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: Aug 19, 2023
Engine: Fault Code P268115 - Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Control Circuit/Open: Circuit Short To Battery or Open. This is a huge ongoing problem with Toyota vehicles. You can do a simple search and find 100s of people with the same issue. This must be addressed and a recall issued for repair.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the motor mounts had been replaced three times by the dealer sinc... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TODAY 08/17/23-TRAILER BREAK SYSTEM-WHILE DRIVING. I DON'T PULL NOR HAUL ANYTHING WITH THIS VEHICLE, IT STAYS PARKED.. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE WIRING SYSTEM AND NEED TO BE RECALLED ON THIS ISSUE. I SEE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT, AND WARRANTY OUT. 2018 MODEL AND KEPT BLINKING ON AND OFF WHIL... Read more
Incident date: Aug 17, 2023
Windshield wipers became inoperative during a rain storm, leaving us stranded on the highway till the rain passed.
Incident date: Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while making a right turn into the driveway, the power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NH... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Multiple times when I have come to a stop (traffic light, stop sign, etc.) my MDX has shifted itself into "Neutral" and it appears the engine has cut off by the battery power is still on, my MDX will not shift back into "Drive" or "Park"; I then have to press then "Engine On" button multiple times to get the battery power to shut off and then I can restart my MDX and then my MDX will shift into "D... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the messages "High Voltage Power Train Fault" and “Stop Driving and Contact Your Nearest Dealer" were displayed. The contact stated that he continued driving until it was safe to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to dealer, where it was diagnosed and determi... Read more
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Bolts on the backside of the camshaft adjusters broke off and went into the engine.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
While driving the vehicle the car shuts off
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle in for service, the contact was made aware that the lug nuts were damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the lug nuts were damaged due to the manufacturing installation process. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
While we were driving home from the beach on a very calm sunny day we kept smelling this weird smell in the car. While stopped at a red light we heard a loud pop and the rear window just exploded.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Escape. The contact stated that after stopping to refuel the vehicle, while driving out from the gas station at 10 MPH, the vehicle drove over a pothole; however, further down the road the vehicle started pulling and tugging. The contact drove the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that subframe was fractured, the rack and pinion, and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2022 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the sound system started making an abnormal popping sound, and then a loud static sound was bouncing from speaker to speaker. The contact turned the volume down however, the static and popping sound continued. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was n... Read more
Incident date: Aug 13, 2023
I recently purchased a 2016 Hyundai Tucson, Limited 1.6T. After a few weeks of driving I noticed it would shake when at a stoplight. It also loses acceleration and 'skips' when making turns, going over speed bumps or just taking off from a complete stop. There have also been times that I press the accelerator pedal and the car doesn't move. After researching I discovered this is a known issue and ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
My steering column locked up while leaving my driveway. And has not come unlocked since as of August 9th 2023. This had happened once before on the road. It was about three weeks prior I was driving in a 55 mph zone and was on a very gentle right curve and my steering wheel didn't want to turn I pulled a little harder on it and it popped loose and I didn't have any problems with it until the ninth... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
The vehicle is a recreation vehicle with a door in the added cabin on a Mercedes chassis. There are automatic extended steps mounted under the door opening. They have failed several times during travel. Sometimes they extend while driving striking curbs and the like. Sometimes they fail to extend and lead to falls while opening the door to exit the vehicle. Tiffin knows of the problem, but it seem... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
When accelerating on to the highway the vehicle will not go above the speed you were entering the highway on. For example entering the highway at 40mph and trying to get to 65mph and it will not go. Have to release the foot from the gas and then reapply foot to gas pedal. Most recent occurrence the vehicle hesitated much long resulting in oncoming cars almost rear ending me and having to drive in ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
Every day when I turn on my car my dash screen doesn’t work. There’s no back up camera, radio, nothing. I have to either wait five minutes or stop the car and manually reboot the system.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
Incorrect bonding of the rear window. The rear window bond is failing which is causing the window to detach from the convertible top. The bonding is failing in many different locations, causing not only detachment, but the failure is also causing fine hairline cracks at the points of failure. The dealership refused to correct the defect, informed I would have to pay $3,000.00 to correct the failur... Read more
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
Manufacture is unable to fix recall in a timely manner. I use vehicle for business and I am unable to use it for over 3.5 months which is cause me to lose income. Manufacture still has not remedy
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
It has camera issues where moisture or liquid can go inside, and it is very hard to see when I backup. I have contacted the dealer bodyshop to fix it since they repaired my bumper, but they said it is not their fault and they want more than $1000 to replace it. I did some research online, and a lot of people are having the same issue with poor quality with this brand. I never had camera issues wit... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
“Steering Assist Fault - Service Required” Two weeks of intermittent loss of power steering, regained by turning the car on and off again, to complete power steering loss. Very difficult to steer and park the vehicle. Many online forum with ‘13 Escape owners experiencing similar issue with no resolution.
Incident date: Jul 28, 2023
Coolant intrusion in the second cylinder causing engine failure. This is a known design flaw and ford will not fix it because its out of warrenty.
Incident date: Aug 11, 2023
I have taken my car to mechanic and they have told me that my car is leaking gasoline. They recommended that I go to the dealer. When I called the dealer they told me that I would have to pay for the diagnosis. This is obviously concerning as gasoline fumes are toxic. There has been no warning lamps turned on this whole time but can definitely smell it when I finish my ride.
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
My key does not unlock or lock my passenger or rear doors. So far it only unlocks the driver door. I have to get in and unlock the doors manually. The key fab works but the door sensors do not respond. I looked it up and this has been a common problem reported for the 2019 Nissan Altima along with other electrical problems. I’ve had to replace the battery twice. This is a 2019 vehicle which I pu... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
Recently discovered that water intrusion in the back of my vehicle is coming from cracks (longitudinal and transverse) on its roof. The roof has no other damage that would have caused the cracks Upon discovery, I took it to my local MB dealership and the attendant that looked at it said he had never seen such cracks and know the cause. I followed up with the Mercedes Benz corporation, who requeste... Read more
Incident date: Apr 12, 2023
I've had several instances where the car didn't turn over and all technology screens began glitching, clicking and stating the key wasn't in the car.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2021
The car is 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe with a defective crankshaft. The car is leaking oil. I called Hyundai and they noted that although they have recall 168 the VIN for my car doesn't match a recall that is on their website. I spoke to a Hyundai case manager today who said that even though my car has the defective crankshaft they will not repair the vehicle because it beyond 100,000 and the recall is... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) and 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. 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 repai... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Ram 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V835000 (Power Train) and 23V060000 (Electrical System) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. 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 repai... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
CVT transmission failed. Dealer says not repairable and requires a new transmission priced at $7000. Nissan settled class action suit in 2022 for this particular model and year equipped with CVT transmissions. Nissan has offered no compensation to me.
ACURA
RLX
(2014) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
Aug 7, 2023
Incident date: Oct 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Acura RLX. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel became firm. The contact stated that the vehicle started to fishtail, and the brakes, WU-TWC, ABS and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear toe control actuator had failed. The vehicle was not r... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) 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 reversing at 5 MPH, the back over pre... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) 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 reversing at 5 MPH, the back over pre... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
Total engine failure on highway with no warning. Kia dealership says a piston broke and a valve is stuck open. Total engine replacement required with a cost of $12,000. Kia refused to help with cost due to car being at 101,000 miles. Only 1,000 miles over the powertrain warranty.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing. The contact stated that smoke was coming from underneath the hood and an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that he pulled over, stopped, and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The contact had taken the vehicle... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
Sustained steering oscillation on two (2) occasions. July 16th and Aug 4th. Had to slow down both times for it to stop.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
BEACH FORD REPLACED THE HEADGASKETS AND 12 MONTHS LATER COOLANT LEAKED INTO CYLINDER AND NEED NEW ENGINE. THE VEHICLE IS AT BEACH FORD IN MYRTLE BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA.
Incident date: Aug 1, 2023
Vehicle experienced an unexplained acceleration while at a complete stop with foot on the brake. This has happened several times.
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
The right rear tail light assembly module which regulates the backup and braking light has not been operable since 05/18/2023. I was informed by Audi online I need to order a new assembly because the bulbs that are installed cannot be changed. I ordered the new part on 05/19/2023 from Audi of Chandler, AZ. and was informed it will take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. I was informed there are currently tw... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
Car malfunctions while driving car stalls at 0 car cuts off air bags stuck on car was one of the ones that did not get fixed i recently just purchased this vechicle and it was used by a fleet company so it never got serviced when it had recalls
Incident date: Jun 29, 2023
Ac not blowing out cold air
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
After making a turn at light, steering wheel stayed turned while car was straight. Then it jerks itself back into place. Another occurrence was while driving on highway, steering wheel was turning sideways while driving straight then car starts to slow down on its own and the lights on dash came on ( breaking system, fwd collision, lane departure, brake hold system,VSA, EPS, hill start assist) th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
GM is not providing printed Owners manuals or Limited Warranty and Owners Assistance information with the 2024 Cadillac Lyriq. While this information is availabe on line important safety information is unailable during operation of the vehicle. At this time these manuals are unavailable to purchase.
Incident date: Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Incident date: Jun 22, 2023
“Phantom Braking”. Driving on the interstate approximately 75 mph using cruise control, auto steer, not auto pilot. Within a span of three hours today we experienced at least six episodes of the car emergency braking for apparently no reason. Immediately going from 75 to 40 mph. Thankfully no one was close behind us. We finally stopped using the cruise control. Now afraid to use it at all.
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became very difficult to maneuver. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel operated as designed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an in... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Ram 1500. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became very difficult to maneuver. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel operated as designed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an in... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2020
In 2017 a Honda civic was brought, 2 weeks later AC problems started. Vehicle was returned for repairs requested by a senior dealership personnel. Problems continued with same issue and not fixed. Recent recalls of the AC Compressor and other AC defects of this vehicle has been denied several times (up till now). Honda has repeatedly denied claim to resolve this issue when it has been acknowledged... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2017
I experienced a sudden engine failure while driving my 2015 Toyota Highlander on Interstate 294 outside Chicago. I was driving about 75 mph in the far left lane. A warning message "Check AWD" came on the screen, followed by the Engine icon lighting up, then a "TRAC off" message appeared on the screen. I began to merge to the right across four lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder. As I was doing... Read more