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: May 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 BMW X1. The contact stated upon attempting to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle failed to turn off. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where unknown fuses were disconnected, and the vehicle turned off. The mechanic determined that the failure was due to the ECU overheating. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact rela... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2023
1. Vehicle has oil leaking out of valve covers so bad it starts smoking from under the hood. 2. Transmission will stick into low gear and I have to put the vehicle into neutral to get it to start shifting correctly again. Vehicle will also pulsate speed with transmission growling. 3. Turbo chargers not operating correctly causing Vehicle to buck and hesitate under acceleration.
Incident date: May 6, 2023
1. Vehicle has oil leaking out of valve covers so bad it starts smoking from under the hood. 2. Transmission will stick into low gear and I have to put the vehicle into neutral to get it to start shifting correctly again. Vehicle will also pulsate speed with transmission growling. 3. Turbo chargers not operating correctly causing Vehicle to buck and hesitate under acceleration.
Incident date: Jun 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Honda HR-V. The contact stated that the alarm had sounded without incident and the contact disabled the alarm. The contact stated that hours later, the contact attempted to start the vehicle with several messages displayed on the instrument panel. After several failed attempts, the contact attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. Due to the failur... Read more
Incident date: May 29, 2024
Making a 90 degree right turn at an intersection traveling approximately 15 mph, my steering wheel suddenly got very stiff and unresponsive. This caused me to travel into the oncoming lane of traffic before wrestling the very stiff steering wheel back under control. This condition persisted for the rest of my drive home, accompanied by “Steering assist reduced” and “lane assist keep unavaila... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
I got locked in my car while a software update was taking place. I was running errand on a very hot day, I went to exit the car and the infotainment system did not shut off like usual, on the info screen was a very dim notice to start a software update, I hit the start now button, exited the car, did my business in the bank, went back to my car, used the electric button to open the door, got in an... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
Eight months ago while returning home from a road trip my steering began acting strange. Seemed sticky. Not smooth. I disengaged the cruise control but the problem was still there. After returning home it was not as noticeable unless I drove a minimum of 10-15 minutes. . Then I began hearing a clicking sound coming from the steering wheel and when driving on an interstate for about 20 minutes the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
upon turning right, the car lost power, degraded acceleration as if someone is holding and pulling the car to move forward. The traffic behind me expected me to cathup with the speed on the road but due to loss of power and engine hesitation i got honked and was luck to avoid a crash from behind on a busy road. Acura dealership in Dallas dont have parts since a very long time. They have pleant of ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
upon turning right, the car lost power, degraded acceleration as if someone is holding and pulling the car to move forward. The traffic behind me expected me to cathup with the speed on the road but due to loss of power and engine hesitation i got honked and was luck to avoid a crash from behind on a busy road. Acura dealership in Dallas dont have parts since a very long time. They have pleant of ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
Intermittent and random loss of electric power steering. Fuse coming off of positive battery terminal for power steering is good, and when power steering is working it functions without issue. Without sign or warning service power steering icon will flash on the dash, resulting in complete loss of power steering. This has been happening for 3 days now, and the power steering system has come back a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
After starting vehicle, was running very rough - engine light came on flashing and Electronic Throttle Control light. Towed vehicle to dealership and was told "Dead miss on cylinder #2, plug and coil fouled, no compression on cylinder #2 - needs motor replacement". Dealer was not returning calls, called Jeep and currently waiting to hear how they will handle. Warranty expired 11/23 but vehicle on... Read more
Incident date: Jun 24, 2024
The contact owns 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the cam phasers, the timing chain, and other unknown parts were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N03. The man... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
I have a constant AEB warning light on the dashboard.
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Vehicle had electrical system malfunction. Vehicle provided an electrical system malfunction and vehicle starting system malfunction warning message a few days prior to the incident. Vehicle has approximately 20.5K miles on odometer. Before I was able to bring it to service, the electrical system malfunction message became more severe and turned from yellow to red. While driving, the vehicle progr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
First of all, this is a new car produced in 2023. Since I bought it, the engine has shown alarms more than four times. Every time I went to the 4S shop, no problems were found. Today, the engine still shows a yellow alarm. Secondly, the brake disc makes a loud noise when I park the car and then start the accelerator. Mercedes-Benz has not paid attention to these problems. I think it greatly affect... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2024
First of all, this is a new car produced in 2023. Since I bought it, the engine has shown alarms more than four times. Every time I went to the 4S shop, no problems were found. Today, the engine still shows a yellow alarm. Secondly, the brake disc makes a loud noise when I park the car and then start the accelerator. Mercedes-Benz has not paid attention to these problems. I think it greatly affect... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 10, 2023
Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure, LT265/70R18. On [XXX] at 113806 miles, I discovered that the driver's side front tire on the vehicle was flat in my driveway. Investigation revealed a puncture in the tread of the tire, caused by a gravel stone still lodged in the tire. Based on the amount of protrusion of the stone and the lack of any visible wear on it, I concluded that the stone must hav... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that coolant intrusion into cylinder #3 had caused damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with engine oil pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
On two occasions, there was a loss of steering assist while making a 90 degree right turn at an intersection. After forcing the steering wheel back straight, steering assist resumed. The vehicle can be made available for inspection. No warning lamps illuminated. Contacted Buick customer assistance. 2015 Buick Encore has a recall for loss of steering assist, but 2014 model is not included.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2024
Received the following warning: “front left side marker defective” yet light is still functioning. I was told there is a short in the sensor, and In order to get rid of this warning, I would be forced to replace the entire headlamp at a cost of more than $5600. Other VINs from this model have been issued a recall for this very problem, yet my VIN was not included. From my understanding, all... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Tire inside sidewall blew out on rear right tire. No curb, no pothole. 40mph speed
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Since the day we purchased our new 2024 Mazda CX-5, two issues have become apparent. Firstly, there is a clicking noise emanating from the rear passenger seats behind the driver whenever the vehicle is in motion. Secondly, there is a noticeable rumbling in the drivetrain during idle or stop-and-go traffic. I have visited the Mazda showroom twice regarding the seat back noise. Together with a Mazd... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Driving on the freeway the sun roof exploded shattering the glass unexpectedly. There was no rock or other outside projectile that hit the glass since I had a kayak above the glass on a roof rack pretty much covering most of the glass. I was able to close the shade door inside before the glass came down on us. I found out that this has happened on other Honda vehicles and there is a class action ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 18, 2024
Vehicle drive system fault: This issue has happened to me 2x in my personal car and 1x in the loaner vehicle that Vinfast gave me. When this happens, the vehicle shuts off. You can’t put the car in drive or reverse. You have to leave the car, wherever it is, walk a good distance away& wait for about 15mins. The first time, I was pulling into a spot at a grocery store & and car died in the ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The TRAILER STABIZER warning keeps coming on.
Incident date: Jun 17, 2024
The vehicle turn off and on while driving on the highway, is like the engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. I'm aware there's no recall on my vehicle, however, it's a known issue that Honda had voluntarily recall approximately 2.6 million 2017-2020 Honda vehicles in the United States to replace their fuel pumps, for free due to a similar issue. I have experience ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
The engine is continually knocking. It has caused the powertrain system to start to fail. The interior portion of the car with electrical is malfunctioning and causing the car to lag. Many attempts have been taken to get the vehicle fixed to no avail. $1,000 just to take out the engine to diagnose the problem.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
Vehicle was shifting erratically and drastically delayed in the lower gears. Additionally, the vehicle was lurching and bucking. I was advised it may be the ring gear. The vehicle has 1034 miles.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2024
Worn out rear suspension toe links at low mileage. Taurus SHO model years 2013-2018 were recalled for the same issue. The problem persists in Model Year 2019.
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The low oil pressure message was displayed. The contact detected an abnormal clicking sound coming from the engine. While driving at an undisclosed speed the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that the transm... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
ABS and Traction control light indicators on dash appeared intermittently. After diagnosing from the dealership, it is advised to changed the Antilock Brake System module. However, the dealership advised there is a block and that they must first change the Hydraulic control unit, although they say it is perfectly fine. While we have not had an accident (luckily) it appears there is an ongoing i... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2024
ABS and Traction control light indicators on dash appeared intermittently. After diagnosing from the dealership, it is advised to changed the Antilock Brake System module. However, the dealership advised there is a block and that they must first change the Hydraulic control unit, although they say it is perfectly fine. While we have not had an accident (luckily) it appears there is an ongoing i... Read more
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Engine Coolant Over Temperature” was displayed and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and confirmed with engine coolant over temperature failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal whistling sound emanating from the engine compartment, after which he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, prompting him to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the smoke was coming from the alternator,... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal clanking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine and turbocharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered... Read more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at 2-5 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently, nearly causing a crash. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was later illuminated while driving, and the contact pulled to the side... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I recently took my 2023 Chevrolet Suburban in to make sure everything was working properly with the power train... it has been having bucking and stuttering between 15-45mph, which was super concerning to me, as I am transporting 3 children [XXX]. I took in yesterday, and was called back today to confirm that the issue is happening... the problem is that instead of Chevrolet recalling these vehicl... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
When pressing gas pedal from a stop position the car hesitates for a couple seconds and then goes all while the gas is pushed down
Incident date: Jun 10, 2024
I have a smell of moldy old water what is going on ? Why is water filling up in my trunk? What do my head lights bulb keep going out? WHY HAVEN'T YOU GUYS DONE ANYTHING? For real I have a darn battery in my trunk come on. I already had to purchase a battery .
Incident date: Jun 11, 2024
The back passenger back door had problems wouldn’t close rt now can’t open. In May it felt like it wasn’t getting power, engine light said turn off car for 10 minutes, while stuck in traffic, so i had it towed to Upland Ford Dealers, they charged me $209.99 Just to look at it! Then after inspecting it they wanted almost $4,000. Which i can’t afford. They said it was the Clutch Assembly... Read more
Incident date: Mar 25, 2024
I have noticed that when I am breaking, occasionally as I’m breaking there’s a sudden jolt, or lurch, forward like the car is accelerating. This is very disconcerting especially when there are other cars in front of me or people.
Incident date: May 20, 2019
The car’s own navigation calibration system has been inoperable for at least eight months and is known issue to VW. The system incorrectly places the car’s location, gives false navigation directions based upon that false location, corrupts the navigation calibration of any linked phone, which prevents that phone from giving correct navigation directions through the phone. This issue is ongoin... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2024
The vehicle accelerates on its own when I try to slow down at traffic lights and turns. Almost hitting pedestrians and cars in front of me. The lights in the back seat turn on while driving indicating to the police that I’m doing more than driving in the car The body parts so low quality the door handles are brittle and breaking. They cut my fingers and my kids fingers when we were opening and... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
Rear wind shield exploded overnight when it was parked. No one touched it.
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
225/50/17 have had one tire completely tear at the rim& cause chaos on the road. And another that that I have to put air in twice a day.
Crash
Incident date: Jun 1, 2022
The sunroof did not closed and made a pop sound and after that it was mis aligned and failed to close, one arm was broken and the sunroof was hanging on the other one. Called the Kia Riverside dealership they said they dont have any tech for sunroof. Ended up taking to cerritos dealership and they said i have to leave it for 7 days without loaner just to inspect and it will cost 257 bucks for insp... Read more
Incident date: Nov 17, 2023
Very shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the rear drivers side sliding door stopped opening. It cannot be opened manually or with the button. It seems to be stuck in the locked position. I was aggravated but let it go because I had the other side sliding door functioning. Yesterday 06/06/2024 the passenger side sliding door did the same thing. I have 4 children that had no way out of my vehicle ... Read more