Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 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 2,215,138 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 16,985 complaints for ACURA
Incident date: Dec 12, 2023
Steering is binding at highway speeds. I am unable to keep the vehicle in between one lane steadily because every time I make small corrections the steering wheel sticks and causes an over correction which is extremely dangerous. The problem has been inspected and diagnosed by a Honda dealership. I have been told I need a new steering rack and pinion. Upon researching this issue I have found thous... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
in rear windshield, loud popping noise then glass shattered
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VI... Read more
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
Engine failed due to excessive oil consumption while driving. Safety was put at risk due to poor build leading to failure while driving. It has been inspected by the manufacturer and was determined it needed to be replaced entirely. Low engine oil light came on, replaced oil, then shortly after failed while driving, after codes disappeared.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
I was sitting at a red light with my foot on the brake. When I took my foot off the brake when the light turned green, my car would not drive forward!! I checked to make sure my car was not in Park. All of the lights on the dash were on and the engine was no longer running. Not to mention something similar happened November 18, 2023 where I was driving and the engine suddenly lost power And cut of... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
While driving on the interstate going 70mph, my Ford EcoSport's Engine oil pump light illuminated. Shortly after, the car began to slow down even though I was attempting to accelerate. This put me at a safety danger due to being in front of another vehicle who was also going around the same speed as I was. I was fortunate enough to be able to get off the road without getting in danger. When taken ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
Steering requires unusual effort. This feels completely different than a car without power steering - it's as if the steering is a bit rigid when steering right or left but loosens up once the initial rigidity is overcome by the driver. Risk is that I didn't know whether I had full control of the car. Quite scary. Problem has not been reported to Honda. No inspections have taken place. No w... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
I was pulling into a parking space at my apartment complex. I had my foot on the BRAKE, and the vehicle slowed as I approached the space. As I turned into the space with my foot light on the brake, the engine suddenly revved and the Forester surged forward. AT NO POINT DID I TOUCH THE ACCELERATOR. I have a size 7 (women’s) shoe, and the floor mat was flat and secured as always. The vehicle surge... Read more
Incident date: Dec 29, 2023
In November, the engine stalled at a light when it was raining and the wipers were on. Warning noises were activated and the console read "steering Power Low." The car had to be pushed out of the intersection by other drivers. After a half hour the car was able to be restarted . The Car taken to dealership and they ran diagnostics on it and declared that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 27, 2023
Auto was being driven and upon getting to destination knocking/tapping sounds where heard coming from the engine compartment. No warning lights notification or issues prior.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the front passenger’s side door was unintendedly unlocked, causing the door to open independently. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2023
I was rear ended and pushed into the car in front of me. My car was totaled and no airbags went off.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The engien keep stalling, prolem accelerating jurky transmisión and this is the only car I have to go work I take the highway everyday I am cosern that something can happend to me.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Symptoms began 2020 with grinding and vibrating when automatic shift from A stop to first gear especially on inclines. Dealer inspected transmission and found excessive clutch residual, replaced the duel clutch, cleaned clutch housing, and reset the transmission 11-17-2020. Symptoms have re started 2023. Clutch and transmission issues can lead to leaks and fire risk.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Car uses lots of oil between oil changes 1 1/2 quart in between suggested change intervals
Incident date: Oct 9, 2023
Brake light stays due to brake pedal stays stuck.. on while driving causing the motorcycle to be activate the ABS Also handlebar tends to become loose
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
While merging onto the highway the car completely shut down thank god there was an exit and a traffic light and the car would not turn back on. This happened on 12/2/2023 it was towed to the dealership they told us it had a defective main battery and there were two blown fuses but they could not figure out why. Then on Wednesday 12/6/23 they called and said they figured it out and it was fixed. Th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving and coming to a complete stop, the heater started blowing cold air. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking into the oil. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that the heating and A/C units had increased to high levels. The defroster was fogging up the windshields. The driver had a limited visibility of the roadway. Additionally, the vehicle was running hot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a bolt had fractured in the engine. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the engine. While at the local dealer, the inspector noticed t... Read more
Incident date: Dec 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The v... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
Excessive Oil Consumption: Could cause Engine failure, Engine Seizure due to lack of oil. I have a 2017 Optima with Excessive Oil Consumption issue. I noticed the car is consuming excessive oil, for the third time. Many people had reported this issue, leaving customers with expensive repairs. This issue could cause Engine failure, Engine Seizure due to lack of oil. I took the vehicle to the... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
My car drove forward despite me selecting reverse gear.
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
I currently have the Airbag indicator light on my car lit up. I was recently recalled, and the work done in February of 2023. I do not have confidence in the dealership that completed the work initially due to circumstances that occured with my same car a few months later. The circumstances are that later in the year, my car was in the same shop for 48 days, and they could not diagnose, or fix th... Read more
Incident date: Dec 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 BMW 528I. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to coast off the roadway. While at a stop, the vehicle stalled upon acceleration. Upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle started to shake. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was referred to... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Azera. 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The m... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2022
Car without obstacle will without warning execute a hard slowdown/stop. We have received the latest OTA update and have disabled auto steering and fsd. These unplanned stops are incredibly dangerous when driving in traffic. They charged a substantial fee to enable FSD and we are afraid to use it which sucks but the fact that basic cruise control is so dangerous is criminal.
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
i bought new car in 2017 November and around over 2500k miles I heard engine chirping sound and if you're surrounded by wall you can hear it louder. took it to dealership several time but they said it's normal and show me another car to prove to me. Which it did had same sound. Then yrs go by I hear loud clunking sound underneath the car every time I reversed and when switching gear to reverse. al... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
I got the Edge in 02/18/23 purchased brand. I noticed that the drivers seat is loose. I actual took into the dealer where it was purchased and I was told it would take 3 months to look at it. Needless to say I didn't leave the vehicle. I also notice that body trim was coming off and I filed a claim with Ford but I was told a dealer would have to send pictures and they would decide if they would co... Read more
Incident date: Oct 9, 2021
I got the Edge in 02/18/23 purchased brand. I noticed that the drivers seat is loose. I actual took into the dealer where it was purchased and I was told it would take 3 months to look at it. Needless to say I didn't leave the vehicle. I also notice that body trim was coming off and I filed a claim with Ford but I was told a dealer would have to send pictures and they would decide if they would co... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
I am writing to you once again to emphasize and provide additional details regarding the critical safety issue I previously addressed concerning the Tesla Model X vehicles, which is similarly affecting Tesla Model S models. My personal experience underscores the severity of this problem: I have had to replace five tires due to accelerated inner wall wear. This specific wear pattern is a direct res... Read more
Incident date: Dec 3, 2023
Driving normal when i lost control of the throttle jeep went into limp mode, the ETC , traction control, and check engine lights came on, got a uo4o1 code, if i was on the interstate could have been bad when it went into limp mode, the electronic throttle control was bad
Incident date: Dec 24, 2023
My electric power steering keeps going in and out of not working. Does not matter speed one minute it will be extremely stiff and next just fine. I noticed there is a recall for this type of vehicle and issue and my truck was manufactured in August of 2015 which is in the timeline of the recall.
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Oil Pan leaks after an oil change. Oil pan has a hairline crack just below the drain plug after normal tightening of the plug. Excessive oil was found on my driveway. No obvious engine damage, considering the vehicle was only moved from one spot to the other. The dealer stated the oil pan isn't covered under warranty. I simple internet search revealed there was a high number of complaints. It was ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 22, 2023
Water pump failure at 27,500 miles. Causing coolant leak that progressively got worse. The seal or pump itself failed and is letting coolant escape
Incident date: Dec 2, 2019
The abs light blinks and sounder beeps on and off intermittently while driving and the cruise control does not stay functioning when this occurs.
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rear window defroster failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the dealer did not have the equipment or capability of repairing the vehicle. The contact was then referred to an independent mechanic who provided an estimate for the repa... Read more
Incident date: Nov 21, 2023
We bought a 2023 Model Y from the Mesa Tesla on 12/17/23. The staff rushed orientation (we are first-time EV owners) saying they were so busy that we could only get 15-30 minutes max for a complex vehicle. They told us calibration is normal and to reboot the Y if anything happens and showed us how. Once we drove off the lot the A/C went out and we got calibration prompts saying Pull Over. We pulle... Read more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that the steering wheel assist braking system and other warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel injector had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle woul... Read more
Incident date: Nov 28, 2023
My car is takes a while to pick up speed when pressing on the accelerator. Also when pressing on the accelerator my car jerks. I took it to the dealership and they said it’s my transmission. I didn’t receive a warning light.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The oil pump went out and ruined the motor. The low engine oil pressure alarm didn't go off until after the car quit. Had it towed to the dealership. They've had it for 2 months. Waiting on them to call for me to pick it up.
Incident date: Dec 13, 2023
The oil pump went out and ruined the motor. The low engine oil pressure alarm didn't go off until after the car quit. Had it towed to the dealership. They've had it for 2 months. Waiting on them to call for me to pick it up.
Incident date: Jun 14, 2023
My Civic SI has developed sticky steering while on the highway. When driving 70mph in a straight line I have to put increased effort into turning the steering wheel. It can cause over steer if putting to much effort into trying to turn.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
For over a year now, my Honda CRV 2014 has been producing a rattling noise from the engine on every cold startup. This happens regardless of the temperature outside. When I initially heard it, it was sporadic, again, on cold startup - so the rattling didn't occur every time. Over time though, it will occur every morning, or after the car has been sittinwith the engine off for at least a few hou... Read more
Incident date: Dec 19, 2023
Received the new OTA recall update. The driver monitoring is now too sensitive and I cannot check the cross traffic when approaching intersections without receiving alerts to pay attention to the road. The car then requires me to apply varying amounts of turning force to the steering wheel, which sometimes can cause accidental disengagement, which also disengages TACC and auto braking. This is dan... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
Car has acceleration issues when making left turns, merging onto freeway, or passing cars on freeway. Transmission and blind spot light went on and we took car to Honda dealer. They could not find anything wrong, no codes were stored and they were not able to duplicate the issue. Scanned vehicle and unable to trace root cause. Updated TCM software which helped for about a month but acceleration i... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
I am experiencing a sticking steering wheel sensation that is most noticeable driving at high speeds. The wheel sticks and then jerks when corrected. It feels extremely unsafe. I do not want to drive it out of town or put more miles on it because I am afraid the problem will worsen or cause a wreck. I noticed this at 37,500 miles. Only 1500 miles outside of my warranty. I contacted Honda’s cus... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
I was driving down the road and all of a sudden the car started to sputter and I couldn't accelerate. Whenever I came to a stop it jerked after a minute of the RPM just revving, it finally shifted and lunged forward. I think the transmission went bad. Made it home parked it and I've been too concerned to drive it since.
Incident date: Dec 20, 2023
Error code saying "Service Electronic Braking System" and anti skid brake stop working and crash avoidance braking (rear ending someone) stops working. Dodge is saying no replacement until March 2024. There is a recall to fix 2019 and newer so not sure why 2018 was excluded from this recall to fix a serious safety malfunction in the braking system.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Honda Pilot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving and stopped at a traffic light, the light turned green, and the contact's wife depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. The vehicle became inoperable in traffic on a busy street. Additionally, the other... Read more