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: Apr 20, 2024
I was driving and more then 10 times my car has stalled in the middle of the street while driving and the gear “D” began blinking and note has displayed on the screen saying “shift to P then to gear” and said “check transmission” after shifting to park, the car locked up and I then had to shut off the car, open the door and then turn the car back on to get it to drive again. This happe... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
While driving in a straight line my brakes and brake pedal were activated without any pressure being applied and maintaining about 45 mph. I pulled over to check the car and see if there was anything stuck in the wheel well and saw nothing. I got back in my car and proceeded to drive 2 blocks where i then went to park and upon turning left to pull into a parking spot my car immediately stopped and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
Fire inside of the motor, behind the engine computer. Upon researching recalls for Lincoln Navigators I found these other recalls online for possibly the same fire issue: "Ford has issued a recall for some of its 2021 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs due to a potential engine fire risk. Over 65,000 2021-year model vehicles manufactured between December 2020 and April 2021 have been aff... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
My ball joint separation severed the bolt holding the drive axle in place due to that the car Is damaged and I have not been able to get it back right yet
Crash
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
Horn on steering wheel doesn’t work. This could cause a safety concern when trying to avoid a car accident. The following steering wheel controls don’t work; Horn, radio controls, average fuel economy. Cruise control button is the only functioning button on the steering wheel.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
NHTSA Recall Number23V334 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available It will be one year next month and still no remedy. I want to trade this car and dealerships have significantly reduced the value citing the unresolved recall restricting their resale.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
Full engine failure at around 110,000 miles. Metal shavings in oil. Car stalls suddenly when driving. Unsafe to drive.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
The recall for the rod in the motor is not being honored due to me being a second owner. When i called about the recall i was told by the manufacture that because i purchased the vehicle with an open recall and was not informed that it had an open recall.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
Problems may occur intermittently, including during engine startup and while driving, with warning messages appearing on the dashboard： Auto High-Beam Problem, Road departure mitigation sysem problem,, Collsion mitigation system problem, Lane keeping assist problem and Adaptive cruise control problem. All of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems can't be used.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Rio. 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illum... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Rio. 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illum... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
My 2014 Mercedes started getting a fault light with multiple performance issues. Mercedes dealer where I can carry out my routine maintenance diagnosed the issue to the electrical harness being contaminated with engine oil and it needed to be replaced on the engine because of a known issue whereby oil from the upper camshaft sensors seep into the harness and makes its way to ECU and causes possibl... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
A safety recall #22V482 was issued on this vehicle on 9/9/2022. It's now been nearly 18 months and the manufacturer has yet to issue a remedy or mark the recall "open" so we can get it addressed. The is effecting both the safety of operation, causing confusion over load ratings, and possibly effecting resell as this information is public. Please get this recall enforced.
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The rear brakes seem to drag and make a loud noise when in reverse. We have taken the car that is sill under Ford warranty to Hertrich Ford dealership in Elkton Maryland. They attempted a “modification” and informed us that Ford Engineers have not come up with a fix yet as many Ford Broncos and Ford Escapes are experiencing the same problem. We asked for the Ford Field Service Engineer for ou... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving approximately approximately 30 MPH, and turning to the left or to the right, the steering wheel would be slow to return to center after making the turn. The contact stated that he would have to manually steer the vehicle back to center. The contact stated that there were no warning lights when the steering was sticking. The con... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2019
I get a warning message which indicates the the Crash Sensor is not working on my Ford truck - this component inflates the Air Bag in the event of a crash. The part number for the Crash Sensor is Motorcraft 6L3Z-14B004-AA. I attempted to purchase a replacement Crash Sensor from a local Ford dealer. I was told that Ford no longer makes this part. The parts manager suggested that I check with loc... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Car has 4800 miles. I've owned since new (5 months). No issues prior to this. Stopped a stoplight. The gas engine stopped running, which is typical for a hybrid when not moving. After 15 seconds, every warning/error message started cycling on the driver's dashboard screen, referencing "brake system malfunction" among many other failures. Pressing the gas pedal and there was no forward movement. Br... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
This is a continuation complaint with national cemter for dispute settlement to fix safty issues and discontinued parts. The car is not 40 years old and i cannot find a maintenance repair book. The power door locks are coming on and off and the fob key do not work Sutton acuta in macon said it needs the antenna but the antenna is discontinued. The navigation system doesn't work because the 6 cham... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
I was driving on [XXX] in Houston, Texas. Low Oil Pressure warning came on dashboard. The vehicle lost power. I was able to limp off of the freeway. Thankfully the car didn’t die until I was off of the road. I have had the vehicle towed to the Ford dealer. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the engine started rattling under the hood. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and it was diagnosed as an engine coil misfire. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred soon afterwards. The vehicle was taken to a... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ram Promaster City. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. The contact added coolant to the engine; however, the coolant was gone in less than two weeks. The contact then stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking noise was coming from the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled wi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
The automatic emergency braking system will turn on when there is no danger. It happens often. The system is fooled easily. Yes it’s available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? With normal driving conditions this is not a huge problem but if this were to happen with slick roads. I could see this causing an accident. Has the problem been reproduced or... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shuddering with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKC. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic two times where it was diagnosed that there was carbon build-up that might have blocked the valve and needed to be cleaned, and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, t... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that the vehicle was intermittently consuming twice the amount of fuel while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact documented that a certain routine trip with the vehicle showed that a 25-mile trip was consuming 55 miles worth of gasoline. The dealer was notified of the failure but could not duplicate ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The man... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2018
Driving down [XXX] in Ohio, electrical components in the car started flashing and the check engine light came on. "Charging malfunction" something or other and it also said "steering power low". Then the car completely shutoff and I had to coast to the shoulder. It was then towed and is at a local shop. It's a 2019 with 75,000 miles - this should not have happened. I saw the 2020 Camry 2.5 liter r... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the vehicle experienced a death wobble. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle was wobbling violently from side to side and pulling toward the opposite lane. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving and exceeding 40 MPH on bumpy road surfaces. The vehi... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
Took it for inspection was told the part that holds the engine up is rotting away and it will not pass inspection next year this is disappointing I have cars older then this and they are in better condition this vehicle was brought brand new this should not occur I could understand if it was old this car is only 8yrs old I have pics to support
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
Power steering out and I am unable to afford the repairs. There is a recall for my make and model my van is not included in. I have already paid for a new transmission when the transmission recall was out and the Gilley Hyde Ford local dealership was dishonest with me and replaced almost $2000 of extra things and gave it back to me broken.
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
Currently have 109,330 miles on my 2019 Malibu LT It’s very obvious that the transmissions in these cars are no good. My car accelerates slowly whenever it feels like it and entering the highway or any road to be honest, is like jumping off of a plane with no parachute, praying you don’t hit the bottom and die. Its scary! It jerks horribly at times while accelerating (along with slow accelerat... Read more
Incident date: Jan 31, 2024
Door started making horrible sound and not opening/closing very good out of no where.
Incident date: Apr 8, 2024
Timing change skipped, cam phaser snapped, and transmission skips gears and is jerky while accelerating almost giving whiplash sometimes
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
All safety system alerts appeared while driving on the highway saying there were failures with all of the safety systems. Electronic steering suddenly stopped working and vehicle slowed down forcibly until its stop in the middle of the highway. I had to call roadside assistance to get the car towed to the dealership. ALL ERROR MESSAGES CAME ON, THE VEHICLE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING,VSA , HILL STAR... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
All safety system alerts appeared while driving on the highway saying there were failures with all of the safety systems. Electronic steering suddenly stopped working and vehicle slowed down forcibly until its stop in the middle of the highway. I had to call roadside assistance to get the car towed to the dealership. ALL ERROR MESSAGES CAME ON, THE VEHICLE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING,VSA , HILL STAR... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The sensors simply don’t work. CMBS system constantly raises warnings, often alarming me as a driver, almost creating accidents. On one occasion, coming into a turning lane of intersection with green arrow and cars moving forward into left turn, CMBS actually applied the brakes for about 1 second, alarming me and causing the driver behind me to react as well. There’s no permanent disabling o... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The sensors simply don’t work. CMBS system constantly raises warnings, often alarming me as a driver, almost creating accidents. On one occasion, coming into a turning lane of intersection with green arrow and cars moving forward into left turn, CMBS actually applied the brakes for about 1 second, alarming me and causing the driver behind me to react as well. There’s no permanent disabling o... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
I was sitting in line at a drive-thru with my wiper blades on the intermittent setting when suddenly the engine shut off and I got an error message that said “engine shut off steering power low”. The check engine light, battery, and steering light all came on. I turned the car off and then on again. It rumbled and then shut off again with the same message. I had to shift to neutral and push in... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
Manufacturer at two different locations report the are unable to make repairs due to not having parts.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Dual pane windows become foggy internally and make the side view mirrors extremely difficult to see especially at night.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
I am having really bad transmission issues. my car screen for GPS, Bluetooth doesnt even work... or wont even play my bluetooth music half the time... my sunroof, will not go down anymore. this is a 2019 Nissian Sentra i just GOT 5 months ago..
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
I am having really bad transmission issues. my car screen for GPS, Bluetooth doesnt even work... or wont even play my bluetooth music half the time... my sunroof, will not go down anymore. this is a 2019 Nissian Sentra i just GOT 5 months ago..
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Rear windshield spontaneously shattered while I was driving on the highway. There was no debris or collision. The car has never been in an accident or subject to any internal or external physical force or damage.
Incident date: Apr 30, 2023
Driver's door when opening would make a clunking sound. After opening it a couple times door would not shut. Finally getting it to shut, the door now will not open all the way. Also since this happening the window on that door will not roll down. Safety issue is that I'm afraid the door won't stay closed or it may fall off. Also the gas cap light is on, always been a problem even when the cap... Read more
Incident date: Mar 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer for brake service and the dealer informed the contact that all 4 lug nuts were swollen and needed to be replaced. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the lug nuts and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage wa... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2021
See attached document for complaint
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
Today, I had to slam on my breaks on the freeway. Luckily I was able to stop in time. However the Fisker completely shut off, flashed every warning light imaginable and wouldn’t respond. I sat diagonally in the middle of a 6 lane freeway and for 5 straight minutes the car wouldn’t work. I finally got the car to turn on but it wouldn’t switch to drive, it was stuck on park or neutral. I had t... Read more
1 injured