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: Apr 20, 2024
Between speeds of 20 miles per hour and 40 miles per hour , the car shudders and shakes. The Ford dealership has admitted that there is an issue with the transmission such that it will need to be replaced, and they have seen this same problem in multiple vehicles of same make, model and year. Although there has apparently been an internal Technical Service Bulletin related to this issue; the veh... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2024
The regenerative braking doesn't work when I hit a bump. There is a bump that can't be avoided in my route to my house. Every single time, without fail, when I hit that bump my regenerative braking goes out and more stopping time is required for me. This is especially dangerous because this bump is near a traffic light. If I have to slam on my brakes to avoid running a light (which has happened a ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The fuel tank leaks after filling with fuel, resulting in gas vapors filling the garage. This is a known issue with many C6 corvettes. May result in a fire or explosion
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was shaking abnormally with an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the oil level was inspected and topped off; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do t... Read more
Incident date: May 12, 2024
Abs light. Electronic brake failure light
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
I got this suv in 2023 and I kept up with oil changes and I take it in for a oil change and not even 2 days later the oil light came on so I topped it off and I go in for another oil change not even 2 days later I'm running hot so I take it back to the dealer to find out I have either a cracked head or a blown gasket??!!! There is coolant visible and mazda told me they are aware of this problem bu... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
First the turbo stopped working n smoking. Took it to the dealer n they had it for a month.. Get it back one day later had to have it towed . Vehicle was there for another 2 weeks got it back and it started to smoke. I pressed on the gas pedal n the car wouldn’t move! The first time the turbo was supposed to be replaced I believe ever since it was sent there to be replaced it was never the sam... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Brakes failed when attempting to slow down, ABS kicked in on dry blacktop with no lights on dash before locking up and throwing the vehicle off of the road. Caused me to wreck into a tree head on at 50 mph. Seatbelt did not lock up and airbags did not deploy. Vehicle was totaled with heavy front end damage including a bent and snapped frame. Prior to incident had issues with low beam headlights no... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Brakes failed when attempting to slow down, ABS kicked in on dry blacktop with no lights on dash before locking up and throwing the vehicle off of the road. Caused me to wreck into a tree head on at 50 mph. Seatbelt did not lock up and airbags did not deploy. Vehicle was totaled with heavy front end damage including a bent and snapped frame. Prior to incident had issues with low beam headlights no... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle was jerking and shuddering while in low gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. There was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not con... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2024
Re BMW 2016 428ix- BMW admits that there is a design flaw in this model, but has not remedied a fix for this 'MALFUNCTION DEFECT'. Top does not open or close is the end result. Getting caught in a flash rain, and wanting to close the top was impossible. Trying to pull over to the nearest overpass till rain lightens up, the most dangerous situation to be in. This is a SAFETY issue and bmw will ... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
My car honk is constantly. Not working since.i.puchase the vehicle my passenger seat belt.lighr is always ringing even when seat is empty. My lane assist while on cause wheel to shift while driving. My gas tank used to hold up.to 420 Gallo s for a fill up. Now only hold up to 350miles.for fillup.fill up. While Turing on highway vechile wants to crash into wall by itself.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
1. Steering malfunction, yes. 2. In the course of driving on [XXX] through a mountain pass in Colorado with snow and poor driving conditions, the steering mechanism on the vehicle failed resulting in not being able to maneuver the vehicle out of the lane or off the road safely. If this happened while other vehicles were in front/behind or to the side of us, or if this would have happened in anothe... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2024
Forward Collision Warning not working not braking. When turning left or right I hear a loud scratching noise.l have had my 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee at the dealership twice they can't find anything wrong, going back to the dealer tomorrow and try again........
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
I was traveling from Dallas to Austin for a wedding on [XXX], going the speed limit I notice my car begins to decelerate, I would put my foot on the gas and the car wouldn't speed up, I just kept hearing my engine rev up. In addition to that, a bunch of symbols, notifications and noises started alarming and going off on my dash, it seemed like every symbol on the dash popped up. Trying to prevent ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
My 2018 BMW 330i has the same problem that the recall for the fuel sensor level on 2018 BMW M5! I broke down on the side of the interstate and had it towed to BMW and they said it was the fuel sensor reading more than it should and wanted to charge almost 3,000 to fix it. There are similarities to the other recalls and my vehicle should also be included in that recall. I had to pay 300.00 just for... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Mustang. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the instrument panel blacked out, disabling all electrical systems. The driving assist, speedometer, A/C and other electrical systems all failed to operate as needed. The contact was able to coast to the side of the roadway and turned the vehicle off for several minutes. The vehicle was restarted; however, the fail... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 40 MPH, he observed an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that when his son put the vehicle in reverse, the vehicle failed to reverse as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2022
The screen to my radio is malfunctioning. Not only does this take away my back up camera, it also leaves me so I can not access features of my vehicle: clock, heated seat, heated steering wheel, and other system functions - due to the screen glitching/turning black my MPH has changed to KM/H and I am unable to change it back
Incident date: May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard wind coming from the windshield. Additionally, the contact became aware that the front windshield trim panel had detached from the ve... Read more
Incident date: Dec 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Prius equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Primacy Season, Tire Size: 195/50/R19, DOT Number: (NA). The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH on several occasions, the four tires experienced blowouts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side rear tire needed... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2024
I was driving on freeway and I heard an explosion. Glass rain down on me. My sunroof shattered for no reason. I was driving with no cars ahead, beside or behind me. The weather was clear. I suffered with glass in my eye and I almost lost control of my car. Honda said they won't fix it with mr having to pay 1,000.00 dollars. I want to join class action lawsuit.
1 injured
Incident date: May 3, 2024
For a little over a year now, my back doors do not open on my Hyundai Elantra. The child lock is not on. Also in the past year, my passenger and driver door do not open. I have to go back and forth on the handle 20-30 times before my door opens. I have changed the battery in the key fob and I have tried unlocking my doors with the actual key with no success. Sometimes if they do not open I have to... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2024
While driving CA-17, as is frequently the case, I had to disengage automatic steering several times to correct its poor lane keeping. Much to my surprise, the vehicle stopped maintaining speed, creating a dangerous situation with vehicles behind me as the uphill road caused the vehicle to rapidly decelerate the second I turned the wheel. After experimentation, I discovered that Tesla has complet... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2024
Lost power steering while driving.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
While driving our vehicle (Hyundai 2015 Sonata Hybrid) around 25 MPH speed in city road... the vehicle stopped completely by itself in few seconds. Got the message "Hybrid System Warning! Safely Stop and Do not Drive" in dashboard and beep beep sounds. Thank god, no accident, the vehicles behand able to stop and avoid the collision. This is serious SAFETY issue, as this could cause accidents if ve... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
Low beam headlamps are extremely dim. Have bought new replacement headlamps and are still very dim. Bought both replacement headlamp housings thinking wiring could be compromised but that didn't help either. Replacing headlamps is difficult due to having to remove either the front tires OR the front entire bumper assembly to switch out lamps. No fog lights are present on this model so makes drivin... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Trax. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the instrument panel and head unit went black and failed to illuminate for two hours. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,190.
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Purchased the vehicle yesterday, I had it inspected and the service tech informed me the brake booster was not performing correctly. He said instead of going down as a brake the brake is snapped back to where it is not stopping and it can go completely out to where it will not stop. He informed me of a recall on the brake booster. The local GM Dealer checked for the recall and stated the recall ha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I have encountered two types of brake issues: 1) my vehicle seems to flash BRAKE occasionally when oncoming vehicles pass by for no reason - they are not entering my lane or doing anything that should cause the message to flash. The vehicle type does not seem to matter - they have been old and new models, and have been both cars and trucks. My vehicle has only visually warned, but does not enga... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost braking power. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had shattered. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact reached out to a GMC engineer, who i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V651000 (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 attempting to start the vehicle the brake pedal went to... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2022
ABS light came on several months ago. Trusted local diesel mechanic tells us it's a common problem with 2018 RAM trucks and it will cost minimum $2000.00-$4000.00 to fix. A visit to the local RAM dealership in January 2024 advised us that RAM will not have the part available until at least June 2024 and that the fix would 100% be our cost and not covered by any kind of warranty.
Incident date: May 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was m... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
We have a 2020 Blazer that will occasionally show "Shift to Park" error message and won't allow us to turn off the motor. Searching this issue, we see many people have the same problem and GM makes us pay to repair the problem.The dealer said the shift control module had to be replaced. It cost us almost $300.00 to repair. GM Service Bulletin No.: 19-NA-206 has been issued but no recall has been i... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 GMC Acadia. 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 not 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: May 1, 2024
My 2023 Fisker Ocean One automatically/randomly shifts into PARK, with the parking brake on, when I come to a stop, and sometimes doesn't come out of PARK when I press the PARK button and shift into DRIVE. For example, the car is in DRIVE, I come to a complete stop at a stoplight and the car automatically shifts itself into PARK. I press the PARK button to disengage the parking brake, shift into... Read more
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
See attached document for complaint
ACURA
MDX SPORT HYBRID
(2019) - SEAT BELTS
Apr 30, 2024
Incident date: Apr 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed the parts were not yet available for NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V158000 (Seat Belts). The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. T... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
The passenger seat occupancy mat is faulty - same as in many other BMW models for which BMW has issued a 15 year warranty. The car chimes and states "fasten safety belt" for the passenger seat when the passenger seat is entirely empty. This error comes and goes, and stops when the belt is buckled.
Incident date: Apr 23, 2024
No local dealer to complete recall NHTSA Recall Number 20V002000. Vehicle is too old, too high miles to be trusted to take on an extended road trip to a dealer. Contacting Subaru wasn’t any help.
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering function became inoperable. The contact was able to veer the vehicle to the shoulder prior to having the vehicle towed to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Apr 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, he observed a humming sound coming from under the front of the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
My vehicle has two separate tire inflation placards. There is a placard inside the drivers door recommending 43 PSI (cold) all tires, and another placard inside the fuel door recommending 38 PSI front and 34 PSI rear (cold). Two different tire service centers have confirmed that my tires are wearing out prematurely because of overinflation. My telephone calls to Mercedes USA have been handled po... Read more
Incident date: Apr 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine would shake. The contact scanned the vehicle and diagnosed that cylinders #2, #3, and #4 were misfiring and there was a coolant leak. Additionally, the vehicle started to stall on a few occasions. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a leak in the engine block and... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
After driving for an extended timeframe (approximately 3 hours, trip was traveling between Des Moines, Iowa and Kansas City, Missouri) at Highway/interstate speeds, upon slowing down from those speeds, the vehicle goes into limp mode and check engine light begins blinking. After pulling over and turning car off and on again, normal behavior resumes. This has happened both as I arrived in the Kansa... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
Back in March 2024 the tailgate opened on its own only a few times. Now April 2024 it opened on its own several times without a button being pushed. After it opened it made several clocks like the tailgate is trying to lower. Now the tailgate button does not work and can only open it with the key fob
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
My 2014 kia sx limited is pealing paint, a huge chuck on drivers side pillar. It has been garaged kept, and only has 150,000 miles. If u need I can send a picture.