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: 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
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
In the past two weeks, my car has stalled three times, all occurring approximately 5-10 minutes after starting my drive. Everything works fine until I apply the brakes, at which point the car immediately stalls while in traffic. Fortunately, each time, I was able to turn on my hazard lights, pull over to the side of the road, and restart the car—though it took some effort. Each incident also hap... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
In the past two weeks, my car has stalled three times, all occurring approximately 5-10 minutes after starting my drive. Everything works fine until I apply the brakes, at which point the car immediately stalls while in traffic. Fortunately, each time, I was able to turn on my hazard lights, pull over to the side of the road, and restart the car—though it took some effort. Each incident also hap... Read more
Incident date: Aug 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model X. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the self-driving mode disengaged unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a Tesla Service Center, where it was diagnosed that the self-driving system had completely failed. The Service Center determined that the self-driving computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at various speeds with the A/C engaged, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the message "Service Battery Soon" was displayed. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Zone, where the failure could not be duplicate... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing erratic transmission shifts and was making an abnormal knocking sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the cause of the abnormal knocking sound could not ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
The antenna fin flew off while I was driving on the highway.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Mar 5, 2025
Pilot will shut off at stop signs and red lights. Software update completed in 2023 but issue persists. I shut the “feature” off as soon as I turn car on. It has happened despite this. It may be draining the battery. On third battery in two years. Currently at dealership to complete next warranty update.
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
The catalytic converter which is essential for the vehicle to pass smog going to be registered has failed at less than 100,000 miles for a component that should last potentially the life of the vehicle this is unacceptable tell us the approximate
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
I have a 2017 Ford focus that the powertrain is messed up in it there's been multiple other cars that I've looked up online that have the same problem it's faulty of Ford and I think there needs to be a recall on these things if there is let me know because I know there was a lawsuit going I don't know what happened but these transmissions are faulty in these cars
Incident date: Mar 31, 2025
While accelerating from a traffic signal the transmission shifted very hard and caused the vehicle to suddenly lunge forward.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2025
My Honda's engine start-stop system isn't restarting at stop lights. Very frightening when the light turns green and I can’t go anywhere. I have to turn off the car and restart.
Incident date: Feb 5, 2025
Reported electrical issues beginning one month after purchasing the vehicle. I reported issues for the first year including the running boards not working, entertainment system not operating, hard engine restart/stalling and the reverse camera not engaging. February 2024 the car was driving down the highway and a loud noise began in the engine. Entire car stopped running. Placed in the shop for ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 5, 2022
Purchased the car in August 2024 from Carvana, September the car shuts off at red light. Was told to replace the alternator. Shop replaced alternator but car still was cutting off while in parked or at complete stop. Was told to replace the battery, replaced the battery and months later car still shuts off. Had another mechanic look at it once hook up to scanner FCW light said failed system on odo... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2025
Recently the liftgate has closed unexpectedly several times while items were being unloaded/loaded from the rear of the vehicle. This caused the user to be struck by the liftgate. Someone smaller or weaker, such as a child could potentially be trapped and injured since the blockage detect function apparently fails at the same time. It has also opened on it's own while the operator was away from th... Read more
2 injured
Incident date: Mar 8, 2025
This os a complaint Ford knows that at some point this is goign out. I have only 45k on i. I called ford and they will do nothign to prevent it goign out. When this breaks or malfunstions the car can go into 1st gear at 60+ miles and hour which could be life threatening. If the recall is for 150,000 miles it should be honored no matter the Age most everyone reports a problem around 85-120k miles. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2025
When going down my driveway, the (RAB) Reverse Automatic Braking system will often times turn itself off and not reset like the manual say's it should. I have to stop the car, shut it off and open the door to ensure everything is off and restart the car to get it to reset. It has been in the dealership, Subaru of Kennesaw, Kennesaw Ga 4 time for this issue. Last time it was in the dealership th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2025
Diesel engine continues to overheat, even after the oil temperature sensor failure dealership repair. Truck is very well maintained. However, common and trending issue amongst 1500 Silverado diesel owners is overheating which causes engine to loose power while driving and even get so hot it can catch fire. Warning lights appear only when problem is at engine failure point. Also, we lost power or r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
Power steering leak(took it 3times to get it serviced), breaks(leak), transmission fluid leak(have to refill transmission fluid every week), electrical (dash board lights go off and on sometimes and do other funny stuff), back up My camera doesn’t work(car has blind spots so I need the camera to work), roof windows (work when they want), trunk door (closes by itself hitting me at closing). Che... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
My vehicle turned off/stalled while driving. I had to throw on my hazards, stomp on the very hard break and turn the car on and off again. Very dangerous for me and other drivers. I see a lot of other customers with the same exact problem for the same model of vehicle. Definitely some type of recall that needs to be addressed.
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
My vehicle turned off/stalled while driving. I had to throw on my hazards, stomp on the very hard break and turn the car on and off again. Very dangerous for me and other drivers. I see a lot of other customers with the same exact problem for the same model of vehicle. Definitely some type of recall that needs to be addressed.
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
2023 Kia K5 GT1, once at 16k miles and now again at 26k miles, while driving, the dashboard console flickered on me and the car lost complete acceleration and power, fortunately on urban roads or else would have been extremely unsafe and dangerous if high speed, especially since I have a child. Pulled over and turned off vehicle, and turned back on acceleration regained but check engine light rema... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I am leasing the 2013 Kia Optima LX through a 3rd party dealership that apparently stated in their terms and conditions that they are not responsible for doing maintenance on the car before being sold. I was on the road after getting gas when all of the sudden, the car started to slow down and my emergency check oil, engine, battery lights all came on. I was able to safely pull into a parking lot ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X7. The contact stated that after test driving a similar vehicle, the contact decided to purchase a similar vehicle; however, while writing up the contract, the salesperson added the incorrect VIN on the sales contract. The contact had been receiving notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brake, Hydraulic); however,... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2025
vehicle is 2019 year, 2500 series, crew cab, 4wd, cummins 6.7 turbo diesel. Steering systems wanders and will not steer straight at all speeds. vehicle was bought used with 127,000 miles and was to be used just to pull a 9,000lb travel trailer. as of 03/27/2025 vehicle has been in repair shop over 4 weeks now. upper and lower ball joints replaced, steering gear box replaced, entire suspension sy... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
This is to report a failure after NHTSA campaign number 23V234000 was addressed by Winnebago through their campaign number 174. I had the fix performed by Winnebago at their factory service center about 20k miles ago and the alternator failed again with the exact same symptoms. This is my 5th alternator failure in 60,000 miles and 3 years.
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
Toyota Corporate is refusing to acknowledge my Tundra's eligibility for remedy under a safety recall and campaign. My Tundra is experiencing the failure mode outlined in the safety recall 90M and extended safety campaign Tundra BXD. The spare tire crossmember of the frame is almost entirely rotted through with rust and is barely connected at this point. My Tundra's VIN number falls within the VIN... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
Broken axle I was driving and kept hearing a tidying click sound when making turns
Incident date: Mar 14, 2025
Engine needs to be replaced vehicle only has 123,000 miles. Diagnostic states sounds like rod bearing has come apart in cylinder 2 Honda Recall #23V-751 involves certain 2016 and 2018-2019 Pilot vehicles. This recall is due to a manufacturing error that may cause the connecting rod bearing in the engine to wear and seize, potentially damaging the engine. But yet Honda states my vehicle is not elig... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
On October 16, 2022, I purchased a 2016 Ford Escape from the Stowasser Buick GMC car lot. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle since the beginning. On November 1, 2022, I took my car to their service department because it was running poorly. The mechanics worked on my vehicle and returned it to me. However, on January 8, 2023, I had to take my vehicle back to Stowasser shop because it wa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2025
[XXX]: check engine light was on and codes P2196 and P2198 were present. The dealer suspected it was the purge valve, causing the problem so they replaced it and reset the codes. 10/10/24: I brought the truck in to have it looked at due to the check engine light being on again. I was told the lead frame needed to be replaced but was on backorder. The bill to diagnose this was 196.80 and I was... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
The truck grinds when it down shifts to third gear when yoyr driving. While driving the truck skips and makes a terrible jerking motion. When it does it, it feels like the bottom of the truck is going to fall out. Sometimes you have to pull over and turn the truck off and on. The truck is available for inspection if requested. This is a huge safety issue especially when the gear sticks downshiftin... Read more
Incident date: Mar 24, 2025
The dealer did not fix the recall item on my truck as posted here. The dealers service department confirmed with me on multiple occasions that the recall was not fixed as annotated, but since the dealer was paid for the recall (because it was posted to the system) I am still on a waiting list for them to coordinate how to do the recall work (that was already paid for, what?). I would just like t... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2025
One Bolt to camshaft came loose and allowed for oil to leak into the cover, covering the timing belt with oil
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Factory Aluminum Steering Box presents a severe safety hazard and should be immediately recalled due to its dangerous failure in cold and probably all temperatures. In low temperatures, the steering sticks and does not move freely, making normal driving extremely hazardous for both the driver and others on the road. While straight roads may not reveal the issue, attempting to turn on a curve becom... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
Had a problem with hard shifting and up and down shifting out of the blue while driving on interstate. Ford recommended a trans service. Had it done 3 days before trip to NC. For Christmas. On our way home the truck started a hard back and forth up and down shifting. We pulled off highway and found trans fluid everywhere. I could not find a leak. Called and got a tow the next morning to a ford dea... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
SERVICE ACTIVE HNDLG message on the DIC. Not able to put in drive due to this message. Read a lot of forums. There are recalls on up to 2007 but the 2008 Corvettes are having the same issues.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2025
Fuel leaking from defective spot welds on right side of fuel tank mount. Excessive fuel leaking from tank mount on to the top of cylinder head and down the engine sides and exhaust manifold. Had to shut off bike due to smell of gas while riding.
Incident date: Mar 22, 2025
Our 1.5 EcoBoost engine overheated on 3/20/25, my daughter was driving and the vehicle started shaking and it slowed way down, for a moment she feared for her life, she said it had a message and the check engine symbol was illuminated and the vehicle would not accelerate, when she got it was leaking coolant and white smoke, I took my OBDII scanner, one code was P1299 Cylinder Over temp Protection ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2024
Tailgate Control Unit failed due to water entering through the seals of roof seal which resulted in damaging the functionality of the tailgate. Failure to open. I noticed one day that the tailgate would not open (the back hatch). My Honda dealership got the vehicle in rather quickly (One week). Dealership stated they have never seen this and requested repairs of over a thousand dollars. After ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 21, 2025
When vehicle is started, intermittently, rear view camera does not come on for approximately 45-60 seconds later. The screen remains completely black then appears to reboot The camera issue happens about once every two weeks
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
For some reason, KIA has halted production of the Air Bag Clock Spring mechanism for 2003 Kia Sorento's EX with cruise control. In my opinion, this was a vital component of the Air Bag safety system for any vehicle. So why the halt in the production of this vital part. Kia part #93490-3E160. Maybe the NHTSA can get an answer to this. I'm sure I not the only one driving a 2003 with the Air Bag... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
dashboard reflection on the windshield: When I am driving, the sun hit the dashboard and back up on the windshield , I see the dashboard on windshield make very hard to see on the road. The top of the dashboard has a mesh-like pattern that reflects sunlight onto the windshield. When the sun is out, this pattern becomes visible on the windshield, making it almost impossible to see the road ahead. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
I had adaptive cruise control on and debris hit my windshield and I went into the rumble strip and eventually into the guard rail where the car essentially pingponged from there until it eventually stopped when the metal hit the front. It appears the emergency brake did not activate and the lane keep did not activate. My air bags did not deploy.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
After placing vehicle in Park, vehicle rolled away and destroyed my mailbox. Luckily I was able to stop it inches away from neighbors car. There is a recall for other years, but none for this year. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer yet, however, after talking to the dealership service department, it is a common problem and would cost a lot to repair
Crash
Incident date: Mar 20, 2025
1. Brake I used the FSD all the way from the New Asian Market (Charlotte, NC) to the T-section of [XXX] and [XXX] (Columbia, SC), then changed to driver control and turned to [XXX] (home). Entering the garage, when arrived at the parking spot, I released accelerator pedal and pressed the brake pedal, the car did not stop but pushed forward, and hit a wooden shelf, BBQ grill and the drywall. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
While driving in left lane of one way road at 46 mph with adaptive cruise and lane sense active, the cruise control switched off and lane assist veered left off the road, locking the steering wheel to the left. I was unable to correct steering until after the car had come to a complete stop. I hit a sign in the median due to the lane departure.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 12, 2025
After placing vehicle in Park, vehicle rolled away and destroyed my mailbox. Luckily I was able to stop it inches away from neighbors car. There is a recall for other years, but none for this year. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer yet, however, after talking to the dealership service department, it is a common problem and would cost a lot to repair
Crash
Incident date: Mar 10, 2025
We have a 2014 GMC sierra 4.3 V6 6 speed automatic.. with only 100k miles and the frame is rusted and cracked rear shocks mounts are rusted and broke and the leaf spring mounts are rusted and they broke.. this should be a recall issue..