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
ACURA
MDX TYPE S
(2022) — STRUCTURE:BODY
May 25, 2023
Incident date: May 21, 2023
Bubble paint appeared on all the car doors including the truck door as well as the engine door and the windshield frame driver corner. I went to south bank dealer in Ottawa and the took pictures many time and they say approved and never call. And then they say they will fix the spots only which is so weird to fix rusted bubbled paint in a new car. They should change all the doors as the metal is a... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2020
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Edge. The contact stated that the engine cranked up but failed to start. The checking engine warning light was illuminated. The owner replaced the battery, but the failure persisted. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number:... Read more
Incident date: May 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the fuel tank was not completely secured to the vehicle and was hanging down from the subframe. The failure was caused by a corroded subframe attaching the fuel tank straps to the vehicle. Both fuel tank straps had failed due to the subframe corrosion. The local dealer and manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Mar 8, 2019
My wife was driving in moderate rain on the freeway. We were going about 70mph which was the same speed as the rest of the cars. We were going around a gentle turn in the road. Then without warning, our car started to slowly spin around. My wife instantly and completely lost control. We spun almost 180 degrees, crashed into two other vehicles, and came to rest against the cement barrier. Luckily n... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Mar 8, 2019
The 2013 Acura TL has a problem with the pistons in the engine causing excessive oil consumption. This was the subject matter of a class action described in the website Acura Oil Consumption Settlement. This part should be recalled and American Honda should be required to repair or replace the pistons in the engine.
Incident date: May 5, 2023
I heard a very loud boom. It scared me. The sunroof exploded. I did not see anything in the road or any object flying toward me. Then I heard cracking and the sunroof started falling in above me. Thankfully, the fabric cover kept the glass from falling on me. Otherwise, the glass would have fallen on me. I could see pieces of glass. I pulled over and looked at the glass. I started towards my ... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Car was in autopilot multiple times and sharply applied brakes with nothing in front or obstacles. This is dangerous and almost caused an accident.
Incident date: May 21, 2023
The braking/throttle system malfunctioned. It is available for inspection. On multiple occasions, the vehicle braking system has engaged then disengaged before coming to a stop. When coming to a stop with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle full disengaged braking while the brake pedal was still depressed. Luckily, the vehicle reengaged the brake before we were entered into cross traffic. On m... Read more
Incident date: May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate above 35 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence with the hazard lights activated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that an unknown part needed to be replaced. The vehicle w... Read more
Incident date: May 21, 2023
Vehicle is giving Engine Stalling Notification car lose pressure & turn off
Incident date: May 21, 2023
Upon starting my vehicle today the center screen did not power on. The vehicle displayed several messages indicating various safety features were unavailable, including blind spot assist, lane keeping assist, parking assist, etc. Additionally, the exterior cameras (e.g., reverse camera) were inoperable as well. Since the center screen controls the sound system and climate control system, those... Read more
Incident date: May 9, 2023
While driving the transmission will go into neutral without warning. I have to coast to a spot I can pull over then put into park then back into drive again and vehicle will go . It has done this three times.
Incident date: May 9, 2023
SHIFT TO PARK NOTICE COMES ON AND CANNOT TURN VEHICLE OFF EVEN THOUGH IT IS IN PARK POSITION. THIS PREVENTS ME FROM TURNING OFF CAR AND OR LOCKING UP VEHICLE.
Incident date: May 22, 2023
Castle Rock ST225/75R15 as originally equipped on 2020 Wolf Pup travel trailer. Approximately 4000-5000 miles total on tire. Properly inflated and visually inspected prior to trip. Load estimated at 70% of rating. Tire explosively failed without warning at highway speed. Second tire same brand/model/age/conditions failed in similar circumstance approximately 45 miles later. Wheels destroyed, trail... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Routan. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-50 MPH, the passenger’s side front headrest prematurely deployed without impact. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The approximate f... Read more
Incident date: May 17, 2023
Exterior paint is peeling and stripping. Hood, doors, front and rear bumper, side skirts, and front lip.
Incident date: May 16, 2023
Car does not accelerate from a full stop. Hesitates to react to gas pedal for a few seconds
Incident date: Mar 1, 2021
Driving on the highway during light rain. Applied 45%-65% throttle to pass. The check engine light began to flash and the car went into limp mode. Pulled over on the highway shut the vehicle down and restarted it 30 seconds later. Check engine light was gone, no longer in limp mode.
Incident date: May 14, 2023
On my way home from work I heard a knocking sound coming from the engine while on the highway the vehicle slowed down at 40 miles per hour then the from end dipped then return in an upright position. The vehicle suddenly lost power the engine would not turn over. There were no warning engine lights or anything before hand to indicate there was a problem before the engine power loss. I had to pay... Read more
Incident date: May 14, 2023
Another automatic phantom braking throwing us toward in the car with no objects or other cars in proximity.
Incident date: May 5, 2023
At 80000 miles stated doing weird electrical issues windows wouldn’t go up or down then they would auto lock on the doors wouldn’t kick in for miles then it stalled in traffic tried to restart sounds like starter is engaged already there crankshaft position sensor code so we replaced it it was fine for a couple months dies again in traffic was told starter replaced it it started once then soun... Read more
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Transmission has a problem with overheating on any trip longer than an hour, leading to the car going into limp mode and being unable to maintain speeds and/or climb any high % grade. This has happened to me multiple times, leading to an immediate loss of power and the need to pull over and park on mountain roads to avoid rolling backwards. This is a known issue on juke forums, and nissan themselv... Read more
Incident date: May 11, 2023
We were driving down the road with our kids in the car when the steering completely went out with absolutely no warning mind you we were on the Thruway doing about 70 which is our speed limit where we live thank God my husband was able to keep the vehicle under control even though it threw us into the other lane and almost made a side swipe another vehicle doing further research on this stupid ele... Read more
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
On April 28th i was driving to work as usual in my tesla model y , and i am on a local road driving around 40-45 miles speed. I was always maintaining enough stopping distance and on one of the local road, a driver before me stopped abruptly because of Garbage Trash Can came and hit her car. I braked immediately and expected Tesla will stop before only but seems tesla did not brake till last secon... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 28, 2023
On April 28th i was driving to work as usual in my tesla model y , and i am on a local road driving around 40-45 miles speed. I was always maintaining enough stopping distance and on one of the local road, a driver before me stopped abruptly because of Garbage Trash Can came and hit her car. I braked immediately and expected Tesla will stop before only but seems tesla did not brake till last secon... Read more
Crash
Incident date: May 12, 2023
During normal driving conditions going down a state highway, the vehicle lost speed with adaptive cruise control enabled. Noticing the vehicle was losing speed, I depressed the accelerator pedal. The accelerator pedal was unresponsive and unable to accelerate, I had to maneuver off the highway. Luckily, the car behind my vehicle was far enough behind me and my vehicle was going fast enough that... Read more
Incident date: May 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while opening the front driver’s side door, there was a loud cracking sound was present. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the door welding had fractured and needed to be rewelded. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileag... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle started shaking and the engine overheated. The contact veered to the side of the road and antifreeze was added to the reservoir. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was leaking antifreeze while parked or while driving. The check engine warning light was illumi... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
My car was purchased with 12,000 miles and supposedly worn tires. Because of that, I went to the dealership to get new tires and an alignment since the car was always pulling to the right. My car has been at the dealership four times for the same problem, and they still haven't fixed it. My car continues to constantly pull to the right, and when I use the cruise control, it stays above the other c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
While at a red light, and with foot firmly on brake pedal, the car suddenly began to rev and lurched forward. All the dash indicator lights (Brake, Engine, Lane Departure, etc.) lit up. I was able to keep the car from hitting the vehicle in front of me and managed to put the car in "park" until the light turned green, at which point I put the car back in "drive," pulled into USPS parking lot, coll... Read more
Incident date: Mar 6, 2023
I was driving in 55 mph zone in heavy rain and car slowed down to less than 25 mph and would not accelerate over 25 mph when I pressed the gas. Dashboard lit up amber and stated “collision mitigation braking system problem..see your dealer” and lane departure problem. Car eventually accelerated but automatically decreased speed again and I was unable to accelerate after pressing gas. This happ... Read more
Incident date: Nov 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle decelerated, then accelerated unintendedly. The contact released the accelerator pedal and continued driving. The contact also stated that the vehicle jerked and was not operating as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission element A was stuck. ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
upon entering the cross driveway at a mall parking lot, car suddenly veered right, accelerating & unresponsive to stepping on brakes pedal, steering wheel locked, gear buttons did not respond, seat belts tightened, but air bags DID NOT deploy. Speed was slowed when car ran over a large rock and crashed into the wall of small store front. I, the driver, have not been in any accidents, had not take... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
The occupant detection sensor unit on my car has malfunctioned for the 3rd time. My car has never been in an accident or have had the air bags deployed. The first incident was November 2021 with 24,163 miles. The dealer performed a zero-point reset. The second incident was January 2023 with 53,665 miles. The dealer again performed a zero-point reset but charged $170.03 to repair. The dealer tol... Read more
Incident date: Apr 19, 2023
This vehicle keeps having a "Emissions System Problem" Then other times says "Transmission Temperature Too Hot" I bought and get this serviced at my local dealer. They don't know what the problem is and it goes away after I see them for a couple weeks but the problems come back. They say no problem. It's unnerving to drive a car with theses messages and I drive long distances.
ACURA
MDX TYPE S
(2022) — POWER TRAIN
May 7, 2023
Incident date: Oct 3, 2022
My vehicle engine chatters uses oil with out leaking and going up hills the transmission stays in 1st gear
Incident date: Dec 1, 2022
Trailer brake service indication comes on constantly and cannot see speed use the radio or make a call. Already have changed the switch that they say is the problem, did not fix issues. Other mechanics on the internet are saying it's a wire harness between the switch and the module this needs to be replaced due to poor quality. We'll have a professional mechanic assess this but it looks like it's ... Read more
Incident date: May 7, 2023
These cars have horrendous AC issues. A spotlight needs to be on put on it. Broken AC can subject drivers to dangerously high temperatures in the cabin, even if the windows are rolled down in some climates. Honda, the maker of these vehicles, is still answerable for the supplier of the compressor/ac system, Keihin's, failures. There are many of us, but we haven't been able to connect the dots to s... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: May 2, 2023
For the FSD beta, it does not currently parse and respect road signage such as “No Turn on Red” and “Detour”. This constitutes a material safety risk and also a moving violation.
Incident date: May 2, 2023
Vehicle does not shut off when shift to park. Must put vehicle in gear then shift to park numerous times in order to get the vehicle shut off. Vehicle will not start. Requires numerous attempts applying brake to start
Incident date: May 4, 2023
I was driving and a lot of warning lights came on, on the dash and 10 different warning messages in the message center. The alignment instantly messed up jerking my car to the right and I had to try to gain control and correct. Luckily, I was only going about 25-30mph and was able to correct. If this would have occurred moving faster the outcome could have been very different. Dealership is sta... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
While using the autopilot or cruise control feature The vehicle slams on the brakes without driver intervention. I found this appears to be a common problem called “ Phantom Braking” I opened ticket with the local Tesla facility but they required an accurate time storm of the incident to be able to troubleshoot the issue. This is a major safety issue and I request it be investigated as soon ... Read more
Incident date: May 4, 2023
While using the autopilot or cruise control feature The vehicle slams on the brakes without driver intervention. I found this appears to be a common problem called “ Phantom Braking” I opened ticket with the local Tesla facility but they required an accurate time storm of the incident to be able to troubleshoot the issue. This is a major safety issue and I request it be investigated as soon ... Read more
Incident date: Apr 1, 2023
Key stuck in ignition, can't turn off
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
at highway speeds, the transmission unexpectedly shifts to neutral with no warning. The only indication is unexpected decrease in speed and accompanying engine rev. My typical driver response is to take foot off accelerator, then put back on again. Engine overrevs then shifts in to gear. I'd estimate it's out of gear for ~ 5 seconds, but hard to say in the heat of the driving moment. This hap... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V859000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 manufac... Read more
Incident date: Apr 2, 2023
My car is lunging forward when I stop at a traffic light once I let my foot off of the brake to step onto the gas pedal. My engine light happened to come on to coincide with this problem. I feel that this is unsafe.
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
While braking into a parking spot, vehicle experienced sudden unintended acceleration. Brake did not engage, car rapidly surged forward over parking block, sidewalk and hitting building. Previously in day, car would not recognized key fob, would not unlock and would not start even though stepping on brake that would not depress. I had no control over vehicle,and this could have hit pedestrians... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Apr 25, 2023
I was driving on a highway using the adaptive cruise control. Several times the car braked for no reason at all. There were no cars in front of us, it was phantom breaking for no apparent reason. It was a long road trip of 12 hours over 2 days and I stopped using cruise control when anyone is behind me out of fear of causing an accident. The issue happened at least 15 times over the 2 days. I... Read more