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: Jan 16, 2025
I believe there's a Manufactuing defect with my rear defrost. I woke up this morning to my back windshield blowing out. The temperature was not cold nor there was nothing felled on it. My car was parked in my driveway.
Incident date: Jan 16, 2025
Since March 2024, FSD has failed to function as designed. Tesla denied any problem with the vehicle until October 2024, when a manager told me it's a known issue with no available fix. The issue started with FSD not recognizing traffic signals. Meaning that regardless of whether a traffic light was green or red, the vehicle would treat it like an 4 way stop. It would come to a stop and then proc... Read more
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
The brake system sensor light appears on the dashboard and cuts off supply to the gas pedal. Not able to accelerate while sensor turns on, which is very unsafe.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2025
Knocking noises from CV joint when turning left.
Incident date: Jan 1, 2025
The CV joint in the steering system clicks when turning to the right and left while accelerating.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
1. The automatic tailgate opens by itself randomly. It appears to be malfunctioning. I am unable to open it from the tailgate now. When it’s open it continues to attempt to unlatch making the noise. It’s opened while driving. 2. So far I lost a cooler on the highway due to this problem which would cause a road hazard to other drivers. 3. I brought it to the dealer they said it’s not there pr... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
1. The automatic tailgate opens by itself randomly. It appears to be malfunctioning. I am unable to open it from the tailgate now. When it’s open it continues to attempt to unlatch making the noise. It’s opened while driving. 2. So far I lost a cooler on the highway due to this problem which would cause a road hazard to other drivers. 3. I brought it to the dealer they said it’s not there pr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the fan was running excessively. The contact stated that the engine and coolant warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the thermostat. The thermostat was replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechan... Read more
Incident date: Jan 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the fan was running excessively. The contact stated that the engine and coolant warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was caused by the thermostat. The thermostat was replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechan... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
Fault code in the Automatic Braking System C24020 C17410 White body paint bubbling and peeling off the car for no reason. Passenger door roof frame and trunk. Hood previously repaired
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
I have a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport that only has 24k miles on it (all oem stock components with zero modification) and I have been experiencing death wobble issues when traveling at highway speeds and driving over seam transitions where the road meets bridge crossings. The vehicle shakes uncontrolably and it's absolutely terrifying. The only way to get it to stop is to remove my foot from the gas p... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2025
Trunk latch releases randomly. Like so many other people with this generation of Ford Fiesta. They have taken them in for the same issue and told they don't by the shop that they don't know what the problem is. The problem is random so getting to to happen while at the shop is next to impossible. If the problem can't be reproduced by a garage mechanic, how would Insurance, or police have any luck... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
The check engine light came on and started flashing, as soon as that happened, the car went into limp mode. It will not go over 2,400 rpms and the speed is limited to 60mph max. I had taken the car to a licensed mechanic shop, they have drained the oil and taken the oil filter apart and found little pieces of metal in the oil and oil filter itself. They have checked codes as well and what they fou... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2024
When driving at low speeds, for example looking for parking in my work parking lot, my 2014 Honda accord coupe lost power steering. Steering wheel became heavy and hard to turn. The screens flickered on the radio and the car felt like a manual car when it stalls. With every turn of the wheel the car would try to shut off. No warning light came on the dash. There was a car behind me when it happene... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2024 Acura ZDX. The contact stated after his wife had pulled out of the driveway and depressed the brake pedal, the messages "Complete Outer Brake Failure", "Top Speed 43 MPH" and "Stabili-trak Failure" were displayed. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver shifted into drive(D) to return into the driveway. The driver depressed the brake pedal,... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The present complaint alleges as follows: 1. Honda has a defective design in the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) of all Honda Odysseys, models 2018-2023. 2. Namely, Honda has placed the RADAR behind the large HONDA emblem on the front grille. This causes the radar to give a "RADAR OBSTRUCTED" warning, which disables all Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in the car (Automatic Emergency B... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The present complaint alleges as follows: 1. Honda has a defective design in the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) of all Honda Odysseys, models 2018-2023. 2. Namely, Honda has placed the RADAR behind the large HONDA emblem on the front grille. This causes the radar to give a "RADAR OBSTRUCTED" warning, which disables all Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in the car (Automatic Emergency B... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The present complaint alleges as follows: 1. Honda has a defective design in the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) of all Honda Odysseys, models 2018-2023. 2. Namely, Honda has placed the RADAR behind the large HONDA emblem on the front grille. This causes the radar to give a "RADAR OBSTRUCTED" warning, which disables all Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in the car (Automatic Emergency B... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the steering wheel jerked to the left and to the right. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that some unstated bolts had sheared off and an alignment was needed. The contact stated that the rear anchor arm was replaced; ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
When I take my foot off the brake to accelerate, the car jerks backward and shudders. It feels as though it’s about to stall. When pressing the gas pedal, the car also has delayed acceleration. Both of these issues create dangerous driving conditions. The car hesitates when accelerating from a stopped position, nearly causing me to be rear-ended at traffic lights on multiple occasions. I’ve al... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH in a parking lot, the power steering became inoperable. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering) and 16V054000 (Steering). The contact sent an email... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
Make: Chevy ---- Model: Equinox ----- Year: 2016 ----- Mileage: Just under 78,000 miles ----- Component or system: Rear main seal failed leaking nearly all the oil left in the vehicle over the course of a few minutes of driving, which also left a dinner sized plate of oil underneath the car after parking in my garage. ----- Available upon request: Incident occurred 1/14/2025, with diagnosis f... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
Lithium batteries Depletion
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
Ever since purchased new in 2019 the rear brake goes away after riding. Dealer bleeds to fix and it goes away again after riding. By going away I mean rear brake pedal travel becomes very long with no positive stop when the brake finally works. Very soft feel thru the brake activation. Takes a stomp with my heel to lock the rear. Dealer has bled and even done a tsb procedure given by bmw to c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
While driving, the truck began to violently shake when downshifting. As I was exiting the highway and braking, the shaking intensified, and the truck stalled while I was traveling around 30 MPH, causing a complete power loss. To avoid a collision, I veered off the ramp and ended up scraping a road sign, which caused damage to the bed above the right fender, the road sign was intact and there was n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
While driving, the truck began to violently shake when downshifting. As I was exiting the highway and braking, the shaking intensified, and the truck stalled while I was traveling around 30 MPH, causing a complete power loss. To avoid a collision, I veered off the ramp and ended up scraping a road sign, which caused damage to the bed above the right fender, the road sign was intact and there was n... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2025
There was no major safety issue in this instance. My concern is this poses a severe risk if it happened while driving. The car was on and in ready to drive mode but was parked in the garage with climate control on while loading it for going to school. At somepoint between trips to the car over 20 minutes it died with no warning. Some lights behind buttons, the interior lights, and the screens ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 25, 2024
Sunroof exploded. There is a sunshade which protected passengers. Infiniti dealer and it is my understanding that the Company are aware that it happened. Repairs have been made. Three appeared to be no reason for the sunroof to explode.
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
Hesitation from a stop. Vehicle isn’t following pedal input and at times can put me into a side collision. Lane keep assist is dangerous and throws me off the road constantly. At times the lane assist will fight my input at the wheel and pull me off-road and over the lines.
Incident date: Sep 30, 2024
Queja por reparación defectuosa de recall en mi Ford Explorer Estimados Señores: Por medio de la presente, me dirijo a ustedes para expresar mi profunda insatisfacción con el servicio recibido en su concesionario relacionado con un problema de recall en mi Ford Explorer [indicar modelo y año del vehículo], cuya reparación, realizada bajo su supervisión, no ha sido adecuada. En los primeros ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
I was driving down the highway when I started to hear a knocking sound at certain RPM. No check engine light and I was unable to safely pull over. As I continued driving looking for a safe place to park the vehicle, within a few minutes the noise in the engine got worse and then suddenly the vehicle completely lost power and would only drive in limp mode. Luckily I was able to pull off to an off... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
When ever I hit the breaks in a small bump the vehicle vibrates "steering wheel and the brake pedal" not able to control the vehicle almost bump into the car in front of me. I when to my local dealer for it to be inspected and I show the my dashcam videos and one of the mechanics joined me in a test drive for them to diagnose what's happening the same vibration happened when I brake while passing ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2024
Battery fails repeatedly even after several battery replacements and dealer fixing the software at a hefty cost, presumable to make sure the battery is charging. My insurance company (State Farm) dropped my roadside assistance coverage after repeated requests to get help to start the car. I continuously dread and fear that the car will not start after a drive to the grocery store. I dear not think... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
I have a 6 month old Escalade with approximately 7,000 miles. On Wednesday, 01/08/2025, I was driving on a highway with my son, going approximately 65 mph when my car display suddenly alerted "Going into Neutral". I had moments to get to the shoulder before my car stopped. I then turned my car off and attempted to restart it. The engine would not turn on and I could not get the car out of park... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2025
I have a 6 month old Escalade with approximately 7,000 miles. On Wednesday, 01/08/2025, I was driving on a highway with my son, going approximately 65 mph when my car display suddenly alerted "Going into Neutral". I had moments to get to the shoulder before my car stopped. I then turned my car off and attempted to restart it. The engine would not turn on and I could not get the car out of park... Read more
Incident date: Dec 31, 2024
While driving the car felt like it was going to shutoff multiple times. It had been experiencing an unusually high consumption of oil since it's last oil change. It would also tend to surge and excelarate unexpectedly while driving. The check engine light came on only once and then shut off. The car is currently at the Hyundai dealer. The service person says we need a new engine. These incidents h... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2025
In 2024, I initially suspected that my car was being improperly serviced at local Jiffy Lubes. Later, I thought it might be an oil leak, so I took it to the dealership. They informed me that there was an oil pan gasket leak and replaced it. However, when I returned the car a week later and said it wasn't fixed, they inspected it and claimed everything was fine. As months went by, I found myself c... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2025
I want to bring to your attention a safety issue on the 2024 Tesla Model X. The turn signal buttons are a safety hazard. 1. I have found myself pressing the wrong turn signal button and was nearly in an accident more than once. That’s because the turn signals are placed too close together (see attachment). You have to take your eyes off the road and look down to make sure you are pressing the ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
This has happened twice in the last 3 months of owning this vehicle. Both times were luckily in uncrowded slow speed areas, and I had nothing in the bed. First time was in a parking lot (without my tonneau installed), the Most recent incident happened as I was reversing out of my driveway and as I Put my Vehicle in Drive slowly moving forward my Tailgate opened Unexpectedly (with a tonneau instal... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
There is a know reported issue for transmissions in this car. My car i making a whining noise wheelie accelerating. Looks like it has something to do with the transmission failing.
Incident date: Dec 26, 2024
Unknown. The car shut off while driving. Flashing a code put in park and the D on the shifter knob was flashing. Vehicle wouldn't start for about 30 minutes. It was making a loud noise while trying to restart.Then it ran like normal after that. We are not shure but we think the fuel gage and low fuel light are not working properly. We put a few gallons of fuel in it and it started normally with no... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2024
When reaching between the seats to get a dropped item hand gets stuck on a sharp edge and cannot be pulled out. This happened to me once while driving and to my diluaghters very small hand while parked. Assistance was needed to dislodge hand.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
The passenger seat sensor intermittently turns on and off as indicated by the warning light on the dashboard and the "passenger airbag on off" light indicating it is off when an adult passenger is sitting in the seat. This put the passenger at risk of serious injury if a collision would have occurred or could occur. I took my car to the dealership on January 1, 2025 where they inspected the vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2024
The vehicle was sold with significant rust damage to the underbody of the truck. The truck parts are rusted to a point the suspension, and axel are about to fall out. The truck is leaking gasoline due to the amount of rust. The power steering that they fixed after one day driving it had issues when sold is still having issues leaking fluid. It has been deemed unsafe to drive on road. The dealersh... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2024
Ford Motor Company has issued a safety recall, identified by letter NEF-107DG and recall number 24V-957, due to the potential failure of the CP4 fuel pump in certain vehicle models. The recall affects the following makes, models, and model years: FORD/F-250 SD (2020-2022), FORD/F-350 SD (2020-2022), FORD/F-450 SD (2020-2022), FORD/F-550 SD (2020-2022), FORD/F-600 SD (2020-2022), FORD/F-650 (2021-2... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the automotive power was reduced and a "Power failure get to nearest dealer" warning message illuminated. The contact was able to pull over onto the side of the road, idled, and then attempted to restart. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The man... Read more
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
While driving my instrument cluster went blank, therefore not displaying critical safety driving information. There were no warning messages or alerts. It has been confirmed by an independent service center.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2018
My engine stalls while driving. Now engine is knocking real loud. Then stall again. My safety and others drivers safety because my engine stalls could cause a crash, wreck. Mechanic listened to engine, said engine is knocking and stalling, this is a safety issue. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, or others. No warning lights, symptoms, Monday December 30, 2024.
Incident date: May 15, 2022
The harness becomes loose without pressing the button to loosen it. When I pull on it to make sure it is tight, it loosens without pushing the button. Nuna has been notified but will not provide a timely solution. I did not receive a recall letter in the mail even though my car seat is registered with the manufacturer and has been since 2021. I called Nuna and they said they could not find my reg... Read more