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: Jul 6, 2026
Failing transmission lead frame on a 2017 F-150 with a 6-speed transmission causing sudden, violent downshifts into low gears at highway speeds, risking severe rear-end crashes. On XXX, an authorized Ford dealership retrieved diagnostic trouble codes P0720 and P0722, confirming hardware component failure. The official dealership Repair Order explicitly states the transmission lead frame requires r... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while parked on several occasions, a "Battery Discharge Warning" message was displayed, which disappeared once the vehicle was driven. The contact then stated that on several occasions after the vehicle sat unoperated for a day, the engine failed to start. The contact's husband jump-started the vehicle on multiple occasions and noticed ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2026
The vehicle suffered a sudden, severe structural head gasket failure causing coolant to flood the combustion chambers. This results in violent engine stalling, limp mode, and complete loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds, creating a severe traffic hazard. The manufacturer is actively tracking this conjoined cylinder failure but refusing to issue a safety recall for the defective engi... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
While driving the vehicle it lost power and all the check lights came on. Had to have it towed to a dealership where they stated it needed a new motor and new high voltage battery. The car has only 116000 miles on it. There should be a total recall for this type of vehicle if I would have been at a higher speed I would have injured myself or others. This car is riddled with problems and has over 1... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
While driving the vehicle it lost power and all the check lights came on. Had to have it towed to a dealership where they stated it needed a new motor and new high voltage battery. The car has only 116000 miles on it. There should be a total recall for this type of vehicle if I would have been at a higher speed I would have injured myself or others. This car is riddled with problems and has over 1... Read more
Incident date: May 20, 2026
On July 2nd, I was actively driving my 2015 Ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7L Hemi V8 gas engine. The vehicle is completely factory-stock with zero aftermarket electronics, wiring modifications, or accessories. While operating the truck, the dashboard instrument cluster suddenly began flickering wildly, indicating a severe voltage drop or electrical system failure. Immediately following the flickeri... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
Knocking noise coming from engine. Only 1900 miles
Incident date: Jul 6, 2026
The adaptive cruise control has twice unexpectedly applied the brakes with sufficient force to result in a minor whiplash situation of a sore neck. Both times were driving on a two-lane highway traveling between 65-70 mph (cruise control was set a 68 mph) with no vehicles in the lane in front of me. The adaptive cruise control appeared to interpret oncoming traffic as a vehicle in front of me and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 6, 2025
The sub roof exploded while on the freeway and all the glass shattered like rain onto the fabric underneath. We pulled over on the side of the freeway and are waiting for a tow. We didn't see any large objects fall or fly towards the car. It sounded like a huge explosion then left a big whole.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
At 157000 miles I am being forced to replace my fuel injectors and a blown head gasket on my 2018 Honda Accord. As I am sure you are aware, this is an ongoing issue with this model specifically, and yet no recalls have been issued. Please understand that this was a sudden failure as I had no signs there was an engine issue before being forced into limp mode while driving on the freeway. I also ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
My 2018 Chevrolet Colorado diesel has had repeated diesel emissions/DPF-related failures that cause the vehicle to enter reduced-power or limp mode. This is a safety issue because the truck suddenly loses power and cannot accelerate normally. The most serious incident occurred while driving over Santiam Pass in Oregon. The vehicle went into reduced-power/limp mode on a mountain highway, leaving m... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while having a routine oil change at a local dealer, the dealer informed the contact that the cylinder head gasket was rusted. The dealer provided a 60 percent discount, and the vehicle was repaired. Six weeks later, while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled, but the contact was able to avoid a crash. All of the warning ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while having a routine oil change at a local dealer, the dealer informed the contact that the cylinder head gasket was rusted. The dealer provided a 60 percent discount, and the vehicle was repaired. Six weeks later, while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled, but the contact was able to avoid a crash. All of the warning ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 30, 2025
I have had to replace 6 of these tires on all wheels within in year as they develop bubbles even after almost being new with little mileage. I know of others who have similar problem. The service persons tell me that I am not alone with this issue. My son in his brand new BMW with same tires just got a bubble with 3K mikes on it.
ACURA
TLX TYPE S
(2023) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 5, 2026
Incident date: Jul 5, 2026
Leading up to a windshield replacement, my eyesight cameras that help with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist kept failing. This feature would turn on and off repeatedly. When I got my windshield replaced, it took longer than expected because of the camera calibration. The microchip(s) inside one of the three cameras was fried and they had to put in a new camera. This failed camera wa... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
My dealership has reground the rotors on my car twice. Now with less than 40,000 mileson the car the brakes need ground again. The issue with the brakes is it causes the front end of the car to shake when the brakes are applied. This could lead to loss of control on down hill stops in slippery conditions.
Incident date: Jun 24, 2026
Was in my garage and started up my truck and seen an alert regarding the steering. Reversed truck and was un-able to steer the truck. Steering wheel would not move at all.
Incident date: May 1, 2026
There are vertical splits from the sidewall seam to the tread line. Oil spurted out when I checked the tire pressure. Bubba is the person who put on the tires. +1 (386) 868-9696
Incident date: May 1, 2026
There are vertical splits from the sidewall seam to the tread line. Oil spurted out when I checked the tire pressure. Bubba is the person who put on the tires. +1 (386) 868-9696
Incident date: May 1, 2026
There are vertical splits from the sidewall seam to the tread line. Oil spurted out when I checked the tire pressure. Bubba is the person who put on the tires. +1 (386) 868-9696
Incident date: Apr 20, 2026
I have a 2020 Hyundai Elantra Limited that was purchased new in December of 2020, has 17,764 miles, and no damage. At the end of May/early June of 2026, the car gave warning messages for the following: check forward collision avoidance assist system, check lane keep assist system, and check high beam assist system. The car was inspected by the dealership, from which it was purchased, on June 29, 2... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2024
After car warms up ,steering wheel is hard to turn When turning wheel at speed , it feels like it is stuck Requiring more force to turn which in turn causes over correction. Wheel does not turn smoothly. It feels like it is stuck in a notch that requires extra force to move it out of notch making it difficult to do small adjustments to stay in lane
Incident date: May 25, 2026
Fuel Leak it smells and leaks it seems to be coming from the gas tank and sometimes I get random electric failure when I'm driving I lose power steering and My brakes get stiff and hard to push down and my dash will go Off and then go crazy and show that i have no gas
Incident date: May 13, 2026
My vehicle experienced the exact component failure described in NHTSA Recall 24V-896 (FCA Campaign C4B), but my VIN is currently excluded due to the manufacturing date window." My truck's build date was 01/17. The following warning lights appeared (ABS, Traction Control/ESC) and I lost auxiliary cruise control. An independent shop diagnosed the failed Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) / ABS pump motor ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
A vehicle diagnostic scan dated 04/15/2026 at approximately 88,502 miles showed a stored transmission electronics fault: P084100, described as “Transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch A range/performance,” with status listed as passive/sporadic. This indicates a transmission / powertrain control concern involving the transmission fluid pressure sensor, transmission electronics, wiring, contr... Read more
Incident date: Jun 23, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Incident date: May 14, 2026
Throttle body and accelerator pedal position sensors failed. Component is available for inspection upon request. Independent service center confirmed failure on 1/3/2026 with 6 stored fault codes: P2101, P0122, P0222, P0123, P0223, P2135. Vehicle shuts off while driving without warning at various speeds. Loss of power steering and power brakes occurs when engine stalls, creating immediate risk of... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
On occasion, the engine will lack power upon accelerating from a stop of slow speed resulting in a delay in power needed to accelerate. This creates a safety risk when accelerating from a stop or slow speed by opening up the risk of a collision when the car doesn't accelerate as needed. The car has been taken to the dealership but they say they cannot reproduce so they return it in the same condit... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
On occasion, the engine will lack power upon accelerating from a stop of slow speed resulting in a delay in power needed to accelerate. This creates a safety risk when accelerating from a stop or slow speed by opening up the risk of a collision when the car doesn't accelerate as needed. The car has been taken to the dealership but they say they cannot reproduce so they return it in the same condit... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2026
On occasion, the engine will lack power upon accelerating from a stop of slow speed resulting in a delay in power needed to accelerate. This creates a safety risk when accelerating from a stop or slow speed by opening up the risk of a collision when the car doesn't accelerate as needed. The car has been taken to the dealership but they say they cannot reproduce so they return it in the same condit... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The contact called several local dealers. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Incident Date: Sunday, [XXX] Incident Time: [XXX] Police Report Number: [XXX] Vehicle Information: Make: Toyota Model: Camry Year: 2028 VIN: [XXX] On Sunday, [XXX], at approximately [XXX], I operated the subject vehicle (2028 Toyota Camry, VIN: [XXX]) for an approximate distance of three to five meters along my residential driveway. My intention was to proceed forward briefly, then shift into... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 1, 2026
Incident Date: Sunday, [XXX] Incident Time: [XXX] Police Report Number: [XXX] Vehicle Information: Make: Toyota Model: Camry Year: 2028 VIN: [XXX] On Sunday, [XXX], at approximately [XXX], I operated the subject vehicle (2028 Toyota Camry, VIN: [XXX]) for an approximate distance of three to five meters along my residential driveway. My intention was to proceed forward briefly, then shift into... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
The vehicle has an Auto Idle Stop no-restart/stalling issue. While stopped at a traffic light/intersection, Auto Idle Stop engaged. When attempting to proceed, the vehicle did not resume driving normally, shifted itself into Park, dashboard warning lights flashed, and the only way to move again was to turn the vehicle completely off and restart it. This left the vehicle disabled in traffic and cre... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
A valve on the 3.0L Duramax is allegedly sticking, causing the vehicle to go into limp mode or be inoperable. This is a known issue for GM and they have issued a service bulletin on it. Unfortunately, no dealers want to address the issue and now we are left with a vehicle that if we do not pay to repair, after it being ours for only 5 days, the vehicle will be unusable. This vehicle is under warra... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2025
A valve on the 3.0L Duramax is allegedly sticking, causing the vehicle to go into limp mode or be inoperable. This is a known issue for GM and they have issued a service bulletin on it. Unfortunately, no dealers want to address the issue and now we are left with a vehicle that if we do not pay to repair, after it being ours for only 5 days, the vehicle will be unusable. This vehicle is under warra... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2026
Suspension exhibits excessive bounce/instability over road irregularities, unsafe on uneven pavement, affects steering control. Car available for inspection. Checked by two authorized dealerships, both closed as "operating as designed" without resolving it. Also inspected by manufacturer's Field Service Engineer, same result. Issue began after a phantom braking event — vehicle braked suddenly a... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
I bought the vehicle used with 40,000 miles it’s has 100,856 now the engine shot off while I was driving and brought it to the GMC dealer that GM instructed me to the dealer had me pay 284.95 for inspection and then try to charge me 1284.95 for a complete tar down of the engine because of misfiring and ESC error codes.
Incident date: Jun 16, 2026
I bought the vehicle used with 40,000 miles it’s has 100,856 now the engine shot off while I was driving and brought it to the GMC dealer that GM instructed me to the dealer had me pay 284.95 for inspection and then try to charge me 1284.95 for a complete tar down of the engine because of misfiring and ESC error codes.
Incident date: Sep 15, 2025
UNKNOWN the vehicle has had a check engine light since purchase, the doors do not lock, the SOS systems failure, ENGINE FAULT SYSTEM and BRAKE SYSTEMS illuminate regularly. The vehicle has stranded my kids and I after purchasing, where the dealer has cleared the codes and promised it’s fine repeatedly.
3 injured
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
Transmission began jerking and sputtering which caused the vehicle to lose acceleration ability while traveling at highway speeds. Transmission was confirmed to have failed by an independent shop and required a complete rebuild. No warning lamps or notifications prior to failure
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the airbag system of my Volkswagen Atlas vehicle. At approximately 65,000 miles, my vehicle displayed the warning message: “Error: Airbag, Faulty airbag.” Because an airbag malfunction creates a serious safety concern, I contacted my local Volkswagen dealer on September 23, 2025 to ask whether there was an active recall related to this issue.... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The Engine seized up. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Engine shut off on its own will. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes GM has confirmed the engine needs to be replaced under the 6.2L engine claim. Has the veh... Read more
Incident date: Jun 27, 2026
1. Car's computer abruptly shutdown all controls/systems when lightly applying brake to stop at yellow light. Lost Total control of car, steering locked, 4 wheel drive locked all wheels, park brake inoperable, doors locked, windows would not operate, key fob was made inoperable, HVAC was inoperable, no lights worked except for Emerg flashers, wipers activated and went erratic, multiple alarms went... Read more
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
Incident happened 06/26/2026. My wife was driving with our 4 kids down the highway to family event. My wife smelled a funny odor coming from the vents and was going to drive to the next exit and then noticed smoke. At that moment she wasn’t sure where the smoke was coming from. She put the hazards on and started pulling off to the shoulder thinking possibly it was the radiator. She came to a sto... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jun 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Crosstour. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently failed to immediately start and made an abnormal grinding sound while starting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice, but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with the starter. The manufacturer was not made aware of the... Read more
Incident date: Jun 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the vehicle later failed to restart. The local dealer was contacted, and Roadside Assistance was provided, and the vehicle was jump-started. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 27,000.
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
While driving on the highway with my entire family in the vehicle, truck lost power without warning and what it seems it went into a limp mode. This created an incredibly hazardous situation, exposing my family and the drivers around us to an imminent risk of a high-speed collision. Thankfully, nothing happened and no one was hurt. Upon restarting the vehicle, the check engine light illuminated, ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
While driving on the highway with my entire family in the vehicle, truck lost power without warning and what it seems it went into a limp mode. This created an incredibly hazardous situation, exposing my family and the drivers around us to an imminent risk of a high-speed collision. Thankfully, nothing happened and no one was hurt. Upon restarting the vehicle, the check engine light illuminated, ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 28, 2026
Just sat in my car for about 2 minutes and the back window just broke.sounded like a pop Glass on the ground and my trunk. It is in the shop now to be fixed No lights came on to warn me. So glad this didn’t happen while I was driving with my grandkids!!