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: Jan 24, 2023
As I was driving on the interstate, a red turtle appeared on the control panel saying that power has been reduced. Approximately 2 minutes later the entire engine shut down at 55mph. I pulled over and placed the Jeep into park and attempted to restart the truck. The Jeep would power on and immediately shut off. I called a tow truck and had it towed to the dealership (Tate Chrysler and Jeep in Glen... Read more
Incident date: Jan 24, 2023
As I was driving on the interstate, a red turtle appeared on the control panel saying that power has been reduced. Approximately 2 minutes later the entire engine shut down at 55mph. I pulled over and placed the Jeep into park and attempted to restart the truck. The Jeep would power on and immediately shut off. I called a tow truck and had it towed to the dealership (Tate Chrysler and Jeep in Glen... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
My 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan GT driver side sliding door is jammed shut and locked. I took it to 2 dealerships near me and both want almost $1000 per door to fix. The actuator is out and they said the loud noise when opening and closing the passenger side sliding door is a sign that door is also about to go out. My VIN doesn’t fall into the recalls. This seems like it is a hazard. If both doors i... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
All of our sensor controlled equipment is not working. LKAS, ACC, Forward collision, auto brights, etc.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
All of our sensor controlled equipment is not working. LKAS, ACC, Forward collision, auto brights, etc.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2024
VW USA is offering no help in getting our recall work done. Their only suggestion is for us to work with our shipper. Our car is located in Italy because we are an active duty family stationed under orders at naval air station Sigonella. Our shipper has contacted VW Italy, and they refuse to help. The shipper also notes that they can’t ship the car anywhere anyways because the recall has to do w... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while cold starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the failure was related to the cam phasers. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not r... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the message "Low Engine Coolant" was displayed, and the vehicle started driving rough. The vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was later taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant had leaked into the cylinders and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was no... Read more
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
We are writing about 2 separate issues we had with our 2024 Prius. 1. Acceleration caused accident on Sept. 8, 2024. Driver was parallel parking. He backed into the space and was then going to straighten out the car. The car accelerated unexpectedly and caused the vehicle to go up on someone’s lawn. The vehicle was stopped by the stoop of the house. The airbag was deployed. Thank God the driver ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated and shifted out of gear independently. The vehicle was repaired prior to the failure; however, the failure became persistent. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
Incident date: Sep 21, 2024
While driving the dashboard screen goes blank including the radio. If using adaptive cruise control it also shuts off. After five or six minutes the cadillac symbol will appear on the radio screen and the dashboard screen will begin to sign back on. You must reset the cruise control. Everything on the dash is black including the speedometer and gages. This has occurred numerous times and the deale... Read more
Incident date: Aug 26, 2024
When braking while going over bumps/railroad tracks/rough roads, the brakes rattle/pump as if the ABS has kicked in and the car doesn’t slow down/stop.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The component that failed/malfunctioned is the CV axle, the part is no longer available for inspection. The safety risk posed is loss of control of the vehicle, subsequent damage to other vital steering and stability parts such as the wheel bearings, axles, alignment, and lower ball joint. The problem has been confirmed by a RAM dealership, and corrected under an extended warranty. The component h... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was jerking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the main control valve had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The drivers seat belt receptacle spit out a spring and plastic part and it cannot buckle anymore.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2023
I had the common issue with Jeep ‘18 wranglers called the “death wobble”. I read many articles saying it’s common with jeeps from the 2018 era. One day I was driving and it stopped in the middle of the road. I couldn’t accelerate or brake. I could not fully get the vehicle off a busy highway. I took it in before this to get it diagnosed and mechanics could not figure it out. After this i... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB250. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the rear spoiler detached from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the spoiler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the steering seized. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was to... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The EATON Power Distribution Modual P\N A66-05172-00 (S\N 18108065) in my motorhome was in a recall associated with the failed rear tail lights, rear turn signals, brack lights, running lights and failure of towed vehicle lights plug. The modual was repaired as a result of the recall and was working properly. The repaired Modual failed again in less than 1000 miles driven resulting in no passenge... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The EATON Power Distribution Modual P\N A66-05172-00 (S\N 18108065) in my motorhome was in a recall associated with the failed rear tail lights, rear turn signals, brack lights, running lights and failure of towed vehicle lights plug. The modual was repaired as a result of the recall and was working properly. The repaired Modual failed again in less than 1000 miles driven resulting in no passenge... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V344000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the center display failed to turn on. The contact stated while reversing at 5MPH, the rearview camera failed to engage... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
On Monday, [XXX], I was at the CVS pharmacy drive through when the failure occurred. There was no accident and otherwise no warning before it happened. I attempted to pull out when I noticed the car was drifting and the steering was extremely stiff. I looked down to see that the airbag light and BRAKE light were both on. I coasted into a spot I happened to be aligned with. As I did, I felt the bra... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2020
Driving on freeway on way home and all the dash lights lite up. Abs, collision waring, traction and the triangle with and exlimation mark. Car slowed down and dash flickered. Engine started making a light thud noise. 2nd time happening. First time was every similar but was on an empty road alone at 6am. When happened. First time took to dealership. Didn't happen again. Plan on taking again tomor... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
My Fisker Ocean has recalls and although they continue to mail me the recall letters and state that someone will call me to help me find a repair shop that will fix the recall, and they provide a number for me to call, no one has ever answered that phone number and they will not answer any emails. When I bought the car the GPS system never worked and they scheduled several appointments to fix it b... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
My engine was replaced last year due to an issue with coolant leaking into the engine and stalling it, therefore my engine was replaced due to a customer satisfaction recall. One year later, the same thing is happening again and I have to get the same repair done.
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
Four Subaru dealership licensed service centers in Maine and New Hampshire have had for some 8 weeks my Outback to evaluate, diagnose, and -upon my approval- service. Every one of the four Subaru locations was been unable to resolve a single one of these chronic problems of the Outback's erratic 1) start/no-start, 2) triggered security light and activated alarm, 3) dashboard battery and brake icon... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle downshifted with the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had failed, and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
My vehicle was performing great - no Issues what so ever until FCA performed Recall 03A. After I had FCA US LLC Recall 03A for Loss of Motive Power installed; my vehicle had several issues the same day I picked it up from the Dealer. They stated it was ready for pickup even with all my issues and they new I had ½ of them and still turned it over to me. . 50 % of the issues are still waiting to be... Read more
ACURA
RLX HYBRID
(2018) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Sep 13, 2024
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Volt. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the contact stated that while attempting to merge in the right lane, the vehicle hesitated and shut off while in the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The appr... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2024
My Engin light went on code was P0304 cylinder 4 misfire.I recently replaced #4 ignition coil. Using power balance test, confirmed cylinder #4 is misfiring but only on idle. Per TSB 19-2310 , suspect #4 direct fuel injector of leaking. The dealership will not help back up this problem. Need all 6 fuel injectors replaced to make my truck SAFE to drive.my truck has the 2.7L v 6 eco boost engine. A l... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact stated that there was a message that the passenger’s side restraint had malfunctioned. The dealer had been contacted to schedule an appointment; however, the vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Honda Civic. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while driving at certain speeds, the steering wheel would seize and become inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was inf... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 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: Aug 9, 2024
When braking on an uneven surface, the anti-lock braking system will sometimes kick in, causing the car to shake and not deliver the stopping power the driver expects. I've nearly rear ended multiple people and have glided out into intersections before. Typically happens when leaving parking lots, coming to 4 way stops, or pulling into driveways. I've also had the emergency braking system kick in ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine overheating message was displayed. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed a cylinder #2 misfire within the engine. The spark plugs and engine ... 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: Sep 11, 2024
Brake pedal became hard to press down and could not stop car without having to jam down on the pedal. Per dealership the vacuum pump malfunctioned causing metal to enter engine
Incident date: Sep 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel, the contact became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact drove around for a while before driving back to the garage. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the power steering functionality had not returned. The ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 28, 2024
I took my car in to get my recalls fixed and they are not fixed yet they claim to be fixed on record. One is a transmission sensor and the other is electrical. The issue i am having is my car is shutting off the power to the engine while driving. This is causing serious issues when driving on busy highways and other roadways. I am terrified of my engine stopping on the interstate and getting hit ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving on three occasions at 55 MPH, the engine overheated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the low coolant message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer three times where it was diagnosed that the water pump and gasket screws needed to be replaced. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 10, 2024
After roughly 7000 miles of use the 235/55R20 102V Goodyear Assurance Weatherready tire has a bulge in the sidewall. There are no scuffs or scars on the tire to indicate an impact caused the bulge, it appears there is some sort of separation within the layers of the sidewall. I asked a Goodyear retailer to inspect the tire and they said it's automatically considered impact damage if the bulge is... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and shuddered while accelerating and shifting gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission clutch had previously been replaced but had failed again. The transmission clutch was replac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2024
Bought 2019 Honda CRV in August 2023. If you unlock by fob and then hit and hold unlock within 30 seconds all windows open. I parked CRV last 2 snowstorms last spring, did not realize that fob(in pants pocket inside house) had opened all windows and car filled with snow, 2 other times seats were drenched from rain. Besides buying 2 more fobs initially, now had to spend another $120 for a chipped n... Read more
ACURA
MDX SPORT HYBRID
(2019) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 10, 2024
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
My car stalls when driving making the vehicle extremely unsafe
Incident date: Sep 5, 2024
Ford has multiple bulletins for 2016 Fusion - EcoBoost Engine. Ford dealer did not address any of the issues upon numerous service visits. Despite engine light being on. Suffered catastrophic failure of engine resulting in loss of power while driving.
ACURA
MDX SPORT HYBRID
(2019) - POWER TRAIN
Sep 9, 2024
Incident date: Sep 9, 2024
When driving and the transmission , when up shifting from 4th to 5th to 6th gears, produces rough and delayed shifting; sudden, harsh accelerations and decelerations ; and a sudden loss of power.
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
-Transmission fluid leak -Trans cooler broken/cracked -Check engine light never came on (I had to discover this problem by a noise I was hearing) -Problem has been prepared by auto mechanic ($2,600). I have read there has been a recall for 2020 explorer models but my VIN is not included (should it be?). Attached youtube video shows the problem and mechanic states it’s been a problem: [XXX] I... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
I was driving down the freeway and suddenly heard a large pop from above my head, then looked in my rear view mirror and saw what turned out to be part of my sunroof falling on the road behind me. A bit of glass fell into the cabin, but most flew off immediately or was caught by the fabric cover. I pulled over and my front sunroof panel had shattered. I did not see any object coming at us from ... Read more