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: Jan 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Elantra. 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... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
This vehicle has numerous software problems. The biggest one is hat there is no roll away prevention. If the car is placed in reverse, and stars moving, if no other imputs are given by the driver the car will continue to roll. Als, if the drivers door is opened during this manuver, the roll continues. This is also true if the car is in drive and at a stop on a hill. If the brake is released th... Read more
Incident date: Sep 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru WRX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound detected, and the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contacts that the repair was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The technician checked the black box, which indi... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
1) My 2017/2018 Ford F-150 has had numerous mechanical issues since I purchased it in May of 2018. The issues were initially repaired by the "dealer" as it was under either factory or extended warranty. The most note worthy issues, which is the purpose of my correspondence as it potentially could lead to a vehicle fire, is the leakage of oil from the oil pan (second time being repaired) and the dr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
1) My 2017/2018 Ford F-150 has had numerous mechanical issues since I purchased it in May of 2018. The issues were initially repaired by the "dealer" as it was under either factory or extended warranty. The most note worthy issues, which is the purpose of my correspondence as it potentially could lead to a vehicle fire, is the leakage of oil from the oil pan (second time being repaired) and the dr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately accelerate as intended, before suddenly lurching forward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer informed the contact t... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to urgently bring to your attention a pervasive issue with the starter in Honda Accord 2013 models equipped with a push-start system. The problem began in January 2023, leading to the replacement of the car battery, brakes, and tire sensors. Despite these efforts, the issue persisted, prompting the replacement of the starter in December 2023. However, within two weeks, th... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the front right passenger's side view mirror suddenly fractured. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000,
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
The Engine shutdown four (4) times while driving all within the first 30-days of ownership. My safety was put at risk had another vehicle been following close behind and had it failed to stop and crash into the Van. Hendrick Dodge Ram Cary, NC found 30 plus stored fault codes and I captured 2 Active Codes during two of the shutdowns (Codes U0100 and U0104. The Active Codes signify electronic commu... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2023
My seat belt buckle stopped working (part number KB3Z-2161203-AB) and despite the fact that my truck is less than 5 years old and has less than 60K miles on it Ford's service system says this part is not covered under the 5 year 60K mile Safety Restraint System nor the Premium Care extended warranties I have on the truck. Documentation for the warranties suggests it does but the system the Ford s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
I took my 2014 GMC Acadia into the dealership I purchased it at because my airbag light was on. This was before the recall. I was told at that time that nothing was wrong and and I probably hit a bump and juggled something loose. I paid $190 for that. Now my vehicle is in the shop and I can no longer operate it or sell it because it is deemed unsafe due to this recall. I contacted GMC and there ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
I took my 2014 GMC Acadia into the dealership I purchased it at because my airbag light was on. This was before the recall. I was told at that time that nothing was wrong and and I probably hit a bump and juggled something loose. I paid $190 for that. Now my vehicle is in the shop and I can no longer operate it or sell it because it is deemed unsafe due to this recall. I contacted GMC and there ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Focus. The contact stated while accelerating the vehicle was shuddering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the seal and clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the warr... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Acura MDX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V858000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V751000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not e... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the front windshield had defects, creating a visibility hazard while driving. The contact stated that the front windshield appeared to have bubbles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the front windshield was replaced with an aftermarket windshield. The conta... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
My passenger side headrest imploded on my 2016 Jeep Compass without an accident or collision. Dealership is only replacing the passenger side headrest; told me that they weren't doing the other side because it hasn't deployed yet.
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
Tesla Autopilot lost control in rainy weather, swerved off the road on freeway at 80mph, swung back in the leftmost lane and then to shoulder, risking lives of driver and all passengers including 2 children. Impact resulted in broken wheel rims and bursted tires. This could have been fatal accident if there are other cars on the road at the time of incident. There were absolutely no warning on th... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jan 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Mercury Mariner. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel was locked. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contac... Read more
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4x4E. The contact stated that his wife noticed a fire at the charger while the vehicle was plugged in and charging. The owners were able to extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle had not been charged. The fire department was called to the scene. While his wife was driving the vehicle, it overheated. There were no warning lights illum... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 8, 2024
I purchased this vehicle new and the second day I drove it when I hit an expansion joint on the highway the steering wheel started to shake back and forth and the car shook badly. I took it back to the dealer, they said that there was a recall for the problem(which I found out is not true) they worked on it and it was fine until recently. I noticed the problem again with the same conditions. I hav... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
Rear power lift-gate sensor activates and causes lift-gate to close while reaching into of out of vehicle. Has occurred 20 + times.
Incident date: Jan 9, 2024
I OWNED A 2016 VOLVO XC 90 IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. IN EARLY SEPTEMBER 2023, I TOOK IT FOR AN OIL SERVICE. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I NOTICED A WARNING LIGHT FOR LOW COOLANT AND WAS SURPRISED THAT I HAD TO POUR MORE THAN A HALF GALLON TO REFILL (THIS SOON AFTER SERVICE). A FEW DAYS LATER, I TOOK THE CAR TO HAVE BRAKES CHANGED AND THEY ALSO NEEDED TO REPLACE AN OIL/AIR SEPARATOR PART. AFTER GETTING T... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
The vehicle experiences a sudden and dramatic steering wheel shacking with intense vibration and loss of steering control. Seems to mostly happen at speeds above 40 miles per hour when making a turn or after hitting a road imperfection. The dealership has informed that his is related to the “Customer Satisfaction Notification V41 Steering Damper” [XXX] ) and that it should be brought in for... Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2023
We were driving on the highway (my wife and younger son were passengers, and my 17 year old son was driver). He was in electric mode and then the engine propulsion reduced message came on and the check engine light came on. Car was still running, albeit slower. We stopped and filled up the gas, and got an engine unavailable message. Vehicle switched back to battery mode on its own and because th... Read more
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
Intermittent ABS brake failure warnings displayed in the message center and warning lamps, message comes on and off erratically. Speed Control is inoperative when message is displayed. Concern has occurred immediately after starting the vehicle before putting into gear and while driving at any speed. Concern is very erratic, does not usually stay on steady for more then 30 minutes. I have multiple... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Soul. 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 local dealer was contacted. 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 ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 25, 2023
My driver's side door suddenly made a loud cracking/popping noise when I opened it and then was a little difficult to close. Later when I opened my driver's side window it got stuck and wouldn't go up or down. I took it to my mechanic who said the door hinge had broken free from the body of the car. I then took it to the local Ford dealership who confirmed this is the case and also mentioned this ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
The cruise control has been braking for no apparent reason, putting myself and the people behind me at risk. It also tried to stop at multiple green lights rather than continue driving. The his also outs me, my passengers and people behind me at risk. There were no warnings about this behavior. I have the latest update and will also contact Tesla about the issue.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2024
Engine oil leaks. VVT solenoid seal in the rear valve cover is leaking oil. That seal is integrated with the valve cover. Replace valve cover at 66,000 miles. I am excellent about my Jeep/vehicle maintenance. Warranty ended at 65,000 miles.
Incident date: Dec 7, 2023
This is the second time this jeep stalls out on us. This most recent time we were traveling on the freeway going about 70mph when all the sudden the jeep’s motor shuts off and is unresponsive. We are literally coasting in the middle of nowhere hoping the vehicle has enough momentum to get out of the way. Something was blinking on the dash but i couldnt pay attention to that as I was trying to pu... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2024
The transmission stopped working and the car stopped in the middle of the road. I see a recall on the Civic 2014 however, my vin # isn't part of those vehicles that were recalled.
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
January 2nd 2024 at 4:45pm driving at the speed of 57 mph on the highway. Alert appeared on my dashboard Low Engine Fuel. The vehicle was slowing down and there was a loud knocking sounds. My safety was at risk due to ongoing traffic which my speed was dangerously reduced. I was able to make it to the Ford AutoNation Dealership which conducted a diagnostic test results was an engine replacement. F... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
I was pulling out on the to the highway and my car just instantly died I barely got it off the road. If someone would have been behind me there would have been a crash I just got lucky. No warning signs no nothing. I had to get my engine replaced because of the coolant leak this is a problem most people are having. I just seen you recalled some 20 20 22s 23s for another problem why can you guys no... Read more
Incident date: Jan 6, 2024
Informed of fire risk by KIA, informed of planned resolution (replacement of fuses), however to date there is no resolution available because they dont have the part. Fuses are common off the shelf items. The delay is unacceptable, especially in light of the recommendation to park the car outside when there is also an issue of theft because they failed to included even the most basic anti-theft ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 4, 2023
Subject: Complaint Regarding Electrical Malfunction in 2018 Ford Escape To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a concerning electrical malfunction that occurred in my 2018 Ford Escape, resulting in a critical safety issue. At 55,000 miles, the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) failed, subsequently causing the touch screen, navigation system, voice command functionality, and hand... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2021
The door locks began to have issues; the locks started to work only occassionally for no apparent reason. I've been locked out of the car several times and had to use the auxiliary key. Plus I couldn't lock the car while I was inside as the interior door lock button wouldn't lock or unlock the doors either. It's not a kefob or battery issue and no lights on the dashboard. The dealer reports t... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
5264 miles – Red warnings come on after charging vehicle. Pulled over and turned vehicle off. Took vehicle to AutoNation VW. By the time I arrived at dealership the red triangle and warning were no longer on the screen. Jeffrey Lopez had me sit in the waiting area. Tech scanned the vehicle but claimed they were unable to duplicate the concern. Nothing was documented; I was given no paperwork and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
While driving home going about 40 mph my Ford Escape lost acceleration and then completely shut off IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD! I was able to "limp" it to the side of the street where it would not start at all. I then placed it in reverse (as I was on a hill) to roll it backwards into a neighborhood to get it out of the way of on coming traffic. It was 10 PM at night! I waited for a few minutes and... Read more
Incident date: Dec 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated while reversing and depressing the brake pedal, there was a very loud screeching sound coming from the rear wheels. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the brake pads and rotors, but the failure continued to occur. The vehicle was recently taken back to the dealer for the failure and the contact was informed that the rear b... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The car consumes oil to the point there's no oil in the engine. Not a result of a leak but rather the engine is actually burning it. I've taken it to 4 dealers, all confirmed it's due to Kia's bad engine design & that there's no visible leak anywhere. The kia dealer also confirmed there is no oil level sensor but only an oil pressure sensor. According to the dealer, I don't qualify for a new engin... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Power Steering Assist Fault. This message comes on occasionally when I first start the car. When I turn ignition off and back on, it usually clears up. My car has only 52k miles. Other Ford Fusion years had the same problem. Why were they recalled but not 2010? I’ve taken the car to a mechanic who has told me electronic power steering module must be replaced. I’m waiting for the estimate. $150... Read more
Incident date: Jan 5, 2024
Visibility was impaired when defroster failed to clear windshield and heater was not working on 12/16/2022. I took vehicle to Hayward Volkswagen on 04/04/2023 and was told heater core needs to be replaced. This is a known problem to Volkswagen; there's a warranty recall on the 2014 Passatt with the same heater core. I have found numerous complaints on line with the same Jetta heater complaint. T... Read more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Increase of speed on a rough tar highway road caused a violent Death Wobble.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2023
Increase of speed on a rough tar highway road caused a violent Death Wobble.
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
In 2003 I purchased a KIA minivan and couldn't promote the company enough. In 2012 I bought a KIA Sportage and Forte. In 2023 KIA issued a recall on all cars having a key start ignition to update them with some software to prevent the cars from being stolen. I called KIA corporate after notification and they sent me a club for my forte as an interim fix until the software could be updated. L... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
ABS lights go on and the truck chimes sometimes, not all the time. Cruise intermittently does not work as well. This is a well-documented issue online. I took this to the original dealer and he said this is a common problem. Even after getting it fixed, it will occur again. The dealer said it is still supposedly safe to drive, but it is very concerning to see ABS warning lights regularly popping u... Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2024
ABS lights go on and the truck chimes sometimes, not all the time. Cruise intermittently does not work as well. This is a well-documented issue online. I took this to the original dealer and he said this is a common problem. Even after getting it fixed, it will occur again. The dealer said it is still supposedly safe to drive, but it is very concerning to see ABS warning lights regularly popping u... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contacts daughter called the dealer but could not identify which dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time f... Read more