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: Nov 1, 2023
original windshield never replaced unglueing to the point where you can push the glass and have it move and minor seepage of water
Incident date: Jan 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Ford EcoSport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V905000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 stated that while driving appro... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Sportage. 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, several unknown warning lights ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
I was driving my truck when, LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST AND MY DASHBOARD DISPLAYED WARNINGS. I was able to slow and pull off to the side and stop safely. I turned the car off and back on it cleared for a short time within that week it happened 3 other times. Years 2014-2015 have had several recalls for the steering. My truck was not on the recall but having the same issues.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
I received KIA letter about the recall SC276 for HCA issue around 1/15/24. I brought my 2018 Kia Niro PHEV to Kia Dealer in San Jose. They inspected and concluded that the vehicle is safe with the recall SC276. However, they did not replace the fuse as stated in Kia's recall instructions. Ten days later, I was on the road, slowing down at the intersection and the car suddenly lost power, the Dashb... Read more
Incident date: Feb 20, 2024
The steering rack on my 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid is defective. When steering the car, the steering wheel has a "sticky" sensation or feels like it is catching, making it difficult to steer. Not only that but on approximately December 9, 2023, the car made an immediate hard right turn while I was driving it. I did not turn the wheel of the car, it did it on its own. I was able to re-gain control ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 17, 2024
While driving the car completely cut off i could not use my brakes my horn or steering wheel
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
While traveling to California my battery in my 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was faulty and I had to be towed to Albuquerque, NM from Gallup, NM for it to be replaced. I have never been Reembursed $682.00
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
Vehicle started indicating issues turning over to crank. I purchased a new key and key fob for the vehicle and got it programmed successfully I also replaced the starter with a brand new starter, issue still present in which vehicle is not turning on when I turn vehicle on to crank.
Incident date: Feb 11, 2024
Car decelerated drastically to a low speed when driving on the highway using cruise control.
Incident date: Feb 18, 2024
I am a paraplegic. I drive an adapted van with hand controls that include a Sure-Grip A600 spinner knob. This is equipment purchased from and installed by my mobility vehicle dealer, and is intended to allow operating the steering wheel with one hand so that the other can operate the throttle and brake, as well as other controls. Today while driving and making a hard turn, the plastic knob pull... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
While entering the on ramp to the Interstate the electronic power steering failed without warning. It was raining and I narrowly avoided crashing. My mechanic inspected the truck and gave an estimate for repairs,saying he's seen this failure in one other similar truck.
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
I am reaching out because I received a recall notice for my HONDA CRV 2019. I received a notice that there’s and issue with the fuel pump and I am concerned because Honda sent a notice now in February but they have known about the issue since December. I called Honda World Downey and I was told they would now be able to help me and to call back. I take this matter very seriously as I am concerne... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
The inside of my truck has condensation. The inside lights console don’t work. Because water comes in by the rear top headliner.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
I have a 2014 Malibu with 87,450 miles. It has worked perfectly up until 6 months ago. It started stalling in traffic intersections and at stop signs, which is a dangerous safety issue. The Auto Stop would engage and then when I put my foot on the accelerator, it stalled out. I would turn the vehicle off and restart it. I took it to countless mechanics who could not figure out what was causing the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
I have a 2014 Malibu with 87,450 miles. It has worked perfectly up until 6 months ago. It started stalling in traffic intersections and at stop signs, which is a dangerous safety issue. The Auto Stop would engage and then when I put my foot on the accelerator, it stalled out. I would turn the vehicle off and restart it. I took it to countless mechanics who could not figure out what was causing the... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
My 2010 Mini Cooper convertible recently had an electrical failure. I lost power while driving and the power steering wouldn’t work. Once it started again the blinkers wouldn’t work and brake lights and radio worked intermittently. I took it to the mechanic and the diagnostic determined that the footwell module is bad. Unfortunately this part is apparently on back order so the part cannot be o... Read more
Incident date: Jan 4, 2024
I have never received an audible alert for my blind spot warning. There is no light on the outside mirrors or anywhere else inside the vehicle to catch your attention. If I am looking at my display in front of my steering wheel I will see a car that is in my blindspot change from GRAY to RED when I activate my blinker; however, the car has never beeped or alerted me beyond passively changing the c... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was inoperable. The contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into reverse, the vehicle would drive forward. The contact also stated that when the gear shifter was in neutral, the vehicle would reverse instead. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact s... Read more
Incident date: Nov 26, 2021
we kept regular maintenance of vehicle and adhering oil change specs. one morning we start the van to let it warm up to go to bus stop, and it is making a TERRIBLE tingling ting a ling ting a ling noise from what seems to be the top end of the engine. We immediately turn it off. We check the oil.... it is BONE DRY. there was no light indicators or warning lamps that came on. it did not run any di... Read more
Incident date: Feb 6, 2024
While the vehicle is in motion and driving it will stop suddenly and report message coolant temp high. You need to put the vehicle in park and then restart the engine. There is nothing that triggers in the sense of speed as it has happened while driving and while stopped at light. The vehicle has been brought to the dealership and they don’t know what the issue is.
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
My 2018 equinox is not included in any recalls. However, it has been in for engine repair, even though the vehicle only had 70,000 miles on it at the time. After that, the ABS system was acting up, the automatic door locks and locking mechanism failed and went outs, the brakes have been repaired three times and the suspension is worn down. I only have $86,000 mi on it. I am now getting ready to ta... Read more
Incident date: Feb 16, 2024
Rear Window seal and Fin on top of roof failed causing large amounts of water to enter the car cabin flooding the floor around electrical components under passenger seat area and elsewhere,Floor was sopping wet many times before I found out there was a rear window problem.I fear since I live in tropical Florida Mold may be growing under my carpet ,plus we had a bad smell like nasty old cigars in ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 7, 2024
1)Headlights. I have had issues with my headlights since day one. They are so dull I upgraded the bulbs with the brightest LED bulbs available which did not help my legs did not get any brighter, I've had my headlights adjusted four different times which still did not help. I drive with my brights on anytime I have to drive at night and I still can hardly see anything on the road. It is not my eye... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
Rear back up camera stopped working. When putting the truck in reverse the video display only shows the yellow grid lines. The camera video is black. I saw on line that this is caused by a faulty wire harness. There’s a you tube video showing where the problem is and how to fix it so this must be a common issue. I followed the instructions from YouTube and I took the tailgate apart and fou... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
I am very upset right because I purchased this Chevy Malibu 2016 from Vroom. It was fine at first and then things start to go downhill. For starters my tire light came on first only a week after having the car, then the shift into was appearing on the dashboard as well as the engine light. Then my husband spent almost 2000 on the brakes because the car was making this horrible sound and I almost ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
THE HINGES IN MY DRIVERS DOOR HAVE BECOME UNATTACHED AND NEED TO BE FIXED. I WAS BEING QUOTED A 3800.00 TO FIX IT. I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN A CAR THAT HAS HAD THIS ISSUE. I AM VERY DISPAPPOINTED AS THIS IS MY 5TH FORD ESCAPE AND LOVE THE CAR. BUT THIS CAR IS A PIECE OF CRAP. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE HINGE PIN WELD BROKE INSIDE THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
2016 Ram 1500 steering failure. When my truck had around 50,000 miles, the steering wheel became near impossible to turn. Vehicle was towed to Dodge Dealership and was still under warranty and was told it was the steering box that failed. Repair was made by dealership. Truck now has around 130,000, and today, luckily while pulling into work, steering wheel locked up again while driving it and the ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
Campaign/NHTSA# 23S30/23V418 Issue Date 2023-06-09 Description On your vehicle, it may be possible that your reversing lamps may not function due to microscopic cracks that can develop in the vehicles rear lightbar. If a microscopic crack is present, condensation can potentially enter the reversing lamp lens through these cracks and cause electrical failure to the reverse lamps. Safety Risk This m... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the turn signals and the speed odometer were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN for the failure. Additionally, the contact was advised to take the vehicle where the vehicle was purchased for the repair. The cont... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2019
The contact owns a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that he used a cushion or pillow while driving due to medical issues, and the air bag warning light failed to illuminate. While using the cushion or pillow in the passenger’s side seat, the air bag warning lights illuminated. The contact had concerns about the functionality of the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
Ford Escape 2020 Hybrid 51,000 miles. Left front door pops and makes crunching noise when opened. The window does not go down now. just saw that repairs will be handled under customer satisfaction program. Door 'hinge' just started making noises. If FORD doesn't follow thru I will send another complaint.
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
Drain Plug in Moon Roof has been repaired 15 times over 4 years for blockage. The blockage is causing the Floorboard of the passenger side vehicle to become soaked, causing a musty, moldy, mildew smell in the car. I don't park under any trees and car is garaged frequently.
Incident date: Oct 14, 2021
RAW Fuel smell at random times in car, sickness causing fuel smells where vehicle garaged.
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
There seems to be a lot of people who own 2012 and 2013 Mazda 3 Sedans (with SKYACTIV-G 2.0L and Halogen Type Headlights) that are dealing with the same issue I am dealing with myself. I have just purchased a used 2013 Mazda 3 with Skyactive Technology and I noticed that when I was braking the headlights would pulse on and off and would continue while I braked. I have been told there is a TSB o... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
This is regarding a safety recall and no parts being available at this time. I have contacted GM and the Bergstrom dealership multiple times without receiving answers. The original letter I received was from 6/2023. Please let me know if there is anything that can be done - GM should have to provide parts within a timely manner - 8 months and counting is far from acceptable when the letter states ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
I will be driving on the road and randomly my vehicle will give me a loss of propulsion warning. This has happened many times on the highway where I’ve lost acceleration power quickly and have almost been involved in a futile accident as a result. My vehicle also randomly switches from electric to gas sometimes causing my car to jolt
Incident date: Feb 14, 2024
Door hinge on driver side making cracking noise when opening and closing door. Unable to roll down window. Took to Ford Dealership to look at issue and they referred me to a body shop to fix the door hinge before they can complete work on the window issue.
Incident date: Jan 22, 2024
I purchased the vehicle in April of 2023. It has just over 2000 miles on it. I don't drive it very much. Starting in January of 2024, I’ve been having intermittent issues with my fairly new Nissan Kicks vehicle, as follows: •Engine stalling at stop •Forward Emergency Brake (FEB) Sensor activates when no obstruction present – and while driving full speed on road I have taken the vehic... Read more
Incident date: Aug 20, 2020
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in the rain and snow, the windshield wipers shuddered and stopped working. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was corrosion detected and that the wiper motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, the windshield wiper... Read more
Incident date: Feb 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Veloster. 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. V... Read more
Incident date: Feb 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Rav4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V734000 (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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacture... Read more
Incident date: Feb 10, 2024
Unknown lost all power steering have changed battery starter and alternator trying to fix the problem electrical power steering!
Incident date: Oct 17, 2023
The car door propped open as I was driving the vehicle. There have been multiple repeated concerns that I have had with this vehicle. It is unsafe.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2024
Car shuts off randomly when slowing down. Changed out the charcoal canister and purge valve and it is still doing it
Incident date: Feb 13, 2024
Error code PO52e crankcase ventilation
Incident date: Feb 12, 2022
The car was parked in the garage and the back windshield exploded for no reason. The garage is insulated and was around 60 degrees. No impact had occurred and no prior damage. The car is only a year old. There are other reports of similar incidents with the back window. No warning just exploded out of no where. I am having to replace it out of pocket.
Incident date: Dec 18, 2023
While driving the vehicle started to smoke under the hood. Once the engine cooled off, I opened the hood. There was coolant sprayed all over the engine. I had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and was told the hose that connects to the fan had cracked off because the plastic piece used by Chevy isn’t robust. Even after repairs were made for the issue, a month later the same plastic piece could not... Read more
Incident date: Feb 8, 2024
Strong fuel odor after filling up fuel coming from the driver side, and can still be smelled inside the vehicle.