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: Nov 17, 2024
Transmission slip, hard shifting, early or late shift. Automatic transmission
Incident date: Nov 17, 2024
Transmission Issue: We have experienced clicking with our transmission for years and have expressed our concerns to our Ford service department. Their response has always been that it was normal. Now our vehicle has started to lose power when shifting between 2 and 4 gear. The vehicle will lose all power, for anywhere between 3 and 7 seconds, and then violently shift into gear and launch forward... Read more
ACURA
MDX
(2016) - SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
Nov 18, 2024
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the output speed sensor failed to function properly, causing the vehicle not to operate and accelerate as needed. The contact pulled over, turned off, restarted the vehicle, and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that several times after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle failed t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
My Ascent is primarily driven in the city of San Francisco, a fairly hilly city. We have had issues with the suspension on this vehicle in the past, and I will need to install my third pair of struts in the coming weeks (the parts are currently on backorder). The CVT has also been replaced on the vehicle. The tires are routinely rotated, and we keep up with the maintenance schedule. We were dri... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
Subject: Investigation Request: Excessive Oil Consumption in 2012-2017 Toyota 2.5L Engines To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to request an investigation into a critical defect with Toyota’s 2.5L 4-cylinder engines in 2012-2017 vehicles, including my 2016 Toyota Camry SE. Despite regular maintenance and timely oil changes, my vehicle began consuming oil excessively around 120,000 miles, lead... Read more
Incident date: Oct 15, 2024
Multifunction front camera unit part number 95740-c6560. Warning lights come on every day. They continue to alert while driving causing issues with attention to the road. The high beams will not work unless the lights are set to on instead of auto. Vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership, and they diagnosed a complete failure on the part. This part operates several of the safety functions of the veh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2024
Subject: Urgent Safety Concern and Request for Immediate Resolution – Cracked Sunroof on Tesla Model Y 2024 To Whom It May Concern, My name is [XXX] , a United States citizen and resident of Florida. I am writing to formally express my deep concern and dissatisfaction regarding a significant safety issue with my Tesla Model Y 2024, which I purchased directly through Tesla’s official website.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2024
I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the safety recall for my 2019 Honda Clarity (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall, dated February 2024, pertains to a potential fuel pump failure that could cause engine stalling while driving, posing a significant safety risk. Despite the severity of this issue, I have encountered significant delays and difficulties in getting the necessary repairs comple... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2024
I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the safety recall for my 2019 Honda Clarity (VIN: [XXX] ). The recall, dated February 2024, pertains to a potential fuel pump failure that could cause engine stalling while driving, posing a significant safety risk. Despite the severity of this issue, I have encountered significant delays and difficulties in getting the necessary repairs comple... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
1. Steering gear rack 2. The steering wheel feels like it slightly locks in place when changing lanes on the highway. This requires more force than usual to turn the steering wheel back straight, which could cause an accident. It feels like the steering wheel has to go over a notch to get the steering wheel back straight. 3. No. It is a known obvious issue. 4. No. It is a known obvious issue 5... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the message "Hot" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, there was sufficient coolant in the coolant reservoir and the engine was not overheating. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there w... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
SEATS ARE NOT REGISTERING FOR AIR BAG AND THE MIDDLE BACK SEAT BELT ALARM GOES OFF SAYING TO PUT SEAT BELT ON, BUT NO ONE IS SITTING IN BACK SEAT. SO WHILE I'M DRIVING I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND PLUG SEAT BELT IN TO GET THE SEATBELT WARNING SOUND TO STOP. THE SEATBELT IS NOT REGISTERING IN THE BACK SEAT AND THE FRONT SEAT IS NOT REGISTERING SOMEONE IS SITTING THERE FOR THE AIRBAG. IT DOESN'T REGISTER... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2024
Cruise control suddenly jumped to 110mph. Could not adjust the speed. Could only turn off cruise control. It happened several times in a row. Car would speed up until I hit the brake.
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
We purchased our 2016 Kia Sorento brand new in 2015. From the start, we had problems with the car burning oil at a rapid rate. We would get an oil change and less than 2,000 miles later the oil would be very low. After one year oil was low after 1,000 miles or less. No oil light warning would ever come on and there were times when the dipstick had no oil on it. I called Kia customer care several t... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
The car engine was revving up intermittently, with rough shifting of gears, poor acceleration and 3 of the dashboard malfunction indicator lights activating - emission system, transmission system, and blind spot information system. Car still at dealer.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The first generation with the 1.4l turbo engine. Had two air lines coming off of the air filter container. They are solid and break when the dealer does the courtesy check during oil changes. It is a common problem showing online and the dealers do not take responsibility for it
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The first generation with the 1.4l turbo engine. Had two air lines coming off of the air filter container. They are solid and break when the dealer does the courtesy check during oil changes. It is a common problem showing online and the dealers do not take responsibility for it
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
The first generation with the 1.4l turbo engine. Had two air lines coming off of the air filter container. They are solid and break when the dealer does the courtesy check during oil changes. It is a common problem showing online and the dealers do not take responsibility for it
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
The low beam light is extremely dim, making it unsafe and dangerous to drive at night. I hope this issue can be considered for a recall.
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
After six months, VW still doesn't have a repair for recall 24V344. My speedometer, backup camera, climate control, and all other functions controlled via the display screens malfunction. Both the dealer and and VW customer service have confirmed that no repair is available and they also will not provide a refund or replacement. My only option is to continue driving the car with malfunctioning ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 15, 2024
After six months, VW still doesn't have a repair for recall 24V344. My speedometer, backup camera, climate control, and all other functions controlled via the display screens malfunction. Both the dealer and and VW customer service have confirmed that no repair is available and they also will not provide a refund or replacement. My only option is to continue driving the car with malfunctioning ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 failur... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V651000 (STRUCTURE) and 24V344000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
Out of nowhere... a bunch of warnings lights have appeared and disabled a lot of the safety features on the vehicle. Adaptive Cruise Control Problem Lane Keeping Assist Problem Collision Mitigation System Problem Road Departure Mitigation System Problem Auto High Beam Problem The car drives fine but the safety features do not work, along with the cruise control. This is a known issue for Honda... Read more
Incident date: May 24, 2024
My 2017 Honda Pilot has been experiencing significant RPM surging and juddering between 10-45 MPH, accompanied by "Transmission System Problem" and "Emission System Problem" warning messages. Timeline of Events: Initial Repair (May 13, 2024): The Billion Honda dealership in Iowa City diagnosed the issue as DTC P0776. I paid $426.10 for the repair, but the surging, juddering, warning lights, and DT... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
On November 8, I was on a 5 hour drive and after 4 hours while driving on the gas engine since the 43 mile electric range was already depleted, a warning suddenly appeared on the dashboard screen - Shift to Park, something about reduced propulsion and the check engine light came on. I was driving 55 mph on a highway and immediately had no propulsion whatsoever. Tried to pull over and barely got to... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2024
I noticed smoke comes from engine compartment while I was driving. It has been going on for a few months and I found out the BMW Water Pump Electrical Connector related recall (No 24V-608) for Year 2012-2018 including X5. 'What could happen' in their recall is exactly what I'm experiencing but my VIN number is not part of their recall even though the year and model matches. I called BMW and they s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328i. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming out from the exhaust pipe, and there was a burning smell coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the oil pan was leaking near the water pump. The dealer replaced the thermostat gasket... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2024
ABS won't stay engaged causing traction control to not stay engaged and causes cruise control to not stay engaged. Skidding and loss of control are possible without ABS and traction control systems working. Loss of cruise control can cause rear impact from sudden slow down. Same problems are occurring in similar vehicles. Console chimes and ABS and traction control indicator lights come on. Messag... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Driving at 35 MPH and the engine cutout and stopped on 8 November 2024. I was able to pull over safely as I was on Vandenberg Space Force Base, but at highway speeds in traffic this would have been very dangerous without power. The local GM dealership at Lompoc, CA confirmed the fuel pump control module failed, which caused the loss of engine power. There was a recall for the 2021 Tahoe fuel... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Have second deep crack with light rock impact in less than one year
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
2023 Tacoma TRD Off-Road engine shut off and the High transmission fluid temperature warning popped up. Toyota Dealer did not find any error codes. The incident did not happen again for about a month.
Incident date: Oct 31, 2024
I have experienced at least 4 occurrences in the last year of the automatic emergency braking system activating when there were no obstructions while crossing a bridge. I have also experienced at least 2 occurrences of the automatic emergency braking system activating while going under an overpass. I live in interior Alaska and in the most recent occurrence I was going over an icy bridge in the da... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power while driving 70 MPH. The "Power Reduced Mode" message was displayed, and the contact activated the hazard lights and pulled over to the shoulder of the highway. The contact restarted the vehicle however, the failure persisted while driving back to the residence. After arriving to the residence, th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
The backup lights are no where near bright enough to safely backup at night. There is no easy way to upgrade the bulbs. This is a well know issue in the Jeep community with Wranglers. There are aftermarket solutions but I shouldn't have to spend 100's of dollars to remedy a design defect.
Incident date: Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the began to jerk and hesitate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not noti... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2024
Initially thought a seal on the windshield was faulty, so contacted the business who replaced the windshield. Business owner came to owner’s house Mon, Nov 4, 2024. He did a thorough inspection of all areas where water was identified by owner (dash, under the dash, on the driver side floor) and confirmed it was not the windshield. He then inspected the roof rack and determined the roof rack was ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
On three separate occasions, my vehicle lost the ability to accelerate. The first time I was attempting to pass slow moving farm equipment when my vehicle lost power, had a loud vibrating/rattling noise and multiple dashboard warnings flashed. Luckily, I was able to merge back into my lane and pull off the side of the road. I took the vehicle in for service and was told I needed new phasers. Once ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle, but the light failed to turn off. While driving 45 MPH hauling a trailer, the vehicle failed to operate as needed and the transmission was making an abnormal clunking sound. The vehicle then went into SAFE Mode and faile... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Eco Sport. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle began to shake. The driver decreased the speed to 30 MPH. There was an abnormal rattling noise detected. The low oil pressure light was flashing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the failure was due to the drive belt. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campai... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 528i. 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an un... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2024
Since purchasing this vehicle new, I've had several occasions (not on just the most recent date noted in this case) where the car will issue a false Pre-collision Alert and apply the brakes for about 1 second while using the Adaptive Cruise Control. However, this happens while me and the drivers around me are driving "normally" and there are no vehicles in front of me nor attempting to merge into... Read more
Incident date: Jan 3, 2024
My family and I were driving down a busy highway at speed in the middle lane, the vehicle suddenly jolted forward and lost power. Dashboard reported electrical system failure, contact service. Vehicle was recovered to dealer who has been unable to resolve issue and KIA unable to diagnose the root cause of the problem. Very dangerous.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2024
My family and I were driving down a busy highway at speed in the middle lane, the vehicle suddenly jolted forward and lost power. Dashboard reported electrical system failure, contact service. Vehicle was recovered to dealer who has been unable to resolve issue and KIA unable to diagnose the root cause of the problem. Very dangerous.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2024
The ABS system failure with out warning and it was hard to control on the HWY
Incident date: Mar 8, 2023
On Jan. 11, 2022 my engine was replaced at Schlossmann's Honda due to connecting rod failure as stated in the dealer's service receipt. Yet my VIN is NOT included in the recall for this issue for reimbursement. How do I get Honda to reimburse me for this failure?
Incident date: Oct 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Altima. The contact stated when the vehicle was started, the air bag sensor warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the passenger occupant sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Volvo V60. The contact stated that after changing the engine oil, one week later the message "Engine Oil Low" was displayed. The contact later discovered the engine oil was low and the vehicle had experienced excessive oil consumption. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provi... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
When traveling 60 mph and slowing to try to stop, brake pedal went all the way to the floor and vehicle would not brake. Had to engage emergency brake to stop vehicle during normal operation on multiple occasions. Once while stopped at a red light, vehicle was completely stopped, then the brake pedal lowered to the floorboard and the vehicle started rolling forward. I had to turn the steering wh... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failed to function as intended. The Electronic Stability Control warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dea... Read more