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: Mar 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle failed the emissions test due to a gateway error. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the gateway module needed to be reprogrammed to the latest software. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assista... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the power train warning light illuminated randomly but disappeared. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the steering wheel became stiff and was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notif... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2021
On [XXX] my 2017 Chevrolet Volt with just 24,000 miles on it suddenly jerked/lost power/revved up while on the highway while using the gas engine--frightening/dangerous -- and continued to do that until I got to my destination. The error read "reduced propulsion". I was afraid of pulling off the highway for fear the car wouldn't restart and I had my 91 yr old mother in the car so we bucked along ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2024
The cup holder on the car seat is damaged, as it broke from the car seat at the time of the incident. The hook in which buckles the car seat to the car is stuck and no longer pulls out nor in, No longer able to tie the car seat into the car correctly. My child is put at risk due to the buckle not being able to tighten nor more. Yes the insurance first stated they would replace it.
Crash
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The car has a massive delay when you press on the gas , a few times almost causing an accident for me. I've seen others have this problem also. Is infiniti going to fix this deadly problem
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
Message on start and stop - “Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center” service center says $2K to fix for a $an inexpensive part. Does not impact performance of car but sounds like a safety issue.
Incident date: Mar 16, 2024
Issue with transmission/transmission control module. Jeep has a hard time shifting from Reverse, after 3 tries the gear is lost and vehicle must be shut down in order to try again. Once engaged, it'll "BANG" loudly, cause the tires to squeal, and then reverse is granted. Also have an issue going between 3rd and 4th gears. To shift, we have to increase pressure in the transmission, sometimes gettin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
4 times there has been an error message with a large P symbol and a red triangle on the dash board. The large P is surrounded by a yellow circle and it says below to check P Button. This is an intermittent situation and does not always do it when at the dealer, BUT they have witnessed it. They tried 2 fixes but neither worked. I am concerned since there is a red triangle at the bottom of the d... Read more
Incident date: Dec 6, 2023
4 times there has been an error message with a large P symbol and a red triangle on the dash board. The large P is surrounded by a yellow circle and it says below to check P Button. This is an intermittent situation and does not always do it when at the dealer, BUT they have witnessed it. They tried 2 fixes but neither worked. I am concerned since there is a red triangle at the bottom of the d... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
It has been nearly a year since Volkswagen announced a recall effecting airbags in the Atlas. My warning lights continue to go off intermittently. I have brought this to the attention of Volkswagen many times, to no avail. The recommendation is to not drive with a passenger in the passenger seat. Well, it has been a year, I bought this car to seat six. With no solution in sight, I feel I am bein... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
My ABS and Traction Control lights go on and off while driving. It happens at different times and all different speeds.
ACURA
MDX SPORT HYBRID
(2020) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 18, 2024
Incident date: Mar 18, 2024
Yes, I was driving around 75 mph [XXX] in Thousand Oaks, Ca and I lost power to the engine. No acceleration from the gas pedal. Was able to turn hazards on and make it off freeway. This issue now has happened over 5 times at all speeds. Truck is currently with Ford. Also this issue never happened until Ford fixed the CV axles that went bad. First time it lost power was the night I picked up from d... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
Driving car made a rattle noise in the engine compartment. Driving I lost power on the freeway. Engine light came on. Had it towed. No one wants to touch the problem being the actuator. There is no fix for it according to dealer. Problem will occur again & again.
Incident date: Mar 17, 2024
The car suddenly engaged the automatic emergency braking system when it perceived a glare on the road to be an obstacle. Passenger experienced mild whiplash discomfort from the severity of the braking. No other cars were around so no accident occurred.
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
My car only has 3725 miles. In some occasions, after a while of driving at highway speeds, steering requires a noticeable increase in the amount of force needed to turn the wheel for small corrections or turning. It feels like the wheel is stuck. After turning the wheel a couple of times, like when you take an exit to get off the highway, the steering wheel starts behaving normally and smoothne... Read more
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
Parking break will automatically engage and stop the vehicle while driving or in motion. It happens randomly and at different speeds. Have taken to two separate dealerships, and neither seem to think there is a problem because they haven’t duplicated.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2022
[XXX] car malfunctioned. First said that the gear was working incorrectly, then accelerator stopped working and Drive light on gear shifter started blinking. I pulled over to the shoulder and the brakes continued to work, and all the messages in my video came up. I started on cruise control going 78 then once I got to [XXX] my parking break came on. Once stopped I tried to go back into drive, whic... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2022
Over time the headlight casings have moisture inside. Also, the plastic covering to the headlights is no longer clear but is cloudy. Driving at night I am forced to put on the high beams to brighten up the road ahead of me. Memphis Cadillac dealership said there is a history of this problem. They will not work on the car because of this. Is there a recall? Please let me know. Thank you.
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated and was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed freeze plug. The contact was informed that the freeze plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed about NHTSA Campaign Numbe... Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2024
Vehicle has had issues of complete loss of power while driving and while awaiting at a light even with the fuel saving mode deactivated so that it wouldn't shut off at every stop. Looked for blown fuses,codes or any lose relays but everything appeared good. Both days were clear one day the temperature was 35 degrees and the other day it was 60 degrees the only date I remember is below. There was n... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V116000 (Power Train) 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 confi... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Unintended acceleration after I tried to park take off before I can parked it violently crash into the wall.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Unintended acceleration after I tried to park take off before I can parked it violently crash into the wall.
Crash
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
My transmission went out at 70k miles. Ford told me it was the engine causing the transmission to seize but since they didn’t have an official recall on it, they wouldn’t fix it. It cost me 5k to fix and they had to get 3 different transmissions from ford because the first two were defective. I was out of a car for 8 months
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
Gear shift will not shift into Park and car will roll where parked depending on the incline. It also will not start unless I use the shifter bypass with a small screwdriver to shift it into neutral to start and then shift into reverse or drive.
Incident date: Jan 14, 2024
At least once a month with lane keep assist on, and a vehicle in the lane to my right, an emergency braking maneuver happens automatically. I have to disconnect the system
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Acura TLX. The contact received notification of HTSA Campaign Number: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact s... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2024
The right lower control arm separated from the subframe due to subframe rust. It caused loss of handling and rendered the car immobile. It was caused by a panic stop at a low speed. The car was towed to an independent garage where it is awaiting repair. Parts affected were the subframe, CV axle joint and the front fender (From the wheel hitting it when it broke).
Incident date: Nov 30, 2023
There is a fuel leak coming from the rear right side near the right rear wheel. Fuel leaks when the tank is full.
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
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 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 manufacturer was ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The ABS service light keeps coming on and beeping. It will go off after a little while but then returns intermittantly while driving. Apparently this is a known problem and should be a recall. Many owners are wasting thousands of dollars for repairs that should be covered by a recall.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
The ABS service light keeps coming on and beeping. It will go off after a little while but then returns intermittantly while driving. Apparently this is a known problem and should be a recall. Many owners are wasting thousands of dollars for repairs that should be covered by a recall.
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
3/11/24 The first thing I noticed was that my cruise control shut off with a couple of jerks to my vehicle. Then a few minutes later, I lost all steering, put in it park. There was smoke coming from under the hood, but not fire. It is sitting at my house still. A couple of months or so ago, when I received the letter of the recall, I called the dealership I bought my vehicle from and inquired ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
The car suddenly shows the service StabiliTrak engine power reduced, just like what was recalled on the 2016-2018 Chevrolet Malibu. Even though it's a 2013 Chevy Malibu, mine has the same issues. Please call me back at [XXX] to provide more information on the issues my car is experiencing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Savana. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel was stiff. The power steering fluid was leaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCM, power steering, and sensors had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and ref... Read more
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
while driving at 55mph to lunch on the highway, my steering dash alarm reflected RED saying " SERVICE: POWER STEERING IMMEDIATELY, then almost without any warning the car died, power steering didn't work and I could not steer my car to a safe stop . IT DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD!!! I took a picture of the dash with my phone and would love to send it to you. I turned the car off, and after 3... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2024
I was driving in a parking lot and the cars engine shut off completely for 2 and 1/2 hours. I was stuck in the lane blocking traffic with hazards on.
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
Vehicle switched out of four wheel drive while travelling up hill in snow. Resulted in a loss of traction and sliding downhill until it collided with a tree, resulting in$9,000 worth of damage. I have heard of the AWD/4WD actuator failing in other GMC trucks. The vehicle is currently in for repairs.
Crash
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
My engine coolant kept disappearing with no signs of a leak and no overheating. Then one day it was driving fine when I stopped at a red light and it stalled so I tried to restart it but every time I put it in gear it stalled so I had to get it towed to a mechanic and the diagnosed it as transmission failure. It never showed signs of transmission issues and never had a check engine light on or any... Read more
Incident date: Jan 21, 2024
After washing my '23 Kona N in a hand car wash, I experienced a sudden, complete loss of power as I was pulling into traffic immediately afterwards, nearly resulting in a rear-end collision. There was a flashing check engine light (CEL or MIL) on the dash, and I had to have the vehicle towed to a dealership. The stored OBD-II code is P132600 (knock sensor). The car has only 16k miles on it. This i... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
Abs, brake, and traction light coming on coded c2200-49 told there was a recall and when I called the dealership they said it wasn't for my vehicle but they couldn't even order the part because they're having to replace them on so many and they are not in stock anywhere until after April 15th. If this has been an issue with other vehicles and is currently an issue with mine why is it not under the... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 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 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 a failure. VIN tool confirm... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a defective cam phaser. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mile... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
Transmission went out and is the same year make and model of the customer satisfaction program 22n12. Spoke with Ford and they stated since its not the ECO model they cannot honor the recall although they have the same transmission parts.
Incident date: Mar 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Ford EcoSport. The contact stated that while parked in a parking space with the vehicle in drive and the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle started to roll. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failu... Read more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
Driving down the road no cars close in front of or behind me. All sensors on Jeep were clean and not obstructed. Radio started making weird noises and the emergency brakes completely locked up. Vehicle behind me was a truck pulling a trailer and nearly crashed into my car. I had to turn the car on off a couple times before I could move again.
Incident date: Feb 25, 2024
Driving down the road no cars close in front of or behind me. All sensors on Jeep were clean and not obstructed. Radio started making weird noises and the emergency brakes completely locked up. Vehicle behind me was a truck pulling a trailer and nearly crashed into my car. I had to turn the car on off a couple times before I could move again.
Incident date: Mar 4, 2024
p/a engine coolant bypass valve and coolant, and connector with pigtail, pins are full of corrosion inside connector. Items need to be replaced
Incident date: Jan 1, 2022
My son was driving vehicle to work when the power steering assist failure light came on and the steering became difficult. He was in traffic and this could have very easily caused and accident as the car is now very hard to steer. Have not had it looked at yet because from what I have seen the cost to repair is well over $2000 and I don't have that kind of money laying around.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
The steering wheel feels "sticky" when trying to make some micro adjustments while traveling at highway speeds, and be alert more than usual. Often find myself correcting the oversteering at times, driver assist does help deal with stickiness but would to remain on alert.