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: Feb 10, 2024
Noticed rust on driver side frame rail.
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
The vehicle's tailgate stopped working and a series of distracting alerts repeatedly popped up on the instrument panel. Upon inspection, the liftgate control module had a significant amount of corrosion on the pins and on the circuit board itself, despite the surrounding area seeming dry. Replacement of the control module did not completely fix the problem because the connector pins are corroded a... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Tail gate failing from water intrusion. Wont stay up while driving. Already a recall for it in Canada but nothing in the USA where i see others have the same problem
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
This is not a safety item, but one that causes undue financial hardship for the owner. It is widely know that the dash on certain 2007-2014 GM vehicles (generally trucks and SUV's) is susceptible to cracking. This causes devaluation of the vehicle if not fixed and is reported to cost between $2,000-2,500 to repair. It is my opinion that the cause of this is the use of substandard parts by GM an... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
The steering wheel is very very hard to turn some times when making minors adjustments on the highway to keep in the centre of the lane; only happen on high speed, sometimes 50km/h-80km/h the issue occurs too. However, after a while, it’s even more noticeable and it happens more frequently and at low speed too. Right now, it happens very frequently around 50km/h-130km/h. I am very concerned rega... Read more
Incident date: Apr 25, 2024
Service trailer brake system appears and my trailer brake information doesn’t show up on the dashboard when I try to manually engage the electric trailer brakes.
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
RE: RECALL # 23TA07 for 201 Toyota Rav Prime. An interim recall notice was issued a year ago stating "We are currently preparing a remedy. We will notify you again when remedy is available." Toyota Corporate has no information when this recall will be addressed. I paid over $5000 to get a plug- in hybrid and now cannot use the plug- in feature when temperature is below 40 degrees in the winter. ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V478000 (Electrical System) 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 contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not exper... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
1 April about 1530 we had an electrically generated "thermal event" in the generator compartment of the RV. We were not traveling, the RV was set up in the dedicated site on our property and had not been moved in 3+ months. The fire could not have been caused by any "outside influence" as no one had been in that compartment for 3+ months and there is no generator in that compartment. We use it ... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
While driving vehicle on the freeway it stated braking power low, stop in a safe place, antilock brake system malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, lane departure alert malfunction. I was almost in a major scary accident.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
My engine will not turn over 70% of the time. My radio switches on and off on its on and changes stations randomly. Even with new brakes, it sounds like they are constantly grinding. When my gas gets low the issue gets worse to the point i can't arm my car. I have a small child and my car started smoking. I was also stranded for almost an hour because my car would not start. I just got off the ph... Read more
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
When driving on the highway my car slowed down and then completely shut off, nearly causing multiple car accidents. In an effort to get my car off the road, the car started up for a few seconds, In which I CRASHED into a tree on the side of the road. The system error that popped up on my dashboard read: low engine oil pressure. It has been almost THREE MONTHS and FORD has yet to remedy this situat... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Discoverer EnduraMax, Tire Size: P245/65/R17, DOT Number: [XXX] . The contact stated while the driver was driving at 70 MPH, the rear passenger's tire had a blowout. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the tire was inspected, and the cont... Read more
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle began making abnormal noises from under the floorboards. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing forward momentum. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle only revved and was not gaining forward momentum. The contact stated numerous warning lights were illuminated. T... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the A-pillar trim detached and struck another vehicle. No Police report was filed. No known injuries were sustained. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Sep 27, 2023
See attached letter
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The instrument cluster was blank. The speakers began to emit an abnormally loud, vibrating noise. The exterior lights started flashing and the brake pedal was firm. The contact looked underneath the hood, and then had the vehicle jumpstarted. The vehicle was towed ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
I pulled my car into my driveway on April 22, 2024 and got out of the car to assist my husband with his walker. We heard a big BANG at the back of the car. When we walked behind the car we found that the rear window had completely shattered. It had been raining and we had the reat window defogger running in the car. If this had happened while the car was moving it could have caused an accident wit... Read more
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
1. The vehicle going less then 25 mph accelerates with out foot on the gas paddle. This problem has occurred multiple times on and off. 2. The Transfer case and axle seal started leaking at 74000 miles. Purchased the vehicle as a CPO dealer asking for $4000 to make repairs I only had the vehicle for 8 months. Are there recall to fix this issues?
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
Our 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE had a loss of engine power while attempting to accelerate into traffic after stopping at an intersection four times since purchase in November 2023. The engine did not go above idle for approximately 15 seconds while the gas pedal was pressed half way down. The vehicle barely moved into the road and then gained power after what seemed to be the same as limp mode. No ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
First the car started jerking while drive over 50mph, next day driving down the street and the car shut off, stating loss of power. I replaced the battery, it was giving battery low codes, only to get a certified mechanic say the timing chain was out. Just purchased the car in March 2022.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
COMPONENT malfunction: ABS control module (module is part of the Electronic Stability Program and Traction Control System). Available for inspection: Upon Request. Safety risk: Random locking of front abs system at speeds of 20mph or less (GREAT concern for event happening at a greater speed ). Vehicle Manufacturer: admits known risk and problem w/ the Abs control module and traction control sy... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
While driving, car shifts into neutral on its own. It happened as I was driving on the highway at 75 mph and out of nowhere i realized my car was in neutral causing me to redline and slowed down while trying to change lane and almost causing an accident. Thank god I was driving and was able to respond in time by shifting back into drive. Happened twice in one hour on a road trip
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
In March, I made an appointment at Lehigh Valley Acura in Emmaus, PA 18049, to address NHTSA Recall Number 23V-751 on my 2019 Acura MDX. When I got to the appointment on [XXX], the service technician told me that American Honda will only send parts for recall-related repairs for cases where the "vehicle is showing evidence of the connecting rod bearing defect." Since the evidence of the ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 15, 2024
The Transmission in this truck has problems the 10 speed shifts hard on down shifts and slips on up shifts. This should have a recall to be addressed
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 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 20, 2024
Car lost power and two messages appeared “ Electrical system error Park vehicle in a safe place” “ Engine control error Park vehicle in a safe place”
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
Out of nowhere the power steering has gone out. Trying to start back up and now power steering light is on.
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
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: Feb 14, 2024
Brake line failure , i have a 2014 E350 that the rear brake lines failed , all rusted and corroded , mercedes should extend the warranty on brake lines as they did with the subframe , this is a major safty concern , when you buy a mercedes you expect you are buying a top of the line car not all plastic .
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
Message showing on dash "Shift to Park" when the vehicle is in park. Brought to dealer and had to have the transmission control assembly replaced. The total for this was $506.23
Incident date: Apr 19, 2024
The 2018 Tesla model 3 has no manual release for rear passenger doors. Rear doors often fail to open due to door panel alignment or actuator for door. Doors will feel like they are opening but will be stuck. passenger will be unable to exit the rear of the vehicle incase of fire, power loss or due to an accident with no ability to exit the rear of the vehicle.
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start. The contact had to depress the Push-to-Start button three times before the vehicle would start. After driving for 15 minutes, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over. The vehicle was restarted, but there was smoke detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The ... 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: Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted after the third attempt; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated that the dealer had previously repaired the vehicle for an engine failure under warranty; however, the failure persisted. Th... Read more
Incident date: Apr 9, 2024
There is a police report but I'm not in possession of it. Therefore I selected no below to get it passed this page. I recently sold my 2016 Tesla model S and purchased a 2023 Model S. Tesla has moved the horn on the Model S from the center where it can quickly be used in an emergency to a small icon to the right hand side of the steering wheel. This horn is impossible to use in an emergency. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Toyota Prius. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to slow the vehicle, he became aware that the brake pedal required excessive force to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The service brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the brake booster and brake master cylinder. T... Read more
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
While idling there is no heat. This is very dangerous in states where it drops below freezing. If I should be able to rely on getting heat but I can not. They called it a “design flaw”
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
While idling there is no heat. This is very dangerous in states where it drops below freezing. If I should be able to rely on getting heat but I can not. They called it a “design flaw”
Incident date: Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the rear end of the vehicle was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rear end pinion yoke needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the dealer had replaced the rear end pinion yoke se... Read more
Incident date: Oct 23, 2019
A couple years back I had an engine light pop up and it was the code P052E which as I’ve done my research and read a lot of forums this is a common problem with the W205 Mercedes Motors. As of today 04/18/24 the engine light came on and I got it diagnosed to find out it is the same problem again. This repair is almost $2000 and it is due to Mercedes faulty manufacturing of the PCV valve. I have ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2024
Rear tailgate randomly opens on its own while driving. Items from the rear bed can fall out causing a traffic hazard
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 17, 2024
Car was being driven on the interstate when the vehicle suddenly lost power, steering, and braking. My son was able to get the car over to the side of the road and stopped. After a few minutes he attempted to restart the car and received an display message that said Engine Service Now. We had the vehicle towed to a Ford Dealer where the problem was diagnosed as the Oil pump drive belt had failed w... Read more
Incident date: Apr 17, 2024
No warning. Car caught on fire due to electrical issues in the back lighter port.
Fire
Incident date: Apr 16, 2024
The seat unlocked indicator does not activate showing that the seat is locked and safe to sit in. I informed the dealer in 2019 and filed a complaint when my child’s car seat was in an unlocked seat.
Incident date: Apr 11, 2024
Vehicle flashes automatic emergency braking sign on dashboard when it is confused by oncoming traffic in the other lane.