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: Jun 7, 2024
Problem Dealer said recall for airbags risk/ seat sensor cannot be fixed due to unable to get parts.
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the water pump, timing chain, and belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
Has to replace the Fan Assembly Coolant sensor three years in a row beginning in 2022, 2023, and 2024. 2023 January, also has the Right Side CV Axcle replaced because a/c coolant was leaking. This leaking went in to the transmission and the transmission also had to be rebuild. Then in 2024 of May the transmission fault service light came on again after being rebuild in January 2023. Took it bac... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 BMW X1. The contact stated that she would lose control of the vehicle while attempting to engage the parking brake with the check engine and a brake sensor warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a failure with the power brake assist. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power and would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the timing chain had failed causing severe damages to the engine. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who confirmed the timing chain failure had occurred ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms... Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2024
On long trips (when you need cruise control the most) the adaptive cruise control will (seemingly at random) stop working with a warning about the active distance assist and active brake assist. It has happened in all situations from heavy traffic to long distances of no other cars on the road. It stays non-functional for anywhere from a few minutes to several days. It has happened many times. ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where a water drain plug was installed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V955000 (Fuel System, Diesel, Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH in the rain, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to veer to t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
the radio / back up camera and close object display goes on and off intermittently. If backing up all vision and warnings are lost. Unit is no longer available and is obsolete and discontinued by GMC. This was determined and tested at the dealer Cappalino GMC.
Incident date: Jan 17, 2024
Steering has developed a click and constant correction to maintain a straight line. Alignment did not help. Vehicle will sometimes begin to track to the right or left on its own. I know that a few vehicles were recalled for this electric steering/rack problem, but, mine wasn't one. This is pretty serious and expensive to repair. My local mechanic quoted around $4000. Taking it the Honda dealer nex... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side front door entry keypad molding trim had detached. The contact stated that there was air coming through the unsealed area. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a detached non-repairable entry keypad molding trim. The contact was informed that the driver's side front door entry keypad molding... Read more
Incident date: Mar 5, 2024
Steering started grinding in the winter months around 110,900 and locked up while driving. Took to Ford Service and the Rack and Pinion is faulty. The tech said it was not due to any driving damage, but a faulty part. Vehicle currently has 120,000 miles on it and locks up driving down the road. The potential for a dangerous accident is high. This is a known issue for Ford Explorers in various year... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
Low oil pressure light came on and engine making loud noise. Had towed to Way Brothers Ford in Hawkinsville GA 183 BROAD STREET HAWKINSVILLE GA 31036 PHONE 478-892-9141. Original diagnostic check on day vehicle failed [XXX]: "diag found code p0365 p0369 found oil pump belt broken necessary to remove and replace engine..." On repair invoice when engine was replaced [XXX]: "engine oil pump bel... Read more
ACURA
MDX
(2020) - VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT
Jun 4, 2024
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, he became aware that the defroster was not working properly, affecting the visibility while driving. The contact also stated that the heater and the A/C were not working. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V227000 (Electrical ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2005 Mercedes-Benz S430. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, he became aware that the defroster was not working properly, affecting the visibility while driving. The contact also stated that the heater and the A/C were not working. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V227000 (Electrical ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic related the failure to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N11. The manufactu... Read more
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Avalon. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, another vehicle in the left lane violently merged into the lane in front. In an effort to avoid crashing into the vehicle, the contact merged into the right lane however crashed into the rear driver's side of another vehicle. No air bags deployed. The vehicle was damaged due to the impact on the front passenger... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Radar and multi purpose camera simultaneously failed. Dash lights came on indicating that auto high beams, lane keep assist, forward collision, adaptive cruise control, and braking system where not working properly. I think my safety and the safety of others where compromised with these systems not working.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Radar and multi purpose camera simultaneously failed. Dash lights came on indicating that auto high beams, lane keep assist, forward collision, adaptive cruise control, and braking system where not working properly. I think my safety and the safety of others where compromised with these systems not working.
Incident date: Jun 4, 2024
When pulling onto the interstate on ramp (45 mph) the truck attempted to shift up when all transmission power failed. The engine ran fine, just no power. I was able to safely pull to the shoulder and park . s Shifting from drive to neutral to park and back to drive still did not resolve the issue. I put the truck in park and shut off the engine . The transmission fluid temp, color and level wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
22-24 Honda civic Steering rack recall I feel to have no control of my vehicle and that my life as well as others are put at risk. I took my car to Honda for the safety inspection for the active recall they falsely dismissed according to Honda corporate. Nothing has been inspected other than my safety inspection when the dealership passed my car. I scheduled an appointment for a diagnosis as co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
22-24 Honda civic Steering rack recall I feel to have no control of my vehicle and that my life as well as others are put at risk. I took my car to Honda for the safety inspection for the active recall they falsely dismissed according to Honda corporate. Nothing has been inspected other than my safety inspection when the dealership passed my car. I scheduled an appointment for a diagnosis as co... Read more
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
Subject: Complaint Regarding Excessive Oil Consumption and Engine Hesitation in 2019 Kia Optima SX To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding my 2019 Kia Optima SX. Despite meticulous maintenance and care, I have been experiencing significant issues with the vehicle that are concerning, especially considering its relatively low mileage of only 107,000 miles. Th... Read more
Incident date: May 3, 2024
Side impact airbag didn't deploy causing head injury to driver. Van was hit at high speed by impaired driver who ran a red light. Van has hit from the driver's side in the engine compartment just in front of the driver. The engine was basically laying in the street after the impact.
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: May 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up occasionally with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received an email notification from Carfax of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the ... Read more
Incident date: May 28, 2020
The exhaust manifold bolts Broken causing it to leak ,tick.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
While driving the vehicle it will suddenly shut down the engine. Then the letter "D" starts to blink on the gear shift lever. I am able to restart the car by turning it off, waiting for 5 minutest and then restart the car. I turned in the car 3 weeks ago and they still do not know what the problem is.
Incident date: Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
My car’s automatic emergency braking system engaged at about 35 mph without cause. It was a very hard, abrupt almost full stop. I will report to my Honda dealer on Monday when they open. The car behind me was able to stop but was very angry. Thankfully he was not tailgating or we would have had an accident The car has done this before but not as severely and didn’t brake as hard, more of... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
I started smelling exhaust fumes in the cab of my truck. I began inspecting the engine compartment and heard a noise from the left side of the engine. I also noticed reduced power from the engine and a puffing sound during hard acceleration. I researched online and found numerous complaints for the RAM 1500 truck with the 5.7 liter hemi engine manifold exhaust bolt shearing and manifold cracking. ... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
Last night was the 3rd time my family's safety was threatened by a malfunction in my 2016 Jeep Patriot (manual). When driving, the car started to stall out as if I'm changing gears badly, but wasn't doing so. Next, it stalled completely without any dashlight notices. I was forced to pop it out of gear to give some control to the steering (something I learned after the 1st time it happened). Then, ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2024
On highway and switching lanes. All of a sudden ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE AND ALL DRIVER ASSIST LIGHTS CAME ON. Pull over light came on as well. HIT ON LEFT REAR SYMBOL CAME ON. Was never hit just a close car on driver left rear side when switching lanes. Made it home and vehicle wouldn’t switch back into drive mode. Acura didn’t do its due process and assumed a new transmission was needed. Repla... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
My windshield has chipped and cracked 4 times in the 5 yrs that I've owned this car, purchased new. In the first three cases, a minor chip started cracking the windshield almost immediately. In the last case, which I haven't had repaired yet, there wasn't even a chip. The windshield seemed to just spontaneously crack. The glass shop for replacement #3 noted that the car is now rusting under th... Read more
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
The rear suspension subframe is completely corroded and causes vehicle suspension parts to break off unannounced and causes vehicle to swerve severely and most likely is going to cause and accident or death, Nissan has been informed of this issue and refuses to address a proper repair
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
Transmission went out at 120,000 miles.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
Was just driving and the engine just cut off now it want start. I carried it to a certified mechanic he said the motor locked up. He also said it's common for this 3.6 to do this. Something about stuff getting in the engine and causes the bearings to mess up and the pistons.
Incident date: Feb 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and engine overheating warning lights remained illuminated. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact stated that coolant was added to the reservoir, but the failure persisted, and the coolant reservoir was constantly low. The cause of ... Read more
Incident date: May 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) 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 exp... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2019 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I drive under the ACC system, the front traffic slows down on highway, but ACC system do not automatically slows down. So I push the brakes, but the car didn't slow down either. The car crash directly into the front car. Currently the car is under insurance inspectation. after the crush happened, the car start automatically moving without engine on, when it's in the parking mode. An police offic... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
I drive under the ACC system, the front traffic slows down on highway, but ACC system do not automatically slows down. So I push the brakes, but the car didn't slow down either. The car crash directly into the front car. Currently the car is under insurance inspectation. after the crush happened, the car start automatically moving without engine on, when it's in the parking mode. An police offic... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
I have the Graco Turn2Me car seat installed rear facing on the driver's side of the middle row (captain's chairs) of my vehicle. The car seat is installed with the seat belt due to my daughter's weight (36 pounds, so we were not able to use the latch). The car seat has been adjusted to the appropriate recline based on the installation method and weight of my child. There is an appropriate amount o... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Mustang. The contact stated the brake pedal stop bumper had disintegrated and the rear brake lights remained illuminated continuously while driving. The contact stated that the Push-to-Start feature activated without depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V011000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, neith... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The Uconnect screen on my vehicle is starting to delaminate. With that cause its becoming a safety issue as the screen is starting to move around by itself become a distraction on the rode. The navigation system clicks by itself and it is putting my family at risk while driving.
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The Uconnect screen on my vehicle is starting to delaminate. With that cause its becoming a safety issue as the screen is starting to move around by itself become a distraction on the rode. The navigation system clicks by itself and it is putting my family at risk while driving.
Incident date: Jul 15, 2020
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the brake pads were squeaking while driving at undisclosed speeds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rear brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurre... Read more
Incident date: Jul 15, 2020
While driving my 2016 Cadillac Escalade with a6.2L V8 engine on [XXX] near Bristow, Oklahoma at approximately 75 mph, the vehicle suddenly and completely lost power. Without any prior warning or unusual noises, the engine shut down, and I lost power to the dashboard and power steering. This caused the vehicle to decelerate rapidly, making it extremely difficult to control. I managed to steer the... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Honda Accord. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed low speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The messages "Electric Power Steering Problem" and "See Dealer" were displayed. The contact stated that she pulled to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the contact was able to continue driving. The contact state... Read more
Incident date: May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent ... Read more