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: Jan 1, 2024
While approaching an intersection to make a right-hand turn at approximately 5 mph, I lightly applied the brakes. The entire car shook, and instead of slowing down, it continued to lurch forward. The road conditions were dry but slightly bumpy. The car exhibits the same behavior on uneven surfaces, such as in an alley with a slightly uneven road. The ABS system engages unnecessarily, increasing th... Read more
ACURA
RLX HYBRID
(2018) — STEERING
Sep 13, 2024
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Date of incident 9/9/24 11:15 AM 2023 Tesla Model Y traveling north bound I-15 using Tesla Autopilot intending soon to exit Pioneer Crossing / American Fork UT in the far right lane — vehicle made sudden move to right glancing off wall causing scraping damage to right front quarter panel, and hub cap. Although I stepped on the brake in attempt to take control of the vehicle I immediately experi... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
Had software update performed by dealer for 23S27 recall. Two weeks later sitting at a light amber box appeared that said check manual and had a picture of a wrench clicked ok to dismiss. Light changed and proceeded to make my left turn with no power. Looked back at dash and now MIL lamp (check engine) is lit. Pulled over, shut the car off and went to use rest room hoping car would reset itself. N... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The transmission Valve Assembly Control Module and Vehicle Speed Sensors have both failed. The car will not shift out of 2nd gear and cannot go faster than 40 mph. This is a safety issue. I had my car inspected by a certified mechanic and he diagnosed the problem. He also stated that that he has seen this a lot with Infinitis. I have maintained my car well but this is Not a maintenance issu... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
3rd row headrest will not let down when the seats are folded down.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. 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, and the dealer stated that parts were not yet availabl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2024
Driving in my newer GM Yukon Ultimate at 13k miles on the freeway. Vehicle with no warning shuts down while going 60mph in the middle lane. Was able to safely steer the car to the side of the road to avoid a collision. Vehicle lost all electrical contact. could not shift into neutral to tow. Turns out vehicle engine had to be replaced. GM approved a new engine replacement and are planning to re... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
Risk of fire. Coolant is going inside the engine. This is causing engine to over heat. There were several similar issue with ford escape care previously. Car is currently at dealer. There was engine light, and overheating sign in the car.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
While driving the vehicle and while it was in motion, I received a wave of faults. The power steering, lane departure, brake system, brake hold system, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, trailer stability, and adaptive cruise control all failed. Consequently, the steering wheel locked completely while the car was in motion. I couldn’t steer at all, and the car was in motion! I info... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 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 not yet available. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount o... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Expedition. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to prevent oversteering. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering shaft. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he observed excessive smoke emanating from the exhaust. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into the engine had resulted in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. Th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The front passenger restraint message was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V376000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehic... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
When driving the vehicle shut off power for 5sec but doesn’t shut off vehicle (all electrical off ) then kick back on ,idling high
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The horn no longer works. Mine and other’s safety are at risk because I have no way to relay hazards while driving.the issue has been ongoing and dealer has not reached back out. The component has not been inspected. No warning lights or messages.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Engine Now" and "Engine Service Require" messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the water pump, but the failure persisted. The vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist, who replaced the transmission for... Read more
ACURA
MDX SPORT HYBRID
(2019) — STEERING
Sep 10, 2024
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
My 2015 Chevy Colorado had a repaired recall for the Power Steering assist system. This repair shows as being completed on 2/19/2016, however I have had the Stability Trak system error come on, which in turn restricts the power steering and thus completely unsafe to drive as it has happened in the middle of turns and straightens the wheel out immediately.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The vents make a grinding and clicking noise for about 30 seconds upon opening the door. When using climate control functions beyond level 2, the vents make a high pitched whistle and air appears to be partially blocked
ACURA
MDX SPORT HYBRID
(2019) — STEERING
Sep 9, 2024
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
On occasion the car moves backward when I have it in Drive, and forward when I have it in Reverse. It commonly happens when doing a tight, 3 point turn. I noticed the issue shortly after I purchased the car in Mar '23 and first brought the car to the dealer for inspection after the 2nd time it happened in Jan '24. I've brought the car in many times for this and they cannot duplicate it or fix it (... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
My problem is with my Ram ABS/Traction control, cruise control doesn’t work, 4 wheel drive will not engage. Having only rear wheel drive makes it hard and dangerous to drive on snow covered roads. Almost hit a semi head on because my traction control and 4 wheel drive doesn’t work. I’ve been waiting almost 2 years for a new ABS controller. Chrysler has put the part I need on back order... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
My problem is with my Ram ABS/Traction control, cruise control doesn’t work, 4 wheel drive will not engage. Having only rear wheel drive makes it hard and dangerous to drive on snow covered roads. Almost hit a semi head on because my traction control and 4 wheel drive doesn’t work. I’ve been waiting almost 2 years for a new ABS controller. Chrysler has put the part I need on back order... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The EGR valve in my Volt suddenly failed with NO warning while driving 70 mph on the highway. I had to pull over before the engine overheated and I stopped on the side of interstate in a very tight shoulder on a curve with traffic and semi trucks passing by very closely. I’ve now been waiting over one year for repair as Chevrolet is unable to make this part for a repair that is still covered un... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
No matter what speed you’re going it puts itself in false neutral. Abs , traction control comes on battery light flashes. No power steering and will not accelerate. Have almost been ran into and ran over. There is no warning when this happens and not yet find a service department or garage that can fix the problem. Very dangerous especially for a new driver, I bought this car for my daughter. T... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My dealer installed new software that sets the parking brake when the shifter is put in the park position. When I'm driving the car and stopped at a red light and open my door to let an insect out or spit or to make sure the door was closed completely or whatever the reason, the parking brake is set even though the car is still in drive and my foot is on the brake. This is fine. However, when I cl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My dealer installed new software that sets the parking brake when the shifter is put in the park position. When I'm driving the car and stopped at a red light and open my door to let an insect out or spit or to make sure the door was closed completely or whatever the reason, the parking brake is set even though the car is still in drive and my foot is on the brake. This is fine. However, when I cl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
While driving from Abilene, tx to Houston, tx on [XXX] my vehicle displayed intermittently several warning message. The first message said idle-stop was unavailable and lasted for about 30 minutes. The second message was displayed in red and stated the electric steering was inoperative and lasted for about 10-30 seconds and it was definitely harder to turn the steering wheel. INFORMATION REDACTE... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
on 8/24, I purchased an acura mdx 2025 technology package.We drove home from the dealer, my mother heard a rattling noise but thought it was the car seat making the noise.The next day,I heard the noise again,it was coming from the right, rear back,I checked,and saw the wheel liner loose and thought the noise was being cause by a loose liner.My mother said we had to go back to the dealer on 8/31 to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
I am reporting significant safety issues with my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X. The vehicle has repeatedly experienced failures in critical safety systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), ParkSense, and Lane Departure, which randomly disable while driving, particularly in cold weather or after a restart. These failures compromise essential safety functions necessary for highway driving ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
I am reporting significant safety issues with my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X. The vehicle has repeatedly experienced failures in critical safety systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), ParkSense, and Lane Departure, which randomly disable while driving, particularly in cold weather or after a restart. These failures compromise essential safety functions necessary for highway driving ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
My 2023 EQS 580 randomly stops while driving. It has happened 5+ times while traveling at speeds between 10-25mph. My dealer here in Atlanta has replaced the front sensor which didn't resolve the issue. I am thankful that so far the vehicle has not stopped on city streets and not highways. There are no warnings just a hard stopped like other complaints state. I comtacted Mercedes support but they... Read more
Incident date: Sep 6, 2024
Vehicle spontaneously caught fire. There were no known/indicated issues with the vehicle. Vehicle was eventually extinguished by the fire dept. It took them 45 mins to render it extinguished. Vehicle was parked in my driveway at the time of the incident.
Fire
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Chassis framework has corrosion including perforation of major frame parts near rear wheels and under the fuel tank. Vehicle has only 70,000 miles and has been well taken care of including regular winter weather washings with underbody wash package. This is a known problem and should have been addressed similar to Toyota truck frame problems. Now I have a like-new appearing vehicle which has been ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
Driving when all electronic lights flashed. Rakes steering driver assist lift and towing. Said see dealer Reset after I waited at gas station for 30 min Power steering worked but was hard to control car
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality with a message to “Drive Safely” displayed. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but was unable to find the ca... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Genesis G70. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V528000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confir... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
There is a major issue with the relay under the steering wheel blocking the fuel from the pump going to the engine. This also affects the security system as well as the rack and pinion. The vehicle security turns itself on and off as it pleases, often leaving driver/passengers stranded and sometimes with the alarm not shutting off. This is after having keys re-programmed and most parts replaced fo... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
The vehicle at low speeds or when stopped at an intersection UNEXPECTEDLY stalls, sometimes when rolling. This disables the vehicle and to restart you must turn the gearselecter knob to Park, put your foot on the brake and push the start button. Sometimes the engine requires multiple attempts to restart. The instrument display after the stall shows the check engine light illuminated along with the... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
My CMBS, ACC, LKAS and Road Departure Mitigation System all light up on my dashboard as well brake system light. I had a alignment done on my car about 2 weeks ago and the next day they came on. I went back to the shop where I had the alignment done to ask why they came on. They check the alignment again and said something about calibrating the sensors and checked that again. But the lights didn... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
Noticed vehicle was running rough on idle intermittently when sitting at a stop. I thought this was due to it being a very cold winter where I am located, but after a couple months, check engine light came on and was immediately brought in for service. Coolant was found leaking into a cylinder and I had to have head gasket as well as upper portion of engine replaced. From the research I have done ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
I researched this issue and noticed a widespread problem with the light detection of the 2017 modes and the 2018 Audi Q7 left front-side marker light. I have had this issue with my vehicle twice, resulting in over 4,000 dollars in repairs each time. I noticed that the 2018 models were left off, but I am sure there are more owners with this exact problem, and I believe this recall should be granted... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; ho... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The overhead console started separating from the headliner which was annoying but I didn’t think much of it. A few days later the console was dangling just held up by wires. I taped it back up but while I’m driving it fell again. You can’t see to drive letting it dangle so I had to hold it up while driving. It takes a lot of attention away from the road when you’re messing with the consol... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2024
When towing our 5th wheel RV we started getting messages on the computer that the trailer brakes were not working due to an issue with the brake controller. Trailer brakes would come and go. The only time we got notification was when towing. Only 20 minutes after getting the first notification we were involved in an accident due to the trailer brakes not working. We thoroughly had the trailer brak... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
Paint peeling off from roof area exposing bare metal.
Incident date: Sep 2, 2024
I've had an ADAS fail indication on my instrument cluster for over a month now. Along with this happening, I've lost my automatic emergency braking, my blind spot warnings, my forward collision warnings, and my rear cross-traffic warnings.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
1.) I have had repeated, on-going issues with the fuel propulsion system since the day I bought the car. When I step on the accelerator it randomly (lately more constant than random) does not respond, then it will shoot me out into traffic. For example when I am entering the highway from an onramp, I see my opportunity to merge into traffic and I step on the gas - nothing - no response, then it su... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
Steering rack failure: replacement needed for Model X 2021 at approximately 55K miles. From Tesla Service Center: Concern: Customer states: Alerts - Steering assist reduced/Steering may require increased effort. Repair Notes: Performed vehicle data review found alerts for steering rack assembly, inspected steering rack harness connections found good connections, inspected for any outside influenc... Read more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered upon depression of the accelerator pedal, there was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact determined that the failure was likely caused by the torque converter. The dealer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle for an inspection. The contact took the ... Read more