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: Jul 14, 2024
ABS won't stay engaged causing traction control to not stay engaged and causes cruise control to not stay engaged. Skidding and loss of control are possible without ABS and traction control systems working. Loss of cruise control can cause rear impact from sudden slow down. Same problems are occurring in similar vehicles. Console chimes and ABS and traction control indicator lights come on. Messag... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Instroment light come back on with all other lights ignition off. Runs battery down.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
I have brought the Taos back to Volkswagen dealership repeatedly for failure of the infotainment screen this screen displays the back up camera when the car is put into reverse The dates :12/14/23 , 2/21/24 , 8/27/24 ,9/5/24 , 10/23/24 , 11/13/24. Each time inspections , repairs, updates have been made and through 11/5/24 the infotainment screen has continued to fail without warning leaving us wi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
The car was parked, I turned on the car and the whole dashboard lite up, the car wouldn't move, when it did it was really sluggish. Took to dealership and determined it was a bad head gasket with a misfire in the cylinder two. People are complaining about this issue all over the Internet, bad head gaskets prematurely blowing for 2018-2020 honda Accords
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
EPB Shift Interlock Function Activated message on the dashboard briefly before start-up. This has occurred even though the car hasn't had any issues before. The braking system is functional, except regardless of time and temperature, the message still displays. The car's battery is in good condition and no low power level is displayed.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V896000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH when a loud grinding noise was emitting from underneath the ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO LOWER GEAR WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD NOT CHANGE I HAD TO PULL OVER AND TRY TO GET IT TO CHANGE I TURNED OFF VEHICLE AND RESTARTED AND STILL NO CHANGE SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND WAITED THEN FINALLY CHANGE BUT WAS HARD SHIFTING AND STALLING TO CHANGE
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms par... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
Initially thought a seal on the windshield was faulty, so contacted the business who replaced the windshield. Business owner came to owner’s house Mon, Nov 4, 2024. He did a thorough inspection of all areas where water was identified by owner (dash, under the dash, on the driver side floor) and confirmed it was not the windshield. He then inspected the roof rack and determined the roof rack was ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
On three separate occasions, my vehicle lost the ability to accelerate. The first time I was attempting to pass slow moving farm equipment when my vehicle lost power, had a loud vibrating/rattling noise and multiple dashboard warnings flashed. Luckily, I was able to merge back into my lane and pull off the side of the road. I took the vehicle in for service and was told I needed new phasers. Once ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
I previously submitted a report to your agency on May 31, 2024 regarding my 2018 Honda Civic Sedan (VIN# provided) relating to what has been widely called a "sticky" steering action. After having one of their dealerships confirming there is a problem with my steering, I wrote Honda America on June 1, 2024 and advised them of that problem and requested my vehicle be added to a recall program that ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
I purchased a brand new 2023 Mazda CX – 30 from Cooley Mazda on September 27, 2023. I was excited to upgrade from my 2011 Mazda 3, however I have had issues early on. On June 7, 2024, I brought my 2023 Mazda CX – 30 in for diagnostic testing for front end noise and a shifting issue. I went out for a drive with the Technician and was told the noise I was hearing was from the weight of the car ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
Driving to work this morning after remote starting my truck due to cold weather. 10 minutes into driving, the driver side of the 3-piece power slide rear glass shattered with no impact or any other damage. Online searching indicates it is a frequent problem and likely caused by the rear glass defroster.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Since purchasing this vehicle new, I've had several occasions (not on just the most recent date noted in this case) where the car will issue a false Pre-collision Alert and apply the brakes for about 1 second while using the Adaptive Cruise Control. However, this happens while me and the drivers around me are driving "normally" and there are no vehicles in front of me nor attempting to merge into... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
The engine began making an metallic clicking noise that increased with engine RPM. I made an appointment with the local Honda dealership service center as soon as possible. The Honda dealership inspected the engine valve springs and the connecting rod bearings. The connecting rod bearings had failed but I had brought the vehicle in to the service center quickly enough that the failed connecting r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
My family and I were driving down a busy highway at speed in the middle lane, the vehicle suddenly jolted forward and lost power. Dashboard reported electrical system failure, contact service. Vehicle was recovered to dealer who has been unable to resolve issue and KIA unable to diagnose the root cause of the problem. Very dangerous.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Driving on freeway when the rear tire tread peeled off the inside tire tread wheel/blow out almost causing an accident. The vehicle pulled hard while driving and almost lost control. The problem has been inspected and confirmed by the Tesla dealer. The tire warning did alert after the tire blew out. This is a very frequently reported incident with the Model S plaid. A defect in the factory camb... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
Reverse camera occasionally fails to load/display markings about car position, including rear cross traffic alert. Has happened two times, one prior to the instrument recall fix and one after the fix had been applied to my car. Prior to the recall being fixed, the rear cross traffic alert would still work.
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
On three occasions now the engine has stalled after stopping for stop sign then attempting to accelerate and continue driving. When this occurs the emergency brake is also self deployed causing a sudden and hard stop. This could lead to a rear end collision and possible injury. Ironically this has happened at the exact same stop sign all three times. There were no warning lamps or any indication a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
Started showing shift to park, while vehicle is in park and turned off
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield trim detached and flew off. In addition, the contact stated that the passenger's side windshield trim had detached and was held in place with tape. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System; Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that after the repair was performed, the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact was eventually able to start the vehicle and the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 available. The manufa... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 1995 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, the contact observed gasoline leaking from the rear of the vehicle where the fuel tank was located. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
While waiting to turn left from a busy street onto a highway, the engine seized. The car was unable to be moved from it's location in the center of the busy street with cars approaching quickly from behind and weaving around my stopped vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to Metro Acura in Montclair, CA and they confirmed that the connecting rod bearing had failed causing the engine to seize. They al... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
engine coolant sucked into motor. Check engine light and temp light came on. Luckly was intown and doing 40 mph. Copy of repair order from dealer uploaded.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
I purchased a new 2019 VW Jetta GLI. Since the first day I bought the car four years ago, whenever I call someone or receive a call, and my iPhone is plugged in to the USB socket to connect to hands-free calling, the person on the other end hears a very big echo and voice lag. 100% of the time this happens. I end up having to hang up and call just using the speaker on my phone because no one can s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
I am filing this complaint regarding serious safety issues with my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, VIN: [XXX] , purchased from Carvana in 2019. Recurring transmission problems have created a significant safety risk for me and others. About a year after purchase, the vehicle’s transmission began failing, and I replaced it in 2021. Despite this, the transmission warning light activates intermitt... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Subaru has failed to remedy recall on airbags.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2017
UNKNOWN , Rubber seal in the sunroof ripped when I opened it, causing it to make little holes, after the car has sat in dealership lot for a while. I bought the car used so that is the reason the sunroof has not been opened for a long time as it was just in the dealership lot. This could possibly cause water to leak inside of the car.
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The Instrument Panel Display combined with the Front Sensor Camera failed. This risked my live as well as others lives on the road due to the ill ability to predict when it will fail as well as the difficulty to control the sporadic behavior. The Lane Keep assist system would also overcorrect and have very strong and hard to control corrections with the wheel. The Instrument panel would also turn... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
We purchased this vehicle in mid 2018. In October of 2018 Lexus issued a customer support process ZLZ which covered our vehicle for problems with the dashboard. At that time, we had no deterioration of our dashboard so we did not respond. The Lexus program expired in 2021. In the last two years, our dashboard has deteriorated quite substantially becoming sticky and more importantly, becoming very... Read more
Incident date: Oct 26, 2024
As I was driving yesterday car jump down to 5 mph. Message came on engine malfunction power reduced service now. Thank god no cars was behind me. I pulled over turned the car off then put it back on. It did run but engine was loud. Today on my way to work car engine is loud and car feels heavy.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2023
I had just completed filling my car with gas and was still parked at the gas pump. The gas cap had been replaced and I got back into the car and started it. I thought that the engine had fully started, but when I shifted into drive, the engine sputtered a little. I put it back in park, and attempted to start the car again. There was a huge bang under the hood and a puff of smoke. Upon opening... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
● My steering rack has been recalled for a 2nd time after being replaced once and every dealership in the DFW metroplex are turning me away. ● I have no control over my steering this has been ongoing for roughly 1½ years now. ● yes multiple times. ● yes after the 1st recall and they said everything was in tip top shape and has now been recalled a 2nd time. ● yes only a few months after ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
I would like to report a serious safety issue with the 2021 Acura TLX Type s. Recently in April 2024, while driving, I heard a loud pop from the vehicle, and it turned out that the transfer case had burst into the transmission. This failure has rendered the rear-wheel drive non-functional, resulting in severe oversteer. This oversteer is especially dangerous because the vehicle is now operating a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
At stop sigh,another vehicle coming down from a hill with a high speed hit and crush my car from behind.Two back passenger doors bent and the trunk hood bent as well.This is why i'm requesting a salvage title.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
Based upon Big Star Hyundai Repair Department’s assessment the engine failed because there was a miss fire in cylinder 6. They have been waiting on a new engine since July 2024. Our car has been at the dealership since 2024.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
I was lightly stepped on the gas coming off a complete stop with no cars in front of me. The automatic breaking came on hard and a sensor flashed to BRAKE as if I was going to hit someone but there was nobody in front of me. The sensor alert system was turned off 15min prior as I had gone through a car wash. This is the first time this has happened but unknown why. Had there been a car behind me, ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
This truck has 20,000 miles. I experienced what’s called the death wobble which nearly shook the truck off the road. The dealership told me a $2000 dollar duel steering stabilizer would fix the problem. I reluctantly payed for it as they said the lift voided the warranty. The truck is still not fixed and my wife nearly went off the road today driving it. I read online that a stabilizer doesn’t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
This truck has 20,000 miles. I experienced what’s called the death wobble which nearly shook the truck off the road. The dealership told me a $2000 dollar duel steering stabilizer would fix the problem. I reluctantly payed for it as they said the lift voided the warranty. The truck is still not fixed and my wife nearly went off the road today driving it. I read online that a stabilizer doesn’t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
While at a stoplight, my car notified me of many sensors having "problems" From my understanding, it relates to the front camera located on the windshield. I am unable to use these additional safety features since the problem arose earlier this week. Had this gone out while I was driving, my family and I could have been fatally affected. My cursory research online shows this is a recurring probl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Ridgeline. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 available. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2024
While driving the car, the wheel locked and we lost acceleration, and a warning light for the electric engine throttle came on. The car is undriveable, and we are extremely lucky that we were not in an accident. We suspect that the W79 recall for other Jeeps is implicated for our car.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
I have had multiple incidents of my 2022 Ram 1500 ETorque, when coming to a stop the auto start stop system engages and when I let my foot off the brake to take off the truck will not start the engine back. It will engage the parking brake and shift into park, sometimes will start back with the start button depressed. I have had at least 4 different incidents where it leaves me sitting in heavy tr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
Seat belt light on on dash, seat belts secured. Can bus system scan reports both front seat belt powered pretensioners are setting fault codes. Hard faults. Recall on identical problem issued on 2019 models . Purchased auto 06/24 Used. I have 2 Mercedes : 2023 GLC / 9000 miles and 2019 amg gle coupe 4.3 51,000miles. Are seat belt powered pretensioners covered under this Recall???? Please reply? ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle decelerated, the speedometer went to Zero (0), and the blue wrench warning light illuminated, indicating a transmission failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission molded lead frame was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaire... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2023
ABS and traction control module defect. Dealer says repair not a recall.
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 40 MPH, the vehicle abruptly came to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the driver observed that the draft shaft had become disconnected. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the rear axle p... Read more