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: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V623000 (SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC); 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 and local dealer could not be contacted and were not made aware of the issue. The c... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
Death wobble happened 5 times driving on the interstate. Couldn’t control steering and everything was violently shaking.
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The curtain shield airbags on both the driver’s and passenger’s side may not deploy as intended during certain crashes when the driver or front passenger windows are rolled down. If this occurs, the vehicles may not meet a federal safety standard, increasing the risk of injury during certain crashes.
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
2012 white pearl Kia sorento paint chipping and peeling off to reveal the bare metal below making it susceptible to rusting. It started on my hood and progressively got worse until I got the entire hood repainted. Now it is starting on the roof of my car and peeling off in big flakes. It continues to get worse.
Incident date: Jan 23, 2023
While driving the vehicle a burning smell became present. I pulled over into the nearest parking lot. Smoke started to come out of the engine compartment and increased over a short period of time. Fire flames came through the hood of the car. I called 911 and the fire department had to put out the flames. The car got towed and is sitting in a tow yard pending an insurance inspection. My safety was... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
When applying the brakes at slower speeds the over-sensitive ABS violently activates causing temporary brake loss and shaking of the vehicle. This has been addressed at Hyundai dealership and symptoms were confirmed from the service advisor. I was told that this isn’t normal operation per Hyundai. Regarding another issue. The transmission will shutter combined with 3-5 second delay when up-shif... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
When applying the brakes at slower speeds the over-sensitive ABS violently activates causing temporary brake loss and shaking of the vehicle. This has been addressed at Hyundai dealership and symptoms were confirmed from the service advisor. I was told that this isn’t normal operation per Hyundai. Regarding another issue. The transmission will shutter combined with 3-5 second delay when up-shif... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not expe... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact attempted to turn on the air conditioner and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The fa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Ford Mustang. The contact received two unknown recall repair notifications for the driver’s and the passenger’s frontal air bags. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the unknown recall repairs were performed. The contact stated that when the vehicle was picked up from the dealer, the horn and the radio were inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 23, 2023
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
When driving slow speeds such as driving through a parking lot my car stalls the radio plays without interruption and would not know it stalls except for the oil pan light and unable to accelerate because the car stalled all the leads me to believe the engine is at fault. When stalled at that point I pull over turn the key off then on starting the car back up (immediately starts without issue). I... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
I was on my way home from work when my oil light came on and I began losing acceleration on a busy highway. It wouldn't let me go above 20 mph which was definitely unsafe due to the nature of traffic on the highway. I managed to pull over and get my car towed to the most recent place I had an oil change. After a few days, they stated that the vehicle had sustained a loss of engine oil pressure and... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Pilot. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); 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. Parts distribution disconnect... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2024
I would like to report a hazardous issue with the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado trailer braking power mode. The trailer braking system turns on and off when the loaded trailer is connected; this represents a security hazard since this truck is used for work and we move heavy pieces of metal and glass. This issue was reported several times to the dealership Lou Bachrodt Chevrolet in Coconut Creek, FL. A... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
Our 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid developed an issue with the forward radar. At speed, the car produces a warning ding and then a warning message is displayed stating, "Critical Forward Safety functions are limited. Radar blocked." If the adaptive cruise control is engaged at the time of the warning, it immediately disengages, forcing the driver to quickly respond. If there is a vehicle in the adjace... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
On Sep 16, 2024 I purchased a 2024 EX450 Plug-in Hybrid. During the purchasing process that new car delivery person recommended using the Lexus app which I installed. From Sep 18 through Sep 23 I drove the car in the EV mode around my community. I put on approximately 15 miles. On the morning of Sep 24, 2024 I needed to go to an important meeting. On Sep 23 in order to prepare for a 40 mil... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a Scorpion EXO, Covert X Helmet, Size XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E054000 (Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not 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 co... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2017
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the instrument panel became inoperable and turned black. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was repaired. The contact related the failu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2017
Transmission shudders when starting off and slams into gear when down shifting. Took truck to dealer while still under warranty and was told that GM states this is "normal operation" and refused to perform repair under warranty. Now that truck is out of warranty period, GM is saying that transmission needs work at a cost of $6000 for torque converter and valve body assembly GM is well aware of the... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while exiting the vehicle, there was an abnormal crackling sound coming from the driver's side door. No warning lights were 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 the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23013 (Structure).... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2024
REAR CENTER HIGH MOUNT CAMERA ON CHMSL HAS STOPPED WORKING AFTER ONE YEAR AFTER PURCHASE
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
Engine in limp mode, CEL activated with code p1326. Knock sensor detection system activated, oil leaking. Car won't Rev past 1700 RPM.
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
As I was driving on the interstate, a red turtle appeared on the control panel saying that power has been reduced. Approximately 2 minutes later the entire engine shut down at 55mph. I pulled over and placed the Jeep into park and attempted to restart the truck. The Jeep would power on and immediately shut off. I called a tow truck and had it towed to the dealership (Tate Chrysler and Jeep in Glen... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
On the backside of instrument gauge cluster the soldering goes bad and seems to be a common problem with this year of Malibu.You lose all function and lighting of cluster while driving so you have no speedometer, fuel or temperature gauges and it goes black. I would consider this a factory defect if the solder does not hold up. It can be very dangerous for the driver. The cluster would go on and o... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Passenger headrest exploded suddenly while driving on highway at highway speeds. Loud bang which made me swerve. No accident or incident preceded, it just exploded. if someone like my wife with neck problems was in the seat she could have been injured. I was told that Jeep has extended the warranty on this item and it appears this happens often. Had this happened to the drivers one I may... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
Substantial amount of water coming in through rear windshield/rear sliding glass windshield door, causing mold.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
When traveling at low speeds, 10-15 mph, and coasting (no accelerator input) then pressing the accelerator there is no response. The engine will not rev up and the truck will not accelerate for a good 6-8 seconds. It happens usually in parking lots or when making low speed turns onto street intersections or pulling out of driveways. This is dangerous, as pulling in front of traffic then having no ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact became aware of an abnormal coolant odor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak into the engine and engine failure. The contact was informed t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact became aware of an abnormal coolant odor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak into the engine and engine failure. The contact was informed t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
When applying the brakes, at lower speeds around 20 MPH my Sienna lunges forward for a few seconds, increasing speeds. This is happening frequently in school zones due to the slow speeds. Dealer told me it was out of warranty (36k or 3 yrs) and i had to pay $250 for diagnostic plus $300 for a TSB solfware reset because the Fed didn't receive enough complaints from users to make Toyota do a recal... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
ABS system keeps beeping due to known defective part which Dodge has known about. My vehicle only has 27,000 miles on it
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
Toyota has not provided an update to its customers on when remedy will be fixed. It still reports that remedy will be available mid 2024. Whenever I call Toyota they have no answers. I have made numerous complaints with no real update. This is severely affecting my business as my car cannot be rented out due to an active recall.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
UNKNOWN: Excessive frame rust. frame is excessively rusting to the point where the brakes and suspensions is connected to the frame has been compromised. brake lines rusted to the point of failure, thus almost causing a wreck. Vehicle is now parked due to safety concerns involving the excessive rusting that is happening to the frame and any components that is attached to the frame.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The lights turn on by themselves with no incidents. And cannot get them to turn off. They eventually turn off by themselves and then on by themselves.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
A coolant leak in the engine led to contamination, misfiring spark plugs. Check engine light came on while driving, and very soon thereafter (~3 minutes) car began sputtering while accelerating and shaking while idle. Acceleration seemed particularly unreliable and dangerous, leading driver to immediately exit the highway and continue straight to dealership on back roads. Dealer found that coola... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was mad... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
The contact's mother owns a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that after shifting into drive(D), the vehicle failed to accelerate upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the check engine and traction control warning lights were displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
When driving home the car emergency braked with no cars, debris, or anything else in the road. Car breaked to a full stop from 40mph causing serious whiplash and almost causing an accident.
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 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: Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance sensor failed to function as needed. The contact stated that the brake was activated without cause. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed camera. The contact was informed that the camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repai... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance sensor failed to function as needed. The contact stated that the brake was activated without cause. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed camera. The contact was informed that the camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repai... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the center display failed to turn on. The contact stated while reversing at 5MPH, the rearview camera failed to engage... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
I recieved a recall letter in Feb. saying that I needed ro wait until fall to have parts re-stocked. I called the Honda dealer to check and see if it is ready to have recall service, the person I spokes to said my car is not under recall. told the person that I received the recall letter in the past, but she said not all cars are under recall but only specific models, which mine was not included. ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
During my ownership of this vehicle, it started developing a terrible vinegar/mildew smell when turning on A/C a while ago, which is really unpleasant. This is concerning to me because I am afraid of potential health risks, and as a premium vehicle, this type of problem is not acceptable in my opinion. I am also an owner of a 1998 BMW that exhibits zero AC issues, so it is quite frustrating that... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
My Fisker Ocean has recalls and although they continue to mail me the recall letters and state that someone will call me to help me find a repair shop that will fix the recall, and they provide a number for me to call, no one has ever answered that phone number and they will not answer any emails. When I bought the car the GPS system never worked and they scheduled several appointments to fix it b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
My Fisker Ocean has recalls and although they continue to mail me the recall letters and state that someone will call me to help me find a repair shop that will fix the recall, and they provide a number for me to call, no one has ever answered that phone number and they will not answer any emails. When I bought the car the GPS system never worked and they scheduled several appointments to fix it b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
Four Subaru dealership licensed service centers in Maine and New Hampshire have had for some 8 weeks my Outback to evaluate, diagnose, and -upon my approval- service. Every one of the four Subaru locations was been unable to resolve a single one of these chronic problems of the Outback's erratic 1) start/no-start, 2) triggered security light and activated alarm, 3) dashboard battery and brake icon... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
Transmission has failed while I was driving 2 small children