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 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Odyssey. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags); 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. Parts distribution disconn... Read more
Incident date: Sep 3, 2024
2021 Mazda CX-5. On 8/6/24, I turned right into a parking space between 2 parked vehicles at the DMV parking lot. I turned right and eased into the parking space facing a large Ford F 150 white pickup truck. I was approximately 1-1.5 feet from the front of the white truck. I had my foot on the brake, suddenly the vehicle accelerated by itself and I heard the car revving at a very high rpm and th... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: May 9, 2023
Every time I start my new Mercedes, the backup camera MUST recalibrate itself even if I never put the vehicle in reverse and am driving forward. This happens throughout the entire drive, every single time. The Mercedes forums all corroborate this as other models; not just the GLB, experience this. Mercedes denies anything is wrong and says this is “expected behavior for rear camera calibratio... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2024
Horn does not work.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
My vehicle has been going off on its own when it is off, the lights starts to flicker on the outside and on the dashboard, the seats malfunction on its own so does the steering wheel causing the steering wheel to move up and down adjusting on its own, the car alarm will go off all the time, and I hear a noise coming from under the hood. It’s so bad that I have to take out the battery and leave i... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
6L80 transmission delay of gear engagement. Gears slipping from 1st to 2nd to 3rd. Hard gear engagement when accelerating. RPM’s rev higher when transmission is shifting.
Incident date: Apr 20, 2022
I’ve noticed a few times where the key fob would get stuck in the ignition of the car when I turn it off, I would have to turn the car back on and sit it in for at least 5 minutes before the fob would come out. Then the bushing cable got disconnected, the key fob stopped working I had a buy a new one and I’m still having the same issue of the fob getting stuck in the ignition. The first this i... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
The abs/traction control lights are coming back on again. The abs control module and the hydraulic control unit were replaced when the truck had 34,000 miles. Now it has close to 60,000 and it has started doing the same thing again. Talked to the dealer and they said it would be close to $2000 to do the repair this time since it isn't under warranty. I have seen many of this same problem in a ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Transmission fails mid drive on freeway. Multiple vehicles had to avoid the possibility of horrific collision. Vehicle has lost engine power and will not exceed 60mph. I have. Check in with a Facebook Acura group and more the. 2,000 members had the same issue. All Acuras from 2016 to 2023 had failed transmissions at 10k miles to 45k miles.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
EGR valve failed while driving on the freeway. Loss power. Check engine light on. Propulsion power reduced. It is safety and emissions related.
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
EGR valve failed while driving on the freeway. Loss power. Check engine light on. Propulsion power reduced. It is safety and emissions related.
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
I recently purchased a new 2024 Nissan Versa S with the manual transmission. I am an experienced manual transmission driver; however, I have stalled it 3 times in the last 5400 miles. The following issue appears after stalling and restarting the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, everything seems normal. There are no warning lights on the dash to show otherwise, however when you begin to a... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2023
Good afternoon, my right headlight wiring harness had rubbed on the frame down to the wires, actually meta l to metal and caused my head light to blow out and my turn signal to malfunction and there is no warning light for the headlight being out, I called the dealership and they said there's no recall and they want a lot of money to fix this problem, I'm afraid it may cause a fire, I've noticed t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while sitting in the vehicle at a food pickup window, the vehicle was in park; however, the vehicle rolled forward. The contact stated that the gear shifter was inoperable and did not function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the drive indicator was illuminated as if the gear shifter was in the drive. The contact called AAA. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
On [XXX], I was riding on [XXX] south of Hopland, CA. The bike has less than 1400 miles on it. Had the cruise control set for between 65 and 70 MPH. Bike started slowing down, numerous lights came on, engine stopped running. Made my way to across 2 lanes of traffic to the side of the road. Turned the bike off, put down kick stand, got off the bike, walked about 20 to 25 feet away. The Check Engi... Read more
Incident date: Aug 22, 2024
There are several recalls associated with this vehicle It is NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 23V-858 MFR CAMPAIGN ID: KIZ CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION: 2013 Odyssey Fuel Pump Module Set/Assy Exp 2 12/28/2023 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 17V-725 MFR CAMPAIGN ID: POQ CAMPAIGN DESCRIPTION: 2nd Row Outer Seat Striker Bracket (Seat Tipping) RECALL DATE: 11/17/2017 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 16V-933 MFR CAMPAIGN ID: KD5 CAMPAIGN DE... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
The Ridgeline is unsafe with the mirror tilting and moving when in reverse. Mirrors need to be adjusted every time I go in reverse. EVERYTIME. This is unsafe as the mirror not only fails to stay static or wherever I adjust it to. It drops down (the mirror) every time I put the truck in reverse. The Ridgeline is unsafe when I back up, the mirrors move and distort and defeat the whole purpose ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
I would like to report an incident on my 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback. On [XXX] around noon, I was merging onto [XXX] in Fremont, CA. As I was was picking speed to merge around 50mph, suddenly my car lost thrust. As I pressed on the accelerator more, my car couldn’t go faster than 30mph. All the warning lights came on. I could have been easily hit by cars behind me picking up speed to merge on... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
I was driving the truck when the light came on for EBS (Electronic Braking System) and the steering wheel locked up then the truck dash read a warning stating "Service Power Steering". Through my research on Kelly Blue Book this is a common problem with this year make and model of Ram 1500 pickups yet mine doesn't have this as a specific recall. I also have an issue with the exhaust manifold bolts... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
I was driving the truck when the light came on for EBS (Electronic Braking System) and the steering wheel locked up then the truck dash read a warning stating "Service Power Steering". Through my research on Kelly Blue Book this is a common problem with this year make and model of Ram 1500 pickups yet mine doesn't have this as a specific recall. I also have an issue with the exhaust manifold bolts... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
odd jerking during acceleration and deacceleration. More prominently noticed at 35MPH during deacceleration. Difficulty changing gears. Odd noises. Check engine light went on at
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
Car broke abruptly. Warning messages came up on dashboard including ACC error, brake system error, collision mitigation warning.
Incident date: Aug 28, 2024
A few months ago my jeep started giving a "stop safely vehicle will shut off soon" message on the dashboard. It comes and goes randomly, I could be started the car or driving it. I had to get it towed when it did it on the highway. The dealership said it was the batteries, we had those replaced. It was fine for about a week and then started doing it again. Took it again and now they are saying it ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
We purchased a new fifth wheel camper on [XXX]. After we picked it up, we joined some Facebook groups related to our model and learned there is a recall associated with the model we bought. We confirmed there is an open recall (24V395) on our VIN on forest river's website [XXX] ). Upon review of the recall instructions listed online - our RV was in fact wired incorrectly and not only needs inspec... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that rodents had damaged unknown parts inside the engine compartment. The contact also stated that the instrument panel was inoperable. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving 25 MPH, the transmission failed to operate as needed and the vehicle shifted into LIMP Mode. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2024
Tire size: P235/70 R16 Since April, 2024 this tire started inflated every week. After 2-3 weeks trial I decided to take it to the tire shop, after they tested it, no error was detected. Then they told me that technically this tire is defected. It costed me $75-90.00 bucks just for the diagnostics. At that point, I did not have a choice but to buy a new tire. The new tire cost me another $140.00+... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
Auto Idle Mode - After we've stopped and released the brake to go forward, the car will then shift to neutral by itself instead of restarting to drive. This has happened frequently and is now starting to happen more often. This is a safety issue, especially if you're the last car in line and other cars are traveling 55-60 miles behind you on a major road and see a green light ahead. Each time th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
The transmission system, specifically the clutch assembly, failed or malfunctioned. The Ford dealership conducted a diagnostic test and determined that the clutch assembly needed repair. To manage costs, I had the repair performed at AAMCO. Despite this repair, the issue was not resolved, and AAMCO later found metal shavings in the transmission fluid, suggesting internal transmission damage. Yes, ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2024
Recall notice received May 2024 for a faulty fuel pump. As of Aug 26, dealer continues to claim they can not get the parts necessary to fix. They tell me the failure risk is low and I should not worry about it. Those words ring hollow when you are telling me their is a risk of a crash and injury. Why is this acceptable.
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
Flex plate is cracked , confirmed by bore scope dealership is quoting 14 business days to diagnose. It is known issue with this make, model, and year and CSP was issued for dealerships to fix but only select VIN numbers. This car is at 91000 miles and meets all criteria for the CSP 22N12. The car makes an ungodly rattling sound and if it fails could be very dangerous
Incident date: Aug 24, 2024
All 4 Continental PRO CONTACT TX tires on 1 week old brand new purchased Ford Bronco Sport VIN [XXX] from Ford Dealer Swelling on Sidewalls in various points. After researching amongst other Bronco Sport Forums issue appears to be common failure on New Bronco Sports equipped with Continental PRO CONTACT TX tires. Requested tires to be changed at Dealer, they found 1 Bronco Sport with Balled up Si... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
Headlights frequently flickering. Flickering varies from 30 seconds to 5 minutes in between. Very random and unpredictable. Service department at the dealership was able to replicate the issue. They found a bulletin, PIT6203 that said to replace the headlights, so they ordered new ones. After three weeks I called the dealer and they said GM cancelled the order because replacing the headlights did ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Aug 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X1. 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
2019 Acura TLX 28k miles - was slowing pulling into a parking spot in a parking garage downtown San Diego. Suddenly the car had no brakes while pressing the brake pedal to the floor with no resistance from the brakes, the car start revving hard and accelerating very fast. I stopped by hitting a brick barrier. Steering wheel and knee airbags deployed. Fortunately I arrived at work early that day an... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
The engine light came on, we took it to a mechanic who replaced the spark plug and a coil. We were told it was safe to drive long distances. We drove the car about 8 hours with no issues. The car was parked for 2 days. We then turned it back on to drive home and white smoke blew out of the exhaust and the engine over heating light came on. We turned the car off and had it towed to a mechanic in th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Solstice. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side seat sensor air bag warning light was not illuminated; however, the passenger’s side seat was occupied. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the inflatabl... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the instrument panel displayed the message “Reduce Engine Power” with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle immediately decelerated independently. The contact continued to depress the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to exceed 35 - 40 MPH before decelerating again. T... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the engine surged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or rep... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2024
Twice, while I was driving with no cars in front of me, the emergency brake was released. The first time, cars were behind me abs the second time they were not. I was driving at normal speed down a street both times. This could cause an accident or hurt someone. Approximate date is the second incident. The first incident was a couple of months before.
Incident date: May 11, 2024
On May 11, 2024, while driving my 2017 Acura TLX on a local city street, multiple dashboard lights suddenly came on. Since that time these lights began to come back on more frequent and often will go into a Limp Mode. I have had the vehicle inspected at my local Acura dealership only to be told that the vehicles rear PAWS Actuators and Control Unit need to be replaced at a cost of around $8,000.... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2024
Was driving up [XXX] when simultaneously my dash board lit up with errors and malfunctions, my interior lights started flickering and my steering wheel and brakes locked. Unable to control the vehicle I gripped the wheel for dear life praying as it veered left. The 2023 CX 5 with only 18K struck the guard rail and went black on the inside and out. Only then was I able to counter the ricochet of th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 11, 2024
Was driving up [XXX] when simultaneously my dash board lit up with errors and malfunctions, my interior lights started flickering and my steering wheel and brakes locked. Unable to control the vehicle I gripped the wheel for dear life praying as it veered left. The 2023 CX 5 with only 18K struck the guard rail and went black on the inside and out. Only then was I able to counter the ricochet of th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 19, 2024
Rear door would not open with key fob, button on the dash or the button on the rear door. Then it randomly opened one morning and would not close. Through research I found out there is a problem with water leakage, the vehicle is not properly sealed. Resulting in a damage MICU. I was able to replace the MICU and the rear door works now. I believe this is a safety concern, how can I drive with... Read more
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
Yesterday my air conditioner was working fine and today it only blows out hot air I truly believe somebody's tampering with my air conditioner as they were with my 2010 Ford focus also. So my question to you is what do I do and what can I do about the car a/c I truly believe someone's tampering with my cars the air conditioner from a computer program somewhere in yamhill county Oregon.
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
A coolant leak causing cylindrical failure and engine failure. There were no symptoms before. I woke up and the light came on and the car was shaking, i took it to the dealer and they diagnosed this problem. It was unsafe to drive I had to get it towed.
Incident date: Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen display and the instrument cluster had turned black. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact... Read more