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: Oct 17, 2024
Dashboard glare issue, love the car but this is bad.
Incident date: Oct 19, 2024
1. my car has steering wheel gearbox recall. I contacted the dealership where I purchased the car in "Phillipsburg Easton Honda" but they vaguely answered me saying that they don't have the part to repair it and will let me know when they have. Without telling me any time frame to repair it. 2. The gate door malfunctions when trying to open it manually from outside using the rubber handle on the ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was pushing his foot upwards. The contact had to step on the brake pedal very hard to stop the vehicle to prevent a crash. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2024
I noticed that on the passenger front has a boge on the sidewall. Than I received a call from Firestone that front driver side has a boge on the sidewall. That tire the boge was on the inside not visible. So we had to replace both tires.( 215/45R17)
Incident date: Oct 16, 2024
Bought this brand new caw at freeman Honda is Dallas TX two recalls were issued before we bought car neither was fixed and the second recall is under a stop sale order and they still sold it to us on [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Oct 10, 2024
- Extremely strong gasoline smell inside the vehicle while driving. Didn’t matter AC on or off, smell was terrible but more evident with AC/Fan on. Had to lower all the 4 windows to let out the air. - With a toddler in car it was terrifying with the nauseating smell and/or the risk of fire if at all. - Problem not reproduced by dealer and was mentioned it’s a sticky plastic in exhaust, will g... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel had an excessive amount of play. While driving over a pothole, the vehicle shook abnormally. While reversing, there was an abnormal thumping sound while turning the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2024
Vehicle displayed a “Critial Power Failure” on the highway twice while under 1000 miles odometer. Vehicle acceleration stopped and car coasted. Needed to pull over and shut off. After turning on displayed “Emissions System Failure” warning for about 48 hours then cleared. Vehicle stalled twice while driving on the highway with no power. Very dangerous as one time I had nowhere to pull ove... Read more
ACURA
MDX SPORT HYBRID
(2020) - POWER TRAIN
Oct 22, 2024
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
When forced to drive over a canvas tent bag, Due to traffic and road conditions. The tent bag wrapped around the drive shaft, ripped out the brake lines and the emergency brake lines damaged the master cylinder and damage the emergency brake mechanism in the cab of the RV. There should be protection under the vehicle so that does not happen! The loss of both types of brake systems could be catast... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V844000 (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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2024
Had a windows fall off the motorhome while driving, we did not realize it was missing until we arrived at the next campground . Our 2018 was one of the last 2018 build by ENTEGRA has the same issue as the 2019 recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V529000. After the first failure, I checked the other windows and found a second failed window. Have contacted Lippert Customer Care Center and they will n... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 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 contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2024
The drivers side sun visor has failed multiple times. As I am driving it falls out of its housing on the vehicle ceiling and obstructs my vision. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the visor. However, it has failed again and almost caused an accident. I spoke with an individual that works for Ram and was told that this is a repair and complaint that they hear quite often. I believe without ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
Engine start to make noise while driving Took my truck to a auto shop Mechanic said that it is a fabric defective engine
Incident date: Oct 22, 2024
Right turn from stop then try to cleated there is no response from the pedal Will lunge forward and engage throttle if I’m lucky
Incident date: Oct 21, 2024
I purchased my vehicle early August 2024 at Knudson Foothills Mazda in Spokane, Washington. Within the first five hundred miles of use, I noticed that my steering wheel would not maintain center alignment. I took it into the shop explaining my issue and they were fast to acknowledge the alignment was off and that they realigned the vehicle. The steering was off center alignment within 20-40 miles ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
Multiple warnings lights from advanced drivers assistance 4x4 went accelerate and could not error code u0102 also rattling from right second row seat.
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
Purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tucson with approx. 79,000. Was driving with all windows down one day. From the driver side window switch panel, I attempted to roll up the rear, left window.. The window would not roll up. The window rolls down when using the driver’s window switches for the left, rear window, but will not roll up. The rear left window switch will operate the window up and down onl... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
Yokohama Parada Spec-x tire, R275/45/R20 tread separation from belt. Second tire to do so since the start of 2024. Had to buy another brand name and tire after second tire separated from belts on 07/03/2024, causing me to spend $983.59 on new tires. There definitely something wrong with this line of Yokohama tires.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
A few months back my car started to loose its ability to accelerate on the highway. I stopped to get my oil changed to see if that would help but the acceleration was still very limited. Now a month ago, my car started pouring smoke out of the exhaust. It was brought to a mechanic who said it was a turbo and or engine issue. I took it to a Hyundai near me for a clear diagnoses and they diagnosed i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
The contact's wife owns a 2023 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the front struts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred several times. The dealer replaced the front s... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
With beta self driving engaged, I turned south on [XXX] intending to turn west on [XXX]. At [XXX], there are 2 right turn lanes. I approached the intersection turning from the left lane. Rather than turn right, the car continued straight. I was able to manually override the system and luckily brought the car under control; otherwise, I am sure I would have ended up in a very bad spot. Late... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front passenger’s seat air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger’s seat occupant sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
When driving vehicle, started experiencing intermittent power loss, not showing on the tach, turbo or gear selection readouts. Power would appear to diminish only to re-catch. Thought I had maybe gotten some bad gas. Waited until the gas tank was empty and refilled with premium. Problem continued another day or two. Then, while driving on the freeway in Texas, at 75 mph, i experienced the sam... Read more
Incident date: Oct 18, 2024
Hi. I was driving my Nissan car at around 45 to 50 miles per hour and the car abruptly/suddenly stopped in the middle of the road without any warning. I was about to be hit by other cars behind me but Thank God that didn’t happen. I am very scared of driving this car now. My kids also drive this car and I am extremely worried about their safety. I am hoping Nissan will do something. Extremely wo... Read more
Incident date: Oct 17, 2024
The idle stop system every time I turn it off it will automatically come back on and this feature makes me feel as if when it keeps doing that after I’m constantly turning it off from it popping back on that sometimes it don’t want to catch speed. I for see this being a long term issue if all Hondas are like this .
Incident date: Oct 14, 2024
There has been a recall on the 2020 sierra 1500 for the driveshaft which causes shuddering and vibration which my vehicle is exibiting but my vin is not on the recall list
Incident date: May 12, 2024
I have been trying to get my car serviced due to a "recall" that can only be done off island. This requires barge cost (to Maui and back), being present to pick up car from barge and drop off at dealership, time on Maui to allow dealership to remedy the recall, wait at least a week for the barge to return it back to Molokai, and then time to pick up vehicle at the barge once back on Molokai. I h... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
Left and right turn signal buttons located on the steering wheel intermittently does not work when pressed. I have taken my car to a Tesla service appointment on 10/11/24. There diagnostic system did not show an error and Tesla choose not to offer a repair or help of any kind. I feel unsafe driving my vehicle. Upon a google search, it appears I am not the only 2024 model 3 customer with this issue... Read more
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
Check engine light came on. Service Shifter has been displaying on the screen. Started to shake when stopped and backing up. Shifter will light up all functions while driving and display service shifter.
Incident date: Oct 12, 2024
This is a follow up to complaint #11459461 filed on 4/3/22 at 9:16:43am. I was not able to send documents at that time. Documents included relate to follow up on complaint #11591104. First pdf file: pages 1-4 Service bulletin from Chrysler - my model year not included; pages 5-7 service invoice and picture of missing engine cradle pan; page 8 original repair invoice; page 9 copy of original... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
After driving for about an hour stopped a light and accelerated to proceed and drivers side air bag exploded. Subaru states it was my fault because “dirt” got in the system. Refused to cover replacement or rental car. Minor hand injury.
Incident date: Sep 25, 2024
The component that failed is the fuel tank system. While driving, the fuel tank expanded, causing significant damage to the rear section of the vehicle. This issue resulted in the rear seat rising up, and the bottom rear seat cushion detaching from its securing clamps. The check engine light came on, and gas started leaking from the fuel cap. The fuel tank has moved upward by about 3 to 5 inches, ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the air bag, Emergency Brake, and several other unknown warning lights intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front driver’s side buckle switch and the front passenger’s side buckle switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manuf... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, and threw the contact forward. The contact then stated that the vehicle began to hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the “WRENCH” symbol displayed. The vehicle resumed normal operation soon after the initial failure; however, the failure returned as the con... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
It looks like this recall was also submitted in February 2024 and just reissues but still has no repair available. Just wanted to bring it to your attention since it is now a recall that is 6 months old with no fix.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The battery doors have both broke causing the batteries not to stay in the headsets. The headsets work but since the battery doors are broke you can't keep the batteries in the headsets.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the engine was overheating. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter had failed and caused the battery to fail. The contact was informed that the starter and battery needed to be replaced. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the engine was overheating. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter had failed and caused the battery to fail. The contact was informed that the starter and battery needed to be replaced. T... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2024
car shake when switch from EV to gas. Found out the fuel injectors is bad. I replace fuel injectors, now the car is fine. Car has 50,000 miles.
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
At 40,000 miles Transmission skips gears going from 3-4 4-5 and 7-8. Transmission jolts hard when put into reverse. Valve body was replaced which fixed the issue for a couple of months and now the same issues are occurring.
Incident date: Oct 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced rough idling and failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the short block and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Oct 7, 2024
I purchased a brand new 2024 Toyota Highlander Limited on [XXX]. On September 12th, we were going on our first road trip with our [XXX] son to Wilmington, NC (~209 miles from where we live). I bought this car as it was bigger and with a newborn wanted to feel safe. Approximately 15 miles out, as I was gassing the car on the highway, the speed limit was slowly dropping. After I released the gas, th... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
In march 2024 my vehicle unexpectedly cutoff on [XXX] heading into wash. Dc. Called a tow to my mechanic and had the alternator and battery replaced. Mechanic noticed that the vehicles battery light remained and investigated further. After amonth in the shop we observed that components were utilizing battery power when the system should be off. We heard mechanical diagnostic sounds, and the batte... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
In march 2024 my vehicle unexpectedly cutoff on [XXX] heading into wash. Dc. Called a tow to my mechanic and had the alternator and battery replaced. Mechanic noticed that the vehicles battery light remained and investigated further. After amonth in the shop we observed that components were utilizing battery power when the system should be off. We heard mechanical diagnostic sounds, and the batte... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2024
In march 2024 my vehicle unexpectedly cutoff on [XXX] heading into wash. Dc. Called a tow to my mechanic and had the alternator and battery replaced. Mechanic noticed that the vehicles battery light remained and investigated further. After amonth in the shop we observed that components were utilizing battery power when the system should be off. We heard mechanical diagnostic sounds, and the batte... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2024
When I started my car to go to an appointment, the instrument dash didn't show any information, i.e., Speed, Charge Remaining, odometer, etc. The car was driveable but I didn't have any indication of my speed.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Fuel pump module failure while driving causing vehicle to stop abruptly while driving at highway speeds.