passing another car on the road. Causing us to hit the breaks as the truck wouldn’t allow us to pass timely. Known harness issue by GM and instead of covering I had to pay to have a new connector spliced in. Multiple warning lights. Check en... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The transmission has given out. There are recalls for the same year (2014) on different Nissan vehicles. There are issues that I have never had. One minute it will go then it'll shudder and not move at all even with the pedal pushed down. It goes into limp mode. There are threads and pages created just for this issue and nothing has been done about it. The car gave out on me while in traffic, pu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
Randomly, the power steering, ABS, and traction control went out on my car. There are thousands of others with this issue and previous years of this car have already had a recall relating to this issue.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
While driving my 2013 Honda Accord sedan on the turnpike, I experienced a critical failure of the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modulator, which was later inspected and confirmed to be malfunctioning by a Honda service technician at South Motors Honda. This component is available for inspection upon request. As I was traveling at approximately 65 mph, the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) malfunctio... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2024
EVAP issues, purge valve replacement. Leaking gas. Car is drivable. Will not start after pumping gas and is mileage has significantly decreased. Scent of gas is strong.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
There is a lot fuel- fumes/odor entering the cab of the vehicle when exceling the speed.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Aerial. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that several bolts on the vehicle's chassis were loose and detached. The failure occurred on several different occasions. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence however, an independent mechanic diagnosed that the bolts needed to be screwed on... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Horn stopped working. When I lock the car the horn makes noise notifying it is locked. I took it into the dealership they think it’s is the clock spring. Then I looked online and found this information. “The 2017 Subaru Outback was subject to a recall related to the steering column, specifically the clockspring. This recall (NHTSA Campaign #10V-283 / WVR-28) addressed potential issues with the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
The vehicle's dash states the following are malfunctioning: Road Departure Mitigation System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam, Collision Mitigation System, and Lane Keeping Assist. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. A few days prior to this message appearing on the dash, the car flashed and beeped that I needed to BRAKE when there wasn't anything in front of me while dr... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
2 incidents of loss of power with the electric motor at high speed. The hybrid electric motor unexpectedly lost power at 75 mph on the highway, alongside other vehicles moving at the same speed. This sudden loss of power caused the vehicle to drop to 55 mph, and not go above that speed, risking a potential collision from behind. Driving at 55 mph on Texas highways with a speed limit of 75 mph is ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2024
2 incidents of loss of power with the electric motor at high speed. The hybrid electric motor unexpectedly lost power at 75 mph on the highway, alongside other vehicles moving at the same speed. This sudden loss of power caused the vehicle to drop to 55 mph, and not go above that speed, risking a potential collision from behind. Driving at 55 mph on Texas highways with a speed limit of 75 mph is ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
High speed sidewall blowout @ 70 mph. Right rear passenger tire. Less than 6000 miles. Had same issue on left rear tire at z out 5,000 miles in august 2024. I paid $1000 out of pocket in Rhode Island because local dealer did not have a replacement tire in stock and i could not wait as my vacation was ending. I sm afraid yo drive this car..
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
We arrived at church, and I remained behind finishing my makeup. My husband locked the car with the fob out of habit, and my foot was holding the passenger door open. Forgetting the door had been locked with the fob, I accidentally allowed the passenger door to close. I had no keys. Services began, not a soul in site outside. I began to panic when I could not get the door or any other to open. The... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
We arrived at church, and I remained behind finishing my makeup. My husband locked the car with the fob out of habit, and my foot was holding the passenger door open. Forgetting the door had been locked with the fob, I accidentally allowed the passenger door to close. I had no keys. Services began, not a soul in site outside. I began to panic when I could not get the door or any other to open. The... Read more
Incident date: Jan 20, 2022
Message popped up “cameras temporarily unavailable” and backup and surround view cameras aren’t working. A quick google search and it seems to be a very common software problem
Incident date: Nov 3, 2024
Rear Camera has been intermittent since I got the car new and dark image and not crystal clear . The lens is clean and it works intermittently.. the dealership said it would cost $1000.00 to replace the camera.. since there are recalls currently on other jeeps can you help add my vehicle in the mix.. I just spent over 5000 dollars to get my exhaust system fixed and they didn't even give me a loane... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
Module malfunction open-fuel pump driver control. Engine stops at any time, pressing gas pedal and nothing, the engine stops running no warning. Module has been replaced twice this vehicle should be on recall. When it happens you have no warning and no control. This is life threatening.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2024
While driving down US-69, while attempting to pass a vehicle at about 80 mph, the vehicle shut off and proceeded to stop accelerating, as well as started to slow itself down. The instrument cluster flashed quickly before shutting off, and the radio also shut off. The cabin lights came on, and I had to switch to the right lane to quickly get onto the side of the road where it gradually slowed itsel... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
Description of Incident: The engine has experienced a failure that causes oil to blow back from the engine, covering components both under and outside of the engine cover. This has resulted in oil accumulating on the exhaust and other hot components, creating a significant fire hazard. Safety Risks: This malfunction poses a serious risk to my safety and the safety of others, as the oil leakage c... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
Car suddenly dies completely while driving. Entire electrical system failure rendering car inoperable. This happens without warning other than all lights on the dashboard illuminating right before shutdown. Car cannot be steered or moved and needed to be towed. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE both times on arterial roadways. A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! First incident reported to you in August of 202... Read more
Incident date: Dec 23, 2024
Since I have picked up my Winnebago Ekko (motorhome) on [XXX] from Lichtsinn RV in Forest City, Iowa (1 mile from the factory) it has had numerous electrical fires in the kitchen and also has had no fewer than the 4 separate strains of mold growing throughout the motorhome as evidenced by the results of the mold test I did last spring. Although I have notified Winnebago Customer Care, Winnebago's... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
My soda bottle engaged the electronic emergency park brake while driving. The emergency brake will not release causing me not to be able to drive the vehicle.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
In June 2024, my vehicle suddenly lost power while I was driving on the freeway, almost causing a serious accident. I managed to restart the car after being stuck on the shoulder of the freeway for several minutes. The same issue occurred the following day, prompting me to have the vehicle towed to the dealership. Hyundai Motor was contacted since the vehicle is still under warranty. The dealersh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
Truck would not shift out of first gear after coming to a stop and then accelerating. I had to pull over, shut truck off and restart truck. This has occurred 3 times in 2 days. Noticed wrench light came on indicating a problem. Hooked to code reader and got codes po722 (output shaft speed sensor circuit no signal) and code b00a0 (occupant classification system). After doing some research I found t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
I am continuing to have warning lights telling me to service Anti Lock brake system and also the Electronic brake system. I took it to a dealership and they told me that the hydraulic control unit and the ABS module was faulty but made no attempt to resolve the problem unless I paid over $6000 for the repairs. My truck only has 122300 miles on it and it has been a constant problem. ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
The fuel line is leaking again. I have had this replaced three times already. Once under warranty and twice out-of-pocket. Why wasn't the MY2016 included in the recall? The raw fuel smell permeates the cabin and is nauseating. This is a safety issue were something needs to be done for a permanent fix before someone dies in a fiery death.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The Audi "Drive Select" transmission function switches to "Sports Mode" in rain and snow. This makes the vehicle dangerously jumpy in slippery conditions. This has happened to me (I think) three times in the last couple of years, always in rain or snow. My knowledge of the car allowed me to slowly delve into the screen functions to reprogram the transmission while driving in these dangerous cond... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Leaf. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V700000 (Electrical System); 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in a recall 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. After the repair was completed, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was shifted into reverse and then driven before a... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMX 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 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 fail... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
Extreme corrosion on connector for headlamp assembly and front camera. Also, extreme corrosion on connector that powers lightbar. Ford denied warranty claim by considering it a lamp issue even though lamp was good. The lightbar and connector w/ corrosion are one single part. Corrosion was so bad multiple pins had rusted off. This could cause electrical short and potential fire risk.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
about a month ago, began with a shutter or studder at low speeds. Became worse and a vibration on the interstate as it sounded like i was driving over rough ground. have now seen two mechanics in person and talked to another on the phone and all are saying the torque converter needs to be replaced. the check engine light has not come on which is also a concern as this is a major issue. safe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
Significant leak from the oil filter housing underneath the intake manifold plenum. Upon inspection, one ore more seals of the housing appear to have failed.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
First: wiper motor stopped working, so it would not spray washer fluid to clean front or rear windows. Multiple people have had the same issue, only way to fix was replace Second: rear heat stopped working, dealership said we were the 5th tahoe in the last 2 weeks with the same issue. The "lines needed blown out" was what they said the fix was.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2024
Unknown Multiple owners of 2018 Ford Explorers are reporting oil leaks from bad seals. The oil leaks can cause fires, so we are in the process of having our Ford repaired at a mechanic and will know more at a later date.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
Entire screen froze. FSD stopped working completely. The system GPS stopped working, auto wipers stopped working, auto park, anything related to the cameras stopped working. After trying multiple resets, it didn't help. It luckily started working again in the morning. Others have reported this issue to Tesla and all over Reddit. News articles are starting to come out about it now. The entire mothe... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image did not display properly and was very blurry. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the printed circuit board for the backup camera failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacte... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V744000 (STEERING); 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 made aw... Read more
Incident date: Oct 16, 2023
Dark spots on the road with the LED headlights on low beam. This is very distracting and causes me to focus on the dark spots. Very dangerous when driving on winding roads at night. A lot of deer on and on the side of the rural roads and the dark spots take my focus away.
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinder, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the en... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
The vehicles steering stopped working with no warning and a Steering Assist Fault alert came on the dashboard.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Back window exploded. On interstate 55 mile marker 265. No other vehicles were close. No debris on the road. This is happening to Nissan vehicles.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
Coolant intrusion into engine cylinder. Requires long block +engine build. Issue reported at around 75000 miles.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact stated when the vehicle was driven over a pothole and the steering wheel shook erratically. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Dec 14, 2024
I was driving this [XXX] ecodiesel truck and it threw a rod on a sketchy windy road on a mountain pass. I was told 65 mile tow one way, 90 the other; I chose the former (Liberty Mutual said they’d reimburse $20 of my over $250 tow) thanks again! Not.)). Brought it to Ram in Show Low Arizona, Eric McGraw the service manager was terrific and communicated with me as much as he could. Unfortunately... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact pulled over and shut off the vehicle but was unable to restart the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V459000 (Hybrid Pro... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle jerked while shifting gear. Additionally, while driving at slow speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle hesitated while shifting into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the torque converter and other unknown transmission parts had ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not... Read more
Incident date: Dec 13, 2024
I am driving a 2015 Dodge Journey. Randomly, the airbag light came on, followed by loss of all electronics on the steering wheel. The horn will not work, nor any of the switches on the steering wheel. I did find that this is a common issue with Dodge Vehicles under recall 18V332000 AND 17V432000. I was told at the dealership that my specific dodge journey did not group into that recall however is ... Read more