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: Nov 1, 2023
The engine has not worked properly in over a year and has problems accelerating and skipping. Engine light remains on at all times.
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 65–70 MPH, the steering wheel was tight while turning. Additionally, while driving, the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated that water was entering the steering column, which caused the steering to disengage. The contact stated that the service power steering light was illuminated. The local dealer was conta... Read more
Incident date: Nov 14, 2023
I was on an exit ramp from one freeway to another. The Honda Collision Management Warning System activated with 2 warning indicators and alerts then immediately activated the brakes hard skidding the tires. After 2-3 seconds it released the brakes. There were no vehicles in front or to the side of me. A vehicle behind braked to avoid me. The weather was clear with good visibility. The sun was to t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the transmission failed to shift into drive(D). The Shift System Fault, Service Required message was displayed. The contact noticed that the shifter cable was detached and reconnected the shifter cable. The transmission was then able to shift into drive(D). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the v... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with a failed flex plate and torque converter. The contact was informed that the flex plate and the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The service brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the hydraulic power unit. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
transmission failure suddenly while driving with no check engine or warning lights.
Incident date: Sep 10, 2014
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine failure was intermittent but had recurred at various speeds. Additionally, the co... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
While driving on highway car made a complete sudden full stop This has happened twice in last 60 days Thankful car behind was far enough away to avoid a rear ender Second problem is dealer still not addressing fuel pump recall
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
I bought my car brand new off the lot 0 miles on it. Recieved a letter in mail Dec. 7th 2021 bout the pistons not being treated properly. And the software being available. I've been putting anywhere from 1 quart to 1.5 quart of oil in weekly. There's no leaks no smoke not sure where oil is going. It stalls when stopped or idling. When in park will stall. After I get gas it won't start I have to ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
My engine light came on and within the same day my vehicle shifted extremely slow. it was difficult to merge into traffic and almost caused an accident. I took the vehicle to Mechanic and they advised the engine light was consistent with the timing chain failure . I called a local local Ford dealer. They seem to be familiar with the issue and said it would cost $4000 to fix.
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
Corrosión en toda la parte trasera (subframe) que sujeta la suspensión haciendo el carro inestable a la hora de detener el automóvil, y apaga los sistemas ABS,ESP. lo cual lo hace mas peligrosa la conducción. Si Toyota hizo el cambio en sus vehículos con por que mercedes benz deberia comprometerse a repara esta parte. Ya que es un riesgo a la seguridad.
Incident date: Sep 29, 2023
When driving on a highway with cruise control on. If you are in an outside lane and the is a tractor-trailer in the inside lane maybe 100-200 feet ahead of you. If the highway veers to the left even though the truck remains in the inside lane the system seems to think the truck is right in front of the car. Cruise shuts down and it starts to brake. I have almost gotten hit by cars behind me twice.... Read more
Incident date: Nov 9, 2023
Cruise control safety concern: car detects vehicle in front when there isn't and brakes sometimes hard abruptly due to misdetecting a vehicle ahead in a different lane as is it was in the car's same lane specially in curves or if the vehicle ahead but in a different lane is casting a shadow in front of car. Blind spot: blind spot detects a vehicle in the blind spot even when there's no vehicle. N... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
When I'm stopped at a light and go to push on the gas, the vehicle doesn't move, then all of a sudden it just takes off. Next the exterior driver side door handle doesn't open I have to pull on it a few times then it opens, there's like a delay. There are tones of complaints online about this, it's like the 2017 model's were just looked over when it came to SAFETY. My car only has 70K. Thank you... Read more
Incident date: May 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Focus. The contact stated following repair work on the transmission, the contact was advised by the dealer to pick up the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not test driven because of extreme rust to the sub frame, and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact determined that the cost of replacing the sub frame would exceed the value ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact stated that while in the process of veering to the side of the road, the vehicle restarted independently. The contact continued driving; however, the Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Braking assist, Driving Assist, ESC system, TPMS warning lights, and other ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
While driving on on Interstate 80 near exit 70 in Illinois the battery box containing 4 coach batteries dropped from under the vehicle onto the highway. We were able to pull off the interstate on the offramp at exit 70. It appears the small bracket was underrated for the structural loads or improperly welded by the OEM. In addition the Positive battery wire was chaffing on the step framework.
Incident date: Nov 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive. The contact stated that after stopping at a stop sign, the vehicle lost motive power before the "Malfunction visit workshop" and "Stop switch engine off" messages were displayed. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred more frequently. No warning lights were illuminated. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
I recently got my rotors replaced and the car stutter while braking. Also, this happened before I replaced rotors.. the transmission is slow and won't shift to merge highways. I don't know if its the transmission or the brake lines.. I guess it's the transmission trying to drop gears for engine braking and it starts stuttering.
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The emissions control warning come on every now and then.. and it goes by it self I have my car completely stock. No modifications... The emission control light come on the dash following parking brake system problem.. I have file another complaint on another form...and it goes away by itself.. I've check with my dealership and they have not responded me yet
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
Cowl trim on front windshield is detaching from the windshield and flapping while vehicle in operation. Concerned this will fly off the vehicle snd possibly land on another traveling vehicle and possibly cause an accident. This just started making a buzzing noise approximately two weeks ago and after further investigation the trim is literally coming off the windshield in pieces. No warning lig... Read more
Incident date: Oct 5, 2023
Cowl trim on front windshield is detaching from the windshield and flapping while vehicle in operation. Concerned this will fly off the vehicle snd possibly land on another traveling vehicle and possibly cause an accident. This just started making a buzzing noise approximately two weeks ago and after further investigation the trim is literally coming off the windshield in pieces. No warning lig... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
The P052E error has popped up which requires the replacement of the PVC assembly. This is a known issue with these engines and causes the engine to run erratically. Mercedes knows that the issue is common. Please investigate and issue a recall if applicable.
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
The bolts were loose on the driveshaft on the all-wheel-drive, which caused them to have to replace the entire driveshaft! If the driveshaft would’ve broke, whoever was driving the vehicle, whether it be me, or with my son in it, we would’ve wrecked and possibly died! The problem has been confirmed with a certified dealer! There is no warning signals. There was nothing and there is a recall on... Read more
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
I was reducing my speed as I approached a stoplight, and my vehicle rapidly and aggressively increased in speed. It made a revving sound and lurched forward, causing me to rear-end a truck. There is no possible way that this was human error and it was terrifying. The person who I rear ended mentioned that the impact felt like a double impact, as if I was continuing to accelerate after he was hit. ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Nov 6, 2023
I was driving November 6, 2023 at about 10:30 in the morning at approximately 25 to 30 mph on a neighborhood road when my car accelerated on me without me applying extra pressure. I was caught off guard and thought it must’ve been an anomaly. We have owned the car since August. But then on my way home, about 1 o’clock, I was again on the neighborhood street doing 25 to 30 mph and the car obvio... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2020
On October 18, 2023, at about 11 am, I was approaching to enter our driveway with my foot on the brake system when all of the sudden the car sped up at a very high speed that I was unable to control. The speed was so forceful that the car crashed unto the house resulting in a lot of damage to our house, all this happened in less than one second. I had a next door neighbor in the car with me and ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 2, 2023
This vehicle was sold to me with severe frame damage, which was not reported on the carfax, and was not reported at the dealership. If you turn the steering wheel to the right, you will hear a scraping noise under the right front tire, as the suspension is off because of the frame damage caused from an accident with the previous owner. I returned the car for a refund, however the car is being sold... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the power steering became soft, and the vehicle started to lose forward momentum. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the engine failed to respond, and the vehicle continued to lose forward momentum. The contact stated that the check engine and several other unknown warning lights were i... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ford Transit. The contact stated that while attempting to enter the rear of the vehicle, he became aware that the rear door would not latch closed. After a visual inspection, the contact observed a gap between the door and frame of the vehicle, as well as the rear door protruding outward. The door-ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
on 2 occasions my dash had a waring come on that my crash avoidance system was inoperable and on 3 occasions my waring system with the red lights in front of the steering wheel has come on with no cars around. also on oct 28th the low pressure waring for right rear tire came on 21psi and this wasn't the case and i did get a warning from onstar this time. gm has sent this vehicle to another gm deal... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
found me driving on I 75 and I put the Cruise Control at 70 miles, instead of maintaining the speed at 70miles the vehicle accelerated to more than 90 miles per hour I had to quickly put my foot on the brake otherwise I could have an accident with the vehicle from the front, after all this happened, I felt the car was losing speed, I tried to accelerate but it did not go over 60 miles per hour. I ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2023
We are experiencing Vehicle shuddering and or shaking when accelerating and Jerking while shifting the vehicle. Originally discussed with dealership during routine oil change and thought that it was possible connection with the auto stop/start so no further action taken. Problem has worsened to now affect ability to tow trailer and or use vehicle. Vehicle has already had engine replacement at ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
UNKNOWN - The safety of myself and my kids are being put at risk with the recent fire risk recall not being resolved by Hyundai immediately. I do not feel safe driving this car and I have notified/called my insurance company/my finance company, and the local Hyundai dealership for assistance and no help was provided to me. I need this resolved immediately.
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
After coming to a complete stop at a Stop Sign with the Honda Civil, my husband (he) started to accelerate, but he could only go up to about 20 mph in a 55-mile zone. Next, the car made a bump noise when his foot was on gas pedal. The car went about 100 feet before it started to slow down on a busy highway. The car was not going the speed limit because it couldn't pick up speed. Multiple cars a... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the illumination of the headlights was inadequate for the vehicle to be driven at night. While driving the visibility was only 5 feet ahead. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the bulbs needed to be changed. The vehicle was repaired but the fail... Read more
Incident date: Oct 29, 2023
When using adaptive cruise control and passing a large trailer or truck in the left lane (the trailer or truck is in the right lane), the adaptive cruise control system incorrectly detects the trailer or truck to be in the same lane as the CX-90 and in some situations can slam on the brakes causing a potentially dangerous situation.
Incident date: Oct 30, 2023
The camber on the right rear wheel is out of specification at -1.8 degrees. This causes the vehicle to constantly dart and sway on the highway and worsens at higher speeds >40mph. This erratic motion makes driving unstable. It is worse on grooved pavement. The manufacturer has measured the camber and showed the result as being out of specification but no fix was provided. Further they are saying ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
The adaptive cruise control sometimes misreads the driving situation, especially on curves, and applies strong braking when there is no vehicle ahead in your lane. Especially when the vehicle in the adjacent lane is a truck. This could easily lead to being rear ended by a close following vehicle that is not expecting you to abruptly slow down. I had to turn it off on a trip on mountain interstates... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
On July 5, 2023 my front passenger seat assembly was replaced due to a passenger safety restraint system fault. Two days ago I discovered two black self tapping bolts sitting behind the front passenger seat on the floor mat. The front passenger seat assembly was only connected to the car chassis by the two front mounting bolts. It was possible to tip the seat forward by pushing on the headrest. I ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
Driver side door will not close or unlocked by fob or door lock button
Incident date: Oct 28, 2023
At speeds around and above 60 MPH, my 2023 CRV's steering becomes "hesitant and jerky". This is most noticeable when driving on the highway. As highway roads are generally not curvy, I make normal small adjustments while driving to stay centered in my line. Almost continuously, however, when I attempt to make these steering inputs and adjustments, my steering wheel feels "stuck in place" for a up ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Compass. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle stalled while making a left turn while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated after the failure. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence. The next day, the contact restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle fail... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera displayed a distorted image while in use. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
ACURA
MDX TYPE S
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
Oct 25, 2023
Incident date: Oct 24, 2023
The transmission completely broke/ went out. Honda knows this is a recurrent issue with these vehicles. The fuel injectors had already been replaced on this vehicle at 40,000 miles before Honda was admitting a defect. They are well aware there are transmission issues for the Honda Pilot but are not taking responsibility costing car owners thousands. We were left on the side of the road, needing to... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
When driving the car and stopping at a stop sign or stop light, the engine will shut off. The automatic restart occurs and with the headlights on the climate temp control display flickers While all the other dashlights remain bright. Many people are disabling the system. Since there is a switch you can press, defeating the system. Toyota sent a technical specialist who inspected the system. And si... Read more
Incident date: Oct 14, 2023
See attached document from complainant
Incident date: Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Taos. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, the brakes made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the instrument panel became inoperable. The coolant warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty gasket. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The man... Read more