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: May 15, 2020
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the contact struck a deer. The air bags did not deploy. Additionally, while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact restarted the vehicle. There was an abnormal sulfur and fuel odor detected. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where i... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
While accelerating, the vehicle to decelerated rapidly, the gas pedal became unresponsive when pushed down. Numerous warning lights started Additionally, the vehicle shifted into neutral while the vehicle was being driven and would not shift out even after stopped. I was on a very busy 6 lane highway going 80 mph in thanksgiving traffic, my wife, 1 year old and 3 year old were in the vehicle. ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The dash is warping and the leather is rolling up across the passenger side airbag. The leather around the center channel speaker is rolling back as well and going to cover the daytime running lamp sensor if it shrinks much further.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The dash is warping and the leather is rolling up across the passenger side airbag. The leather around the center channel speaker is rolling back as well and going to cover the daytime running lamp sensor if it shrinks much further.
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
Car would not shift out of park into drive reverse or neutral had to be towed to dealership
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
8L90 Transmission failed. The transmission was inspected by a chevrolet Technician at a Chevrolet dealership and found to be defective, thus rendering the vehicle not drivable. There was an engine light that indicated a TCM problem. The vehicle is currently in the mechanic shop at the Chevrolet Dealership awaiting a new transmission.
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
Automatic Emergency Braking engaged while the vehicle was in neutral tow. Resulted in 2 rear blown tires and damaged rims on vehicle.Attached the F250 correctly to the motorhome and confirmed truck was in neutral tow. Starting pulling the F250 and confirmed by looking at mirrors on the motorhome and rear camera that the wheels on the F250 were rolling both front axel and rear axel. After several... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the torque converter had disintegrated and there were metal fragments inside the transmission, ca... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Ford Transit 350. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V226000 (Tires); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that while exiting a driveway or driving over a bump in the roadway, there was an abnormal grinding sound comi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
I was driving to my drs appointment and as I was pulling up to the hospital I saw a message from my dash and my steering wheel locked up and I had to get it towed and then sent to the dealership but since I had made a few of previous attempts to get it fixed with u guys it wasn’t getting no response, so I had to go get it fixed force and I ended up with a bill..
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
I was driving to my drs appointment and as I was pulling up to the hospital I saw a message from my dash and my steering wheel locked up and I had to get it towed and then sent to the dealership but since I had made a few of previous attempts to get it fixed with u guys it wasn’t getting no response, so I had to go get it fixed force and I ended up with a bill..
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
My rear struts are leaking and Kia is refusing to repair them. I know that Kia recalled self-leveling struts for my make, model and year, but I'm told that my version doesn't have those struts. Even though I'm at ~85,000 miles now and it's out of warranty, I believe my struts failed much earlier and it didn't become noticeable until now. Moreover, in searching the internet, many other owners of Ki... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2024
11/19/2024 Check engine light came on while I was driving. Got home, checked oil and it was down about a quart. Oil had just been changed on 10/17/2024. Only approximately 1800 miles put on vehicle since last oil change. Vehicle was at approximately 62,000 miles. Also tire pressure light always on. Scheduled appt with VW dealer. Dealer invoice states "P04F000 Checked Purge valve and found oil in ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated the vehicle was started and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into cylinder #2, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure and r... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
This recall for the fuel pump has been outstanding for a year. The dealership insists parts are still not available. When will this be resolved?
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
September 25th 2024 1600 hrs. Returning home from the grocery store, coming to a complete stop in heavy traffic at a traffic light the vehicle shifted into park by itself and turned off by itself, effectively disabling itself and leaving me stranded at the intersection. The vehicle would not restart causing a traffic jam. After a couple more attempts to restart the vehicle it finally enabled itsel... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Intersection collision with airbag deploy. Vehicle was totaled. Vehicle remained locked. Even after the collision when the doors were closed the vehicle remained locked. Unable to open rear doors from the inside.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
The main infotainment screen does not function. The car reboots itself every 5-6 minutes while driving. This temporarily disables all the seat sensors, signals or anything that requires electrical. The regenerative braking is also disabled. Furthermore, I can not control any Heat, AC, defrosters, which is extremely dangerous during the winter season.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The engine was unresponsive and made it difficult to pull into the oncoming traffic. We found out the head gasket was blown and it finally just shut down. Then after we fixed that the lifters and heads were gone even after we had the heads milled and got new gaskets and other parts amounting to $11000.00 so far. We have this car for two years and we have put less that 5000 miles on the car.
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I received a recall notice (folded information card) from Infinity in the mail in about August 2024 regarding Recall NHTSA 24V-470-R24A7. I also received an email from Infinity on August 28, 2024 with Subject "Your Q50 is due for Important recall repairs " and noted it stated Recall Code R24A7/R24A5: NHTSA 24V-470: Recall Description Q50/Q70 Prop Shaft. I contacted Infinity to schedule the repai... Read more
Incident date: Dec 2, 2024
I called the Honda dealership in Concord California on 12/2/2024 for the 20V-770 recall as well as the airbag shrapnel issue. They checked with the service manager and refused to inspect the drive train unless there “Was a problem with the car”. They refused to repair the air bags unless “something happens, hopefully nothing happens then we can look at it.” They offered to have the airba... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The instrument panel cluster has short circuited and failed preventing the display of critical safety information such as speed, fuel levels, and engine temperature, etc. This is the same issue that other jeep gladiators have a recall for code NHTSA recall 24V652, but the service department says my jeep that has the exact same issue is not covered. There was no warning and the dash went out whil... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
car slammed on the brakes with no apparent obstruction in the path of the vehicle. Braking caused hand injury from the grip of the steering wheel. nearly caused rear-end collusion with vehicle follow behind us.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2024
The contact owned a 2024 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 50-55 MPH, the front passenger side tire detached from the vehicle, and the front passenger side was damaged. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. His wife sustained injuries to the neck and shoulder which required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle ... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
Paint chipping/peeling severely from hood and top of car
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
The car is releasing large amounts of white smoke when starting the car in the morning, and shows declining levels of coolant (way below MIN when I checked). I suspect this is due to a leaking gasket.
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
While driving, malfunction warning flashed on dash, followed by 48v malfunction warning, then engine coolant overheat warning. The car then went into limp mode and finally stopped completely. Luckily this occurred on a residential street and not on a high speed freeway - the car gave very little warning before drastically reduced speed and shutting down systems. A 48 volt battery problem should h... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
ABS module has failed. Traction control and ABS is not functioning. The module is on back order for over a year now. I’ve read on many forms that many people are having the same issue. I now have to be extremely careful especially on wet roads as the rear tires spin due to not having TC functioning.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
The steering wheel controls stopped working. Had a mechanic look at it and said it was the clock spring contacts were compromised.
Incident date: Nov 29, 2024
Car shut down while driving on highway. After 10 Seconds, restarted but engine was sputtering along.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while at the car wash, the running boards extended downward and fractured. The contact stated that the running boards failed to retract as intended. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the running boards were extending and retracting independently. The contact engaged the running boards to extend down. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Engine developed a major oil leak at 70,000 miles, with multiple seals leaking. This appears to be a known defect with these vehicles and owners should not be bearing the cost for repairs.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
I started receiving error message, “Engine maintenance required Visit your Dealer“. I contacted the dealership and spoke with someone in parts and service. They advised me that the issue is the coolant bypass valve and the cost to replace it would be approximately $800 with parts and labor. They also stated that unfortunately this is a known defect and they can’t guarantee how long the repai... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, upon coming to a complete stop at a stop light, the vehicle inadvertently stalled and initially failed to restart. The contact stated that after approximately 10 minutes the vehicle independently restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2024
While driving on the highway, the engine suddenly stopped working without warning. I was unable to accelerate using the gas pedal. Fortunately, the highway was empty at the time, and I managed to safely pull over to the right side of the road. After waiting for approximately 30 minutes for the engine to cool down, I attempted to drive again. However, the car began shaking severely whenever I press... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2024
Electrical components are failing in the tailgate lock/unlock mechanism. The tailgate goes up and down on its own while in park. It will also go up and down on its own after the truck is off and unattended This started happening about a week ago. It is available for inspection upon request and has not been inspected by any agency yet. The tailgate could damage itself or other property randoml... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -5.0 coyote motor oil consumption -1ST INSPECTION BECAUSE WE FOUND… OIL CONSUMPTION, FOUND VEHICLE CONSUMED 3QTS OF OIL IN 2,985 MILES. TSB 19-2365 PERFORMED PREVIOUS VISIT. FOLLOWED OIL CONSUMPTION DIAGNOSTICS. ENGINE PASSED CYLINDER LEAKAGE TEST AND COMPRESSION TEST. FOUND ALL CYLINDERS 160-170P... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
While driving approximately 30mph the car lost all accelleration/power and slowed to a stop while still in Drive. First, this put me in an extremely DANGEROUS position in the middle of an extremely busy highway with cars almost hitting me several times. Dashboard displayed numerous flashing error messages. Some that I recall were: Low Tire Pressure TPMS, ABS, BRAKE SYSTEM, Power, and HOLD. I p... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, as if the engine was not receiving the proper amount of fuel. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the abnormal sound was caused by the fuel pump failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 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 while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the engine was overheating. The contact noticed white smoke coming from under the hood on the passenger's side. The check eng... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
I was on the freeway and doing about 70 and I hit some bumps in the road and my vehicle started to violently shake and I was unable to control my vehicle. I had to hit the breaks and slow down to regain control of my vehicle. This the second time this has happened. Vehicle was repaired about 2 years ago for the same thing. Ford repaired the damper steering linkage last time this incident hap... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Mazda CX-5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system erroneously activated, and the vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of a busy intersection. The contact stated that there were no other vehicles or object nearby. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2024
Multiple rim cracks due to manufacturing error. General Motors had acknowledged this but not made reimbursement possible nor provided information if defective rims are still being produced. My car was inspected and rim was repaired by a Chevy dealer and confirmed to have a cracked rim in several spots deemed not due to road damage or driver error. Wheel issues can pose an extreme safety threat as ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
I have Hyudai Santafe 2017 Sport, bought it from dealership in 2020 with 46,000 Miles and in around past 4/5 years added 30,000 miles. Which is not much, in the past one year i have noticed that engine oil is burning faster than usual. On every oil change after driving between 1200 and 1500 miles the oil engine sign blinks and upon checking needed 2 Quarts of oil. I spoke the dealership and they a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 20, 2024
I have Hyudai Santafe 2017 Sport, bought it from dealership in 2020 with 46,000 Miles and in around past 4/5 years added 30,000 miles. Which is not much, in the past one year i have noticed that engine oil is burning faster than usual. On every oil change after driving between 1200 and 1500 miles the oil engine sign blinks and upon checking needed 2 Quarts of oil. I spoke the dealership and they a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
This morning I awoke to another shattered rear windshield. I had the exact same thing happen in January of this year. This is my second out of cost rear windshield replacement due to the known problem Acura has failed to address. I have spent over 1,000 dollars on replacement glass in addition to my car being in the shop for 3 months waiting for a fuel pump. This is ridiculous, and something needs... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
Around 12:30 pm Sysco driver [XXX] illegally parked on the San Diego California street blocking off traffic. I made a note of the drivers identification because of the awkward closeness to my vehicle. I went to an appointment about an hour away and upon my return I immediately noticed tension and pulling with my suspension that was not there before. I contact Sysco corporate office to report the... Read more
Incident date: Nov 24, 2024
Around 12:30 pm Sysco driver [XXX] illegally parked on the San Diego California street blocking off traffic. I made a note of the drivers identification because of the awkward closeness to my vehicle. I went to an appointment about an hour away and upon my return I immediately noticed tension and pulling with my suspension that was not there before. I contact Sysco corporate office to report the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2024
My car shuts off going down the road happens randomly it happened in July of 2024 and in November 2024 no warning lights came on it just shuts off I have not had my car looked at yet but I do plan on taking it to a dealer