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: Jul 24, 2023
AT odometer reading 35870, while loading the pickup for a trip home the backup camera failed. No local dealership was open on the weekend and we were 600 miles from home. Upon arrival, Monday, the local dealership was called and we were told the repair would not be covered by warranty and a similar recall on 2019 vehicles would not apply to 2020 model year for the same issue.
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
A/C compressor in 2007-2011 Honda CR-V has a known defect in the A/C compressor clutch. The clutch component of the compressor includes the pulley which turns the compressor motor. When the clutch fails, the compressor motor seizes up and stops the pulley from turning. The pulley on the compressor is driven by one serpentine belt on a tensioner which turns the alternator, the power steering motor,... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
On July 20th, 2023, while driving home from work, my vehicle without warning made a sudden jerk and all the warning light s came on the dash board. The car had reduced power and acceleration and an automated voice from the dash board warned to pull over the car. I pulled over into a garage who performed a diagnostic. They stated the error codes indicated MPI failure (IMA power moter invertor). The... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated upon opening the driver's side door, she noticed that the front driver's side seat had independently moved closer to the steering wheel. The contact stated that the seat failed to move back to the original position after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to squeeze herself into the seat and drove ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2010 Mazda Mazda3. The contact stated upon opening the driver's side door, she noticed that the front driver's side seat had independently moved closer to the steering wheel. The contact stated that the seat failed to move back to the original position after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to squeeze herself into the seat and drove ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
On Sunday, May 21, 2023 we were traveling e/b on Highway 40 in Albuquerque when an amber mil light and check engine light appeared on the dash followed with sluggish engine performance. We exited the highway (#175) and pulled over. SPN 94 FMI 17, SPN 157 FMI 18. After about 15 minutes and engine restart only the mil remained. We got back on the freeway and the event re-occurred. A mobile mech... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2021
Actuator in left sliding door went out so now the door will not close or latch unless it’s unplugged… however still will not lock. Now the right side is doing the same.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
Driving in rain and multiple systems failed at once without any reason. Car indicates brake systems, lane assistance, power steering, collision mitigation, stability control, etc all indicate problems. No reason for it to all go out at once.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
We purchased a certified pre-owned Acura MDX 2020 in Feb of this year. In four separate instances, after the auto engine idle feature is on, the car stalls out and shuts off. Two of the four times this has happened on a highway causing extreme stress. When I lift my foot of the brake to start moving, the car shifts into park and I get a message that I need to start the car before I can move the ca... Read more
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
We purchased a certified pre-owned Acura MDX 2020 in Feb of this year. In four separate instances, after the auto engine idle feature is on, the car stalls out and shuts off. Two of the four times this has happened on a highway causing extreme stress. When I lift my foot of the brake to start moving, the car shifts into park and I get a message that I need to start the car before I can move the ca... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine and electronic throttle warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the electronic throttle body and the computer wiring harness however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notifie... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the check engine and electronic throttle warning lights remained illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the electronic throttle body and the computer wiring harness however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notifie... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2023
The vehicle suddenly, and unexpectedly lost propulsion while driving. The vehicle is no longer able to turn on or drive. I contacted several Chevy official dealers and took the car in for repair. They said it is a problem with the hybrid battery system. But the car is no longer manufactured and parts are no longer available. So I am now stuck with a car that is non-operational and not repairable.
Incident date: Jul 20, 2023
The electrical power steering goes in and out while driving. This issue is intermittent. Fuses and ground on electrical system have been check with no issues found.
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
1. Component; Tesla tried to push version 2022.8.10.12 (currently am on version 2022.8.10.8) This caused MCU 2.5 to no longer communicate with the Instrument cluster screen. 2. Saftey; a. Instrument cluster doesn't indicate whether vehicle is in Drive or Reverse mode. 3. & 4. On 7/19/23 Tesla Tech confirmed issue and duplicated issue. 5. Issue commenced shortly before 7/15/23 when the software up... Read more
ACURA
INTEGRA
(2023) — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Jul 19, 2023
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while approaching a stop, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the generator braking was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated while driving to the residence, there was a spraying sound coming from the vehicle while braking. The contact became aware of fluid leaking fro... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
Trailer assist alarm keeps coming on intermittently. Then the brakes are very difficult to press. Almost feels like the brakes need to be bled. It only happens intermittently as well. It is very dangerous while driving as I cannot safely stop at red lights.
Incident date: Jul 13, 2023
The fuse box got wet after a routine car wash. The hood was not opened at any point prior to the car wash, nor directly afterwards until the incident occurred. A few hours after the car wash, the horn went off on its own continuously for 5-10 minutes and had to be shut off manually via disconnecting the battery. The car was not running or turned on in any way at this point. Prior to disconnecting ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 18, 2023
The Backup camera is blurry during the day and at night totally useless with a grayed out picture as if your looking into a cloud. I have taken the car for this issue and some settings were changed, that only made things worse. I was then told is working normal. If this is normal it would be much safer not to have the backup camera as having it makes you want to use it. Almost hit a lady walking... Read more
Incident date: Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a bump in the road, and the ABS and traction control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ACU, but the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure milea... Read more
Incident date: Oct 10, 2022
My 2018 Volkswagen Atlas has a defect that has impaired my ability to use the vehicle as intended. It is not only unsafe but I am in fear of driving freeways because I do not know when my car will cut off. Manufactures were fully aware of their defective products. I have read forums pertaining to the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas engine sputtering (Causes and Diagnosis). It states that the causes could b... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his daughter was accelerating from a stop, the vehicle vibrated, lost motive power, and the RPM briefly became elevated before returning to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission assembly, related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 1... Read more
Incident date: Jul 8, 2023
I purchased my 1999 Plymouth Prowler in August of 2022. I was told that it has a recall on the front suspension lower ball joints that was issued on 03/28/2003. I contacted a dealership for an appointment to get it fixed and they said they would order the ball joints. They also said it takes a special tool to replace them of which they did not have and the would not purchase on. I contacted anothe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
I previously reported issue 11360107 which Honda attributed to a bad battery cell and replaced the battery on this vehicle. I followed up with them that I consider auto-idle-stop functionality that doesn't restart despite the battery being capable of restarting to be a safety issue. I re-iterated to them that I "rebooted" the car by holding the car start button down until the Honda logo appeared i... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2023
I previously reported issue 11360107 which Honda attributed to a bad battery cell and replaced the battery on this vehicle. I followed up with them that I consider auto-idle-stop functionality that doesn't restart despite the battery being capable of restarting to be a safety issue. I re-iterated to them that I "rebooted" the car by holding the car start button down until the Honda logo appeared i... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
CAR IS USING MORE THAN ONE QUART OF OIL PER 1,000 MILES. CAR IS NOT LEAKING OIL AND OIL CHANGES ARE DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP EVERY 3500 MILES. HAVING TO CHECK OIL LEVELS CONSTANTLY AND KEEP QUARTS OF OIL IN CAR TO FILL IN CASE IT IS LOW. HYUNDAI ST AUGUSTINE DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM.
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
My car has been shaking on acceleration but no engine light or any warning popped up. When I called an Acura dealership, they said they would have trouble diagnosing the problem without a light on. A few days later, while accelerating on the highway, my car started shaking violently and lost power. The engine light started flashing. I could have gotten into an accident because I could no longe... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
I was driving on a paved two lane rural route and hit a small bump in the road. Immediately, my check engine light came on and all the safety features turned off. Control panel showed multiple safety features off and the Sport mode indicator light blinking. My car only has 17K miles on it and I have had it just over a month. I was able to drive it safely home and when I called the dealership t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2023
I was driving on a paved two lane rural route and hit a small bump in the road. Immediately, my check engine light came on and all the safety features turned off. Control panel showed multiple safety features off and the Sport mode indicator light blinking. My car only has 17K miles on it and I have had it just over a month. I was able to drive it safely home and when I called the dealership t... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
Transmission slipping and damage
Incident date: Jun 19, 2023
Chevy has poor quality frames trucks with less then 70k miles on them are unsafe to drive it is a 2009 been garage kept and well taking care of there are tons of these trucks not road worty because of frame me and most people still owe money on these trucks and get no compensation for them Ford Toyota make frame replacement panels while Chevy has no one my truck has 69k on it and truck looks amazi... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2020
I've only had the car 3 months and an error code for the forward collision worning light is on. The dealership said it should go off. It never did. It is malfunctioning and it automatically and without notice applied the emergency brake system when it's not needed. It gave me sort of whiplash. It does this often out of no where. This could cause a severe accident.
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 4, 2023
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2017 Buick Enclave. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V334000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the part was not yet available. No information on parts availability was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of th... Read more
Incident date: Jun 1, 2023
The first issue took place in September 2022 when someone tried to steal the catalytic converter off of my car, I took it in to be replaced. Shortly after I started having engine issues, the engine light start flashing numerous times over a few week span and I had taken it into the Waikem (now Diehl) dealership in Massillon, and first they thought it was the spark plugs and replaced those, then ha... Read more
Incident date: May 2, 2020
225/60R18 100H Mileage on car when tires purchased 33,410(11/4/2021 mileage when tire failed 40,702.(6/8/2023) These tires have a 50K warranty. At 40,846 (6/26/2023) two more tires failed. I was told tread separation was issue. This dealer put my family at Risk! When the car went in for shaking they said the tire was defective. They replaced it and charged me $214, the tire only cost $150 new. ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 1, 2020
Frame rusted out front and rear cross members.
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
The pre-collision does not work at all
Crash
Incident date: Jul 3, 2023
Emergency brake handle button came off, rendering the emergency brake not functional.
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Driving down the windy mountain road and all power steering fails and the steering locks up and cause it to jerk hard. Can’t control vehicle at any speed. Not inspected but put on computer and it says steering module failure. 06/20/2023.
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Receiving Engine Stall Message when hitting gas.
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the engine overheated message was displayed. The contact stated that he decelerated to 45 MPH and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #2 and #3 had cracked, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the fai... Read more
Incident date: Jun 15, 2021
My 2014 Jeep Cherokee is impacted by the 49A Safety Recall for Power Liftgate Module, for which there is no remedy. I've been advised by Jeep's recall not to park inside, or park near a structure, or park near other vehicles as the vehicle can catch on fire, whether driving it or not. These requirements make my vehicle useless. I have called Jeep and was told I also cannot trade it in during a rec... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The VSA ABS modulator failed, and it will be available for inspection upon request. The failure of this causes the ABS system to not work along with traction control. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic that pulled the codes and then taken for an estimate to the Honda dealer who confirmed the issue with the modulator. There are 4 warning lights in addition to the "FCW System Failed" message on ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
The VSA ABS modulator failed, and it will be available for inspection upon request. The failure of this causes the ABS system to not work along with traction control. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic that pulled the codes and then taken for an estimate to the Honda dealer who confirmed the issue with the modulator. There are 4 warning lights in addition to the "FCW System Failed" message on ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Atlas. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The START/STOP warning light and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to accelerate over 30 MPH. The vehicle was then taken to the deal... Read more
Incident date: Jun 16, 2023
I was driving on the highway and the oil light came on as well as a ticking noise and vibration throughout the car. The engine shut off and now will not start. There is plenty of oil, gas, and the battery is charged. The engine turns when I turn the key but won't actually start and run. Makes a loud squeek as it trys.
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
Ford has a felt protective cover installed under the transmission to prevent debris from getting to the oil pan and catalytic converters. The cover needs to be removed to service the vehicles engine oil. The felt is secured with just bolts and over time the felt fails and starts to separate from the vehicle. This could dislodge from the vehicle while driving and cause potential bodily injuries... Read more
Incident date: Jan 29, 2023
When driving my 2016 Ford Fusion, the Transmission Not In Park light comes on without any other warnings. This is unsafe because it stops accelerating. Most times I'm on the freeway. This is a safety issue that has been happening for about 2 years now. The dealerships tell me that they can't fix it because the safety issue does not occur when they have the vehicle and cant read any codes. One F... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
Car parked in driveway running, in park. Went inside for less than 5 sec, came out and car rolling backwards out of driveway, 15 month old inside. Car went across two yards, struck 3 trees and lamppost coming to stop in woods/creek. Car was in PARK when entered car and checked by bystander. By the grace of God child was not hurt. Hanover County deputies, EMS responded. Report #23-101783. Ca... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jun 24, 2023
90/90/21 Tire tread began to separate. This fell under Continental recall. Continental will not issue my reimbursement. I filled out paperwork, sent replacement tire receipt, damaged the sidewall to render tire unusable, and sent photos of this. The replacement tire was mounted and recall tire disposed of. Continental is now stating they will not issue my refund without the load rating photo, whi... Read more