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 30, 2024
My front collision alert system has stopped working, I have taken it to multiple dealerships within my certified vehicle company. Next, my automatic High beams do not function at all, which is difficult to navigate at night without them. I have tried to update my vehicle and sent it to other dealerships and they cannot figure out what is wrong. And lastly, my lane assistance system is not working ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2024
Upon turning on my vehicle all of the emergency warnings came on. I did a diagnostic and was shown that nothing was wrong with the vehicle but the warnings will not reset.
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
I was accelerating on the highway when my engine started making a rattling sound and the check engine light came on. I took my car into a specialty European auto shop and they determined my timing chain and tensioner needed replacing. The price is going to be over $5k and there are only 113,763 miles. I’ve always taken my car to a VW dealership for scheduled maintenance. As others have mentio... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Macan S. The contact stated that the passenger's side seat failed to detect while the seat was occupied. The air bag off warning light was illuminated, and the passenger's side seat belt failed to chime while the seat belt was not buckled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Porsche Macan S. The contact stated that the passenger's side seat failed to detect while the seat was occupied. The air bag off warning light was illuminated, and the passenger's side seat belt failed to chime while the seat belt was not buckled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure a... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Just towed to Ford dealer. When car was in Drive mode, would go in Reverse. I have video and posted it to the Ford Facebook page.
Incident date: Jul 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Touareg. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the passenger’s side front side air bag and the passenger’s side rear side air bag independently deployed. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled after the air bags had deployed. The contact was unable to restart the vehi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
The contact's boyfriend owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer again, wher... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2024
The contact's boyfriend owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer again, wher... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
Car experiences intermittent electrical system failure. Upon failure, drivers will experiance random and rapid clicking, clanking, and electrical systems discharging like lights, screens, and alarm. After restarting the car, users will find, all warning lights displayed with a few blinking: transmission, parking brake, traction control, a few more. Headlights will randomly turn on, as well as the ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The horn on my vehicle stopped working. I have no idea when it stopped working but when I tried to use it after a vehicle went throw a stop sign I realized it wasn’t working. Talked to my dealership and they said ‘it’s a known problem with the horn.’
Incident date: Jul 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid. The contact stated that after his daughter had taken the vehicle to the car wash, the trailer hitch cover was destroyed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
Incident date: Jul 5, 2022
The vacuum brake pump assembly malfunctioned and I had the vehicle taken to the dealer that did the original recall for the vacuum brake pump assembly and they inspected the vehicle and told me that was the issue along with the nipple inside the pump had broken off and fell down into the engine and had damaged the cam shaft. Exactly what the recall states. Yes the vehicle can and has been inspect... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2024
Main entertainment screen containing all settings for car, safety, navigation has bubbled which is a common issue amongst car owners for this car.
Incident date: Jul 26, 2024
The day after I purchased my c300, the engine light popped on. I went back to dealer and they said it was a recall because of a crank case (PCV). I was upset because they never said anything about it. This was April of 2024. Note:(This Dealer was not Ray Catina’s of Edison). I went to Ray Catina’s in Edison for them to inspect car and I have been calling because I was told it was a national r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving out of the dealer lot, the steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was diagnosed with steering ge... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently lost power steering functionality. The blind spot sensors also displayed an error message on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the traction control and several other electrical systems failed intermittently. The contact stated that the message “Brake Failure” was displayed on the instrument pa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
When I make left or right turns in a round about the words BRAKE pop up on dash board, the car slows like it's loosing power and several different things pop up saying forward collision, lane departure warning, emergency brake failure and a couple more warnings telling me to turn off the car and park the car. The steering wheel gets stuck to the side even though the car is driving straight then th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21M04. The manufacturer was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving at 5–10 MPH, there was an extremely loud clicking and rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an unknown object moving inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo needed to be changed. ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
I was in traffic and we slowed down to a stop. Suddenly my car went to neutral and it didn’t want to go to Drive. I put emergency lights, as many cars were behind in the highway. I turned the car off and turned it back on. Then I was able to drive again! This has happened twice in the last 3 months.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
While driving and all seat belts buckled the seat belt and air bag indicator chimes.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
While driving and all seat belts buckled the seat belt and air bag indicator chimes.
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
Clock spring on vehicle has failed. This is a known issue with many VW vehicles, but I have been told my vehicle is not on the extended warranty program. 2017 VW Passat - approximately 150,000 miles. This eliminates all steering wheel controls, horn, cruise control, and air bags.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
Backing out of a parking spot, my car made a loud "thunk" and stopped. I put the car in park and got out, looking all around and under the car. I did not see anything. I backed out of the spot and circled the lot to see if there was anything in the parking spot I may have run over. Nothing. When exiting the parking lot, the car made the same "thunk" and again ground to a halt. I again exited the c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
2019 Acura MDX A-Spec Started up the SUV and the following appears on the dash: ACC problem Collision Mitigation Problem Lake Keep Assist Problem Auto High Beam Problem Battery has been replaced and issue still exists. Cruise control does not work at all. "Break Problem" light remains lit.
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
While driving on the freeway, I heard a quiet noise but saw no warning messages on the dash. I decided to pull over and found the vehicle had shifted into neutral and lost power steering. The vehicle was towed to a AAA service center. They discovered that the safety recall W79 / NHTSA 20V-699 Diesel ECR cooler had been replaced but failed again, requiring a complete engine replacement. The recall... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 55-70 MPH. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal slightly, the vehicle came to a complete stop. The ABS, traction control, and ECU warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17... Read more
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
Front glass has cracked beyond repair twice in 18 months! The first replacement occurred on 04/2023 and the second incident occurred this week on 7/22/2024. The vehicle was bought new in 12/2022 and has had needed two replacements due to weak glass!
Incident date: Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Camry. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
The brakes in my 2022 Sienna Hybrid XLE randomly slip when stopping. It happens rarely, but is completely unexpected when it does and I can't reproduce it on demand. It feels like I've hit a small patch of black ice or released my foot from the brake for a split second (when I didn't!). My husband rarely drives the van, and it happened to him yesterday. Last week it 'released' for the longest it's... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
We have a 2016 Acura MDX and it has automatically shifted to Neutral 3 times (twice while driving on the freeway and 1x yesterday while driving on the street at normal speeds) in the last 2 months. On the MDX dashboard, it will display "Emissions System Problem" and then display "Stop Driving When Safe. Transmission Problem. See Manual." However, the car will automatically shift to Neutral within ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
Vehicle stumbles at stops when sits more than 6 hrs ..feels like a misfire ..had it to dealer 6 times can’t find problem
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
Vehicle stumbles at stops when sits more than 6 hrs ..feels like a misfire ..had it to dealer 6 times can’t find problem
Incident date: May 6, 2024
I received a letter in the mail a year ago 2024-01-08 concerning a recall on my 2021 ford ecosport. The recall involves the oil pump drive belt or drive belt tensioner which may fail, resulting in a loss of engine oil pressure and as a result it may lead to a loss of oil pressure can result in an engine stall and a loss of power braking assist, increasing the risk of a crash. I am concerned for th... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Was parked and after driving to pick up please came back out and it was in flames
Fire
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
Dealer is Mike Erdman Nissan Merritt Island Fl 32953 Airbag warning light flashing red on console. Paid $260 for diagnostic check on July 21, 2024. They cannot fix it as an airbag sensor on the passenger side seat is malfunctioning and the entire passenger side seat must be replaced and part is not available or is no longer in stock. They MAY be able to locate an entire seat Nissan Leaf 2012 somew... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, an audible message indicated that there was engine failure, and the infotainment screen displayed the option to send an engine failure report. The vehicle then shuddered and made an abnormal sound. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the abnormal sound persisted. The vehicle was shaking... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, an audible message indicated that there was engine failure, and the infotainment screen displayed the option to send an engine failure report. The vehicle then shuddered and made an abnormal sound. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the abnormal sound persisted. The vehicle was shaking... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
I was driving down the highway today at 70 mph and all the lights illuminated on my MDX. It began to struggle to keep speed and eventually shut down once I was on the service road. I was extremely scared and nervous that I was going to be involved in an accident or the car was going to blow up as it started bouncing up and down while I was still on the highway.
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
I am currently sitting in the middle row, right seat with my wife in the driver seat and my [XXX] in the far left middle row seat. We just bought our 2024 Kia Carnival brand new from Camelback Kia a couple weeks ago. It has 1823 miles on it. As I’m sitting idled in a parking lot I pulled my foot out of my shoe and burnt my foot (hot black top in the summer kind of hot) on the rails for the mid... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2024
Tailgate malfunction due to water seeping through tailgate resulting in tailgate module to stop working.
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with power steering assembly failure. The con... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Diagnosis-Coolant intrusion into number 2 cylinder. check engine code misfire #2 cylinder causing engine to overheat and vibration with loss of power. Pulled over and let vehicle cool down and took it in for service. I’m told a new engine is needed. I am also told by Ford my VIN is not included on their list of vehicles having same problem. I called Ford and apparently today is 17 days past c... Read more
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
Lower ball joint broke Lower control arm collapse causing the to come off
Incident date: Jul 19, 2024
Lower ball joint broke Lower control arm collapse causing the to come off
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
Air bags deflated without warning while driving. Engine misfire for no reason. Had them checked at automove shop.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2024
While driving on the highway loss of power and all the light on the info area lit up had to pull over on shoulder and shut off car and restart. And on two separate occasion while on low speed local road brake pedal locked up and I could not stop the car using the brake it was like it was press down already and I was unable to stop.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 BMW X7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes). The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the pedal remained on the floorboard; however, the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The contact downshifted and veered to the side of the road to stop the vehic... Read more