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: Sep 28, 2023
Coolant intrusion into cylinder bore. Which can cause a fire. I been submitting complaints and haven’t heard anything back in regards to my complaint. This was a known issue with ford back then.
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
I took it in to have the recall fixed, they told me they couldn't fix it, that I should not drive it, do not let a passenger ride in the front, they are having an issue they haven't encounterd with the other traversese he contacted somone to find out what to do and as soon as they get a letter he will let me know. I asked if it was safe to drive the look on his face was absolutely not, to just par... Read more
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V767000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 1, 2020
This has been a big problem for all Saturn owners. The transmissions are always going out in them. This transmission is starting to slip. I’m surprised there is no recalls. Very disappointed.
Incident date: Oct 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle also stalled while driving in traffic. There were no warning lights illuminated. The message to remove-the-key was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the local ... Read more
Incident date: Feb 11, 2023
Since purchasing the vehicle in April of 2021, there have been significant issues with the audio system. This was noticed before the first payment was ever made. We had a “Act of God” claim made on the car for a tree falling on the windshield around this time. It was mentioned to the collision center at the time, but it was dismissed. The display will not work, gps system fails, it continuousl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
2022 Outback with 24,000 miles, was parked in the garage all weekend and found an 18 inch crack in the drivers side windshield starting on the left edge. This windshield was replaced 5 months ago due for the same reason. Nothing hit the windshield while driving. Both cracks appeared while the car was parked in a ramp or garage.
Incident date: Oct 1, 2023
The steering wheel began to shake violently at highway speed and when making turns. When stopped, the steering wheel make a clunking noise when moved from side to side. Mechanic said it was a worn flexible steering coupler in the steering wheel power steering unit. The car is dangerous to drive and only has 80,000 miles on it. I am told this issue is common in KIA Souls and should be subject to a ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 1, 2023
On 9/23, the vehicle was traveling on !-94 in SE Michigan when it suddenly lost power. The vehicle had to be towed to a service center. The mechanic stated that the oil pump had failed, causing the engine to completely fail. The car was 3 years old, with 67.000 miles. Oil changes had been performed every 5K miles since the car was purchased. Because we did not purchase the ESP, we are now looking ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
When driving, car completely shuts down. Usually happens when we are slowing down or stopping, but has also happened when accelerating. No lights come on and never happens when we take it to a mechanic. Happened 10x today alone but 5x over last seven days. We thought it was an issue with the auxiliary battery, but continues to happen. 130k on 2017 Pacifica
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
While driving on the freeway going roughly 68mph, a maintenance notice came on my dash stating “Engine oil pressure low”. Prior to this, the car ran fine and there were no lights on the dash. Soon after the oil light came on (despite the oil being changed less than a month prior), followed by the maintenance light. At this point the car began to stop accelerating, causing my speed to drop to b... Read more
Incident date: Sep 9, 2023
After the vehicle sits idle for about two contiguous days and you open the driver's door, there are not lights on inside or outside. Normally when you open the driver's door, the center dash and console light up as well as the ambient lighting in various areas of the interior. There is no mention of the 'battery deep sleep' anywhere in the online user manual for a non electric vehicle (ICE). Ent... Read more
Incident date: Sep 28, 2023
The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle began to slide, hydroplane, and crash into a cement ditch drain. There were no warning lights illuminated. The passenger side seat belt failed to lock completely, and the occupant was thrown around in the vehicle. The occupant who was occupying the passenger side front ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
Continental Crosscontact LX Sport 265/45R20 104H Tires have about 33,275 miles on them (rotated regularly) and one of the tires has a huge bump in the tread. The belt has separated from the sidewall. From what I've read, there are recalls on this tire, but not for this particular date that these tires were made. With it being on the front, it makes the steering wheel shake and I'm scared to drive ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
I bought the car in March 2023 and took the car for maintenance of 5k at Acura dealership at north Orlando and after that the car came never the same. The car is making so much noise skewing and clicking noise every time you turn the streering wheel. The dealership said the noise is from nuts and bolt and they did change it and noise became more loud 2nd time they said it is the front break and th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
The seat belt has been buckled but disconnects once I drive. It has trouble connecting when I get in car. I have to push it in and pull for it to connect. I asked Washington Honda about recall and they said none were issued. I've never spilled food in it as I rarely have food in car.
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
Car was at a stop light, went to accelerate and car would not accelerate- all the lights came on. I had to put it in park and turn it off and back on, then it accelerated and there were no other issues.
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
While driving car began shaking, which lead to a puff of white smoke then blac smoke followed by car locking up in highway. Break petal would not move and when put in neutral power steering was gone every though car was on and everything else besides break worked. Turn on and off and car drive off again with strong shaking. When taken to mechanic I was told a spark plug melted into the engine and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
While driving car began shaking, which lead to a puff of white smoke then blac smoke followed by car locking up in highway. Break petal would not move and when put in neutral power steering was gone every though car was on and everything else besides break worked. Turn on and off and car drive off again with strong shaking. When taken to mechanic I was told a spark plug melted into the engine and ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 24, 2023
The engine on my 2014 Kia Sorento has failed. I brought the vehicle in to Bob Sight Kia to have them diagnose the problem. They claimed that when they drained the oil, they only found 3/4 of a quart of oil and for that reason, Kia was denying the claim for a new engine. I find it hard to believe that there was only 3/4 of a quart of oil in the car as we conducted regular maintenance on the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that "Slow - Transmission Overheating" message was displayed. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence but was unable to exceed 25 MPH. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informe... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
This is regarding a 2023 Winnebago View 24D RV on a 2022 Mercedes Sprinter chassis. While attempting to back up an incline (transmission in reverse gear) the RV will not move. Engine revs up to only approximately 1800 rpm, but the RV remains stationary. Incline is our driveway, connecting to a parking area for the RV off to the side. Climbing hills with transmission in "Drive" is no problem. ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ram 1500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft and lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximat... Read more
Incident date: Sep 1, 2018
The oil is leaking into the engine. My catalytic converter has failed as a result of the oil consumption issue.
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Acadia. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer wa... Read more
Incident date: Sep 18, 2023
August 15, 2023 factory recall (Manufacturer recall 23S12) repaired by Ford dealer for FRONT brake fluid leak. Three weeks later I noticed an increased in the brake pedal travel, checked brake fluid which confirmed why brake pedal had more travel. Topped off brake fluid. Drove for a few days and again brake pedal travel increased. Took car to an independent certified auto repair shop and they conf... Read more
Incident date: Jan 25, 2023
After making a left turn and giving it gas to get up the road the car suddenly stalled and had to come to a complete stop. Almost as if the car had went into park but it was still in drive. Service transmission message came on board and check engine light. Had to have a rollback come to tow home. Car is still not operable. I’m about to contact Jeep. I did read online about the investigation for ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 13, 2023
The engine failed and I was stranded 60 miles from home.all the dash lights were blinking and I couldn’t get the parking brake to unlock . It is available for inspection . I was stranded at a service station with another senior citizen for three hours in 100 degree plus weather. We were stranded and our safety was compromised as we waited for help . I had it towed to a dealer 20 miles away . ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
* Drivers side (worst) and passenger side rear lower control arm. Both are available for inspection upon request. * The drivers side rear lower control arm rusted through and cracked near the point where it connects to the rear subframe. The right lower control arm did not yet visibly crack (it's still on the vehicle), but it is also severely rusted. If driven and either completely separated, l... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
On April 18, 2023 driving thru shopping center parking lot, WITHOUT WARNING car suddenly jerked right, accelerated, while brakes, steering wheel, gears locked. Ended crashing thru the wall of a structure. Airbags did NOT deploy but seat belts tightened firmly keeping us from going thru windshield. Episode of "UNINTENDED ACCELERATION" was reported to Honda Motors whose agent, Jason, checked the car... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
The car lags when you first start it. It starts fine but then lags about 8 MPH . It is like it isn’t getting enough gas until it gets past 22-25 MPH. It is concerning that it doesn’t pick up speed. This happens daily and every time the car starts.
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
My 2021 Acadia digital dash goes out (completely black). I took it to the dealership on Friday August 25, as the issue was happening more frequently. I was told the software was not current. This was attributed to parking in a garage each night. Yesterday September 22 while driving, the dash again went out for a much longer timeframe (several miles). I called the dealership. Service was cl... Read more
Incident date: Sep 21, 2023
continually having to add a quart of oil to the vehicle and rear tail pipes have turned soot black from oil burning out the tailpipe. I purchased the vehicle and i was having to have the oil changed a lot. then i noticed that the oil light was on every 500-1000 miles and i was constantly having the oil changed. i researched and the oil should not be changed that often. i took to dealership twi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control warning light illuminated, indicating that traction control had been activated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke coming fr... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The rear self adjusting shocks do not work - the smallest bump jolts anyone in the car, even at the slowest speeds (10 mph), NOTHING works to keep bumps from feeling like there are no shocks at all or they are frozen (and I am accustomed a Jeep Wrangler's rough ride). My son has an LVAD implanted in his chest, attached to his heart that keeps his heart pumping, and every ride to the doctor is like... Read more
Incident date: Sep 15, 2023
The windows of the 2016 Hyundai Tuscan go down and then the regulator went bad at that exact moment causing the windows to not go up, while driving on the highway. It is available for inspection. On a highway, I was going the speed limit between 65-70 MPH when I put one window down and attempted to put the window back up but I couldn’t. The pressure gets unbalanced and therefore impacts the driv... Read more
Incident date: Sep 20, 2023
My Expedition Windshield fluid leaks into my front passenger floor rug. Safety issue can’t clean windshield without fluid in the tank as it is leaking into front passenger floor rug.
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
The automatic emergency braking failed.
Crash
5 injured
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
Great hesitation, in acceleration, clicking of gears and drive and while putting in reverse also clicking of the years when accelerating
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
Thermo Control Valve has malfunctioned. It disables all driver assistance, like lane assist, blind spot, RAB, collision braking, etc. I have seen on many forums that this is a known issue, across multiple vehicles from Subaru from 2019 to about 2021. The was a TSB put out about a new and improved part to fix this known issue.
Incident date: Jun 18, 2023
Thermo Control Valve has malfunctioned. It disables all driver assistance, like lane assist, blind spot, RAB, collision braking, etc. I have seen on many forums that this is a known issue, across multiple vehicles from Subaru from 2019 to about 2021. The was a TSB put out about a new and improved part to fix this known issue.
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
On or about [XXX], the Transmission Control Module, FAILED, on my 2011GMC Denali 2500 6.6 diesel. It was a KNOWN faulty part .General Motors was aware of the issue years ago. This part should have been deemed a Safety Recall item. Imagine, pulling a trailer down a busy Freeway, with Semi's presence. Module goes out, truck goes idle, people hurt or worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREED... Read more
Incident date: Jun 6, 2023
On or about [XXX], the Transmission Control Module, FAILED, on my 2011GMC Denali 2500 6.6 diesel. It was a KNOWN faulty part .General Motors was aware of the issue years ago. This part should have been deemed a Safety Recall item. Imagine, pulling a trailer down a busy Freeway, with Semi's presence. Module goes out, truck goes idle, people hurt or worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREED... Read more
Incident date: Sep 16, 2023
Unknown Regular oil changes, cranked my car up one morning and it started knocking, I have been in a rental for 2 weeks now and paying out pocket as a single mother in grad school. The dealers excuse of not diagnosing the car sooner, is that their schedule is busy after arguing with the extended warranty company about my coverage. I booked their next soonest appointment to be told we'll see if we ... Read more
Incident date: May 27, 2020
The motor is shot. A known problem from Ford is not being addressed. Coolant leaking into the cylinder which can cause car to catch on fire. I bought a platinum extended warranty from where I bought the car but they will not fix because of a TSB and Ford won't fix because problem is not recalled. I lost over $18,000 on this vehicle and had to buy another car.
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
ABS brakes not working on my Jeep. Was told by dealer that it needs a new ABS module, but nobody has the part. How can I drive my vehicle when my ABS brakes are not working and you don't provide the part to fix it? The one dealer in Texas that has the part jacked up the price for it. That is price gouging, which is against the law. Chrysler is and will be responsible for any accident cause due... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
The service department where I bought the SUV said the power transfer unit was bad and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. So its been parked there in the back parking lot for three weeks. I had told them every time that I took it in for a oil change that there was a problem. They said it needed a software update, but it didn't help. Then after more than year and the forth time complaining about the ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 14, 2023
I drove a 2019 Ford Explorer with Ford Sync, which integrated well with my Android phone to allow handsfree access to Google Maps or Waze for navigation, voice control of my phone for speech-to-text, simple Google queries, like "who wrote the song American Pie," etcetera. Steering wheel controls could also be used to make or disconnect phone calls. It was a very safe, efficient, satisfying, hands-... Read more